January 2011 Ellis County Living Magazine

Living LM I Ellis County Living Magazine

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HOME OF THE YEAR 2011

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ELLIS COUNTY’S LUXURY HOME BUILDER

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SELECTED AS A SOUTHERN LIVING BUILDER

Cole Builders welcomes you to the exciting journey of building your dream home. We are excited to offer over 60 years of custom home building and management experience.

Each home we build has unique personality, timeless architecture, and fine handcrafted elements. We strive for perfection in our products with one goal in mind… absolute customer satisfaction.

ESTATES OF GARDEN VALLEY WAXAHACHIE, TEXAS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 36

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2011 PHOTO BY MIKE HAISLI PHOTOGRAPHY

PEEK INSIDE OUR 2011 HOME OF THE YEAR

12 FASHION LIFE & STYLE

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

CHECK OUT THE LATEST IN LOCAL FASHION

Celebrity Style 12 Chemical Peels 16 First Novels for the First of the Year 18 Winter Wine 20 For the Love of Chocolate 22 Date Night 24 Super Bowl XLV 26 Unexpected Australian Adventure 28 CASA of Ellis County 30 Rekindle the Flame 32 Fine Arts 34

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

18

BOOKS FOR THE NEW YEAR

JANUARY FEBRUARY HOME & GARDEN

Home of the Year 36 January and February Plants 42 Reviving a Cottage 44

PROFESSIONAL

Seven Strategies for Saving 48 Long-Term Care 101 50 Seeing Eye-to-i 52 Life Care Planning 54 Pricing Your Property 56

MEDICAL

Good Information, Great Health 58 Teenage Depression 60 Can Numbness Be Reversed? 62 Lose Weight for Better Sleep 64 Organ Donation 66

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE Volume 7 Issue 1 Cindy Camp Publisher Jennifer Kemp Art Director Kate McClendon Executive Editor Deborah Tilson Advertising Meagan Camp Online Editor Kaity Hennessy Intern

Contributing Writers Melinda Hines Diane Johnson Collard Melinda Kocian Jacob A. Hale Mark Singleton Dr. Katherine Donaldson, Psy. D. Cindy Burch Special Thanks to Marie Q Photography HaisliPhotography

Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly

by Ellis County Living Publications, Inc. using only environmentally friendly ink.

Copyright 2010, Ellis County Living Publications All rights reserved.

For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! www.facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving twitter.com/ECLiving

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

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.

2011! It’s here. A new year full of promise, peace and success. As Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.

Dream. Discover.”

Our editor, Kate McClendon, has found us a fabulous home of 2011 to showcase. She has visited the family and is excited to share with you what she found.

What is your most cherished possession? Follow us on Facebook and tell us your story. You may be featured in an upcoming issue.

Meanwhile, I’m getting ready for a great Super Bowl weekend as it focuses on Cowboy Stadium—it’s a remarkable place. Also, try out the recipes in this issue for different chocolate treats. They’re sure to impress your Valentine!

-Cindy Camp, publisher Jennifer is the art director for Ellis County Living Magazine. A graduate of the University of Texas, she has a love for all things Longhorn! She has a perfectionist work ethic and works around the clock to make sure the magazine maintains its high design standard. While ad design and page design are two very different worlds, her charming and positive nature keeps the two sides of magazine production working well together. You can send questions or comments to Jennifer@living-magazine.com.

Kate is the editor of Living Magazine. She grew up in Waxahachie and graduated from Baylor University in 2006 as a journalism major and studio art minor. Kate loves all aspects of the writing and editing process and has writing experience for multiple mediums. In her spare time, Kate enjoys being with her friends, family and two dogs. If you have any story ideas, comments, questions or concerns, send her an e-mail at Kate@livingmagazine.com.

Deborah is working in advertising, focusing on Cedar Hill, Red Oak, Ovilla, Midlothian and corporate accounts in the Metroplex. Her passion for relationship building and selling a quality product has led her to a career with Living Magazine. When not working at the magazine, Deborah works as a professional organizer. She loves football and is an avid Redskins fan. She enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her daughter, Kelsey, in her many activities. Contact her at Deborah@livingmagazine.com.

Kate and Jennifer’s Hair by Amy Ernest, J. Paris Spa &Salon, DeSoto, 972.298.0054 Cindy and Kate’s makeup by Amber Thompson, Blush at Vault Salon & Spa, Red Oak, 972.617.7333 Deborah’s hair and makeup by Spa Vita, Midlothian, 888.318.VITA

Guarantee you’ll receive Ellis County Living Magazine by subscribing today!

Go to www.living-magazine.com and click on “subscriptions.”

Staff photos by Marie Q Photography

Cover photo provided by Kevin Haislip • www.haisliphotography.com JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

!"

!"#$ %&'()*%$ +: Happy 2011! I hope 2010 was great for everyone and that this year will be even better!

In this issue, you’ll get to peek inside the home we picked for 2011. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. From the gorgeous exterior to the amazing interior details, you’ll love every inch of it.

Since more than 20 million Americans attend Super Bowl parties each year, be prepared for this year’s party with some Super Bowl trivia. You can find all the random facts you’ll need on page 26.

Valentine’s Day is also coming up and we’ve got you covered. You’ll find date ideas for your Valentine, local gift ideas and easy chocolate recipes you can make to surprise your sweetie. You can be sure this will be the best Valentine’s Day for you and your love. In addition to celebrating the day with your sweetheart, celebrate with the community by attending the CASA “Share the Love” Gala on Feb. 12.

Find out all about CASA’s mission on page 30.

We’re starting to gear up for our next issue, where we’ll focus on health and wellness so you can be your best in 2011.

Happy new year!

AROUND TOWN WAXAHACHIE www.waxahachiechamber.com

BONNIE & CLYDE’S SUPER BOWL PARTY Come out Feb. 6 for an unforgettable Super Bowl party at Bonnie & Clyde’s Speakeasy in the basement of the historic Rogers Hotel. Call 469.383.2732 for reservations.

CASA VALENTINE CELEBRATION On Feb. 12, join the community for a Valentine Celebration at the “Share the Love” Gala benefiting CASA of Ellis County. The Gala promises to be a wonderful evening of fine dining, entertainment, silent and live auction and special recognition of the Honorable Bob Carroll as he receives CASA’s first annual Founder’s Award. Please plan to “Share the Love” that night at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Call 972.937.1455 for tickets.

MARDI GRAS College Street Pub will host the downtown Mardi Gras celebration, beginning with a parade, on March 5. That evening, head to the Town Square Loft for the IOOF Mardi Gras Charity Ball. For more information on the Mardi Gras festivities, call 972.938.2062.

LIFESTYLES EXPO On Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., come out to the Waxahachie Civic Center for the Lifestyles Home & Family Expo. Come experience 60,000 square feet of entertainment, shopping and fun for the entire family. More than 130 re-

tail exhibits and non-profit booths will be featured, displaying cars, jewelry, clothes, home improvement goods and much more. An entire room will be dedicated to serving delicious samples from local restaurants, including a special Texas wine and cheese tasting.

MIDLOTHIAN www.midlothianchamber.org RELAY FOR LIFE KICK-OFF The 2011 Midlothian Relay for Life Kick-Off meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m., at the Midlothian Conference Center. For more information, please contact Relay Chair Felest Ingersoll at 972.672.9359. desoto www.desotochamber.org

CANTERBURY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE The Canterbury Episcopal School will host their Winter Open House on Thursday, Jan. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Refreshments, tours, early enrollment and special discounts will be offered for those in attendance. Canterbury is a private co-ed school for grades K – 12. For more information, contact Libby Tadlock at 972.572.7200 ext. 106 or visit the website at www.

