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Featuring pictures from past events

Mikel Marketing Celebrated Ten Year Milestone with “Perfect 10” Party

On November 21, Mikel Marketing commemorated its ten year milestone with a fancy-schmancy soirée in “Perfect 10” style. Bo Derek's 80s cult movie “10” played soundlessly in the background, setting both tone and theme for the 80s theme.

The exclusive event kicked off with a DJ spinning 80s tunes to set the mood while Premiere models strut their stuff amongst the crowd – females in Mikel designer T shirts and male models in Italian designer wear by Nebuloni. A full bar with ten libations were offered, made with 360 Vodka, Tequila Rose, Panchola Villa Tequila Gold & Silver, McCormick Vodka, McCormick Gin, McCormick Whiskey, Ron Rio Rum, Wiser’s Canadian Whiskey, as well as wines and Cuvee 21 champagne, courtesy of Segreto, a new champagne bar on Waugh and West Dallas. Satisfying the guests’ hunger was ten kinds of hors d’ oeuvres courtesy of Cava Bistro, Cielo Mexican Restaurant, and Crave Sushi. For those with more a sweet tooth, ten delectable desserts were served by catering extraordinaire Moon Jamaluddin from Momo Catering.

The office’s interior was transformed from a business workspace into a luxurious party scene. Reserved for VIPs, the upstairs mezzanine became a secluded and intimate setting. The exterior, covered by a transparent tent, was endowed with beautiful decors and coffee tables, chairs and sofas provided by Cierra, creating a sexy outdoor lounge under the stars.

Staying true to her mantra, “in order to do well, you’ve got do good,” Mimi Dinh, president of Mikel Marketing, chose to incorporate the party with a fundraiser for her favorite charity, ESCAPE Family Resource Center. Dinh has been actively involved with the Center for five years, including service on its board. Guests were asked for a $10 donation at the door. Along with the proceeds from all sponsors, the “Perfect 10” party raised $1,377 for the organization whose mission is to prevent child abuse. Mega Energy was the event Title Sponsor, and RMN Oil & Gas and Lamborghini Houston were sponsors.

Notable attendees at the party included Lydia Osadchey, Councilman Ronald Green, Dusty Gilbert, Kamran Mansoury, Gloria Pearson, Dr. Bruce & Kristi Nguyen, Dr. Lan & Douglas Nguyen, Stephanie Talafuse, Yolanda Williamson, Russell Neinast, Janelle Flatt, just to name a few.

Dinh opted to use the occasion to commemorate the pioneering efforts of ten local “innovators.” Each innovator represents the inspiring and sometimes breath-taking achievement of the American Dream by demonstrating that innovation starts with humble ideas and solutions whose successful realization can literally change lives. As Master of ceremony Bob Boudreaux introduced each innovator, and city officials were on hand to present each with a congratulatory certificate from Mayor White.

Innovators in attendance included: Chloe Dao, Lisa Godfrey, Dr. Michael Metzker, Ron Merrill, Steve Latham, Farouk Shami, and RD Yoder. For a full list of all 10 innovators and a brief description of why they were honored, see file attached or click here.

By showcasing these motivating examples, Dinh hopes to inspire more and more people to become innovators in their own right. Only through invention and continual improvement can Houston and the larger community surmount current challenges in the economy and marketplace.

Mikel Marketing knows a thing or two about innovation – the company wouldn’t even exist otherwise. Dinh has always favored the bold path of passion and skill rather than tradition or safety. She has learned to marry the two cultures of her upbringing to create a unique approach to business. That is, by combining a traditional Vietnamese upbringing emphasizing hard work and integrity along with the uniquely American zeal for individuality and freedom of expression, Dinh and Mikel Marketing have become pioneers as marketers. Aside from its proactive responsiveness to market developments and being among the first firms to recognize the importance of online marketing, Mikel Marketing has carefully and loyally served its upscale niche with ever-evolving creative vision. The result is a company that has risen to become one of Houston's top public relations firms, with a monthly e-newsletter exceeding 50,000 subscribers and literally dozens of awards in hand.

