Baby Goes
Glam by Cathy Gordon
Pregnant and Fit David, Frani and Giorgiana Denenburg
Postpartum Depression Buzz Baby Mealtime Memories Bachelor Buzz Game Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD
Babymoon Travel
PUBLISHER’S NOTE It’s fitting that we announce the launch of our new website – thebuzzmagazines.com – in this month’s baby-themed issue. Giving birth to this website has been like labor (or so my wife, editor Joni Hoffman, tells me), especially for design manager John Duboise and digital media manager Jordan Magaziner. Now, in addition to reading our monthly print magazines, you can find more local stories, blogs and multimedia, updated regularly, via your phone, tablet or computer. You also can share your own photos, videos, recipes, advice and community events with neighbors; use our People Finder to see stories, photos and videos of friends; search local restaurants by area, cuisine and price; comment on and easily share Buzz articles; and more. In this month’s print issue, we’re introducing Buzz Baby, a new monthly column by Annie Blaylock McQueen. She’ll talk about life as a first-time mom, with twin babies, and share the stories of other Buzz moms along the way. Have a happy and Buzzworthy 2015. michael@thebuzzmagazines.com
THE BUZZ MAGAZINES BELLAIRE • WEST UNIVERSITY • MEMORIAL • TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS Published by Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401 info@thebuzzmagazines.com • p: 713.668.4157 • f: 713.665.2940 thebuzzmagazines.com • facebook.com/thebuzzmagazines Editor Publisher Associate Editor Digital Media Manager Design Manager Editorial Assistant Staff Writers
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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Cheryl Laird Jordan Magaziner John Duboise Chelsea Hanson Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Dave Schafer Cheryl Ursin Cathy Gordon, Russell Weil Mitra Azodi Woody Jay Janecek Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Kim Montgomery Darsey Swaim Helen Hamilton, Michele Luke
On our cover: Parents Frani and David Denenburg created the perfect, ohso-chic baby pad for daughter Giorgiana. Cover photo by Todd Parker, www.stpimages.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. Copyright © 2015 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.
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MAILBAG
Your letters, thoughts, opinions Thanks for the help, Chief Thanks for taking the time to write an article about Avoiding Christmas Crooks [Holiday safety tips from our police chiefs, by Andria Frankfort, November 2014]. I appreciate being included in the well-written piece on how to prevent being a crime victim. The tips shared by Police Chiefs Holloway, Walker, and me hopefully will help everyone as they go about their busy lives during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. The Buzz proves again to be great community partners in informing our friends and neighbors about important and timely topics. Those that follow those helpful tips throughout the year will greatly improve their chance of not being a crime victim. Thanks for producing such an outstanding monthly magazine. The Memorial Villages Police Department appreciates your desire to partner with us and others to make ours the best community in all of Texas and beyond. JD Sanders, Chief of Police, Memorial Villages
More on the Festival of Lights Thank you for writing the Chanuka article [Happy Hanukkah: Celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights, by Russell Weil, December 2014], which I enjoyed reading. Like the gentleman who helped you with the Passokkah story I wish to make a few comments. The word Gelt is money in Yiddish. Kessef is the word for money in Hebrew. Chanuka Gelt (in Hebrew: Dmey Chanuka) is a Jewish European/East European tradition when the grandparents or the parents give some money to their grandchildren/children for the holiday. Thus, there is no gift giving on Chanukah in Israel. It is a new Jewish American custom undoubtedly taken after Christmas gift giving. (I love Hanukkah Harry.) Having a collection of Maccabee statues is new to me. Isn’t it an oxymoron? A major Jewish strife against the Greeks was to abolish statue worshiping. But this is probably another new idea. The statues look to me like the figures from The Nutcracker. Have a wonderful Hanukkah with Latkes=Levivot in Hebrew, and Sufganiyot, and with lighting the Menorah=Hanukkiya, and playing the Dreidel=Svivon. Devora Borik
Remember the Sky Terrace? I love the article [Restaurant Memories: A look back at Houston’s dining past, by Russell Weil, November 2014]. My favorite and most missed place is the Sky Terrace downtown, with a fountain like a wishing well where I threw in coins for wishes. My younger brother fell in one time. Very funny moment. The fashion shows in the restaurant were so fun for a young girl to see models and hope one day she could look that great. The models came down from the pedestals and came to the table to show off their fashion and visit with my grandmother and me. My favorite dessert was the ice cream ball covered in toasted nuts with hot fudge sauce, but when I was TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JANUARY 2015 6
younger I loved the clown cone. As I grew older my one and only thing to order was the salad symphony with the trio of chicken salad, fruit with poppy seed dressing and shrimp remoulade with avocado and large shrimp. Then the waiters would walk around with their white gloves and silver trays with pop-up lids to give us cinnamon rolls or the best cheese straws. I dined at all the places you mentioned, and it was great fun to share memories with you. Chef Ellen Schwartz
Brookwood article was worthy Just wanted to say thank you for doing such a nice article on The Brookwood Community [Brookwood Community: Where there’s opportunity for all, by Cheryl Ursin, November 2014]. You did such a great job describing the citizens and the impact Brookwood has had on them. I’ve been there several times – the staff is incredible, and the citizens are so proud of what they do. I can’t wait to share this article with my friends. Kathy Preston Editor’s note: Thanks for the nice words. To share a link, see thebuzzmagazines.com, where every story is available and shareable online. Send letters to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and space. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.
What’s your story? We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Are on a unique or small rodeo committee. • Have a Spring Break travel nightmare. • Have a child who is the school mascot. • Like to host creative dinner parties. • Have special Easter or Passover traditions. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 12.
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NEIGHBORS by Cathy Gordon, contributing writer
Baby Goes Glam Today’s nursery rocks to a stylish beat our aesthetic. The minute I found out I was pregnant, I ordered the changing table, but we couldn’t find the matching crib. They had discontinued it.” David came to the rescue. “He found it randomly in another color scheme while searching online, and, as luck would have it, it was at a store in Houston. He had the paint matched so it would go with the other piece. I was beyond-the-moon excited! I had my heart set on it.” The couple chose furniture to OOH BABY BABY Mod baby Giorgiana is quite comfy in her Lou Lou ghost chair grow with their by designer Philippe Starck. baby. The crib on translucent, acrylic shelves mounted on the converts into a toddler bed and then to a twin. wall. A fun grouping of Giorgiana’s hats doubles “Just seemed like the smart thing to do,” says as art on another wall. Frani, whose once catch-all room with treadmill A vintage sputnik chandelier adds a fun and desk morphed into snuggle central. A black, touch of drama while a fluffy, lattice-style rug modern glider-rocker from Monte Design adds from the online shopping venue, One Kings to the Hollywood glam look. And a gold pouf Lane, keeps things comfy underfoot. “But from Kuhl-Linscomb provides a shiny accent Giorgiana has learned that she can grab some and pull-up spot for Giorgiana. “It was one of fistfuls from the rug, so it might be replaced her favorite spots for testing her legs.” sometime soon,” says Frani. A child’s transparent Lou Lou ghost chair by For now, the wall’s chalk renderings come designer Philippe Starck was the perfect babycompliments of David, Frani’s cousin and their shower gift for a touch of mod. “I love the way nanny. But they all eagerly await Giorgiana’s it’s so unobtrusive and light,” says Frani. doodles. In the not-too-distant future, mom and The self-confessed “bookaholic,” Frani is hopdad might have to explain that the walls outside ing Giorgiana will inherit her love of reading. of the nursery are off-limits to baby graffiti. “Books hold a very special place in my heart. I “Yes, I can see it now,” says Frani. “No, honey. read to her all the time. This is our special You can only draw on these walls. I’m sure that place,” she says, pointing to the glider. Baby conversation will have to happen someday.” books are within easy reach, cleverly displayed
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rani and David Denenburg have a discerning eye for design. The vintage pommel horse repurposed as a bench in the couple’s 1930s River Oaks house serves as a clue. “Maybe we’ll take up gymnastics one day,” jokes Frani. So it follows that 11-month-old daughter Giorgiana’s nursery benefits from some spirited creativity. There’s no explosion of baby-girl pink here, no Mother Goose mural sweeping the room. This baby’s pad has the look and feel of their eclectic home. Except their little one gets to gleefully scribble on chalkboardpaint walls. “She’s going to have so much fun doodling on them. But she has to get past wanting to eat the chalk,” deadpans Frani. “Then it’s free rein.” Parents have creative license when it comes to today’s nursery design. Gone are the days of strict, gender-specific hues and nursery-rhyme murals. The cow has jumped over the moon too many times. A fresh approach? Create a room with the personality of your home and add child-appropriate details and fun pops of color as accents. “It was so much fun seeing it all come together,” says Frani, an attorney who describes her nursery as “Hollywood Regency style.” She tackled the room with gusto once learning she was pregnant. It was ready for baby months early. “We wanted it to be gender-neutral because we didn’t know ahead of time if we were having a boy or girl,” she explained. “And more than anything, it had to fit us and be cohesive to the rest of the house.” Husband David knew better than anyone what that meant. He carries a dominant, designsavvy gene. The professional renovator managed the remodel of their house and its addition. And the couple, with her parents, co-owns Station 3, a 1905 Houston fire station near downtown that David thoughtfully restored and converted into a venue for weddings, parties and other events. “The man has vision,” Frani says. Frani does too. She knew just the furniture to make the dream nursery materialize. “I had seen this particular dresser-changing table and crib set and knew immediately that it would go with
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NURSERY NIRVANA (Clockwise from top left) Parents Frani and David Denenburg created the perfect, oh-so-chic baby pad for daughter Giorgiana; A modern dresser-changing table and crib were starting points for the dream nursery; Frani and Giorgiana spend hours of bonding time in this streamlined glider-rocker from Monte Design; Giorgiana’s walls are her canvas, but for now, Frani’s design-student cousin, Rachel Coco, and the nanny, Alejandra Garcia, do the doodling. TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JANUARY 2015 9
NEIGHBORS by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Postpartum Depression When joy turned to anxiety, she found help
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elcoming a baby is one of life’s most joyous occasions. But what happens when not-so-happy feelings surface? After all, there’s the lack of sleep, emotional vulnerability and massive change that come with a new baby. A new mom may develop the “baby blues,” a bleak mood which is common and typically fades a few weeks after birth. However, in nearly 15 percent of births, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, mothers experience a more severe mood disorder known as postpartum depression. It may be disguised as the baby blues at first – but the symptoms are more intense and last longer. Buzz resident Beth Allen Rogers knows firsthand about postpartum depression. The personal assistant with Ashley Goforth Design grew up in Houston and graduated from The Kinkaid School. She’s married to Todd Rogers, a regional sales manager for Enterprise Fleet Management. Beth says she had never experienced any form of clinical depression, so it came as a surprise when she developed postpartum depression after the birth of her second child. She remembers happy times with firstborn Abby. “I would go exercise, run some errands and then either pick her up from school at noon on her short days, or when she had long days, I would go home and eat lunch and take a nap.” Things were under control. Then, in April 2012, after a smooth pregnancy, she gave birth to son Carter. Everything was fine, until about four days later. Abby came down with severe strep throat, and Carter developed digestive issues and would cry for 6-8 hours straight. Beth and Todd struggled to keep their newborn apart from his sick sister. Beth was forced to quarantine Carter to his nursery as he cried, and her toddler was miserable. Anxiety set in for Beth, and things went downhill. “I started noticing [the postpartum feelings] when Carter was 2 weeks old. I was having terrible panic attacks. I was scared to be alone, which was a big sign because I am an independent person and never have had trouble being alone before. I knew things were not right,” Beth said.
