Do Strong

MAGAZINE

Foods that help you stay fuller longer!

make strong SONS?

Quick, simple, & cost effective ways to bring the holiday spirit home!

To help you look your best at any

holiday party!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012

t’s that time again…to tie up loose ends, wrap up this year and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the next! I remember sitting at my desk last year and writing my publishers note thinking about how fast the year had passed by, and here I am today, at that exact same desk, amazed that another year has passed me by and what seems to be even quicker than the year before. As we prepare to put 2012 behind us, its exciting to think about what the year ahead will bring in our direction. Often I find myself thinking about how any given minute, actually, any given second can have such a powerful impact on our entire life, and more likely than not, you wont even see it coming. This time last year I had just met my current fiancé, and soon to be husband. With our wedding just months away, we both love looking back at when we first met and how we both “never saw it coming”.

As I sit here looking at my computer screen, where I have a picture of us as my desktop wallpaper, it’s hard to believe that in such a short amount of time, with his entrance into my life, so much has changed since we first met… and how our lives will continue to change as our relationship and lives move forward together. The motivation behind my story is to encourage you, not just in the New Year, but in every given minute, to look for new opportunities and new possibilities that, who knows, may transform your entire life. And if things aren’t going as you had visioned, know in your heart that in any given minute, that entire situation can completely transform for the better. If you’re looking for a new job, your next future boss could be sitting right in front of you in a restaurant. If you’re looking for a significant other, he or she could be standing behind you at the grocery store. You just never know. And with that thought, in this issue we’ve packed in some motivating articles to help you wrap up this year and prepare for the next! Check out our feature article on “5 Positive Ways to End the Year”, as well as other great articles on keeping up with your new years resolutions, tips on starting your year on a healthy note, and staying fashionable in the year ahead! From our entire family at SBR MAGAZINE, we’d like to thank our writers, contributors, advertisers, media partners, and especially our readers for supporting us and making each issue of 2012 a memorable experience. Happy holidays and Happy New Year!

2012

Photo By: Zia Ahmed Aventography Photo & Video 16029 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 832.618.0718 Wardrobe By: Kemaya 16305 Kensington Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77478 281.565.2922

Model & Make Up: Eliana Olivo Elianamakeupartist.com 832.696.5296 Hair By: Cindy T. Pazderny 281.455.2625

Cover

Cre

dits

5 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

6 EAT MORE WEIGH LESS

9 DON’T FAIL YOUR NEW

YEAR’S RESOLUTION THIS TIME!

15 HIGH 5 FOR HOME

BUYERS

17 FIVE POSITIVE WAYS TO

END THE YEAR

18 JAAB TAK HAIN JAAN…IN

MEMORY OF A FILM MAKER

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER A note from the

publisher

Publisher 832 452 5044 SBRMAGAZINE.COM info@sbrmagazine.com

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The Company You Keep ®

1. Stay with one theme and style for your holiday

decorating. It makes shopping for decor easier and makes your space feel professionally finished.

2. Let your nose know it’s the holiday season. Place

potpourri and scented candles near your entry and throughout your house. Or, better yet, bake some cookies shortly before guests arrive.

3. Choose two to three colors for your holiday palette and

keep it consistent. Multiple color palettes can be too distracting. Try silver, blue and white or red, gold and brown.

4. Create an inexpensive family tradition that involves the

kids. Purchase a ready-made wreath of greens then gather items to decorate it. Use pine cones, ribbons, crystals, feathers, beaded garland or homemade paper snowflakes.

5. Give your space a different look and feel for this special

time of year. Rearrange your furniture so the focal point is the fireplace or wherever you hang stockings. If you don’t have a fireplace, arrange the furniture to create the best layout for cozy conversations.

6. Colored lights can be costly if you change your color

palette from year to year. Stick with white lights; they can be used with any color scheme.

7. Start investing in a collection - something that can

continue to grow through the years and can be passed on to the next generation. Check out online auction sites for vintage decorations.

8. Use lots of candles. Nothing makes a room feel warmer

and more inviting than candlelight.

9. Bring the holiday celebration into every room. Kitchens

and bathrooms are a great place to put scented candles and smaller seasonal knickknacks.

10. The holiday season is definitely one time where “less is

more” does NOT apply. Have fun and do it up big.

Quick, simple, & cost effective ways to bring

the holiday spirit home!

Pottery Barn Golden carved

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High Fashion Home Small Hammel Weave Vase $60.00

Kirkland’s Imperial

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ZGALLERY Sunburst Sconce - Gold $39.95

“Celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to be about celebrating a specific religion, it should be about celebrating family, friends, and good memories!”

Macys WoodWick Candles, Medium Glass Holiday Collection $18.99

Stay with one theme and style for your holiday decorating. It makes shopping for decor easier and makes your space feel professionally finished.

Let your nose know it’s the holiday season. Place potpourri and scented candles near your entry and throughout your house. Or, better yet, bake some cookies shortly before guests arrive.

Choose two to three colors for your holiday palette and keep it consistent.

Multiple color palettes can be too distracting. Try silver, blue and white or red, gold and brown.

Create an inexpensive family tradition that involves the kids. Purchase a ready-made wreath of greens then

gather items to decorate it. Use pine cones, ribbons, crystals, feathers, beaded garland or homemade paper snowflakes.

Give your space a different look and feel for this special time of year. Rearrange your furniture so the focal point is the fireplace or

wherever you hang stockings. If you don’t have a fireplace, arrange the furniture to create the best layout for cozy conversations.

Use lots of candles. Nothing makes a room feel warmer and more inviting than candlelight.

Bring the holiday celebration into every room. Kitchens and bathrooms are a great place to put

The holiday season is definitely one time where “less is more” does

scented candles and smaller seasonal knickknacks.

NOT apply. Have fun and do it up big.

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i-lipo Procedure The i-lipo system consists of four pads, which host 36 lasers apiece. The practitioner positions the pads against the patient’s problem areas, and the low-level laser light stimulates photobiomodulation, which is the process of releasing fat stored in the adipose cells. Patients can expect to lose up to 2 dress sizes during the course of treatment, and the results can be maintained with light exercise and a healthy diet.

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Ultherapy Procedure There is no need for any sort of preparation ahead of time. The procedure is a fast, innovative alternative for facelift surgery. Just like a normal ultrasound your doctor will use gel and a hand piece to get a computer picture of your skin’s structure. Once this is done, your doctor will deliver focused bursts of ultrasound waves directly into the deep layers of skin where collagen is formed, stimulating new growth. The procedure can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, and you should experience very little discomfort.

