volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | theVIPmag.

com
complimentary
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 5 | March 2012 | [Link]
o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s
footwear
to Gush over
Interior designer
Kathryn Bachelot
Chuck MacKenzie
on Irish cuisine
Beaumonts fnest
Cajun homes
Nests &
Nooks
ideas to clean,
design, build, buy
and decorate
your living areas
THE HOME ISSUE
Fashion
architects
Outfts inspired
by your home
The Perfect Setting for
the Wedding Day
youve always dreamed of .
The Perfect Setting for
the Wedding Day
youve always dreamed of .
3950 I-10 South (@Walden Road) Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: 409.842.5995 Fax: 409.842.7810
[Link]/beaumont-plaza
3950 I-10 South (@Walden Road) Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: 409.842.5995 Fax: 409.842.7810
[Link]/beaumont-plaza
Settle t e score wit stu orn lumps an umps li e muf in tops.
Show off the body youve always dreamed of.
We are proud to announce that we nowoffer CoolSculpting

, the revolutionary newbody contouring treatment that freezes fat.

Patients are seeingundeniable and lasting results in as little as one treatment. There are no needles, no special diet,
no supplements and no surgery. Its FDA-cleared, safe and proven effective. Call us today to schedule your consultation.
.
Only your body should get more buzz.
CoolSculpting and the CoolSculpting logo are registered trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics Inc The snowflake mark is a trademark of ZELTIQ Aesthetics Inc Copyright 2012 ZELTIQ Aesthetics Inc Results vary Consult your physician IC0556 A
ONE TREATMENT
The results are undeniable.
TWO TREATMENTS
Procedure by Flor Mayoral, MD
Call 409.835.9500
Free Consultation
4 March 2012 | [Link]
Editorial
Executive Editor
DAVID CONSTANTINE
dconstantine@[Link]
Contributing Writers
CATHLEEN COLE
mArgArET b. gArDNEr
LArENA HEAD
grACE mATHIS
JANE mCbrIDE
CHEryL rOSE
Editorial Assistant
TAmArA mENgES
Photography
Contributing Photographers
SCOTT ESLINgEr
SILVIA C. mCCLAIN
rEN SHEppArD
LEE E. STINSON
Graphic Designer
DAVID CONSTANTINE
Advertising
To advertise in VIP,
409.880.0700
Contact Us
VIP of Southeast Texas
380 main Street
beaumont, TX 77701
to sUbsCribE
pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821 Or SubSCrIbE
ONLINE AT [Link]
to disPlAy thE mAgAzinE
AT yOur buSINESS LOCATION,
pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821
sUbmissions
TO SubmIT AN EVENT, OrgANIzATION Or pErSON
fOr CONSIDErATION IN AN upCOmINg ISSuE,
SubmIT ONLINE AT [Link] Or TO
DCONSTANTINE@[Link]
Or by uSpS AT ADDrESS AbOVE.
A division of hearst newspapers
Publisher
bILL OffILL
JOIN uS ON fACEbOOK!
[Link]/thevipmag
on the cover
Lamar University student and aspiring model Abrian Hall, 20, of China
donned a cream eyelash dress from YaYa Club with accessories from
Tattered Suitcase to create a vintage look that felt right at home in this
Oaks Historic District antebellum-style mansion.
Photography by Scott Eslinger; styling by Grace Mathis and Larena
Head; hair and makeup by Grace Mathis.
c o n t e n t s
vip magazine
inside march
07 vip style
07 When architecture
and fashion collide
13 vip home
13 Throw pillows: Art for
your sofa
17 How to buy and care
for oriental rugs
21 Create a great little
garden right outside
your door
24 vip viewing
24 Acadian architecture
at its fnest
32 vipersonality
32 K & K Designs
Kathryn Bachelot
35 Realtor Diane McNelis
on ranch living
38 food&drink
38 Chuck MacKenzie
cooks up authentic
Irish cuisine
40 vip spotlight
40 SE Texas events
45 vip adviser
45 Footwear to get you
through the Gusher
Marathon in style
47 6 great dates in
March
48 Calendar
49 Crossword puzzle
24
50 vip voices
50 Jane McBrides
spring cleaning advice,
or a lack thereof
24
21
38
REGISTRATIONOPENS MONDAY, MARCH 26
Keynote Speaker Helen Hunt
Mark your calendar now to enrich yourself both personally and professionally at the fth annual
CHRISTUS LiveWell Womens Conference presented by the LiveWell Womens Network. The all-
day conference includes keynote luncheon, fun and educational workshops, healthy cooking
station, tness demonstrations, health screenings, and Market Square shopping. Learn more at
[Link]/conference or call 409-899-7700.
ITS ALL ABOUT
YOU.
ITS ALL ABOUT
WOMEN.
2012 LiveWell
Womens Conference Women

s Network
THURSDAY, MAY 3 FORD PARK / BEAUMONT, TX 7:00 am4:30 pm
6 March 2012 | [Link]
Mens and Womens Boutique
4004 Dowlen next to Hobby Lobby
Casual
Class
LA-TEE-DA
f a s h i o n
vip style
fashion +
architecture
A
t VIP, we love to draw
fashion inspiration
from our favorite
things in life. For
the home issue, we
created our fashion
homage to the great variety of homes in
Southeast Texas. From a classic home
that graces the avenues of Old Town to
a modern beauty in the West End, we
are fortunate to live in a community with
an incredible array of unique architec-
ture. We hope that these images en-
courage you to show your architectural
appreciation with some creative fashion
expression.
styling by grace mathis and larena head
photography by scott eslinger
makeup and hair by grace mathis
photo assistant tamara menges
models charlie vaughn, vidor; abrian hall,
china; michael mason, beaumont
text by grace mathis
T
his antebellum style historic mansion in the Oaks Historic District boasts an airy porch
exterior with rich wood detailing inside. Classic textures and prints such as lace and seer-
sucker bring to mind the time period in which it was built. Iconic accessories from cameos
to the pillbox hat to freshwater pearls help complete the vintage feminine feel. In this day
and age, a dapper gentleman can be classic and bold at the same time by experimenting
with the red, white and blue color palette that perfectly complements the traditional paint
palette of this charming residence. This lovely home just dares you to bring some vintage into your life.
House: 2108 Harrison Avenue, $385,000.
Models (from top left to right) ABRIAN: Cream
eyelash dress, YaYa Club; Metallic ruffe
heel, YaYa Club, $48; Irridescent clip
earrings, Tattered Suitcase, $16; Pearl neck-
lace, Tattered Suitcase, $15; Freshwater
pearl ring, Tattered Suitcase, $45; White pill
box hat, Tattered Suitcase, $9 CHARLIE:
Lace blouse, YaYa Club, $58; Ivory lace
blazer, YaYa Club, $60; Crochet pencil
skirt, YaYa Club, $40; Cameo earrings, YaYa
Club, $55; Cameo ring, Tattered Suitcase,
$10; Cameo brooch, Tattered Suitcase, $3
MICHAEL: Red sear sucker suit, [Link],
$395, Blue button-up, [Link], $135,
Polka dot bow tie, JoS.A. Bank, $60, Pocket
square, [Link], $18, White patent
leather shoes, Als Formal Wear
8 March 2012 | [Link]
I
n stark contrast, this modern brick home in the Summerwood neighborhood creates a sultry
setting for daring dressing. Stone and metal create the inspiration for the darker color pal-
ette, with pops of brightness. Bold and sharp, these looks are also based on the geometric
shapes and lines of this castle-like home. For spring, look for color blocking and hints of
contrasting color, such as sleek white shoes with a sharp mens suit. Minimal but powerful
accessories refect the personality of this home that makes a sleek, clean statement without
extraneous elements. We dare you to be bold.
House: 130 Summerwood, $449,000.
Models (from top left to right) CHARLIE:
Color block body con dress, Marshals,
$14; Black tuxedo jacket, JCPenny, $119;
Geometric peep-toe pumps, YaYa Club,
$58; Gold geometric dangle earrings,
Tattered Suitcase, $5; Costume sapphire
ring, Tattered Suitcase, $40 ABRIAN: Satin
black and ivory blouse, JCPenny, $40;
Black cargo skinny pant, JCPenny, $45;
Black chiffon ruffe pumps, YaYa Club,
$90; Black and gold earrings, Treasure
House, $3; Gold stretch bracelets, Trea-
sure House, $6; Vintage rhinestone ring,
Tattered Suitcase, $40 MICHAEL: Suit, JoS.
A. Bank, $595, French cuff shirt, JoS. A.
Bank, $135; Tie, [Link], $90; White
patent leather shoes, Als Formal Wear
[Link] | March 2012 9
10 March 2012 | [Link]
LAMAR UNIVERSITY CONGRATULATES
2012 Distinguished Alumni
Don Pumphrey 88
Customer Service Manager,
Entergy Texas
Distinguished Alumnus
for Community Service
Jim Gilligan 69 70
Head Baseball Coach,
Lamar University
Distinguished Alumnus
Michele Smith 88
Shareholder,
MehafyWeber, PC
Distinguished Young Alumna
Steve Moore 78
Chief Executive Ofcer,
Country Music Association
Distinguished Alumnus
[Link]/Alumni
WASHABLE
WEARABLE
AFFORDABLE
In Colors to Dye for
Exclusively at Purse Strings
In sizes XS L
6385 Calder 866-9742
for Spring
Have you ever wanted to live in the country? Well, move away into this peaceful country setting overlooking farmland where
Texas cattle still roam in the distance! Be prepared to be wowed by this amazing custom dream home sitting on over
2 acres. Southern living rocking chair front porch and double leaded glass front doors welcome you. Perfect foor plan for
entertaining, includes formal dining room, granite Butlers Pantry, open kitchen/breakfast area with distinctive features in the
kitchen cabinetry, center island, abundant storage, double ovens, and huge pantry. Living room with freplace and full wall of
Beautiful cabinetry. Master bedroom offers a lovely two-sided freplace which is shared with the master bath. Two huge closets
with built-ins, extra racks and shelving, as well as a garden tub and separate shower are part of the master bath. Upstairs is
the 3rd bedroom with a large walk-in closet, full bath, and balcony overlooking the pool and hot tub. Just perfect for watching
the sun set over farmland located behind the home. Cabana leading out to the pool area has cement scored stained foors, ice
maker, fridge, beautiful shelving, and full bath. This home features a spacious laundry room with custom cabinetry and sink. This
custom home has surround sound throughout. Tvs in the cabana, kitchen, and master
bath will stay with home. The third garage serves as a workshop and all work benches
will stay. This home also has decked area of attic large enough to be converted into
another room. Doggie day room with outside kennel. Sprinkler system!!
10910 Sheila Ct. 62122 $392,000
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE
CELL: (409) 656-6454
1508 S. 21ST STREET
NEDERLAND, TX 77627
frand@[Link]
Frances Nations
Posh Country Li vi ng i n
Beauti ful Fannett
Pleated dress in red pepper, $128.