Dinh also used the “Perfect 10” party as the perfect setting to announce the company’s latest innovation: a partnership with ProLink Media, a multimedia company. Already an award-winning, full-service marketing and special events management and production company, Mikel Marketing can now offer comprehensive web development and design, email appending and customization, and social media services. At the same time, ProLink can leverage Mikel Marketing’s industry-leading expertise in branding, marketing, public relations, promotion, event coordination, advertising, and graphic design. Best of all, clients receive both Mikel’s marketing acumen and ProLink’s tech savvy at a lower cost than utilizing each company separately.

Thanks to this new partnership, Dinh has decided not to renew the lease in her building in Midtown. Instead the two partners are actively searching for a new facility that can accommodate both their needs. For more information please send an email to www.mikelmarketing.com or call 713/ 807-1133. www.mikelmarketing.com

Houston Works Silver Gala

By: Ms. Misha Morê

HoustonWorks USA celebrated 25 years of serving the Houston community with a gathering of celebrities, government officials and Houston’s community leaders to honor former Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire.


Whitmire returned to the city she governed for 10 years and received HoustonWorks USA’s highest honor—the Founder Award. Named in honor of Whitmire who helped establish HoustonWorks USA in 1984, the Founder Award is presented annually to an individual with the vision, insight, determination, and tenacity to advance HoustonWorks USA mission of strengthening, preparing and mentoring individuals with sincere compassion and who display an unwavering commitment to connecting HoustonWorks USA customers with employers and jobs.

Houstonians Dan Rather served as master of ceremonies with Brett Cullen and Keesha Sharp served as presenters and Regina Belle provided the musical entertainment of the evening.

The evening also honored the other recipients: Houston Works USA Executive Director Emeritus Terry Hudson, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Chairman of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board Frank Thompson and Corporate Leadership Award Parsons.

HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 900,000 annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, or use of the resource library with Internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization.

Masquerade gala

Over three hundred distinguished guests, community leaders and representatives from business as well as social service organizations attended the Asian American Family Services (AAFS) Golden Masquerade Ball on Friday, October 2, 2009 at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel. Honoring Vijay Goradia and Korean Central Presbyterian Church of Houston (Golden Lantern Awards) as well as Patrick Leung, Ph.D. and Lone Star Legal Aid (Golden Harvest Awards), the evening was enchanted by the mystery masks, live auction, a sumptuous dinner and great company was enjoyed by all. It truly was a bountiful harvest for all, especially for those with the winning bids of the wonderful live auction, mystery mask prizes and raffle.

The gala raised awareness and important funds for the organization’s successful efforts in meeting its mission in mental health program implementation and service provision for a segment of the population that is often under-served.

Houston Works Silver Gala

By: Ms. Misha Morê

HoustonWorks USA celebrated 25 years of serving the Houston community with a gathering of celebrities, government officials and Houston’s community leaders to honor former Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire.


Whitmire returned to the city she governed for 10 years and received HoustonWorks USA’s highest honor—the Founder Award. Named in honor of Whitmire who helped establish HoustonWorks USA in 1984, the Founder Award is presented annually to an individual with the vision, insight, determination, and tenacity to advance HoustonWorks USA mission of strengthening, preparing and mentoring individuals with sincere compassion and who display an unwavering commitment to connecting HoustonWorks USA customers with employers and jobs.

Houstonians Dan Rather served as master of ceremonies with Brett Cullen and Keesha Sharp served as presenters and Regina Belle provided the musical entertainment of the evening.

The evening also honored the other recipients: Houston Works USA Executive Director Emeritus Terry Hudson, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Chairman of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board Frank Thompson and Corporate Leadership Award Parsons.

HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 900,000 annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, or use of the resource library with Internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization.

Texas Conference For Women 2009

By: Ms. Misha Morê

For ten extraordinary years, the Texas Conference for Women has offered women the tools and opportunities to focus their talents, foster their skills and further their goals.


This year's program is the perfect blend to rethink, resolve and renew career and personal life.

