December 2011 VIP

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2009 | theVIPmag.
com
COMPLIMENTARY
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2 | December 2011 | theVIPmag.com
O F S O U T H E A S T T E X A S
GAUDY or
GAUDIE?
Inside the
areas most
unique
boutiques
to splurge on!
30
Holiday
hair that
rocks
Should you
go LED?
Our favorite
holiday spirits
Proper Christmas
card etiquette
The seasons most
festive home decor
LUXURY
GIFTS
sugar
plums
Visions of
and other
desserts
The MOST
EXPENSIVE
meat on the planet
The Holidays
at the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza
A time of reflection, a time of gathering. The time of year you and
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Phone: 409.842.5995 Fax: 409.842.7810
www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza
Beaumont Plaza
theVIPmag.com | December 2011 3
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4 December 2011 | theVIPmag.com
Editorial
Executive Editor
DAVID CONSTANTINE
dconstantine@thevipmag.com
Contributing Writers
CATHLEEN COLE
AMANDA CORBELL
MARGARET B. GARDNER
LARENA HEAD
GRACE MATHIS
HOLLI PETERSEN
CHERYL ROSE
Photography
Contributing Photographers
FARRAH COBB
SCOTT ESLINGER
SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
REN SHEPPARD
LEE E. STINSON
Graphic Designer, Creative Media
DAVID CONSTANTINE
Advertising
To advertise in VIP,
409.880.0700
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on the cover
Tiffany Martin, hair stylist and manager at P.S. Moderne Cheveux Salon
in Beaumont, sports the perfect curled hairstyle for any holiday party.
An Orange native, Tiffany, 29, put together her own outft especially for
this shoot pulling clothing from Kohls in Beaumont and the Venus online
catalog at www.venus.com. See our other holiday hairstyles on page 22.
Photographer: Scott Eslinger
Hair stylist: Patrice Seelke
c o n t e n t s
vip magazine
inside december
08 vip home
08 Should you switch to
LED lights?
11 Deck the halls with
the seasons hottest
home decor
16 vip style
16 Gaudy or Gaudie?
Four SE Texas
boutiques
22 Three hair styles to
help you rock your
holiday party
24 food&drink
24 Something Special
Bakery bakes up
holiday confections
28 Holiday spirits to keep
you toasty
32 Great ways to prepare
venison
34 vip spotlight
34 SE Texas events
40 vip adviser
40 A luxury gift guide for
those NOT on a
budget this year
44 Proper holiday card
etiquette
47 vip guide
47 Five great dates
in December
48 Calendar
49 Crossword puzzle
50 vip voices
50 Finding new joy in
old toys
24
28
40
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letters e-mails
Dear VIP,
Just had to write and let you know how fabulous the November issue of VIP is!
My business has been associated with VIP since its inception, and there has
been several occasions that we've worked
with your writers or photographers. Each time
what has been published has been great
quality.
For the November issue photo shoot
at my shop, it was the frst time I had
been involved with so much behind
the scenes .....stylists, models, pho-
tographers and writers! Everyone was
professional, prompt and nice to work
with. It was a great experience! The end
result....amazing!!! Many customers and
friends have commented...Wow!...so
Anthropology....Big city look!
Julie Bailey Burns
Burns Antik Haus, owner
Dear VIP,
I cannot thank you enough for the lovely article in Octobers magazine about my
amazing kids and husband, who put up with a great deal of upheaval having a sick
mother and wife. Cancer is absolutely the pits, but living here in Beaumont makes
it a much more pleasurable journey. We have been blessed with an outpouring of
support, prayer and healing wishes from this wonderful community. I am so proud
to call Beaumont my hometown! We have received a number of phone calls from
friends expressing their gratitude of someone covering the story from the childrens
perspective. So insightful! My husband and I are extremely proud of Lauren, 8, and
Will, 4, for being so resilient during my treatment and as it continues today. We
are grateful for the opportunity to tell our story in hopes that it will be a beneft to
others.
Fondly,
Carrie Budd Naas and Family
Dear VIP,
I wanted to once again say thank you for
selecting Michaella for your magazine. Our
family is so proud of our grand-daughter, Mi-
chaella. It was like WOW!, OMG! when we
saw the October issue as we had no idea
she would be on the cover of your wonder-
ful magazine! This was surely a gift to hold
in our hands, but even more to hold in our
hearts forever! Its like a fairytale for every
young girl to dream or imagine themselves
on the cover of a magazine and you made
this possible when you selected Michaella
for your article. Thank You So Much!
Sincerely,
Ginny Morales
Dear VIP,
Its always a pleasure working with you. Thank you for your patience and exper-
tise in taking photos of our shop. You always show the best side of our business.
Kind regard,
Clara & Latisha, Nickolinas
your opinion counts!
We want to hear from you! Letters to the editor should be sent via email to
dconstantine@thevipmag.com or by mail to David Constantine, VIP of Southeast
Texas, 380 Main Street, Beaumont, TX 77704. Please include your contact
information and the city in which you live. Letters may be edited for space.
Southeast
Texas
volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | theVIPmag.com
VOLUME 4 ISSUE 12 | October 2011 | theVIPmag.com
o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s
rock
pink
how to
this month
blues
Texas
ck
nk
Regina Rogers,
Becky Ames,
Marcia Crone,
Nancy Beaulieu,
Gisela Houseman,
Delores Prince,
Evelyn Lord,
Pat Avery,
+ 20 other
amazing
leading
ladies
Most
Infuential
Women
B&B
Escape to a
this fall
No more
Little
black
dress
+ Kids provide
strength for Mom
with cancer
complimentary
The Yeast Priests
and Beaumonts
beer scene
Great things
to do in
this October!
Is Halloween in
your blood?
with
what
quality
at
been
the
tographers
professional,
with.
complimentary
volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | theVIPmag.com
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1 | November 2011 | theVIPmag.com
o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s
FASHION FOR MODERN
Southeast
Texas
Holiday
Centerpieces
EYE-POPPING
VIPersonality:
Katharine Carmichael
5 newcruise ships
departing fromGalveston
the costumes of
Cirque du soleil's Dralion
Pilgrims
and Indians
Newest
restaurants,
best pies,
top dishes,
creative chefs
and more
Your Thanksgiving
survival
guide
Pre-lit Artifcial Christmas Trees
6 ft. and larger
3737 Calder, Beaumont, TX
409-839-8473 www.ellispottery.com
M
ore and more, when
people start thinking
Christmas decorations,
theyre looking at LED
(light-emitting diode) lights. You might
think you dont know what LED lights
are, but you do. When you pass a house
where the lights are the brightest white
youve ever seen and crystal clear, youre
most likely looking at LEDs.
l e d l i g h t s
vip home
LED?
Should
you go
With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore:
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
white bulbs were glowing not one had burned out.
Out on the window, even shining through snow,
LED lights brought a bright, vibrant glow.
Your mommas old bulbs that nary lasted a year
often would fzzle, dousing holiday cheer.
Power bills soared, bringing post-Christmas woe.
No doubt that, these days, LEDs how to go.
LED lights can save you plenty on
your electric bill over the holidays but
can they match the warm nostalgic
glow of traditional bulbs?
text by MARGARET BATTISTELLI GARDNER
house,
No matter whom you talk
to, it seems, the holiday tide is
turning toward LEDs over tradi-
tional incandescent bulbs. First
and foremost, theyre safer.
Oh yeah, theyre a lot safer.
Theyre cooler to the touch,
said Chase Zweck, an EMT with
the Lumberton Fire Depart-
ment. People are starting to
realize that, and more people are
using them instead of regular
lights. I would defnitely recom-
mend them.
Steve Wilson, a supervisor at
The Home Depot in Beaumont,
agreed, noting how much cooler
LED lights burn.
You could hold on to an
LED light all day and not burn
yourself, he said. Theyre
safer. Much safer.
But safety isnt the only up-
side to switching to LED lights
for your holiday dcor. They
give of a cleaner, brighter light
than traditional bulbs that can
make your decorations really
pop inside or out. And they
come in as many sizes, shapes
and colors as traditional bulbs, if
not more.
The only reason I can see
for sticking with the traditional
lights is nostalgia, said Pat
Janes, assistant manager at M&D
Supply in Lumberton. I might
be dating myself here, but I
know a lot of people really like
those big, C-9 glass bulbs that
were very popular year ago. But
even those you can get those
in an LED version now. You can
get them in mini lights, icicles,
all colors. We sold some last
year that looked like little bits of
candy.
The best way to see the dif-
ference between LED lights and
their traditional counterparts is
to simply hold them side by side
and plug em in. The diference
in brightness is immediately
obvious.
Sales for the LED lights have
increased dramatically each
year for the past three years,
according to Janes and Wilson.
Janes said sales for LED lights
are expected to surpass those
of traditional lights this holiday
season, and Wilson goes so far
as to say, LED is the way of the
future as far as holiday lighting
goes.
Still, not everyone is totally
enamored with LED lights. True
traditionalists who like the
warm glow of non-LED lights
might want to stick to them. The
light of an LED might be con-
strued as more modern, harsher,
edgier even.
Dan Vaughn, of Lumberton,
is a dyed-in-the-wool fan of
Christmas lighting who likes to
do it up big-time. To him, LED
lights cant match the warm-
fuzzy, nostalgic feeling that
comes from the lights of his
youth.
Its not the same, at least
not to me, he said. He was
looking at strings of orange and
purple Halloween lights at the
Lumberton Wal-Mart at the
time, but slipped easily into
Christmas mode. The newer
lights just seem harsh to me.