Rivkaplatform slingback sandal
in natural pearl, $118.
E
TO
EE
Call 1-800-345-5273 to nd a Dillard's near you.
12 March 2012 | [Link]
CR 4558
This Beautifully improved working ranch includes a 3BR,2BA newer
brick home, which features granite countertops, a large 26X20
family room with mansard ceilings & brick freplace. A bank of
tall windows opens to the large covered patio, providing gorgeous
sunsets and cool evening breezes. The bathrooms are exquisitely
furnished with Italian marble countertops and foors. This 98+ acres
of improved, fenced & cross-fenced property includes a metal 9000
SF barn with a full bathroom and 5 horse stalls, enclosed workshop,
and plenty of space for tractors, either inside or under the attached,
covered side area. Additional 40X120 hay barn plus 10 ac. of
wooded creek bottom land is only 45 min. from Bmt. & offers
pastoral scenery, improved pastureland & privacy. $525,000
Sue Meagher
American Real Estate
409-673-8244
sue_meagher@[Link]
1035 Thomas Road
Gorgeous custom home on beautifully landscaped .80 acre
lot. Light and lovely, it is a perfect home for entertaining or
family living. Living room w/beautiful built-ins, huge dining
room w/china and silver storage; den has tons of built-ins,
a beautiful wet bar, and overlooks the magnifcent yard and
pool. Over-sized kitchen has granite, glazed cabinets, loads
of storage, a breakfast area overlooking the pool and a cozy
sitting area with freplace. $885,000
Sally Bundy
RE/MAX Beaumont
409-860-3200
sbundy@[Link]
Structural & deco upgrades include 5' garage option
(making a 2.5 garage) extended covered patio, slurry on
front elevation. upgraded front door, wine rack in kitchen,
garage extension with cabinetry, cabinets over toilets. Hand
scraped hard wood foors in family, entry, study. Designer
backsplash and surrounds in kitchen and bathroom
w/granite countertops. Tank-less water heater. Pendant
lights over bar and under counter lighting. $245,585
TRACY BRUGETTE
Keller Williams Realty
719-7594
thetracybrugettegroup@[Link]
3518 Valmont Fantastic plan by PT Kojak. Master suite
downstairs with game room and three bedrooms upstairs.
Gourmet cooks dream kitchen open to the family room.
Lots of moldings, high ceilings, all the bells and whistles
imaginable in this home. $472,000
Hester Bell
RE/MAX Beaumont
409-860-3200
hestershomes@[Link]
11769 Beaver Brook
Beautiful Estate on 6.78 Acres. 3 Fireplaces, banquet size dining
room,3 Living Areas, Media Room, 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment
with full bath connected to the house but has its own entrance
and Laundry Room. Lots of storage, foored attic, three staircases
and many more amenities. Huge master suite has a sitting room
and freplace. Kitchen with granite counters is open to the den and
french doors open to the 55 foot long covered patio. $479,900
Christopher Plaunty
RE/MAX Beaumont
409-363-1944
chrisp@[Link]
1655 Oxford Court.
Incredible executive home on 2 lots in exclusive subdivision.
Gourmet kitchen will delight any cook. 6 burner Viking Cooktop,
double ovens, Subzero refrigerator. Outdoor kitchen with top end
appliances and huge masonry freplace for year round entertaining.
Beautiful wood foors downstairs, large windows looking over
exquisitely landscaped Double lot. Iron, brick, & wood fencing with
gorgeous iron gates add to the ambiance. $825,000
Mary Jane Mouton
RE/MAX Beaumont
409-860-3200
maryjane@[Link]
BRIDGE CITY
Beautiful 2 Story in Colonial Estates. 3 Bedroom, 2 Full &1
Half Bath. 2 Car Attached and 2 Car Detached Garages w/2
Car Porte Cochere. Gourmet Kitchen. Upgraded appliances,
Granite Countertop. Beautiful features. $247,000
Keely Ritchey
Key Real Estate
409-722-KEYS (5397)
[Link]
8
VIP HOMES
Homes of distinction and
quality to host your lifestyle!
Nicole plan with upgraded granite, patterned kitchen
backsplash and shower, surround sound pre-wired, oil
rubbed bronze fxtures, 3rd car garage, cherry cabinetry with
cappuccino fnish and optional outdoor living. Hand scraped
engineered wood fooring in family rm, entry, study and hall.
Decorative full light/wrought iron front door. $249,910
TRACY BRUGETTE
Keller Williams Realty
719-7594
thetracybrugettegroup@[Link]
[Link] | March 2012 13
t h r o w p i l l o w s
vip home
blank
palette palette
W
Ok, so its really taupe, but starting with a neutral
sofa can open up endless decorating possibilities
hen its time to replace that comfy
sofa, your choices can be over-
whelming, especially if you dont
know exactly what you want. Well,
maybe its time to go neutral. The
blank canvas of a neutral sofa is the
perfect opportunity to continually update a room as the
seasons and your personal tastes change. In fact, many
interior designers prefer a neutral sofa. We wanted to try
it for ourselves and asked three design experts to join us
in creating four diferent looks with one taupe Broyhill
sofa ($999) provided by Howells Furniture. The results:
A neutral sofa is the perfect way to showcase your indi-
vidual personality.
text by Grace Mathis photography by ren sheppard styling assistant taMara MenGes
>>
14 March 2012 | [Link]
Designer: Clau-
dette Alexander,
Designs By Clau-
dette. Freelance
designer who has
collaborated on
architectural and
interior design and
graphic design
projects
Inspiration: Elements, vintage buttons
and jewelry fndings on both the feather
and leather pillows.
Design tip: Let your favorite fashion
trends infuence your home dcor from
one season to the next. Try incorpo-
rating trendy elements in fashion (such
as feathers, vintage buttons and jew-
elry) into seasonal home dcor (great
accents on pillows or wall art).
Pillows from Treasure House, Target
and Goodwill, with embellishments by
Claudette Alexander. Fur throw from
Marshalls
Vintage
fashion
Designer: Summer Lydick,
artist and owner of The Painted
Wall.
Inspiration: I love modern con-
temporary art and think pillows
should be like mini works of art
that you can change frequently.
I like pillows that are unpre-
dictable and surprising. I like
conversation pieces and things
that are hand-made and ethnic-looking. I also love a
touch of glamour. With this look, I wanted to combine
all these things to make a real statement.
Design tip: Start with what you love. So many of
my clients keep the things that make their heart
sing in a china closet or in the attic, reserved for
special occasions. You know what, Tuesday is the
perfect special occasion. I created the key pillow
to display some of my favorite keys. Look at ways
to display your collections and interact with them
daily. Surround yourself with colors that make you
happy, textiles that speak to your soul, patterns that
make you feel confdent. Youll be surprised at how it
affects your mood!
Pillows from Target, embellished and dyed by Sum-
mer Lydick
Artistic expression
[Link] | March 2012 15
Designers: Kelsey
Smith & Tassie
Marceaux, interior
designers at Howell
Furniture
Inspiration:
Springs bright
colors and foral
patterns.
Design tip: Be
inspired by whats
around you
nature, a treasured
trinket, a favorite
piece of clothing,
etc. Use old and
treasured pieces
to blend with the
new. Bringing an
old sofa back to life by adding new pil-
lows and accessorising it with a colorful
throw can really update and change
the look of the room. To make a look of
your own, start with your new sofa as
your focal point, then update the room
by adding a fresh coat of paint and
accessories.
Pillows from Pier One and Howell Furni-
ture. Throw from Marshalls
Bright forals
J bopt|st hosp|to| |n beoumont, B10 hosp|to| or., su|te 100
Lo|| toooy tor o oonsu|tot|on! 409.B33.0342 www.s||no|og|[Link]
meo|oo| spo 8 |oser oenter
s||no|og|e
||ccZc|^1
v3^|c
||3||N1|S1cN|NS
G
woys to stort gett|ng
reooy tor summer
nonsurg|oo| o|ternot|ves to ||posuot|on
14 64'#6' ;1745'.(U
|oser ho|r removo|,
oone o|eor ||ght theropy,
photo oynom|o theropy,
po|t oone soor 8
stretoh mor| oorreot|on,
|oser tottoo removo| ,
botox 8 ,uveoerm,
ozone oetox too|o|,
sonophores|s,
|p| theropy ,
m|oropee|s,
teeth wh|ten|ng,
ono our exo|us|ve
||ne ot phys|o|on
strength s||noore
proouots
16 March 2012 | [Link]
Designer: VIP
Magazine
Inspiration: A
lazy afternoon
curled up with a
good book. We
chose a soothing
pallet of silvers,
sky blue and
ivory, contrasted
with a cozy chocolate throw.
Design tip: To create a look
that you love, fnd a color
palette that you enjoy and that
represents your personality.
Dont be scared to add some
color in a way that makes you
comfortable!
Pillows from Marshalls and
Howell Furniture
Lazy days
The Blind Factory
Pleated Shades are simply styled
and beautifully functional, which
is elegant yet affordable. These
perfectly pleated fabric window
treatments offer design fexibility
and are available in many styles,
colors, and textures to complement
your home decor.
Affordable
Elegance
7396 College St. Beaumont, TX 77707 409.866.4055 Toll Free 877.281.9717
o r i e n t a l r u g s
vip home
P
aula Blazek never gave much
thought to rugs when she
had wall-to-wall carpeting.
That changed when Blazek
and her husband, Joey,
purchased a 74-year-old
house with hardwood floors throughout.
In pursuit of a complement to the
hardwoods, they discovered the beauty
of handmade rugs and now own a unique
one for every room.
Timeless Art
I think rugs bring so much life to a
room, as well as a richness and fnish, said
Ken Berryhill of Berryhill Designs, who
helped the Blazeks select their rug col-
lection. They are beautiful, timeless and
usually increase in value.
Paula Blazek agrees. I believe rugs
bring warmth to a room, she said.
A tightly-knotted handmade rug can
take years to weave, said Arlene Hinkie
of A&D Persian Rugs in Beaumont. Each
rug pattern can have symbols, fgures and
stories woven into it, giving insight into the
time, place, purpose and artistic infuence
of the patterns creator. Thousands of rug
patterns exist, made in many diferent
countries, she said.
To me, handmade rugs are works of
art, like oil paintings, Hinkie said.
Versatile and Durable
For a new decorating project, Berryhill
likes to start with a rug. I think a rug is
one of the most important choices, he
said. Having really nice furniture and then
choosing a cheap rug can ruin the look of
the room.
With the variety of options, selecting a
rug can be one of the hardest design choices
for homeowners, Berryhill added. Because
rugs are both costly and durable, the
selection may represent a lifetime commit-
ment. I say, Dont buy it unless you love
it. A rug is not something you are going to
change every time you change your dcor.
Youre going to re-use this rug, then give
it to your kids because its still going to be
here when youre gone.