Loose up to

2 DRESS SIZES!

It’s not shocking that over one third of Americans make weight loss their number one new years resolution!

As we already know, loosing unhealthy weight can result in higher confidence levels and a healthier life style!

The answer is yes! But, like all concepts that seem too good to be true, there are certain terms and conditions that you must follow. Increase your fiber intake Foods may not be able to burn belly fat, but they can help you shed it by filling you up and helping you control your calorie intake. Fiber, in particular, is one of the most important nutrients a dieter can emphasize. Fiber-rich foods takes longer than others to chew, so your brain has more time to catch up to your belly when it comes to feeling full. Fiber also absorbs water in your stomach, helping to fill your belly, and exits your stomach slower than other foods, so you stay full longer. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, whole-grain cereals, beans, lentils, whole-wheat pasta, seeds and nuts. Add more protein in your diet Lean sources of protein are one of the most overlooked foods for filling up and losing weight. Your body burns more calories digesting and metabolizing protein, and protein-rich foods stay in your stomach longer than other foods so you feel full for hours. Try including protein in every meal and snack you eat; choose low-calorie sources of protein. Lean protein-rich foods include low-fat Greek yogurt, skim-milk, fat-free cottage cheese, fish, lean turkey and chicken, lean beef, beans, tofu, eggs and quinoa. Take Calories into Consideration Filling foods like those with fiber and protein can help you reach your weight goal, but you still need to be mindful of your calorie intake. Regardless of what you eat, losing weight always comes down to burning more calories than you consume. Cut your calories, and if possible, burn off a few hundred extra by exercising three or more times per week.

Can you EAT MORE &

WEIGH LESS?

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Beauty

6 SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM

Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in “Moss”

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ave you noticed how skin tends to get dry, dull, and flaky during the winter months? The reason is very simple: indoor heat evaporates any humidity in the air and any natural oils from your body as well. This is the main cause for overly dry, flaky and dull skin, which is further harmed by cold winter air. Here are a few helpful tips for keeping your skin well hydrated and balanced during the winter months: 1. Use a humidifier, especially at night time, this immediately helps with dry itchy skin and dry lips. This will also help your body during the vital process of cell renewal which occurs at night time. The proper amount of humidity in the air will create a better

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sleeping environment which greatly aids the cell renewal process and creates unstressed skin. 2. Exfoliate your body and face. Exfoliating will trigger the skin’s natural healing function and will enhance skin renewal. 3. Use a moisturizer for your face and body. You need something extremely hydrating but not necessarily heavy or oily. It needs to be nourishing in order to feed your skin and maintain its suppleness. 4. Drink enough water and eat nutritious foods that will help strengthen your skin and help retain their natural oils. Look for foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and a green juice a day will make your skin glow with radiance!

cream that supports collagen and elastin for a remarkably improved complexion. The result: defined facial contours, a healthy boost, and a remarkably youthful glow.

dead skin cells and reveal perfectly nourished skin. The formula is recommended for all skin types and will not sting or cause redness.

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SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 7

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With the New Year soon approaching, it’s the right time to look back and analyze yourself a bit. For a lot of people, the onset of New Year is the ideal time to make promises with themselves and make resolutions which they could try to fulfill. Sadly, most Americans who make resolutions never actually keep them, and here’s why:

1. They have an all or nothing mentality.

2. They make too many resolutions.

3. Their resolutions are not specific.

4. They don’t track how they are doing.

5. They don’t make adjustments. 6. They only think big, maybe too

big! Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire, who led an analysis, said he and his team had asked 700 people about their

strategies for achieving new

year resolutions. Their goals ranged from losing weight or giving up smoking

to gaining a

qualification or starting a better relationship People who kept their resolutions tended to have broken their goal into smaller steps and rewarded themselves when they achieved one of these. They also told their friends about their goals, focused on the benefits of success and kept a diary of their progress. But consider this: if hard-core addicts can break bad habits — some by moderating, not just quitting — there’s still hope for you. Whether your goal for 2013 is to get fit or tame your drinking, experts say there’s a lot you can learn from people who have successfully moderated their habits to help keep you off the resolution merry-go-round. Don’t Kid Yourself: You need to know the difference between enjoying yourself and self-medicating. It’s not that self-medicating is necessarily bad — but you should give yourself parameters. If you are adhering to them, O.K. if not, you need to check yourself.” Quit Cold Turkey — Temporarily: “Theoretically, there are very good reasons to take a break from a behavior, totally,” says Reid Hester, director of research at Behavior Therapy Associates, explaining that an initial period of complete abstinence can make it easier for people to moderate behavior by eliminating the habitual, automatic aspect of the unwanted activity. Do What the Dalai Lama Would Do: Alan Marlatt, director of the

Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington, studies “mindfulness-based relapse prevention,” which uses meditation and other ideas from Buddhist teachings to help people break bad habit. Don’t Try to Scare Yourself Straight: Research shows that in the long term, the pleasure of victory is a better incentive than the agony of defeat. Punishment is a poor motivator. It sets people up for failure. If all you do is punish yourself for failure, you won’t stay motivated to change for very long. Get Better Friends: Social support is critical to changing all kinds of behavior. Good friends can not only help you through slip-ups but also help keep your New Year’s resolutions from taking over your life. When goal-planning is complete, your final task is simple: just do it.

Don’t Fail Your New Years Resolution …this time

Don’t Fail Your NEW YEARS

Resolution

…this time

top

10

NEW YEARS

Resolutions

Life as we know it is constantly changing, and with that change comes growth. For years individuals have pledged to make numerous positive improvements with the start of every New Year. If you’re looking to add a few resolutions to your list this year, here are some ideas that may help!

1. Spend more time with family & friends 2. Fit in time to get fit 3. Stick to a diet plan that works 4. Quit Smoking 5. Enjoy life more 6. Quit drinking 7. Get out of debt 8. Learn something new 9. Help others 10. Get organized

SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 9

Photo By: Aventography Photo & Video 832.618.0718

EDITOR:

Dr. Annette Colby Intuitive Growth 972.985.8750 Miracles@AnnetteColby.com

www.AnnetteColby.com

Features

ow can a word like “strong” be so misconstrued? Physical strength is easy. Person A’s body is stronger than Person

B’s body and can be easily judged with physical activity like arm wrestling or weight lifting. Emotional strength, the one we are referring to in this article is a whole different ballgame. We sometimes refer to people as being strong even when they are physically weak. We use phrases like “their strength carries them through.” Maybe we really mean courage; we mean people have the courage to go through or to face difficulties in their lives. Courage is certainly a part of emotional strength but there are other factors too, such as discipline, will power, self-esteem, the ability to forgive, the ability to love unconditionally, and to care. I am sure other people can come up with additional descriptors but this is a good start.