Hosted by First Lady Anita Perry and Governor Rick Perry, this year's headliners featured financial expert Suze Orman, literary Legend Isabel Allende and Tory Johnson, founder and CEO of Women for Hire, Katarina Landis, chief executive of BP's Alternative Energy Division, Mae Jemison, MD, the world's first woman of color to go into space and author and consultant Marcus Buckingham.

Other keynote speakers included Nastia Liukin, olympic gymnast and Christy Haubegger, founder of Latina Magazine.

The conference offers a real opportunity to meet new people and to network and continue education and an opportunity to interact with a large and diverse group of successful women from a variety of sectors and backgrounds.

This year's incredible keynote lineup, along with workshop leaders and panel speakers who share a vast wealth of expertise on the issues that affect women like finance, health, work-life balance, career advancement and leadership.

The new addition this year of the ReWork Career Fair, featuring local and national employers and recruiters as well as workshops on negotiation, networking and career change. The new Mentor Match Program and Individual Resume Critiquing are two additional ways conference attendees are able to get help they needed to keep their professional goals on track.

Each year, the Conference awards each $5,000 scholarship to six female students pursuing degrees in arts, business, education, math and science, public service and nursing at Texas colleges and universities.

And the HP-sponsored Going Green winner awarded to Texas-based women-owned businesses that are going above and beyond to improve the environment.

The conference also recognizes all generous sponsors for their support along with exhibitors and supporting organizations that made a significant investment in the celebration of women of Texas.

Wig Out for UNICEF

Dress Up, Get Down, and Wig Out for UNICEF! On October 31, over 400 costumed guests partied beyond the witching hour to make Halloween count at Hotel ZaZa. Co-sponsored by Houston Magazine and Hotel ZaZa, net proceeds from the event benefit UNICEF, which has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. With music spun by DJ Lady Bunny, the dance floor was filled throughout the evening with gypsies, pirates, flappers, lords and ladies, Egyptian princes, gangsters, and Elvis and Amy Winehouse look-alikes!

Tupelo Grease fashion show

Tupelo Grease Co. and RSVP713.com teamed up to throw a loud and luxurious rock & roll fashion show with Premiere Models and Houston's own band Chlorine. They rocked the house at Venue on Oct 8th. The invitation only, private event featured live music, beautiful models, clothing by POSH Boutique and fashion forward Hair and Make-up by Janellealexis.com.

Celebrities, sponsors & models were treated with V.I.P. status: red carpet treatment, premiere seating and other V.I.P. perks and goodies.

Tupelo Grease Co. Fashions can be found www.tupelogrease.com

SpotLight

Due to popular demand, our SpotLight section was created to feature exciting, cutting edge, successful individuals, whose work / business, style, or expertise may inspire others. If you have any candidate suggestions, please send an email to info@mikelmarketing.com.

Lisa Godfrey – A Visionista

As founder and president of C.E.O Visionaries (www.ceovisionaries.com) and of Houston Coaches, Inc. (www.houstoncoaches.com), Lisa Godfrey facilitates innovation in others. She prompts invention and success in small businesses and entrepreneurs by coaching them how to bring their unique visions to success in the marketplace. As if this is not enough, Lisa is also co-founder of Celadon Road, Inc. (www.celadonroad.com), a company “dedicated to promoting greener, healthier and more socially responsible living through offering our customers the highest quality natural, eco-friendly products for their everyday needs.” These products are made exclusively through its network of Independent Consultants.

Celadon Road was born to inspire individuals to discover and explore their shade of green and to purchase with a purpose. After years of success as a corporate attorney helping others form and develop their own companies. Lisa knew she wanted to give back and start a company that would adhere to and promote certain social values. “I strongly believe a company can be successful and profitable, while putting people and the environment first,” said Lisa. “Moreover, as a mother who knows the challenges of working outside the home, I wanted to create a company that offered others the opportunity to feel fulfilled in their careers, yet afforded them the flexibility to spend more quality time with their children and families,” Lisa further explained.