TheCanterburySchool.org.

ENNIS www.ennis-chamber.org CZECH MUSIC FESTIVAL Come hear authentic Czech music on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Sokol Activity Center. Listen and dance to five bands for only $5!

For all local events and updates on what is happening in our area, visit www.living-magazine.com/blog.

Do you have an event that you want everyone to know about? Send an e-mail to:

EVENTS@LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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FASHION

BEAUTY

CHEMICAL PEELS 101

BY AMBER THOMPSON

More than 2,000 years ago Cleopatra used her beauty to charm and change the world. Perhaps her secret lay in ancient Egyptian beautification rituals utilizing lactic acid from milk and various fruit acids.

Cleopatra bathed in milk and prepared concoctions with fermented grapes to smooth and hydrate her skin.

Today chemical peels, while more refined, are still being used to improve skin’s texture, increase cell turnover and increase hydration, elastin and collagen production.

Peels also reduce fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. Peels can help control conditions such as acne, eczema and dry skin.

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL? A chemical peel is a procedure performed by an esthetician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon to remove the outer layers of the skin, revealing fresh, new skin. Estheticians typically administer light to medium peels while deeper peels are administered in a medical setting. Some of the most popular peels include: alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid and phenol peels.

ALPHA HYDROXY ACID peels (AHA), like glycolic or lactic acid are light peels requiring the least down time. Glycolic acid is an excellent retexturing agent while lactic acid is hydrating.

BETA HYDROXY ACID peels (BHA),

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

such as salicylic acid work well for oily, acneic skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties reduce swelling and aid in healing acne. Because salicylic acid can be very drying, expect to be flaky up to seven days post procedure.

TRICHLOROACETIC ACID peels (TCA) are a medium-depth peel commonly used for depigmentation. After a TCA peel, skin will generally look as if it has been sunburned, then tighten and turn brown and flaky for the next four to seven days.

PHENOL peels are one of the deepest peels available, and treats deep wrinkles and pigmentation problems. Down time is substantially longer than most peels, lasting 10 days or longer.

WHO CAN GET PEELS? Most people will benefit by receiving a chemical peel, but it is important to use the appropriate peel for one’s skin type or tone. Fair skin can generally tolerate aggressive peels while darker skin tones need milder peels to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Refrain from chemical peels if you: • Are pregnant or nursing • Are taking Accutane, or other medications that thin skin • Have a sunburn or chapped skin • Suffer from herpes simplex

•

Experience inflamed acne or rosacea

WHEN SHOULD I GET A PEEL? Winter is the best time for chemical peels due to less sun exposure compared to summer months. Your skincare therapist may recommend a series of four to eight weekly peels to produce extreme results.

For maintenance, light to medium peels can be done monthly or as needed. Deeper peels should be done less frequently.

PRE- & POST-PEEL CARE Prior to a chemical peel, you may be asked to use a system of exfoliating home care products to prepare your skin for the peel.

Following treatment, protect your fresh, new skin with nourishing skincare and a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays.

Chemical peels are a great way to minimize dark spots or wrinkles, control conditions like acne and eczema and create silky-smooth skin. Consult a skincare professional to determine the best peel for you!

Amber is an esthetician with more than 10 years experience in the beauty industry.

Her current esthetic practice is located at Vault Salon & Spa in Red Oak. She also operates BLUSH Beautiful Skin & Makeup, servicing brides and others in need of flawless makeup application. Reach Amber at amber@bluscious.com.

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

J. MICHAEL MORRISSEY, MD

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He is committed to helping patients achieve their goals of looking and feeling more confident and youthful.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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LIFE & STYLE

FIRST NOVELS OF THE NEW YEAR

It takes a lot of time, patience and courage to write a book. As one of your New Year’s resolutions, celebrate those who delivered highly acclaimed debut novels in 2010.

MATTERHORN: A NOVEL OF THE VIETNAM WAR

By Karl Marlantes Atlantic Monthly Press

Mark Bowden, author of “Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War,” called this book the first great novel about the Vietnam War. “Matterhorn” tells the story of teen and young adult boys struggling with growing up in an unfamiliar and unwelcoming terrain. They go on futile, often suicidal, missions under the direction of a sometimes-confused commander. Marlantes is a former marine who fought in Vietnam and spent the past 30 years writing, revising and working to publish this book. It recently won the Flaherty-Dunnan Best First Novel prize.

MR. PEANUT

By Adam Ross Knopf

Ross takes a look at marriage, love and violence in “Mr. Peanut,” a story about a wife who, being highly allergic to peanuts, is found dead after eating a peanut. All signs point to the husband as the murderer, and during the investigation, the two detectives turn the attention to their own dysfunctional marriages. If you’re in the mood for something dark and slightly twisted, this is the book you need to check out.

THE QUICKENING

By Michelle Hoover Other Press

After inheriting her great-grandmother’s journal, Hoover got the idea for “The Quickening.”

Loosely based on some of the tales she read in the journal, Hoover has brought to light the struggles of two women living on neighboring farms in Iowa during the Great Depression and the years that follow. Over the course of 33 years we see the hopes, dreams, failures and fears of Enidina and Mary and their families. Hoover tells their stories with warmth and sincerity, making this a must-read.

THE IMPERFECTIONISTS

By Tom Rachman The Dial Press

Rachman graduated from college with the goal of writing a novel. He took up journalism to research this future novel and, before he realized it, it had been years and this “research” had turned into a career. So he quit his job, moved to Paris and started writing what he knew.

“The Imperfectionists” takes a look at the newspaper industry in the increasingly digital age as each chapter follows a different staff member at an English-language newspaper based in Rome. The characters struggle with different problems, like aging, romance and story fabrication, all told with heart and humor, making Rachman’s first attempt at novel writing a huge success.

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BY KATE MCCLENDON, STAFF BOOK-A-HOLIC LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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LIFE & STYLE As we get into the cooler months of the year, the perfect evening often involves curling up with a blanket, a book (or the remote) and a glass of red wine. Here are a few of my favorite options.

WINTER WINE BLACKSTONE SONOMA RESERVE MERLOT Tastes: fruity, peppery Goes well with: red meat, pasta Price: $20

KATE’S FAVE

BY KATE MCCLENDON

MIDDLE SISTER PINOT NOIR Tastes like: berries, vanilla and cocoa Goes well with: salmon, steak, barbecue chicken Price: $10.99

BIG HOUSE RED Tastes like: it’s a blend of other red wines and has notes of raspberries, cranberries, spices and vanilla Goes well with: grilled meats and vegetables, pasta Price: $8.99

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&'$#&() Since Texas weather isn’t always reliable and we may have a few 80-degree days in January, here are some good whites to try when the weather’s a bit warmer.

NAPA RIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Tastes like: black cherry, juniper, black olives, vanilla Goes well with: lamb, steak Price: $11.99

DOWN UNDER SHIRAZ Tastes like: cherries, plums Goes well with: stews, grilled meats Price: $4.99

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FORESTVILLE VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY Tastes like: tropical fruit, apples Goes well with: shellfish, dishes with cream sauces Price: $5.99

BILTMORE SAUVIGNON BLANC Tastes like: grapefruit, lemongrass Goes well with: shellfish, goat cheese Price: $10.99

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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LIFE & STYLE RECIPES

for the LOVE of

CHOCOLATE EDITOR’S PICK

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES If you want to venture out and try something that is slightly difficult, make these chocolate truffles. Mix it up a bit by playing with different flavoring and coating options.