As the title suggests, the intent of this article is to focus on a mother’s strength and its effects on her son(s). I am not trying to alienate daughters here, just trying to expose an issue that has plagued our families for centuries; “the expectations that a mother has of her son(s).” First, let

me establish my own credibility. I am a mother of two sons with the added disadvantage of being single and of Indian origin. That should indicate I know a thing or two about having expectations especially since I don’t have any daughters that so many well- wishers have claimed I need because everyone needs daughters for emotional support. This article however is not based on me or my life, but rather on the lives of several people I have known for the past 6 to 10 years. People whose stories I have heard first-hand, people whose lives I have been part of whilst they were going through their trials and courageous people who have shared some of their thoughts with me anonymously in order to help others realize they are not alone. It is equally about sons who love their mothers, about daughter-in-laws who think their husband’s mothers raised amazing sons, and about the changing attitude of mothers towards expectations of their children, both sons and daughters.

Let’s start with what we know about our culture. I am sure everyone is familiar with the concept of “Doodh ka ehsan.” Literally translated it

means the debt you owe your mother for nursing you as a child. Put that way, it seems silly doesn’t it? Why would a mother want to be repaid for nursing her own child? Truth is it’s not silly! It’s a deep-rooted expectation that dates back to the oldest civilisations namely China, India and the surrounding regions.

According to the Laws of Manu, a mother is the physical image of the earth, she gives us life and nurtures us with her milk, and she cannot be paid back in a 100 years. A son must constantly do what pleases his parents. (The Laws of Manu, 2:226)

Judaism seems to have a more balanced approach to “paying the debt” between a child’s mother, father and God. Judaism believes man receives 5 things each from his parents and 10 from God. When a human being honours his parents, God is happy, if not, He is unhappy. Christianity honours parents in the Fifth Commandment and alludes to making God happy when you make your parents happy. Islam too honours both parents but specifically refers to the pain of childbearing and

By: Farida Hasanali (Pictured above along with her sons)

H

Photo By: LAZYPICTURE 713.261.0608

Cover Story

nursing that a mother bears towards her children.

Unrelated to Islam, I wanted to share an interesting correlation between mother’s milk and nationalism, in a book titled “Muslim Nationalism the New Turks.” Mother’s milk is considered to be sinless, pure and clean and contributes to a son’s virility and military heroism. Mothers are known to nurse their sons longer than their daughters because they want them to be strong to fight for the country. The moral obligation between mother and child is called “milk-debt” and indentures the son and his wife to serve his parents for his lifetime in a feeble attempt to pay back the milk-debt.

As you can imagine, here is where the fun begins.

Strength, as I mentioned before is a highly misunderstood word especially in the context of mothers. In an effort to provide an unbiased view of what a strong mother is, I asked a couple of friends to send me a brief description of what their idea of a strong mother is. “Strength is the ability to put ones needs aside in order to fulfil the child's needs and/or to protect him or her, physically and emotionally,” said Sneha Desai, a licensed clinical psychologist who works predominantly with children and families. Most parents are physically present for their children, only a few make the emotional connection that enriches both their lives. Unfortunately in the United States with work hours getting longer, money getting shorter, more and more parents are becoming “absentee parents” leading to feelings of abandonment and low self-esteem. I wonder though if an absentee mother does less harm than an overbearing one.

In my opinion, a strong mother is a woman who is self- assured, confident, loving, forgiving, and nurturing but not to the detriment of her children. She does not guilt her children into behaving a certain way, allows her children the space to grow, to be who they are and to fulfil their own destinies. One of my friends said, “A mother's strength is when she faces and handles her fears and

insecurities so that they will not become a part of her child's life.” Her definition is an aspect of a mother having high self-esteem and feeling independent and in control of her own life so as not to impose her wants and desires on her children. My favourite philosopher Kahlil Gibran wrote of children:

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

Let me share with you two stories relayed by people in our community. There is no right or wrong, there are only viewpoints and each person given their own lives and experiences has a right to feel a certain way.

“I don’t want to get married to a momma’s boy!” was my excuse to reject almost every marriage proposal that my mother put forth. I don’t think I had my definitions straight then. Life has a strange way of teaching us lessons and events in my life led me to start the process of “discovering myself.” Fortunately or unfortunately I have had the honour of knowing strong and weak mothers and their strong and weak sons, not necessarily in that order. In their own way they have contributed to my “growing up” process. I never wanted a lover or a husband that was a replica of my dad, because I did not approve of his patriarchal ways and I feared every man I met would turn out to be that way.

Then, I met the man who made all my definitions and pre-conceived notions fly out the window. He was chivalrous (something I thought was long dead), he opened the car door, pulled out the dinner chair, said all the right things

and treated me like a princess. I couldn’t believe he was for real and one day I told him that. He seemed surprised (more like startled) and he said, “This is how my mom taught me to treat women; this is how I have treated my sister all my life.” He quotes his mom almost all the time, but it doesn’t annoy me. I am not the type of girl who gets offended when he says his mom is the best cook. Of course she is, just like my mom is the best cook. This excerpt cannot do justice to how phenomenal he is but I realize now that he is not momma’s boy; he is a man that his mom carved out of a boy. I have his mom to be thankful for him. So yes, strong mothers do make strong sons and I am fortunate enough to be in love with one. ---Woman 1

It’s 5:00 A.M., and mom’s off to the gym, even though she got in from my stepsister’s wedding at 2:00 am. She didn’t have to do either one. That’s my stepsister from my father’s second marriage, and few would attempt exercise on 3 hours sleep; but, that’s mom. That’s what strength is. Just as mom built her body, she built her spirit, and ours. When times are hard and it’s hard to do what’s right, mom never faltered. It’s easy to sleep in and put off that work out. It’s easy to decline the invitation to the wedding to avoid awkwardness. But that’s not mom. She doesn’t hide behind excuses. She has the strength of spirit to always do what has to be and what should be done. She raised us with that strength, my brother and I, and that’s why we know how to persevere. That’s why we can choose the right thing, even though it’s hard. And that’s why we are going to succeed. Life is hard from start to finish, but when you have the kind of strength that mom instilled in us, there is no better defence against misdeeds and misfortune. My mother’s strength is in her biceps and her calves, in the sweat that catches the rising sun, in her strides against injustice and most of all in those who grew up around her, both big and small.

