April May 2022 Ellis County Living Magazine

remodel. refresh. restore. april/may 2022 www.living-magazine.com

Celebrating 10 Years in Ellis County!

Terry Wooten 214.949.9285 MORTGAGE CENTER MANAGER NMLS 224831 Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Tom Ker 972.365.7022 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 356892 Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Authier 903.654.0145 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1527367 Matt.Authier@GatewayLoan.com

Adrian Sanchez 469.628.3868 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 643358 Adrian.Sanchez@GatewayLoan.com

Danny Gildea 972.921.5569 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1903297 Danny.Gildea@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Helms 903.641.9838 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1696114 Matt.Helms@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace 903.571.9869 MORTGAGE SALES MANAGER NMLS 1146461 Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

Jeff Schmidt 817.681.7897 REGIONAL VP – NORTH TX NMLS 91368 Jeff.Schmidt@GatewayLoan.com

Office: 972.937.2200 1332 W. Hwy 287 Bypass, Suites 1 & 4 | Waxahachie, TX 75165 www.gatewayloan.com/waxahachie-tx

Gateway Mortgage, a division of Gateway First Bank. NMLS 7233.

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REMODEL. REFRESH. RESTORE. I love Spring. It’s my favorite time to start a project around my home. Warm days with sunshine, yards filled with beautiful blooms; there’s something hopeful about this time of year that inspires us to ‘do better’. Maybe that means remodeling a room in our home, refreshing our outdoor patios, or restoring that sense of wonder by traveling. It’s the little things like that that make me love this time of year.

- Cindy

Contents April - May 2022 |

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volume 18

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issue 2

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18

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LIFE + STYLE EVENTS • 10 Downtown Events Not to Miss

HOME + GARDEN WALKER DESIGN & CO • 26 Farmhouse Charm

COVER STORY • 12 Front Porch Sittin’

DUCKWORTH INTERIORS • 32 Hip Acadian

MEDICAL DR. MAZEN ISKANDAR, DR. TIMOTHY KELLY, & DR. WATSON ROYE • 38 Pregnancy After Weight-Loss Surgery

MEAT THERAPY • 14 A Clean Grill is a Happy Grill + Meat Therapy Musts

APRIL/MAY TIPS • 36 Planting/Growing Guide for the Season

LA FIN CINDY BURCH • 40 Porto & The Duoro Valley

THE OILY BAR • 18 You Had Me at Aloe TRAVEL • 20 Texican Court

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ECLM Contributors 2

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Mallory Walker (1) is the founder of Walker Design & Co LLC. A full service interior design firm specializing in new construction homes. Serving Ellis County home builders by staging model homes & designing true custom homes from dirt.

Follow along @walkerdesignandcompany or walkerdesignandcompany. com.

Kalee Hume (2) Kalee Hume is a Ellis County native and the owner of The Oily Bar, an all natural soapery that focuses on plant based bath & body care. Her business ventures that started with just a box of essential oils and a diffuser has now turned into a full time business with a store opening on the downtown square in March 2022. When not serving up soaps & sugar scrubs, you can find her spending time with family, cooking or enjoying some sunshine.

Follow along @oilybar or www.theoilybar.com.

Kate Duckworth (3) is the President & Principal Designer of Duckworth Interiors, a full-service interior design firm located in Ennis, TX. With over a decade of design experience in high-end residential, new construction selections, model homes & remodels, she finds joy in creating spaces her clients love. Kate specializes in designing interiors that look magazine-worthy & feel like home. Follow her at www.duckworthinteriors.com or @duckworthinteriors.

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Melissa McBride (4) keeps a bag packed and is “road trip ready” at all times! In addition to being a wanderlust, free-lance writer, artist, photo journalist, visionary & interior stylist, Melissa is also the owner of Wild Grace, a faith based pop up boutique. This curated collection of clothing, accessories, art & home goods is located inside The Doves Nest, downtown Waxahachie.

Jason Wilson (5) Meat Therapy was created as a platform to share my love of barbeque, bourbon, & beer. As a husband, father of three, Army Veteran, Respiratory Therapist, & average backyard BBQ’r...my cooks are my “therapy.” It is an incredible feeling to be able to take a piece of meat & create something beautiful & delicious for friends & family to enjoy. Follow along @meat.therapy or www.meattherapybbq.com and follow along during my “therapy sessions.”

Cindy Burch (6) and her husband, Andrew, own and operate The Doves Nest in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy is also a freelance writer, caterer and consultant. Her awardwinning cookbook, “The Doves Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From A Historic Texas Town,” is in its fifth printing.