8 ounces good-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk Your choice of flavoring (see below) Your choice of coating (see below) 1. Heat chocolates, butter and milk in a pan until chocolates and butter are partially melted. Remove from heat and stir until completely melted. Whisk in desired flavoring until creamy smooth.

2. Transfer to a bowl and let stand until firm enough to hold its shape, about 2 hours.

3. Using a tablespoon (a spring-action 1-tablespoon scoop is ideal), mold chocolate into balls, 1 level tablespoon at a time, and place on a cookie sheet lined with greased parchment paper.

4. Place desired coating in a small bowl. Working one at a time, drop truffles into the bowl with greased fingertips. Shake bowl back and forth so truffles are completely coated. If necessary, roll truffles by hand to make round. Return to parchment. (Can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 5 days or frozen up to 1 month.) Before serving, let stand at room temperature to soften slightly. Makes about 48 balls.

FLAVORING OPTIONS: orange (6 tablespoons Grand Marnier, 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest), coffee (6 tablespoons Kahlua, 1 teaspoon instant coffee), raspberry (6 tablespoons Chambord) COATING OPTIONS: coconut, pistachios, toasted walnuts, cocoa, sprinkles Recipe courtesy of www.allrecipes.com.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

EASY LAYERED BROWNIES

1 box brownie mix (any kind you prefer) Ingredients for brownie mix 3 to 4 candy bars (try Hershey’s Symphony bars or any kind of flat candy bar you like) 1. Prepare brownie mix according to the directions on the box.

2. Pour half of the mix into a baking pan.

3. Place candy bars in an even layer on top of brownie mix.

4. Cover with the remaining mix and bake as directed on the box.box.

Recipe courtesy of Pat McClendon.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES For the peanut butter layer: 9-inch square pan, greased 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, scant 1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar, scant 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter For the chocolate layer: 7 ounces milk chocolate 4 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1. In a large bowl, stir all the ingredients for the peanut butter layer together until smooth, with a mixer or with a spoon.

2. Press the sandy mixture into the brownie pan and make the surface as even as possible.

3. To make the chocolate topping, melt the chocolates and butter together in a microwave (for a minute or two on medium) or over a double boiler over low heat.

4. Spread the chocolate over the peanut butter layer.

5. Put the pan in the refrigerator to set for an hour.

6. When the chocolate has hardened, cut into small squares. Makes about 36 small squares.

Recipe courtesy of Nigella Lawson’s How to be a Domestic Goddess.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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LIFE & STYLE

!"#$%&'%$()*+"&$* Every year around this time stores begin to stock their shelves full of heart-shaped this and heart-shaped that, sentimental cards, candy and dozens after dozens of red roses.

Do you ever wonder where this idea of "Valentine's Day" actually comes from and why we go to so much trouble to shower our sweethearts with these elaborate gifts of love?

One theory dates all the way back to third century Rome.

While trying to build his army, Emperor Claudius II banned young men from marrying so they would in turn be better soldiers. St. Valentine defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for the young couples in secret. When Claudius learned of this defiance he ordered Valentine to death. While Valentine awaited his fate in prison, legend has it that he fell in love with a young woman. Before he was to be put to death, he allegedly wrote her a letter and signed it "From your Valentine."

The tradition goes on to say that the young women and children of Rome were so moved by Valentine’s plight that they continued the tradition of passing notes of love, in his honor, which grew into today’s Valentine’s tradition of showering our loved ones with cards and gifts to show our devotion.

While cards full of love, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and red roses are synonymous with St. Valentine’s Day, we are going to give you some new ideas and options to show your own Valentine just how special and “unique” she is to you!

Perhaps one of the most special, and one of the easiest, things you can do for her is plan Valentine’s Day without any input from her. The saying “quality is better than quantity” is key here. What type of gift doesn’t matter as much as knowing that you put the effort and thought into planning something that she will love? Just letting her know you care and want to make it a special day for her is one of the best gifts you can give her.

You might wonder what the appropriate gift and date is depending on how long you have been together. Whether you’ve just started dating or have been married for years, making your sweetheart feel appreciated should be your priority.

We’ve come up with three different ‘date’ ideas for your special Valentine. Whether you are on a budget or want to splurge we have a suggestion for you.

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

BY KAITY HENNESSY

STAYING IN

There is no rule that says you must make a reservation at a fancy restaurant for Valentine’s Day. You could make staying in for the night feel just as special as an expensive meal out and it would probably be even more comfortable and romantic for the two of you. Have a picnic in the living room in front of the fireplace, or create a restaurant setting in your kitchen complete with flowers and candles, and serve her dinner. Trust me, a night where she doesn’t have to cook is a great start to any Valentine’s Day gift. If you don’t trust yourself in the kitchen, order take-out and bring it home. (Just remember restaurants will be very busy that day so be sure to order early.) And don’t forget the music!

GOING OUT

If you think she would rather go out for Valentine’s Day, make sure you plan dinner in advance. You will need to find out when the restaurant will begin to take reservations and make sure you call as soon as possible. Also, to make a typical date a little more unique, plan an activity that is out of the norm for you as a couple. For example, you could go dancing after dinner or go to a live show or concert. Something really special could be to re-create a special date, something that not only shows how much she means to you but that you remember the special times that you have shared and that you are interested in making more memories for the future.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

If you are lucky enough to be able to take your love away for the entire weekend, go for it! If you really want to make it special, you can do anything from a couple’s spa weekend at a cozy bed and breakfast to spending the weekend at an allinclusive resort. If your girl is the outdoors type, rent a rustic cabin, pick up a wine and gourmet food basket, and snuggle up in front of a roaring fire after a day of hiking.

Whether you think of yourself as a romantic or not, you can make Valentine’s Day a special occasion for your loved one!

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GROWING IDEAS FLORISTS Tell her with flowers, “I’ll be loving you always and forever!”

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GIFTS, ETC Playful, fun and cute! Children will enjoy the mischievous nature of these delightful characters. Genuine Monkeez are fun for all ages and make perfect birthday gifts and for your perfect little Valentine.

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THE DOVE’S NEST The companion cookbook to the best restaurant in Waxahachie!

Culinary surprises are around every corner at The Dove’s Nest.

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THE GREENERY Get cozy by the fire this winter.

On sale too! $79.99 now $49.99.

3708 N. Highway 77 Waxahachie

972.617.5459 www.thegreenerytx.com JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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LIFE & STYLE

SUPER BOWL

XLV

BY KAITY HENNESSY

As North Texas prepares for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6, anxious fans await the announcement of which two teams will face off head-to-head at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

This will be the first time that the Super Bowl will be held in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the third time it will be held in Texas (Houston hosted Super Bowls VIII and XXXVIII). Super Bowl XLV will be the fifth time the same city hosting the Super Bowl also hosted a World Series game the preceding autumn.

Hotels, transportation services and retail centers are also getting ready for the big day as an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 visitors will come together in the Super Bowl host city for the game. Cowboys Stadium is anticipating a capacity of 100,000 for Super Bowl XLV and approximately 80 percent of these fans will be from out of state.

Of the fans not attending the game, more than 20 million Americans will host or attend a Super Bowl

party. Whether you are a die-hard football fan, just want to check out the ‘infamous’ Super Bowl commercials or can’t wait to see the Black Eyed Peas perform during the Bridgestone Halftime Show, the big day wouldn’t be complete without your family and friends huddled around the TV enjoying fun and food.