Once a rug is chosen, other dcor items
can be selected based on the dominant
colors of the rug, Berryhill explained. Often
oriental rugs come in jewel tones, particu-
larly reds and blues, but there are many
neutral styles available. Hinkie said the
tone-on-tone patterns of the Oushak (alter-
nately spelled Ushak) style of Turkish rugs
are currently in hot demand. Oriental
woven jewels
Exquisite rugs are art underfoot
text by Cheryl rose photography by lee e. stinson
>>
[Link] | March 2012 17
rugs work as well with con-
temporary or minimalist d-
cor as they do with traditional
style, according to Berryhill.
With handmade rugs, no
two are exactly the same,
which is good because a
design dont is to have
matchy-matchy rugs. You
never want to use the same
rug twice, Berryhill said.
You want to use coordinating
rugs. In her home, Blazek
said that though each rug
looks very diferent in style,
they coordinate well because
of shared colors.
Unlike some show pieces,
rugs are meant to be used.
Hinkie explained that the
natural lanolin in the wool
provides a built-in stain repel-
lent and the intricate patterns
reduce signs of dirt or wear.
Blazek said her rugs have
withstood party guests and
family pets. Rugs are very
resilient, she said.
Investment Savvy
There is a huge range in
quality that drives the cost of
rugs, Hinkie said. Also, like
jewelry, rugs have a high mark
up. Knowing and trusting
your dealer is important for
getting a fair price, she said.
A large, handwoven rug can
cost $3,000 to $7,000, with
antique or collectible rugs
often much more.
Keys to price in oriental
rugs are size, quality, age,
condition, country of origin
and current trendiness factors.
Most handwoven rugs are
wool or silk or a combination.
One assessment of quality
is the number of knots per
inch, indicating how tightly or
loosely the rug is woven. As a
general rule, Hinkie said that
if the back of the rug is just
as beautiful as the front, its a
good product. Historically, the
best rugs came from Persia,
but in recent years high-qual-
ity handmade reproductions
of Persian patterns are made
in several other countries,
Hinkie explained.
Handmade vs. Machine
A more budget-friendly
option is a machine-made
rug, which can still be a good
quality product if not a piece
of original art. Berryhill said
that in his opinion, Karastan
makes the best machine-made
rugs in America. However,
his personal preference would
always be for the originals.
Nothing replaces a handmade
rug, he said. VIP
Paula and Joey Blazeks collection of rugs look
very different from each other, but all harmonize.
In the foyer pictured below, this dramatic ex-
ample is a Persian Baluch rug in a tribal design.
On the previous and next pages are reproduc-
tions of Oushak patterns.
18 March 2012 | [Link]
Whats in a name?
Tabriz, Oushak, Serapi, Heriz, Sa-
rouk, Kazak and Mahal are all styles
of oriental rugs to list but a few.
Most rugs derive their name from
the village where the patterns were
developed, primarily in Persia. The
Persian Empire ranged over much
of Central Asia, including areas now
known as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Armenia, Georgia and
Uzbekistan among others. Turkey,
India and China are also known for
their rugs and patterns.
Embargo
In 2010, President Obama signed
an embargo on the import of
Iranian goods into the United States,
including handmade rugs. Though
the inventory is still suffcient, the
embargo may drive the cost of
authentic Persian rugs up over time,
Hinkie said.
[Link] | March 2012 19
20 March 2012 | [Link]
3737 Calder Beaumont
409-839-8473
[Link]
Its time to get
your patio ready
for Spring!
PVC Furniture
is nowon sale.
Only $599.99!
FLOORING
S
y
s
t
e
m
s
Beaumont Houston Baytown
SAVE ON FABULOUS
FLOORING BY THE
SQUARE FOOT.
OUR QUALITY,
SELECTION &
PRICES CANT
BE BEAT
thru
March 31
st
AREA
RUGS
30% OFF
6460 Phelan Boulevard
(located in the Westmont Shopping Center next to Exygon)
Beaumont, TX
409-347-8516 [Link]
FLOORING
COUNTERTOPS
RUGS
FURNITURE
AREA RUGS
Living in Orange, Texas has reached newheights.
Living in Orange, Texas has reached newheights.
Contact our Remax Realtor for more information
on pricing and scheduling a tour today!
O: 409.738.3000
C: 409.460.0484
[Link]
Tifany Lemoine, Associate Broker
315 Texas Avenue
Bridge City, TX 77611
g a r d e n i n g
vip home
sensational
pots &
planters
Y
ou dont have to dig up your backyard to enjoy a
beautiful blooming garden or a bountiful crop. Enjoy
your patio by planting flowers and vegetables in pots,
window boxes, baskets and any other container that
suits your fancy. Make the space comfortable with
cozy outdoor furnishings, add a touch of garden art, and youve got a
little oasis right outside your door.
Contain your botanical enthusiasm
Chances are you already have a stash of garden pots, but its always
fun to add to the collection. You can make a bold statement with
brightly colored pots or go subtle and let the plants be the sole focus.
Dont limit yourself to conventional containers. Old cowboy boots, toy
dump trucks, teapots and birdbaths make eye-catching displays.
Kit Ohmstede with Down to Earth Landscaping in Beaumont recom-
mends grouping your containers in odd numbers and varying heights.
If foor space is tight, you can hang your little gardens in baskets. I
like to use wire baskets with sphagnum moss, she said. An alternative
to moss is a coconut liner, which is a bit denser.
To everything, there is a season
After youve acquired your containers, you need to consider the
season and the lighting before purchasing your plants. Winter
How to create a great little
garden right outside your door
text by CatHleen Cole photography by Ren SHeppaRd
>>
[Link] | March 2012 21
22 March 2012 | [Link]
gardens and summer gardens arent the
same. For example, pansies and broccoli
do better in cooler temperatures, whereas
daisies and tomatoes thrive in warmer
weather. When choosing plants, be sure to
read the information that comes with them
regarding lighting and watering needs. Pick
herbs, fowers and vegetables that will be
compatible together if you want to put them
in one container. Purchase some fller plants
such as grasses too. And dont forget to buy a
high-quality potting soil with time-released
nutrients.
Ohmstede likes to give her containers
three heights of plants tall, medium and
short, which might be a trailing vine. You
dont want it to be just one plant in a pot,
she explained. You want it to be complex
and interesting.
There are many combinations that work
well. Put a cucumber plant in a container
paired with taller growing rosemary and
place it on a railing or wall, so the cucumber
vine can grow along it. Or place a trellis be-
hind the pot and let the vine climb. Trellises
work well for patio tomatoes too, and add
some basil to the container as well. Make an
herb garden in a window box or large pot
that includes sage, thyme and parsley.
Remember, you can mix herbs, vegetables
and fowers in one container. Try planting
a small variety of lettuce with Thumbelina
carrots, chives and signet marigolds. And
when youve fnished harvesting the crop
from one plant, replace it with another that
will work for the next season.
Even citrus trees can make attractive
container plants. The smaller members of
the citrus family such as limes, lemons and
kumquats are the best choices. Make sure to
plant the tree in a container large enough to
give it room to grow, and put it in a spot that
gets lots of sunlight.
An artistic touch
Although fowering plants, herbs and
vegetables are natures works of art, every
garden needs an artistic touch that shows
the gardeners personality. Ceramic garden
gnomes and woodland creatures, plastic pink
famingoes, birdbaths, wind chimes, fags,
plaques, fountains the possibilities are
almost endless. I think that its fun to have
something fanciful in the garden, Ohmstede
Pictured patio and garden decor is available at Ellis Home & Garden in Beaumont.
said.
And dont forget some comfortable out-
door furniture. Linda Anderson, manager of
Ellis Home & Garden in Beaumont, recom-
mends PVC furnishings. It looks identical
to wicker, she said, adding that its easy to
clean and sturdy. Try a glider, a rocker or a
bistro set with a small table and two chairs.
Cushions will add more splashes of color.
No babbling brook nearby? No problem.
Small water features add a soothing element
to a patio garden. How can you not have a
fountain? Anderson said. Its so relaxing.
Even little gardens can ofer a large
amount of peace and tranquility. When
youre in your garden, youre a thousand
miles away, Ohmstede noted. Its very
therapeutic.
Going to pots
Container gardening is an easy way to get a lot of color, fragrance and produce in a small space.
Get growing on your little garden!
Choose different colored and sized pots and containers to add variety to your garden.
If weight is an issue, choose plastic containers over ceramic or terra cotta. Or you can keep a
heavier container in one place and move lighter, plastic ones in and out of it.
Hanging wire baskets flled with coconut liners or sphagnum moss are nice alternatives to plastic
baskets.
Group different plants of varying heights in one pot to make the display more interesting. Be
mindful of choosing plants that require the same amount of light and water.
If you plant a climbing vine, make sure you provide it with support such as a trellis. Or you can
plant it in a hanging basket and let it grow down.
Buy a high-quality potting soil with time-released nutrients.
Plant according to the season for the best results.
VIP
[Link] | March 2012 23
24 March 2012 | [Link]
T
ucked away in Beaumont are five homes built by the renowned
Louisiana architect A. Hays Town, and about an equal number built
by his protg, Al Jones. These remarkable homes, rich with details
and history, exemplify the best features of Acadian architecture a
style that is increasingly difficult to authentically recreate.
a c a d i a n a r c h i t e c t u r e
vip viewing
text by CHERYL ROSE photography by LEE E. StinSOn
deux belles maisons
Acadienne
>>
409-656-3939
[Link]
FABULOUS CUSTOM HOMES START WITH CLASSIC HOMES...
[Link] | March 2012 25
Born in 1903 and raised in
Cajun country, Town earned
frst an engineering degree
from what is now the University
of Louisiana (Lafayette) and
then an architecture degree
from Tulane University in New
Orleans. For the frst 40 years of his career, he
worked on commercial and government buildings,
including schools and courthouses, in the modern
style then fashionable.
In the 1960s, he shifted his focus to residential
homes, and cultivated his own style by reviving
the traditional and cultural infuences of Louisiana,
blending French, Creole, Spanish, Georgian and
Colonial elements. He was one of the earliest
architects to utilize salvaged materials, and these
are a distinctive component of his houses. Other
hallmarks include the use of breezeways, gener-
ously proportioned interior spaces, custom millwork
(moulding, cabinetry, mantels and trim), foor-to-
ceiling windows and shutters, cypress paneling,
custom stains and paint colors, courtyards and
13-foot ceilings.
Town died in 2005 at the age of 101. To
preserve his legacy, the Foundation for Historical
Louisiana created an offcial register of homes
designed by Town, along with a commemorative
plaque designating them as landmarks.
A. Hays Town
[Link] 860.3200 x114 [Link]
the
team
&ROOHHQ $GNLQV
5($/725

.DF\ :HVW
5($/725

/H[LH 0RXWRQ
5($/725
/DXUHQ 6WHZDUW
$GPLQLVWUDWLYH $VVLVWDQW
.DWLH 0DUWLQ
5($/725

$%5 &56 *5, 3,&

Each REALTOR

works independently. Each ofce independently owned and operated.

