December January 2022 Ellis County Living Magazine

The Holiday Issue

www.living-magazine.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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.

A King and his

Princess

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE February 3rd, 2022 6pm-9pm Waxahachie Civic Center food • fun • dancing TICKETS: $20 PER PERSON FOR MORE INFO: 469-309-4040

TICKETS ON SALE JANUARY 3RD AND CAN BE PURCHASED DURING BUSINESS HOURS AT THE WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER WITH CASH OR CHECK. TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR AND ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

ASK US ABOUT OUR

$99 WHITENING SPECIAL

CALL US FOR A CONSULTATION 972-298-8515 WILLIAM A. BROWN, D.D.S. F.A.G.D. General Dentistry 226 N. Cedar Ridge Rd. Duncanville, TX 75116 williamabrowndds@gmail.com

www.WilliamABrownDDS.com

“

HOLIDAYS...

Holidays are for celebrating and the most perfect thing about this is that it looks and feels different to everyone. Maybe you are celebrating with extended family at Christmas time or are planning on the New Year being a new start. We hope this Issue encompasses celebrating and finding joy around you as we at ECLM find joy in sharing it. We wish you a beautiful set of Holidays - no matter what they entail and look forward to starting off this new year with each of you.

Contents December 2021 - January 2022 |

14

volume 17

- Cindy

|

issue 6

16

20

22

28

34

LIFE + STYLE WAXAHACHIE • 10 Holiday Guide

HOME + GARDEN WALKER DESIGN & CO • 22 Round Top Antique Fair 101

FOOD REVIEW • 14 Alma Smokehouse

DUCKWORTH INTERIORS • 28 Mixing Things Up

MEDICAL BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE • 38 Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital to Expand Cardiology Services in Waxahachie

BITTERSWEET • 16 Peppermint Bark Holiday Cookies

JEFF SCHMIDT • 34 So You Think You Know Jeff Schmidt? Well, think Again.

DR. VALERIE GORMAN • 40 Did COVID-19 Postpone Your Mammogram?

GIFTS • 18 Holiday Gift Guide

DEC/JAN TIPS • 36 Planting/Growing Guide for the Season

DR. ISKANDAR, DR. KELLY, AND DR. ROYE • 42 Your Top Questions About Weight-Loss Surgery Answered

THE OILY BAR • 20 How to Naturally Care for Your Skin this Winter

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LA FIN CINDY BURCH • 44 Girlfriends

”

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ECLM Contributors 3 2

1

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 and designing true custom homes from dirt. Follow along @walkerdesignandcompany or walkerdesignandcompany.com..

Kalee Hume (2) I am 23 years old and live here locally in Midlothian, TX. I am the owner and creator of The Oily Bar, an all natural bath and beauty company. I created The Oily Bar three years ago in my own journey to find a better alternative to the self care products I enjoyed using. My hope is to share practical ways and create products for others to find an all natural way of living that can create a peaceful environment for healing.

5

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

Follow her at www.duckworthinteriors.com or @duckworthinteriors.

Angel Schiffer (4) is owner and creator of Bittersweet Bakery in Waxahachie, Texas. An Ellis County native and 3rd generation business owner, she lives Bittersweet. Most days you can find her in her shop sporting pink crocs and wearing baking ingredients as an accessory. She is a hands on business owner who puts her touches and artistry into every delicacy that comes out of the oven. When she’s not at the shop she enjoys spending time with her family and handsome young Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Leo. Cindy Burch (5) 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 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.

Carly Pechal | Art Director | Carly@living-magazine.com is a wife, mom & designer who loves all forms of art and creating. Spending time with her familiy, tending to her plants + garden, & will gladly accept any invitation to the beach, she finds so much joy in lifes simple blessings.

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

Cover Photo By Angel Schiffer, Owner Bittersweet Bakery www.bittersweet-bakery.com Photographed by Nicole Queen of @thequeenstudio 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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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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Ellis Co.

DINING OUT IN REVIEW BY ECLM

If you’ve driven just south of Ennis on I45, you’ve seen the BBQ restaurant of Alma Smokehouse as it has been established since 2009. What you can’t see from the road is that it was created by an empire of a family that features a team of entrepreneurs, all working together. During the pandemic Alma Smokehouse was thriving and even expanding to its second location in the heart of Ennis. At the second location (where we dined), you would never know that you were in a former car wash, yes a carwash. This is a true testament of how creative the builders are of the physical location (also part of the family) when transforming and giving it new life.

Walking in, well, even outside of the doors, you can smell the delicious mesquite wood burning creating that unique and powerful taste of the smoked meats. Indoors or out you can dine based on how you feel like enjoying a wonderful meal. We will say, if you have kids with you, the outdoor patio is set up to perfection from picnic tables to a playset to even board games for all to enjoy.