Get the whole family involved! Plan new snack ideas that everyone can munch on during the game and have the kids help by decorating footballshaped cookies. Gather everyone for your own football game or, if it’s too cold outside, play Super Bowl trivia inside.

We have compiled a list of some fun and interesting Super Bowl facts that you and your guests might or might not know about: • Reuters has confirmed that the 2011 Super Bowl commercials will cost around $3 million dollars for a 30-second spot.

• Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest U.S. food consumption day, following Thanksgiving.

• Six teams have lost the final game of the regular season and still won the Super Bowl.

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

SUPER BOWL FACTS

SUPER BOWL FACTS • Dan Reeves, Mike Ditka and Tony Dungy have appeared in the Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

• The Dallas Cowboys have scored the most points (221); Denver Broncos have allowed the most points (206).

• Six percent of people call in sick to work on Monday after the Super Bowl.

• Eight million pounds of guacamole and 14,500 tons of chips are consumed on Super Bowl Sunday.

• The team to score first has won 25 of 36 Super Bowls; the team leading at the end of the third quarter has won 31 of 36 Super Bowls.

• Miami has hosted the Super Bowl the most with 10 times; New Orleans is second with nine times.

• Minnesota, Buffalo and Denver have lost the most Super Bowl games at four times each; Buffalo lost four times in a row.

• The San Francisco 49ers have been to the Super Bowl five times and have never lost – ’81, ’84, ’88, ’89, ’94.

• The Dallas Cowboys hold the record for the most trips to the Super Bowl with eight.

• An estimated 50 million American women will watch the Super Bowl.

• Super Bowl weekend is the slowest weekend for weddings.

• Nearly 13 percent of Americans order takeout/delivery food from a restaurant for a Super Bowl gathering.

• The Super Bowl has become advertising’s big contest.

It is believed that close to 58 percent of people would rather take their bathroom breaks during the game than miss the commercials.

• No NFL team has ever played the Super Bowl on its own home field.

• The Green Bay Packers were the first team to win the first two Super Bowls—1967 and 1968.

• Most points scored by a winning team was 55, by the San Francisco 49ers (XXIV).

• Most points scored by a losing team was 31, by the Dallas Cowboys (XIII).

• In Super Bowl VIII the Miami Dolphins were the first team to take the kickoff all they way to a touchdown.

• In Super Bowl IX neither team scored a touchdown or field goal until the third quarter (Pittsburgh Steelers vs.

Minnesota Vikings, in New Orleans, 16-6 Steelers).

• The Vince Lombardi Trophy costs $25,000 and is made by Tiffany & Co. of New York.

• The NFL pays for up to 150 rings at $5,000 per ring (plus adjustments for increases in gold and diamonds).

The league also pays for 150 pieces of jewelry for the losing team, which may not cost more than one-half the price set for the Super Bowl ring.

SMILE!

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LIFE & STYLE

TRAVEL

UNEXPECTED

AUSTRALIAN

ADVENTURE ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY MARISA PRICE

If you asked me last January how my summer was going to be I would have said, “Oh, just another summer in Waxahachie with the fam!” As fate would have it, an unexpected invite in the spring from my cousins would soon change that answer. My cousins were kind enough to give me a chance to go to Australia! Last summer, the family’s former exchange student from the 1970s, Robyn Hooworth, returned for a tour of Waxahachie along with her daughter, Katie, who is 15. Katie and I became friends through their visit and ever since then have kept in touch by, of course, Facebook.

My cousins offered to take me to Australia with them because I knew the family from their last visit, and I was just so amazed that anybody would want to take me to a foreign country. So after all the deliberations I had with my parents about whether or not I should go, it basically boiled down to the fact that this Australia trip would be a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity and I would have a wonderful time! The trip would consist of two weeks in Australia, traveling to see many interesting places throughout the country, plus staying in the Hooworth's home for the last week.

After a layover in Los Angeles and our 15hour, wonderful Qantas flight, our first stop was in Sydney, one of Australia's most famous cities! We arrived around 6:30 a.m. and headed straight for our hotel room at

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

the Fraser Suites. Let me just put it this way, the Fraser Suites is one of the most amazing hotels. From huge rooms to the keys that turn on your electricity, I would definitely give the Fraser Suites five stars! The first tour we took was a wonderful tour of the Sydney Harbor. I never knew how amazing the Sydney Bridge and the opera house would look in person as compared to seeing them in movies and pictures. I loved every minute of the boat ride and enjoyed taking in the scenery, while trying to remind myself that this wasn't a dream, it was actually happening! We also toured the Sydney Wildlife World and Sydney Aquarium to see some cool Australian animals. To get a view of the entire city of Sydney, we all went to the top of the Sydney Tower to see the city at night. The city looked amazing all lit up and beaming with energy!

The next stop was Uluru, the heart of Australia. My cousins, the Hooworths and I took a four-hour plane trip to the Australian Outback to see the wonderful Ayers Rock. I could not believe how huge and amazing the rock formation was in person. While driving around the rock, the rock appears smooth, but the rock up close and personal is more bumpy and rough. We were very lucky, because right when we walked up to the climbing side of the rock, the climbing section had just opened up and we were allowed to climb on the rock! This is special, since they're thinking about getting rid of the climbing area due to the Aboriginals’ sacred spot on the

rock, not to mention how tricky it is to climb on the rock since it is quite steep.

Sunset at the rock was a beautiful thing to experience. Since Australia is having their winter, the dusk was a tad on the cool side.

Even though it was freezing outside, we were tough enough to enjoy the beautiful changing colors of the sky and the rock during the sunset. The sunset experience even came with wine and cheese or orange juice and cheese for the kids. Our hotel that night was an OK hotel. Hotel and tour rates are charged per person there, because no matter where you go they will be able to get your money due to the lack of entertainment this part of desert provides. The next day we headed for the camel farm to ride some camels in the outback! Two people at one time could ride Rod the Camel around an enclosed area with Ayers Rock in the background to have the “complete outback experience.” I'm not going to lie, Rod was probably one of the coolest camels I had ever ridden, but he's the only camel that I have gotten to ride!

Our next stop was Cairns, which is famous for the Great Barrier Reef. We arrived after our three-hour plane trip to a much more humid, warm climate. This surprised me, because I was used to the 60-degree weather and wasn't expecting weather like Texas. Our hotel in Cairns was another nice hotel called the Mantra Trilogy. I would also give this hotel five stars, because the rooms were big and

they felt like home. The very first activity we did in Cairns was a day at the Great Barrier Reef.

It is about an hour-and-a-half boat ride out to the diving platform, where we would get suited up in our wet suits and ready to go snorkeling. Getting to see the reef up close and personal like this, was an experience I will never forget! There were so many different types of corals and beautiful fish. Since this was my first time to go snorkeling I was nervous, but once I followed Robyn and Katie out in the ocean, I became more comfortable with snorkeling and enjoyed every minute of the reef!

The next day we took a tour of this region's rainforest. We rode the Skyrail up through the huge rainforest in Cairns, which took us to a small village called Kuranda Kuranda that consisted of cute shops, restaurants and exhibits where people could stop and enjoy. We stayed in the village for about two hours, and then hopped on a wonderful train ride back to Cairns. The train ride took us through Barron Falls, which is an amazing waterfall and the ride offered great scenery on the way back!

Our final destination was Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which is where the Hooworth's home is located. The plane ride to Brisbane was around two hours or so; once we landed late that night we got settled into the Hooworth's nice home. This was probably my favorite “hotel” we stayed in, because I felt like I was right at home! We were in Brisbane for the last week of our trip, which was nice because it was more laid back and relaxing.

