April May 2023 Ellis County Living Magazine

You can rest assured that your child will be in great hands at Just for Kids Dental. Our board certified pediatric dentists and experienced team take pride in providing an exceptional dental experience that will lead to a lifetime of great smiles.

Dr. Armin, Dr. Ngo and Dr. Emily want to make sure your child’s dental visits are fun and educational. Make an appointment at Just for Kids and let us show you and your child how fun dentistry can be!

Ready, Set...Bloom! Ellis County is full of magnificent wildflowers and vibrant color! In Ennis alone, there are over 40 miles of the oldest bluebonnet trails in Texas. Pack a picnic, go for a bike ride, explore the backroads, and take the time to bask in the beauty, blooms, and celebrations of Spring! A blessed Easter, happy Earth Day, a festive Cinco de Mayo, a joyful Mother’s Day, and an honorable Memorial Day to all!

Terry Wooten 214.949.9285

MORTGAGE CENTER MANAGER

NMLS 224831

Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Authier 903.654.0145

LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS 1527367

Matt.Authier@GatewayLoan.com

Danny Gildea 972.921.5569

LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS 1903297

Danny.Gildea@GatewayLoan.com

Tom Ker 972.365.7022

LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS 356892

Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Adrian Sanchez 469.628.3868

LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS 643358

Adrian.Sanchez@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace 903.571.9869

LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS 1146461

Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

www.gatewayloan.com/waxahachie-tx

Ready, Set... Bloom!

I feel that God put the powerful word “bloom” on my heart back in 2021. Intrigued with gardening, I embrace the symbolism in this word. Similar to watching and waiting for a plant or tree to bloom...sometimes “the wait” causes us to become discouraged or possibly give up hope. Have you ever wanted to give up on a situation, a person, or even yourself?

Striving to keep the condition of my own heart tender, like “good soil”, allows me to cultivate and encourage those around me to bloom! I’ve learned the value of nourishing our relationships in life...from significant others or spouses to families, friends, coworkers, and all the random folks we encounter daily in person or even online. How “sunshine and watering” with a smile, encouraging words or acts of kindness (1 Thess 5:11) can make such a beautiful difference in helping others bloom. Psalm 1:3 and Jeremiah 17: 7,8 speak of growing “roots by streams” and the importance of being firmly planted and continually refreshed. Many times we can assist in bringing a parched plant back to life when we refuse to give up on it. The goal to “rescue and revive” goes into action and it becomes a slow, caring, and intentional process. Being patient, teachable and balancing just the right amount of time, care, good soil, water, and sunshine is essential. Watching what was almost dead turn the corner to being healthy and flourishing again has been a lesson to me on loving others (and ourselves!) well. What may feel like “pruning”...loss or rejection...may actually be protection and redirection! Consider being someone’s “funshine”...a cultivator and encourager to uplift others or yourself...and watch for blooms!

Peace and blessings,

-Melissa

Galatians 6:9

Melissa McBride | Publisher & Curator | Editor@living-magazine.com

Lindsey Keeney | Creative Director | Lindsey@living-magazine.com

Mary Crook | Art Director | Mary@living-magazine.com

WAXAHACHIE

APRIL 8TH-MAY 29TH SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

SPRING has

S P R I T Z E D

STORY, PHOTOS & RECIPES BY JASON WILSON, MEAT THERAPY

The recent time change signifies longer days ahead, and the first spark of the grill in spring suggests the official end of winter. Can I get a heck yeah?!

The spring season implies new beginnings, fresh starts, and for me personally...

Irecently met locals Jay and Amber DeSimone, owners of 840 Farms in Waxahachie. Not only do they raise chickens, ducks, and sheep, but they also raise Mangalitsa pigs. This breed of pig is known as the “Kobe beef of pork” due to its delicious fat which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and natural antioxidants, therefore it’s basically healthy (at least that’s what I tell myself).