Lisa was recently honored among the “10 Innovators” at the Mikel Marketing’s Perfect 10 party due to all of these efforts, especially her coaching work. Of course, business coaches are a dime a dozen, but Lisa offers unique value. With wide-ranging expertise that ranges from venture capital experience in biotech and defense to an M.S. degree in Counseling, Lisa has the background and credentials to charge premium prices for her services, yet she offers her coaching services pro bono. As a result, she doesn't just coach that thinking outside the box is often the best way to realize personal potential, she proves it.

With so many executive and business coaches out there, how do you feel about the competition, especially in this economy? I don’t consider other coaches as competition – there are so many coaching styles and personalities that people tend to gravitate to the style, technique and personality they most connect with. As the President of the International Coaches Federation, Houston Chapter – Houston Coaches, I actually spend a lot of time speaking to individuals who want a professional coach and helping to match those clients with coaches who will be just the right fit for their particular need. Coaching clients are happy and appreciate it when I refer them to the best coach for their particular needs.

As the Founder & President of C.E.O. Visionaries who are the most memorable CEOs you have met or worked with and why? Howard Schultz the Founder & CEO of Starbucks is amazing!!! It was also incredible to meet Carly Fiorina the former CEO of HP, Warren Bennis the world’s Leadership Guru, Marshall Goldsmith and Nando Parrado this year. They all have incredible presence and are really clear on staying focused on their values and vision.

What have you gained from the CEOs you have worked with that you can share with us? The CEOs I have worked with have a lot of commonalities that include: 1) great humility, 2) a distinct belief that leadership can happen at ALL levels, 3.) always staying focused on vision/mission and basing decisions on the core values of the vision 4.) possessing an attitude of gratitude and 5.) the concept of mission first – people always!

What do you like most about being a professional coach? Working with exciting and successful entrepreneurs and business people who are passionate about taking their initiatives to an entirely new level! The big secret is…I get paid for the coaching session…and yet sometimes I leave feeling I should being paying them for all I learn and the energy I gain from them as well!

Who are your target clients? People like me… entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial spirits who are up to BIG things and are ready to take it to another level by brainstorming with a coach/confidant/connector/catalyst -- all in one place.

What sets you apart as a professional coach from others? I truly “walk the walk”. Not only do I coach entrepreneurs but I am one – living the trials and tribulations, victories and challenges every single day and staying current. In this year alone, I launched Celadon Road, Inc, a national direct-selling company of organic, eco-friendly and trade products. As the Co-Founder, myself and the CEO have big plans to make this a $700 million company in the next 10 years. In addition, I created the Life Coaching Program for Pink Door Non-Profit and as the President of Houston Coaches helped grow the organization by over 400% in the last 2 years. I don’t just “coach” people with my coaching tools, I use them myself!

Is there a story behind how you got into coaching? Yes, I was in a meeting as the junior person in a room full of venture capitalists and investors. I was so “junior” in the room, it was expected that I would not speak or participate in any part of the conversation. Well I did speak up and considerably contribute to the conversation – so much so that later that day the President pulled me to the side and said “you know Lisa, when you are in a Boardroom, you really have a gift for being able to have people take notice and listen.” That has served me well in coaching highly successful CEOs and entrepreneurs who are not accustom to fearless, confident comments from someone.

What is the best advice you have received since living/working in Houston? I met Bob Allen, the Former Chairman of UTIMCO and Chairman of the Board for Baylor College of Medicine. Bob looked me straight in the eyes when I first got to Houston and said “money talks and bullshit walks.” It is the guiding words to all I do. How I use it is, to remember to always add value…add value first to whomever you meet…the rest will take care of itself – just show them the money (value) first.

Who is your favorite CEO in the world and why? Alex Lukianov, the Chairman & CEO of NuVasive. I worked side-by-side with him and learned more from him than any other CEO. When we worked together the company was named by Deloitte – “The fastest growing public company in North America.” He constantly reminds me to Play BIG…REAL, REAL BIG!