Theyre pretty, but I dont
know not as welcoming. And
the worst is when people mix
them. It looks weird, like two
diferent eras colliding.
But what about safety?
Keep your lights in good
shape, hang them the right way
and take the right precautions,
Vaughn cautioned. Thats just
common sense with anything.
Sticking with the non-LED
lights you have on hand might
also be a boon to your holiday-
decorating budget albeit a
temporary one.
The Home Depots Wilson
said replacing all of your tradi-
tional lights with LED versions
in one fell swoop could triple the
cost. But over time, the LEDs
will easily pay for themselves.
Theyre much more energy
efcient, Wilson said, so your
electric bill over the course of
the holiday season will be no-
ticeably lower with LEDs.
Plus, the new bulbs last at
least fve to seven years before
they need to be replaced, he
added. Thats compared to about
two years for traditional lights.
Bottom line: The consensus
seems to be that LED lights
are the way to go for holiday
decorating.
I dont see any downside to
switching to LED lights, none
at all, Wilson said. I havent
heard any complaints whatsoev-
er about them, other than Gosh,
they cost a lot of money. VIP
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h o l i d a y d e c o r
vip home
H
allelujah! The Christmas
season is here! Its time to
make your home merry and
bright, so get out those boxes
of holiday treasures and maybe
add a few new items to your collection.
The must-have decorating item this year
is a Mark Roberts elf, according to Latisha
Sodolak, designer and co-owner of Nicko-
linas in Beaumont. These collectible fgures
are meticulously dressed, whimsical and
unique. You never know where one might
pop up in your house a window sill, atop
a shelf or peeking out of a stocking hanging
from the mantle. The mischievous little fel-
lows are known to move around. They are
great to decorate with, Sodolak said, adding
that some of her clients have put the elves
on the branches of their Christmas trees and
hung them from chandeliers. (If you hang
them from a light fxture above a dining
text by CATHLEEN COLE
i
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h
e
s
e
a
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n
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Mark Roberts elf available at Nickolinas in Beaumont. photography by LEE E. STINSON >>
table, keep them out of swinging
distance from the punch bowl.
You never know when one might
decide to go for a swim.)
When it comes to color
schemes, Sodolak noted, South-
east Texas is relatively traditional,
so you wont see many orangey
red and lime green palettes.
However, there is a twist to the
customary colors. Instead of gold,
the trend is toward copper and
bronze, which pairs well with
deeper reds such as burgundy. If
you choose a specifc style and
color scheme, you should follow
it to a degree but not exclusively.
It doesnt have to be all the same
that would be kind of boring,
Sodolak said. You want to make
it your own.
The two main styles this
year are natural and retro. The
woodsy/natural look is an earthy
style utilizing pine cones, holly
berries, boughs, gnomes, clip-
on birds and bird nests. Even
artichokes are made festive when
sprayed bronze and glittered up.
Its fabulous, Sodolak said. The
retro style follows the trends of
the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Remember the big Santa Claus
faces that hung on the walls?
Theyre back! And so are the little
elves and pixies, big Santa boots,
snowmen and blown-glass orna-
ments.
Sodolak likes ribbon as a deco-
rating accessory. Its not so much
bows anymore, she said. Instead
of twining garland around your
tree, use ribbon to add texture
and color.
And unless youre going with
the retro multi-colored lights for
your tree, the designer recom-
mends all white lights for a soft
backdrop that will be better for
showing of your ornaments.
Jeremy Schmitt of Hazel House
by McManus Co. in Beaumont
agrees that decorations designed
by Mark Roberts are a must-have
item this year, but he prefers the
glass ornaments. Nativity sets are
popular too. He also concurs that
Southeast Texas is a traditional
region, so youre not going to
see too much risk taking when it
comes to holiday dcor. Schmitts
easy and dazzling decorating tip:
Arrange glass ornaments in a
crystal bowl and turn on the lights
for a sparkling centerpiece.
But if traditional is not your
style, you might want to take a
look at what Shonte Cooley is
ofering at Urban Habitat and
Urban Chic in Beaumont. Her
holiday dcor includes burlap,
linen and silver-plated tea sets
worked into door wreaths and
ornaments. Some wreaths are
tied with burlap ribbons with
tea pots and platters strung on
them. Her Christmas balls are
covered in burlap and hung from
the chandeliers. Its repurposing
stuf that people are randomly
throwing away, she said. Its
doing something diferent.
Another new style for this
season is Christmas at the beach,
which fts right in here in South-
east Texas. According to Alden
Clanahan, vice president of trend
direction and design at Dallas
Market Center in Dallas, Texas,
a design trend for the upcoming
holiday season is seaside-inspired
dcor.
Think Christmas trees and
wreaths infused with seashells
and blown glass ornaments
featuring lobsters, crabs and
nautical themes.
Who knewthere were so many
choices when it comes to decking
your halls? May your days be
merry and bright, and may all
your Christmases be whatever
color scheme you choose!
Holiday touches
Fill a glass or crystal bowl with
glass ornaments to add sparkle to a
centerpiece.
Accent your home with natures
dcor: pine cones, fr tree boughs
and holly.
Give your childhood decorations a
place of honor among the new. (That
old, stuffed Santa Claus isnt shabby.
Hes loved!)
Ornaments look great on the light
fxtures as well as the Christmas
tree.
Replace your coffee table books
with Christmas picture books. Even
adults enjoy fipping through the
pages of holiday classics such as
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,
The Nutcracker, and The Night
Before Christmas.
Pictured holiday merchandise available at Nickolinas in Beaumont.
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Theres many
great things
about living
in SE Texas,
including the
places to shop.
So embrace
your true SE
Texan and
put on some
Gaudy, or is it
Gaudie?
b o u t i q u e s h o p p i n g
vip style
GAUDIE?
OR
GAUDY
H
ere at VIP, we embrace all that is Southeast Texas. And whether we
like to admit it or not, that means something gaudy every now and
then. Or for you, it may be a daily necessity. Like us, youve probably
heard of all the Gaudie and Gaudy boutiques that have sprung up
over the last several years. We were intrigued to know the difference
between all these similar-sounding places, and what we found was
something for everyone. Whether youre one of those that just wants a
little extra shine on a special occasion, or if you wear your maximum
bling loud and proud, dont be afraid to embrace your inner Gaudy
(or is it Gaudie?) at these great local boutiques.
text by GRACE MATHIS photography by LEE E. STINSON
A Little Bit Gaudy, Orange
T
o Shelly Adams, you cant fake
gaudy. Her boutique in Orange, A
Little Bit Gaudy, is so renowned
locally that she was dubbed Ms.
Gaudy by the local radio station.
But that wasnt always the case.
Until I was about 20, I was a big tomboy. But I was very
attracted to the blingnothing against the conservative
look but I wanted a little splash. It was just my passion to
have my own place. And it defnitely caught on. Adams
was running her husbands salon, Maximillians, when
she put a few purses and some jewelry out to sell to
clients. It just grew, she recalls, It grew steadily from
a corner to knocking a wall down. Now the joke is that
hes in a corner of my shop.
Adams says her shop appeals to young and old. Its
for anyone who wants a little extra shine, a little more
spi-daddle. And its easy to see what she means when
you walk through the doors. Customers are greeted with
hot pink and enough sparkle, rhinestones and shine to
make any girl smile. Its great to watch peoples faces
when they walk in, especially for the frst time. I dont
cater to just one size or age. Everyone should be happy
with the way they look. This is apparent when you see
the misses wall, with an eclectic array of trendy and
feminine tops that go up to size 3X.
Adams is rightfully proud of her special occasion
jewelry. Clients come in with a dress for Mardi Gras or
prom, and I can cater to them. I dont like having 10 or
12 of the same thing when its really unique. For daily
sparkle, be sure to check out the patented Gaudy Girl
apparel. One T-shirt in particular has done incredibly
well: If it doesnt sparkle I dont want it. That T-shirt
has done amazing. Its been in the store for eight weeks
and sold out four times. You can also fnd what Shelly
lovingly calls shiny hiney jeans, referring to brands
such as Miss Me. An elderly lady called them that and
it just stuck. Another feature not to miss is The Gaudy
Outlet, a room in the back where everything is $10 or
less. Even if your income is limited, the price is $10,
Adams explained. Its kinda like being able to bless
someone and they dont even know it.
When you visit A Little Bit Gaudy, make sure you walk
the entire store to take in all the sights and features.
And if you need some assistance, be sure to ask. The
friendly staff will gladly show you around. The main room
is packed full of clothes and jewelry, with the misses
wall to the left and a comfy seating area in the front.
And dont miss shoe and purse heaven (its on the left).
Also, make sure you check out the unique home dcor,
with anything from Victorian style candlesticks to rodeo
footstools.
With such a variety to offer her customers, certainly
anyone who leaves her store would fnd something they
love. Adams mission will be accomplished if you leave
her store a happier person. I love hearing them in the
dressing room giggling.
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O
ne savvy lady, Amy VanPelt,
owns 3 of our featured
boutiques. Gaudie and Co. in
Beaumont and in Nederland
and Gaudie Couture in Ned-
erland all have different func-
tions, but one ultimate purpose customer satisfaction.
Gaudie and Company in Nederland opened in 2004
as a seasonal gift store and remains one of Boston Av-
enues favorite boutiques to this day. What sets us apart
is our customer service. Some of the ladies that work
here have been with us for 7 years. A lot of customers
come in every week. They know if theyre having a bad
day, theyre gonna feel better when they leave.