– Zainul Hasanali

“I am not the type of girl who

gets offended when he says his mom is the best cook. Of

course she is, just like my mom is the best cook for me”

SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 11

Jagdeep’s mother wanted her son to marry a rich girl. She had made it clear I should feel eternally lucky I was coming to the US. When I got here, I realized my husband was

being forced to rent a one bedroom apartment so his money wasn’t wasted and there would be more to send home. I on the other hand came from a wealthy family, we lived in a six bedroom house and I travelled abroad on vacations with my family all the time. Coming to the US wasn’t a big deal for me but my mother in law kept reiterating the favour she had done by buying my ticket to the US. Unfortunately for me, I got pregnant almost immediately. My mother in law was not happy, she would call me every week to check if I was really pregnant and give me instructions to press my tummy and tell her what I felt. The problem was she had her own goals; she wanted to come to the States and start a

business, that’s why she wanted Jagdeep to save as much money as possible. I was just an annoyance in her plans. She called my husband every weekend and instigated him

against me and every time she succeeded in ruining our weekend which ended up in fights. When our daughter was born her first reaction was “the next one better be a son.” How could I guarantee that? I made a pledge never to get pregnant again.

Jagdeep never said a word to his mother, and he never took my side. As time passed she pressured him to transfer all my property in his name, and since the property is in India she became the signing authority on all of it. It wasn’t small change, it was worth six crore rupees. - When I asked for a divorce, of course Jagdeep called her for advice, she told him to do what made him happy, and because I was not making him happy he agreed to the divorce. No one believed the reasons why I wanted the divorce, my ex-husband had a gambling problem, he had an affair with his co-worker, but no one believed me. In his mother’s eyes, Jagdeep could do no wrong.

Where I am from, men are brought up with the idea that they can marry rich, they have a movie star complex. Their mothers think there is no better person on earth than their sons. Mother’s view their sons as bank accounts and therefore protect their investments at all costs, even at the cost of ruining their son’s lives. I have spoken to many women, my story is not unique, and many women are suffering in loveless marriages dominated by mothers-in-law.

Fortunately for me, I had the

“We sometimes refer to people as being strong even when they are physically weak. We use phrases like “their strength carries them through.” Maybe we really mean courage; we mean people have the courage to go through or to face difficulties in their lives.”

I don’t think there is any question as to whether or not my mom is physically strong. Any person who knows her or sees her could tell you that. What they might not immediately know is that her physical toughness is an embodiment of her mental toughness and indomitable will. She is fit because she works out six days a week in the morning before work and refuses to let people tell her that she cannot do something. When it comes to working out, her results appear with her body and the shape she is in; however the results of her mental toughness in life cannot necessarily be seen on her. It is reflected in her children. My mom has been through a lot in her life and learned not to accept circumstances that make her unhappy and that staying mentally strong and fighting through will lead to a better life, even if it still hurts on the inside. This example she has set has not only translated to me by being around her, but also in the way she raised us. My mom was never the type to give in to my temper tantrums, and let me tell you I threw some mean temper tantrums. I would cry for hours and yell at her, but she always held her ground. Today I can say that I am better for it because I understand what it is to work for something and to achieve something and to pursue the things that make me happy. Most people I meet now are always surprised at how young I am, partially because of my beard, but mostly because of my mental toughness, calm, and resolve, and I can say that the mental toughness that my mom always displayed is a large part of that. ---Taher Hasanali

12 SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM

Continued from page 11

strength not only to get out of the situation but also to tell my story.

–Woman 2

I know this is heavy reading and it will elicit strong emotions with people depending on the different stages in their lives. I have tried very hard not to pass judgment on anyone’s story, merely provided my opinions on what I feel strength in a mother is. I hope you take the opportunity to read the other excerpts printed in this article. I

welcome your thoughts and opinions, ideas of future topics, your participation in my research efforts or your help in whatever way you wish to be involved.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

-Kahlil Gibran

When I first met my ex mother in law, I got the impression that she was strong because she handled everything, took charge of situations, made decisions, and was confident about herself. As time went on, I realized that she was controlling more than she was strong. Everything had to be done her way. She belittled her husband constantly in front of other people and he just quietly accepted her criticism. She did the same with her 3 sons. She called all the shots and nobody questioned her. After I was married to her son, she made every effort to control me too. We come from a very traditional background where the tradition of dowry was still practiced. Despite the large dowry my ex mother in law received from my parents her requests for more money never ended. 1 year after getting married, she asked me to ask my dad for more money. I refused. She then asked her son to convince me to ask my dad for more money. Even though he did not believe in the tradition of dowry, he said his mother had reasons for it and those are the rules of our community so I had to do it. I refused and I paid the price for it. At the end of the day, he forced me to do what his mother wanted me to do even though he didn't think what his mother was doing was right. This is just one example but it went on throughout the course of our marriage. My ex-husband would often compare me to his mom and ask why I wasn't as strong and confident as she was but I was confused by that. Why would he not stand up for himself and what he believes in if that is what he saw his mother do while growing up? He refused to let me visit my family because his mother told him that my family is a bad influence on me. When she visited and when I was at work she would raid my closet, drawers, go through bills and make no secret of it. When I returned from work she would ask me why I was on birth control and why I spent $65 at a restaurant last week and why I bought fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes. When I spoke to my ex-husband about it, he would say 'she is just trying to teach me how to save money and that I shouldn't make a big deal about it'. I started noticing that my ex-husband despite being an accomplished doctor couldn't lead his life without his mother's input. He always told me he wanted a wife like his mother and that I was a disappointment because I wasn't as resourceful, confident and strong like his mother. It's almost like he was so used to his mother running his life that he wanted to marry a woman who would do that for him. I also noticed that my ex mother law made herself feel stronger by belittling people around her including her husband and sons and that transferred down to my now ex-husband. ----Woman 3

I had left the woman who had loved me selflessly for 21 yrs on a dull still night, to the land of opportunity, knowing little of the agony that this woman would go through. This heartless boy was me and the woman was my loving mom, a person who gave everything that she had to the betterment of her offspring. The pain that she endured of my leaving was evident months together at a stretch after the fact. Every time we talked over the phone, she choked up, unable to say anything, fighting her inner voice to ask me to come back. She showed great strength and supported me in spreading my wings and flying away. Those who have had to see their dear ones go away will certainly relate to this and know how much of a strong will is needed to accept it. There are innumerable instances that depict the strength and unbelievable sacrifices that my mom or for that matter, most of our moms have made. I chose to talk about the above as I feel the sacrifice of one's wants and needs are tiny compared to the strength required to part with love. Thinking about this invokes great respect for my mom and also the strength needed to face matters of the heart. Thank you mom. I love you. –Ajay Sarpeshkar

“I realize now that he is not momma’s boy; he is a man that his mom carved out of a boy. I have his mom to be thankful for him. So yes,

strong mothers do make strong sons and I am fortunate enough to

be in love with one.”