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YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR ELLIS COUNTY LIFESTYLE, HOME AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2005

Cindy Camp | Publisher | Publisher@living-magazine.com is a wife, mom & boss who brings to fruition all types of endeavors (she is a true Queen).

A fierce, natural leader who enjoys all sides of business while also loves relaxing by the pool, taking a trip or simply having her fur-baby by her side.

Lindsey Keeney | Creative Director | Lindsey@living-magazine.com is an Aggie who was lucky enough to move back to her hometown and start her dream job here at ECLM which she has been an amazing asset to for 9 years! With a big love for family, concerts, traveling & the outdoors it’s easy to see where her creativity comes from.

Mary Crook | Art Director | Mary@living-magazine.com is a mom to her fun & fiesty daughter, designer + owner of a small business, a loyal local with strong Texas roots & a deep love for her hometown.

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

Cover Photo By Andrea Calvery, Master Photographer Owner of Atelier Antiques in Downtown Waxhachie, TX www.andreacalvery.com IG @andreacalveryportrait Staff photos by Grant Duckworth Photography A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

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MAGAZINE

We are proud members of the Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian and Red Oak Chambers of Commerce.

Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by ECL Media, Inc.© using only environmentally-friendly ink.

Copyright 2022, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved.

No portion of Ellis County Living Magazine shall be reprinted in any other publication without permission. The views expressed herein should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician.

Follow us on Instagram: @EllisCountyLiving facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/ECLivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.

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Y’ALL COME ON DOWNTOWN AND VISIT, YA HEAR! WAXHACHIE, TX | ENNIS, TX

WAXAHACHIE EVENTS

SPRING/SUMMER 2022

APRIL 9th - MAY 30TH SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL APRIL 23RD & 24TH VINTAGE MARKET DAYS APRIL 28TH - 30TH CROSSROADS OF TEXAS FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 7TH MIMOSAS FOR MOM ON THE DOWNTOWN SQUARE MAY 7TH MOTHER OF ALL CRAWFISH BOILS AT RAILPORT BREWING CO. MAY 21ST WAXAHACHIE SYMPHONY PRESENTS THE FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA JUNE 4TH & 5TH GINGERBREAD TRAIL TOUR OF HOMES AND ANTIQUES & BOUTIQUES MARKET JUNE 18TH RAILPORT FATHERS DAY BEER STROLL ON THE DOWNTOWN SQUARE

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ENNIS EVENTS

APRIL 1ST - 30TH 40 MILES OF MAPPED BLUEBONNET TRAILS APRIL 8TH - APRIL 10TH 70TH BLUEBONNET TRAILS FESTIVAL MAY 1ST CINCO DE MAYO CULTURAL CELEBRATION MAY 27TH - 29TH NATIONAL POLKA FESTIVAL JUNE 11TH & 12TH BLUES ON MAIN JUNE 22ND - 26TH MAIN STREET MIDWAY JUNE 25TH FREEDOM FEST FIND MORE INFORMATION & EVENT DETAILS VISIT: WWW.WAXAHACHIECVB.COM WWW.VISITENNIS.ORG

Front Porch Sittin’...

BY ECLM PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA CALVERY

Nothing says ‘Spring in the South’ like sitting on your front porch in a wooden rocking chair, sipping on some sweet tea, and finally reading that book you’ve been meaning to get around to since you made your New Years Resolutions.

That was the inspiration behind our beautiful cover photo by Andrea Calvery.

Spring is the perfect time of the year to refresh, remodel and restore different areas of your life. That is what this issue is all about.

Fresh greens, vibrant blooms, a restored wooden chair and a classic book fully encompasses the feeling of Spring.

Andrea Calvery, master photographer and owner of Atelier Antiques in Downtown Waxahachie, captured the meaning of ‘remodel, refresh, & restore’ in this joyous photo.

Want to experience this kind of tranquility for yourself? Visit the new Paperleaves Shop on Water Street in Waxahachie, our newest independent bookstore and plant shop.

Take a moment to sit outside, feel the warm breeze, pour yourself something refreshing, open up that book and restore your soul this Spring.

Photo By: Andrea Calvery, Master Photographer and Owner of Atelier Antiques in Downtown Waxahachie.

Location: Paper Leaves Independent Bookstore & Plant Shop.