7DU\Q +HEHUW
$%5 &56 *5, &/+06 $+6
26 March 2012 | [Link]
K
aren McCormick was a young teen in
the 1960s when her father, Dr. George
Campbell, secured the services of
A. Hays Town to design their home. For
Town to build a house for you, you had to
have some connection with him I think
my mother went to school with his daughter
in New Orleans, McCormick remembered.
He had to like you. He was so hands-on
that he would become part of the family. My
dad was a doctor, but his frst degree was in
engineering. He and Hays Town hit it of
really well.
McCormick remembers her father going
with Town to the demolition yards in New
Orleans to search for salvaged materials for
their home. Town loved to use reclaimed
bricks, beams, planks and brass work, not
for economic or environmental reasons, but
for the rich history they ofered. Through
these materials, he was able to give a vintage
patina to a brand new home, giving it the ap-
pearance of timelessness.
If he couldnt get it old, he made it look
old, McCormick said. She remembers that
Town made up a formula with buttermilk
that he applied to a piece of statuary in their
courtyard to make algae grow to age the fn-
ish.
Not everyone appreciates this shabby-
chic antique look, but McCormick loves it.
I love every nick and crevice, she said. She
pointed to one of her doors as an example.
A Gem of a Town House Home of Karen and Dr. Paul McCormick, designed by A. Hays Town
[Link] | March 2012 27
Thats the history of that door. Theres a
reason it looks like that. It gives the house
character and warmth.
Another example is the fooring, made
from extra-wide, heart-of-pine boards. The
boards vary in size and its this lack of sym-
metry that appeals to McCormick. McCor-
mick and her husband, Paul, have deep ties
to Louisiana. They were newlyweds when
they inherited the house and 25 years later,
they still love it. We feel very much at home
here, McCormick said.
The features McCormick most appreciates
are the foor-to-ceiling windows that look out
on the gardens. (Town adamantly believed
that every window should have a view, that
the outside and inside should harmonize.)
She also appreciates the rhythm and fow
of the house and the outside porches. Town
acknowledged the hot Southern climate by
building accordingly to allow maximum
breezes and shade to keep houses comfort-
able. I would put my house up against
any house its size for energy efciency even
though it isnt sealed, she said.
Considered as a whole, McCormick said
there isnt any one wow thing, but rather
the collection of elements the detailed
moulding, the solid wood doors, the re-
claimed door knobs and architectural pieces
now scarce that make the home distinc-
tive. I dont think you could reproduce this
house, she said. >>
W
hen Todd and Crissy Clarke
decided to build a home in 2006,
they looked at a variety of archi-
tectural styles, but hired Al Jones, Towns
protg from Baton Rouge. I kept coming
back to the way the Town/Jones houses felt
on the inside, Crissy Clarke said, with the
heavy beams, the arches, the windows to the
ground, the 12-inch baseboards and 12-inch-
wide planks, the beeswax stains on the
bricks. Though all those details spoke to
her, she also wanted modern conveniences.
We told them we wanted authentic, but
with walk-in closets.
Clarke kept a record of where the sal-
vaged materials used in their home came
from and she recalled how construction
would sometimes come to a halt while wait-
ing for a building to be torn down some-
where.
Unlike Towns era, salvaged materials are
harder and costlier to come by, and come
from further afeld than Louisiana. In the
Clarkes home, the exterior brick came from
an old Albertsons grocery in New Orleans,
the living room wooden beams came from
Asheville, N.C., the kitchen beams from
Shreveport, La., and the tan interior bricks
from Ponchatoula, La.
The hardwood fooring is 200 years
old, brought from Maryland to the Clarkes
house. Clarke described how each piece had
to be cut to ft and looked awful until Jones
custom staining expert fnished them. The
gas lamps were custom made by a company
in the French Quarter of New Orleans and
the door hardware was special ordered from
a company in the Garden District. These
exceptional details are what make the house
unique, but, unsurprisingly, cost quite a bit
more than typical fxtures.
The Clarkes stayed true to Jones vision
Jonesing for a Modern Interpretation Home of Chrissy and Todd Clarke, designed by Al Jones
28 March 2012 | [Link]
with only a few deviations. For example,
she chose a lighter, Country French-style
chandelier for the dining room rather than
the heavier, traditional golden ones favored
by Town and Jones.
Rachel Roane adored the Clarkes house.
Roane and her husband, Steven, also hired
Jones when they built their Beaumont home.
However, the Roanes made many more
deviations from the authentic style, often
for practical purposes such as maintenance
or cost. For example, they elected to have
tile rather than brick on the kitchen foor
because brick foors require a second pour of
concrete on the slab, a serious price factor,
and also a matter of personal taste.
An unseen aspect is the better-than-code
construction and quality materials that go
into the structure of these houses, Roane
explained. These houses have great bones,
great ingredients that go into them, she
said.
Unfortunately, they are very expensive.
When Town frst started doing this, cypress
was readily available, brick was readily
available. They found old bridges that were
rotting for the exposed beams and fooring
came from old warehouses in New Orleans.
Now the cost for these materials is outra-
geous because, as with anything old, a lot of
people are interested in them.
Clarke concurs about the quality of
construction. If all the other houses in
town were knocked down by a hurricane,
this house would still be standing, she
said. Though she may not understand the
intricacies of all the construction details, she
clearly appreciates the artistic features. You
can just feel it; you can just tell, she said.
The windows, the light, the beams and
bricks, the natural things Im never tired of
it or itch for a diferent style. >>
[Link] | March 2012 29
30 March 2012 | [Link]
Architect Al Jones studied under
A. Hays Town for eight years before
going out on his own in the early
1970s. He absorbed Towns style
and adapted it over the years as
materials, building codes and
lifestyles changed.
Jones considered Town a mentor,
a father fgure and a friend. Mr.
Town was a purist; he was brilliant,
Jones said.
One of the essential character-
istics of a Town or a Jones home is
not something you can immediately
point to unless you are trained to
recognize it proportional design.
If you walk into a room and
something jumps out at you holy
smokes! thats not our goal,
Jones said. With good proportion,
good scale, the more you look at it,
the more you like it. Its the materi-
als, but also putting them together
properly to be well-designed.
Though in many ways Jones has
had to be fexible as times changed
such as effciency codes affecting
the options for windows he is still
able to locate salvaged materials,
though admits it is more challeng-
ing. We still fnd a lot of heartpine
beam and fooring, he said. With
bricks, we used to fuss when they
were 30 cents apiece and now we
pay about $1.37 apiece. Both
scarcity and competition are driving
up the price, he said. Whats excit-
ing about old bricks is that every
time you unload them, youll fnd
one with a thumbprint or sometimes
a date scratched in one.
Jones remembered that they
used about 60,000 bricks on the
Clarke home. Town and Jones both
used brick in the kitchens for the
foors, walls and hearths. Jones
explained that this came from the
old practical reason that kitchens
tended to burn down. Kitchens
used to be separate from the main
house for this reason. Brick isnt
needed for freproofng in the mod-
ern era kitchen, but it harkens to
the aesthetic of previous centuries.
Another adaptation to lifestyles is
that the kitchens used to be walled
off in Towns day, but now people
prefer an open plan as the kitchen
has become the heart of the home,
Jones explained.
Jones emphasizes extra-wide
porch galleries, big windows provid-
ing lots of natural light, and gardens
with brick walks, planters and
courtyards. Also, he frmly believes
a house should be attractive from
all views. Houses are like people,
he said. You dont have just a face.
You have sides and a rear. The front
of the house needs to be inviting
and charming, but the sides and
rear are equally important.
Finding balance
VIP
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!
Luxury Outdoor Furniture
4026 Dowlen Road
(next to Madisons)
409.554.0047
The Patio is committed to helping people design custom
outdoor living spaces. We carry top of the line, high quality patio
furniture, featuring a wide range of styles. Our in-house designer
can custom design the perfect patio setting just for you.
The Patio
[Link] | March 2012 31
Fabulous Custom Built 1999 - Design from Southern Living
Magazine. Front and Back Porches w/Columns. Pool. Barn
w/2nd Story. Sits on approx 5 acres. 1 1/2 Story w/Master
Down. Up has 2 BR, 1 BA with Den/Offce. Wrought Iron Gate,
Partially Fenced for Horses. $365,000
RE/MAX - Beaumont
REal Results Team
Dana Archibald 409-892-1243
[Link]
1018 Southwind on Pleasure Island
Waterfront retreat on Pleasure Island. Round windows. Special ceilings. Brazilian
wood and tile foors. Leaded windows/front door. 3 levels of living. Winding staircase
with iron accents. Views from almost EVERY Room. Balcony/Decks from front and
back rooms. Den/media/family room on 3rd level with entertainment center and
bar. gourmet kitchen w/dark stained cabinetry, granite, pantry, and broom closet.
Master suite w/sitting area, offce space and master bath that will relax even the
most stressed out person. 4/3.5/2 $470,000
For Lease or For Sale
RE/MAX - Beaumont
REal Results Team
Dana Archibald 409-892-7956
[Link]
Architectural masterpiece designed by Al Jones, Baton Rouge,
LA. The fnest of acadian style built w/reclaimed materials,
200 yr old solid beams from NC, wide planked reclaimed
hardwood foors from Hayes Town, MD, cypress cabinetry
made by Highland Mills Baton Rouge, architectural brick
arches. Featured in Southern Living Magazine.
Vivian Todd
RE/MAX Beaumont
409-860-3200 x125
Vtodd5@[Link]
105 W. Circuit.
Beautiful brick 4br/3 bath/2 half bath/3 det garage & porte cochere,
covered front & back porches, open foor plan, formal living & dining
rms, kitchen is open to lg breakfast area and den. Interior features
lg rooms, tile & carpet fooring, gas log fp, master bath has double
sinks, jetted tub & separate shower, lg walk in closet. Kitchen features
granite counters, double oven & gas cooktop. Large gameroom with
half bath. $335,000
Susan Simmons
American Real Estate
409-893-0556
ssarec@[Link]
Awesome View has EXACTLY that, awesome views! From this
amazing 3 bedroom, 2 bath beachfront home, located on Gulf
Shores, you can see miles down the beach. Just steps to the
gulf. $2,500/Week
Swedes Real Estate
409-684-3345
rent@[Link]
Take in the gulf breezes in this roomy 4 bedroom beach
house, just one block from the beach located in Sandcastle
Subdivision. $2,500/Week
Swedes Real Estate
409-684-3345
rent@[Link]
6560 Windsor Pkwy.
Spacious custom-built upscale home with fantastic view of
#13 green at Idylwild Golf Course. Large master suite down
with offce; slate, tile & wood foors; split bedroom plan.