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he process of purchasing a new home is often filled with questions that can leave families

scrambling for answers. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to get the answers you need. Here’s a look at five of the most common questions posed by homebuyers.

How can I find out my credit rating? There are plenty of free resources available to access your credit rating, also known as your FICO score. Freecreditscore.com and annualcreditreport.com are good places to start. Your FICO score breaks down your payment history, how much you own, the length of your credit history, new credit and the types of credit you use. To improve your score, close out old accounts and pay down the debts with the highest interest rate.

How much home can I afford? Most families can afford a mortgage between two and two and 1/2 times gross income. This means a person earning $100,000 a year can usually afford a mortgage between $200,000 and $250,000. But as always, this figure will depend on a family’s other commitments. Another rule of thumb: your principal, interest, property taxes and insurance should not exceed 28 percent of your gross income.

How can I be sure a community is right for our family? If you are considering a master-planned community, check out its amenities including its pool and aquatics complex, fitness center and tennis courts. Ask about resident events and activities in the community. Master-planned communities such as those developed by The Johnson Development Corp. offer a variety of home choices,

recreation and resort-style amenities, parks and trails.

When is the best time to buy? With interest rates at record low levels, now is a great time to buy. When you sit down and do the math, you may find your monthly mortgage payment will be

lower than you think. Plus, the sooner you buy, the sooner you can start building equity in a home.

What the best way to select a Realtor? Interview several and listen to how well each communicates his or her knowledge of the market and the neighborhood you are considering. How responsive was the Realtor to your call? Does the Realtor understand what your family is looking for in a home? Nothing is more valuable during the home buying process than a knowledgeable Realtor.

Hig

h

For Home Buyers

SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 15

he end of a delicious feast is often marked by coffee, an after dinner drink, and a sweet

dessert. Dessert time not only provides perfect closure to a memorable meal, but also assists digestion, aids assimilation, and creates space for good conversation. End of the year reflection is like the “dessert” of the year. It is a perfect opportunity to assess significant accomplishments, provide closure to the previous year, and to prepare the ground for a new year ahead. It’s also an important time to tie up loose ends, let go of things that no longer work, and sweep out old energies. This year, instead of just letting the final days of the year slip on by, treat yourself to “dessert” to digest what you have learned, and feel the satisfaction of accomplishment and closure. Here are five ways to positively end the year:

1. Clean Up Take these last few days of the year to bring harmony and balance in your living and working environment. Walk around your personal spaces and sense what’s working and what’s not. Open the drawers, step in the garage, look into all the nooks, crannies, and dark spaces. Intuitively, you know what’s calling to you. Follow that urge and straighten the liquor cabinet, organize the garage, or vacuum the pet hair from the under the bed. Cleaning up can be a great way to remove old energies and allow new positive flow. Take the next few days to put in order, sort out, clean, or

rearrange your space. Then breathe, relax, and revel in the new harmony!

2. Let Go! The end of the year is a great time to let go of anything you no longer need or want. What may have felt near and dear to you last year may no longer hold the same feeling now. Go through your “stuff” and throw out, give away, or donate clothes, furniture, kitchen gadgets, knick-knacks, or anything else that no longer fits your personality. Just because Aunt Betty once gave you that ceramic dog figurine for Christmas in 1987, doesn’t mean that you have to keep it around forever. Let go of what no longer feels energizing or uplifting.

3. Manage Out of Control Email Feeling buried in your inbox? It’s not uncommon to start the day by opening email, checking the 40-plus new messages, and feeling the burden of the ones that haven’t been yet answered from earlier in the week (month or year!). In addition there’s the weightiness of hundreds of emails saved in various folders. Take the next few days and get a handle on your overflowing email. Answer any pertinent pending emails, delete everything you don’t have to read, and unsubscribe from newsletters that may no longer provide value to your day. Take back control by deciding how much time and energy you’re willing to give to email.

4. Take Long Walks Over the next several days give yourself some quality alone time by taking long walks. During those

outings practice conscious deep breathing. Breathing helps dislodge old stuck energies and emotions. In addition, breathing relieves stress. As you begin to relax, be nourished by nature. Feel the wind on your checks, listen to the birds signing, and breathe in the scents of the season. Breathing, relaxation, nature, and quality alone time provide an opportune time to daydream about fun times, revel in giving your best to creative endeavors, and being open to the beauty in life. When you feel good, you invite yourself to participate in more experiences that feel good.

5. Love and Introspection The end of the year is the perfect time for self-love and self-evaluation. As you look back on the dreams, goals, objectives, and projects you had planned for the past year, take stock of where you actually are. Did you allow your life to develop in meaningful way over the past year? Avoid the temptation of self-flagellation for goals that weren’t met, and use the opportunity of reflection to assess what’s still important. Be supportive of yourself as you recognize what you achieved, what you learned about yourself, and the strengths that developed over the past months. Love yourself for who you are right now and love yourself for knowing who you want to become more of. As the year winds down, stop and give yourself a good closure. Let yourself know that you have come to the end, summarize your achievements , and reinforce your commitment to a central idea. Follow the tips above and know that there’s no reason why this year can’t have a perfectly fabulous ending!

POSITIVE WAYS TO END THE YEAR

POSITIVE WAYS TO END THE YEAR

T

& START FRESH

Cover Story

SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 17

Features EDITOR:

Beena Yusuf Bali beena218@gmail.com healthomg.com

Jab Tak Hain Jaan

Shah Rukh Khan: "There is a certain dignity by the way [his death] has been covered. I have been watching all the programs made on his life. I am not feeling sad that he is not there. I feel sad, but there is a strange feeling that he has not gone. He is still surrounding us."

Bollywood’s Reaction to the Loss of a Legend

Lara Dutta: “All I ever really knew of Hindi films began with Yash uncle’s brand of cinema. RIP Yash Chopra ji. Will miss you terribly.”

Bipasha Basu: “We lost the iconic, inspiring n always smiling Yash Chopra today. Saddened and shocked by this news. He will be missed forever. RIP Yash Uncle.”