She even developed a strange fear of choking. “I was afraid to even eat yogurt or applesauce. I could not lay down for a nap or go to sleep at night because I was so anxious. I would have panic attacks in my sleep, and every morning when I woke up after only a few hours of sleep, I had butterflies and nerves like I was about to go run a POST-BABY BLUES Beth Rogers (pictured, with her husband Todd and children Abby race.” and Carter) experienced postpartum depression after Carter’s birth in 2012. She is Beth knew this doing well now and wants to help other women by telling her story. was hard for Todd Today, she says she is in a great place in her life. too. “As a husband, you feel helpless because Her daughter Abby started kindergarten at there was nothing I could do,” Todd said. “You Frostwood Elementary this fall, and Carter is a feel like you lost a part of someone and begin to happy toddler. question whether you may have caused some or “If I had to say one thing to other women out all of it in some way.” there [experiencing postpartum], please know “At first,” Beth said, Todd “did not realize that you are not alone,” Beth said. “You are not how bad it was because I kept a lot inside, hopmaking this up in your head. It is real. There is ing it would just subside. He was very supportive such a stigma against antidepressants and anxiof me and really stepped in helping with the kids ety medications. People take medicine every day and household duties.” for high blood pressure, thyroid problems and Beth made the decision to seek professional other medical conditions, and no one even help and called Houston psychiatrist Dr. Joe thinks twice about that. Postpartum depression Treadaway, recommended by a friend. is a real condition, and most times you need Beth needed a support team, so her family medicine to help overcome it.” stepped in. Beth’s mom flew down from St. She urges other women to not go through it Louis and scooped up Beth and the two grandalone. She even offered to speak (via email at kids. Todd stayed in Houston and worked while rogersbeth1177@yahoo.com) with Buzz readers Beth and the kids stayed in St. Louis for one who want to share experiences. month. She took her prescribed medication, “You need a strong support system,” she said. which she credits as a lifesaver. “Be good to yourself.” “I would talk to [the psychiatrist] every day from St. Louis. I thought I was going to never be myself again, and he would always reassure me Are you or someone you know at risk for postthat my hormones were out of whack and that I partum depression? To learn more, see this story at was not going to be like this forever,” she said. thebuzzmagazines.com. After some time, the depression went away.
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NEIGHBORS by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
Pregnant and Fit Exercising to stay healthy while pregnant,” she says. “But if you’re smart and work with someone who knows how to work with pregnant women, especially someone who has had kids and knows how it feels, it’s okay.” The benefits of staying active during pregnancy are multitude. “You get a little endorphin kick if you do a mid-morning workout after you drop off kids, and you’ll have a push to get through the afternoon,” Shelley says. Add to that better circulation to prevent swelling, muscle memory to help post-baby bodies remember how to get back into shape and added support for the lower back in the form of strengthened STRONG ARMED Caroline Walter works on upper-body strength. Most exerlegs and gluteal mus- cises are fine to continue during pregnancy. cles. Not to mention, put the baby in the stroller. It’s so easy to just sit “I just feel better,” Jenny says. on the couch, but I feel so much better if I make Risks are low, and most are associated with the time.” “overdoing it or falling while exercising,” Dr. As a mom of a 3 year old and a newborn (she Bolt says. “I recommend the ‘talk test’ for my spoke with The Buzz on her first day back to work patients. If you find that your frequency of after maternity leave), Dr. Bolt can relate. “I tried breathing is so increased that you are unable to to stay active while I was pregnant, but I sympahave a short conversation during exercise, you thize with women working with children. My are likely overdoing it.” advice is to try to do things with your kids. We Dr. Bolt especially recommends swimming. took walks in the evenings with the tricycle.” “You will feel 10 times lighter in the water, Dr. Bolt reminds patients, “Remember that which feels like heaven to pregnant women.” the goal is not to lose weight or to look better. Things to avoid: motionless standing after the It is simply to feel better during the pregnancy, first trimester, contact sports or anything with a to stay healthy for your growing baby, to hoperisk of falling. fully make childbirth easier and to avoid unnecIt’s hard to find time for exercise when you’re essary complications. working or a mom or both. “The more kids you “If you keep these goals in mind, it is easier to have, the harder it is to find time,” Jenny says. motivate yourself to maintain an exercise routine “But even when I was pregnant with my third during the pregnancy. Just do what feels good.” and couldn’t get to the gym, I’d go for a walk and
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one are the barefooted-pregnancy days of pickles and ice cream. Today’s expectant moms are lacing up Mizunos and hitting the gym. Jenny and Chris Myers (the Houston Texans’ center) are expecting their fourth baby, the oldest of whom is ... 4. But all the babies and all the pregnancies during the past few years haven’t slowed Jenny down. In fact, she’s amped up her routine. “I’ve always done weight training, so with my first pregnancy I maintained that and did a little bit of cardio,” Jenny says. “But this pregnancy, I had started with my trainer just after my son was born [he’ll be 2 in the spring]. I was working out at a higher level before I got pregnant, and I just continued.” Dr. Katy Bolt says that’s exactly what expecting moms should do. “They should continue whatever they’re used to doing. If they’re not exercising, I encourage them to walk just to avoid excessive weight gain, which can lead to all kinds of issues like gestational diabetes or large babies that would require C-sections,” says the obstetrician/gynecologist at Partners in OB/GYN Care at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. Dr. Bolt also warns that inactivity during pregnancy creates a downward spiral. “Swelling increases, causing more discomfort. Then you want to sit more and exercise less. Then there’s more swelling.” With friends Caroline Walter (whose husband Kevin is the former Houston Texans’ wide receiver) and Hillary Jebbitt, both of whom are also expecting their third and fourth babies, respectively, Jenny has been working out with trainer Shelley Kutsch. The friends meet at Shelley's home studio three days a week. Exercises include kickboxing, treadmill runs and work on a Bosu balance ball. Being safe is “all about listening to your body,” Hillary says. “I’ll be running and get a cramp, so I’ll stop. I’ll scale things down. Like if we’re on the treadmill, I’ll max out at level six instead of eight or nine. “In my first pregnancy I didn’t exercise because I thought I would hurt the baby,” Hillary says. Trainer Shelley hears that fear a lot. “Women might get scared about exercising
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DISCIPLINE (Left photo) Hillary Jebbitt says, "I know this is my last pregnancy, so I'm not giving myself any leeway. I want to get back to normal after I have this baby." (Right photo) Jenny Myers, pregnant with her fourth baby in five years, likes kickboxing and says, "What keeps exercising fun is switching it up and having a variety of things to do so you don't get bored." TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JANUARY 2015 13
NEIGHBORS by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Buzz Baby Chapter One: pregnancy Buzz Baby is a new column about life with babies, from the perspective of a first-time mother. If you have baby stories to share, leave a comment under this article at thebuzzmagazines.com or email info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
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y husband Tyler and I had a lifechanging moment about a year ago. We heard these surprise words at our first ultrasound appointment. “Okay, so you’re sitting down. There are two in there.” Today, if you run into me at the grocery store, I won’t have makeup on. I’ll be pushing a cart of formula and diapers. I’ll be wearing my Baby Bjorn carrier, and I’ll also have a car seat in the cart. This is my new life as a mom to Cash and Lila, born July 22. My pregnancy was pretty smooth. I was put on bed rest at 28 weeks, which is common for twin pregnancy. Tyler’s life changed more than mine at that time. For the duration of my pregnancy, he went to the grocery store, walked the dogs, cooked dinner and ran errands. He even dropped off pillows to be monogrammed. I never knew how much our lives would change when they arrived. There have been smiles (I guess smiles are a given with two new babies), tears (they had a short NICU stay to grow a little, which I’ll talk about in a future column), serious sleep deprivation (sleep for hours straight? Yeah, right), and a learning curve (you should see how fast I can change a diaper now). I hope you enjoy taking this parenting adventure with me every month in this new column. I’ll also be sharing the experiences of other Buzzneighborhood moms. This month, we talked about the nine months before the baby(ies) arrived. Mom-of-three Jenny Myers is expecting her fourth child with her husband, National Football League player Chris Myers, who is a center with the Houston Texans. Jenny is due March 31 with a boy. They have three kids, Makenna, 4, Cailin, 3, and Keane, 1. “This has been my hardest pregnancy actually because I’m chasing after three little kids,” said Jenny, laughing. Jenny says she experienced the common morning sickness at first and, later, uncomfort-
able aches. “Headaches are my telltale sign I’m pregnant,” she said. “My hardest pregnancy moment was at my 20-week ultrasound for Keane. I found out he has a bilateral cleft palate,” said Jenny. “It was devastating when I found out.” “I cried really hard for about one week. But then I was like, okay, it is what it is. So I educated myself on everything I need to know.” When Keane arrived, the worry subsided. “The moment he was born, all my fears went away. TALE OF TWO BABIES Buzz Baby columnist Annie McQueen, pictured at her baby shower, and her husband Tyler welcomed their twins, Cash and Lila, this He is amazing. He has summer. In this month's column, Annie and Buzz-area moms discuss pregnancy. had two surgeries, his lip was so embarrassing.” repaired and the palate repaired. He will always She had to take it easy for the next two weeks. have another surgery as the face changes.” “I went to the doctor to make sure everything was Jenny is a fitness enthusiast and encourages okay. I had a concussion and whiplash on my neck.” other moms, if they are physically able to, to Luckily, everything was fine and Caroline exercise during pregnancy. “Even if it’s just walkwent on to have a healthy, full-term pregnancy. ing,” said Jenny, “it helps with the labor. I work A much happier pregnancy moment was at out three to four times a week, kickboxing or 28 weeks. Andrew and Caroline invited their getting on the treadmill.” (For details, see this families to attend a 4-D ultrasound experience month’s Pregnant and Fit article.) at a facility called The Inside Story Ultrasound. Her advice for other expectant moms with “They have a really nice room with big-screen children is to prioritize. “The most important televisions,” said Caroline. “We all got to see thing, when you have other children, is you still him up close and personal.” have to worry about taking care of yourself,” said Caroline’s advice to first-time expectant Jenny. “The toys will be picked up later. The dishmoms is to relax. “As much as you want to worry es will get done. Take a 30-minute nap instead.” about everything on your first pregnancy, Realtor Caroline Bean and her husband because there is a lot of unknown, just try and Andrew, an insurance broker, had their first enjoy every second because it’s really special,” child, Harrison, on Aug. 4. Caroline recalled said Caroline. “You’re bonding with your child.” some good and bad memories of her pregnancy. For me, all I can say is life as a new twin mom At ten weeks, she was returning items at a store is full. when, suddenly, something didn’t feel right. My hands are full (of bottles and diapers), my “I said, ‘I don’t feel that good,’ and then I put head is full (of questions about their futures), our my head down. I was starting to black out,” said house is full (of swings, toys and play mats), but, Caroline. “The next thing I knew I was on the most important, my heart is full. ground. I had to call Andrew to pick me up. It
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FOOD by Russell Weil, contributing writer
Mealtime Memories Childhood hits and misses
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ur recent Restaurant Memories story sparked such lively discussion that I thought we could continue the conversation with meals we enjoyed, or despised, from our childhood. For me, childhood means the 1960s, a decade when new trends in convenience were presented. Introduced in the 1950s, frozen dinners exploded in the Sixties when Swanson’s added desserts (such as apple cobbler and brownies) to their four-compartment trays. I remember those warm cinnamon apples after my fried chicken or franks-and-beans platters. Frozen dinners, along with hamburgers, pizza and fried chicken, made up my entire culinary palate as a child. Times have changed, and children of all cultures are now exposed to a wider variety of foods they now crave, things like sushi, falafel, aji de gallina, pupusas, saag paneer and lassi drinks. But, I have to wonder if children today would have eaten any American mainstays from decades past? I can imagine their faces if their parents placed a tin-foil tray of processed food on the table, or how their tummies would handle instant mashed potatoes that originated as a powder. My stomach is even turning at that memory, as it did one summer in the mid 1970s when I was first presented with “Potato Buds.” I gagged on the first bite, and it was another 20 years before I would even consider giving mashed potatoes another try. Family meals in my house would not be considered gourmet in any decade. While my mom was great at baking, she lacked in the cooking department, and was quite aware of her shortcomings. As dinner was served promptly each night at 5:30, I was told to eat what was in front of me, or eat peanut butter. (Let’s just say I ate quite a bit of Jif.) Eating peanut butter was often the better alternative to being told that I couldn’t leave the table until I cleaned my plate. That scenario had often lasted until 9 p.m., when I still hadn’t taken a bite, and my parents were too tired to prove a point. Yes, I had a strategy. Each afternoon, my brother and I would ask the same question. “What’s for dinner?” Rarely would we get an answer that made us happy. Most
YUM? It's questionable whether many of today's children, growing up with food their parents would have considered exotic, would be fans of frozen "TV dinners" from decades past.