Sought-after Hardin Jefferson schools. $239,000
Susan Simmons
American Real Estate
409-893-0556
ssarec@[Link]
8
VIP HOMES
Homes of distinction and
quality to host your lifestyle!
Refned amenities that defne Spanish Colonial elegance and
a blend of hill country charm, this custom home meets all
expectations and more upon turning into the circular drive you
realize that this property is going to be an unique experience.
Stunning views of the pool and spacious terraces and patios
blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Soaring
ceilings and columns, tile foors, beams, and more stunning
architectural works are viewed throughout the house.
Vivian Todd
RE/MAX Beaumont
409-860-3200 x125
Vtodd5@[Link]
32 March 2012 | [Link]
WOMAN
designing
text by CATHLEEN COLE photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
[Link] | March 2012 33
T
he two
quaint,
brick homes
situated side
by side in
Beaumonts
Old Town
give no clue as to what goes on inside.
One has a room filled with computers,
printers, boxes of specialty papers
and a drafting table. The other has
an addition in the back dedicated to
sewing and monogramming machines,
work tables and art supplies. These
are the offices of K & K designs and
also the homes of Kathryn Bachelot
and her mother, Kay Clark.
A home-based business
Bachelot was already a busy interior
designer when she and her mother
started K & K designs in 2007 with the
purchase of a monogramming machine.
It was just a home-based business that
gave us a little extra to do, Bachelot,
a member of the American Society of
Interior Designers, said. Incorporated
in 2010, the partners in the frm are
Bachelot, Clark, Bachelots daughter,
Lauren Martin, and Carmen de los
Reyes.
For interior design, Bachelots niche
is moderate to high-end residential
and soft commercial projects such as
business ofces. The main aspects of
an interior designers job include space
planning, color consultation, furniture
and accessory choices and window
treatments. Her overall goal is to push
her clients a little further than they
would push themselves to achieve a
wonderful look. And I keep you from
making mistakes, she added.
A natural knack for design
Growing up in Lake Charles, La.,
Bachelot realized she was good at inte-
rior design early on. Her mother let her
make over her room every summer, as
long as she did the work. They would
go to a fabric store and pick out mate-
rial for new curtains, and she would
sew them. She could repaint walls or
hang wallpaper, whatever she liked.
She wanted things just so, Clark said,
noting that her daughter had a natural
knack for design.
In high school, she decided she
wanted to become an interior designer
and after graduation headed for Loui-
siana Tech University for a bachelor of
fne arts in interior design. She remem-
bers a favorite professor who taught
color theory. Color is my biggest
strength, she said. Its very logical to
me now. Color afects everything.
Even if youre making over your
home on a budget and dont want to
hire an interior designer, Bachelot rec-
ommends at least hiring a professional
for color selection. Never ask someone
else for their paint color, she warns.
It wont look the same in your house
as it does in your friends house. She
bemoans the fact that most people play
it too safe, too simple and too neutral
when changing their abodes. Take
some risk, she advises. Go with more
contrast, but it has to have some kind
of continuity. It has to relate to other
areas. When she starts on a project, she
thinks of the house as a whole. I try to
imagine the house with no walls, she
explained. She wants the design ele-
ments to fow from room to room.
Bachelots personal tastes lean to-
ward traditional. She likes older homes
for their architectural features. I like
more traditional aspects, she said. I
like antiques. I love good rugs.
Here for the party
In 2005, the interior designer
expanded her services to include event
planning when she started working
on a convention for the Texas District
of Pilot International a worldwide
service organization of which she is a
member. The convention was held in
2007 at the MCM Elegante in Beau-
mont. Since then, shes helped organize
several more conventions. Shes also
become popular as a wedding planner,
especially since her frm can design and
print the save-the-date cards and wed-
ding invitations, decorate the venue
and make other specialty items such
as banners, fags and guest books. We
design for the bride, Bachelot said.
Nothing we do is stock. We all have
strength in design.
And they are open to all kinds of
ideas. We had a bride who didnt
want fowers, Clark said. She wanted
feathers. I thought it was very interest-
ing. The team came up with white
ostrich feathers arranged in large vases
illuminated by pink lights. It made a
big impression, she recalled.
Bachelot is an avid collector of an-
tique silver and vintage items including
crystal, glass bottles and lanterns. She
will incorporate these elements into
an event if it works with the theme.
Her interior design and event planning
clients are mostly from Beaumont, but
she has some clients around the state
and also in Lake Charles where she
From home makeovers to event planning,
Kathryn Bachelot keeps design in mind
with everything she does
k & k d e s i g n s
vipersonality
>>
34 March 2012 | [Link]
had a design shop for several years.
We do travel, Bachelot said, noting
that she recently planned a wedding
at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
The most important aspects of
a successful event are planning,
communication between all parties
(no surprises) and good design,
Bachelot explained. Shes very mind-
ful of the bottom line. Im the bad
guy, she said. I stick to the budget.
We want them to feel that they got a
good value.
No excuses
Does she enjoy attending wed-
dings, parties and other events even
if she didnt plan them? Or does
she spend her time critiquing? In
everything I do in life, I critique,
Bachelot said. But she wont give her
detailed opinion to her host or host-
ess. That doesnt mean she thinks
she can always do better. She takes
plenty of ideas home with her to try
with her own events. We appreci-
ate good design whether we did it or
not, she said.
Bachelot describes her character
traits as headstrong and
very defnitive. I am
an A-type personal-
ity plus, she said.
Shes also somewhat
of a workaholic, which
comes with the terri-
tory when you work
out of your house. She
typically works 60 hours a
week. Shes very focused,
de los Reyes said. Its not her
way or the highway, but she is
intense. Bachelots mother agrees.
Shes very optimistic and accepts
no excuses, Clark said, adding that
her daughter doesnt like to hear that
something cant be done.
Work equals fun
If Bachelot threw herself a party,
shed make sure to showcase her
collections of antique furniture and
books, vintage linens and silver. I
wouldnt limit the colors, she said.
And if she could be invited to any
event in the world, she would want
to attend a European royal wedding,
preferably at the couples centuries-
old estate. I love the history, she
noted.
For fun, Bachelot travels to
antiques stores and fea markets and
enjoys looking for the next great fnd
that can be used for an event. She
takes in her surroundings wherever
she goes, gleaning ideas from other
peoples examples of good design.
But doesnt she ever want to turn
it of, get away from her work? No,
she replied. I never turn it of.
her
is
agrees.
accepts
adding that
Color is my biggest strength. Its very logical
to me now. Color affects everything.
VIP
Mid County / Bridge City / Orange
409-729-4822
Beaumont / Lumberton / Kountze / Silsbee
409-832-3222
Visit our Showroom at:
3703 Nederland Ave Nederland, TX 77627
Toll Free: 1-877-962-(COOL) 2665
THE COOLEST GUYS IN TOWN
Rutty & Morris A/C has serviced Southeast Texas since 2003 and is proud to call it our home.
Offering the latest in residential and commercial products and equipment, Rutty & Morris now offers
constuction services, in addition to A/C and plumbing. We can provide unmatched service to your home
or business. Available 24/7, our team of factory trained, clean cut, technicians can respond in a
timely manner and give you the service you expect and deserve.
LIC#s:
TACLB 22367E
TACLB 26326R
M38379
Rutty & Morris
SERVING THE GOLDEN TRIANGL E
AIR CONDITIONING CONSTRUCTION PLUMBING
D i a n e M c N e l i s
vipersonality
living the
ranch life
D
iane McNelis closes her
eyes and dreams of a
perfect day. She and her
husband, Sean, rise early
on a quiet morning filled
with the sounds of nature.
They pull on boots, walk
to the barn, feed their horses, then go inside to
share their own breakfast.
For the next couple of hours, they saddle up and
ride across deep green pasture shaded by mature
oaks. After lunch, Sean works on a project, mend-
ing fence boards or building a shelter for the horses.
As dusk falls, they sit and share a glass of iced
tea, tired, but content with a day spent on the ranch
they love.
The McNelises dont have to imagine such a life.
They live it. As a Realtor with Coldwell Banker in
Beaumont, Diane helps others fnd the ranch of
their dreams.
Ranch clients have a diferent set of priorities.
They measure the value of a property in acres, not
square footage, and are more concerned with lush
pastures, barns, mature shade trees and fencing
than the number of bedrooms, a designer kitchen
or swimming pool though great ranches can have
it all.
Each ranch is unique and each prospective
buyer has a unique set of standards that must be
met. Often my ranch clients are as concerned about
the land as they are the house. You can change a
house but you cant change the quality of the prop-
erty, Diane says. Grazing space and good quality
pasture are top components in most ranch proper-
ties. It gets hot here and good shade trees are a real
plus for animals. Outbuildings and barns can range
from simple sheds to elaborate structures as fancy
as some homes in the area.
Dianes work has given her access to the best
ranches in Southeast Texas.
Our area has it all. If you want a fve-acre
hobby farm or a 500-acre cattle ranch, you can fnd
it here.
Her love of ranching began when her parents
bought their 11-year-old a golden palomino
Ranches in
SE Texas
What your money will
buy:
Entry level: $200,000-
$300,000 - 5-15 acres
with a nice 2,000 square
foot home, possibly a
barn.
Mid level: $400,000-
$600,000 - 15-50 acres
with a 3,000 -3,500
square foot custom
home, a barn and other
ranch amenities (a pond,
riding arena, hay felds).
High End: $1 million
plus - 50-200 acres of
land, a 4,000 or more
square foot custom
home with barns, riding
arena, and high quality
amenities.
text by JanE McBRidE photography by Silvia c. Mcclain
>>
[Link] | March 2012 35
named Lady Lynne.
Only when you live with
horses can you really get to know
them inside and out. You learn
their habits, develop a sixth
sense and can tell when they
dont feel right. For me, this has
always been my touchstone. The
warm breath from a horses nos-
tril blown on my hand takes away
all the stress of the day.
Diane studied journalism,
majoring in advertising, then
earned a Masters in business ad-
ministration. By 25, she was able
to buy her frst home a small,
two-bedroom, one-bath farm
on fve acres. The lands value
increased and Diane bought a 20-
acre ranch with the profts.
Now, she and her husband,
Sean McNelis, a mechanical engi-
neer with ExxonMobil, live on a
33-acre ranch in Orange County.
Finding their ranch wasnt
easy.
We looked all across South-
east Texas, from Winnie to
Silsbee. We got really lucky. This
home was built for a family that
planned to live here a long time,
but was transferred. For us, the
property was the draw. Its high
on a sloping hill. The pasture
quality is outstanding grazing.
On three sides we are bordered
by an old timber forest on the
back side is a creek so nothing
will be built on it.
Dianes mother was a Realtor
with Coldwell Banker in Florida.
After college, Diane went to work
with a mortgage lending com-
pany. Both introduced her to a
career that proved a perfect ft.