510 Water St, Waxahachie, TX

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a clean grill a happy grill IS A

BY JASON WILSON, MEAT THERAPY

Nothing says “Spring is in the air” more than the smell of a brisket on the smoker. You know what that means? It’s time to dust off the grill and get the outdoor kitchen prepped and ready for warmer days ahead. Pour a cold one, turn up the hype music and give yourself a pep talk…you can do it!

A clean grill is a happy grill. The old folklore is that all the grease build-up adds seasoning and flavor, that’s a negative Ghost Rider (Google Top Gun, it’s basically a cool way to say “no”). All it is?

A catastrophe waiting to happen. That build-up can cause unwanted flare ups or fires within your grill or smoker. I don’t know about you, but with the price of proteins these days, I’m not leaving anything up to chance. Been there, done that and thank goodness for Taco Bell party boxes.

After about every 24 hours of cook time, I fire up the grill to prep it for its scrub down. The heat will help burn off some of the residual food, then a grill brush and a little elbow grease will take care of the rest.

Now, it is time to accessorize your outdoor kitchen.

Make it pretty (and functional) with a grill mat, hang your spatula on the hook and have your favorite meat thermometer nearby. More importantly, decide what you are going to make first on your freshly cleaned grill. Try out the fresh smoked salsa recipe--so simple yet guaranteed to impress.

SMOKED SALSA 5 Tomatoes 3 Jalapenos 1/4 Cup Red Onion 4 Cloves of Garlic Salt or season to taste (Meat Therapy preference: 1 Tbsp Meat Church Holy Voodoo) 1 Cup Chopped Cilantro Juice of 1 Lime

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Smoke tomatoes, jalapenos, onion and garlic at 250 degrees with hickory or lighter smoking wood/pellets for 1.5 hours. Add all the smoked veggies and cilantro to a blender with the juice of one lime.

Pulsate to the consistency you are looking for, grab a chip and dive in!

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MEAT THERAPY MUSTS BUILD A SOLID PROFESSIONAL BACKYARD BBQ’R FOUNDATION WITH THESE GRILL ACCESSORIES AND MY PERSONAL MUST-HAVES STORY, RECIPES & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON WILSON, MEAT THERAPY

TRAEGER GRILL MAT “PLACE A MAT UNDER YOUR GRILL FOR EASY CLEAN-UP AND TO PROTECT FROM ANY SPILLS AND SPLATTERS.”

THERMAWORKS THERMAPEN MEAT THERMOMETER “FOLDING PROBE, HUGE DISPLAY, AND UNMATCHED SPEED AND ACCURACY.”

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TRAEGER LARGE SPATULA “WITH A MASSIVE SURFACE AND A STURDY HANDLE, YOU CAN TRUST IT TO TRANSFER YOUR BIGGEST CUTS OF MEAT AND FISH.”

GRILL DADDY GRILL CLEANER “EASY TO USE! SIMPLY PREHEAT THE GRILL, FILL YOUR GRILL DADDY WITH WATER, AND CLEAN WITH THE POWER OF STEAM!”

PIT MITT GRILL GLOVE “UNMATCHED PROTECTION AND VERSATILITY FOR HOME GRILLING. HEAT RESISTAN T UP TO 475°F.”

FIELD COMPANY CAST IRON SKILLET “THE CLOSEST THING TO A VINTAGE CAST IRON. A GREAT CAST IRON SKILLET SHOULD BE THE PAN YOU REACH FOR MOST OFTEN.”

You Had Me At

Aloe

SPRING COLLECTION

Sneak Peek!

STORY BY KALEE HUME, OWNER OF THE OILY BAR PHOTOS BY CODY CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY

Sunshine and warmer days have peeked their head around the corner.

Anxious for flowers blooming and bees buzzing, today we are talking all things spring in the bath & beauty world.

When we went to create our Spring Collections this year, it felt as though we all needed something fresh and revitalizing, given that’s what spring is all about! We transition from dull and dark days, to the light and warmth that spring has to offer us. While winter was focused around hydration and moisture, this spring we will focus on brightening and revitalizing. Things like lemon essential oil, aloe vera, grapefruit and brightening toners is what our skin craves as the months get warmer.

Quick Tips to Prep Your Skin for Spring!

IT’S TIME FOR SOME SPRING CLEANING!

EAT FRESH & IN SEASON! Spring is a great time to stock up on local, fresh and in season produce. Spring fruits and veggies include strawberries, spring onions, artichokes and baby carrots.

Eating in season and local helps you glow from the inside out.

This one is a blend of fresh greens and bright citrus. It has notes of bergamot, lemon, mint, green tea, rose, lily, amber, moss and violet.