Here, customers can fnd seasonal gifts for every
occasion. Everything in the store is handpicked by me
and are all things I would have in my own home or wear
myself, VanPelt said. Customers can expect to fnd
everything from beautiful home dcor, including ornate
chairs and custom-painted chests, to team spirit pieces
from PN-G to UT. Gaudie and Co. Nederland also carries
Lollia products, a favorite of Oprah.
Nothing is off limits here. You will fnd all kinds of
witty, classy and fun gifts. Cant decide? Gaudie and Co.
specializes in gift baskets and will be happy to help you
put together a unique packaged gift to ft any occasion.
Never doubt, when you enter the original Gaudie and
Co., you will fnd that perfect gift you never knew you
were looking for.
Gaudie and Co., Nederland
F
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Business Meetings & Conferences
Receptions & Luncheons
State-of-the Art Communications
Flexible RoomArrangements
Exquisite Decor
Where Business &
Pleasure Meet
1775 Cal der Ave. Beaumont , Texas
409. 832. 1621
www. broussardscent re. com
Gaudie Couture, Nederland
Gaudie and Co., Beaumont
G
audie Couture opened across
from the original Gaudie
and Co. in Nederland three
years after it opened. Owner
Amy VanPelt describes how
she started carrying some
clothing around Christmas one year. It would fy out,
so we started the other store. And in that store, she
also started carrying her own private label line. To keep
customers satisfed and coming back, she did her home-
work. We researched different lines that were a good
price range for customers to come in and shop every
week. The result is one of the most distinctive clothing
boutiques in the area. The overall feel is what VanPelt
calls everyday chic.
Youll most likely fnd something new every time
you visit, even if its once or twice a week. The staff is
constantly rotating stock so that its always fresh. Amy
explains how she also trains her employees by bringing
them to market with her. They learn how to teach
customers like how to layer, taking an outft from day
to night, or how an article of clothing can be versatile.
Customers will fnd trendy yet classy tops and bottoms,
anything from chunky knit vests to breezy pants. Much
of the jewelry is everyday wear, but there are defnitely
one-of-a-kind statement pieces as well. Be sure to look
for the private label, Gaudie Couture, as well as their se-
lection of jeans. We sell jeans for all women a classic
ft thats timeless. Like David Kahn. Whatever you end
up buying, its sure to be chic.
I
n 2009, Gaudie and Company opened its
doors in Beaumont and, according to owner
Amy VanPelt, it contains the best sellers from
both her gift store and clothing boutique in
Nederland. At frst, VanPelt says, she was
hesitant to open in Beaumont. In Nederland,
were very hometown, on a frst name basis, and its all
about the relationship. But we decided to open this store
away from the hustle and bustle of Beaumont, and we
really have the same thing here. Our customers trust
us.
Whether searching for a gift or just indulging in some
retail therapy, VanPelt advises, Dont be scared to let
the employees help you and show you whats new for
the season. Theyll help you fnd what youre looking for.
And theres plenty to love. From comfortable daywear
to sassy shoes to wardrobe-enhancing jewelry youll
fnd something to wear. And if you need something for
the home, you will defnitely fnd that too. Look for the
Cucina products, something thats very hard to fnd in
this area, as well Consuela bags and accessories.
We are a specialty boutique, but I think what brings
people back are the prices, VanPelt said. People can
get things they see on the runway in an affordable way.
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Mens and Womens Boutique
4004 Dowlen next to Hobby Lobby
Housewives
of Jefferson
County
LA-TEE-DA
From the
Love Heals
Collection.
Exclusively
at Purse Strings
6385 Calder 866-9742
126 Strickland Drive in Orange
Tuscany Park, on Dowlen Rd. in Beaumont
www.mathewsjewelers.com
Find Out Who is
Naughty and Nice.
Tailor-Made
N
atalie Morales is the owner and head stylist at N Salon in
Beaumont. She has been in the hair business for 15 years and
works with clients of all types. When I was 12, I saw a family
member doing hair and thought, I wouldve done that differently. Im
gonna do hair and do it the way I want to do it, she said.
To create her holiday look, Natalie chose the Aquage Bespoke tech-
nique. The word bespoke historically meant having clothing custom-
tailored to the customers specifcations. In the Aquage method,
Natalie uses a tapestry needle and weaving thread to literally stitch a
tailor-made up-do. Very few, if any, bobby pins are used to secure the
style, which allows for creative freedom.
I was inspired to use this technique because Im very artistic and
each time I am basically creating an original piece, Morales said.
Using the needle and thread, Natalie created random texture. Once
I create texture with this technique, my creativity is endless. With this
way of doing up the hair, it can be really vintage yet modern. The fnal
effect is a one-of-a-kind, modern and loose look that could be straight
from the pages of any fashion magazine.
Model: Arial Aguilar, 28, from Groves
h a i r s t y l e s
vip style
T
he holidays are here, and that means parties, parties
and more parties. Whether its a family get-together
or a formal affair, we can all use some inspiration
on looking our glam best for every special occasion.
To show us the way, we recruited three of the areas
most talented and unique hairstylists, Natalie Morales,
Haley Hardin, and Patrice Seelke. Take cues from
these masters on how to fnd your most inspired holiday hair ever.
Holiday
stylings
text by GRACE MATHIS
Short and Sassy
H
aley Hardin has been at On Stage for two years and working as a stylist
for just a year. But dont be fooled: This young woman is an artist with
hair. With a self-described quirky sense of style, she discovered she
wanted to do hair during her high school years. I knew I wanted to do some-
thing creative with my career, and Im not good at painting or music, Hardin
said. Your hair is a big part of your style. I like to give people what they want,
but I also make suggestions just in case they want something different. I help
them think of things they wouldnt even know to think of, but if they want to
stay the same thats okay with me too.
In Hardins holiday look, she wanted to accentuate her models asymmetri-
cal haircut. To do so, she created a sense of edginess on the longer side with
texture, while also keeping the other side sleek for the holidays.
Being a short-haired woman herself, she has advice for all the women that
have short hair, but may feel more limited in their holiday styling options. I love
different textures. If you have short hair you can take a paste or pomade and
just mess with the texture, or use a small curling iron. To have a completely dif-
ferent look, thats a big step. There are no rules when it comes to styling your
short hair. Flaunt what you have. You cut your hair short for a reason.
Model: Courtney Owens, 19, from Vidor
Curl Revolution
P
atrice Seelke has loved the fashion and beauty
industry since an early age. Now shes been
doing hair for 13 years and owned her own
salon for three. Anyone who enters P.S. Moderne
Cheveux Salon will readily get a feel for Seelkes
aesthetic. Modern yet classic, and oftentimes edgy,
Seelke gives a girl what she wants. And for the
holidays, she said, a girl wants curls. Curls are
always great for the holiday season. If youre gonna
wear your hair down, you should have some curls in
it to dress it up.
To create the updated version of the timeless
holiday curls, Seelke used an evolution of the curling
iron, a curling rod. Unlike the traditional curling
iron, the curling rod has no clamp. Because of this,
Seelke explains, The curling rod reduces the risk of
the fshtail bend that you get with the curling iron.
The rod also gets signifcantly hotter than most curl-
ing irons. So hot, in fact, that most rods come with
a glove to protect the hand. You wrap the hair from
the tip of the curling rod to the bottom, and by the
time youve wrapped the strand, a few seconds later
the curl is set. Seelke recommends anyone with
shoulder length hair or longer try using a curling rod,
since you have to grab the ends of the hair and wrap
it yourself. It gives smoother curls than the curling
iron, and the curls last longer because its hotter.
So for the holidays, follow Patrices advice and join
what she calls the curl revolution.
Model: Tiffany Martin, 29, from Orange
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B
he delicious scents of
fresh-baked cakes and
pastries waft your way
as soon as you open
the door to Something
Special Bakery in Beaumont. The
display cases hold sweets including
cookies, muffins, brownies and
lemon squares as well as a little
eye candy sugar-paste stiletto
high-heel sculptures. A meticulously
made gingerbread house sits on the
counter next to a festive topiary
made with cupcakes. There are some
cakes in the refrigerated case if a
customer needs to pick up a more
substantial dessert on short notice,
although most of the cakes baked
here are custom ordered. But the
real eye-catchers are the towering
wedding cakes showcased around
the shop. These grand icons of
sweet bridal bliss are what
Julana Phenix is known for,
along with her sculpted
cakes. Art and food go
hand in hand, said the
artist and former chef.
Enjoying your food
starts with how the
food looks.
And the cake
designers food looks
excellent according
to her loyal custom-
ers and the judges at That Takes the
Cake! an annual competition held
in Austin. In 2008, she won frst place
for a cake likeness of Uga, the Uni-
versity of Georgias bulldog mascot.
In 2010, she earned second place for
a cake depicting a cowboy riding a
bucking bull. (She enters competi-
tions every two years, so shes starting
to think about her entry for 2012.)
Although Phenix began with a ba-
sic decorating class in 1991, she taught
herself much more after that. If I
want to know something, I will fnd
someone to teach me, she said, or I
will teach myself.
Visualizing and sculpting
Although Phenix will take on al-
most any assignment, dogs are among
her favorite subjects to sculpt. Im
a dog person, she noted. And shes
passionate about her bridal cakes. I
have done some beautiful wedding
cakes that I hated to see leave the
shop.
What have been her most difcult
projects? A lot of cakes have made
me cry, she admitted. One in particu-
lar was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle,
the frst motorcycle she ever did, for
an event at Cowboy Harley-Davidson.
Considering the venue, it had to be
perfect. It took her a week to com-
plete.
Any major failures? Oh yes! she
responded instantly. She once took
an order for a dogs birthday cake and
made it out of people food includ-
ing whole-wheat four, peanut
butter, cream cheese and yogurt.