I was challenged by Jay and Amber to come up with new, creative ways of using their Mangalitsa pork. When someone trusts you with their blood, sweat and tears, you want to step up to the plate and knock it out of the park. First up to bat was a delicious barbeque parfait that even Dairy Queen would be jealous of. Smoked sweetcorn layered with pulled pork, barbeque sauce, crispy jalapeno cornbread, topped with a creamy sweet slaw. Talk about DA-YUM! Batting second was a full rack of ribs, this breed isn’t super meaty, but the flavor is incredible. Last up and the homerun hitter was the pork belly burnt ends. We took an Asian flavor profile with these. We stuffed the burnt ends into a bao bun and topped it with a crispy Asian slaw. I’m sitting here drooling as I’m writing just thinking about how tasty that bite

Ellis County, I’m telling you right now, if you are wanting to smoke up some of the best pork you have ever had, check out our friends at 840 Farms. In addition to their chicken and pork cuts, they also offer a variety of salami that makes a mean charcuterie, which I’ve learned literally means: the products of a fancy pork butcher. Follow along on their pig raising adventures on Instagram @840_farm and support local at 840farm.com.

SPRITZ SPRITZ BABY

3 ounces tequila

After a season filled with the warmth of whiskey and bourbon, a lighter brighter cocktail was on the menu for spring. I had some fun making my usual clear block ice with the addition of some blooms. Heck...I impressed myself…how could this not impress others? Spritzers are all the rage right now, so why not combine some bubbles with booze? This spring don’t pop open a can of ranch water or hard seltzer — make your own instead!

1.5 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice

Top off with Topo Chico

Salted rim if desired

Add “blooming” ice!

GARDEN SUPPLIES

WAXAHACHIE

• Ark Countr y Store

• Boyce Feed & Grain

• Crape Myrtle Guy

• Cribley Materials

• Garden Variety Organics

• Paper Leaves

• Roland’s Nursery

• Texas Tree Farms

• The Greenery

ENNIS

• Ennis Feed Store

• Tex-Scapes Nursery

MIDLOTHIAN

• Ear thTones Greenery

• Rigsby’s Garden Center

FLORAL DESIGN

• Always in Bloom

• Apple Annie’s Garden Gate Floral

• Blooms & More

• Divine Flowers & More

• Eubank Florist & Gif ts

• Flora

• Growing Ideas by Country Greenery

• In Step Floral Design

• Metro Florist & Gifts

• Petals Plus

• The Flower Shoppe by Jane

• Vella Nest Floral

• White Brick Floral

LANDSCAPING

• AOasis Landscaping & Irrigation

• CWG Organics

• K&H Yard Services & Landscaping

• Lantana Lawn Care

• Mow Bros

• Mow Pro’s

• Outback Lawn & Irrigation

• Rainmasters Irrigation & JB Lawn Services

• The Grounds Guys: Lawn Care & Landscaping Services

• Willow Creek Landscaping

• Zamora Lawn Care & More

GARDEN INTEREST

• Ellis County Master Gardener Association

• Ennis Garden Club

• Ovilla Texas Garden Club

• Texas A&M Agrilife Extension of Waxahachie

DAY TRIPS

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin

• The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

• Wildseed Farms, Fredericksburg

EVENTS

• Ear th Day - Saturday, April 22

• Ennis Bluebonnet Trails & FestivalTrails April 1-30 & Festival April 14-16

Copper Rose

Q:

We heard that Copper Rose Boutique is expanding! Tell us more!

A:

In addition to our downtown Waxahachie location, we have found the perfect spot in Midlothian at Founders Row! It’s a beautiful old house that has been redesigned just for our boutique. We plan to be open sometime in May!

Q: Give us a few fashion tips for spring & summer! A: Bright colors are in! We love the color blocking trend...and we also love it western. Right now we’re wearing bright oranges, hot pinks and deep greens. Wide leg denim is still hot on trend, in addition to layering crop tanks with mesh tops. Currently our favorite tip is to pair a stack of fun colorful BuDhaGirl bangles with fresh spring and summer looks. It brightens up your outfit and they’re completely waterproof (vacation friendly!).