SWITCH UP YOUR HYDRATION!

Our new scent is available in all natural bar soap, foaming sugar scrub, body butter and bath bombs.

As we move to a more humid climate in the spring, our skin will no longer quench for a thick layer of moisturizer. Now is a great time to break out that lightweight hydration! This is especially great for acne prone skin.

IT’S LAUNDRY DAY! Springtime is a great time to try switching over to non toxic cleaners. Our all natural and plant based laundry soap is a great cost efficient and healthier option! And better yet, you can add it to a spray bottle with some water and pair it as a room spray and fabric freshener!

CALM THAT SKIN!

A great way to calm post winter skin is by using spring fresh skin ingredients Now is a great time to clean those like niacinamide, aloe, vitamin C, or makeup brushes. If you don’t have a cucumber.

fancy brush cleaner, a gentle soap and warm water work just as well!

SPF UP! While we love basking in the sunshine, a quality SPF is essential for months ahead.

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We can’t wait to introduce ‘You Had Me At Aloe’ to our Spring Collection!

If you follow us on social media, then you know we are opening our storefront right in the heart of Downtown Waxahachie.

We would love to see you in person and smell just how great these really smell and how they can benefit you as we move into spring!

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m r a n a d n a d n a h in e p o r h it W “ e it v in o t s m e e s raised high, he oon’ in the m e h t o s s a ‘l o t us big Texas sky!”

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GIDDY UP

texicana style STORY & PHOTOS BY MELISSA MCBRIDE

Nostalgic travelers or contemporary Wanderlusts with an affinity for the open road can delight in the resurgence of the remarkable motor court! Flashback to mid century America when auto travel felt like a true adventure. There were those magical moments in time when a roadside motel lit by a neon sign was an exciting destination. Motor courts were typically one-offs and had an interesting name, a fun theme, and “parking lot to room” access. They were usually built around a pool with one or more common areas.

These courtyards were the anticipated source of excitement and entertainment. Iconic travel memories of yesteryear can be recreated once again with retro flair coupled with modern conveniences. The new “court concept” has developed into a well-branded boutique hotel experience and is once again appealing to travelers of all ages.

to Ennio Morricone’s distinctive movie score. Better yet, treat yourself and watch it brilliantly performed (wah-wah-wah) by The Danish National Symphony Orchestra. Arrive at dusk to fully enjoy the neon, the gas lit lanterns, and a rectangular reflection pool. There are three distinct courtyards. The hotel’s signature scent of burning post oak fills the air from the massive brick fireplace. Cowboy cauldrons are strategically placed as steel fire pit “campsites” for community use, and s’mores kits are available at the front desk. Guests can gather outside to make the gooey desserts, lounge and tell stories in bean bag type chaises, or compete in a game of corn hole. There’s plenty of picnic tables and lawn furniture. The circular swimming pool is a beautiful focal point. Crushed rock, scattered shade trees, and a variety of cacti and grasses provide a minimalist Southwestern landscape.

The Texican Court, with its Spanish mission-style architecture and motor lodge ambiance, opened its doors in the fall of 2018 near DFW Airport. A hand-painted, neon lit cowboy welcomes guests after entering under the impressive steel arch bearing the hotel name. With rope in hand and an arm raised high, he seems to invite us to “lasso the moon” in the big Texas sky! Conveniently located in Las Colinas, across from the Irving Convention Center and within walking distance of the Toyota Music Factory, this Valencia Group property certainly stands out with striking Route 66 character among the neighboring contemporary urban developments. If you are drawn to red tile roofs, white stucco plaster, decorative forged wrought iron and an overall hacienda curb appeal, this hotel is the perfect local getaway and an affordable place to wander.

You’ll want to spend time enjoying the artistic touches in the reception building. Love the terra cotta wall feature and the vintage saddle! Shop the shelves for hotel souvenirs displayed among antique treasures.

My purchase included a logo t-shirt, a camp style coffee mug, and one of their addictive Cypress & Suede candles. Chat with the staff and you’ll find priceless smiles on employees who seem to love their position, are delightfully knowledgeable, and genuinely articulate about Texican Court. The hotel atmosphere in general is definitely well-branded on all levels to play on the senses…sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.

Intentionally curious when there’s an intriguing name and design, I explored the back story before my visit.

“We wanted to bring the theme song from the Spaghetti Western film, ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly’, to life through the design of this hotel,” Valencia Group President Doyle A. Graham stated in a press release.