Akshay Kumar: “I'm in shock and numb, can't believe the news, the man who immortalized love, Mr. Yash Chopra is no more. May his soul rest in peace.”

“Typically, I can write in my sleep but I was unable to write anything different about Yash Chopra that no other journalist has already done. I have never met the man nor have I worked with him. But there is something about him that ties me to him. If my passion has any influence it is due to Yash Chopra’s movies [and Raj Kapoor but that’s for another time]- Yash Chopra’s movies were what I believed the world to be like and that was quite a feat for any filmmaker to have given their viewers a parallel reality. “

Yash Chopra’s movies were a collage of hope, romance, poetic frames, melodious music epitomized with internal stories that everybody would confront at some point. His stories also had a happy ending. Okay, yes Shah Rukh Khan died in “Darr” but his performance is alive and etched in our memory till today. Yes, Karisma Kapoor’s Nisha didn’t marry Rahul in Dil to pagal hai or Veer and Zara were separated in each other’s countries without being together for years is a love legend for sure but in all this sadness and drama there is always that hope that life moves on… Another lesson that we often miss out on. We have to move on in life to better and greener pastures, which don’t necessarily have to be in Switzerland. He made that statement unknowingly through his last movie ironically titled, “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” – He was supposed to take his final shot of the movie with Katrina Kaif and Shah Rukh khan in the Swiss Alps and hang his directorial boots for good but like everyone of us; man proposes; God disposes. We can plan all we want but we don’t always have it all. In this case designer Manish Malhotra had 11 sarees designed for Kaif under Chopra’s supervision but life doesn’t have to be candy floss and a Swiss alps-y romance to be real and that was the last statement Yash Chopra made to people who were inspired by him. Chopra will never witness the release of his last film nor will he be able to process the reviews or the memories from his last romance because he is gone now teaching us the vulnerability of our lives and how each moment has to be savored.

In Memory of a Visionary, a Dreamer, …a Film Maker

Bollywood

SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM

As I pondered further over Yash Chopra’s departure I realized that he was so blessed to live and die doing what he was born to do. How many of us can say that? – Are we doing what we were born to do? And will we die doing what we love to do? Are we doing what we were born to do? And will we die doing what we love to do? - Everyone is born with a purpose. We all have an inner calling to do what we are destined to do. Yash Chopra was a dreamer, but more than that he was an achiever. Some decisions we take can design the course of an entire generation and Yash Chopra’s persistence and immaculate vision carved a pathway to success, creativity and a legacy that includes the honor of being one of the 27th largest production house in the world. This is all because of him honoring his abilities and believing in himself when anyone could’ve said otherwise. His steps initiated with a couple of thousand dollars and a simple vision translated to an entertainment empire worth 3200 crores rupees or $32,000 million today. To believe in your own idea of a life you want to create for yourself and be persistent is another gem of a lesson to be learnt from him. Now what remains is his legacy. There was nothing spectacular about Yash Chopra that other filmmakers couldn’t boast of, but he had something else… It was a gift to be persistent. One can associate the chiffon sarees, the Swiss alps and the human conflicts taking precedence over his frames in every movie from Silsila, Chandni , Lamhe, Darr, Dil to pagal hai, Veer Zaara or his swan song Jab Tak Hai Jaan but what we overlook is his persistence to fulfill his commitment to his calling and he did so ‘until he was alive’/ Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

“Are we doing what we were born to do? And will we die doing what we love to do? -

Everyone is born with a purpose. We all have an inner calling to do what we are destined to do.

Yash Chopra was a dreamer, but more than that he was an achiever.”

Yash Chopra lived a life that allowed him to express beautifully and successfully. People who are inspired by him must celebrate his life and be more inspired to live like him because that is what his departure taught me, life’s last big lesson by the grand master, “Don’t give up – pursue your inner calling Jab Tak Hai Jaan” – and I believe it now more than ever that we meet our destiny by taking those first steps. There will be hurdles, failures and heartache – Mr. Chopra’s BEST films and most personal accomplishments were box office failures Lamhe and Silsila but today they are visual gems because after all is said and done; there is only a feeling of accomplishment and a what’s-next attitude to discover the power of our inner strength and maximize our superior potential that is more than what we think. The man with a small dream and a vision never knew the potential that his persistence can create a multimillion dollar entertainment empire. Thank you Yash Chopra for the movies and thank you for these lessons that you taught us and left behind…

The Bachchan bahu was recently conferred a civilian honour given by the government of France. Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and her A-List celebrity family has becomed accustomed to being captured on film by the press and paparatzzi, but what caught the eye of photographer this time, was the rare appearance of the Bachchan baby, Aardhya.

Aamir Khan has been seen making his rounds promoting his newest venture Talaash. The entire team joined

hands with Microsoft, which recently launched Windows 8, to create a little hype for their new movie app and the soon to be released film!

Akshay’s superstitious nature is back at it again, and this time he’s got his eyes fixed on his new lucky leading lady, Asin. We’ll have to

wait till Box Numbers are released for their upcoming movie, Khiladi 786 to see just how lucky she is for the original Khiladi himself!

BABY BACHCHAN ON BOARD

AAMIR PROMOTES TALASH

AKSHAY’S NEW LUCKY CHARM

SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 19

Bollywood EDITOR:

Shahbazz Anwerr Writer, Director, Visionary mecraziest@hotmail.com

What inspired you to participate in the Miss Diwali Beauty Pageant? Being able to express myself and my talent inspired me to participate in this pageant.

There were many very talented girls who participated, how does it feel to have won? Yes, you are right; every girl that participated is very talented in their own way and winning definitely felt good. I think every girl that participated has the qualifications to become Miss Diwali.

What will you do with your “title” as Miss Diwali? And how do you plan on being a positive role model for those who look up to you? Having the title of Miss Diwali is a wonderful feeling to have, however I only did this because it is a platform to express myself. I will always try to be a positive role model to the people around me. I always believe winning is awesome but make sure you learn from that success.

What was one of the most challenging aspects of being a part of the competition? The most challenging aspects of being a part of this competition was working together. Working together was very difficult; it was challenging getting all the girls to learn the same techniques and the formations.

Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years I see myself studying to become a successful doctor.

Monica Sirigiri speaks to SBR MAGAZINE about her experience as a contestant of the Miss Diwali 2012 Pageant and how it feels to have won the crown.

What are some things you think have a large influence on today’s generation? One very large and good influence is community service, I think community service builds a person’s character to become a better person, and we can learn a lot of new things from other people. Another major influence is technology, it can be bad because I think our generation is abusing communication advancement such as Facebook and texting, sometimes we are so addicted that we don’t even care enough to speak to the person sitting next to us.