We did a few day trips to different areas of Brisbane including Mt. Tamborine and Natural Arch.

I always had fun taking the day trips, because everyone had fun talking in the long car rides! One night we all attended the Australian Outback Spectacular, which is basically Medieval Times from Australia. We had a lot of fun wearing cowboy hats and taking in the Australian atmosphere!

On my last day there, the three teenagers woke up early to go to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We got to pet koalas, feed kangaroos, climb a ropes course and see many true Australian animals! All three of us hurried from the sanctuary to the Sea World whale-watching boat, which was about 15 minutes away. The rush to get to the boat was well worth it, because we were lucky enough to actually see seven different whales breaching and showing their tails to us! All of the whales were absolutely amazing, especially with the skyline of the Gold Coast in the background. After the wonderful whale-watching experience, we went to the beach on the Gold Coast so I could actually put my feet in the water and touch the Australian sand! For our last dinner with everyone, we cooked steaks on the “barbie” and ate potatoes and salad. It was basically a wonderful way to end my amazing, unforgettable Australia trip!

I cannot thank the Hooworths enough for setting up our Australia trip and letting me and six other semi-family members stay in her home! I loved becoming great friends with Katie, who is the same age as I am. We are basically identical and love the exact same things! Thank you to my cousins for the generous invitation to allow me to tag along on their family vacation. I will forever be grateful for this experience and my new feeling of independence as well as my new desire to explore the world.

I will absolutely never, ever, forget this wonderful unexpected Australian Adventure.

From koalas, kangaroos and wonderful sight seeing, I would definitely say Australia is a winner! Five stars!

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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LIFE & STYLE

CASA OF ELLIS COUNTY

BY KAITY HENNESSY

“These kids need someone to fight for them, for what they need, for what is best for them, so that they’ll have a future that is better than their past,“ Marilyn Dietrich, a Texas CASA volunteer said.

This is exactly what Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers do.

CASA began in 1977 when Superior Court Judge David Soukup of Seattle questioned whether or not he was receiving complete information about the children involved in his juvenile court cases. He also wondered if the children’s long-term welfare was being represented in the courtroom. In an effort to address these concerns, Judge Soukup came up with the idea of CASA volunteers. Judge Soukup acquired funding to train volunteers in the community to advocate for the best interests of the children involved.

This one idea soon led to a National CASA Association of 1,000 program offices around the country that recruit, train and support volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children. These programs are funded by federal, state and local grants, and also by donations and fundraising efforts.

“CASA of Ellis County began in 2004. Bob Carroll was County Court Law Judge at the time and recognized that he needed another set of unbiased eyes and ears to provide as much information to him as possible as he made lifelong decisions for children in his court,” Rhodie Rawls, Executive Director of CASA of Ellis County, said.

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of children that Child Protective Services (CPS) have removed from their home. These volunteers are appointed when the child enters the foster care system.

It is the goal of the CASA to help guide the child through the foster care system and into a safe, permanent home.

“We are part of a nationwide organization of volunteers who serve as voices for abused and neglected children in our court system. Our volunteers serve a vital role in providing information to the court and in finding permanent homes for children in the foster care system, assuring they are well cared for in their temporary homes, and advocating for outcomes that are in the children’s best interest,” Rawls said.

Although CPS will remove the child from an abusive home, they are not able to make recommendations for those children if it is goes against their policy. This is where CASA volunteers come in, they can take over where CPS leaves off and gather as much information about the child to make the recommendations that are needed to ensure the child receives the best possible outcome.

CASA volunteers are everyday people who have a desire to help children in their community. They can be teachers, business people, retirees, stay-at-home moms and grandparents.

These volunteers give their time to help a child through the foster care system. The volunteer undergoes 30 hours of training prior to working on a case and each volunteer receives support from the CASA staff throughout the case, beginning to end.

“No doubt this work takes extreme patience, great determination and a kind and loving spirit. We tell our volunteers that they must be willing to work against the odds at times, sometimes against the system and even against their own desires, but if they will face the challenges, the rewards are enormous,” Rawls said.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

It is nothing less than devastating when a child is removed from their home, put into foster care and forced into a court case.

CASA volunteers offer these children a safe and constant confidant who truly wants only what is best for them. Rawls is very enthusiastic about how much she loves her job and how much help a CASA can be to a child. “I love the fact that I come to work every day knowing that the work we do really does matter,” she said.

Unfortunately, there are only enough CASA volunteers across Texas to serve only half of the 40,000 children in foster care. It is the goal of CASA of Ellis County to provide a CASA for every child entering the foster care system in the county.

There are many different opportunities to help this cause. CASA of Ellis County always needs volunteers to be advocates for children, but if people want to help and might not feel comfortable working on a case with a child, volunteers are also needed for fundraising and special events.

One event CASA of Ellis County has every year is the Speak Up For Kids CASA 5K. This event is part of the Texas CASA 5K series and Ellis County was the last stop of the series.

“Our 5K on Nov. 20, 2010, was a great success with 150 participants. This was our third annual 5K. CASA programs across the state participate in 5K events to bring about community awareness and promote exercise for the family,” Rawls said.

CASA is pleased to announce their next upcoming event on Feb. 12—the 2011 Share the Love GALA. “The Share the Love GALA will honor Judge Bob Carroll as he receives the first annual Founder’s Award,” Rawls said. “As we celebrate our sixth year in Ellis County, we are delighted to extend an invitation to our community to be a part of our Share the Love Gala and enjoy a memorable evening of fine food, great auction items and wonderful entertainment at our Valentine’s celebration.”

CASA of Ellis County is always looking for volunteers of any kind. Please call 972.937.1455 or visit www.casaofelliscounty.org to learn more about how you can be involved in the life of a child inneed.

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LIFE & STYLE

!"#$%&'"( )*"(+',-" “Bring back that loving feeling, cause it’s gone, gone, gone,” crooned the Righteous Brothers. With more than half of today’s marriages ending in divorce, obviously, the fire that once burned in the hearts of many couples has been all but extinguished. It doesn’t have to be this way and simply doing things that you know your spouse would like is a great way to fan the flames of passion. Even meeting physical needs without complaining—like picking up the dry cleaning, washing the car or the dishes or mowing the lawn—expresses love to your mate.

OFFER ALL OF YOURSELF Just being emotionally present when you are with your mate will do wonders to boost your attraction to each other. Turn off the TV and the phones and just concentrate on the two of you for a couple of hours. Set a standing date, whether it’s breakfast at a diner on Saturday morning or a walk after dinner every weeknight.

Plan a getaway at least once a quarter to just focus on each other and have fun. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just take the time to get away from all the pressures of life. Be sure to schedule couple time on both of your calendars to protect it from other obligations or intrusions.

MAKE AN EFFORT A popular talk show host has often said that one of his goals is to make sure that when his wife walks into any room, she knows that she is the most important and the most treasured woman there.

Wouldn’t it be great if our spouses felt that

BY MELINDA HINES

way, too? If we would make a consistent and conscious effort to show affection and appreciation to our mate, they could feel like that. Bring home a favorite treat to your spouse or do something nice for them that they don’t have time to do for themselves. Fostering passion, appreciation and mutual respect will ultimately help restore romance.