It was supposed to be shaped
like a dog bowl. It wasnt
working, she remem-
bered. She wont do
cakes for dogs now, but
will happily make dog
biscuits.
And then there
was the Betty
Greenberg cake.
Phenix makes cake
busts and, years
ago, was asked to
h o l i d a y c o n f e c t i o n s
food drink
Visions of
text by CATHLEEN COLE and photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
the towering
ased around
grand icons of
what
wn for,
sculpted
go
the
chef.
made it out of people
ing whole-wheat
butter, cream
It was supposed
like a d
working,
bered.
cakes
will
biscuits.
For Julana Phenix, creating beautiful
holiday confections is a piece of cake
make a bust of one of Beaumonts lead-
ing ladies for whom the Betty Greenberg
Center for Performing Arts is named. It
looked just like her, Phenix recalled.
Three hours before the party, the cake
slipped of the table and hit the foor. I
didnt have time to cry, she said. I was
in adrenaline shock. She kicked the pro-
cess up a notch and fnished the second
cake in time.
Greenberg was happy with her sugary
image. (She learned of the fasco later.)
She is so, so talented! the retired com-
munity volunteer said of Phenix. Were
fortunate to have her in Beaumont.
Whenever I need a great dessert, I go to
Julana.
When creating a sculpted cake,
Phenix visualizes the shape in her mind.
I close my eyes when Im sculpting a
cake, she said, adding that the sense of
touch is often better than the sense of
sight.
In good taste
Its not all about the looks either. The
cakes have to taste good too. I use my
own recipes, Phenix said. I make my
own icings. She also makes an impor-
tant point: If my cakes didnt taste
good, customers wouldnt be coming
back.
Speaking of taste, the cake artist will
not design tasteless cakes, so if youre
looking for something bawdy for a bach-
elor or bachelorette party, dont call her.
How much dough?
Customers should order their
sculpted cakes at least one month in
advance, although Phenix says she and
her staf of fve can do something in
a pinch. For weddings, she prefers a
minimum of three months. The average
cost of one of her wedding cakes is $4
per serving, and the typical order is for
a cake to serve 150 to 300 people, so
$600 to $1,200. The cost of a sculpted
cake depends on the cake. Its very
hard to charge for art, she said. She
starts with a per-serving price and goes
up from there. But basically, a sculpted
cake will not cost less than $300.
Phenix makes about 50 party cakes
and fve wedding cakes a week for clien-
tele in Southeast Texas and Southwest
Louisiana. She does a brisk business in
cupcakes too 200 to 300 a week. Her
husband, Ken Phenix, delivers all the big
cakes. Hes my muscle, she said.
The custom cake baker makes more
wedding cakes than sculpted cakes.
When taking an order for a wedding
cake, she prefers to be assigned the
grooms cake as well. She will do only
the wedding cake, but she will not
do just the grooms cake. The reason?
People assume she did the wedding cake
if she made the grooms cake. I have
no control over the other cake, she
explained. She tells of a reception for
which she made the grooms cake and
she was setting it up with her husband.
Nearby, the wedding cake was taking on
a dangerous tilt. People started asking
her to fx it, but she couldnt because she
didnt make it.
A piece of cake
The bakers personal top choice for
sweet indulgences is her whiskey cake
served warm with vanilla ice cream.
I love it, she said. Its defnitely my
favorite cake.
But Phenix does not eat cake every
day and savors a slice mostly on special
occasions. After Im done working, I
dont want to see cake, she said with a
laugh.
Is being creative a piece of cake for
the culinary artist? Its a lifestyle, she
explained. It brings me joy. Everything
Ive learned before is culminated in what I
do now. Ive found my artistic niche. VIP
Programs of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation.
Holiday Open House at The W.H. Stark House
December 13 and 15 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. whstarkhouse.org
Enjoy seasonal decorations and live music during a complimentary frst-foor
tour of this Texas Historic Landmark. Tours begin in the adjacent Carriage
House and refreshments will be served. For details, call 409.883.0871.
Holiday Exhibit Celebration at Stark Museumof Art
December 13 and 15 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. starkmuseum.org
Delight in holiday music and enjoy gallery spotlights on medieval books of hours, some
of which have artwork with a Christmas theme. This event is free to the public, and light
refreshments will be served. For details, call 409.886.ARTS.
Christmas Strolls at Shangri La Botanical Gardens
December 8, 13, 15, 20 and 22 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. shangrilagardens.org
Enjoy a free, leisurely stroll through the decorated botanical gardens with friends
and family. See lighted areas with seasonal dcor and listen to holiday music
along the way. For details, call 409.670.9113.
Mannheim Steamroller at Lutcher Theater
December 29 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. lutcher.org
Celebrate the spirit of the season with this incredible holiday performance of
beloved Christmas music along with state-of-the-art multimedia efects in an
intimate setting. Tickets are on sale now. For details, call 409.886.5535.
AHoliday Experience of Small Town Charmand World Class Culture Awaits.
Holiday
CHEER
b e v e r a g e s
food drink
Pour a glass of
T
he weather outside might be frightful, but
with the holiday season upon us, its time to light
the fireplace, snuggle up with a cozy blanket
and enjoy a warm adult beverage. Amongst the
yuletide decorations, nothing quite says Merry
Christmas like a festive drink. Whether youre
entertaining 50 people or just two, these holiday
spirit recipes, lent to us by some of Southeast
Texas best mixologists, are guaranteed to put,
and keep, you in the holiday mood.
text by AMANDA CORBELL photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
Getting recipes for Christmas
beverages is as simple as typing your
request into Google. There are liter-
ally hundreds of websites dedicated
to making sure you have the best
spiked eggnog in the neighborhood
or the best Hot Toddies. A few of
the superior sites include www.what
todrink.com, www.thatsthespirit.com
and www.foodandwine.com. Find
ideas for festive garnishments and
even ways to decorate your serving
glasses within these sites.
However, the recipes we were
given to pass along to you are nothing
short of creative and delicious.
The ambience inside of the
Tradewinds Tavern at the MCM
Elegante Hotel will instantly make
you feel warm and cozy. With a warm
freplace and Christmas dcor lining
the mantle, youll feel right at home
whether you want to crack a book or
spend time with friends. When asked
about the Taverns most requested
holiday drinks, food and beverage
specialist, Athena Ferrell, gave us
three recipes to pass along to our
readers.
Fireside Cocoa
We created all of these drinks
right here at Tradewinds, said Fer-
rell. I will say that the Fireside
Cocoa is my specialty, though.
Fireside Cocoa is made with a cup
of hot chocolate, one shot of Malibu
rum and topped with whipped cream
or marshmallows.
These are ordered quite a bit
during the holiday season, she said.
Our patrons love them and love to
sit with their hot chocolates by the
freplace and watch a game or just
relax.
Chocolate Covered
Cherry
The other two popular holi-
day drinks at the Tavern include a
Chocolate Covered Cherry, which
is served year-round, and Cat Daddy
Nogs.
Chocolate Covered Cherry is
made using Essen Black Cherry,
Tequila Rose and Godiva White
Chocolate Liquor. Chocolate syrup is
drizzled over the glass and it is gar-
nished with a cherry and trufe. It is
as positively sinful as it sounds.
Cat Daddy Nogs
Cat Daddy Nogs are made using
Cat Daddy spiced Californian moon-
shine (the real deal) and a creamy egg
nog.
Tradewinds Tavern opens at 4 p.m.
during the week and hosts a happy
hour from 4-8 p.m., ofering 25 per-
cent of all drinks.
Mistletoe Tini
If youre tired of looking at Christ-
mas decorations and just want to hear
some good music and have a drink,
Thirstys may be more your style.
Bartender Marissa Harrington and
bar manager, Jennifer Pelkey, created
the Mistletoe Tini for patrons who
wanted a warm drink for when its
cool outside.
As a bartender its fun to come up
with diferent drink recipes, especial-
ly during the holidays, said Pelkey.
I think many bartenders would
agree it keeps us on our toes and
makes us feel good when customers
like something we came up with.
The Mistletoe Tini is one pint
of hot chocolate and ounce of each
of the following: Milk, Baileys Irish
Cream, Crme De Cacao and Rumple-
mintz. Chill a martini glass, swirl
chocolate syrup in the glass for a fun
and pretty design, and then sprinkle
crushed peppermint in the glass as
garnish. Take all of the ingredients
and stir in a shaker and then strain
into your favorite Christmas martini
glass. Top with whipped cream and
cinnamon sugar.
Customers love the taste and pre-
sentation of this drink, said Pelkey.
Plus, we have a small bar, so when
hot chocolate is made, the aroma flls
up the bar and customers cant help
but want to taste it. Hot chocolate
makes everyone feel all warm and
fuzzy insideadd alcohol and its just
that much better!
Stumbling in a
Winter Wonderland
Hot chocolate and eggnog are the
frst things that most people think of
when talking about holiday drinks.
If youre looking for something a
little less warm and flling, stop by
Spankys in Orange and have one of
the Brandons (theres two) whip
you up a concoction they like to call
Stumbling in a Winter Wonderland.
Bartender Brandon Bates says he
came up with the idea while watching
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
last year, while by himself. An artist
by nature, Bates decided Spankys
needed to ofer patrons a good dose of
Christmas cheer during the holiday
season.
I suppose you could order this
drink year-round, the same way
I dont see a problem with eating
Christmas cookies in July, he said.
If you come see us at Spankys, Ill
make it for you whenever youd like.