For your traditional options, you can order tacos whose shell tortillas have been lightly deep-fried to the ultimate crisp to add that wonderful home-made crunch. Speaking of fried, the catfish and onion rings speak for themselves. We took a bite into each and couldn’t get enough of the flavor and flawless texture. We learned from one of the owners Jesse that the batter is key. He landed upon this perfect finishing that is created specifically for each of the items complimenting what it is dredged on.

We finished our meal with a lovely parfait of a banana pudding. Both light and sweet it capped off the exquisite meal without being too rich to enjoy. Just like each thing served at Alma Smokehouse, the balance of flavors is impeccable. And not only is this the perfect Lunch or Dinner Spot but they also offer a scrumptious Breakfast menu as well.

From service to food as well as atmosphere, a fantastic meal and time can certainly be enjoyed at Alma Smokehouse.

Now, here’s the tricky part, selecting what you want off the menu. From smoked meat entrees, traditional dishes to fried options along with their fully stocked bar, you will not be disappointed at the attention to detail of each item. The brisket, ribs and chicken that came from the pit captured the Mesquite flavor in the perfect balance, texture and final touches. Trust us, we had the chopped BBQ both on a potato (2 whole pounds we might add) and in a sandwich and both were divine.

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ALMA SMOKEHOUSE (469) 456-0870 200 S KAUFMAN ST | ENNIS, TX ALMASMOKEHOUSEBBQ.COM

Exciting Things are Happening in

ENNIS...

Charcuterie By Kasey Making beautiful boxes and spreads for any occasion. Let Charcuterie by Kasey create a masterpiece at your next celebration, gathering or holiday event!

Kasey Hovis, Owner 469.765.5148 | charcuteriebykasey@gmail.com Instagram: @charcuterie_by_kasey

charcuteriebykasey.square.site

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

PEPPERMINT BARK HOLIDAY COOKIES STORY BY ANGEL SCHIFFER AT BITTERSWEET BAKERY PHOTOS BY NICOLE QUEEN OF @THEQUEENSTUDIO

This recipe has quite a few steps but trust me they’re oh so worth it and made just a teensy bit easier with my favorite one bowl no-chill time required dough. Plus, it’s the holidays, there’s no better time to be a little bit extra.

While peppermint typically lives right on the edge of love or hate for most people - in this recipe it is *always* a hit. The added touch of the fleur de sel at the end cuts the sweetness of both the peppermint and the white chocolate creating a perfectly balanced cookie.

Chocolate Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment add: 1/2 lb butter, unsalted room temp * 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed ** 1/2 cup granulated sugar Mix on medium-ish high until it lightens in color and becomes super fluffy Mix in 1 egg and beat until incorporated With the mixer on low add: 2 tsp vanilla extract *** 1 tsp baking powder 2 tsp salt 3/4 c dutch cocoa powder Scrape down the sides and add: 1 3/4 c flour Turn off the mixer once everything is just combined and finish by hand.

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Scoop out 12-14 dough balls with a cookie scoop and place on a parchment or silpat lined cookie sheet 2” apart. Lightly flatten each cookie. Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes.

*Tip* It’s always best to remove your cookies from the oven a minute before you think you should as they’ll continue to bake on the cookie sheet after you take them out.

While those cool put a muzzle on and prepare your toppings

You’ll need:

Crushed peppermint Fleur de sel - yes the fancy stuff. Regular salt will not do 1 cup White chocolate, melted

Note: Candy melts are a sin and should not be used here. We’ve done all of this work these cookies, and you, deserve a good quality white chocolate To assemble:

Dip each cookie in white chocolate and then place on a piece of parchment and immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint and a pinch of fleur de sel before the chocolate sets. Repeat for the remaining cookies.

*Tip* Do you want cookies, like, 5 minutes ago but your butter is still rock solid?

While there are plenty of tricks online I don’t have the time or energy to grate my butter or cut it into tiny little cubes or whatever else and wait. My favorite lazy girl hack is the defrost feature on my microwave. DO NOT heat it like normal as that will result in melted butter in some spots which we do not want. Defrost it! Check it every ten seconds until it’s perfect. No mess. No waiting.

No additional dishes to clean. You’re welcome.

In my opinion dark brown sugar creates a deeper flavor in the cookie - but if all you have is regular brown sugar that will totally work. You can also add peppermint extract here if that’s your vibe. It’s not mine. But you do you.

I mean... who wouldn’t enjoy chocolate on cholote with peppermint?