kids would be excited to hear that hamburgers were being served, but we would run and hide. My mom’s hamburgers were just plain awful. She would fry them on a skillet, while smoking a cigarette with her free hand. Since it took me years to recover from the trauma of my mom’s burger meals, it’s a miracle I ever became such a fan of hamburgers that I now write a burger blog. Of course, there are several foods still appreciated by many kids today that were staples from our childhood, like fish sticks. Fish sticks became overkill in our house. For many years, my brother never knew that fish came in any other variety, and wanted to know if he could go fishing to catch some. In speaking with young Buzz-area residents, I have learned that sushi is especially popular today. Molly Horowitz, a senior at The Emery/Weiner School, says, “I love sushi because I love fish, and I love how it comes in so many different forms and flavors. There is always a new creative roll or dish to try so you never get bored with it.” Sherry Sinor says her 10- and 12-year-old boys love sushi and sashimi, even though they are picky eaters. “It’s not cheap filling two boys up at a sushi restaurant!” My first encounter with sushi was as an adult
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in my mid-20s. I had a fear of chopsticks and raw fish, and this was on full display when I attempted to eat my California Roll with a fork and knife. I applaud Molly and the Sinor boys (Jack and Matthew) for achieving what I could not. On a recent Saturday evening at Samurai Japanese Steak & Sushi restaurant, I noticed that most of the tables were filled with teenagers and kids marveling at the hibachi show being put on as their meals were prepared tableside. As a child, I would have definitely enjoyed this adventurous setting. However, I doubt I’ll ever be fully trained to catch shrimp flying into my mouth as the chef pitches it in my direction with a cleaver. Another adventurous eater, college student Michael Scheinthal says his favorites include Chinese dumplings, samosas, lamb gyros and crawfish. No matter how open-minded he and other young diners are, I’m guessing there is one dish that remains unpopular today, as it was when my mom served it for dinner. Liver and onions, anyone? Editor’s note: What are some favorite (or least favorite) meals from your childhood? Would your kids eat them? Email info@thebuzzmagazines.com or comment under this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.
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NEIGHBORS
Bachelor Goes Buzz Reality-TV romance turns happy-hour sport
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ince the pilot episode of ABC’s The Bachelor way back in 2002, loyal audiences have eagerly watched and discussed the show, with its dream dates and exotic locales, and, especially, the rise and fall of their favorite competitors. The reality-TV show, where 25 women compete to win the attentions of one handsome man, with some women weeded out each week, may inspire its share of derisive jokes. But for those of us willing to ignore the cameras, it’s a modern Cinderella story. And for some of us, The Bachelor is a sport. My first year out of college, my friends and I struggled with the sudden stresses of work and lack of constant social interaction. We searched for excuses to get together, but life seemed to always get in the way. We realized that “adults” have to schedule their fun. The one thing we could all agree on was the guilty pleasure of engulfing ourselves in reality television. Plus, it was cheap. This is how our “Bachelor Fantasy Football: The Final Rose Bowl” came to be. The Bachelor was the perfect excuse for a weekly girls night. For more fun, we made it a competition. A quick Google search brought the concept of the Bachelor Fantasy Football game to our attention. Players picked the women they thought would make it to the end of the 15-week show, “winning” as favorites of the coveted bachelor. We tweaked the game and came up with our own system. We draft players after watching the first episode; each person chooses five women per team (a “quarterback,” two “active players” and two “bench warmers”). To score points in an
Join the fun To kick off The Bachelor season, The Buzz is hosting a drafting and live-viewing party for the first 100 people to sign up Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. at Ciro’s on Bunker Hill, 9755 Katy Fwy. There will be free appetizers, a cocktail and the chance to win door prizes. To register for admission, see thebuzzmagazines.com.
lawellphoto.com
by Chelsea Hanson, staff writer
episode, your quarterback and active players must complete a task on the score sheet created based on events in previous seasons. “It’s not all about pretty faces and great personalities. It’s a competition. The girls have strategies to get the man of their dreams,” says Claire Dominy, a 24year-old digital marketing manager. “Looking over the 24 different ways to GAME FACES Decades of friendship among women in the Bachelor Fantasy Football league have lead to intense and fun competition. From left (top row) are Kathleen score points, I creat- Manning, Chelsea Hanson, Kristen Byrd, Stephanie Bardwil, Claire Dominy, (bottom row) ed a strategy that Ali Fescenmeyer, Blaire Howard, Muriel Forney, Christine Strake and Whitney Easterling. worked last year. I sent out written recaps the day after the Three out of my five players made it to the end.” show aired. That way, even if life got in the way Our first year, six of us played. The score cards and you missed, you could feel included. filled with ways to get points: sneaking a kiss, sit“Knowing that was coming on Tuesday was the ting in a hot tub, and receiving the coveted final perfect brain break. The nicknames [of the rose of the night. Even the most passive of my women competitors] were always hysterical, and friends became addicted to the thrill of leading it let me feel like I was there listening to my the scoreboard. friends when I had to miss out,” said Kristen “My fiancé played in so many fantasy [footByrd, 24, an HBU graduate student and ball] leagues. He drove me crazy with constantly Stratford High School grad. reading up about his players and trying to make Bachelor Fantasy Football quickly grew to 19 predictions. Well, he had the last laugh – my friends. And here’s the real news – this season, first year on the Bachelor Fantasy Football which starts Jan. 5, featuring stylish farmer Chris league, I was completely hooked. Reading blogs Soules as The Bachelor, we’re inviting Buzz and recaps, I was desperate to see how my team readers to get in on the fun. would fare, and of course I lost horribly,” said We’ll explain how it works, and you can form Christine Strake, 25, a human resources coordiyour own leagues and play along with us. Even if nator and Memorial High School graduate. you don’t host weekly viewing parties, we think The best part was having a place to be you’ll love the drafting and the competition. every single Monday. It kept us sane on what All of my episode recaps – along with the felt like the longest day of the week. “It forced rules and a score sheet – will be posted each me to put down my grading, have a glass of week at The Buzz Magazines’ new website, wine, and enjoy being around my friends. It thebuzzmagazines.com, on my blog, “The was cheap entertainment. Being 24, that is Final Rose Bowl.” always the best kind,” says Blaire Howard, a Now I just need a pair of those Cinderella Hunters Creek Elementary teacher and shoes. And maybe a wand. Memorial graduate.
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TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JANUARY 2015 19
NEIGHBORS
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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer
Rumor Has It A real mixer. On a rainy November evening, partying was on the agenda inside Carrabba’s on Voss when former Memorial resident and now Austinite Carol Brejot hosted about 45 friends (new, old, colleagues, clients) to celebrate the ties that bind. The lively, eclectic crowd enjoyed wine, nibbles and conversation. Carol may live in Austin, but her Houston bonds are forever strong. In the crowd reminiscing were Toni Harper, Libby Sims, Lynn Clayton, Becky Neuhaus, Allyson Andrews and Jamie Brewster. White and porcelain. Jane Di Paolo, formerly an art teacher at The Kinkaid School, installed a kiln at her home over the summer to embrace her passion for sculpture. She is an artist with the Jack Meier Gallery, which exhibited her whimsical dove and people sculptures. An aftershow reception was held at the artist’s home for over 100 friends and art enthusiasts. Among the arty crowd were Rosanna Blalock, Tom Parris, Maureen Higdon, Lilly Andress, Susan and Dick Hansen, Vicki West, and Christina and Tanner Bailey. Husband Jim Teague was pleased that there were many red dots (meaning Sold) on Jane’s works that evening. Moved nearby. It was really nice to live in a custom rooftop-patio home. Marjo and J.W. Leussink had their decorator make their Rice Military home so great that they sold it twice for full price. The first buyers backed out at the last minute, which pleased Dave and Melissa Hite, who had seen 100 homes and wanted only this one. Welcome, Dave and Melissa and son Joshua and cats Max and Zoe, back to Rice Military, where they had once lived. They won’t miss the Kingwood traffic. Marjo and J.W. and dog Oliver are happily living nearby in a smaller abode, which is easier to maintain when they visit their daughters in L.A. and Washington D.C. Spirited event. A Howl-o-ween Doggie Contest sponsored by the Tanglewood Garden Club was a dog-gone crazy scene. In charge of the woof-a-thon were co-chairs Linda Hollar and Randi Casada. Three judges from the Houston Fire Department across the street from Tanglewood Park chose the pups with the best costumes. Kay Theede’s Yorkie, adorned as a
HOME IS WHERE YOUR FRIENDS ARE Even after moving to Austin, Carol Brejot has strong ties to her friends back in Houston. Amy Williamson, Lori Bishop, Carol and Toni Harper (from left) enjoy catching up at Carrabba’s.
dog devil in red, won Best in Show for small breeds. Kathy Kennedy’s performance as announcer kept the show jumping as the bystanders applauded the dog models and their owners. Bow wow! Walk-aholic. She traded a half-acre for walkability. Kitty Strain moved inside the Loop to the River Oaks Shopping Center area after she sold her home in Bunker Hill and enjoyed a temporary stint in CityCentre. She has found old and new friends nearby. The ability to walk and run to nearby dining and shops appeals to her inner drive. Although Memorial Park is close, she says her new trail takes her down Buffalo Bayou to the Aquarium. Dallas to Houston. After graduation from SMU and three years in Dallas, Tracy Glesby left her real estate job to start one in Houston. She bought a house in Highland Village and has already gotten involved in the Wine Garden Committee for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and has joined the Junior League. She’s been busy decorating the new home and catching up with friends from Episcopal High School days and making new ones. A dog may be next on the agenda! Welcome back, Tracy.
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Elaine’s big and generous life. Our local gal Elaine Turner has been seen on many TV shows and featured in Women’s Wear Daily. But now P+R Productions has produced a videodiary series offering a behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous (and at times, not so glamorous) big life of the fashion designer. The YouTube video series goes along with her year-long campaign to highlight Cancer Support Community. She is selling a specially branded clutch bag and bracelet to raise funds. In addition, she will hold six to 10 events at her stores in Texas, New York and Nashville for other local charities to raise money. A premiere of the video was shown at her store in Rice Village, with pink popcorn and Prosecco. Follow-up episodes will chronicle her day-to-day adventures as she interacts with her “Dream Teams” and her life at home as a working mom with two children and her CEO husband, Jim Turner. Heather McLeskey introduced Elaine to the fans, including Lauryn Sanford, Luis Perez, David Bamford and David Peck. To see the videos, see this story at thebuzzmagazines.com. Have some good news to share? We want to know. Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
TRAVEL by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Travel Buzz The Babymooners
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rancyne and Kevin Jacobs are people who like to travel. They didn’t think of themselves as trendsetters; they just wanted to have a last hurrah and take some time for themselves as a couple before their lives would change forever. So when Francyne was pregnant and the invitation to her friend’s daughter’s bat mitzvah in New York arrived in the mail, they decided to go for it. It would be their first babymoon – but it wouldn’t be their last. They’d both spent time in New York, but never as tourists. This time they went all out: They stayed at the Waldorf Astoria, saw the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Empire State Building. They walked together across the Brooklyn Bridge. They went to a Yankees game. “Personally I didn’t feel any different about it,” Francyne recalls. “It [the pregnancy] didn’t affect my energy level, what I could do or wanted to do. We were on the subway when a teacher motioned for one of his students to get up and give me his seat – I thought, ‘Why would you?’ Then I looked down and said, ‘Oh, yeah, it’s because I’m pregnant!’” Babymoons are an ideal way to slow down and capture the moment – bonding time for a couple when they are about to enter a stage where their relationship takes a back seat to the needs of the new little one. It can be a time for long walks, heart-to-heart talks, lingering over a candlelight dinner – dreaming together about the new life about to enter the world – activities that soon may be looked back upon as an impossible luxury. “I think we had a great time,” recalls Francyne. “It’s a trip we look back on fondly. I don’t want to say we got the travel bug out of our systems, but it helped us feel more focused on what was about to come later.” The only down side was that they arrived just in time for a heat wave – ironic, as they’d thought to escape the brutal Houston heat in early June – but temperatures in New York were in the high 90s, and the air conditioning wasn’t as good as back home, she noted wryly. Francyne, being pregnant, was especially susceptible to the heat. So they went on their outings
MIAMI DREAMING Rachael and Jimmy Berry escaped to the trendy James Hotel in South Beach for their babymoon, where they sunned and swam and dined to their hearts’ content.