I like working with someone
one-on-one during an exciting
time in their life. Im a driven,
motivated, detail-oriented person
who loves helping clients fnd
their dream home. Being a Real-
tor ofers you possibilities that
you dont fnd in a 9-5 corporate
world. You create your business
hours and the way you want
them structured. As an indepen-
dent contractor, Im responsible
for advertising, bringing in new
clients, showing properties, and
much more. I enjoy being my
own boss.
Selling real estate is all about
connections. When she moved to
Southeast Texas, Diane created
the frst real estate blog in the
area, flled with information
clients usually cant access. The
Real Estate Center at Texas A&M
University named her blog as
one of the Top Ten in the state,
dramatically increasing her vis-
ibility.
Diane volunteers with the
Humane Society of Southeast
Texas, serving on the board of
directors and writing the soci-
etys quarterly newsletter. Her
ranch is home to six horses and
four dogs. Three are rescues a
Labrador/hound mix, rat terrier,
and black Lab. The fourth is a
purebred Ger-
man Shepherd,
a breed Diane has
loved since childhood.
From the moment they frst
walked the property, Diane and
Sean saw the potential in their
ranch, despite its faws.
The land was beautiful, but
also a mess after Hurricane Rita.
There were downed trees all
over the property. There was no
barn for our horses and the fenc-
ing was all barbed wire. Some
people might fnd that accept-
able to keep a horse behind, but
not many
true horse-
men would.
We spent
months clearing, cleaning, re-
fencing and building barns, all
before we could move our horses
to our new home. It was truly a
labor of love and the results for
us are a dream come true. We
come home every day to a won-
derful ranch and get to see our
horses grazing in the pastures
and our dogs playing in the yard.
We wouldnt live any other
way. VIP
36 March 2012 | [Link]
[Link] | March 2012 37
Longing for a ranch?
Before you pull on your boots and hat, do your homework. A
little knowledge of the ranching lifestyle can go a long way
toward avoiding disappointment.
Have a frm, realistic grasp of your plans for the property. Is
this a hobby ranch, weekend retreat or a working ranch?
Are you buying the property as an investment or as a home
for family for decades to come?
Is the ranch for livestock or agriculture?
Is there an adequate water supply? Does the pasture offer
good grazing?
Will it need improvements such as outbuildings and fences?
Will you need to purchase equipment or vehicles?
How much time can you devote to maintenance? Will you be
able to handle the upkeep yourself, or will you need to hire a
ranch hand?
Give Your Kitchen A New Look.
Free Sink +
Stone Backsplash
with purchase of a Granite Countertop
For
Only
Starting At
Kitchen Cabinets +
Granite Top +
Tile Backsplash
$
29
99
*
sq. ft.
Installed
based on a 10X10 size kitchen
$
6,999*
Granite | Silestone | Countertops | Tile | Cabinetry
Hardwood & Laminate Flooring | Showers | Carpenting
Hand-Scraped
Wood Flooring
$
5
89
Porcelain
Tile
$
3
79
Granite
Countertops
$
29
99
Premium
Quality Carpet
$
1
89
10 granites to
choose from
Laminate
Wood Flooring
$
3
49
Granite & Flooring Center
Where Quality Is Never Compromised
(409) 892-0100
5330 Eastex Fwy, Beaumont, TX 77708
In House No Interest Financing Available
Per sq. ft.
installed
Per sq. ft.
installed
Per sq. ft.
installed
Per sq. ft.
installed
Per sq. ft.
installed
Starting
at
C
ooking for St. Patricks Day? Put
away your fancy sauces, most of
your spices and the green food
coloring. PLEASE put away
the green food coloring. And
remember, if you go to Ireland
and order Irish potatoes, youre going to get,
well, potatoes. Not those cloyingly sweet balls
of cream cheese and coconut swaddled in a
cloak of cinnamon that are so popular in the
U.S. this time of year.
Traditional Irish cuisine relies heavily on
simply prepared fresh meats, potatoes and other
root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. And
it features a lot of one-pot meals with very little
adornment.
Many people might dismiss traditional Irish
cuisine as bland. But more astute observers will
see it for what it really is: hearty, favorful, satis-
fying and basic enough to let the foods natural
favors shine through.
One big fan, Chuck MacKenzie, proprietor of
MacKenzies Pub at 229 Dowlen Road in Beau-
mont, is quick to point this out.
People tend to forget sometimes what basic
food is like. Weve got to be glamorizing it. Weve
got to have sauces and this and that, he said.
You take a steak and pour sauce all over it
hell, you could do that with a piece of ham-
burger. Or a piece of cardboard. But with Irish
food, youre going to get pretty much the natural
I r i s h f o o d
food dining
Magically
delicious
This St. Patricks Day, skip
the fancy sauces and green
food coloring. Instead, keep
it hearty and simple
Magically
text by MargareT BaTTISTellI garDner
38 March 2012 | [Link]
ingredients and tastes.
It might be a refreshing change for some people,
from the more chef-oriented recipes you see in maga-
zines today, he added. I mean, you take a look at
some of the those lists of ingredients and you think,
What in the heck?
In the hands of an Irish cook, even seafood like
meat is likely to be poached or boiled with just some
onions and peppercorns, to allow the natural favor of
the fsh to take center stage.
MacKenzie isnt a full-blooded Irishman. In fact,
he grew up in small fshing village in Nova Scotia. His
heritage is a mix of English, Dutch, Irish and Scottish.
But when he opened the pub 13 years ago, it quickly
became known as THE Irish pub in Southeast Texas.
The green in the dcor, the clover lights around the
dance foor and the owners last name were the start
of it. And MacKenzies all-out approach to celebrat-
ing St. Patricks Day Irish food and music and other
semi-live entertainment (aka Chuck MacKenzie tell-
ing Irish jokes) cemented it. (Check out the recipe
for MacKenzies famous corned beef and cabbage here,
and look for it to be served at the pub on March 17.)
The St. Pats celebration at MacKenzies is so
popular, in fact, that it was nearly sold out as of late
January this year.
Its one time of year I wish I had three times the
number of chairs, MacKenzie said. I never planned
to promote it as an Irish pub, but I did like the termi-
nology of pub, being from Canada. [Our customers]
tagged me an Irish pub, and I wear the tag proudly.
Chucks Corned
Beef and Cabbage
2 lb. corned beef brisket
4 large potatoes cut evenly into 1
cubes
1 large onion, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced
2 sticks of celery, sliced
2 bay leaves
2 tsp. ground allspice or bouquet
garnish
Half a teaspoon of dry mustard
1 large cabbage
Salt & pepper
Place meat and onion into a large
pot of cold water. Bring to boil and
remove any traces of scum forming
on the surface. Reduce heat and sim-
mer for 60 minutes, then add celery
and carrots. 15 minutes later, add
potatoes. 15 minutes later, cut cab-
bage into 4 quarters and add to pot.
Simmer for another 30 minutes.
Chucks Potato
Oat Cakes
1 lb. of cooked potatoes
2 oz margarine or butter
Half lb. of fne oatmeal
Salt and pepper
2 Tbs. of milk
Mash the potatoes and season to
taste with salt and pepper, adding
milk to make them soft and fuffy.
Add the oatmeal and mix, cover
to keep the potatoes warm. Add
the margarine to a saucepan and
heat until melted. Add the melted
margarine to the mixture and mix to
make a stiff dough. Lightly sprinkle
some oatmeal on a board and roll out
dough to approx. a quarter inch thick.
Cut into triangles. Fry in hot fat until
both sides are golden brown
Chucks Soda Bread
1 lb. plain white four
1 level tsp baking soda/bicarbonate
of soda
1 level tsp cream of tartar
Pinch of salt
4 oz sugar
4 oz sultanas, raisins or currants
1 egg
Half a pint buttermilk
Preheat oven to 350F. Sieve four,
soda, cream of tartar and salt into
a bowl. Rub in butter lightly with
fngertips until the mixture looks like
breadcrumbs. Add dried fruit and
sugar and mix well. Beat egg in a
separate bowl and add buttermilk,
mix well. Add to other ingredients and
mix into a dough. Turn onto lightly
foured board, knead and mould
into a smooth round ball. Put into a
greased baking tray and fatten to
about 2/3 inch thick. Bake for 40-50
minutes, until bread is golden brown.
Remove from oven and leave to cool.
Although the owner hails from Nova Scotia, MacKenzies Pub
in Beaumont is known as THE Irish pub of Southeast Texas.
The St. Patricks Day celebration at MacKenzies is so popular
it was sold out a month in advance.
If people went to, say,
France and ate a lot fancy
sauces and fancy
desserts, and then their
next stop was Ireland, it
would be a culture shock.
The food is just as good,
and probably some of it
is better. Its just not the
cuisine that people rave
about. Its just good.
Chuck MacKenzie
VIP p
h
o
t
o
g
r
a
p
h
y
b
y
s
C
o
T
T
e
s
l
I
n
g
e
r
[Link] | March 2012 39
40 March 2012 | [Link]
s e t x e v e n t s
vip spotlight
La Soiree
scott eslinger
Bryan and Amy Chance
Hannah Schiesler, Rhonda Rubel
Rod and Kate Carroll, Michelle Adams and Kevin Kearns
Stuart and Sophia Burns Kathleen Hambright, Carol Hearn and Gerry Wiggins Bill and Sherri Callahan Jackson, Lily and Eric Meadows
Jennifer Fisher, Molly Moore, Amy WIlson and Heather Roebuck
Jimmy and Leslie Harrison Allison Robbins, Ayna Sehgal, Micah Lindsay, Guy Stonecipher Aimee and Ryan Slott
Marty and Trish Smith
Tanya Hansen, Melissa Cornwell C.E. Dickens, Traci Coleman
[Link] | March 2012 41
Gift of Life Dinner
ren sheppard
Shelly Vitanza, Betty Schluter and May Delgado Debra Walker, Kathy McKenzie, Darlene Vickers, Dr. Mark and Mrs. Kubala, Dr. Sue Yu and Dr. Irwin Lo
Senator Tommy Williams and Regina Rogers Judge Carl and Micaela Thibodeaux
Marty and Revon Craig
Lisa and Sam Parigi Dwight Wagner and Geraldine Mickens
[Link]
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
Career Advancement opportunities include:
Accepting
Applications
For Brochure and Application
visit our web site: [Link]
or contact us at
409-212-5724
Baptist Hospitals
School of Radiologic Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree
in Radiologic Sciences now offered!
Associate of Applied Science Degree
in Radiologic Sciences now offered!
50 years of Teaching Excellence
A Career In Radiologic Technology offers a promising future.
Nuclear Med
Rad Therapy
Mammography
Education
C.T.
