Katy Holt

Travel Buzz – Smooth Sailing on the High Seas

July 2009
The McCann children spend many vacations onboard their family's catamaran Pas de Deux.

At some point, a traveler is likely to consider the enticements of a cruise. For some, the lure is the relaxing rocking of the ocean’s waves or having the world’s most exotic locations brought straight to their cabin door.

For others, it’s the chance to save money on a floating hotel with just about everything – including multiple-course meals and, …

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Travel Buzz – San Francisco Treat

June 2009
Tourists can take a short ferry ride to Alcatraz Island. Its prison tour is one of San Francisco's most popular attractions.

Riding up and down San Francisco’s hilly streets on a streetcar, ferrying out to view Alcatraz Island’s prison or staring at the jaw-dropping Golden Gate Bridge are three things that all travelers need to check off their list.

But for those with more time in the San Francisco area, there are an unlimited number of scenic spots, including the historic …

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Have Dog, Will Travel

June 2009
Prada, a 75-pound Old English Sheepdog, is a frequent traveling companion for Terry Chavez and her husband, Anthony.

When the dog days of summer hit Houston, it may be time to let your pet’s paws hit the road with you.

The complexities of traveling with a pet are many. But for some families, the companionship is worth it – plus the bonus of not having to board or beg for petsitting.

Terry and Anthony Chavez’s 75-pound Old English …

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Travel Buzz – South of the Border

May 2009
Ann Elvin stops to smell the roses in Patagonia, Argentina. The teapot behind her depicts the flag of Wales with a dragon acknowledging the early Welsh settlement in Patagonia.

The vast and varied continent of South America has lured several Buzz readers recently.

Frank Elvin’s work trips gave his wife, Ann, the chance to explore Columbia at a reasonable cost. While in the capital city of Bogotá, the couple stayed at La Fontana, which has its own church, and enjoyed a trip to the Gold Museum, which houses an …

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Travel Buzz – Pacific Northwest

April 2009
Visitors to Seattle will want to take time to enjoy the year-round Pike Place Market.

Most Americans have a sense of the Pacific Northwest’s grandeur that is clouded, literally, by the rainy forecasts known to dominate the region.

Seattle
Anyone who visits Seattle can tell you that, even with the rain, it is a great city that mixes urban attitude and outdoorsy charm.

According to Catherine Gartner, “The quintessential Seattle experience is at Pike Place …

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Beyond College Brochures

April 2009
College pic

Before the SAT scores are in, the letters of recommendation are arranged, and the college essays are finished, it’s time to hit the road.

Matching a college’s opportunities to your student’s needs is challenging, and even the best brochure or Web site can’t reveal the fullness of life on a college campus. “Most kids are just looking at the dorms …

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Look, Mom, They Like It!

March 2009
Homemade sweet potato chips are easy to make and quick to disappear when Will, 6, and Reid Turlington, 4, need a healthy snack.

Ask most kids what they want for dinner and the answer is sure to be one of three things: pizza, macaroni and cheese, or chicken tenders. There is hope, however, for parents who want to expose their children to healthier fare.

Most parents want to know the secrets to getting their children to eat good food because healthy eating has …

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Travel Buzz – Travel Rewards

March 2009
The Kronberg family see the Great Wall during their visit to China.

Embarking on a trip is cause for excitement, and sometimes the destination is more meaningful when there is a chance to give back to the local community.

Just a few days before Sonia and Ron Kronberg were set to leave China to fulfill a lifelong dream for their daughter, Erin, a massive earthquake destroyed much of the Sichuan province and …

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Travel Buzz – Riches of Central America

February 2009
The Sagel family spotted a rich variety of wildlife while on a river tour in Panama.

The natural beauty of Central America offers a refreshing change of pace for Houstonians, and with so many remarkable sites it has year-round appeal.

Frequent trips to Panama to visit relatives have been a source of adventure, relaxation, and more for Esteban Sagel, his wife, Elsa, and daughters, Paola and Gabby. Most people have heard about the Panama Canal and …

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A Tradition to Remember

February 2009
Texas was well represented with 11 debutantes at the International Debutante Ball. Front row, left to right: Jessica Jean Whichard, Kathryn Elizabeth Drennon, Mary Kelly Faulkner Drennon, Alexandra Lynn Chunn. Back row: Louise Forman Boesel, Courtney Paige Somerville, Gwendolyn Mildred Culver Seale, Kimberley Allison Mead, Kimberly Ahn Hays, Meredith Anne Margrave. (Not pictured: Taelor Alexandria Ranzau.)

One of the more spectacular debutante balls, the International Debutante Ball in New York City, was held December 29. Texas was well represented with 11 debutantes and several bachelor escorts.

Many people think of debutante balls as a big party for the elite. But for the participants, it’s so much more. “This 54th anniversary ball was about the importance of …

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Just Did It!

January 2009
Fueling her body with the right balance of nutritious foods was important for Suzanne Rippeto, who exercises regularly and plays tennis. (Photo: ##http://www.hartphoto.com##www.hartphoto.com##)

What kind of year was 2008? As a result of Hurricane Ike and the economic downturn, it was a difficult and challenging year for many people. In many ways, however, it was a year defined by restoration and renewal. It was also a year marked by change, for those who decided to take on a new challenge.

Nutrition
Suzanne Rippeto’s …

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Travel Buzz – America the Beautiful

January 2009
Abby Williard hammed it up for the camera on a breathtaking trip to Niagara Falls with her parents Steve and Mary Lynn.

From the mountains to the prairies, ours is a bountiful country urging us to explore her plains, peaks, and natural wonders. This month three majestic places are on the top of our list to see: Colorado Springs, Niagara Falls, and Glacier National Park.

Niagara Falls
The lure of seeing the crashing waters and hearing the roar of the falls has …

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Join the Resolution

January 2009
Leah Ragiel and Shannon Dove take two different approaches to New Year’s resolutions that help them better reach their goals. (Photo: ##http://www.hartphoto.com##www.hartphoto.com##)

As 2008 drew to a hectic close, many people took the time to reflect on the past 12 months. Some focused on the drastic drop in the economy and its impact on their financial situation. Others considered their accomplishments and took an inventory of things left undone.

Setting new goals before the end of the year can be a sign …

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Travel Buzz – Tips Before You Trip

December 2008
In her quest to find great destinations for Buzz readers, Katy Holt made it all the way to Maui, where she spotted a picturesque rainbow before boarding a catamaran for a sunset sail.

Many Americans are feeling the effects of a chaotic economy, and most Houstonians are reconsidering their travel plans. If you are like me and don’t want to give up travel, now is a good time to look for discounts.

These are uncertain times. In the coming months, it will become clearer how the economic changes will affect all of us. …

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All I Want for Christmas

December 2008
Liz Decker, Robin Brady, and Liz McGuffee reflected on what's important to them this Christmas.

It’s December, and you are probably busily trying to create the perfect Christmas for your family and friends. It’s hard to live up to such unrealistic visions of what the holiday should be.

What if instead of adding stress to your holiday season, your family and friends told you what they really want for Christmas? Consider the impact that might …

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