APPEAL TO THE FIVE SENSES Start with sound and surprise your spouse with tickets to a concert or gather your old tapes and burn a CD of all your favorite couple songs. Light some fragrant candles, put on your partner’s favorite cologne or spray your freshly laundered sheets with a scent you both enjoy. Be sure to kiss before you leave the house and hold on a little longer than normal to create some anticipation for later. Hold hands in the car or scoot over next to him in the seat. Meet for a lunchtime rendezvous and wear something new and sexy to catch their eye. No matter how tired you are, fix your hair, freshen your makeup or put on a little lip gloss before you see your spouse at the end of a long day. And the old saying that the stomach is the way to a man’s heart definitely has some truth to it. Make their favorite gourmet meal or dessert on a normal weekday or prepare a new yummy recipe together.

COMMUNICATE YOUR DESIRES As with any other aspect of a relationship, good communication is one of the keys to happiness. Unfortunately, for most couples, the demands of everyday life,

from the kids to work, causes communication, much like romance itself, to fizzle out. Purposefully communicate about what is important to each other and most importantly, don’t expect your partner to read you mind. Have a night out and talk about anything under the sun, including what you would like to happen in the bedroom. Do something inexpensive that promotes conversation, like taking a long walk through your neighborhood or playing a board game together. Leave a flirtatious note in their car, briefcase or lunch. Write a sexy message in lipstick on the bathroom mirror. Take the opportunity in written or spoken word to remind not only your spouse, but yourself, why you love them and why you were attracted to them in the first place.

ELEMENT OF SURPRISE Pack a few things, pick your spouse up from work and spend the night in a hotel to spice things up. There is just something about getting away from your home and normal routine that helps you relax and release some of your normal inhibitions. Prepare a clothing-optional, indoor picnic with a couple of fondue pots to create delicious cheese and chocolate treats. Drop everything for a fun-filled day at an amusement park or the zoo and act like kids again. Let movies take you away from it all. Check out an old-fashioned drive-in or stay in for an all-day marathon of rented movies.

The more time you spend enjoying each other’s company will help that certain something begin to stir again.

Melinda Hines is a wife, mom, author, speaker, teacher and proud Waxahachie resident. Her book, “Operation Mom: Winning the Mommy Wars,” is available on her website, www.melindahines.net, and at Hastings and Amazon.com. To get Melinda’s daily devotional, send her an e-mail at melindaahines@yahoo.com.

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Sudoku is a logic-based number placement puzzle where the objective is to fill the 9x9 grid. Do you have to use arithmetic? No! Nothing has to add up to anything else.

Instead, you solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. Each column, each row and each of the nine 3x3 boxes should contain the digits from 1 to 9, only one time each (that is, exclusively).

Find the answers at www.living-magazine.com and click on the Sudoku link.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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LIFE & STYLE

FINE ARTS:

To Be or Not to Be? That is the Question!

BY LUANNE HAYS Next time you go to the movies, imagine the screen without music, just talking and action. Or, imagine just going to listen to the music—the screen is black, the room is dark. Either scenario would be OK for a while, but movies without background music, or background music without the visuals would leave much to be desired.

Music brings emotion into the scenes, makes you want to get involved with the action and generally makes the movie what it is.

We could say the same thing for our schools. What is school without the arts?

It would be a place where learning certainly takes place, but it would eventually get really boring—more boring than it sometimes already is! Think about it. If a teacher really teaches well, the arts are involved in every subject. DVDs, projects, games and other learning activities usually implement some sort of music, art, speech or drama. This leads me to believe that the arts should not just be electives to fill time.

According to Dr. Ernest Boyer of The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, “The arts are essential parts of the human experience, they are not a frill. We recommend that all students study the arts to discover how human beings communicate not only with words, but through music, dance and the visual arts. During our visits (to schools) we found the arts to be shamefully neglected. Courses in the arts were the last to come and the first to go.”

SO WHERE DO THE ARTS FIT IN OUR SCHOOLS? There has been a trend lately to put fine arts on the back burner. Schools are strapped financially and sometimes the more popular focus tends to be on sport-

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

ing events, especially when something has to give. Controversy surrounds the building of large athletic structures, but only because of the cost. Just recently one school district in the Dallas area built a $4.47-million indoor athletic structure that includes a football field. Exciting, that’s true! Just once, I’d love to see a front-page article in a major newspaper reporting about the controversy over a large fine arts building in a school district—but that’s probably never going to happen! I suppose it’s much more popular to have a fantastic ball field than it is to have a fantastic auditorium and theatre.

The truth is that both are important. Unfortunately, fine arts tend to be forgotten many times in the quest for excellence in other areas. This really doesn’t make sense, though, because the fine arts cross into all areas of school, work and home life.

One statistic out there states that the odds of a high school student becoming a proathlete are one in 50,000. No doubt, we all would agree that involvement in sports helps students in the future, whether they become pro-athletes or not. Why then don’t we have the same passion in our support for fine arts? I would presume to say that 100 percent of high school students will, in their future jobs and homes, need to implement knowledge in communication, art and music. Let’s pick a few jobs out at random to test the theory:

Realtors: need knowledge of visual arts and communication Plumbers: need knowledge of communication with proper body language and interaction with others Coaches: need knowledge of trends in the culture like music, as well as communication skills CEOs: need knowledge of technology,

communication, art and culture Journalists: need knowledge of music, arts and theatre to keep up with major trends in the world today Housewife: art, music and drama are all a part of her life on a daily basis Suffice it to say that fine arts become especially important when you realize they are not just for enjoyment but give a person the edge when it comes to business, interpersonal relationships and job security.

Truthfully, how many of you would enjoy that stadium as much if the band wasn’t there or if the drill team didn’t have its dance routine? How exciting would it be to sit in the stands without the boys running onto the field with a fight song to bring them in, and how many kids would be left behind without art, music or drama to draw them into the classroom?

I hope we never have to find out.

Next time you are sitting at that movie theatre, in the football stadium or on the sidelines of a basketball game, close your eyes and imagine a world without the arts—no epic experience, no national anthem, no band and no halftime show.

Let’s not make that imaginary place reality, because without the fine arts, it’s just like having a ball field without the players, a movie without the audience and school without the joy.

Luanne Hays has been at Ovilla Christian School for 11 years and works as the fine arts director, secondary curriculum coordinator and English department chair. She was also named the fine arts teacher of the year last year for TAPPS 3A schools, is the TAPPS 3A state speech coordinator this year, and is a teacher voice volunteer columnist for the Dallas Morning News.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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HOME & GARDEN

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

BY KATE MCCLENDON PHOTOS BY KEVIN HAISLIP • WWW.HAISLIPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

HOME OF THE YEAR 2011 Ali and Guhaina Sharaf and their four children, Mohamad, Dena, Salma and Jude, are not strangers to the Ellis County area. For the past 17 years, they’ve lived in Ovilla. But on the first day of fall 2009, they moved into a new Tuscanstyle house off of Ovilla Road.

“We wanted to stay in Ovilla.

We really like the city—it’s quiet, nice and safe and we really like the neighbors,” Guhaina said.

“Jim Johnson built the first home we lived in 17 years ago,” Ali said. “We enjoyed that house and felt he did a great job.”

Since they enjoyed his work so much, they hired him to build their new home. The Sharafs feel there’s a lot of talent in Ellis County and wanted to stick with local builders and sub-contractors. Once Jim Johnson started working on the home, it took two years to build, including all of the outside amenities. He said that considering all of the extras the house has, like a lake, pavilion, water well and resortlike landscaping, the process would usually take much longer.

“The Sharafs made quick decisions and we all worked very well together as a team,” Jim said. “This helped in keeping the construction process

moving.”

Though the process moved quickly, it was not without a few minor difficulties here and there. For Jim, one of the biggest challenges was coordinating more than 50 workers on site during some days.