Christmas Gift Guide Scoria Cork Yoga Mat Our mission is to offer environmentally sustainable yoga equipment that rewilds the inner-child and inspires the imagination; all while focusing on quality and contributing to an inclusive and better world. www.scoriaworld.com

Delicora Jewelry Timeless Jewelry

Introducing Delicora. High quality, lightweight, delicate.

Personal jewelry as unique as the woman who wears it – designed with simplicity and timeless style. Founder Sandra Martinelli creates every unique collection for all skin types using hypoallergenic 14k gold filled and sterling silver materials. www.delicora.com

Lazarus Artisan Goods Good for a Great Cause

Our purpose is to create secure employment with a fair, living wage, to improve communities and their people around the developing world through People, Planet, Purpose, and Profit.

Our story = our artisans’ stories, which chronicle the courage and determination required to invest in oneself. www.lazarusartisangoods.com

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Jill And Ally Phone Charms - $28

We’re loving this new yin yang and pearl phone charm! The perfect accessory to hold your phone and take the perfect selfie. Pair yours with the matching Yin Yang Necklace! www.jjillandally.com

Apex Protein Snacks Quality Snacks for the Outdoorsman

Outdoorsman. Adventurists. Fitness Junkies. Purists. Label us whatever you want, just know one thing – everyone involved at Apex has a passion for spending time outside the concrete jungle. Creating this line of products has been years in the making, and after spending countless hours on recipe formulation and product development, we finally ironed things out to where we were confident in the product and brand. www.apexproteinsnacks.com

Geekey A Tool Like No Other - $26.99

Geekey is an innovative, compact multi-tool like nothing seen before…it’s truly a work of art with engineering that combines everyday common tools into one sleek little punch that delivers endless capability. Geekey features many common tools that have been used for decades and proven essential for everyday fixes . . . www.geekey.com

Sonoma Wool Company Great Pet Gift Options - from beds to balls!

It started with a love of the land, and all that it provides – food, fiber, wildlife habitat, clean air, and water. The driving purpose of Sonoma Wool Company is to help people Re-Discover the Wonders of Wool, which, of course, will help support family sheep ranches, just like this.

The centuries-old wool industry is struggling as fewer and fewer people choose to become sheep ranchers. If demand for wool increases, the likelihood of maintaining a viable wool industry strengthens. www.sonomawoolcompany.com Heirloom Book $49 (10 min video) or $69 (20-min video)

An Heirloom video book is a physical book with an integrated video player we send directly to an address of your choice. You select your videos on our website or app and we do all the hard work of shipping a video-playing book right to your loved-one. You can upload videos from your computer, your phone or directly from Facebook or Instagram. https://sendheirloom.com

How To

Naturally

Care For Your Skin This Winter STORY BY KALEE HUME, OWNER OF THE OILY BAR

Cleanse.

This one is the most obvious, but the simplicity of it often gets overlooked. The aim is to cleanse your face once in the morning and once in the evening before bed, and after sweating. Cleansing removes dirt, oils and bacteria. A buildup of these things can cause breakouts and irritation. With the dry air in the winter, you will want to use a cleanser that locks in your natural moisture barrier. My favorite is our Detox Bar infused with kaolin clay and activated charcoal by The Oily Bar.

Exfoliate.

This one is crucial! Remember that buildup we just talked about? With exfoliation, we can get rid of any buildup that has been created (because let’s be serious, life happens). While exfoliation is important for your face, it is just as important for your full body. A great choice is our Foaming Sugar Scrub, it exfoliates while also cleansing like a soap. A two in one for when you’re short on time! My favorite thing about our exfoliator is that not only is it all natural, but it’s also made with a creamy base of shea butter, coconut oil and glycerin so it locks in moisture.

Tone.

Toning is an effective way to balance your skin’s pH levels. It not only removes lasting dirt and grime from your face, it extracts impurities while calming and smoothing your skin. I love to make my own at-home toner. All you need is witch hazel and some soothing essential oils such as lavender to help calm, lemon to help brighten and tea tree to help prevent breakouts.

Moisturize.

Especially in a dry winter, this step is so important! Moisturizing your full body is not only a sacred act of self care, your skin will be happy and glowing! As far as facial moisturizing goes, I like to use pure jojoba oil with a few drops of essential oils. I love jojoba oil because while it is moisturizing, it also contains natural forms of vitamin E that work with your skin as an antioxidant.

It is also considered a non comedogenic, this is a fancy word that means it mimics the oil that your body naturally creates, making it less likely to build up on your skin and clog your pores. As far as your whole body goes, I love to use our body butter by The Oily Bar. It’s only ingredients are shea butter, mango butter, grapeseed oil and essential oils and then whipped to a creamy perfection. When using this, I know I am not only getting the deepest hydration, but I trust the ingredients that are going on my skin.