The appropriately-named Stum-
bling in a Winter Wonderland is
comprised of Bacardi Dark Rum,
Malibu Rum, Vodka, Midori (for a
green glow), one splash of Grenadine
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and is complimented by a sugar rim.
Come check us out at Spankys in
Orange, said Bates. Its where everyone
knows your name and who doesnt want
that around this time of year?
Christmas Spirit
Goodfellas in Beaumont is known for
their Sunday brunch and a vast menu.
While their bottomless mimosas bring a
crowd, its their newest addition to the
drink menu that has patrons feeling
well, spirited. Their contribution, a drink
they like to call Christmas Spirit is
another option for those who like to keep
things lighter and fresher this time of year.
With a new seasonal menu in the restau-
rant, Christmas Spirit is a great option
to go with tapas or for a quick happy hour.
Made with your choice of dark rum, pine-
apple juice, orange juice and grenadine, it
is garnished with a candy cane and served
in a martini glass.
We just created this drink and are add-
ing it to the menu as we speak, said store
manager, Charles McMorris. We have a
big crowd that supports our holiday drinks
and Im sure this one will go over very
well.
Candy Cane Martini
The Candy Cane Martini at Tokyo
Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar is
served only during the month of December,
so get it while you can. Bar manager, Gator
Armitage, says that while Tokyo didnt
technically invent this recipe, they did cre-
ate the opportunity for patrons to enjoy a
traditional Christmas cocktail in a Japanese
restaurant.
This December will be the frst time
weve ofered this cocktail, said Armitage.
We believe our customers will defnitely
enjoy it.
The Candy Cane Martini includes
three-quarter ounces of the following: Sky
Berry Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps and
White Crme de Caco. Add one-quarter
ounce of grenadine, some half and half
milk, a splash of soda and serve it in a mar-
tini glass with a peppermint candy rim.
Whether you live in Orange or Beau-
mont, these bars are dedicated to spreading
good cheer one holiday spirit at a time.
Stop in after a long day of Christmas shop-
ping and sample these decadent treats or
use our recipe guide to re-create them at
home.
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VIP
medical spa & laser center
skinologie
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Call today for a consultation! 409.833.0342 www.skinologie.com
this gift is a thing of beauty
You choose the amount, she chooses how to use it:

D
eer hunters
chuckle ruefully
over comedian
Jeff Foxworthys
rant to his wife
about the sacrifices he makes
to bring in quality food for
his family: Sitting in freezing
temperatures for hours,
spending, by his calculations,
$162 a pound for venison after
adding up his expenses for
the deer lease, full camo gear,
a newfour-wheeler, hunting
magazines, Little Debbies,
Vienna sausages and Saltines,
among other necessities.
Is it worth it? Well, you
cant buy venison at the
grocery store, and it is a lean,
low-cholesterol, low-sodium
protein. At .5 grams of fat
per serving (zero saturated),
venison has typical farm-raised
meats beat. For example, an
ounce of chicken breast has
approximately 3 grams of fat,
.84 grams saturated, according
to registered dietitian Mary
Ellen Vivrett. All wild meats
are leaner than even free-range
chicken and most fsh, she
said.
Chef Monica Cobb, who
produces the Renegade Din-
ners in Beaumont that serve
only foods wild caught, shot or
foraged, also believes veni-
son is a healthier alternative.
In my opinion, wild game is
healthier because its not fed
hormones and grains laden
with chemical additives and
preservatives. Though Vivrett
agreed in principle with Cobb,
she noted that some hunters
fll their feeders with corn and
other supplemental food so
the deer may not have a purely
foraged diet.
Beaumont resident and
deer hunter Greg Fountains
family eats deer meat all year,
having venison sausage or
ground meat several times a
week. Last year, my family
killed seven deer, processed
fve and gave two away for oth-
ers to process, he said. We
got cutlets, ground meat and
150 pounds of pan and link
sausage.
According to Fountain, the
most important ingredient to
favorful meat is not the reci-
pes or which processor is used,
its what the hunter does in the
feld. The frst step to quality
venison is preparation and
proper cleaning in the feld,
he instructed. Its important
to have a water source to keep
your meat clean. Some hunt-
ers wet the hide of the deer,
so the hair isnt fying all over.
Some people gut while they are
cleaning. We hang it up and
cut the backstrap, shoulders,
hindquarters and trimmings.
You lose the tenderloin and
ribs, but it makes for an easier,
quicker cleaned animal. Keep
everything washed down, clean
as close to the time of kill as
The Most Expensive
The rewards of
deer hunting
yield a healthy
alternative, but
venison comes
at a price
text by CHERYL ROSE
v e n i s o n
food drink
Photos show just a few of the many
ways to prepare venison.
Meat on the Planet?
possible and get it on ice. We
carry several chests of ice with
us.
Letting the meat sit on ice
for several days extracts some
of the blood and reduces the
gaminess often associated with
venison, Fountain explained.
Steve Zummo of Zummo Meat
Company said hunters should
bring in their meat skinned,
quartered and on ice. We in-
spect every animal thoroughly
to make sure its good quality
and will make a safe and great
tasting product, he said. If it
doesnt look up to our stan-
dards, we wont take it in.
Zummos processed 1,500
head of deer last season
brought in from customers
from Baytown to Lake Charles.
For $65, Zummos cuts and
tenderizes steaks, roasts and
ground meat, returned to the
customer vacuum-packed and
ready for frozen storage up to
a year. For a price per pound,
processors can mix pork with
the venison to make sausage or
boudin. At his facility, Zummo
said they have a choice of 15
varieties of sausages. Another
popular option is deer jerky.
Fountain likes to grill a
backstrap medallion wrapped
in bacon and stufed with jala-
penos and cream cheese. His
family also substitutes ground
venison for recipes that usually
call for beef, such as tacos and
spaghetti.
Vivrett cautioned that
venison can lose its health
advantage depending on how
it is prepared. When it is
processed, typically 60/40 with
pork fat, it negates its healthi-
ness with fat and sodium, she
said. However, if prepared
in a low-fat method, using
a low-fat/low-salt marinade
and a low-fat cooking method,
without breading or frying, it
is a healthful choice.
Many people marinate
venison to reduce the gaminess
favor. Vivrett recommends us-
ing low-fat or nonfat milk as a
marinade, or any acid medium
that wont add fat or sodium,
such as juice, vinegar, beer or
wine to tenderize the meat.
Cobb said the backstrap
is the most popular cut of
deer meat. In cooking veni-
son steaks, its all about the
seasonings and the marinade,
she advised. Cobbs favorite
marinades for venison are
Szechaun-style with ginger and
soy, or Al Pastor with grilled
pineapples, chipotle peppers
and achiote paste. She likes to
marinate the meat for two to
three days to infuse the mari-
nade into the venison. Be sure
to let the marinated venison
come to room temperature be-
fore grilling to ensure it cooks
evenly. Also, let the grilled veni-
son rest for at least 10 minutes
before slicing, to allow the meat
to soak up all the juices.
Tacos Al Pastor
Marinade ingredients:
3.5 ounces achiote paste (can be found in
specialty Mexican markets)
3 cans chipotle peppers plus 4 Tbsp. of
sauce from canned chipotles
cup vegetable oil
Combine all ingredients in a blender
and add cup water.
Soak the venison steaks or roasts in
the fnished marinade for 24 hours.
Grill thinly sliced onions and pineapple
pieces.
Grill venison and let rest before slicing.
Slice against the grain, as thin as
possible.
Mix sliced venison with chopped grilled
onions and chopped grilled pineapple.
Assemble in corn tortilla with chopped
cilantro or serve over a jicama salad.
(Yield: 20 tacos)
Recipe provided by Monica Cobb
s e t e x a s e v e n t s
vip spotlights
Art of Beer
SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
Frank Messina, Holly Thomas, Ryan Zummo
Brian and Mandy Mazzola
Russell Herrando and James Mathews
Ric and Shannon Carver Kate Davis and Shelly Vitanza
Calem Atkins, Seth Danna and Steve Zummo
Melynda and Dan Brown Brooke Hall, Jennifer Beebe
Clayton Manzer and
Ashley Anderson
Traci Coleman, Hillary Dishman
Lamarissimo
Jazz concert
Robert and Sarah Scott
Ralph and Judy Knight
Virginia and Brian Bean
Ross and Betty White
SCOTT ESLINGER
The Blind Factory
Windows give life to a room.
How you treat them defnes
the mood and the atmosphere.
Your style is unique, so you
need options. Your room
should refect who you are
and make you want to walk
by just to sneak a glance
every once in awhile. It
should be the result of your
inner designer being inspired.
Unlike ready made draperies,
our window treatments are
created to your specifcations
so your treatments ft your
windows perfectly.
7396 College St. Beaumont, TX 77707 409.866.4055 Toll Free 877.281.9717

Rain Lutcher Theater
Lynn, Jim, Nicole and Nate Clark and Lacy Trumble
Brenda Shelton, Len Ford Melissa and James Moore
Jenny and Chris Moore
LEE E. STINSON
Blessed Just to Have One
Love, Julie Rogers Theatre
SCOTT ESLINGER
Dorothy and George Mathews Peggy and Earl Minard, Jr.