Stop in for personal service and the latest fashion trends at Copper Rose Boutique!

Q: Besides fabulous women’s clothing & accessories…what unique services do you offer?

A:

We now offer styling appointments! Haley is our personal stylist and can help dress you for any upcoming event (or just for fun). Book an appointment via the website or app! This part is brand new…her personal styling now extends to trunk packing for vacations, closet clean outs, and capsule wardrobe creation. She will soon be certified in color analysis!

Aside from one-on-one styling help, some of our new features are in the new location in Midlothian. We’ll have a hat bar (rentable for parties!), a jean bar and a wine bar! More fun things to be announced when we open!

ALL ABOARD FOR The Crescent City!

STORY & PHOTOS BY MELISSA MCBRIDE

TheQ&C

There are many choices when it comes to luxury accommodations in New Orleans, but I was drawn to the modern rustic style of exposed brick walls and original wood floors in the guest rooms at the Q&C. Curious about the name and always intrigued with the backstory, this hotel was renovated in 2014 and became a Marriott Autograph Collection property. The 196 room hotel has not one, but two buildings next to each other which are appropriately named the Queen and the Crescent. The quaint bar and open kitchen restaurant is located at street level in the taller Queen building. It’s one of the cozier bars in NOLA with its amazing craft cocktails and Louisiana brews. Each morning, breakfast was delicious and a side of andouille sausage added local flavor! They are known for their brick oven pizzas, savory snacks and live music events. The personalities of the friendly staff, seasoned bartenders, and diligent management feed into the hip vibe! There’s a fitness area and two meeting spaces, The Den and The Library, which are located in the Crescent building. I love the mixture of leather, metal, wood, and early 1900’s touches. A shuffle board and several comfy conversation areas invite interaction. The rooms are true to the vintage architectural bones of the building with their industrial yet clean, urban feel. Being in the heart of the central business district at 344 Camp Street, it is a favorable, quiet location. It’s within walking distance to both the French Quarter and the Warehouse District. Mother’s and Restaurant August are both local favs and just around the corner.

TheBackstory

The Queen, the taller of the two historic buildings, is 12 stories high. It was completed in 1913, and originally built to house the railroad offices for The Queen and Crescent Route...hence the newly abbreviated and trendier hotel nickname: Q&C Hotel Bar™ . The railroad line had obviously been named after the route that linked two major cities in 1883. It made two runs a day between Cincinnati, “The Queen City”, and New Orleans, “The Crescent City.” Cincinnati had been locally nicknamed The Queen City and was used in the 1854 poem, “Catawba Wine”, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. In traveling, I’ve learned the more nicknames a city has, the more layers of fun and interests! You’ve probably heard at least a dozen or more for NOLA. “The Crescent City” became popular after it was coined in the 1835 travelogue written by Joseph Holt Ingraham. He eloquently penned a line using the descriptive nickname “from its being built around the segment of a circle formed by a graceful curve of the (Mississippi) river at this place.”

In 1926, The Queen and Crescent Limited was additionally introduced as a luxurious express passenger train with pullman cars and a dining car. A traveler could ride between the two cities in a little over 22 hours. The Great Depression hit a few years later, and the line struggled financially until service ended around 1949. Throughout the years, the building changed hands and purposes multiple times and first became a hotel in the 90’s, with the latest acquisition and renovation by Marriott Autograph Collection, meaning it is distinctively independent and not like any of their other hotels. Each one in the “Collection” has a lot of style and a unique story. A vintage train theme is the subtle undercurrent in the design features. The custom wallpaper in the guestrooms pay symbolic homage to both the railroad and the city with an elegant black and ecru graphic repeat pattern depicting a train engine, fleur de lis, and beads draped in a flower garland. White subway tiles line the bathroom behind the sliding “train” door. Black and white framed jazz prints are hung strategically in the rooms. Love the Q&C! (qandc.com)

didn’t mean to fall in love with New Orleans...

it takes a second visit to a city to truly embrace its beauty and flavors! New Orleans surprisingly stole my heart on this trip after walking around extensively. As an artist, I’m inspired by the highly-stylized architecture, colorful painted shutters and doors, decorative signage, ornate cast iron railings and fences, and all of the native flowers and foliage. Oh...and the food, shopping and entertainment! Here’s just a handful of recommendations!