They also imported a lot of limestone from Syria that was installed in the courtyard, on the exterior and inside the home.

“Designing, measuring, ordering, waiting for months on this limestone and then adapting the pieces that did not fit exactly right was a bit of a challenge,” Jim said.

They built the house on the land the Sharafs have owned for 12 years, which used to be the old Ovilla campground from 1904 to 1958. A few years ago, a neighbor brought by a plate with a picture of what the campground looked like. They’ve kept many of the trees on the property, most of which have been growing for more than 100 years.

For the Sharafs, one of the main challenges was deciding exactly where on the land to build the home. Their previous house sat on the property right where the Sharafs

GUHAINA & ALI SALMA, JUDE, MOHAMAD, DENA wanted to build. They had to decide whether to keep the old house and use it as a guest house or tear it down and build the new one.

Another challenge the Sharafs faced was deciding on a style of the house.

“We wanted a Tuscan style; we were in Italy two years before we built the house and drove through Tuscany and saw a lot of houses there,” Ali said. “We liked the style but at the same time, our background is from Syria and we liked the old Damascus style of houses. We wondered, “how can we marry the two to where they can hug each other in harmony?”

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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HOME & GARDEN

And then we came up with the Mediterranean style.”

Since the Mediterranean style encompasses a few other styles, including Roman, they used that to influence the rest of the decisions throughout the house by mixing old and new pieces and styles to make something unique and comfortable.

While they worked to design the layout of the house, the Sharafs had a few things in mind. Since they have four children ranging in ages from 4 months to 16 years, they wanted each child to have their own bedroom. Guhaina’s mother also stays with the family for four to five months each year, so they wanted to have a space for her where she would be comfortable.

Ali also wanted a game room that was separated from the house, but Guhaina came up with the idea to attach the game room to the house rather than have a sep-

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

arate building. This created a courtyard in the middle of the house that Guhaina filled with a Damascus look by importing stone from a city near Syria.

Jim coordinated a team of architects, design firms, landscaping architects and engineers and made sure everything came together perfectly for the Sharafs.

The layout of the house is ideal for entertaining, as it is open throughout most of the first floor, with a courtyard in the front and large, motorized sliding doors along the back leading out to a huge patio, pool area and luscious backyard. The family hosted an event for Governor Rick Perry two weeks before the November elections, which marked Perry’s first trip to Ovilla. He commented that the backyard reminded him of the south of France, which was a great compliment to Ali. The kitchen, breakfast area and living

area are where family and guests tend to gather, and it’s no surprise considering Guhaina’s excellent cooking skills. She cooks three meals a day, every day, mixing American, Mediterranean and Syrian styles together.

“Guhaina is a great cook; she’s phenomenal,” Ali said. But Ali is not without his own specialty. “I added the pizza oven,” he said. “That’s my part of the cooking.” Using a recipe from an Italian friend’s grandmother, Ali makes Napoli-style pizza from scratch in the built-in brick pizza oven.

The family has a garden outside the home where they grow organic herbs, cucumbers, zucchini, lettuce, tomato, eggplant, cabbage and more. Often, if they make salad for dinner, they’ll go into the garden to collect the fresh ingredients.

Another feature in the dream kitchen is the commercial-grade vent-a-hood.

Since the house is open and the kitchen is in the center, the smell of what’s cooking tends to go throughout the entire house.

With the vent-a-hood, no one can smell what’s going on in the kitchen.

To tie the interior of the house to the exterior and the property, Ali wanted to bring the inside out and the outside in.

“I’m a civil engineer and builder and I do a lot of commercial building,” Ali said. “I like to build outside-of-the-box stores and I enjoy the different materials that can create a look. I do it in an artistic way so it all works in harmony between brick, stone, marble and stucco.”

They continued the theme of mixing styles into the furniture and artwork inside the house. Some pieces are local and some are foreign. The breakfast area table was designed by Guhaina and custom made locally. It’s made up of three different ta-

bles that fit together and can seat three to four people at each one. So for larger parties, you can put two tables together for 12 people or all three tables together for 16.

“We planned to have a breakfast area that was warmer since we use it more than the formal dining room,” Guhaina said.

Though they may use the breakfast area more often, both Guhaina and Ali said the dining table was their favorite piece of furniture in the house. Ali has a friend in Venice who owns a furniture company, which is where they found the table. It is one solid piece that measures 20 feet by five and a half feet and can seat 24 people. Guhaina was happy when they finally found it since she had been looking for a dining table in Dallas for almost a year and hadn’t found anything that was perfect.

Their favorite piece of artwork in the home came from their landscape archi-

tect, David Baldwin, who is also an artist.

He surprised the family with a painting of a flower and, if you look really closely, you can see the family’s names incorporated into the background.

While the family had help with some of the interior design and decorating aspects, Guhaina contributed a lot to the look and feel of the house. With her artistic eye, she picked out most of the colors and the marble in the house. She was also able to blend modern furniture with some pieces from Damascus.

“She is very artistic,” Ali said. “I trust her taste; she knows how to pick colors.”

Guhaina loved choosing the colors and wanted everything to look just right. They had to change the color in the dining room five times to achieve the perfect color. They also wanted to keep all the colors throughout the house soft and warm to

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HOME & GARDEN create a homey and comfortable atmosphere.

The family’s travels have had the most influence on their design style—they’ve visited more than 40 countries. As they visit different places, Guhaina says they collect ideas along the way. They’ll see a window somewhere and think, “we want that one day in our home.”

In the two years it took to build and the three months the family has lived in the home, they’ve been very appreciative of the local team that put the house together, the neighbors and the beauty of the area.

“Ellis County, and Ovilla in particular, present an opportunity for those who would like to discover living in this beautiful county,” Ali said. “When people come to visit me from different parts of the country, they are amazed because of how beautiful it is. Because there is a special magic in this quiet, beautiful city and the people are above and beyond. They’re friendly, good neighbors.”

BUILDING INNOVATIONS Jim and the Sharafs wanted to incorporate many of the latest innovations available for residential construction. They made the house a “smart home” by installing touch screens throughout the house that can control music, cameras, gate operation, lights, the intercom system and more.

“A smart phone or an iPad can be used to control the home systems from anywhere in the world,” Jim said, which can keep the house safe and protected even when the family is away.

As a certified green professional and a graduate master builder, Jim wanted to keep the house as “green” as possible and the Sharafs were on board. They recycled the lumber and used it as mulch, incorporated several water management systems and dug a water well to help fill the lake, which is then used for irrigating the landscaping and grass. They also installed tankless water heaters that don’t turn on until there is a demand for hot water.

Inside the house, the HVAC system has variable speed air conditioners and furnaces to control temperature, humidity and fresh air exchange. Instead of a vented crawl space, the home’s crawl space is sealed, which keeps out hot, humid air, eliminating condensation, musty smells, mildew and mold.

“The attic is also a fully encapsulated attic,” Jim said. “The insulation has been moved from the ceilings of the rooms up to the rafters. This means that we do not have a “hot attic.”

The attic temperature stays around 75 to 80 degrees yearround. The ductwork in the attic and in the crawl space is now located in totally conditioned area which makes it much more efficient. We used spray foam insulation in the crawl space, walls and rafters so that the home is fully encapsulated with foam insulation. This along with the house wrap means that most, or all, of the air leaks are sealed and provides for a very high R-value envelope.”