As a Visionary yourself, will you provide us the inside scoop on what big plans you have for 2010? As a coach, I realized recently I had to sit back and reevaluate where I was at with my own goals and how I was fulfilling my passions and potential. In the process, I realized my family really needs to come first. In this process I also learned that my sister, Crystal a U.S. Marine of 12 years is scheduled to be back in Afghanistan and will be separated from her 5-year old and 9-year old daughters for almost a 12-month duration. I knew then that I wanted to create an organization to provide support and encouragement to my nieces and so many girls like them who are separated from a parent on military deployment for so long. With that necessity and calling I launched a non-profit organization called Cupcake Troops to connect, inspire and empower girls of military families who have a parent deployed overseas.

You are so busy, running so many companies and leading various nonprofit organizations, how do YOU personally relax and find “balance”? It is simple – puppies and babies always work. I think they remind me how simple life really is…yet sometimes as adults we tend to make it more complicated than it really needs to be. There is also a mental exercise I do: If I feel stressed, irritated or upset I ask myself would it even matter or would I even remember when I am a 95 year old woman? If the answer is “no”, it is time to let it go and r – e – l – a – x!

Quickies (10 words or Less):

My family: is the most important thing in the world to me!

My passion: Helping others get their MOJO working in high gear!

My hometown: Epping, NH

Words I live by: “Attitude of Gratitude”

I can’t live without: my Chihuahuas - Sasha & Bear

I am most proud of: my sister, Crystal, a US Marine showing how capable women are

One thing I never want to do again: “hunker down” in my closet during a Hurricane

I am guilty of: not showing my vulnerabilities enough

Right now I’m listening to: my 3-lb Chihuahua – “Bear” barking for a treat! …and a Maxwell CD

The one item that has changed my life: attending GILD – The Global Institute for Leadership Development

Favorite Web site: visionarylivingmag.com

Last major purchase: painting by James Coleman

The nickname I wish I had: how about the one I wish I didn’t: “Judy Bootie”

My theme song: “More Money…More Problems” – I love the music!

If I could do it all over again: I would laugh more and make others laugh more

My favorite body part: my eyes, because they help me connect with people

The food I could eat every day: lobster

If I was a superhero / super heroine, I would be: The Connector!

My favorite blog (if applicable): medicated and motivated - it is hilarious!

The most important thing I ever lost: my cool

The best thing I ever won: “Airman of the Year” when I was in the Air Force

My favorite destination (place): New England in Autumn

My best friend says I am: a visionista!

I wish I’d known: The stock market better in my 20s especially quarterly distributions.

I’d like to learn to: fluently speak another language

I’d like to meet (a famous person - dead or alive): Donnie Deutsch from The Big Idea

Something most people don’t know about me: I was an extra in the movie – “Love Stinks” with Tyra Banks…and I was skinnier than her!

The worst idea I’ve ever had: learning to drive a stick shift on a hill – yikes!

The smartest woman/man I know: My meme (grandmother), she knows how to get what she wants with amazing class and grace

My first job: the consummate entrepreneur – my own candy selling business in 5th grade

Featuring upcoming parties & events around town

Be the Ball

The Be the Ball silent Auction is happening Friday, December 4th at the Herman Park Golf Course Clubhouse. The party will begin with an Underwriter Preview at 7pm and then everyone will dance the night away. Guests are expected to dress in the best Caddyshack couture. Guests will be able to party to the hip local band Molly and the Ringwalds while sipping on delicious beverages courtesy of Savvy Vodka, The Tasting Room, and Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

Un Ballo In Maschera

It is hard to find something more romantic to do than going to an Opera. Whether it is date night or an evening with the girls you cannot go wrong with opera up close at Oh! This January they will be showing Un Ballo In Maschera by Giuseppe Verdi. It is a story of love and politics, which can only lead to bad things.

Almost New Year’s Happy Hour

Featuring spas, hair salons, sports clubs, or beauty products

Featuring shops and related news

Featuring seminars, business news, and business events

Featuring art exhibits, gallery openings, theater, plays

Chaotic Harmony: Contemporary Korean Photography

The MFAH hosts the debut presentation of Chaotic Harmony: Contemporary Korean Photography, presenting photographs by 40 artists born between 1965 and 1984 and representing two distinct generations. The exhibition reveals the extraordinary work that is being created by South Korean Artists. It expresses a shifting sense of the Korean identity as expressed by the artists. It is a reaction to the monumental cultural and social changes in their country over the past 45 years.