THE GARDEN DISTRICT & UPTOWN is not only one of New Orlean’s most desirable areas, but one of the nation’s “most preserved city districts and home to the rich, famous, the strange, and the dead” according to Free Tours by Foot. It’s easy to get there by hopping on a historic St. Charles streetcar. Operating since 1835, it is the oldest continuously running streetcar line in the world. Affordable at $1.25! Walking tour guides are knowledgeable about the history of the gothic Lafayette Cemetery No.1, the various styles of architecture, celebrity acquisitions, film locations, etc. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are a must, so tread with caution. The houses are fabulous — but some of the sidewalks are buckled and uneven.

UPTOWN is so photogenic with all the colorful paint, plants, flowers, trees, highly decorative cast iron fencing, railings, and porches. I am charmed by the blueand-white street tiles that spell out street corner names all over The Crescent City. These alphabet squares started being embedded in the intersections of concrete sidewalks in the 1880’s. Take note as you walk to shop and dine. I highly recommend all of the restaurants that I tried: Superior Seafood, Superior Grill (yes, same owners) and the darling La Petite Grocery!

MAGAZINE STREET is a shopper’s paradise. It stretches six miles and is a delightful mix of residential and shops, restaurants, bars, and a whole lot of character. There are so many cute stores and far too many to list all of them, so I encourage you to look online at Magazine Street shops. Just a handful of my favorites were Peony, Shake Your BonBon, Lucy Rose, and Monomin. Walk as much as you can to see the individual businesses up close. There are a lot of pretty, free-standing houses with decorative touches which house local businesses.

SometimesST. CHARLES AVENUE is lined with grand Queen Anne-Style mansions. It is also the backdrop of part of the Mardi Gras Parade route. You’ll see dazzling strands of beads high up in the branches of tall trees that are still glistening in the sun long after the parade. Architect Thomas Sully designed a lot of the gorgeous mansions. Take the time to stop in two of them: The Chloe and The Columns. They are both so lavishly decorated with layers of textures, color, artifacts, collectibles, and art. Have a refreshment in one of the gardens or by the pool at The Chloe.

JACKSON SQUARE is a National Landmark and is named after General Andrew Jackson. His bronze statue is a focal point in the center of the park. The elegant Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, built in 1914, looms majestically over the square. I love the energy of the open-air artist colony and all the vendors, the street performers, live jazz, fun boutiques, restaurants, bars, and Jax Brewery. You certainly can’t miss the historic Cafe Du Monde’s easily recognizable kelly green and white striped awnings. Famous for their beignets, cafe au lait, and chicory, it’s a must-stop, but don’t miss Cafe Beignet, also! Mule-drawn carriages line the Decatur side of Jackson Square to offer leisurely tours of the area, and just beyond is the Mississippi River where there’s plenty of riverboat cruises to choose from.

ENTERTAINMENT abounds! Friendly doormen clad in shamrock green jackets greet you at Pat O’Brien’s Dueling Piano Bar. It’s a lively performance and an interesting treat watching local Alvin Babineaux play his aluminum “Finger Tray” with his plastic thimbles. The opulent Hotel Monteleone overlooks Royal Street and is the home of the famous 25 seat revolving Carousel Bar. Try lunch on the balcony at Royal House and dinner at Antoine’s, the famous 1840 establishment and birthplace of oysters Rockefeller. Frenchmen’s Street offers all genres of live music and a colorful art bazaar. It seems to be more of the hangout for locals.

SHOPPING in the French quarter is...interesting! There’s a lot of flash, sequins, and kitschy souvenirs. One thing for certain..there are no fashion rules in NOLA. You can be totally casual or “sparkle plenty.” Whimsy...everywhere! Antique stores are full of chandeliers dripping with dazzling crystals and jewelry store windows showcase gemstone brilliance.

