Letter from the Editor - Nov/Dec 2010

As the holidays approach, we head into this happy, busy time of the year with anticipation and more than a little trepidation. How are we going to get everything done?

In this issue of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN you’ll meet two women whose lives are filled with one big project after another, and they thrive on the challenge and excitement. Janet Holliday, our Profile subject, is an event planner par excellence. Her fingerprints are on such events as the Luminaria arts festival and the opening of the Museum Reach extension of the River Walk. As president of the CE Group Inc., she does business all over the state.

Role Model Veronica Esparza came from Mexico at the age of 16, speaking no English, and put her cooking skills to work, eventually owning her own catering firm, Absolutely Delicious. Her first big job was a party for 2,000; today she doesn’t blink at the prospect of feeding 7,000 or more. She also owns the Old San Francisco Steak House.

Our Feature takes us into the lives of three military families that have been affected by a service member’s deployment abroad. Tracy Dufresne, Jennifer Christen and Maria Mengrone tell how the long separation of husbands and fathers, and in Maria’s case, of herself, affected marriages and family relationships.

Focus on Food brings recipes for holiday baking, and Fashion presents bold looks for holiday evenings, focusing on classic black with pops of color, whimsical furs and stand-out jewelry. Environments takes you on a tour of a house in Deerfield that is already in holiday dress.

As you start your holiday shopping, consider the suggestions for going green in Beauty and Fitness. There are ideas for earth-friendly gifts, makeup, clothing and other purchases. Shopping is loaded with suggestions for making this annual ritual less of a chore and more enjoyable. Mommy Matters reminds us to avoid stressing out the youngest family members with holiday pressures.

Women in Business tells the stories of five women who own businesses related to design and décor. Their companies feature flooring, tiles, cabinetry, lighting and other elements that add the perfect finishing touch to a home or a room. Read about Christi Palmer, Jana M. Ward, Jennifer Maples, Vanessa Turney and Barbara Gilmartin.

Scene Around Town looks back at parties and fundraisers that brightened the fall season, while Arts and Culture highlights many of the performances and special events that are eagerly anticipated at this time of year.

Artbeat introduces Joy Fisher Hein, whose artwork illustrates many children’s books, including the award-winning Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers. Dining takes you to Le Midi, which brings the South of France to downtown San Antonio.

Dollars & Sense gives advice on buying a home without mortgaging your life, and Health Matters covers the problems of hypertension and high blood pressure.

As we celebrate the eighth anniversary of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN, we wish you a happy and blessed holiday season.