“When you listen to the song, you can envision the larger-than-life vistas filled with dramatic backdrops and excitement, and we captured the essence of the tension, and drama characterized by this song in the walls of the hotel to create a captivating experience for our guests.”

Consider setting the tone prior to your stay. Listen

Rottet Studio was the artistic force brought in to perfectly curate the elements of architecture, color, texture, and style of the 152-room, three story motor court. While the outdoor features are reminiscent of an old West movie, the rooms are cleverly retro on the inside. Each room has a charming SMEG refrigerator stocked with all types of beverages ranging from family friendly to adult beverage options. You’ll find sliding barn doors, a free standing turquoise armoire, and window treatments trimmed in kitschy poms. The bathroom in the Presidential Suite was nothing less than fabulous! Bright serape striped bathrobes encourage Texican style lounging. Sofas inspired by pick up bench seats from the Mexican word “el troco”, which means pick up truck, are covered in saddle blanket patterned fabric and accented with embroidered throw pillows.

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as shadows grow longer on the plaster walls. Admire the pink painted doors as they slowly become a bit more salmon in color during the golden hour. The entire property starts glowing with the whimsical string lights at dusk. Unwind underneath that starry sky!

Dedicated to supporting Texas music, live weekend performances are a fun part of dining or simply enjoying craft cocktails at Texican Court’s “Two Mules Cantina”. Not often do you get the chance to bask in the sound of a guitar accompanied by a cello in an intimate setting by a fireplace, so I was delighted by the music of a favorite local band, “Almost Jaded”, during my visit. Glancing around the restaurant, you’ll see festive bright candle votives indicative of Spanish decor, an array of Pendleton pillows, and a sea of serapes draped over the backs of leather chairs. An oversized woven wall hanging and a handpainted mural carry out the “Two Mules” theme in a cozy area across from the bar. You’ll hear sizzling fajitas and smell the mouth-watering aroma of their smoked brisket, which is prepared poolside throughout the week. The menu boasts fresh flavors and the food is chef prepared. “Salt” is a separate tequila bar across from the reception building with its own personality. Behind the interesting steel and glass doors, it is cozy, sultry, and dimly lit by candles and the hot pink neon sign bearing its name.

Texican Court has a mission style chapel for special events, a boardroom for business meetings (love the overhanging serapes and the wall lined with cowboy hats), a 24 hour workout facility, and pet friendly rooms. If you decide to venture off property, Las Colinas has dozens of restaurants and bars, and historical downtown Grapevine is only about nine miles away.

The aroma of Cypress Suede takes me back to an enjoyable weekend of delicious meals and comfy accommodations. Meeting three l’il cowboys and their lively parents was indeed a highlight. Smiles, laughter, and stories were abundant at Texican Court and I hope to visit again soon!

Encouraging you to saunter rather than sprint through life…to laugh out loud…live intentionally in the moment…keep a bag packed…and be ready to wander!

Follow along @the_wander_edit

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-Melissa

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Discover Downtown Waxahachie

Farmhouse We just got a new shipment of our favorite terracotta pots - Campo de Fiori! Just watering your plant will turn the dormant moss into a lush green surface on your pot! Come shop for your home and garden!

Monday - Saturday, 10-5 | Home - Garden - Antiques - Art 972.938.9090 | 308 S. College St. | Waxahachie

Farmhouse308.com

Good Grief Celebrate Your Life

by Jason Harris

scan for more info

“I have read a lot of books on this subject, but I can honestly say I have never read one with the extent of compassion, intimacy, and soul that you have written. I’m not quite sure how to say this but the reader will feel the passion of your words. It comes from your soul.” --Carolyn Hitzfeld, widow whose husband passed only a few months before this book was written.

I wept with every turn of the page as I read this book. My husband had past four years before I even read this book and it still moved me and motivated me. I thought about all the people whose life had not been celebrated. This book is not just for the grieving it’s also a great tool for those who want to help those who are grieving. (review from Barnes and Nobles’ website)

• Scan the code and consider the book or even having Jason come do a free grief seminar.

Divine Flowers & More + The Mosaic Hideaway Shop Divine Flowers & More for gorgeous plants, flowers, and one-of-a-kind gift items. And this spring, find your inner artist with pop-up mosaic and stained glass classes by The Mosaic Hideaway.

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @divineflowerswaxahachie & @mosaichideaway 972.923.9900 | 401 N. Hwy. 77, Suite 19 | Waxahachie

DivineFlowersWax.net TheMosaicHideaway.com

LOCAL AUTHOR

Diamond E Interiors Gingerbread Antiques The original convertible! With just the press of a button this 1876 Eastlake High Chair converts into a child’s stroller. Made of gorgeous carved walnut with steel wheels, they don’t make them like this anymore!