in the mornings; in the heat of the day they’d come back and rest and relax. Then at night they’d go out for a nice dinner or take in a show. That was when they were expecting Halle. For David, their second child, they never got around to taking a vacation, so their second babymoon was for Aaron, their third, and they were feeling confident and at ease with the experience. They decided on a laid-back vacation at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in Colorado. It was a place neither of them had gone, and it was nice to experience that as a couple – to be able to go hiking, have a couple of romantic dinners and be outside and in nature, to relax, to sleep in, something the two little ones back home rarely allowed. For the Jacobs, the babymoon was just an extension of a custom they’ve integrated into their relationship. “Whenever we travel we try to go away at least once a year just the two of us,” says Francyne. “It’s kind of a reconnecting weekend, and it’s a priority in our lives. It was a good way to really re-focus on ourselves and figure out how we were going to move forward.” Laura and Chris Curry aren’t sure where they first heard the word “babymoon,” but they both knew they wanted to do it: a last hurrah before little Cora would join them, making them three. “We wanted to go somewhere that would be fun for both of us: somewhere with good food, good weather, not too far,” says Laura. “I was 30 weeks, so I was pretty far along. I didn’t want to
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go to Vegas, or the beach; I didn’t want to be a bathing suit.” They ended up going to The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Calif., where Chris played golf. One day Laura curled up in the golf cart wrapped in blankets and accompanied him on the course, and another day she lounged in the spa. Throughout the vacation, the two of them basked in the postcard-perfect charm and beauty of Pebble Beach. “It was amazing,” she recalls. She’ll never forget, for example, the evening at The Inn at Spanish Bay, another golf course on the coast where a bagpipe player piped out a melody as the sun went down, bonfires brightening up the beach. The trip served to bring them closer, and to give them space to talk about subjects they hadn’t yet broached. It was the first time they could share their fears about the birth and the coming changes. “It was a safe place we set aside, this time with no other interruptions; it was on our minds, and it was a good opportunity to let it sink in and feel, very purposefully, that it would be the last time it was going to be that kind of vacation,” says Laura. For Rachael Berry, she knew from the beginning she wanted to take a babymoon. “All my friends were doing them, and I thought it was such a cute idea,” she recalls. “Then we thought, ‘We’re about to have a baby, it’s going to be expensive – maybe we shouldn’t.’” But then her husband, Jimmy, had a midweek business meeting in Miami. “I said, ‘OK, we’re going.’ I flew up on a
SUN, SEA AND SAND April Leibman made an escape to Los Cabos with husband Ben not long before the birth of daughter Penelope.
Friday. I was really dying to lay on the beach and get a little tan before the baby came,” says Rachael. They stayed at the “trendy and fun” James Hotel in South Beach, ate at Joe’s Stone Crab and had a romantic lunch at the Delano Hotel. For April and Ben Liebman, the first babymoon was in the Mayan Riviera where they’d been married a year before, when April was seven months pregnant with their son Levi – at Ceiba del Mar near Puerto Morelos. For the babymoon with their daughter Penelope two
years later, they went to the One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos. On both trips they encountered other expecting couples – obviously on their babymoons, as well. “Being able to relax in a beautiful atmosphere was an amazing way to, No. 1, relax and decompress before having a newborn, and No. 2, spend quality time with my husband alone,” said April. “If the babymoon is for a first baby, you have no idea what is about to happen, so you might as well and try to relax while you can. If the babymoon is for a second baby, you know exactly
what is about to happen so you really want to try and take a relaxing trip while you can.” The important thing, according to all the babymooners we spoke to, is to take some time as a couple to celebrate and focus on the relationship before everything changes. “I definitely recommend to people to take the time to be self-indulgent; don’t make a lot of plans,” advises Laura. “You will go on vacations after this, but it will never be the same. You’re thinking about your baby, thinking about home – it’s a whole different life.”
Gearing up for your babymoon Karen Haysley from Nine Maternity, a maternity clothing store, helps a lot of prospective babymooners gear up for their getaways. She offered a few tips for our readers: • Second trimester is the best time to travel. Most women are beyond morning sickness, and your due date is still far enough away so you can travel comfortably. Always consult your doctor if you are traveling far from home. • Pick a location that you can relax in and be pampered. Save the hiking and scuba diving adventure for another time. Your future is full of half-asleep and overnight rendezvous with your bundle of joy, so make the most of the time between the two of you. Unwind, reconnect and get pampered. • Treat yourself to a cute weekender bag. It will hold all of your essentials, fit in the overhead compartment and double as your hospital bag when your big day arrives. Bonus – pack the bag to send baby to Grandma’s when you get to take your next adult vacation. • Remember to celebrate the moment! If you’ve chosen an island locale, rock that bikini and enjoy the view from a beach chair – with umbrella coverage, of course. Must-pack piece: a Rachel Pally caftan for a date night and stroll on the beach. The celeb fave goes from glam to casually chic and is quite simply the most effortless travel style we’ve ever seen. • This outing will be reminiscent of your honeymoon. Tap fellow vacationers to snap pictures of the two of you so you can capture the beauty of this time together. • Some of the best babymoons can be found in your own city. If this is Baby No. 2 or more, it may be harder to find someone to watch the kiddos while you get away for a few days. Choose a resort-style hotel in your own city and spend the day by the pool, get pampered, have dinner at the hottest spot in town and make your way home after the sitter has put the kids to bed.
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FOOD
by Mitra Azodi Woody, contributing writer
Cooking Buzz
“And baby makes four...”
Cooking Buzz is a column produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and educational organization founded in 1925.
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veryone told me that going from one child to two children would turn my house upside down. They said I would have less time but more on my plate. So when our daughter was born in 2013, I was expecting changes. However, one challenge I was not expecting was how difficult it would be to cook a nightly meal. With my son, our first born, I made his baby food from scratch and would often make his favorite, Parmesan Risotto, from The Junior League of Houston’s cookbook Peace Meals, but with the addition of my youngest, time seemed to escape. I often faced the reality that I would not have a meal ready by dinnertime. This was one change that did not sit well with me – a home-cooked, nutritious meal, where the family sat down together, was something I had grown up with and wanted to pass on to my children. As a big fan of making plans, I decided to tackle this new challenge as follows: • Find recipes that would work for our whole family, including the baby as she started to eat solid foods; • Include my oldest in cooking, with the added bonus of a little “Mommy and Me” oneon-one time; • Look for make-ahead recipes that would help me better manage my time; and • Depend on the Junior League Pantry for the nights where cooking was just not going to happen. I am pleased to report that I found some goto recipes that fit my time constraints while satisfying the palettes of my children and my foodie husband. Two favorites that work for both adults and babies are the Fragrant Carrot Soup from Peace Meals, and the Whipped Carrots and Parsnips from Stop and Smell the Rosemary. The soup was a hit the first time I served it, and it has since become a fall and winter staple. To make the soup more appealing to my children, I tone down the spices, but the soup still retains its aromatic nature. The fact that my children are eating a bowl full of vegetables is a
bonus. For the Whipped Carrots and Parsnips, I double the recipe and serve one portion for dinner, along with the Herb Roasted Chicken from Stop and Smell the Rosemary, and then freeze the leftover Whipped Carrots and Parsnips in baby-food containers for my OUT OF THE BOX MAC Play with the cheeses in this recipe – try aged cheddar, goat cheese or Emmenthaler. For adult tastes, consider adding prosciutto daughter. and peas. One of my family’s knock-knock joke that never seems to end. favorite recipes is a great make-ahead option: Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas with Parmesan Risotto Cilantro Cream Sauce from Peace Meals. My Peace Meals son asks for it often, and it helps my efforts to 3 to 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth follow “Meatless Mondays.” Another make4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided ahead meal that satisfies the kid in all of us is the 1 medium onion, finely chopped “Out of the Box” Macaroni and Cheese from 1 clove garlic, minced Peace Meals. This creamy, crave-worthy dish is 1½ cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice perfect for when nothing but cheese and noodles 1 cup dry white wine will do. ½ teaspoon coarse salt Cooking has become a new favorite activity ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper with my son. While at times messy, it is a lot of ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus fun and has led to our morning go-to: the additional Sunshine Smoothie from Peace Meals. Whether 3 tablespoons fresh Italian flat leaf parsley, we follow the recipe exactly or add fruit on chopped hand, this simple recipe gives us a delicious and nutritious start to the day. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a Of course, everything I have said comes with simmer and keep warm over low heat. In a septhis disclaimer: Some days a beautiful, madearate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter from-scratch meal does not happen. On those over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic days, instead of turning to a drive-thru, I turn to and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until my freezer, which is stocked from the Junior the onions are transparent, about 5 minutes. League’s Pantry. The Pantry, in the Junior League Add the rice and cook, stirring, until it is well Building at 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, is open coated with the butter and starts to turn transluTuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. You can swing cent, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and simby for bakery items, frozen casseroles and boxed mer gently, stirring, until all the liquid is lunches. (The kitchen also makes party trays absorbed, 3 to 5 minutes. Ladle ½ cup of the with four days of notice.) When I’m in a pinch, warm broth into the rice mixture and simmer, our favorites are the Spaghetti and Meatballs stirring occasionally, until the broth is absorbed. and the Chicken and Spinach Crepes. Repeat, adding ½ cup of broth at a time, until I am happy to say that on most nights you will the rice is cooked through but still firm, 20 to find my family eating a meal together, talking 25 minutes total. Add the remaining 2 tableabout the day and, often, laughing at my son’s
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spoons of butter and the salt, pepper and Parmesan. Stir to incorporate. Adjust seasonings as desired. Serve immediately, topping with additional grated Parmesan and the parsley. Serves 4 to 6.
Fragrant Carrot Soup Peace Meals 5 to 7 cups vegetable broth 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 2½ teaspoons coarse salt, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced 1½ teaspoons cumin seed, toasted and ground 1 teaspoon coriander seed, toasted and ground 3 teaspoons peeled and grated fresh ginger pinch of cayenne pepper 2 pounds carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro ½ cup heavy whipping cream Heat the broth in a saucepan over low. Heat the olive oil in a stockpot; add the onions and ½ teaspoon of the salt. Sauté for 5 minutes; then add the garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger and cayenne. Cook until the onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Add a little of the warm broth if the mixture dries out. Add the carrots, sweet potatoes, 1 more teaspoon of the salt and 4 cups of the warmed broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the carrots are tender. Allow to cool slightly. Purée the soup in small batches in a blender. Return the soup to the pot and add the orange juice and additional broth to achieve desired consistency. Season again with the remaining teaspoon of salt and additional cayenne if desired. In a small bowl, stir together the cilantro and cream. Serve the soup with a drizzle of the cilantro cream on top. Serves 8 to 10.
Whipped Carrots and Parsnips Stop and Smell the Rosemary 1½ pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into ½inch pieces 2 pounds parsnips, peeled and sliced into ½inch pieces ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into pieces freshly grated nutmeg salt freshly ground pepper Place carrots in a large pot of boiling salted water. Lower heat, cover partially, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in parsnips. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain. Return vegetables to pot. Stir over medium heat until excess moisture has evaporated. Purée vegetables and butter in a food processor until smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve warm. Serves 8.
Herb Roasted Chicken Stop and Smell the Rosemary 1 large whole chicken (4 pounds) 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or marjoram ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon olive oil Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse chicken inside and out with cold water. Remove pockets of fat just inside chest cavity. Pat dry. Blend garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, pepper, salt, and olive oil to make an herb paste. Rub herb paste over chicken and under skin. Roast, breast side up, 20 minutes. Turn and roast another 20 minutes. Turn again and roast another 35 minutes. Remove chicken from oven. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest 15 minutes prior to carving. Serve chicken au jus with crusty bread. Serves 4.
Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas with Cilantro Cream Sauce Peace Meals Cilantro Cream Sauce: 3 cups heavy whipping cream ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1½ teaspoon coarse salt 3 cups chopped cilantro leaves (about 1 bunch) 5 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 5 teaspoons cold water Enchiladas: 1 teaspoon butter ½ large onion, diced 8 ounces fresh button mushrooms, stemmed and quartered 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, cooked ½ cup stale bread crumbs 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 ⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon chili powder 1 egg coarse salt 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided 10 tortillas Mix together the cream, cayenne, salt, cilantro, and the dissolved cornstarch in a 2quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms, and sauté until the onions are transparent. Remove from heat and set aside. Squeeze the excess water out of the cooked spinach. Place the spinach, bread crumbs, white pepper, nutmeg, chili powder and egg in a food processor and pulse until blended thoroughly; season with salt. Transfer the spinach mixture to a large mixing bowl
and stir in the reserved onion-mushroom mixture and 1 cup of the cheese. Spoon about ¼ cup of the filling onto each flour tortilla, roll up and place seam side down in a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Pour the Cilantro Cream Sauce evenly over the enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until brown and bubbly. Serves 4 to 6.
“Out of the Box” Macaroni and Cheese Peace Meals 5½ tablespoons butter, divided ¾ cup panko bread crumbs ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 cups whole milk 1 teaspoon coarse salt 1 ⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 8 ounces finely shredded Gruyére cheese ¾ cup mascarpone cheese ½ pound (8 ounces) cavatappi or other hollow pasta Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt 2½ tablespoons of the butter over low heat. Add the panko and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, toss well and set aside. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the flour and stir frequently for 5 minutes, not letting the flour brown. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly. Add the salt, pepper, Gruyére and mascarpone, and continue to whisk until the cheese melts; remove from heat (mixture may be thin). Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and return to the pot; pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and mix well. Pour the pasta mixture into a 9- by 13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with the panko mixture. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 30 to 45 minutes. Serves 4 to 6.
Sunshine Smoothie Peace Meals 2 cups frozen mango chunks 2 cups frozen peach slices 1 to 1½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice 6 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt ¼ teaspoon almond extract ¼ teaspoon cinnamon Combine the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately. Serves 2 to 3.
MORE ONLINE To share or view print-friendly versions of these recipes, see this story at thebuzzmagazines.com. To buy a cookbook, see jlh.org or call 713-871-6608.
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KIDS
by Jordan Magaziner, staff writer
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School Buzz
From our student correspondents
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ince this summer, I have been privileged to work with nearly 50 students from 21 high schools as part of our online School Buzz blog. These students balance tough academic workloads with extracurricular activities, in addition to turning in regular blog posts. They’ve produced compelling writing and photography, interviewed peers, teachers and administrators, and reported back on what’s happening from their perspectives. I couldn’t be prouder. Below, I’ve selected one excerpt that moved me and one that made me laugh. For more posts, see School Buzz at thebuzzmagazines.com.
Robert M. Beren in Israel Lilly Gelman wrote a personal account of her experience on the Robert M. Beren Academy two-week trip to Israel. She wrote: “[The trip was] full of amazing sights, fascinating museums, spiritual Sabbaths, and memories to last a lifetime. But there was one lesson we learned that made the trip unforgettable. Two terrorists entered a synagogue in a town in western Jerusalem and slaughtered five innocent Israelis while gravely injuring many others. The terrorists planned their attack so that it would take place during the morning services, when the synagogue would be packed with people. Later that afternoon, in an area south of Jerusalem, hundreds of high school students made a human chain and sang to show their unity and support for the families affected. The following morning, at the same synagogue in which the attack took place, over 2,000 people showed up for services. These people were not going to stop living their lives and were not going to stop fighting for their country. The events of that day shook me. I called my mother, crying, telling her I wanted to come home. This is how she responded. ‘Look around. Have the cars stopped driving, the people stopped walking, or the buses stopped operating? No. Because if every time Israel was attacked the country came to a standstill, there would be no Israel. If you run away, the terrorists have won. By staying, you are doing your part in showing your unity and support for Israel. So go, enjoy the rest of your trip. Do not live in fear.’ This struck me as profound advice that can
JOURNEY Students from the Robert M. Beren Academy took a two-week trip to Israel. From left, top row: Rabbi Aharoni Carmel, Ari Hoffman, Hersh Bootin, Mecah Levy; middle row: Zevy Yanowitz, Brett Kleinman, Salvador Bentolila, Josh Pershel, Roni Buchine, Eisheva Teigman, Raizel Adler, Lauren Mueller, Shirley Lipski, Melissa Stock, Rebecca Stock, Lilly Gelman, Mrs. Elisheva Levitt, Amit Benhamo; bottom row: Neal Taibel, Ilana Lashak, Anabella Berti, Avi Passy
be applied to any person in any country. Every country has had its share of terror, and without the unity that followed, those countries would not have pulled through. Think of 9/11, and the Boston Marathon bombing. In dire times such as those many people fear that there is nothing they can do to help. That is false. By not running away, not living in fear, and showing unity, we are fighting back, and we will pull through.”
HSPVA in Austin Seokhyun Baek of The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts wrote about a trip to the Texas Book Festival. He wrote: “The Creative Writing department at HSPVA took a field trip to Austin, where they attended the 18th annual Texas Book Festival to bond with each other, take a (very temporary) reprieve from school, and get inspired by the 250-plus authors who attended. However, the trip wasn’t all about the festival. The department stopped by McKinney Falls State Park, along with the Museum of the Weird, to further enhance comprehension of nature, people and literature.
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JANUARY 2015 26
At HSPVA, it’s rather fair to say we’re not the most athletic group (other than the Dance Department), and when the teachers surprised us with a one-mile hike, more than half the department turned white as a sheet. Keep in mind this is the school that forces an online PE class upon its students (excluding the Dance Department), and simply going up a flight of stairs is justification to take a breather. Luckily, the department managed to avoid the hike by enjoying the waterhole and the environment instead. The next location was the Museum of the Weird, and for the sake of conserving the reader’s stomach, I will only mention that the department watched a sideshow, causing several to bail out of the room, complaining of symptoms that can typically found in a ‘side effects may include…’ section of a drug commercial. With our energy spent, we went to a foodtruck park. And with that, everyone headed for the hotel and collapsed into their beds.” Editor’s note: School Buzz is written by students. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher or editor.
SPORTS
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by Todd Freed, staff writer
SportzBuzz I
t was another run to glory for the Stratford Spartans, who captured the UIL Class 5A State Cross Country Championship for the second straight year. “The first time was great, but to repeat is especially tough against great competition from across the state,” said Spartans cross-country coach Tony Brillon. “The kids really wanted this title. They were simply motivated to repeat as state champions.” Leading the way for Stratford was senior Austin Richard, who, for the second straight year, finished second overall in a field of 149 runners. “Austin had a great season again,” said Brillon. “He finished first in every major meet of the season leading up to state.” The Spartans’ second best finisher at the state meet was none other than Austin’s twin brother Hayden Richard, who crossed the finish line 14th overall. “Hayden was in 40th place at the one-mile mark, and to see him move up as much as he did was tremendous,” said Brillon. “Both Hayden and Austin are extremely smart and highly motivated individuals. Much like the rest of the team, they’re also very goal oriented.” Another runner reaching his goals was senior Paul Brastrom, who was the Spartans’ third best finisher at state. “Paul saved his best race for last,” said Brillon. “He had fluctuated during the season, but really showed a lot of character with his run at the state meet.” Coming in just behind Brastrom was fellow senior Doug Baker, followed by junior Jake Roberts. Rounding out the top seven for the Spartans were sophomores Devin Fahey and Sam Evetts. “From the first day of summer, our guys trained to win a state championship,” said Brillon. “The reason for our success is their discipline and commitment to the program.” Despite injuries to two of star players, expectations remain high for the Bellaire Cardinals boys basketball team this season. Bellaire is trying to weather the storm while players Christian James and Jarren Greenwood recover from injuries. James, who’ll play college ball at Oklahoma and is considered one of the region’s top players, suffered a broken leg during summerleague play. He’s expected to return to the team
in late January. In addition, senior Jarren Greenwood, who averaged 20 points and six assists last season, has been out most of the year with a broken left toe. He also should return to the lineup sometime in January. “It’s pretty tough to lose your two top players, but we have a lot of guys stepping up,” said Cardinals head coach Bruce Glover. Filling in for Greenwood at DYNAMIC DUO The twin-brothers tandem of Hayden (at left) and Austin Richard helped the point guard lead the Stratford Spartans to a second straight UIL cross-country state championship. position has been for a district championship. Plus, we’re also excitLeonard Pradia, who was a sixth-man type of ed that our junior varsity is coming off an undeplayer last season. In addition, Glover cited the feated season. I really believe the future is bright play of sophomores Maxwell Evans and Jaylon for Lamar basketball.” Peevy as well as junior DeAndre Boyd. The football season may be over and done “It’s been fun coaching these guys,” said with, but not without some major awards for Glover. “We’ve played close games against an local players at the Touchdown Club of extremely tough schedule. It’s only going to Houston’s Private High School Awards Dinner. make us better in the long run, and once we get From the Southwest Preparatory Conference Christian and Jarren back I have no doubt that Champion Episcopal Knights, senior Trey we’re going to be a really good basketball team.” Horne was honored as the Defensive Player of Over at Lamar, third-year Texans head basthe Year. ketball coach Jerry Van Dusen expects big In addition, Kinkaid Falcon Tyler Higby, improvements over a team that went 15-13 last who’ll play college football at Michigan State, season. “We have a really nice mixture of young was named the Lineman of the Year, while and experienced players,” said Van Dusen. The Second Baptist Eagle Chase Wertheimer and coach had high praise for his young backcourt John David Bishop of Bay Area Christian tandem of freshman Tamir Bynum and sophoshared the Ironman of the Year Award. more Markus Valliens. “Those two guys are Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Awardgoing to be something special. I expect both to winning co-host and producer of the KUBE be playing Division 1 college basketball.” SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 Meanwhile, senior Rodrick Harris is leading p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school the team in scoring, while Van Dusen says fellow sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, seniors Donzell Henton and Darion Butler have please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com. all been big contributors. “We expect to compete
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Starve or feed a cold? As we head into cold and flu season, many of us will catch a viral infection that will give us symptoms of a common cold: runny and/or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, and yellow mucus. So if we’re infected, we should take an antibiotic, right? Wrong! Antibiotics don’t work on viruses, and viruses cause colds. A review of sinus infections from the New England Journal of Medicine (2004;351:902-910) stated that using antibiotics is usually not recommended until the mucus has been discolored for at least 7 or 10 days. Many of the patients we treat for allergy to multiple antibiotics develop those allergies when their antibiotic is changed over and over again. It gets changed because they take the first antibiotic when the “cold” first appears. Amazingly, the antibiotic does nothing to treat the virus, which runs its course. The patient, not feeling any better, asks for another antibiotic. And sometimes another. For years, the line about chicken soup was, “Will it help?” “Well, it couldn’t hurt.” Scientific evidence suggests that chicken soup actually does help. It contains the amino acid cysteine, which has been shown to thin out thick mucus secretions and help relieve congestion. Hydrating by drinking Gatorade, water or any non-caffeinated beverage helps further. What about “feed a cold, starve a fever.” It’s actually not a bad idea. A fever without cold symptoms may be the flu (influenza), another viral infection often manifest by nausea and vomiting. Starving the fever by withholding food is reasonable if one is nauseated, but make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Gatorade is a good choice here, too. What else works when you have a cold? Rinsing your nose out with a
salt-water solution a couple times a day. Some people prefer a Neti Pot, and others like the NeilMed squeeze bottle. Whichever you use, mix the salt with distilled water, not tap water. I’m sure the city makes clean drinking water, but I’m not as confident in the old pipes it runs through. Mucinex works by increasing the water content in the mucus, so that the mucus thins out and you can cough it up or blow it out. For a stuffy nose, you may want to consider a decongestant spray such as Afrin. But don’t use Afrin more than 5 days in a row or you may become physically dependent on it (addicted). And remember: Skip the antibiotics until the mucus is yellow or green for at least a week. No one nose allergies like we do.™ Note: Information contained in this article should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified allergist to address individual medical needs. David B. Engler, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy & Asthma Clinic
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SPORTS
by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
SportzBuzz, Jr. W
elcome to SportzBuzz, Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school.