Hydrate.

Just like it is important to hydrate our exterior, it is just as important to hydrate our interior. With adequate water intake, our skin is able to maintain its elasticity. This can help keep our skin plump and make it less likely to crack and suffer from blemishes in the dry winter air.

Sleep.

The term ‘beauty rest’ wasn’t created for nothing! We can often physically see the effects of a poor night’s sleep - dark under eyes, paler and more wrinkled skin.

While poor sleep can not only affect us mentally and physically, it can leave our skin vulnerable and unable to recover from environmental stressors. The goal is to aim for 8 hours of sleep for proper rest.

Detox.

Detoxing is an important part of overall health. And no, I don’t mean purchasing that detox tea you saw on an infomercial or even drinking a smoothie for every meal.

Real forms of detox come with things like sweating, drinking adequate water and ingesting antioxidants. Detoxing can help rid your skin of excess oils and toxins. While you want to make sure you cleanse after sweating, it can have some benefits such as killing harmful bacteria on the skin’s surface and even having anti-aging effects.

Read your ingredients. This might be the most important. When it comes to ingredients in your skin products, less is better. You want to stay away from sulfates and parabens while looking for cleaner options scented with essential oils (that’s us!).

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ROUND TOP ANTIQUE FAIR 101

BY MALLORY WALKER WITH WALKER DESIGN & CO

If you’ve never heard of Round Top Antique Fair; think Canton but larger and with international vendors. I visit Round Top once a year to source oneof-a-kind pieces for my design clients.

It’s a great shopping experience and over the years I’ve found they offer some of the best lodging and dining.

There are several events thoughout the year. I like to attend the Spring or Fall show. RoundTopTexasAntiques. com is one of the resources I use for show dates. Pack your comfy shoes and market bag and get ready for a good time!

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Discover Downtown WAXAHACHIE

O’Brien’s Bookshop Gingerbread Antiques Ho! Ho! Ho! Deck your halls with vintage Christmas decor and return to the holidays of your childhood. From bottle brush trees to Shiny Brite ornaments, your favorite retro treasures are back and better than ever. Find everything you need for a classic Christmas at Gingerbread Antiques! Open 7 days a week.

972.937.0968 | 310 S. College St. | Waxahachie

Facebook.com/GingerbreadAntiquesTX

Find something for everyone on your list at O’Brien’s Bookshop!

Located inside Gingerbread Antiques, we feature a fabulous, handpicked selection of books and gifts for children and adults. You can now shop local for new releases, best-sellers and classic favorites for the whole family. Book it on over and wrap up your holiday shopping at O’Brien’s Bookshop! Open 7 days a week.

Located inside Gingerbread Antiques 972.937.0968 | 310 S. College St. | Waxahachie

Facebook.com/OBriensBookshop OBriensBookshop.com

Farmhouse Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Farmhouse!

Come browse our wide variety of home and garden decor, antiques, handmade jewelry, yarn and more!

Monday – Saturday, 10-5.

Home – Garden – Antiques – Art 972.938.9090 | 308 S. College St. | Waxahachie

Farmhouse308.com

The first year I went lodging was a challenge! I ended up staying in a hotel right outside of Round Top in Brenham, which is a good option if you’re booking last minute.

“Today, I book with Farmstead, one of the cute boutique hotels you can find in Round Top. Farmstead is a renovated farmhouse within walking distance to the show and they serve the best homemade breakfast! To book one of these boutique hotels I would suggest booking six months in advance. It’s a tiny town with a population of 90, so lodging options are limited.”

If you want to attend the Fall show; book during the Spring show. Other lodging in the area includes Round Top Inn, which is located next to some of the best dining and The Flop House, which features converted shipping containers as lodging.

I feel like you need a good three days to take in the shopping! Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it here! In the past, I have shopped for antiques. Today, I design high end homes so when I attend, I search for one of a kind turn key pieces such as French farm tables and oversized porch swings. Market Hill is one of my favorite spots, and located inside is Duo by Gino and Nate. They host my go-to lunch stop and they also serve dinner and brunch on the weekends.

I have learned the nicer the exterior the higher the price point, meaning, if you’re pulling up to a well styled venue, typically the shopping will have a high price point. If you’re looking to find a deal, search for the tents! Every trip, I like to visit Blue Hills, The Compound, Excess Field, and The Arbors, all of which are located on the main strip.

