letter from the editor
by Beverly Purcell-Guerra

With Mother’s Day not far away, it seems appropriate to turn our attention to some exemplary mothers in our community. One is our Profile subject, Marta Prada Peláez, who heads the Battered Women’s and Children’s Shelter. She has built a career focused on protecting, healing and redirecting victims of domestic abuse.

Also in this issue of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN, meet three more accomplished mothers, and their daughters, in our feature on these two generations working together. All agree that the experience has built close and supportive relationships.

The home that is described in Environments is part of a family compound where parents and their daughter have back-to-back lots. The physical closeness has enhanced relationships for parents, grandparents and children alike.

Role Model features a young woman who made a dramatic career change and opened her own yarn shop. In Travel, you’ll be reminded of why the short jaunt to Fredericksburg is so pleasurable.

As always, spring puts us in a mood for new clothing and accessories with color and brio. In our Fashion pages we’ve highlighted shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry offering bright hues or shiny metallic and jeweled surfaces.

Our Women in Business story introduces five San Antonio interior designers, all of whom enjoy the creative process involved in turning a structure into a warm and inviting home. In ArtBeat you’ll learn about two visionary women who created the Artist Foundation, which awards grants to imaginative individuals in four categories.

Focus on Food shines new light on that all-American favorite, the hamburger, and presents burgers that are many degrees removed from the standard. For instance, we show you a chocolate burger and tell you how to make your own.

Book Shelf reviews a new book by San Antonian Taddy McAllister plus an earlier one about her travels in the Middle East in 2000. Her observations of this pivotal area make her travelogue especially timely.

If you’re thinking of buying a new home, explore our special section on the San Antonio real estate marketplace. If you’re committed to staying in your present home, read Dollars & Sense for guidance on refinancing and whether it’s the right choice for you.

You’ll also find articles on thyroid problems, risk factors and treatments; all types of massages (a great idea for a Mother’s Day gift certificate); dining on steaks and more at Ruth’s Chris; bathroom makeovers in Ask Priscilla; how to handle bullying situations involving your children; working for a much younger boss; and the inspiring work done by Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio.

Finally, be sure to read about the important efforts of the American Diabetes Association in combating the disease so prevalent in San Antonio.

Beverly Purcell-Guerra