Goooaaaaallllll The Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association’s Dutch Dynamo soccer team recently won the 10U gold division title. The boys had a 9-1 record during the regular season and went on to the playoffs, where they were undefeated, 4-0. Pictured (top photo, top row, from left) are coaches Rob Graham, Nelson Lee and Andre Maule. The players represented several schools, including Frostwood Elementary, Rummel Creek Elementary, Meadow Wood Elementary and Sherwood Elementary. Pictured (middle row, from left) are the champions: Jake Busa, Rudy Brooks, Camden Graham, Eric Jackson, Max Werner, (front row, from left) Griffin Ross, Alex Borg, Jake Brand, Christian Cavazos, Tommaso Maule and Logan Lee.
Game, set, match Second Baptist School sixth grader Corbin Barrus (middle photo) hits a solid forehand at the USTA Junior Team tennis state competition in Abilene. Corbin is an accomplished athlete and has played in many tournaments for the Houston Racquet Club. He is classified as a 12s USTA Super Champ. The Houston Racquet Club’s Terminetters team traveled to Abilene and played matches in near-freezing temperatures during the weekend-long tournament. Along with other team members, Andrew Jimenez, Gavin Simpson and Stuart Simpson, Corbin represented the city of Houston in the state tournament and placed second among 12-year-old advanced boys.
Volleyball victory The Spring Branch Middle School 8A volleyball team (bottom photo) is all smiles as they wrap up the season. The undefeated Lady Bears recently completed an outstanding season of play by winning the district champion title. They also captured first place in the Spring Branch tournament. Team members are (from left) Celine DeMoes, Hannah Kral, Caroline Cook, Laurel Howell, Katelynn Copeland, Jessica Hausmann, Danielle DeMoes, Coach Stasia McKenzie, Amanda Junek, Olivia Matthews, Caroline Janecek, Victoria Pappas and Sanaa Dotson. Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportsBuzz,
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Jr. at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.
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NEIGHBORS
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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Buzz About Town www.AlexandersPortraits.com
Talking about art
Event co-chairs Bill Stubbs and Beth Wolff (pictured with jewelry artist Mariquita Masterson, center) of the Art of Conversation honored
Masterson for her support of City ArtWorks. About 300 supporters lunched with 30 leaders and raised over $70,000 for the art-expression classes and scholarships that City ArtWorks funds. Joanne King Herring, Dr. David Eagleman, Bobby Dees, Harris L. “Shrub” Kempner Jr., the Hon. Vanessa D. Gilmore, Evelyn Leightman, Ellen Cohen, Linda Toyota, Chase Untermeyer and Donna Vallone were a few of the conversationalists in the crowd. See cityartworks.org.
SNL Houston-style “Delta, Delta, Delta, can I help ya, help ya, help ya?” The popular Saturday Night Live 1990s skit
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JANUARY 2015 32
was reenacted by co-chair Kris Vallee (at left) with co-chair Jacee Wolf. The duo organized the St. Francis Episcopal Church 64th Anniversary and Auction event themed Saturday Night Live. It was a successful evening, where dressed-up classic and new characters from SNL were spotted in the crowd.
Fifth-grade fun
Briargrove Elementary’s 12th annual Patriot’s Day celebration was a success. Fifth-grade students, all in period costume, were transported back to Colonial America for an evening at a home in Briargrove, with parents playing different characters from that time period. Everyone stayed in costume the next day at school, where students played games, made candles and cornhusk dolls, and performed a dance for their parents. Pictured are Patriot’s Day chairs and their fifth graders, all headed to Grady Middle School next school year: (from left) Bailey and Kane Kinney, Ann and Mary Ruth Cochran, and Susan and Pete McConn.
Sophisticated style
Pony up
Fashionable friends gathered at boutique Baanou, owned by Maryam Afshari (pictured, second from left), for its grand-opening soirée benefitting Dress for Success Houston. Hostesses included SMU grads and Theta sorority sisters (pictured, from left) Lindsey Amiralai, Afshari, Erin Stewart and Joyann King, an editor at Harper’s Bazaar who resides in New York City. Over 200 attended the event to mingle, mix, sip cocktails and shop for a cause.
Joanie Jackson is a 12-year-old seventh grader at Second Baptist School and an avid polo player. She recently participated in the Filly Cup at the Houston Polo Club, and her pony won the prestigious Best Playing Pony Award. Joanie started polo school a year ago and is now playing at the 2-goal level. She also competes in the U.S. Polo Association middle school league. Joanie just returned from a polo vacation in Argentina where she (continued on page 34)
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(continued from page 33) played serious polo and
was able to watch the top players in the world in the famous Argentine Open in Palermo. Pictured (from left) are pony owner Barlee Flanders, Kristie Cherry and Joanie.
Holiday cheer The annual Theta Charity Antiques Show Gala preview party kicked off with live entertainment, dancing and an abundance of beautifully decorated, twinkling Christmas trees. Over 1,000 guests attended the event at the George R. Brown Convention Center, sponsored by Comerica Bank. Pictured (from left) are Shawn Stephens, Lisa Schwartz (event show chair) and Amy Keith. Also spotted in the crowd were Lizzy Conner, Haden Gulsby, Jana Philips and Woody Woodruff, Susan and Tom Martin, Ana Beth Hill, Laura Herring, Janet Lionberger, Nancy Craig, Liz and Robert
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Rigney, Cynthia and John Adkins, Vicki and John Lange, Cooky and Howard W. Mays Jr., Beverly Arnold, Diane Farb, John Daugherty, Ellen and Jim Cummins, Jeff and Rebecca Parsons, Cheri and Andy Fossler, Jennifer
Bowen, Lois Wright, Sandy Lucas, Sarah Eilers, Olivia Munson, Betty Newton and Patricia Dewhurst.
Round Top for antiques week. Proceeds from the gala and auction all go toward funding research to find a cure for GAN. Pictured (from left) are Barb Ostdiek (co-chair), Jeryl Golub (cochair), Lisa Derenthal, Kim Sanford, Aileen McCormick (co-chair), Jen Ward, Alicia Harrison, Kay Harrison and Sandy Rodriquez. See justinstriumph.org.
Go away, GAN
Record-breaking evening
The non-profit organization, Justin’s TRIumph Over GAN, hosted its inaugural gala and auction titled Allies For GAN to raise awareness for the rare genetic mutation called Giant Axonal Neuropathy. The event was a WWII 1940s theme complete with GAN Bomber specialty drinks and cuisine. Guests were treated to the Third Coast Swing band. Auction highlights included two flights in original WWII planes, packages for trips to Colorado and Galveston, and a weekend stay at a home in
Andy Kahn, Michelle Heinz, Vicki Rizzo, Mauri Oliver, Jack Rizzo, Shelby Nielsen and Michael Heinz (pictured, from left) attended the Crime Stoppers of Houston Gala. The gala broke records by raising over $390,000. Deborah Duncan and Chester Pitts emceed the evening and introduced the keynote speaker, Fox Business News’ John Stossel. Crime Stoppers executive director Rania Mankarious said Houstonians are connected to the mission of the public-safety organization. Attendees included Dominique
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Sachse, Nick Florescu, Michael Pearce, Matt Burrus, Miya Shay, state Rep. Gene Wu, HPD Chief Charles McClelland, Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Special Agent in Charge Michael Anderson, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Roseann Rogers, Mauri Oliver and Donae Chramosta.
A February fling St. Francis Episcopal Day School has carried on a tradition of a biennial gala and auction for 60 years. It started in the gym in 1983 and has evolved into an off-campus, 600-plus-attendee event. However, the gala remains a fun evening with a serious purpose: to raise funds and celebrate the future of St. Francis. The school has planned an evening of glitter and glam on Feb. 7 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The gala is chaired by Stacie Chapman and Jennifer Moore. Guests can bid on auction items including teacher parties. Call 713-458-6116 or see stfrancishouston.org.
Coach to 11,000 Michael Soulous (pictured) played soccer in high school in Greece and then moved to Houston to play for the University of Houston from 1966 to 1969. He has been a volunteer at the Trotter Family YMCA for 28 years as a soccer coach for kids. He’s coached more than 11,000 children in Buzz neighborhoods. He was recently honored at a YMCA banquet. The fall season has ended, but Michael has
selected a group of talented kids to take special soccer classes on Saturdays until the next season begins. All of his coaching is unpaid volunteer work. Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Items are published on a space-available basis. Also share your photos and videos, plus upcoming-event listings, on thebuzzmagazines.com.
TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JANUARY 2015 35
SCOUTING AND SERVICE Sam Schneider, a sophomore at St. John’s School, has been inspired by his time in the Boy Scouts and recently helped the nonprofit Nora’s Home develop an outdoor walking path.
KIDS by Sam Schneider, age 16
Buzz Kidz
Scouts inspire path of service
I
started Scouts as a Tiger Cub in the first grade. I enjoyed scouting because it gave me an opportunity to spend time with my dad. As I progressed through the ranks and heard stories of my father’s time in his scout troop, I knew that one day I would become an Eagle Scout. Ever since I joined my Boy Scout troop in the sixth grade, I have been working toward the Eagle rank, whether I was learning survival skills on campouts or taking first-aid classes. Over time, I grew very passionate towards the scouting organization. Scouting is designed to mold people into the best that they can be in a number of ways. I find that community service, which is at scouting’s core, gives me the greatest sense of pride. When I reached the rank of Life Scout, the final rank before Eagle, it was time to find an
idea for my Eagle Scout project. It just so happened that around that time, my class at St. John’s School was participating in a service project for a temporary living facility for patients receiving organ transplants and their families. It is called Nora’s Home. I found the mission of Nora’s Home very interesting, and I wanted to learn more about it. So I spoke with Kayla Lehmann, the executive director of Nora’s Home, to get a better feel for what Nora’s Home was and what its needs were. I knew during that conversation that I wanted to help. I formulated the idea of an outdoor walking path, as it would be something that would not only allow the patients to receive the exercise that they needed, but also give them the opportunity to be outdoors and experience nature. I
worked closely with the staff of Nora’s Home for about a year to plan and complete this project. It was hard work, but knowing that I was able to create something to help others and make their lives better gave me a feeling of happiness and accomplishment that could not be replicated anywhere else. Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.
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DINING GUIDE
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by Dai Huynh, staff writer
Kid-friendly restaurants lawellphoto.com
This Month in Dining
Restaurant Listings $ (under $10) $$ ($11-$30) $$$ ($31-$60) $$$$ (over $60) Prices include drink, tax and tip per person Dai Huynh is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime restaurant writer. Her visits to restaurants in our Buzz Dining Guide were anonymous, and she paid for her meals to maintain objectivity. We’d love your thoughts too. Write to info@thebuzzmagazines.com with your own dining opinions and suggestions. Also, you can contribute in the Comments section under the online version of this story at thebuzzmagazines.com.
Adair Kitchen LITTLE MATT'S Five-year-old Reagan and 8-year-old Ainsley Pinkerton stay entertained at this kid-friendly American restaurant with a game room.