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OUR SERVICES Lighting Ballast and Bulb Replacement Bathroom and Kitchen Lighting Commercial Specialty Lighting Landscape Lighting Lighting Controls Motion Sensors Recessed Lighting Installation Retrofit Lighting Transformers

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Become one of our satisfied customers

• Upfront pricing • Licensed electricians • Available on your schedule Ask about our specials... including friends and family and electrical check up!

Mr. Electric™ of Grand Prairie serving South Dallas and Ellis Counties www.mrelectric.com

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Electrical Safety Child Proof Outlets Circuit Breaker Replacement Dedicated Computer Circuits Electrical Code Updates Electrical Safety Inspection Services GFCI Outlet Installation and Replacement Home Wiring Updates Whole House Surge Protector Installation

There are several food vendors so you won’t go hungry! Reservations are a must for sit down dining.

I make dining reservations the day before or morning of to make sure we get it! The Garden Company and Lulu’s are two of my favorite spots for a sit-down dinner. Round Top Coffee Shop is one of my go-to’s for breakfast. Live music and dancing can always be found, so be ready for a good time!

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PICK UP A CALENDAR AT:

THE VELVET ANGEL COPPER ROSE THE PERFECT PAIR THE CONFIDENCE SHOPPE FUZZYS- MIDLOTHIAN

MIXING things up

STORY BY KATE DUCKWORTH PHOTOS BY GRANT DUCKWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas music playing, twinkle lights shining, and Amazon packages arriving! The Holidays bring me a lot of joy, and I love nothing more than to deck the halls. Some of us tend to decorate our homes the same way each year. You think, “This garland goes on the staircase…this wreath goes on the front door.” Why not mix it up this year and use what you have in a completely different way?!?

Let’s start with books. Everyone has books laying around: either an old set of encyclopedias or some books with the dust jackets removed. Pick some that have a red, green, white or burgundy spine, whichever coordinates best with your holiday decor. Use them as a festive base for layering found objects.

Or add them to blank spaces on a bookcase. They subtly add a touch of Christmas.

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“Filling a vessel in an unexpected way is another great way to add cheer. Here, we’ve used jars, vases and bowls. ” Filling a vessel in an unexpected way is another great way to add cheer. Here, we’ve used jars, vases and bowls. Think outside of the box: any vessel with a cool shape or silhouette can work for this. Fill them with colorful ornaments, holiday greenery or even whimsical garlands, anything that is the right scale for the object. These can be placed on top of a stack of books or positioned on a side table. Try laying some on their side with some of the filler “spilling out.”

Do you have a collection of Christmas objects that you always display in a group? Some people collect Santa Clauses or snow men or Christmas villages. Why not break up your collection, and arrange it in different vignettes?

Configure them together in clusters of three with varying heights, colors or textures.

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This Christmas, don’t get stuck in a rut with your usual Holiday decorating.

Use the things you already have around the house and spice them up in a new, fresh way.

Or disassemble your collections and display them in new locations.

I hope this helps you think outside of the box and brings new life to your Christmas decor.

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So, You Think You Know Jeff Schmidt?

Well, Think Again Music from the ’60s, 70’s and even the 80’ he croons the tunes that we all love.

He even posted a Lady Gaga song which now has almost 24 MILLION views!

Although he’s dabbled with singing his entire life, he just recently stepped over the line by putting these karaoke videos made in his car on Instagram and TikTok. One of his closest friends, Jo Lynn Crozier, is the one who insisted that he post the videos on these public platforms.

Most of us in Ellis County have come to know and appreciate Jeff Schmidt, Regional Vice President of Gateway Mortgage in Waxahachie. We’ve relied on his professionalism and expertise to navigate us through the harrowing experience of buying a home. We’ve returned to him to refinance the home we purchased, and by now, we’ve even begun to send our adult children to him for their first home purchase.

Yes, I would say that we really know Jeff Schmidt…or do we?

I bet you didn’t know he has an alterego. I bet you had no idea that Jeff is a global Instagram sensation with over 2 MILLION followers from around the World. No, that’s not a misprint; you read it right. He has returned to his “passion” and is the “CarKaraokeGuyinTexas.”

He takes us back to our roots with the songs we fell in love with and fell in love with.

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Jo Lynn says, “He was very reluctant and said these were only for fun. But I knew he had something, and it was something that all of us needed. He had been able to package an emotional connection to one another at a time we were desperate for it.” So, she continued prodding, poking, imploring until he finally gave in.

Within the first two weeks, he went totally viral. Two short months later, what started out as fun, is now melting hearts from NYC to LA to literally around the World. So, one of our very own is making a global difference. He’s been able to better our lives in Ellis County by what he does professionally. Now he’s bettering lives everywhere else by what he does passionately. So, you think you know Jeff Schmidt?