Diamond E Interiors offers vintage treasures and specialty home goods as well as interior decorating, curated furnishings, and event styling.

Shop our hand picked vintage collections at Atelier Antiques & Old Town Village Antiques located in historic downtown Waxahachie - South Rogers St. Check out our portfolio of more than 400+ pictures on Facebook & Instagram @DiamondEInteriors Call or Text (469)853-3424 for any questions about interior decorating, event styling or if you’re just looking for that one of a kind piece.

Voted “Best Antique Store in Waxahachie,” come see why! Stroll 7,000 square feet of hand-picked, always authentic, antique and vintage treasures for everyday living and special occasions. Open 7 days a week, stop in and see what’s new for you at Gingerbread Antiques!

972.937.0968 | 310 S. College St. | Waxahachie

Facebook.com/GingerbreadAntiquesTX

Exciting Things are Happening in Ennis!

Bluebonnet Spirit Shop The Bluebonnet Spirit Shop offers a wide assortment of Ennis Bluebonnet memorabilia, including clothing, accessories, and home décor.

Sponsored by Ennis Main Street, proceeds from all sales go back into downtown to expand and increase programming.

204 W. Knox St. | Ennis | Instagram: @bluebonnetspiritshop

BluebonnetSpiritShop.com

F A R M H O U S E

Charm

Design trends will come and go, but there’s something about the traditional farmhouse charm that almost seems timeless. I had the privilege of being part of the team who designed this modern farmhouse and this is what we did to embrace the farmhouse style!

WHITE EXTERIOR IS A MUST!

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I feel like everyone loves a white exterior but they also have very different opinions on the best selection for the trim! Usually, the options are between white or black and I’ll always pick the white! I just think it’s the perfect touch to create that traditional farmhouse feel! We also mixed roofing materials here and added a metal roof around the front porch!

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BY MALLORY WALKER WITH WALKER DESIGN & CO

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KEEP IT WARM! Today I design homes with pure white walls and trim, which I love, but we did something different here and kept it warm!

Not only did we use a warm white, but we also stepped up our trim selection to a little warmer as well to create a warm and welcoming space! Greens are also trending in a big way right now and we used a soft shade here on the kitchen cabinets, but just the lower ones and the island!

We mixed things up a little bit with our tile selections! Not only did we use subway tile through-out the bathrooms but we also included large black hexagon tiles in the guest bath! The kitchen backsplash has one of my favorite varieties of the subway tile which is more of a square and not so much a rectangle!

“Design trends will come and go, but there’s something about the traditional farmhouse charm that almost seems timeless.”

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OPEN UP THE FLOOR PLAN! Opening up the floor plan also meant opening up this pass-through pantry! The lower cabinets feature rolling drawers which are perfect for keeping this space organized.

Upstairs, the goal was to create a learnfrom-home space as well as a place for fun!

Planning for storage is a must, so we added plenty of storage space by creating built-in shelving in the living room and study.

I think it’s the details that really make a space, which is what really makes this home special!

From the modern pantry styled with canisters, to the kitchen with an open storage island; it’s the details like this that create that timeless farmhouse charm.

Follow along at @walkerdesignandco to see all of my design projects in Ellis County!

Thank you to the homebuilder, Elmwood Custom Homes!

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the hip

aca di a n

STORY BY KATE DUCKWORTH PHOTOS BY GRANT DUCKWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY

I was contacted by a couple in Midland, TX who found Duckworth Interiors on social media and asked us to design their custom French Acadian home. I have to say how flattered I was that they knew they wanted to work with us because of previous Acadian homes we’d worked on! This young and fun family wanted to take a fresh approach to the French Acadian style and thus, “Hip Acadian” was coined.

The exterior of the home is a more traditional pallet of Texas limestone, antique brick, and cedar. When you walk in the front door, you’re in the main living space with the dining room in the middle and the kitchen and family room on either

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side. You’ll notice we brought the antique brick inside with a chunky brick-clad arch way separating the kitchen from the rest of the space.

The antique brick was also used for the fireplace hearth seat. We decided to use cedar accents inside for the family room beams, fireplace mantle, and on the kitchen hood.

We filled the two 11 foot tall builtins that flank the fireplace with blue books, family photos, accessories, and some greenery.

For the furnishings in the main living area, we used an overall neutral palette with varying hues of blue.