I

Farewell to The Crescent City for now. I will miss your muticultural and lavish beauty, your soulful sounds and your delectable local flavors. I loved my stay at Q&C Hotel Bar™ and will treasure the memories until my next visit!

Peace&Blessings, -Melissa

Follow along @the_wander_edit

REVIVE A TIME TO

Spring is in full bloom, and it is a common time to revive your home and plan out projects. As a designer, I often meet with clients who have a hard time seeing the potential in their exisiting home. The tendency is to want to purchase or build a new home; however, there is great value in staying put. With creativity and a solid plan, any space has the ability to be transformed. I encourage you to not give up on your home. My greatest joy is coming up with creative floor plans and solutions within clients’ exisiting square footage. Take another look, and give your home a chance.

I first walked through this beautiful home a year ago. My clients had just purchased it as they had always admired this home. It was in a well-loved neighborhood with mature trees, a beautiful exterior, and a great location. The catch? The interior didn’t match their style one bit. The home hadn’t had a single update in over 20 years; however, they had the vision and confidence that the interior could be totally transformed...and that it has!

STORY BY REMEDY HOME DESIGN PHOTOS BY MANDY HILLNER PHOTOGRAPHY FLORALS BY WHITE BRICK FLORAL

The largest transformation took place in the kitchen. We completely gutted the space - which allowed for a curated design from the ground up. We incorporated custom cabinetry and beautiful details such as the arched backsplash at the stove and waterfall edge on the island. A custom hutch adorned with cremone bolts was the perfect addition to display sentimental pieces. No detail was missed in this space. The before looks nothing like the after -- in spite of the shell going untouched and no walls coming down.

I encourage you to bloom where you are planted. Seek out the positives in your home, regardless of the current state. Focus on what works well, and change the things that don’t. If budget doesn’t allow a renovation, consider creative solutions like a “no demo reno” or DIY. Paint cabinetry and add bold hardware. Add wallpaper or moulding. Every space has potential -- you just have to dig deeper in some.

BEFORE PHOTOS & MORE, VISIT REMEDYHOMEDESIGN.COM @REMEDYHOMEDESIGN

I encourage you to bloom where you are Seekplanted. out the positives in your home, regardless of the current state.”

We

7

EDITORIAL BY ELVIS ONONOBI

1. COLD & FLU -

The cold or the flu are the leading causes of urgent care visits. Since the symptoms are similar, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two. In these situations, going to an urgent care facility like Expedian is advantageous since the doctor can prescribe an antiviral medication to shorten the illness duration if it is the flu.

38 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2023

2 SORE THROAT -

A sore throat will be indicative of a cold or the flu, or in a few instances…strep throat or mononucleosis. A visit to Expedian Urgent Care will rule out or provide treatment for step throat or identify any accompanying infections. Strep throat is rather contagious and might turn out to be worse if left untreated It’s crucial to go to a doctor for appropriate antibiotics…especially for children.

3. ALLERGIES -

Bothered by allergies? Are they ruining your days, nights or weeks? Come to an urgent care like Expedian. Visit us also for simple rashes and especially if they are itching.

4. CUTS, SCRAPES, & BURNS -

If an accident isn’t life, limb, or eyesight threatening, an urgent care facility is the right place to go. If a child takes a tumble, an elderly person slips and falls, or if you burn yourself on a hot iron or a similar accident, we’re set up to get you the care you need quickly and at a cheaper cost than an emergency room.

5. PERSONAL INJURY & MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS -

If you ever experience a personal injury or you are in a motor vehicle accident, here at Expedian we accept Letters of Protection and we work diligently to provide help, immediate care and assistance throughout your medical visit.

6. SCHOOL PHYSICALS, SPORTS PHYSICALS, & DOT PHYSICALS -

If you or anyone you know needs a physical for school or to play on a sports team, a pre-employment physical or a DOT Physical (truck drivers), visit an urgent care like Expedian to be seen quickly by our professional medical staff and healthcare providers.