MRI
Ultrasound
JRCERT
Accredited
42 March 2012 | [Link]
Symphony of Southeast Texas
A Vintage
Affair
Bridal Traditions
Winter Show
ren sheppard
lee e. stinson
silvia c. mcclain
Mandie and Dr. Garrett Peel
Tim and Susan Byrom
Joseph and Sandy Fertitta
Kellie and Alexis Fowler
John and Judith Lee Haley Harrington and Nicole Thompson Carol and Bob Marsh Randall and Sheryl Roy
Angela and Shirley Zimmerman Andrea Beadle, Kristin Saunders and Katie LeBlanc
Daniel Gillies and Keri Cooke
Tim Gregory, Ireese Battles and Joycelyn Battles
Ariel Wills and Dustin Gibson
Melissa Foreman, Erika Rodriguez
Charlie Carpenter, Lacey Carpenter and Lindsey Powell
Allison Erwin and Tonie Castille
Rhonda and Katrina Asher
Katie and Linda Caillavet
[Link] | March 2012 43
Symphony
Belle Ball
lee e. stinson
Jennifer Thompson, April Penland
Tonya and Mitch Toups
Holly and Monty Christopher
Jennifer and Dwayne Champagne
Meredith, Loretta and Dr. James Davis
Byron Broussard, Susan and Allen Perkins
Justin and Kelly Jackson
Pat and Lia Reagan Sally, Dr. Randy Lombardo
The Kevin
Reed Team
409-728-1814
The Kevin
Reed Team
409-728-1814
se habla espanol
409-659-5132
Se habla espanol
409-659-5132
[Link]
44 March 2012 | [Link]
Beaux Art Ball
scott eslinger
Nathaniel Welch, L-R, Chad McGillivrtay, Michael Snowden and Alan French
Jeff and Emily Wheeler Jeff McManus, Ramona Young Alan and Elizabeth French Ange Buscceme and Ed Scheibel
Laurie Pfeifer, Tim Foster Beth Gallaspy, Gina Hinson and Renee Coughlan
Woodie Woodruff, Les Warren, Anita Harmon and John David Roberts
2290 10 South at Washington Blvd. (409) 842-0886
Sun - Thur Fri - Sat 11-11
Evryody s
m
ody
Floys!
CRAWFISH ARE BACK!
Happy Hour Specials
Monday-Friday 4 PM-7 PM
Mexican
Restaurant & Cantina
Mexican
Restaurant & Cantina
4414 Dowlen (Crossroad Center) 409-924-7718
AUTHENTIC MEXICANFOOD
Gift Certifcates Available!
HAPPY HOUR 3-7 Mon - Fri
G
u
a
d
ala
j
a
r
a
2010
[Link] | March 2012 45
r u n n i n g s h o e s
vip adviser
Nike Free Run+ 2:
Comfortable, highly
fexible shoe that
gives you a custom-
ized, barefoot-like
feel during your run.
Reebok RealFlex
Optimal: Design
supports the natural
movement of your
foot with indepen-
dent, multi-direc-
tional nodes and the
blown rubber forefoot
cushions your foot
and adds durability.
Adidas adiZero
Rush: Weighing in
at 7.5 ounces, these
shoes prove that less
is really more, while
featuring superior
breathability and
support.
Nike Free Run+
2: Like the mens
Free Run+, the
womens shoe also
has a lightweight
design, and it
features refective
panels for safer early
morning or late night
workouts.
Reebok Zigfy
Poly: Engineered to
minimize the work
performed by your
leg muscles by ab-
sorbing the impact
of heel strikes while
spreading it along
the zigs and zags.
Newton Momen-
tum Trail Guidance
Trainer: This low
profle, high-durabil-
ity shoe allows you
to run naturally on all
types of terrain, from
groomed bridle paths
and roads to techni-
cal mountain trails.
Men Women
Footwork to
GUSH
N
o longer utilitarian, running and athletic
shoes can also be fashionable. Brands are
going natural with designs that are fexible
and feel close to barefoot while still putting a fashionable
foot forward. Footwear in 2012 is seeing a huge neon
trend with most styles coming in an array of extra bright
colors. Before you head to the Gusher Marathon, check
out our footwear picks.
text by Larena Head
over
46 March 2012 | [Link]
Alegria means Happiness
it is also a new line of fun
footwear available exclusively
at Ashton House! Alegria
shoes consist of a heavenly
padded foot bed that really feels
like you are walking on clouds.
Made in a variety of bright,
up-beat collectable designs,
Alegria adds color therapy to
your day, and its rocker bottom
adds spring to your step. Being
comfortable in your own shoes
never felt like this before. This
is what happy looks like!
Ashton House
6250 Phelan - The Colonnade Shopping Center
Beaumont 409-860-7233
Providing personalized
service for over 30 years
Universal Travel
3199 Dowlen Road, Suite B, Beaumont, Texas 77706
409.892.1077 (next door to Bistro LeMonde)
Universal Travel
Destination Specialists
Ready for some Fun in the Sun?
A direct importer of European Antiques, Burns Antik Haus,
located on Calder at 6th Street, can help you bring old world charm
to your home.
Open Tues - Thurs 10 am to 5 pm and Fri - Sat 10 am to 3 pm.
(409) 835-3080
[Link]
Marc McDonald of REMAX
Beaumont for receiving the REMAX
Lifetime Achievement Award for
Realtor Excellence
to
Congratulations
Sun Rays Sauna Wound Healing
is now open! Heart Health
Skin Rejuvenation
Detox
Weight Loss
Relaxation
Pain Relief
Cell Health/Immunity
Sun Rays Sauna
8109 Gladys #103 Beaumont
860-9911 or 350-5038
Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Daily
Protect your bird seed
bounty from squirrels with
our Eliminator bird feeder.
When a squirrel touches
the perch ring, its weight
closes the seed ports,
foiling its seed-stealing
plot. Its easy to hang,
holds about three quarts
of seed and is backed
with a limited lifetime
guarantee. The Eliminator
can be disassembled
and assembled with no
tools, and all of its parts
are top shelf dishwasher
safe. Come by Wild Birds
Unlimited Nature Shop on
Dowlen and check it out!
Wild Birds Unlimited
3939 Dowlen Rd. #7
409.347.3500
[Link]/beaumont
Nickolinas
1257 W. Lucas
Beaumont, TX 409.896.2543
[Link]
Nickolinas offers
interior design
services utilizing
an eclectic mix of
decorative accents,
furniture, lighting,
and more. This new
chandelier with
burnished gold
metal, golden teak
leaves, and a silken
champagne sheer
fabric shade is defnitely
a Fabulous Find!
Let Nickolinas customize your space and fnd your fabulous!
8
fabulous nds
Retailers we love and their
merchandise we love to have!
Fred A. Simons Tae Kwon Do
3965 Phelan Plaza, Suite 107
Beaumont, TX 409.212.9669
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
The Gusher Marathon
March 10
Whether youre a runner or just
enjoy cheering on the masses,
you dont want to miss the third
annual Gusher Marathon/half
marathon/5K race. Race starts at
7:30 a.m. at Lamar University
in Beaumont. Fee $90 day of
race. Full details and map of
course at [Link]
Beaumont Blues
Festival
March 23
Performances by Mel Waiters, Sir
Charles Jones, Millie Jackson, TK
Soul, Shirley Brown and Floyd
Taylor, 8 p.m., Beaumont Civic
Center, Beaumont. Reserved seats
$44.50 and $37.50. (800) 745-3000
or [Link].
Le Grand Bal: Some
Enchanted Evening
March 24
Black-tie gala, 7 p.m.-midnight, Lamar
University, Beaumont. Reception
and silent art auction, 7-9 p.m. at the
Dishman Art Museum, and a gourmet
bufet, dancing and music by the Night
& Day Orchestra and the Eclipse Band
from Houston, 8 p.m.-midnight at
the Montagne Center. Tickets $150
per person, $300 per couple. For
reservations, call (409) 880-8137 or
[Link]/cofac
great dates in march
Symphony of SE Texas
March 3
Amadeus 2.0, features the
Symphony of Southeast Texas
Chorus and includes Salieris
Sinfonia in D Veneziana,
Stravinskys Suite from Pulcinella
and Mozarts Requiem. 7:30 p.m.,
Julie Rogers Theatre, Beaumont.
Tickets are $15 to $36 for adults and
$12 to $33 for students/seniors. (409)
892-2257 or [Link].
Magnolia Garden
Club Flower Show
March 20-21
Spring is here, and theres no
better way to get in the mood
and be inspired than with the
Magnolia Garden Clubs Flower
Show. 1-4 p.m. March 20, 10
a.m.-4 p.m. March 21, Phelan
Mansion, Beaumont. (409)
842-3135.
YMBL South Texas
State Fair and Rodeo
March 22 - April 1
The biggest event of the Southeast
Texas festival season is here! With a
rodeo, livestock show, carnival, live
entertainment and more food than you
could possibly eat, the South Texas
State Fair at Ford Park promises to
be another must-attend event. For
complete event schedules visit www.
[Link].
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@[Link]. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.
[Link] | March 2012 47
48 March 2012 | [Link]
{ March }
MARCH 1
Euforialive 3
Spindletop Center fundraiser with
dinner and silent auction, 5:30-9
p.m., Beaumont Botanical Gardens,
Beaumont. Tickets $75 each. Table for
8 $500. (409) 839-1046.
Jason Boland and the Stragglers
Turnpike Troubadours also perform,
SRO at Ford Park, Beaumont. Advance
tickets $25; $28 day of show. (409)
951-5400 or [Link].
MARCH 1-4
Evadale Catfsh Festival
6-10 p.m. March 1; 6-11 p.m. March 2;
10 a.m.-11 p.m. March 3; and noon-6
p.m. March 4, Evadale High School
grounds, Evadale. Free admission.
(409) 276-1470.
MARCH 2
Kool and the Gang
Nutty Jerrys, Winnie. Tickets $25,
$35, $45, $55. (877) 643-7508 or
[Link].
Cage Rage 13
8 p.m., Beaumont Civic Center,
Beaumont. Reserved seats $35, $45.
VIP tables for 10 $500. Tickets
available at Ticketmaster locations or
[Link] or call (800)
745-3000.
MARCH 2-4
Golden Triangle Home Show
Ford Exhibit Hall, Beaumont. Adults
$9, seniors 55 and older $7, children
16 and younger free. (409) 422-4802
or (409) 791-0733.
MARCH 3
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
8 p.m., Ford Arena, Beaumont.
Tickets $35.50, $45.50, $55.50. (800)
745-3000 or [Link].
MARCH 4
Mike Epps Im Still Standing
7 p.m., Beaumont Civic Center,
Beaumont. Reserved seats $44.50
and $37.50. (800) 745-3000 or www.
[Link].
Nederland Heritage Festival Fun Run
2 p.m., Bulldog Stadium, Nederland
High School, Nederland. Advance
registration $15, day of the event $20.
(409) 724-2269 or [Link].
org.
MARCH 5-6
Blue Man Group
7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater, Orange.
(409) 886-5535, (800) 828-5535 or
[Link].