For the brick arch way going into the kitchen, it was important to me that this appear to be an old exposed

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“THIS YOUNG AND FUN FAMILY WANTED TO TAKE A FRESH APPROACH TO THE FRENCH ACADIAN STYLE AND THUS, ‘HIP ACADIAN’ WAS COINED.”

exposed structural wall. To achieve that, it meant we needed to take the brick to the ceiling on both sides.

We chose to drop the kitchen ceiling to make it feel more cozy. We painted the perimeter cabinets white, slightly darker than the walls for just the tiny contrast. The perimeter countertops are black with a subtle white vein. The island we painted navy and used a quartzite countertop with lots beautiful linear movement. Leather always pairs nicely with navy, so these barstools were a beautiful and durable choice.

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We chose Cafe Appliances in the kitchen which is a line that allows you to mix and match the appliance color and handle finish. I love using Cafe for this reason. Also, how adorable is this French door oven?! A simple zellige tile with variations of cream and grey was used for the backsplash.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of one of our favorite projects to date!

Follow us on social media to see even more photos of this delightful home.

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Ellis County Master GardenErs

Monthly Tips

BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

tips for PLANTING

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april

• Plant warm-season annual flowers. For sun (6+hours per day): angelonias, copper plants, firebush, lantana, moss rose, purslane, pentas, ornamental sweet potatoes and zinnias. For shade (less than 4 hours per day): begonias, coleus, impatiens and perilla. Select short, compact plants.

• Plant okra and southern peas (black-eyed peas, etc).

Squash, cucumbers and melons can still be planted.

• Many herbs can also be planted from transplants (dill, parsley, fennel, mint, oregano and thyme).

• Now is the best time to plant Bermudagrass and St. Augustine grass sod. Grade and smooth area prior to installing sod to ensure good soil contact. Keep moist until roots are established.

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tips for PLANTING

may

• Plant heat-loving annuals including copper plant, firebush, gomphrena, lantana, pentas, purple fountaingrass and ornamental sweet potato in sunny areas.

• In shady spots, plant caladiums, begonias, coleus, impatiens (mildewresistant types).

• Seeds of celosia, cosmos, marigold, morning glory, portulaca and zinnia can be sown directly in the beds. Keep seeded area moist until seeds germinate.

• Achimenes, cannas, dahlias and other summer flowering bulbs can be planted now.

• Establish new lawns before summer heat sets in. Sow seeded varieties of Bermudagrass early in the month; or sod Bermuda or St. Augustine grass. Water daily for first few weeks to develop a good root system.

BEFORE BEFORE

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

Arabella

is where I

LIVE! Arabella of 469-225-1900 Red Oak RedOakSeniorLiving.com PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE!

SENIOR LIVING

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What You Need to Know About Getting Pregnant after Weight-Loss Surgery Weight-loss surgery can help treat infertility, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind

BY DR. MAZEN ISKANDAR, DR. TIMOTHY KELLY, AND DR. WATSON ROYE, WEIGHT-LOSS SURGEONS AT BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE TEXAS SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

If you’re overweight or obese and battling infertility, weightloss surgery could help you get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. There are a few different ways it benefits you and your baby. For one, if you’re obese, you may not ovulate regularly. The weight loss that follows surgery can help restart your ovulation.

Plus, many women who struggle to get pregnant have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS and obesity are closely linked. Research published in the journal Clinical Endocrinology in 2021 found that 38% to 88% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese.

“If you have PCOS, you might not release eggs from your ovaries regularly,” said weight-loss surgeon Watson Roye, MD. You might not get your menstrual period very often, or you might have long menstrual periods. Weight-loss surgery can help women with PCOS reverse many of their symptoms and improve their odds of becoming pregnant.

How weight-loss surgery can help you and your baby stay healthy

“Weight-loss surgery can reduce your risk of problems during pregnancy connected with obesity, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and excessive bleeding after delivery,” said weight-loss surgeon Mazen Iskandar, MD. It can make it less likely that your baby will need care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

When you should try to get pregnant after weight-loss surgery

After weight-loss surgery, it’s a good idea to wait until your weight stabilizes before you become pregnant. Generally, you’ll want to wait until 18 months after your surgery.

“Recovering from weight-loss surgery and making sure your nutrition is adequate can take time, and you want your body to be strong and healthy to support a growing baby,” said weightloss surgeon Timothy Kelly, MD.