Keith, Debra, Keishunn and Keitha Gallien
Lorraine Garcia, Danny Martinez
and Francis Moreno
LaTarsha and Jamel Johnson, Cherrell Davis
Shannon George, Barbara Greene Jennifer and Norman Morgan and Mykel Watson Vanesa Soloman
E
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www.burnsantikhaus.com
Harbor Hospice
Dinner for Life
Mary Jowers, Evelyn Lord, Carol Flatten and Judy Kelfstrom
David and Vikki Murphy, Larry and Nancy Beaulieu
Chris Pitre, Kim Wilson, Kenny Griffth and Amy Pitre
Bryan and Ashley Gaspard
Dawn Lemoine, Sonia Landry, Mary Gutschky Gerald Eddins, Lynda Kay and James Makin
Angie Herrin, Greg and Karen Hamby
REN SHEPPARD
For the Seasoned Diner
Celebrate
Any Occasion
with
D.J.s Boudain!
D.J.s is your hometown supplier
of boudain and rice dressing.
Look for it at any one
of your local grocery stores.
Mexican
Restaurant & Cantina
Mexican
Restaurant & Cantina
4414 Dowlen (Crossroad Center) 409-924-7718
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD
Gift Certifcates Available!
HAPPY HOUR 3-7 Mon - Fri
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Texas-Style
LEE E. STINSON
DOG-toberfest
FARRAH COBB
Lamar Get Your Red On
LEE E. STINSON
Dar Kavouspar, Nicole Chance
Rosie, AJ and Abron Sellers Julie and Alan Coleman Kathe and Jim Hendricks
Floyd and Patti McSpadden and Sina Nejad
Paula Lavoi, Becky Brittain
www.paintingwithatwist.com/beaumont
Book your
Holiday Party
now!
Jimmy and Susan Simmons Lewis and Marsha Hoffer
Aggie and Young In
ARTopia Gala
Alison Low and
Ashley Bryan
FARRAH COBB
Darrell Troppy
and Ellen Shultz
Autumn Nites Car Show
Laci and Gina Bowman
Rita Jones, James LeJune Marcus Sheffeld, Diane Snook
Freya Niederstadt, Debbie Noble
TRISUN Healthcare
Hometown choices for skilled nursing care
and individualized medical rehabilitation.
Beaumont Orange
Summer Place The Meadows
2485 South Major Dr. 4201 FM 105
Call Becca at Call Lori at
409-861-4611 409-883-8803
Port Arthur
Cypress Glen Cypress Glen East
7200 9th Ave. 4225 Lake Arthur Dr.
Call Lluvia at Call Christina at
409-729-8701 409-727-3193
Call for more information or
stop by today for a tour!
Party With Us!
Gift Cards Available.
HAPPY HOUR:
2290 IH 10 South at Washington Blvd. (409) 842-0686
Sun - Thur 11am-10pm Fri - Sat 11am-11pm
M-F 4PM-7PM
Reservations are Available!
BookYour Holiday Parties Now!
Take Outs are Welcomed!
HOLIDAY
Recession? What recession? For those not on a budget this
holiday season, heres some of Southeast Texas most expensive
and luxurious gifts sure to please those you love and fulfll their
VIPS LUXURY GIFT GUIDE 2011
l u x u r y h o l i d a y g i f t s
vip adviser
text by LARENA HEAD photography by REN SHEPPARD
2012 BMW 126b
650i Coupe
A sleek and
powerful precision
automobile.
BMW of Beaumont,
$102,175
Coach Flagship
Leather Dowel
Flap Purse
A striking and
iconic silhouette
in soft tumbled
leather inlaid
with suede.
Dillards, $798
Pair of pocket doors
Turn of the century
pocket doors can be
repurposed to create
a fne detailed room
divider or wine cellar.
Art Antiques & Stuff
Gallery, $4,400
Ping Ansers
Iron Set
Preferred by the
pros, the Anser
iron combines an
8620 steel body
and a tungsten
sole to provide
unequalled
forged-iron
performance.
Games People
Play, $1,439
WISHES!
Zuzuki Scooter
The Burgman 650
Exec combines
modern styl-
ing, scooter-style
convenience and
full-size motorcycle
performance for an
unbeatable ride.
Golden Triangle
Powersports, $9,899
Martin D28 Elvis
Presley Acoustic
Guitar
A beautifully
crafted acoustic
guitar ft for the
king.
Guitar & Banjo,
$8,499
Samsung Stain-
less French Door
Refrigerator
High-tech, large
capacity refrigerator is
attractive and has just
about every b ell and
whistle available.
Conns, $3,499
Boulle mantle clock
This gorgeous and intricate
1830 clock is fnely crafted from
tortoise shell and brass.
Finders Fayre, $15,000
Yellow princess
diamond ring
Nothing says I love
you quite like a
diamond.
Alters Gem Jewelry,
$109,000
1850 Thomas Road
This breathtaking 14,066 sq ft home boasts 8 bedrooms
and bathrooms and a massive list of impressive features.
American Real Estate, $2.75 million
27-inch iMac
The ultimate in
desktop computers,
with 4 gigabytes of
memory, 1 terabyte
hard drive and a
3.1 GHz Quad-Core
Intel Core. Oh,
and a monitor that
will make your TV
jealous
Best Buy, $1,999
All prices are as of Nov. 15, 2011 and are subject
to change at the discrepancy of the retailers.
STARSOF
Jura-Capresso Impressa C5
Grind, tamp, brew and clean in under 60 seconds with a
push of a button! Jura-Capresso Automatic Coffee Cen-
ters make the freshest, most aromatic coffee, espresso,
cappuccino and latte completely automatically.
Kitchen Koncepts, $999.99
Specialized Roubaix Expert Road Bike
The Roubaix is made of high quality and
extremely lightweight materials, which
allow for much higher speeds and easy
maneuverability.
Bicycle Sports, $3,499.99
The Little Lady of the Big House
A 1st edition of the classic novel The Little
Lady of the Big House by Jack London
The Book Bazaar, $560
Terani Couture
Dress
Elegance
meets couture
construction
with this elegant
evening dress.
Bella Bella,
$850
King Louis XIII
Cognac
An exquisite co-
gnac worthy of
a king contained
in a beautifully
crafted Baccarat
crystal decanter.
Specs, $2,078
Limited Edition Breitling watch
Show your one and only just how special
she is with a limited edition Breitling
watch. 18 kt of red gold and a wrist full
of diamonds should do the trick.
Mathews Jewelers, $80,500
Diamond necklace
Drape your neck in
diamonds with this
brilliant adornment
by Riviera.
Mathews Jewelers,
$48,900
Ballerinas art
Two 3x4 foot mixed
media pieces by
Beaumont artist
Darrell Troppy.
Sold as pair,
$10,000
Bed and bedding
A luxurious bed truly ft for a queen, including Queen Cou-
ronne bed, linen ties, bedspread and shams, down and
feather pillows, embroidered sham and accent pillows.
Hazel House, McManus Co., Bed: $2,995. Bedding:
$1,575 (as shown in picture)
iPad 2
A must have
for tech lovers.
Computer
Dimensions,
$829
2012 Mercedes-
Benz S550V
The S550V has the
style and passion
of a Mercedes-
Benz coupe, with
the innovation and
value of a high-end
luxury vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz
of Beaumont,
$108,585
WONDER!
Panasonic 65
3D TV
Is this the year
that you fnally
step into the
3D world? The
VIERA GT30
Series Full HD
3D plasma will
put you directly
inside the action.
Conns, $3,699
Universal Remote MX-6000
Enjoy the ease of controlling your en-
tire home theatre with a single remote.
Brock Audio/Video, $1,299
Tour Italy
Live la dolce vita while travel-
ing from Naples to Venice on a
14 day classic Italy tour.
Beaumont Travel Consultants,
starting at $7,090 per person
Nikon D700 package
Nikons and the worlds best
serious digital camera. Pack-
age includes telephoto lens.
Best Buy, $4,669
c h r i s t m a s c a r d s
vip adviser
Holiday cards
either rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night shall keep
noble post men and women from delivering.
Delivering, unfortunately, stacks upon stacks of
junk mail and bills.
In fact, there is only one time of year that our
mailboxes seem to get a reprieve when the glad
tidings outnumber the bad chidings from the elec-
tric company.
A holiday card is one of the cheeriest traditions
of the long winter season. 140-character status
updates just cant quite capture the warmth and
excitement of opening up a card from an old friend
or relative. Sadly, technology has slaughtered the
art of traditional correspondence, rendering many
Americans helpless when it comes to putting pen to
paper.
The holidays may be the only time of the year
that we formally correspond with our friends and
family, explained Vicki Bauer, certifed etiquette
consultant and owner of the Etiquette School of
Southeast Texas. Christmas cards are an act of
personal generosity a mini gift that celebrates the
season.
According to Vicki, the ultimate goal of any form
The when, how and whos of
N
text by HOLLI PETERSEN
of etiquette is to make those around you
feel comfortable. Referring to an eti-
quette edge, Vicki refnes her clients
ability to make successful impressions
and gracefully navigate social situations.
Whether communicating with a room
full of people, or just sending out a hand-
ful of Christmas cards, proper propriety
speaks volumes.
So, before stamping that frst en-
velope, consider these tips for holiday
correspondence, guaranteed to touch
the heart of those lucky enough to be on
your mailing list.
Timing is Everything
It can be difcult to fnd time to write,
address and send cards with all the
demands of the season. But, dont make
the mistake of starting your New Year
of late with a belated holiday greeting.
Vicki advises that senders mail their
cards after Thanksgiving, with the antici-
pation that theyll arrive within the frst
few weeks of December. Not only does
an early delivery get the task out of the
way before the calendar gets ridiculously
full, but it also allows recipients time to
reciprocate, if they havent already.