For more info please visit www.mfah.org

Jack of Hearts: Trudy Askew

Jack, a dog rescued from a kill shelter in Texas and adopted by painter Trudy Askew's daughter. Askew is now paying tribute to this adorable member of her family in heart-wrenching tribute to Jack in her exhibition “Jack of Hearts,” in which she chronicles the life of this Texas Rescue dog. The work expresses an intersection between reality and imagination. The exhibit will appear at the Jung Center and the opening Reception is Saturday, December 5th, 5-8 p.m.

Please visit for more info www.junghouston.org

Lawndale Art Center: Hypnopomp

Lawndale Art Center and the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts presents Hypnopomp by Britt Ragsdale. Britt Ragsdale is able to explore the combination of hypnopomp and sleep paralysis through sculptural objects and audio components. Hypnopomp is the scientific term referring to the cognitive state leading out of sleep.

4912 Main Street Houston, TX 77002 – for more info visit www.lawndaleartcenter.org

Featuring restaurants and related news

Chicken Kitchen

Chicken Kitchen is now open in The Shops at Houston Center! If you are looking for a healthy alternative for a quick and yummy lunch check out this new Houston hot spot. It is perfect if you are in search of wraps, pita pockets, or salads.

For more info visit www.chickenkitchen.com

Byrd’s Market and Café

Byrd’s Market and Café has opened up downtown in downtown for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner! If you would rather dine at home the restaurant provides a full-catering menu and makes deliveries. They are also a bakery that serves up freshly baked breads and pastries! So when you find yourself trying to decide where to meet your friends for a meal check out the corner of Main and Prairie!

420 Main St @ Prairie – for more info please visit www.byrdsmarket.com

Featuring bars, lounges, clubs, and related news

Vintage 46 Wine Bar

Daily Happy Hour from 4-7pm
$5 glasses

Tuesday
DINNER NIGHT
$10 SOUTHWESTERN BLACK BEAN CHILI WITH PULLED PORK WITH CRISPY TORTILLA OVER CORN CAKE
20% OFF WINE BY THE GLASS.
All night long!

Wednesday­
PANINI NIGHT - lot's of choices!
20% OFF WINE BY THE GLASS
All night long!

Thursday
20% OFF WINE BY THE GLASS
$2.99 SLIDER NIGHT!
-Blue Cheese
-Cheddar
-Plain
-Feta, Sundried Tomato, Arugula

Saturday
DATE NIGHT!
BRING IN YOUR SWEETIE AND GET FREE DESSERT WITH FIRST TWO GLASSES.
Live Music from 8pm to 11pm.
Latin guitarist – Rodrigo

Featuring travel destinations and recreation

At the Three Storks

If you ask your fellow jet-setters what city is a must-have on the travel checklist most people would undoubtedly say Prague. It is one of the hottest places in Europe to visit. Why? It is because hot contemporary spots such as At Three Storks are popping up in this ancient city. It is a sleek boutique hotel in Prague's 'Lesser Town', designed by the architect Eva Jiricná. The historical townhouse has been restored, keeping the essence of its Renaissance exterior, while incorporating a contemporary architectural and design twist throughout the interior décor. The building incorporates natural materials throughout, so expect plenty of blonde wood, glass and stonework accented with polished chrome. Wallestein Restaurant is fast becoming something of a hotspot in the city, and has already had a mention in the Michelin guide. It serves traditional Czech dishes, lightened with a modern touch. There's also a great little garden/terrace area for summer dining. There are a total of 20 rooms in the hotel, all of which are posh suites.

