Tamara Mattison hails from the northern tundra, otherwise known as Cheesehead Country or Wisconsin. Needless to say, she loves the heat of Texas and sometimes still feels like she is thawing from all those years fighting the bitter cold. This, however, does not make her a Cowboy fan as she could never betray her beloved Packers.
Like Judy, Tamara is a recovering attorney. She practiced corporate and securities law at leading law firms in California and Texas, with a focus on small start-up companies. She also spent one year in-house at a technology firm in Plano, Texas where she spearheaded their initial public offering. Prior to practicing law, she was in public accounting for over four years. She retired from the practice of law in March 2001 to travel, read and catch up with the world around her.
Once retired, at the urging of her husband, Tamara picked up both golf and skiing at the ripe old age of 42. Although her handicap is still in the high 20's, low 30's and moguls are NOT her friend, she enjoys both sports immensely. She even attempted her hand at the piano, and joined two book clubs to stay connected with friends when not traveling. One of her greatest joys, however, is spending time with her grandchildren, who in case you were wondering, are truly the most beautiful creatures ever to grace this earth.
Tamara has a Masters of Management degree from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management, a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Dig out that fabulous red dress. Pull on those red cowboy boots. Grab that flashy red leather jacket. Friday, February 3, 2012, is National Wear Red Day®. It's not just for Valentine's Day anymore. We may not look like celebs in haute couture, but we can all show our support for heart disease awareness in our own way!
Just in time for the New Year 2012, the weather warms up in the Aspen-Snowmass ski areas. Neither the temps nor the snowfall are conducive to great skiing. It was colder in early December than it is right now.
Those of us with gluten allergies or celiac disease are somewhat used to interrogating wait staff on what we can or cannot eat. It's a totally different experience at Company Café in Dallas, Texas. Gluten eaters may find themselves asking for the gluten version of things because pancakes, French toast and bagels are gluten free, unless you request the full flour version.
A golf resort in Mexico wouldn't have been my first idea for the perfect family vacation, and I would have been wrong. A recent trip with my husband and the family of one of his daughters took us to Punta Mita, a Four Seasons resort about 45 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. My husband and I took a trip there a few years ago, giving us the impression that it catered to couples, at least adults. Turns out, they cater to families and kids, with a plethora of activities for all ages.
Prior to my recent trip to the Poli Grappa factory in the Veneto region I thought grappa was a clear liquor, like grain alcohol, that one drank at big fat Greek weddings. Turns out I was a bit mistaken.
During a recent trip to Italy for a cooking class, we took a day trip to the breathtakingly beautiful city, Venice. These photos were taken by Elizabeth Salter, Gene Reese and Mark Floyd.
Ever wonder why some balsamic vinegars cost $5 at the local grocery store, but other smaller, albeit fancier, bottles and found only at specialty food stores cost $100? It's all about the aging. You may also wonder if the price difference is worth it. After a tasting at Acetaia San Giacomo, I argue that there is a place for all versions, and even if you can't afford the $100 bottle vinegar, you can enjoy the unique, fabulous, sweet and sour taste of great balsamic.
If you have friends and relatives like ours who always want to return every one of their gifts, before you embark on your holiday shopping check the stores' return policies! One would think we'd know this already, but even experienced shoppers sometimes get caught empty handed - or in this case, unhappily full handed.
For this holiday season, how about a nice panettone! No, it's NOT a fruitcake. And it's not just for Christmas celebrations, although its history relates to the winter season. This Italian confectionery is a sweet leavened fluffy bread that may contain candied fruit (raisins, figs, cherries, apricot, or pear), almonds, or chocolate drops. Loaves may also be flavored with Prosecco wine, cinnamon or cloves. Really yummy and light.
Kathleen Tessaro's The Flirt exemplifies my favorite kind of chick-lit. Colorful characters, minding their own business, find themselves in unusual, often a bit far fetched, situations that all come together in the end.
Five years ago, my husband and I participated in a week-long cooking class and wine education, with Giuliano Hazan. Convinced by popular demand, Hazan agreed to host another cooking class for "alumni" students. We jumped on it. It took us two years to get everything together to make it back to Villa Giona, but it was worth the wait.
Only an hour and a half away from Dallas and Ft Worth, the fifties live! Granbury's Rinky-Tink's Old Fashion Ice Cream Parlor & Sandwich Shop located right on the town square, has been serving burgers, fries and shakes for 30 years.
This contemporary novel, set in London, follows the lives of two people over a period of 20 years. Emma, a smart but poor girl from Yorkshire, and Dex, a lazy, entitled rich kid, meet in college on the day of their graduation in 1988. They become friends, and at times pen pals, as their lives and careers develop.
Set in 19th Century rural China, this engaging novel by Lisa See covers the friendship between Lily and Snow Flower from the time they are children until old age. Lily and Snow Flower are introduced by a matchmaker in order to raise Lily up from her supposedly lower class family to help her attract a higher class husband. The girls learn to communicate by way of nu shu, a secret fan language used by women developed over 1,000 years ago.
If you ever needed to think of a reason to be grateful for what you have, Denver Moore's story will provide all the excuses you need. His captivating tale of growing up in Louisiana, moving to Fort Worth in hope of a better life, and ending up on the streets left me feeling immensely grateful for the opportunities that I have experienced.
Seeing exotic animals at the zoo is always fun, but have you ever fed and petted them? At Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, you can get close enough to some of the animals to actually touch them.
Getting and staying in shape is a high priority for most people, but often is challenging. Travel also affects one's success in keeping fitness habits.
Summer and ice cream. Ice cream cones on a hot summer day, ice cream with apple pie on the 4th of July, your mom's homemade fresh peach ice cream. Ice cream is a part of almost every summertime memory.
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