Check out “CarKaraokeGuyinTexas” on Instagram…then you’ll know you do!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

BEFORE

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Ellis County Master GardenErs

Monthly Tips

BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

tips for PLANTING

DECEMBER

• Plant berry-producing trees and shrubs to add winter color to your landscape. Choices include possumhaw and yaupon holly, Carolina buckthorn, rusty blackhaw viburnum and American beautyberry.

• Plant pre-chilled tulip and hyacinth bulbs mid to late month.

Plant bulbs in masses for best effect.

• Daffodil bulbs may still be planted. Look for early and smallflowering varieties that tend to naturalize and return yearly.

• Considering a living Christmas tree? Choose an adapted plant. Junipers, Arizona cypress and pyramidal hollies are good options. While indoors, place the tree in the brightest natural light and keep soil moist. Do not leave indoors for more than two weeks.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

tips for PLANTING

JANUARY

• Plant trees, shrubs and woody ornamentals from nursery containers. Plant slightly above ground line to allow root flare to be exposed.

• Transplant small trees and shrubs while they are dormant.

Water the plant well before digging it.

• Plant cold-tolerant herbs such as chives, cilantro, garlic and parsley; onion transplants late month.

• Seed for warm-weather annuals can be planted in flats in a temperature-controlled environment. Tomatoes and peppers can be started from seed mid-month. All require bright light and warm temperatures (60-70ºF). Use grow lights for best results.

• Tulip and hyacinth bulbs which have been chilled for 8 weeks should be planted immediately.

• Plant blackberries, fruit and nut trees. Contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service - Ellis County at 972-8255175 or visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut for recommended varieties. Cultivar or variety selection is critical.

• Apply a root stimulator such as liquid seaweed or a highphosphorus fertilizer to newly planted trees and shrubs.

• Do not top crape myrtles or remove the central leader of any shade tree. It destroys the crape myrtle’s natural shape, and FERTILIZING AND PRUNING delays blooming by five or six weeks. If your plant is too tall or • Prune trees, including live oaks and red oaks, to remove dead, too wide, remove or relocate it, and replace with something broken and unwanted branches. Apply pruning paint to any smaller that won’t require trimming. cut/wound on your oak trees to prevent oak wilt.

• Remove mistletoe from trees as soon as it becomes visible. Use • Water newly planted trees and shrubs as needed; and apply a a pole pruner to remove the entire twig from infected branches liquid root stimulator monthly. before the mistletoe produces berries. There are no effective • Peach and plum trees should be pruned to stimulate lateral consumer products to control this parasitic plant.

• branches and keep their “bowl” shape. Thin out branches GARDEN WATCH to open the center to allow more sunlight, resulting in fruit • Protect tender vegetation from the cold with a lightweight frost production over the entire tree. cloth available at most nurseries and garden centers.

• Apply blood meal or a slow-release fertilizer to pansies and • Continue to water lawns, newly planted trees, shrubs and other cool-season annuals. perennials if rainfall is insufficient.

• Maintain free-form crape myrtles by removing “sprouts” • Prepare garden soil for spring planting by tilling in 6 inches of growing from the base, but never cut the tops out. It produces organic matter (compost) to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. unsightly knots and delays blooming. Removing spent seed • Take time during the holidays to check out the new seed and pods is OK. nursery catalogues. Order early to ensure availability.

• GARDEN WATCH • Let’s not forget our feathered friends during the winter when • Remove by hand, broadleaf weeds such as clover, dandelions, their natural food supply is limited. Providing sunflower, henbit and chickweed in lawns and beds. If necessary, spray safflower and thistle seed, suet and fruit will attract many species turf with a broadleaf herbicide when temperatures are above of birds to your backyard. And be sure to provide water.

70 degrees. Be careful when using herbicides to prevent the drift from harming desirable plants.

• Don’t Guess, Soil Test! The best way to determine your soil’s fertility needs is to have it tested. Contact the local AgriLife Extension office at 972-825-5175 for a Soil Sample Information Form,BEFORE or go to http://soiltesting.tamu.edu.

36 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

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Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital to Expand Cardiology Services in Waxahachie NEW $47 MILLION EXPANSION OF BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE CAMPUS IN ELLIS COUNTY NOW UNDERWAY Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas*, a nationally recognized leader in innovative, comprehensive cardiology patient care, is expanding to Ellis County, part of a $47 million campus expansion for Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie.

Built on a tradition of excellence in collaboration with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons on the medical staff, Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular – Dallas is a part of the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas, Baylor Scott & White Health, known collectively as a system dedicated to a patient-centered culture, innovative programs and services, and clinical research.