Shopaholic’s Paradise: NYC

For all of you shopaholics out there, NYC is the ultimate shopper’s paradise. New York offers such a wide array of must-haves and designer clothes. from the High-end Fifth Avenue stores to the oversized H&M and SoHo. If you are looking for a more edgy selection, check out 35 Howard Street for some retro gear. Looking for something for your husband or boyfriend? Check out Bergdorf Goodman Men’s,on 745 5th Ave for everything from classic tailoring to edgier sportswear over three floors, and has a cool, clubby feel that’s a world away from Fifth Avenue. Shopping for the kids? Hit up FAO Schwartz, 767 5th Ave, and Dinosaur Hill, 306 E 9th Street. Worried about fitting all of those gifts in your luggage? Don't worry because amazing companies such as BundleBox can ship all of your new purchases home for you!

Featuring furniture, architecture, and real estates news

NV4 Living

NV4 Living "serves to feature the contemporary modern art of living and the new beginnings that arise from it." This modern style store draws it's inspiration from the beauty of nature in a European style. They emphasize maximum efficiency, simplicity, and freedom while embracing versatility in all of their designs.

1990 Post Oak Blvd Space D - 713.490.2684 – for more info visit www.nv4living.com

To share your tips, ideas and information about how to live a greener lifestyle, please click here.

New Living

Have you heard of New Living yet? It is like the Whole Foods of Home Stores. Their goal is to make the green movement accessible to everyone. Their products aim to make cleaner homes and healthier neighborhoods. At New Living you can find everything from candles and paint to countertops. There is an array of every day essentials to make your house eco-friendly.

713.521.1921 - 6111 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77005 - for more info visit www.newliving.net

Featuring charity & non-profit organizations,
community news, volunteer opportunities,...

Meet ESCAPE's Young Ambassador

LaKeysa O’Neal is a 6th grade teacher at Thorton Middle School in the Cy-Fair ISD. As an active volunteer, she provides administrative support to several departments and raises awareness and funds for ESCAPE’s mission. In addition, she represents ESCAPE at community events as ESCAPE's Young Ambassador. “Clients seem to be really thirsty for the skills and hands-on activities shared with them,” says LaKeysa. “It is rewarding to see individuals who set their pride to the side in order to strengthen and build their parenting skills.”

For more information please visit www.learntoparent.org

Featuring automobile and electronic news

The Annual Ferrari Festival

The Annual Ferrari festival is back, and this year they are celebrating a distinguished collection of more than 50 ultra-sleek automobiles. The Ferrari’s will range from classics to more contemporary models. Virtuosi of Houston, a chamber orchestra composed of young artists, will be providing music for the event, and ofcourse food and beverages will provided to event-goers. This event will be benefiting Virtuosi of Houston. The party will also feature a meet-and-greet with former Houston Oilers quarterback, Dan Pastorini and National Hot Rod Association's Top Fuel Circuit driver.

December 6th, 2009 - 10 am - 3pm Highland Village - 4000 block of Westheimer Road Houston,TX 77027

For more information contact Gretchen Ferguson - gretchen@theprboutique.com

Featuring sweet deals of the month

Dermagenix Holiday Specials

Look your best for the Holidays. Dermagenix is offering the following Holiday Deals
1. 20% off any all Obagi Skin Care Products
2. $50 off on Juvederm injections
3. $50 Rebate on Botox

For more info visit www.dermagenix.net

Featuring what's hot or the next big thing

7 For All Mankind

We all love our 7's and now Houston has its very own 7 For All Mankind Store in the Galleria! You can expect to find all of your favorite flattering jeans for men, women, and kids. In addition you can look for sportswear, shoes, handbags, and eye-wear. The store will even provide on-site tailoring!

December 6th, 2009 - 10 am - 3pm Highland Village - 4000 block of Westheimer Road Houston,TX 77027

For more information visit www.7forallmankind.com

The Bulletin Board section is for you (our newsletter subscribers) to post professional announcements, promotions, sales, or press releases. To learn more about how your info can be listed, please click here. Images must be e-mailed in a JPEG file (72 dpi please).

Farouk Shami, Runnig for Texas Governor

“Made in USA” is the strongest brand in the world, according to Farouk Shami. Shami is the creator of the world-renowned brands CHI and BioSilk, and he has created thousands of jobs in Texas. As governor, he intends to encourage business owners to stop sending jobs overseas and to start creating jobs here in Texas. .

For more info visit www.faroukforgovernor.com