Savor the Flavor
With so many available choices, se-
lecting the perfect card can be a daunting
decision. Adding elements, like photos
or newsletters, can become even more
stressful. Instead of feeling overwhelmed
by the sheer volume of options, take
Vickis advice and stay true to your own,
personal tastes. If you lean toward the
lighthearted, there is nothing wrong with
sending a more humorous card. Include a
newsletter if you have important updates
to share. And, dont be afraid to dress up
beloved pets and pose them for a holiday
photo! Cheer can come in a myriad of
favors, so dont be afraid to be unique.
Go Ahead, Get Personal
Forget the design of the card. Forget
the fancy language. The most important
part of your greeting is the signature.
Unequivocally, Vicki believes every card
should be hand-signed. To go the extra
mile, include a short, personal message.
That individual touch is a thoughtful re-
minder that you were sincerely thinking
about each recipient.
Politically Correct?
Absolutely, this instant, stop fretting
about ofending someone. Christmas is
not a dirty word. Neither is Hanukkah
or Kwanza. Just keep in mind that love
is a four-letter word that transcends all
politically correct boundaries. If youre
still concerned about sending cards to
those of other faiths and backgrounds,
Vicki suggests considering each scenario
individually. For some, it might be nice
to send non-religious, seasonal cards
that share generic sentiments. Or, if you
know the afliations of your contacts, it
never hurts to send a card wishing them
happiness with their own celebrations.
But, never let such diferences stand in
the way of sharing your holiday cheer
with those you care about.
iDonts
Oh, the e-card quite possibly the
younger, hipper arch rival to the stan-
dard greeting card. Popular for being
quick and inexpensive, e-cards steadily
threaten traditional correspondence. But,
according to Vicki, just because we have
technology does not mean we should
always use it. While the holiday e-card is
certainly better than nothing, it should
be used sparingly. For example, its
entirely appropriate to reply to an e-card
with another e-card. E-cards can also
be sent in conjunction with a traditional
card, especially if it includes a photo or
update left out of an original greeting.
E-cards are also a great way to share
seasonal wishes with obscure social net-
working contacts.
Reconsider Recycling
It can be difcult to know how to dis-
play cards in a creative way. And, as the
season comes to a close, many are happy
to toss their cards in the trash. But, think
again! Vicki, a retired principal, suggests
donating age-appropriate, seasonal cards
to local elementary schools. Filed away
for future craft projects, card art is a
helpful way to inspire and assist teach-
ers.
It may be a dying tradition, but send-
ing holiday cards is a worthwhile way to
share your own good tidings of great joy.
You may not ever know just how much
the gesture means to others.
For me, the cards I receive are spe-
cial, Vicki reiterates. I have so enjoyed
watching children grow up in the photos
I get each year. I love reading the news-
letters, where loved ones refect on their
blessings, even if theyve had a tough
year. Its important that people dont
forget that not everybody uses [social
networking]. Holiday cards are a great
opportunity to give a small, personal gift
to everyone.
Personal touches
For creative types with time on their hands, various crafts methods can be used to make greeting cards or to dress up existing
ones to give them a personal touch.
VIP
Nickolinas 409-896-2543
1257 W. Lucas, Beaumont, TX www.nickolinas.com
Find the True Meaning Of Christmas
now at Nickolinas!!
Two Magnolias is dedicated to bringing you the most
reliable and delectable catering services in Southeast Texas.
Whether its helping with those special extras for your Holiday
Feast, or preparing and planning the entire menu,
Two Magnolias can accommodate your needs. Bring in the
NEW YEAR with our help!
We are conveniently located inside the Art Museum of
Southeast Texas . a perfect setting for your Special Occasion.
Hot lunches served daily.
Two Magnolias Catering
500 Main Street Beaumont
Located inside the Art Museum of Southeast Texas
409.833.5913
Fred A. Simons Tae Kwon Do
3965 Phelan Plaza, Suite 107
Beaumont, TX 409.860.5744
NEW LOCATION! Southeast Texas highest ranking Black
Belt, 9th degree Grand Master Fred A. Simon, is now
offering classes in his new studio. Study martial arts
under a Texas Legends Hall of Fame and Texas Martial
Arts Hall of Fame Member. Call now to reserve a spot
for you or your child! Classes are conveniently offered at
noon and at night.
*Member of the BBB
If you are looking for the right
C R U I S E
call the Experts at
Serving our community since 1918 with elegant to casual
catering from small to large groups. Let us cater your Family
Feast or Company Party this Holiday Season. Our attention to
detail makes your event a memorable one. Call our specialist
at 409.840.9051 ext. 1
Monclas Catering. 2530 W. Cardinal Dr., Beaumont, TX
409.840.9051 ext.1. www.monclas.com
6
fabulous nds
Retailers we love and their
merchandise we love to have!
Cat5 is available to check out every Thursaday
in the Beaumont Enterprise and it is distributed
to the top locations in the
Golden Triangle.
thecat5.com
The best spot to fnd out what is going on with the
latest trends in dining, night life, music, art, events,
and fashion in the Southeast Texas and Southwest
Louisiana areas.
c a l e n d a r
vip adviser
NewYears Eve
CelebrationwithThe
Village People
Dec. 31
A New Years Eve party with The
Village People at Southeast Texas
hottest music venue, Nutty Jerrys
... need we say more? Tickets range
from $30 for general admission
to $65 for VIP seating. Call
877.643.7508 or www.nuttyjerrys.
com
great dates in december
Lamar University
Holiday Concert
December 4
Want to hear what real Christmas
carolers sound like? Lamars A
Cappella Choir and Grand Chorus
combine to create one amazing
holiday music concert. Individual
tickets are $15 for adults and $10
for students (K-12). Admission
is free to students of Lamar
University. 3 p.m.. Jefferson
Theatre, Beaumont. (409) 880-
8144. www.lamar.edu
SoulsaFest 2011
December 10
Presented by City Dance Center,
SoulsaFest begins with master
classes at City Dance Center taught
by some of the best Latin dancers
in the industry from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. The party then moves to The
Gig on Crockett Street at 8 p.m.
for performances from the visiting
instructors and local Latin dance
company, Soulsa. Full event pass
is $65, individual classes are $15
and entry to the Gig is $15. www.
soulsafest.com
AVery Merry Main
Street Market
December 1-3
Unique gift options for all of your
holiday shopping. The holiday market
featuring dozens of vendors and live
entertainment. Open Dec. 1: 4 to 9
p.m., Dec. 2: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 3:
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get your $100 ticket
to win a 2012Camaro! Only 500 tickets
will be sold. Beaumont Civic Center.
www.juniorleaguebeaumont.org
Event Submissions
Do you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us detailsdates, times, location, contact phone, web address
and a brief descriptionto dconstantine@thevipmag.com. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.
Other parades
Jasper: December 1, 5:30 p.m.
Lumberton: December 1, 7 p.m.
Orange: December 2, 6:30 p.m.
Port Neches: December 3, 2 p.m.
Groves: December 3, 6 p.m.
Silsbee: December 3, 6 p.m.
Nederland: December 13, 6 p.m.
Beaumont Holiday
Festival &Parade
December 3
Its Christmas time in the City! Make
plans to join the City of Beaumont for
the offcial Christmas holiday parades
in downtown Beaumont. The street
parade begins at 6 p.m. so arrive
early to secure your spot to watch
and wave as the beautiful foats and
marching bands make their way down
Main Street. At 7 p.m., make your way
to Riverfront Park for the Beaumont
Yacht Clubs lighted boat parade
on the Neches River. While youre
waiting for the Lighted Boat Parade
grab some popcorn and watch The
Grinch That Stole Christmas. The free
outdoor movie and popcorn begins at
6:30 p.m.
January Previ ew
JANUARY 12-13
Fiddler on the Roof 7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater, Orange
JANUARY 21
Symphony of SE Texas Pops Concert 7:30 p.m., Julie Rogers Theatre
JANUARY 28
La Soiree, A Night at the Moulin Rouge 6:30 p.m., Beaumont Civic Center
JANUARY 31
Moulin Rouge, The Ballet 7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater, Orange
{ December }
DECEMBER 1
Holiday Tree Lighting Workshop
3 p.m., The Art Museum of Southeast
Texas and the Texas Energy Museum,
downtown Beaumont. (409) 832-3432
or www.amset.org.
Chris Knight and Slim Bawb
Courvilles, Beaumont. Tickets
$30, includes dinner and show. For
reservations call (409) 860-9811 or
email bigrich@cajunfavors.com
Glory Box
One-man show by performance artist
Tim Miller, 7:30 p.m., University
Theatre at Lamar University,
Beaumont. (409) 880-2250 or www.
lamar.edu/theatre
DECEMBER 1-4
Happy Days
Port Arthur Little Theatre Playhouse,
Port Arthur. (409) 727-7258 or www.
palt.org.
DECEMBER 1-30
Christmas at McFaddin-Ward House
Tours 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and
2:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. $3 per
person. Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m. free frst
foor tour. Tours start at the visitor
center. Beaumont. (409) 832-2134
DECEMBER 2
Arc of Greater Beaumont Winter
Formal
6 to 9 p.m., Holiday Inn Beaumont
Plaza. Cost $10. (409) 784-5544.
Body Maps
Triangle AIDS Network beneft, 7:30
p.m., University Theatre at Lamar
University, Beaumont. (409) 880-
2250 or www.lamar.edu/theatre
In The Heights
7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater, Orange.
(409) 745-5535, (800) 828-5535 or
www.lutcher.org.
Senior Thesis Exhibition
Reception 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Dishman
Art Museum at Lamar University.
Beaumont. Runs through Dec. 15.
Free. (409) 880-8959, (409) 880-8141
or www.lamar.edu/dishman.
DECEMBER 2-3
Scrooge
Betty Greenberg Center for the
Performing Arts, Beaumont.