Do you view social media as a positive or negative impact on today’s society? I think social media has a positive impact on today’s society. If we didn’t have social media we wouldn’t know what is happening outside of our community.

What advice would you would give young girls who may compete in a beauty pageant one day?

One piece of advice that I would give young girls is to be yourself. Don’t act the way you think others want to see you because that will just hide your real identity and don’t think you’re not beautiful enough to compete because every girl is beautiful in her own way and in reality beauty comes within not only what you see on the outside.

“I think social media has a positive impact on today’s society. If we didn’t have social media we wouldn’t know what is happening outside of our community.”

SBR INTERVIEW

20 SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM

PAGEANT

After months of practicing and preparing, countless hours of dedication paid off for the contestants of the Miss Diwali Pageant 2012. The glamorous competition was presented by ICC Houston and India House who collaborated with Sunil T of Masala Radio to host the much anticipated event at the Skeeters Stadium in Sugar Land on November 10th 2012. Participants of the pageant included: Natasha Naik, Priyanka Golani, Amarpreet Kaur, Ankita Mehta, Mona Deo, Amita Batra, Rima Patel, Monica Sirigiri, and Ashley Abraham. The girls were put though five rounds including: a talent round which was held earlier at India House on November the second, an ethnic round where the girls represented the various states of India, a western round sponsored by MABY Jeans, bridal round presented by Sari Sapne, and after selecting the top 5 contestants, the pageant ended with a challenging questions and answer round. Judging the pageant was truly a difficult experience. The panel included Narmeen Lakhani publisher of SBR Magazine, Tanaz Chaudry designer of MAYBE Jeans, Amrita Nambriar a dance instructor at the Institute of Fine Arts, Khuram Virani from Tara Energy, and Vibha Chopra a representative from Zee TV. “By the time the pageant was over, I felt like all the girls had become like my kids. After spending so much time with them and training them, it broke my heart to see the competition come to an end. I wish I could crown every girl a winner,” said event chair and coordinator, Jasmeeta Singh. Unfortunately, there could be only one winner, and the girl who was crowned Miss Diwali 2012 and who was the recipient of the $500 grand prize was Monica Sirigiri. ICC President, Rajiv Bhavsar and India House President, Jugal Malani presented the girls with their prizes, crowns, and titles which also included, first runner up Rima Patel, and second Runner up Ankita Mehta. Jasmeeta Singh credits the events success to the sponsors of the pageant which included, the grand sponsor: Interfaith Ministries Dinner Dialogue, silver sponsors: collision plus- Neeraj Patel and Trusha Patel, Mr. And Mrs. Amit Shah Singh, Mr. And Mrs. Likhari; Bronze Sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Lalit Jallan, Mr. And Mrs. Jag and Pinder, Mr. And Mrs. Harvinder Arora, Mr. And Mrs. Vijay Pallod, Mr. And Mrs. Devesh Pathak, Mr. And Mrs. Charlie Patel, Mrs. Shobna Murate, Mr. And Mrs. Raj Bhalla, Mr. And Mrs. Swapan Dharyiawan, Mr. And Mrs. Rajiv Bhavsar, A1 travel Tina and Pawan, Mr. and Mrs. Prasad Kalva, Mr. and Mrs. Falguni Gandhi.

Miss Diwali

SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 21

“I had never bought a “black” ticket in Houston. But this Saturday, I bought four $15 Stage Lawn Passes for $20 each. Tickets selling on the black market is the ultimate sign of a

popular event!” said Jagrut of Vandana Handicrafts. Indeed, the Masala Radio office lines received phone calls continuously from November 4th to the 10th, while they announced all

tickets SOLD OUT.

What was the event? The Zee Diwali Mela – Saturday November 10th -

organized by Masala Radio, cor-organized by The Gujarat Samaj of Houston, ICC, India House, and Hindus of Greater Houston, and sponsored by Zee TV and Tara Energy, along with Red Oak Hospital, Kohinoor Diamonds, Alings Hakka, Jugal Malani, Keemat Grocers, and over 100 other sponsors. Nearly 60 vendors packed the concourse stadium with exotic clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and delicious Indian cuisine. But it was the fabulous 3-level, 60 foot wide stage, outline in rope lights, featuring state of the art lights and sound, and hundreds of grandiose performers that captured the audience’s attention from the moment they entered. Guests immediately sensed this

was a different sort of event when they were greeted by a very Blue Krishna-like genie announcing “Happy Diwali”. Crowds gathered at the Living Laxmi Statue waiting for her to move and prove she was real, and delighting in photos. ZeeTV had a live recording booth for families to record their

personal Diwali greetings to be aired on Zee TV.

Every minute, and in every corner, there was something new to do, Henna, Face-painting, Kids Games Booth – Carousel – and playground. DJ Zee was perched atop the Hummer spinning all the performers’ music. Even Teens had a secluded respite in the very back Disco with DJ Geo. With over 25,000 tiny lights on columns and the booths, and the 24 intelligent lights on stage by AD Sounds, the event truly was a Festival of Lights. The 200’ x 90’ giant screen narrated patriotic & religious images, as well as recognized dance schools and top sponsors, some with quirky videos. Newly re-elected President Obama’s Diwali video greetings earned a thunderous applause from the audience. BMW displayed their latest model cars in the field, and Mercedes Benz gave away 10 golden tickets worth $4000 off a new Mercedes purchase. Amazing photos by Aisha Khan of AMA Photography will soon be on masalaradio.om and on facebook/MasalaRadioHouston.

The 6-hour non-stop stage entertainment commenced with a thank you from CEO & Lead Host

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Thakkar introduced Jasmeeta Singh, coordinator of the ICC and Indian House Miss Diwali Pageant, along with the ICC and India House boards, and then a video introduced the Pageant Judges and finally the beautiful contestants themselves.

Hindus of Greater Houston had announced a 1001 Maha Arti, but upped their own commitment and passed out nearly 2000 LED Diyas to the audience who all stood up for the Auspicious Laxmi Maha Arti, sung by none other than Indian Idol Finalist Bhoomi Trivedi. Spectacular Fireworks lit the sky with spectacular music from Bombay Dreams and two Diwali songs. Kohinoor Diamond’s Altaf and Nilofer Ali, along with Baa, stood by proudly as Sunil Thakkar announced Diamonds in the Sky from Kohinoor Diamonds. Throughout the Fireworks people exclaimed, now I don’t miss Diwali in India. For Event Director Sandhya Thakkar, who has never experienced Diwali in India, this was the ultimate sign of success.