7. GASTROINTESTINAL UPSET -

The two most common gastrointestinal illnesses that showcase those symptoms are food poisoning and the stomach flu. It’s beneficial to go to an urgent care health facility to determine the right way to handle stomach issues.

Savoring

Northern Spain

STORY BY CINDY BURCH

From the world’s largest gothic cathedral, Santa Maria de la Sede, to the to the magnificent Alhambra Palace in Granada, I didn’t think I could possibly love Spain more after exploring its southern regions on more than one occasion...until I recently returned to Madrid and headed north.

San Sebastian We started our trip in from this beach resort just next to the French border with a promenade that runs the length of the bay. For a city with under 200,000 people, it has astonishing 22 Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a must stop for foodies like me. We chose to dine at starred Zuberoa. Set in a 650 year old farmhouse, the atmosphere is sublime. The restaurant has been open for 65 years and their chef has been there for 45 of those years. The service was exceptional and the food outstanding. It was a highlight of our trip. The excellent food in San Sebastian stretches well beyond their iconic restaurants, but this little beach town is also known for is its incredibly colorful tapas bars. Here these snacks are called pintxos (PEENchohs). Twice a day, people pour into the old cobblestoned streets for a traditional “pintxos crawl,” moving from bar to bar... tasting, drinking and socializing. I took to it like a bee to honey and wished we had planned more days in this beautiful seaside paradise.

Staying at the Astoria 7 Hotel was a perfect choice. Once a large theatre, each of the rooms is named after a star who has won an award at the International San Sebastian Film Festival.

Silent movies are permanently on show with a figure of Alfred Hitchcock sitting in one of the cinema chairs placed in the lobby. Their continental breakfast is the best I have had in Europe with a great cup of café con leche and a generous buffet offering various types of Spanish jamon, cheese, fruits and pastries.

Bilbao As we left San Sebastian, we rented a car and made our way along the Bay of Biscay coastline to Bilbao. As you get into the downtown area it’s impossible to miss the titanium clad Guggenheim shimmering in the sun. One of modern architecture’s most iconic buildings, it is a sight to behold. It was a beautiful day so we strolled over the Calatrava Bridge along-side residents walking their dogs, jogging and cycling. As we meandered the banks of the River Nervion we stopped to ride the Artzanda Funicular to take in a great view of the city and harbor in the distance.

La Rioja Later we headed out on Spain’s immaculately kept roads to the epicenter of the wine trade in La Rioja. Breathtaking vineyards as far as the eye can see and medieval villages come to life at the foothills of the mountains beyond in the Basque Country. Barrio de la Estación, in Haro, is where most of these great reds are clustered around the old railroad station. We visited the contemporary Muga Winery, packed with fans waiting to sample their prized tempranillo. The region is also world famous for the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage that cuts across Spain from France.

After a wonderful lunch at La Bodega de Rivas, we headed to a country house we rented for a few days. Located in the province of Burgos, the familyowned property is one of three that can be rented at Te Cuento 3 (tecuento3. com). The home is centuries old and full of antiques and art. Sheltered by stone walls and grapevines, it was the ideal place to unwind, complete with bicycles and fresh bread delivered each morning. During our stay we toured the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoyed the many restaurants in the area famous for their grilled meats.

Segovia As we began to make our way back towards Madrid, we decided to stop in Segovia, another World Heritage site. We found last minute reservations at the new Eurostar Convento Capuchinos Hotel, once an old convent. It is a stunning hotel and it gave us an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful evening. We marveled at Segovia’s soaring aqueduct, cathedral, and Alcazar Fortress, said to be Walt Disney’s main inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland.

Spain is truly one of my favorite destinations. The people are warm and friendly, the food incredibly delicious, and the scenery full of breathtaking views. With its various regions as diverse as the different parts of Texas, all of Spain seems in competition with itself, each province trying to be the best it can be!

Reflected in their art, architecture, food and outlook on the world, I believe the Spanish have reached this lofty position through their great passion for life.