M
cDonald’s and Chick-fil-A aside, there are restaurants that provide room for a kid to be a kid. Amy Campioni has a short list of places where her 6-year-old daughter can play while Mom visits with her hubby or BFF without feeling rushed or dreading the imminent, “Mom, I’m bored!” Trying to prolong the dining experience is a losing battle. No amount of beseeching can dissuade a bored, determined tyke. With a hyper 5-year-old daughter of my own, I’ve learned to eat quickly or visit places with a playground, patio or expanse of green, like one of Campioni’s favorite eateries, Tiny’s No. 5 (3636 Rice Boulevard). Here, kids can do somersaults after chomping on wood-fired margherita pizzas and warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. CityCentre’s Ruggles Green (801 Town and Country Lane, Suite 1B) also attracts throngs of families. It has a stellar kid’s menu with such items as all-natural chicken tenders and quinoa linguini with olive oil or marinara sauce and optional turkey meatballs, and the patio feeds into CityCentre’s green lawn. “I also love Little Matt’s in West U,” Campioni says. “It has a little game room for the kids.” Its motto is “Where food meets fun.” The American eatery (6203 Edloe) attracts parents for another reason. Located near West University Elementary, this BYOB establishment “sometimes offer free wine and margaritas,” Campioni said. Cedar Creek Bar and Grill (1034 W. 20th Street) in the Heights is another Campioni haunt with sloping Hill Country landscaping and a bridge over a little creek that allows children to get close to nature under watchful eyes. An hour or more of fun can be expected at Überrito Mexican (formerly Mission Burrito) (2245 W. Alabama) with its giant mulch playground. Children can run it off at the Discovery Green urban park, home of the Lake House (1600 McKinney), overlooking Kinder Lake, where, after polishing off burgers and kobe hot dogs, diners can ice skate from November through early February. The rest of year, folks can rent motorized model boats or kayaks or play in the shady playground and soaking fountains on the 12-acre urban park. TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JANUARY 2015 38
American fresh-fare Neighborhood: Galleria The Belgian waffles were tender inside, slightly crisp outside, and beautifully dressed with ripe, fresh strawberries lightly showered with white powdered sugar. But along with the usual breakfast fare, such as fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs and French toast, Adair Kitchen turns out some not-so-common, stellar options, such as a sourdough toast topped with buttery avocado and chorizo-flavored pork sausage (which can be amped up with an optional fried egg). Combined with fresh cilantro, lime and a side of mashed black beans, it leaves a favorable impression of this hip shabby chic space that manages to appeals to hipsters and families with its creative juices (like Just Beet It with apple and kale) and updated traditional dishes, such as pecancrusted baked chicken with citrus glaze. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 5161 San Felipe, 713-623-6100. adairkitchen.com. $$
Antica Osteria Regional Italian Neighborhood: Southhampton Antica Osteria, in a vintage brick house,
attracts an eclectic mix with its warm, old-fashioned feel. There are Turkish movie stars, socialites, ingénues, young lovers, media types and, even, parents with well-behaved children. The attractions are the well-prepared pastas; spaghetti carbonara lush with cream and pancetta makes the strongest impression, along with abundantly friendly service and a homey vibe. Every meal begins with complimentary bruschetta and ends with a gracious smile. In between, there are simple, satisfying antipasti. Many customers order pastas as their entrées, but for those who must have meat, consider the deftly prepared osso buco – an occasional special – or the grilled angus fillet. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 2311 Bissonnet, 713-521-1155. anticarestaurant.com. $$$
Arnaldo Richards’ Picos Regional Mexican Neighborhood: Upper Kirby Many remain nostalgic about the old Pico's location on Bellaire. But upon entering the new locale, it's hard to fault owner Arnaldo Richards for moving into this graciously appointed, hacienda-inspired space made warm and inviting with coral tablecloths, ceiling beams and dark furniture. His food, too, has been tweaked, often with winning results. The tomato salsa sings. The ranchera salsa smolders with charred tomatoes. The chicken consommé soup is still a cure for the blues, swimming with pulled chicken, onion, cilantro, Mexican rice and avocado. A dash of Serrano pepper provides a mild, welcome kick. And his signature huachinango a la Veracruzana (red snapper) is elegantly draped with an exquisitely light tomato sauce flavored with green olives, capers and chiles güeros. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 3601 Kirby, 832-831-9940. picos.net. $$
Coppa Osteria Artisanal pastas and pizzas Neighborhood: Rice Village Like Coppa Ristorante Italiano, this casual rendition applies the principles of Italian cooking by allowing ingredients to speak with minimum interference. Chef Brandi Key’s clarifies ingredients and judges flavors finely. Pizzas shine. Creamy burrata shimmers with peppery extra-virgin olive oil. Spaghetti carbonara crackles with black pepper and the creaminess of raw eggs and Parmesan cheese. Calabria chili and Meyer lemon brighten shrimp linguine with parmesan cream. Lunch & dinner Mon.Sun. 5210 Morningside, 713-522-3535. coppaosteriahouston.com. $$
Corner Table Contemporary American Neighborhood: Upper Kirby The Paleo Diet – a nutritional regimen centered around eggs, nuts, pasture-raised meat, fresh fruit and vegetables – is no longer a fringe movement. It has charged into the mainstream, spawning how-to books and glossy magazines. There are restaurants inspired by Paleo, including Corner Table, a multi-faceted space that boasts a luxe wine room reminiscent of France's Louis XIV era, a live-music lounge and a cozy mixology room with a speak-easy vibe. At the center is the restaurant, which shines even brighter with a culinary rising star at the helm. Ja'Nel Witt – winner of Gordon Ramsay's season 11 of Hell’s Kitchen – adds a muchneeded global flair to the menu, from a beet-root hummus with an undercurrent of cumin to a wood-fire pizza topped with eggplant baba ganoush, roasted red pepper and feta cheese. Under her watch, the kitchen is turning out sharper fare with succinct presentations and clean, multi-dimensional flavors. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat. 2736 Virginia Street. 713- 568-9196. cornertablehouston.com. $$$
HK Dim Sum Chinese dumplings and small bites Neighborhood: Bellaire Chinatown HK Dim Sum, or formally Hong Kong Dim Sum, has been stuffing Chinatown families full of dumplings since 2007. To grasp its popularity, arrive by 11 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday, or else you’ll find yourself waiting in line outside this tiny nook until one of the many crowded tables clears out. Order some xiu mai pork dumplings or hakao, (continued on page 40) TANGLEWOOD/RIVER OAKS BUZZ JANUARY 2015 39
Julie Soefer Photography
lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. (closes 4:30 p.m. Sun.), 4024 Bellaire Blvd., 713-665-5388. 5709 Woodway, 713-334-4036. islandgrillhouston.com. $$
Local Foods Chef-driven gourmet deli Neighborhood: Rice Village Hand-crafted sandwiches and salads from chef Dylan Murray draw a diverse crowd. Savor duck confit smothered with melted brie, aioli and cranberry preserves on wheat bread. Shrimp-and-crab on ciabatta with green goddess dressing is another must-try. Sandwiches come with two sides that include Tuscan kale with golden raisins and potato chips speckled with Old Bay seasonings. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun. 2424 Dunstan, 713-521-7900. houstonlocalfoods.com. $$
Pass & Provisions Inventive modern fare Neighborhood: Fourth Ward A duo eatery in one space – white-tablecloth Pass and bustling Provisions. Pass is a caviar affair, while Provision serves casual edibles, including smartly donned sandwiches and billowy pizzas with such toppings as kale with pork sausage and duck confit with potato and pickled currants. There are some crossovers of dishes and kitchen playfulness between the two menus. Provisions, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat; Pass, dinner only. 808 Taft, 713-628-9020. Passandprovisions.com. $$-$$$$ HOLLEY'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR Try the satisfying dark seafood gumbo brew with duck confit and fried oysters. (continued from page 39) which are translucent-
skinned, shrimp-filled dumplings. Dip them in red vinegar and chili oil to bring out their sweet shrimpiness. The rest of HK's selections – from pan-fried turnip cake and fragrant lotus leaf stuffed with sticky rice and ground meats to pork ribs with black beans – stands up to the tasty example set by the pork xiu mai. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon.-Sun., 9889 Bellaire Boulevard, 713-777-7029. $ NEW LISTING! Holley's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Upscale seafood Neighborhood: Midtown Mark Holley is back. The Brennan's of Houston alum reeled in many diners, overseeing Pesce's kitchen for a decade. But in 2012, Landry's sold it, leaving Holley without a kitchen burner and fans floundering. Ironically, quality, upscale seafood restaurants are rare gems in this Gulf Coast city, so Holley's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a welcome addition. At his namesake, Holley has free rein, sprinkling his menu with his life experiences, from the cobblestone alleys of New Orleans to Kentucky bluegrass. You'll find, too, touches of Asian influences, most notably the large-format, Thai-style whole snapper for two. It's a perfectly crisped rendition paired with two tangy dipping sauces, fried
rice and braised greens. No doubt, it will stir up memories for former Pesce regulars, but Holley's updated version is even tastier. The same goes for the shrimp-and-okra gumbo, a nourishing dark brew now enriched with duck confit and topped with delicately fried oysters. A crowd pleaser is the yieldingly tender sesame Park House Rolls, a traditional fare that gets an haute spin with three accompanying spreads: poblano pimento cheese, smoked drum mousse and pickled vegetables. Truthfully, these yeasty rolls as a starter and the homey apple bread pudding would make any evening at Holley's go swimmingly. Lunch Mon.Fri. & dinner Mon.-Sat., 3201 Louisiana, 713491-2222, holleyshouston.com. $$$
Post Oak Grill Gulf Coast classics Neighborhood: Tanglewood Happiness exists in a bread basket at this popular outpost for business lunches. The basket usually cradles oven-fresh biscuits fragrant with green onions, bacon and cheddar cheese. One really isn’t enough; nor is two or three. Slow down, though, or you’ll fill up before the perfectly grilled rainbow trout arrives, glistening lightly with butter-caper sauce. Polo Becerra is a classic chef with a timeless approach of keeping ingredients simple and clean, with just a sheath of sauce to elevate the flavors of beef and seafood. Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sat., 1415 S. Post Oak Lane, 713-993-9966. postoakgrill.com. $$$ NEW LISTING!
Island Grill & Juice Bar Smoothies and burgers Neighborhood: West University/Tanglewood Granted, the smoothies with natural juices at Island Grill are pretty lush. The Island Oasis is ripe with sweet pineapples, strawberries, coconut juice and vanilla yogurt. The juices – from lemon-ginger shots to coolers made with veggies and fruits – are refreshing. But regulars also come for breakfast bagel sandwiches, pancakes and egg tacos. Muscular, 8-ounce Angus burgers on soft buns lure many folks for lunch and dinner, along with fresh, pristine salads and pitas stuffed with a variety of grilled vegetables, seafood and meats. Breakfast,
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Seasons 52
New American Neighborhoods: Highland Village/Memorial Seasons 52 is reminiscent of Houston's on Kirby, with similar synergy and dimly lit decor. There are multiple booths, each with its own lamp for an intimate, yet casual setting. The interior is well thought out, unified like most chains, but more upscale. Seasons 52 is motivated by seasonal ingredients, like a chef-driven restaurant, changing its menu quarterly along with showcasing new weekly specials. A plus? Nothing on the meal is more than 475 calories. It also has gluten-free and vegetarian menus. Consider the Winter Vegetarian Tasting with
quinoa-citrus salad, soft black-bean taco, seasonal roasted vegetables and an amazingly innovative, yet simple cedar-roasted tofu. There is the standard grilled rack of lamb, roasted chicken and stellar flat-bread pizzas. The mini desserts in a cup are sensible, diminutive, four or five bites at most. Try the pecan pie with vanilla mouse or carrot cake with cinnamon honey. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat. Locations: Highland Village, 4410 Westheimer Road, 713-621-5452; CityCentre, 842 W. Sam Houston Parkway, 713-464-5252. seasons52.com. $$
Sparrow Bar + Cookshop Modern American Neighborhood: Midtown Monica Pope is forever reinventing herself and her restaurant concept. Her latest incarnation, the Sparrow Bar + Cookshop, applies beautiful, subtle flavors to farm-fresh local ingredients. Bronzed Texas quail nestles on warm yellow-corn grits hinting of orange zest. Caramel miso and blossom butter enhance hanger steak. Creativity carries over to a dynamic cocktail menu. Pope grasped the value of using fresh fruits and herbs in drinks long before it became a trend. Her hand-crafted cocktails push boundaries to offer new, exciting flavors, such as a vodka creation with roasted red bell pepper puree, shiitake mushroom vermouth and jalapeño syrup. Lunch and
dinner, Tues.-Sat., 3701 Travis, 713-524-6922. sparrowhouston.com. $$$
The Lemongrass Café Asian fusion Neighborhood: Bellaire Polite service and a thoughtfully conceived menu endear Lemongrass Café to Houstonians. Chef-owner Fah Vorarittinapa marries the flavors of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, French and American cooking. Her signature dish remains the juicy tiger shrimp, stuffed with bacon and swaddled in crisp kataifi noodle, anointed by a sweet, spicy tamarind sauce. Pad thai is given a twist with a Japanese egg crepe. Her trio soup sampler is a composition of the soup of the day, French mushroom consommé and Thai tom yum chicken. Lunch & dinner, Mon.-Sun., 5109 Bellaire, 713-664-6698. lemongrass-cafe.com. $$
Triniti Contemporary American Neighborhood: Upper Kirby Eye-catching modern architecture aside, chef Ryan Hildebrand and his kitchen staff, which includes talented chef de cuisine Greg Lowry, manages to bridge wildly inventive cuisine (check out the nightly eight-course tasting menu) with updated steakhouse classics, such as a perfectly seared garlic-thyme prime New York steak accompanied by
a roster of sauces. You can choose up to three, such as the samba-sake butter or whole grain mustard. The menu also features accomplished desserts, such as the hazelnut mousse. Lunch & dinner Fri.-Sun. and dinner Wed.-Thurs. 2815 South Shepherd. 713527-9090. trinitirestaurant.com. $$$$
Underbelly Upscale Texas eats Neighborhood: Montrose Underbelly chef-owner Chris Shepherd’s menu is a touchstone of the nose-to-tail movement. The Oklahoman is known to haul a whole hog through a roomful of diners, and his passion is mirrored by a striking woodcutting of a snout at the entrance. Family-style offerings include a pork roast with smoky sweet cornbread. Another piglet rendition is spicy kimchi stew. Shepherd shares his fondness for Asian cuisines with sweeping touches here and there – all of which are satisfying against an airy, modern, Texas Hill Country setting, with maple wood communal tables, fresh wildflowers and a wall of homemade preserves. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Thurs. and dinner Fri.-Sat. 1100 Westheimer Road, 712-5289800. underbellyhouston.com. $$$
MORE ONLINE Use our Restaurant finder at thebuzzmagazines.com to search local restaurants by area, cuisine and price.