“We are excited to make our nationally recognized cardiovascular services available to more communities in Ellis County by offering services closer to our patients’ homes,” said Nancy Vish, president and chief nursing officer, Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular in Dallas and Fort Worth**. “With this move, we continue our commitment to research, community, and patient education.”

Addressing the community’s medical needs with the full continuum of heart care “Heart disease is the region’s primary cause of hospitalization, and patients have already benefitted from having local cardiologists. By adding sub-specialty physicians to the medical

38 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

staff at our Ellis County hospital — such as interventional cardiologists that perform catheterizations and electrophysiologists that treat a-fib with pacemakers and defibrillators — area residents will have expert heart care close to home,” said Will Turner, president, Baylor Scott & White – Waxahachie. “Our care team will now be able to extend advanced cardiovascular care to our patients with the same level of expertise patients receive at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular – Dallas.”

Expanded services will include several cardiovascular interventional services, electrophysiology treatments, and noninvasive services, such as high-speed cardiac CT, cardiac ultrasound and other noninvasive testing. New catheterization rooms, electrophysiology labs, and an outpatient nursing unit will also be part of the expansion project, which will add 85,000 square feet of space. The anticipated completion date for the expanded services is spring 2023.

Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas opened in 2002 as the first North Texas hospital dedicated solely to the care and treatment of heart and vascular patients. Providing inpatient and outpatient services focused on preventive heart health and comprehensive cardiovascular disease management, Baylor Scott & White Heart

// DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

and Vascular Hospital cares for patients who travel nationally and internationally for heart care and treatment. The hospital has been recognized for nursing excellence and outstanding patient care with the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition®, an international distinction for excellence in nursing services given to only 7% of the hospitals in the United States. The hospital was recognized and rated as high performing in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Heart Attack and Heart Failure by U.S. News & World Report; repeatedly given the highest attainable rating in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare 5-Star Quality Rating System. For more information about Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas, visit BSWHealth.com/HeartDFW

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

39

Did COVID-19 Postpone Your Mammogram?

IF YOU CANCELED YOUR MAMMOGRAM DURING THE PANDEMIC MAKE SURE YOU GET BACK ON TRACK NOW

In March 2020, screening mammograms practically stopped altogether. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare facilities stopped performing these types of elective procedures. Over time, though, as we learned more about COVID-19 and how to protect ourselves, mammography centers began to reopen, and I recommended that my patients move ahead with their appointments.

But many women were still reluctant to reschedule their mammograms. If you’re one of them, you might be worried that your risk of contracting COVID-19 is higher—and more dangerous—than your risk of breast cancer.

Mammograms are as crucial for you as ever

Now that we know more about how to protect ourselves from COVID-19 infection, it’s essential to get back on track with screening mammograms. That’s because identifying breast cancer early gives you the best odds of beating it. If you have breast cancer, finding it quickly reduces the time it can grow and spread.

That could mean you can be treated with simpler, less invasive methods.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network reported that the pandemic likely led to 3.9 million missed breast cancer screenings in the United States. And research published in Breastcancer.org estimates that delays in mammograms from the pandemic could lead to an additional 5,000 deaths from breast cancer.

BY VALERIE GORMAN, MD, BREAST SURGEON AT BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE TEXAS SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

Here are ways to help protect yourself from COVID-19 when you get your mammogram

My advice is not to wait for the pandemic to end before you book your screening mammogram. Once you have scheduled your appointment, you can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 with these steps: • Make sure you have received your COVID-19 vaccination(s).

• During your screening, wear a mask and stay away from other people as much as possible. You can ask the staff at your center if you can wait outside or in your car and have them call you when it’s time for your appointment.

• Schedule your appointment for first thing in the morning, or ask for an appointment at the slowest time of day.

• Ask the staff at the mammography center what steps they are taking to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

You might also want to ask how soon you should schedule your mammogram after your COVID-19 vaccination. Some centers recommend waiting four weeks after you’re fully vaccinated. That’s because the vaccine can cause swelling in the lymph nodes in your armpit, which could look like a sign of disease on your mammogram.

The important thing is to get your mammogram scheduled, and make sure you keep the appointment when it’s time. It’s one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against breast cancer.

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Physician is an employee of HealthTexas Provider Network, a member of Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2021 Baylor Scott & White Health. // DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

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Your Top Questions About Weight-Loss Surgery, Answered

If you’re overweight, those excess pounds could be impacting your life in many ways. You might struggle to keep up with your family and friends. You might face health conditions linked to your weight, such as heart disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. You may worry that your weight could shorten your lifespan.

Doctors know you have concerns.