What to consider when choosing contraception after weight-loss surgery

Talk to your doctor about your contraceptive options after your surgery. You might not absorb oral contraceptives properly after weight-loss surgery. And hormonal contraceptives may increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a dangerous condition where a blood clot forms in a vein, usually in your leg. Research published in the journal Obesity Surgery reports that you’re at higher risk of DVT in the months after weight-loss surgery. So alternative methods such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or condoms might be better choices.

How to manage nutrition when you’re pregnant after weight-loss surgery Because weight-loss surgery can affect how your body absorbs nutrients, you’ll want to talk to your doctor about any possible deficiencies before getting pregnant. Your doctor may recommend supplements and may want to monitor certain nutrient levels during your pregnancy. You’ll want to keep an eye on your protein, iron, folate, calcium, and vitamins B12 and D. You’ll also want to make sure you gain the right amount of weight when you’re pregnant, which can be a challenge for people who have struggled with their weight.

Physician is an employee of HealthTexas Provider Network, a member of Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2022 Baylor Scott & White Health

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Porto & The Duoro

Valley

For two years we have talked about where we would choose to go after the COVID restrictions lifted for international travel and without hesitation our family all agreed on Portugal.

One of our favorite places in the world is the Portuguese city of Porto, a UNESCOlisted city full of baroque and 19th-century architecture set along the steep banks of the Douro River, which flows from Spain through Northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean. I recommend staying in a hotel on the river overlooking the Dom Luis I Bridge and the Serra do Pilar Monastery on the Vila Nova de Gaia side. Most everything you want to see in Porto is within walking distance, like the iconic Chapel of Souls with its exterior covered in blue & white tiles. Long lines are always waiting to see Lello, the gothic style bookstore that was the inspiration for Hogswarts Library in Harry Potter. Around the corner is the Clérigos Church and bell tower plus numerous pastry shops and boutiques at every turn. Porto is also a serious destination for foodies. The Mercado do Bolhão food market is a culinary paradise, as is the many port wine lodges such as Graham’s and Taylor’s. One of the most romantic and delicious meals we have experienced is at a small restaurant called O’Paparico (www.opaparico.com). With its ancient stone floors and old wooden beams the food, the service and the presentation is deserving of its Michelin recommendation.

It is truly a gem.

After spending a day or two in Porto either take the train from the magnificent azulejodecorated São Bento Station or drive about an hour into the Douro River Valley. Once in the heart of the valley you will find the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.

Grape harvest and wine production goes back 2,000 years and is another UNESCO World Heritage site. The terraced fields on either side of the river are like a beautiful patchwork quilt that takes your breath away.

Although they still cultivate much of their grapes for port, five winemakers known

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STORY BY CINDY BURCH PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

as the Douro Boys have greatly advanced the region’s red and white wine production.

Spend the afternoon at two of their wineries: Quinta do Vallado and Quinta do Crasto.

We also enjoy Quinta de la Rosa in Pinhao where their ultra-modern tasting room has beautiful view.

Pinhao serves as a good base for exploring the many surrounding vineyards and has their own delightful train station with hand-painted tiles depicting the surrounding landscapes and vineyards. We stay at the Vintage House Hotel,(www.vintagehousehotel.com) a gorgeous riverside haven surrounded by terraced hillsides. At the hotel’s dock you can board a sailboat for a lovely cruise with boat owner, Paulo and his dog Luna (www.animadurius.pt). I assure you it will be a highlight of your trip as you sail past vineyards and orchards, whitewashed villages, and eye-catching gorges all while relaxing and enjoying some of the region’s famous port.

Another popular hotel option is the Six Senses Douro Valley (www.sixsenses.com/ en/resorts/douro-valley), the region’s first full-service resort, outside the town of Peso da Régua.

The pink colored mansion, with its striking clock tower is surrounded by nineteen acres of rolling vineyards and private gardens, with forest paths, secret tunnel, staircases, fountains, and niches with viewpoints. The garden’s highlight is a beautiful 82-foot-long pool, which directly overlooks the resort grounds and Douro River. Spend a leisurely morning at the spa and then head out for lunch at DOC, where top Portuguese chef Rui Paula prepares pork he cooks for 12 hours, or venture where the locals dine at the neighborhood tascas. Specialties include grilled bacalhau (salt cod), roasted suckling pig and octopus salad. After lunch check out Casa de Mateus, an ornate 18thcentury Baroque palace with spectacular gardens.

We have experienced the wine regions in California’s Napa Valley, Spain’s Ribera del Duero and the rolling hills of Tuscany, but the Portugal wine region is a truly unique and beautiful experience. We cannot wait to return.

Cindy Burch

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