MARCH 6
Lamarissimo! Wind Ensemble and
Concert Bands Concert
7:30 p.m., Julie Rogers Theatre,
Beaumont. Adults $18, student K-12
$12, free to Lamar University students
with ID. (409) 880-8144 or www.
[Link]/music
MARCH 8
Go For the Gold Fundraiser and
Reverse Drawing
6-10 p.m., Art Museum of Southeast
Texas, Beaumont. Dinner and
cocktails for two and one entry into
the drawing in which three ticket-
holders get a chance to win gold,
with the last ticket winning $10,000.
Tickets $100. (409) 832-3432 or www.
[Link].
Doubt
7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater, Orange.
(409) 886-5535, (800) 828-5535 or
[Link].
MARCH 9
Randy Travis and James Wesley
Nutty Jerrys, Winnie. Tickets $35,
$45, $65, $75. (877) 643-7508 or
[Link].
MARCH 10
50th annual BAL National
Opening reception of juried exhibition
representing artists from across the
United States. 7-9 p.m. Beaumont Art
League. Free.
MARCH 13-18
Nederland Heritage Festival
Along Boston Avenue and 17th Street,
Nederland. Carnival, Cuisine Walk,
petting zoo, live bands, art show, chili
cook-of, craft and collectable market.
(409) 724-2269 or [Link].
MARCH 14
Susan Gibson, Terri Hendrix and
Lloyd Maines
7 p.m., Courvilles, Beaumont. Tickets
$30, includes dinner and concert. For
reservations call (409) 860-9811 or
email bigrich@[Link]
MARCH 16
Ballroom Dance Party
The Night and Day Orchestra, 6-10
April previ ew
APRIL 12
Gift of Life Champagne & Ribs Cowboy Harley [Link]
APRIL 14
Symphony of SE Texas concert Julie Rogers Theater [Link]/
APRIL 21
Golden Anniversary Beneft Gala Christus Health Foundation www.
[Link]/
APRIL 22
62nd Garden Club Flower Show Tyrrell Park Conservatory
APRIL 28
Neches River Festival Coronation Julie Rogers Theatre [Link]
p.m., Rothwell Hall at First United
Methodist Church, Beaumont.
MARCH 16-17
Hairspray
Betty Greenberg Center for the
Performing Arts, Beaumont. For
reservations, call (409) 833-4664 or
[Link].
com
MARCH 17
Azalea Festival
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Jasper County
Courthouse Square, Jasper. (409) 384-
2762 or [Link]
B.B. King
8:30 p.m., LAuberge du Lac Hotel
& Casino, Lake Charles, La. Tickets
start at $40. (800) 745-3000 or www.
[Link]
MARCH 21
The All New Original Tribute to the
Blues Brothers
7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater, Orange.
(409) 886-5535, (800) 828-5535 or
[Link].
MARCH 22
Blue October
Nutty Jerrys, Winnie. Tickets $20,
$30, $50. (877) 643-7508 or www.
[Link].
MARCH 22 - 24
Hairspray
See previous listing.
MARCH 23-24
Liberty Jubilee
Courthouse Square, Liberty. (936)
336-3684.
MARCH 24
Art in the Park
9 a.m.-9 p.m., Stark Park, Orange.
Art, crafts, food, music, childrens
activities, pony rides, a petting zoo,
strolling entertainers. (409) 883-1011,
(409) 883-1010 or (800) 528-4906.
LIT Shootout
One-in-100 Gun Club, Lumberton.
Cost $150 per team. (409) 839-2956.
MARCH 24 - 25
Tyler County Dogwood Festival of
the Arts
9 a.m.-5 p.m., Heritage Village
Museum, Woodville. (800) 323-0389
or [Link].
MARCH 27
Texas Energy Museum Blowout
Former Arkansas Governor Mike
Huckabee is guest speaker, 6:30 p.m.,
Beaumont Civic Center, Beaumont.
Tickets $100 per person. Tables
$1,000, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000.
Reservations only. (409) 833-5100.
Distinguished Lecture Series
Iraq veteran J.R. Martinez and recent
Dancing With the Stars winner
and a star of the daytime drama All
My Children, 7 p.m., Carl A. Parker
Multipurpose Center, Port Arthur.
Free. (409) 984-6342.
MARCH 30-31
Lamar Opera Studio
Giacomo Puccinis Gianni Schicchi,
7:30 p.m., Rothwell Recital Hall
at Lamar University, Beaumont.
Admission $10. For reservations, call
(409) 880-8144 or [Link]/music
MARCH 31
Black, Red and Green Ball
Presented by the 100 Plus Black
Women Coalition of Beaumont,
Inc., 7 p.m., Holiday Inn and Suites,
Beaumont.
[Link] | March 2012 49
ACROSS
1 Transformers star, frst name
4 Executive Producer of Lost, JJ
_____
8 Giant internet provider
9 She sang the album Yes, I Am frst
name
12 Pete Carrolls former team
14 Dirty Dancing star, frst name
16 We All Live in a ____ Submarine
the Beatles
18 Great boxer played in a movie by
Will Smith
19 Starbucks, for one
21 Pirates of the Caribbean star, frst
name
23 Movie, ____ Brokovich, starring
Julia Roberts
24 Hispanic rock band who sang
Labios Compartidos
26 Top country singer who sang Living
in Fast Forward frst name
29 Brazilian city
31 French for I
33 Black Magic Woman band
34 Katies guy, frst name
DOWN
1 Sosa or Davis
2 Dig up
3 Not feeling good
5 Sea craft
6 She made the album Paradise,
Christina
7 Football play where the quarterback
is tackled
10 Part of a table setting
11 Watched
13 Star Wars is in this category of flm
(2 words)
15 Daytona 500 is one
17 Actress, Lindsay
20 Stopping point
21 Basketball superstar
22 Canadian territory where the highest
mountain in Canada is (Mt. Logan)
25 Paintings
27 Trenton is the capital of this state,
for short
28 Cirque de Soleil equipment
30 Des Moines state
32 Black Eyed Peas singer, Will.i. ___
Find answers on page 4
c r o s s w o r d
vip magazine
50 March 2012 | [Link]
text by Jane McBride
I
n the years before
Dyson found his ball,
Swiffer took a pair
of pinking shears to
a dust cloth, and Mr.
Clean diversified his
fragrance choices,
spring cleaning was a necessity.
Now, a ritual that once had a
place in pioneer days somehow
has become the ultimate test of a
womans merit.
We dont have seasons here in
Southeast Texas. We have hot,
slightly cool, nippy, and hot. There
is no black ice debris or snowstorm-
induced flth to banish. The last thing
we want to do on our few weeks of
perfect weather is get on our hands
and knees and scrub tile. If Im going
to assume that position, it will be to
plant snapdragons and Sweet Wil-
liam.
Do we really need to tie on an
apron, tuck our curls behind a ban-
danna and pull on a pair of rubber-
ized Playtex gloves to fnd our inner
clean queen? They are, after all, the
same people who once forced our bo-
soms into stif, pointed bras and left
grid marks on our girdled thighs.
Those of us who suspect we might
have the tiniest tendency toward
ADD look upon the concept of spring
cleaning with more than a touch of
trepidation. We skip through the
required daily acts of housekeeping
with the same slightly scattered ap-
proach as we do everything else. It is,
after all, one of our more charming
traits.
Our days are flled with numerous
interesting pursuits that enrich our
lives, but do little to keep us near a
scrub brush or dust cloth.
How can someone with a full
calendar and 350 emails waiting to be
read, answered, trashed, or fled away
for future consideration possibly
be expected to navigate a list that
signifes one of the ultimate acts of
domestic contrition?
We do, however, pride ourselves
on being fexible. So, when faced with
the inevitable, even though we know
there possibly could be unsavory con-
sequences, we are compelled to ask
the question: What would Martha do?
Googling spring cleaning and
Martha Stewart perhaps the most
penitent of acts for those of us whose
homes are a place for entertaining
witty, fascinating, non-judgmental
guests does not disappoint.
When we discover that Martha has
a clearly-defned plan of action illus-
trated with step-by-step instructions,
we exhale a soft sigh of relief. Wrens
burst into song, the sun slips from
behind the clouds, and a sweet-scent-
ed breeze lifts the corner of washed
silk curtains to reveal a rainbow of
fowers blooming in well-tended beds.
Then we read further.
Evidently, moderate cleaning, once
a perfectly adequate approach, no
longer will do. Martha, who I must
point out once languished in a high-
end prison cell, insists we not only
clear away the clutter, grime and ac-
cumulated vestiges of fall and winter,
but scrub every available surface.
Whatever happened to every-
thing in moderation?
The billionaire CEO reassures us
that we shouldnt expect to clean a
home from the attic to the base-
ment and the outside to the inside
in one weekend. We must set aside
several days for more involved
projects. The only projects I want to
be that involved in require a well-
packed suitcase and airline tickets.
Marthas instructions to scrub
window screens with a cleaning
solution of vinegar and baking soda
is but wishful thinking. Baking soda
belongs in the refrigerator where it
can mask the aromas of homemade
blue cheese dressing and overripe
peaches.
I accept that I have about as much
chance of ridding the corners of our
home of accumulated dust and spider
condos as I do clearing away the cob-
webs of my mind. I discovered a long
time ago that for every dust bunny
I eradicate, true to their lineage, a
hundred more appear.
My idea of spring cleaning is to
move the winter clothes into the
back closet, put away the heavy down
duvet, pull out the foral summer
linens, fuf the pillows, change the
centerpiece on the dining table from
autumn colors to something cheerier,
then call it a day.
That leaves plenty of time to air
up the tires on the bicycle and enjoy
one of the few days well have before
the relentless humidity sets in.
If you are one of those overachiev-
ing women who cant imagine a
March without a fully-loaded arsenal
of cleaning products, we simply say,
good for you. We will graciously urge
you on while reclining on a lovely
rattan chaise with a saucy glass of
cabernet sauvignon.
Cheers!
What would Martha do? Google spring cleaning of course
g u e s t c o l u m n
vip voices
W.W.M.D?
VIP
YOUR SAVINGS ARE FEDERALLY INSURED TO AT LEAST $250,000 AND BACKED BY THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF THE US GOVERNMENT.
*ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE. SOME RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. WITH APPROVED CREDIT.
**NECHES FCU DOES NOT PURPORT TO GIVE LEGAL, TAX, OR FINANCIAL ADVICE. CONSULT YOUR TAX PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE DETAILS.
1-800-839-2436
NECHESFCU. ORG
[Link]/nechesfcu
@nechesfcu
Thinking home equity loan?
Think Neches Federal Credit Union.
h o m e r e m o d e l i n g
c o l l e g e t u i t i o n
a n e w p o o l o r s p a
a d r e a m w e d d i n g
b o a t s a n d o t h e r t o y s
f i x e d r a t e s a s l o w a s 5 . 2 5 %
Home Equity Loans