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Time for puppy school
Bite and body
Now that Santa has dropped off that furry little bundle of joy, what’s next? You may need a little coaching to help you survive the challenges that your new companion will undoubtedly bring. A number of good options are available to fit everyone’s budget and busy schedule. Puppy classes are a cost-effective option that allows you to learn in a group setting with other pets and owners. A professional trainer teaches you how to manage your puppy’s development. Private lessons are a great option if you want more personal attention on specific pet problems. Many pet resorts also offer a “board & train” program. New puppies stay at the resort for two weeks (or longer), and the professional trainer begins to shape the pet’s behavior. Remember that the first months of a dog’s life are very formative ones. What you do with your puppy during this time – and what it experiences – may affect the pet’s behavior for the rest of its life. If you have any questions regarding the best approach for your puppy, send an email to training@roveroaks.com or call 713-662-2119, press option 4, and ask for one of the professional trainers at Rover Oaks Pet Resort. Rover Oaks Pet Resort, 2550 West Bellfort, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.662.2119, www.roveroaks.com
Did you know your bite affects your body? Do you experience unknown causes for headaches and migraines or pain in the jaw, neck, back or shoulder area? Do you have tingling finger tips, limited mouth opening, ringing in the ears, postural problems or insomnia? Do you take medication for these symptoms? Persistent grinding or clenching of the teeth can cause enamel loss, sensitive teeth and damage to the jaw joint. Grinding and clenching can also cause teeth to move and crowd; as this happens they become more worn and eventually can fracture. Your bite can be a factor in many types of pain or functional problems because of the interrelationship of the overall musculoskeletal system. Since there is a relationship between the teeth, jaw joints, head and neck muscles, and head posture, a problem in any one of these areas may affect others. Dr. Barras is familiar with this under-diagnosed problem, and has devoted countless hours learning and treating these issues. Dr. Barras offers a variety of custom treatment options including custom orthotics and Invisalign®. Pain-free is a nice way to live! Dr. Barras and his team invite you for a complimentary consultation. Mention this ad and receive $700 off Invisalign® for the month of January. Offer expires Jan. 30, 2015. Dr. John Barras, 1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1300, Houston, Texas 77056, 713.993.9814, www.johnbarrasdds.com
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Assets in a divorce
Reneé’s real estate news
In your divorce you need to divide all your assets. If an asset is not divided in the divorce, it may cause future litigation. This includes even a bank account with $30 in it that you think is unimportant to list. It is important you request the information you need from your spouse in discovery in order to uncover any assets you were unaware of and/or do not know the value. It is equally important you list assets in your divorce decree specifically so a person cannot hide undisclosed financial accounts (i.e. list specific banks accounts instead of listing that husband is awarded all bank accounts in his sole name). Clients are often are suspicious that their spouse has hidden assets in anticipation of divorce. By requesting financial statements you may be able to trace transfers to other accounts that have not been disclosed. If you fail to request information and settle your divorce without doing due diligence or you list an asset vaguely, you will not be able to come back after the divorce and claim you were unaware of the asset at the time of settlement or that you were unaware of the proper value (for example, you find out a business is worth more than you thought). K. Nicole Voyles, Board Certified in Family Law, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP, Two Greenway Plaza, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77046, 713.600.5500, www.jenkinskamin.com. Named a Texas Rising Star for 2008, 2011-2014 and Texas Super Lawyer for 2014 by Texas Super Lawyer, a Thomas Reuters service printed in Texas Monthly magazine.
What’s trending in baby nurseries? The 2015 nursery trends will be so different than when I was raising my babies. Nurseries have become non-traditional. Design ideas are endless, with websites like www.pinterest.com available to new parents. Some of the things I have seen lately just fill me with awe, like fiber optic ceiling lighting that projects stars at night. There’s nothing sweeter for your baby to watch as they fall asleep, and it also works as a night light. Themes such as owls and foxes are very popular, and a nursery is not complete without a name banner or large monogrammed initials on the wall. Furnishings are becoming items that can turn into treasures as the child grows. Instead of the traditional bland changing table, you can refurbish a dresser with Annie Sloan paints and add a padded top to create a beautiful piece that can become a keepsake – a great project for the future mom and dad to enjoy while waiting for the big arrival date. While touring homes lately, I have seen everything from Lucite furnishings to mid-century moderns, colorful geometric rugs and painted wall treatments, from stripes to elegant trompe-l’œil treatments. I have seen the “green” nursey, where everything is all natural, organic and recycled. There is always something special about babies and the nursery they call home. Reneé and her team are consistently recognized and recommended as the ones to go to for real estate needs. Email your questions to: Reneé Davy Oakum Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Anderson Properties, 12900 Queensbury, Suite 101, Houston, Texas 77079 and 3600 Kirby, Suite T, Houston, Texas 77019, 713.647.8278, renee@davyoakumbhhs.com, www.andersonprops.com
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Yogi, age 1, Poodle Mix, Essex Lane Just a few months ago, I was found alone, tied outside, and in pretty bad shape. Thankfully K-9 Angels Rescue insisted that I’d be good as new with a little TLC. Not too long after, my now-mom and dad spent time with me at the shelter. They had declared they were “just looking” that day and that they weren’t going home with a new family member yet, but who could resist my sweet demeanor? They took me home and although they seemed nice, I was anxious at first – with my past, you can never be too sure. But they proved themselves to be loving, and it didn’t take long for me to become king of the house. Now, I have a great home and even a new name! My dad named me after Yogi Berra and mom calls me Yogi Bear. My favorite things include belly rubs, cuddling on the couch, and more belly rubs. It’s a good life. Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Featured pets receive two passes to Rover Oaks Pet Resort. Each pass can be redeemed for one day of lodging in a Bunk House Suite, 25 percent off your next grooming appointment or 25 percent off one obedience training class.
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NEIGHBORS
by Andria Frankfort, staff writer
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Back Porch
Grandmother magic
Y
ou never think of yourself as old enough to be a grandparent.” At least that’s what Donna Palmer, grandmother to 10-month-old Jack, thought. But then her daughter Erika Mandel became pregnant, and Donna, a kindergarten teacher at St. John’s School, went into full grandmother mode. “I was the last of all my friends to have a grandchild,” Donna says. “For years I looked at everyone’s baby photos, and I knew I would like it, but I had no idea how much. Being a grandparent is truly unconditional love. Something changes inside of you.” Melinda Overstreet, first-time grandmother of 4-month-old Harrison, would agree. “I was elated,” Melinda says of the day her daughter Caroline Bean announced she was pregnant.
Lifelong friends Caroline Bean, Rachael Berry and Diana Bridger met as little girls, when their mothers got to know each other in Bible study. All first children, they and their moms – Melinda Overstreet, Melissa Blandford and Joan Dunlap, respectively – forged friendships, following each other through school and back to Houston after college. This year, within five months, the threesome of daughters had their first babies together – Rachael was first with a girl, and Caroline and Diana had boys. All are the first grandchildren in their families. “We threw each other’s baby showers, and I helped with registries since I was the first,” Rachael says. “We had no idea what we were doing, so it was very helpful.” All three are working moms – Caroline is a real estate agent, Rachael is a decorator, and Diana is a commercial real estate broker. Diana says, “It’s been fun to have friends to go through this together. We can get real with each other and help.” They get together often, for playdates and lunches. Caroline says, “These babies will be good friends.”
Caroline says, “I called my mom before I even told Andrew [her husband] because I wanted to wait for him to come home.” Fast forward a few weeks to the day the sex of the baby was revealed: All the grandparents, parents and siblings gathered at her mom’s home. Caroline had given a sealed envelope to the staff at Moeller’s Bakery, and when the family members cut the cake at Melinda’s place, the inside was blue, surprising everyHANGING OUT Melinda Overstreet and her first grandson, Harrison Bean, spend one – including lots of time in the nursery Melinda, an interior designer, designed for him. Caroline and Andrew – being Lali and Pops. with the news the baby was a boy. “But really, this baby could call Steve anyAs an interior designer, Melinda helped her thing, and he would love it.” daughter decorate the nursery. “I thought I’d be Now that the babies are here, both Donna able to breeze through and I’d know everything, and Melinda say the love and connection came but it’s all changed so much,” Melinda says. immediately. “I fell in love with Harrison so “These girls know all the gadgets. We had a early,” Melinda says. “You just have to remember wonderful time pulling together colors and furto enjoy every bit. You want each stage to come niture. The last experience that was that much – you want them to walk and crawl – but you fun was her wedding.” have to be careful not to wish their lives away Part of the baby prep included naming the new and just get to know their little personalities.” grandparents. Melinda originally played with Donna loves having time and energy to pay French names inspired by her Louisiana roots, but attention to the “little details. There’s nothing but she thought they might be difficult for a baby to pure joy because you’ve been through the worries, learn. So she’s settled on Mimi, which was what and you worried about everything. Now you can her children called her own mother, and tentajust enjoy every part of their being. It is truly magic.” tively Poppy for her husband Steve, Harrison’s Not everything has changed, though. “My grandfather. But Caroline says, “Everything could mom still treats me like her little girl,” Caroline change, because if Harrison doesn’t want to call says. “Now I’m just taking care of a baby.” Her her Mimi, she won’t be Mimi.” mom concurs. “She’s still my little girl, and she’s Donna says she “bounced around the typical a wonderful mother,” Melinda says. “I love how names, and while they are precious, they weren’t she’s brought the songs and nursery rhymes in for me.” So she got creative and named herself that I brought to her. It’s a reflection of tradiLali, while her husband Steve, Jack’s grandfations that are continuing, that my mother gave ther, will be Pops. Donna loves the names to us and to Caroline and Austin [Melinda’s son] because it embodies a partnership. “It’s not and are as old as my own grandmother.” about being Lali or about being Pops. It’s about
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