WHAT A SHOW!” Masala Radio’s Sunil and Sandhya Thakkar want to thank the entire Masala Crew, Radio Jockeys and Emcees: Preanka Desai, Rajoo Waddy, Dilip Kanabar, Alka Raj, Kashmira Nayak, Priya Chokshi, Ajay Chunchu, and Sushil Varma; Event Managers Amisha Desai and Shilpi Sheth, and Event Crew Debarpita Ghosh, Ninad Gupte, Hima Brahmbhatt, Shivani Patel, Reema Guyha, Krupa Desai, Vikas Bahl, Sachin Sharma, Sukhi Kohli, Sonali Gadkari and Malav Desai.

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SBR MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 – WWW.SBRMAGAZINE.COM 23

Available at every major Indian & Pakistani grocery store in houston!

Pick up your copy today!

GROUNDBREAKING News!

The Gujarati Samaj of Houston officially has a new home! Local members, supporters, and well-wishers gathered for the inauguration ceremony of the new Gujarati Samaj of Houston Center on October 21st.

RAVINA Reads

The annual Indian Film Festival took place in Houston where distinguished celebrities and guests we in Town to promote their films. Ravina Tandon, a recognized Bollywood celebrity was one of the honored guests who was also present at the festival. Have you picked up your copy of SBR MAGAZINE? Ravina sure has!

For more information log onto their website at Gujaratisamajofhouston.org

Or contact: Sureshbhai Patel 832.628.7706 or Jayantibhai Patel at 281.530.7139

SBR MAGAZINE!

ABIYA MOTIFS Launches New Collection

For more information on the new designer clothing line log onto abiyamotifs.biz or call Abiya Malhotra at 832.629.0116

Hosting a wedding reception today has become more than just a date to celebrate a couple's marriage vows, it is also the time to express their personality and creativity. When it comes to choosing which direction to take your special day, knowing about the latest trends, technology and options will help you create an unforgettable affair. We visited Bibi Magazine's recent Bridal Show held at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square to discover the newest bridal offerings in the market. Here is a guide to latest trends in South Asian weddings.

Choosing a Decor Style This Bibi Bridal Show featured four wedding decorators, each one with its own distinctive style: traditional glamor at Elegant Events, polished chic from Prashe Decor, innovative style at Decor One and unabashed fusion at The Perfect Touch Linens. Whichever style decorator you choose for your wedding, inject your own personalities by adding

distinctive details such as a meaningful color palette, shimmering crystal accents, fluffy feathers or fragrant flowers. Once you commit to a style, make sure each detail of your wedding carries that style through. For example, if you choose the very modern purple and lime green color palette

seen at The Perfect Touch Linens, you can include that into the inks of your invitations, the color of your favours and ribbons of your floral bouquet.

Creating a Tablescapes Banquet tables at your reception are an intimate opportunity to wow your guests with your decor style. New for 2012 are dropped napkins hanging of the edge of your table. Staggered height candles floating in water or one bold floral center point add design drama to an ordinary table. Choose rectangle tables instead of round ones, or perhaps arrange for long 40-person communal tables instead of groupings of ten chairs to one table. "What's new is what's unique and different," says Ayesha Hakki, publisher of Bibi Magazine. "At each bridal show, we encourage participating vendors to really showcase their new products and ideas. This way, brides can compare different designs side by side at the show and really choose what reflects their personal style."

Change Up a Room Wedding planner Therese Cole of Electric Karma suggests to enliven a rectangular- shaped room by playing with your dance floor layout. "You can do criss-crossed dance floors, round floors, floors in the shape of an X, or elevated portions of a dance floor. Anything that is new will create excitement in your room and with your guests."

Food Presentation Perhaps the biggest trend we discovered was the innovations in food presentation and flavors. The Sugar Land Marriott presented mini samosa quesadillas while Dawaat Catering served pan-fried idli cooked in a peppery Chinese sauce. They also prepared visually pleasing crispy biscuit spoons topped with creamy spinach dip.

Fashion Finally, the fashion presented at the Bibi Bridal Show included the collections of Deya's Designer including the designer's own collection and pieces from Pakistan's Deepak Perwani. Colors were bright with tunic lengths still sweeping the floor. Dhamani by Nadia also showed delicately embellished long-length tunics but in more ethnic styles. Also in fashion, the florists at Tres Bloom showed, surprisingly enough, intricate rings made of fresh flowers and embellishment. The rings, fashioned out of wire, are designed to last for years when properly taken care of. Treschelle Brown, the creator of the rings, says she designs each piece according to the bride's outfit and color theme.

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Local Events

Ingredients 6 cups half-and-half cream, divided 1-1/3 cups white baking chips 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches) 1/4 teaspoon ground Spice Islands® Ground Saigon Cinnamon Dash ground nutmeg 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions In a large saucepan, combine 1/2 cup cream, chips, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook and stir over low heat until chips are melted. Stir in remaining cream; heat through. Discard cinnamon sticks. Stir in vanilla. Yield: 8 servings.

Ingredients: 1 package Big and Flaky Crescents 8 tbsp. butter softened 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 tbsp. sugar 1 tbsp flour

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper. 2. Gently unroll Crescent dough onto a lightly floured board and separate into 3 rectangular sections (each having 2 triangles). Press the seams of the triangles together to achieve 3 rectangles. Place dough pieces on a foil lined cookie sheet and freeze for 5 minutes. 3. Mix the butter, cinnamon, sugar, and flour together in a small bowl until smooth. Remove the dough from the freezer. Divide the mixture by 3 and spread each piece of dough evenly with 1 part. Sprinkle with nuts if desired. Tightly roll up each piece beginning at the shorter end of the rectangles. Freeze the rolls again for 5 minutes just until firm so that they are easier to cut. 4. Cut each roll into 6 -1" pieces. Set the buns, 2 inches apart, onto the greased cookies sheet. Bake the cinna-rolls for 12-16 minutes. Allow to cool 15 minutes before forming wreath. 5. Arrange the cinnamon rolls on a plate in a wreath pattern. Drizzle with Icing and Sprinkle with Holiday decors.

CINNAMON ROLLS WREATH

Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 packages (3-1/2 ounces each) cook-and-serve butterscotch pudding mix 3 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions: In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs. Combine the flour, pudding mixes, ginger, baking powder and cinnamon; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with lightly floured cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 6-8 minutes or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.