Here’s what they want you to know about whether you qualify, what insurance will pay for, and more

Most people who are considering weight-loss surgery have tried many different diet and exercise plans. The fact is, losing weight and maintaining that weight loss with diet and exercise is nearly impossible for people who are obese. Weight-loss surgery is an option that works.

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

Still, you might have concerns about weight-loss surgery.

Here are some of the most common questions people ask us when they are considering surgery to reduce their weight.

Shouldn’t I be able to lose weight with diet and exercise?

How do I know if I qualify for weight-loss surgery

Many people are candidates for weight-loss surgery. You likely qualify if you are age 18 to 69 with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. You should also be eligible if you have a BMI of 35 or more and a health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, sleep apnea or snoring, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or osteoarthritis.

Will my insurance cover the cost of weight-loss surgery?

You should contact your insurance company to find out what they will cover. However, most insurance companies cover weight-loss surgery, subject to payment of your deductible and co-pays.

I’ve heard there are different types of weight-loss surgery. How do I know which one is right for me?

Each type of weight-loss surgery has its pros and cons. The right choice depends on your overall health, weight-loss goals, and lifestyle. If you are considering weight-loss surgery, your surgeon can talk to you about the different options, how they work, and the results you can expect. Together you can choose the procedure that’s best for you. Whatever you choose, most procedures use minimally invasive surgical techniques and are considered safe.

Will I need plastic surgery after weight-loss surgery?

You’ll probably have some loose or sagging skin, but it might be less noticeable than you expect. Your weight and your body will change a lot in the first year and a half after surgery.

Factors like how much weight you lose, your age, your genetics, how much you exercise, and whether you smoke will influence your appearance.

Results are not guaranteed and may vary per individual due to underlying medical conditions and/or other factors.

Physician is an employee of HealthTexas Provider Network, a member of Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2021 Baylor Scott & White Health.

42 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

// DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

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Girlfriends STORY BY CINDY BURCH

I grew up with a mother who was incredibly beautiful, talented, and full of life. She also had the best girlfriends. As an only child I was around adults more than other kids my age and I learned so much about friendship from the incredible ladies my mom surrounded herself with. There were ten ladies in her main circle of friends. Some were well known artists, vocalists, speakers, entrepreneurs, and homemakers.

One was married to H. L. Hunt, one of the wealthiest men in the world. But what I learned most growing up with these amazing women was their love and support for each other, their families, and their love for Jesus Christ. As I watched and admired their unique friendship over many decades it filled me with volumes of knowledge, I hold dear.

Fortunately, over the years, we have enjoyed many wonderful trips together and have sweet memories to hold on to. Our last trip was in the Abaco islands of the Bahamas, where one of our Goddess friends has a home. We walked the beach at sunrise, hung out by the pool during the day, ate great meals and laughed till our sides hurt. We shared stories, life’s problems and encouraged one another. All of us have gone through trials and hardships, but we have always come through it with our faith in God and knowing we have each other. The Goddesses are true prayer warriors, and it has been an honor to know them for over fifty years. They remind me so much of my mom’s friends, minus the ballgowns and flamboyant galas.

They called themselves The Dumb Bunnies after sharing with each other the dumbest thing they had ever done and laughed so hard they decided to officially form a club with that name. Their club house was Mount Vernon, the Hunt estate at White Rock Lake in Dallas. Over the years all ten ladies and their spouses threw the most elaborate parties and entertained celebrities and dignitaries alike. Those who attended always wanted to be part of the club when they saw how much fun they had. My mom would write silly skits and change the words to songs and the bunnies would all perform for their guests.

They wore beautiful gowns and often dressed in costumes they had custom made. They were even featured on 60 Minutes when Dan Rather flew to Dallas and interviewed Mr. Hunt, who by then had become a well-known oil tycoon.

I recently received a call from a guest who attended a dinner I hosted with some girlfriends. She is younger than we are and wanted me to know how inspired she is to begin building special friendships among her own peers after observing our sweet bond with each other. I realized at that moment it is important to set an example for the generations to follow. It is exactly what my mom and her girlfriends exemplified to me when I was young.

I have written in the past about my own childhood girlfriends. We call ourselves the Goddesses and have known each other since elementary school in North Dallas. This past year we lost two in our group.

One to COVID-19, who was living in London and another to cancer. It has been a difficult year for us as we struggle with losing such lifelong friends.

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You cannot make old friends, and to have special women in your life that support you, lift you up and offer to do anything, as well as share their enormous blessings with you, is an experience I don’t ever want to take for granted. No matter where you are in life, from raising a family to being retired, we all need girlfriends to lean on and laugh with. We also need to be there when they fall and help them through the valleys of life. I love the quote:

“Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world that it was crooked.”

Cindy Burch

// DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

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