(409) 833-4664 or www.
beaumontcommunityplayers.com
Dog Sees God: Confessions of a
Teenage Blockhead
Dinner at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30
p.m., Lezets Restaurant, Port Arthur.
Reservations: (409) 984-6111.
Houston Heights Association Holiday
Home Tour
6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2; 3-9 p.m. Dec.
3 in the Houston Heights section,
Houston. Advance tickets $20. (713)
861-4002 or www.houstonheights.org
DECEMBER 3
Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
6 p.m., Groves. (409) 962-3631.
Country Music Show
7:30 p.m., Palace Theater, Kirbyville.
(409) (409) 423-3319.
DECEMBER 3-4
Dickens on the Strand
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Galveston.
Tickets $13 for adults, $8 for students.
www.dickensonthestrand.com
DECEMBER 4
Candlelight Tour
1 to 4 p.m. John Jay French Museum,
Beaumont. (409) 898-0348.
DECEMBER 5-10
Gingerbread House Display
McFaddin Ward House Museum,
Beaumont. Auction and open house
Dec. 10. (409) 832-1906 or (409)
832-2134.
DECEMBER 6
Grande Mexican Breakfast
7-9 a.m., Mi Pueblo Mexican
Restaurant, Silsbee. Local dignitaries,
judges, attorneys, law enforcement,
school ofcials and business leaders
serve as celebrity wait-staf.
Proceeds beneft CASA. (409) 880-
5876.
DECEMBER 7
Paul Thorn
Courvilles, Beaumont. Tickets
$30, includes dinner. Reservations:
(409) 860-9811 or email bigrich@
cajunfavors.com
DECEMBER 7-9
Dog Sees God: Confessions of a
Teenage Blockhead
Black Box Theater, Lamar State
College-Port Arthur. Dinner 6:30
p.m., show 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-8, and
dessert only matinee at 2:30 p.m. Dec.
9. Tickets $15. Reservations: (409)
984-6111.
DECEMBER 8
Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson
Nutty Jerrys, Winnie. (877) 643-7508
or www.nuttyjerrys.com.
DECEMBER 8-11
Happy Days
Port Arthur Little Theatre Playhouse,
Port Arthur. Reservations: (409) 727-
7258 or www.palt.org.
DECEMBER 9
HEB Annual Feast of Sharing
4 to 7 p.m., Ford Park, Beaumont.
(713) 224-9115.
Rick Springfeld
DECEMBER 9-10
Scrooge
Betty Greenberg Center for the
Performing Arts, Beaumont.
(409) 833-4664 or www.
beaumontcommunityplayers.com
DECEMBER 10
Classic Christmas Cruise
2 to 8 p.m., Vidor.
Quiet Riot
DECEMBER 10-11
The Nutcracker
2:30 p.m., by the Beaumont Civic
Ballet, Julie Rogers Theater,
Beaumont. (409) 838-4397.
DECEMBER 13-18
A Tuna Christmas
Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston.
(800) 821-1894 or thegrand.com.
DECEMBER 15
Commodores and Champagne Room
Imagine Christmas
7 p.m., Moody Gardens, Galveston.
Story of Christs birth in music, dance
and aerial acrobatics. Performances
include holiday bufet and ticket
to the Festival of Lights. Adults
$49-$79, children, $29-$39, infants
$14-$39. (409) 683-4186 or www.
islandstarlive.com.
DECEMBER 16
Snow Day: Miracle on Lindsey
Street
3 to 7 p.m., First United Methodist
Church Henderson House, Jasper.
(409) 384-5735 or fumcjasper.org
Charlie Daniels Band
Also featuring Trapper Joe and
Trigger Tommy and the Swamp
People, Nutty Jerrys, Winnie. (877)
643-7508 or www.nuttyjerrys.com.
DECEMBER 22
Big Daddys Big Damn Birthday Jam
7 p.m., Courvilles, Beaumont. Tickets
$30, includes dinner and birthday
cake. Reservations: (409) 860-9811
DECEMBER 29
Christmas Music of Mannheim
Steamroller by Chip Davis
7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater, Orange.
(409) 745-5535, (800) 828-5535 or
www.lutcher.org.
DECEMBER 31
Crockett Street New Years Eve Bash
With performance by Jive Train, 8
p.m. at The Gig, 240 Crockett Street
ACROSS
1 Thriller singer
6 ___ Winehouse
8 Time to arrive, for short
9 The Lord of the Rings hero
10 Country U2 come from
12 Rapper ___ Kim
13 ___ League School
14 Weight measurement, for short
15 Internet laughter letters
17 __ Man- cartoon character
18 St Louis footballer
19 Marges father-in-law
22 Maggie May singer, Stewart
24 Actress, West
26 Electric Light Orchestra, for short
27 Victorias Secret purchase
28 Greatest Day singer, ___ Knight
29 Vikings veteran QB who retired
31 Exists
32 Madison state
33 Car fuel
34 Detroit __ wings
35 Pedicurists concern
DOWN
1 Sweet Kisses singer, ____
Simpson
2 One ___ time (2 words)
3 Toyota car
4 Comedian Ben ____
5 Susan Sarandon flm
6 Idol runner-up in 2009 (2 words)
7 Sing like Julie Andrews in The
Sound of Music
11 One piece of barbecue meat
16 ___ Sharif
20 Akeelah and the ___
21 The King of pop, frst name
23 British soccer star now playing
soccer in the US
25 Philadelphia football player
28 Sex and the City, Mr. ____
30 Amazement
Find answers on page 4
c r o s s w o r d
vip magazine
City, Mr. ____
BASKETBALL SEASON NOV-MAR.
409- 880- 1 71 5 | L AMARCARDI NAL S. COM
www.drwilgers.com
KENNETH D. WILGERS
M.D. P.A.
3282 College St., Beaumont
(409) 832-8600
Melissa Evans
RN, MSN, FNP
Certifed American Board of
Family Practice
Full Service Medical Clinic
Treating Adults and Children
Same Day Appointments
Available
Medical Weight Loss
Botox
& Restylane
Treatments
Lab & Xray Available on
Site
Its a
A
t the end of Toy
Story 3,Andy,
the animated boy
weve followed for
years, was leaving
for college. He
brought a box of
his most cherished childhood toys
to a new home to live with a little
girl wearing a tutu and rain boots.
One-by-one, he showed of the
special features of each toy to young
Bonnie, and together they played in
the yard, bringing the toys to life.
Then Andy realized it was time to go,
time to leave childish things behind
him and take the frst steps toward
manhood. Even in animation, we
recognized it was a tough moment for
him because weve all lived through
it.
Toys are synonymous with child-
hood, and any adult can tell you of
a special toy they remember fondly.
Near the top of my list was my model
horse collection.
Growing up, I was one of those
horse-crazy girls who lives in the
suburbs. As it proved, I was in love
more with the idea than the reality,
which it turns out, involves a lot of
manure, fies and other non-girly
things.
While hoping for a real horse,
I collected model horses instead. I
got my frst one, a Breyers white
Arabian, when I was 4 years old and
slept with him every night. I spent
any money I came into on amassing
my collection for the next several
years.
Recently, I opened the box holding
my collection of model horses that
Ive carried to eight homes in three
states over 30 years. Yes, Ive held
on to them all this time, boxed up
and unseen for three decades. Unlike
Andy, I was unwilling to let go.
Why? Well, maybe I thought my
own children would want the horses
someday. Maybe I was trying to hold
on to a time capsule of my own child-
hood.
When I brought the box out of
storage and called my two children in
for the big reveal, they were excited.
We opened it up, digging through
crumpled paper, searching for my
dearly treasured toys. Thats when
it struck me anew that the eyes of
childhood are very diferent. Though
I had played with those horses a lot
and loved them, when I pulled them
out of the box, I just wondered why
Id held on for so long. Their imag-
ined personalities, their stories, their
magic was just a whif of memory to
me. Now they were just plastic horses
again, a bit scufed and yellowed.
My kids divvied up the booty, but
the horses quickly became just more
stuf on their already bulging book-
cases. Neither of them cares about
horses. To them it was 10 toys at
once, not one accumulated at a time
with allowance money, agonizing over
which model to choose. They already
have their own special toys. Even
now, Santa is wincing over his credit
card bills as he prepares to deliver a
new sack of surprises to our house.
Perhaps it can be hard to part with
material possessions because often
this divestiture represents an ending,
like it did for Disneys Andy. End
of childhood, end of the newlywed
period, end of a marriage, end of your
childs childhood. However, in all but
the most fnal version, endings are
generally followed by beginnings.
Imagine walking freely into a begin-
ning unfettered by excess baggage.
Toy Story has changed my
thinking. Toys in the attic arent
bringing joy to anyone. Ive decided
that when my kids grow tired of the
model horses, Im going to fnd a little
horse-crazy girl who will be over the
moon to have a model horse. They
arent going back in a box, on that I
am determined.
As Andy gets in his car to go,
the little girl waves his best buddy
Woodys hand in farewell, and then
snifeyou just know how much.
snifeand then Woody says
snife...oh, its a misty moment. Chil-
dren grow up, and that special time
of imagination that turns cardboard
boxes into jet airplanes slips away.
But as long as there are little children
around, the magic still exists. We
just need to pass it on rather than
hoard it. Peace to you and yours this
holiday.
g u e s t c o l u m n
vip voices
of of
text by CHERYL ROSE
Toys in attic arent
bringing joy to anyone
VIP
Toy Story

December 2011 VIP

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VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2009 | theVIPmag.

36 December 2011 | theVIPmag.com

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