Also, the air inside the home is exchanged every two hours to bring in fresh air and get rid of stale air. With some tight homes, fresh air is not circulated into the home and the stale air inside the house can become polluted and harmful to the homeowners. The air exchange is done in an energy-efficient way with the use of ERVs. Other “green” innovations include high-efficiency appliances, a durable tile roof, high-efficient wood windows with smart glass and wiring that is ready in case the Sharafs want to incorporate a solar-powered system. The home tested well above the energy star rating.

!"

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HOME & GARDEN

BY MELINDA KOCIAN of Ellis County Master Gardeners

Mesa Salsa by Lee Dann

PLANTING • Winter is the time to transplant mature trees and shrubs while they are dormant. It is best if they are root pruned in the fall (that is, cutting the roots around the plant with a spade to stimulate new growth). Water well before digging. For best results, trees should have a trunk of one inch in diameter and a 12-inch root ball.

• Containers of pansies, dianthus, snapdragons, ornamental kale and cabbage can still be set out.

• Tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilled for eight weeks should be planted immediately after removing from the refrigerator.

• Tomatoes—especially those hard to find in the spring—can be planted from seed mid-month.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • Prune trees, including live oaks and red oaks, to remove broken and unwanted branches, or to raise the canopy to allow more light underneath.

• Pruning oak trees in late winter may help prevent oak wilt disease, which can be fatal. The beetle that transports the disease is not active during late winter. Pruning paint, when used immediately, may also help prevent the entry of the disease.

• Apply a liquid root-stimulator monthly to newly planted trees and shrubs.

• Peach and plum trees should be pruned to keep their “bowl” shape and remove water sprouts.

• • • •

3 large tomatoes, chopped 1 tomatillo, diced 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1 bunch cilantro, no stems (or less to taste) • 1 (4-oz.) can jalapenos, diced, drained (to taste) • 2 tablespoons lime juice

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

GARDENING

ODDS AND ENDS • This is a good time to have your soil tested in your lawn, vegetable and flower garden. Contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service or the Ellis County Master Gardeners at 972.825.5175 for the necessary collection and mailing materials, or for more information.

GARDEN WATCH • Remove by hand broadleaf weeds such as clover, dandelions, henbit and chickweed in lawns and beds.

Spot spray large areas with a broadleaf weed killer when temperatures are above 70 degrees. Read and follow labels carefully on any pesticide before using.

Easy Green Salad

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon sugar 1 clove garlic, minced Mix ingredients, taste after half an hour and adjust for seasoning. Store in glass; refrigerate.

PLANTING • Plant cool-season vegetable seeds directly into well-prepared garden rows. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale and potatoes should be planted four weeks before the last average frost date which is March 15th in Ellis County. Lettuce, radishes, carrots, spinach, beets, chard and turnips should be planted two to four weeks prior.

• Container and bare-root roses can be planted this month. Texas A&M EarthKind varieties are easy to maintain and will need less water, fertilizer and pesticides. Prepare the planting beds by adding four inches of organic matter and four inches of expanded shale and rototill into the soil.

• Plant blackberries, grapes and fruit and nut trees. Contact Texas AgriLife Extension Service at 972.825.5175 for the best varieties.

• Plant cool-season annuals such as petunias, Iceland poppies, larkspur and English daisies from four-inch pots. Larkspur will usually reseed the following year.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • Prune bush roses on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Prune old, dead and weak canes back to the ground. Wear heavy leather gloves to protect hands; use long-handled loppers to remove large and dead canes.

Fertilize with compost or aged manure. Leave four to eight vigorous canes, removing one-half of their growth above an outward-facing bud.

• Prune climbing/leaning roses later after their blooming period. Prune errant canes at any time to retain shape of the plant.

• Cut back old foliage of liriope and monkey grass with a lawn mower on its highest setting or string trimmer before tips of new growth emerge.

• Dead tops of ornamental grasses can be pruned to the ground or four to six inches from the ground. Dig and divide large clumps of warmseason ornamental grasses.

• Before new growth appears, cut back herbaceous perennials to basil foliage.

• Dig and divide fall-blooming perennials: asters, mums, Mexican bush sage, Mexican mint marigold, Maximillan sunflowers and Copper Canyon daisies.

ODDS AND ENDS

by June and Ron Garrett • 1 small head any type lettuce, or 1/2 large head • 1 package Ramen Noodles, crushed (throw away seasoning packet) • 1/2 cup slivered almonds • 1 tablespoon sugar • 2 tablespoons vinegar • 1/4 cup oil

• • • • •

• dash salt • Chop lettuce. Brown noodles and almonds in small amount of olive oil. Drain and cool. Add to lettuce. Mix sugar, vinegar, oil and salt. Shake and pour over salad and fold in.

• Plan to have year-round color in your landscape by using a mixture of annuals and perennials. Add some flowering trees and shrubs to your landscape, such as redbud, crape myrtle, vitex, Mexican plum and butterfly bush.

GARDEN WATCH • Begin controlling insects and diseases on fruit and nut trees. Spraying is essential for a successful harvest. Contact an Ellis County Master Gardener or the Texas AgriLife Extension Service for a copy of the “Homeowner’s Fruit and Nut Spray Schedule.”

• Watch for aphid and caterpillars on cool-season vegetables. Control aphids with insecticidal soap and caterpillars with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).

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HOME & GARDEN

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BY DIANE JOHNSON

Bringing an old, broken-down house back to life is one of the most rewarding things I get to do. It breaks my heart to see a historic home falling to the ground. It takes a lot of work and a lot of imagination to pick one of these ladies up and put the pieces back, but it is so worth it.

East Marvin Street in Waxahachie has many lovely old homes. Through the years I have watched them come to life one at a time. What a joy it is to see them standing tall and straight.

A few years ago I had the privilege of rebuilding one of those lovely ladies located in the heart of the historic district. This precious little cottage was literally falling in around itself. The city had condemned it and most thought it needed to be torn down. A cavedin roof, falling-off porch and missing floors were just the beginning of a

long list of repairs that needed attention.

When I looked at that little cottage, I saw beauty. I saw charm and a sweetness that could not be duplicated or found in a new home. When I stumbled over fallen rafters and walked slowly over broken boards, I could envision this little jewel in her heyday. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to start the process.

The first challenge was clearing out the mess so we could see what we had to work with. Once that was done, we could see the bones that were remaining. Rough as they were, she was salvageable.

Arriving at a workable floor plan based on supports and wall arrangements was the next major step. The floor plan was poor and not at all

workable for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyle, so I went to the drawing board.

There was no way to get enough bedrooms on the main floor with the space we had available. My thought was to go up. I wanted to take in the attic space to get two bedrooms and a bath. The roofline was severe, but the floor space was good. Being creative with that floor space and allowing the roofline to remain, we ended up with a really wonderful addition with lots of personality.

The kitchen was large enough to accommodate the staircase, which allowed for a perfect traffic flow to access the upstairs. It was also a lovely addition to a country kitchen. Bead board cabinets with glass doors and a built-in hutch were the perfect choices to finish the look.

All of the walls in the back room and enclosed porch were removed to create an awesome kitchen with a family size breakfast area. This room became the main hub of the entire

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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HOME & GARDEN

BEFORE

house. French doors overlook the backyard and its ample size allows for perfect entertaining.

The wall between the living room and dining room was removed to create an open effect. The rooms were relatively small, but when opened into one space, there was plenty of room for a cozy sitting area and formal dining.

There were two rooms on the right side of the house. A wall was put up in the front room to create an entry.

The remainder of that room became a den that opened through French doors into the dining room.

The back room became the master bedroom. An addition was added onto the back of the house to make room for walk-in closets. The bathroom is a pass thru from the den and master.

That bathroom probably took on more of a new look than anything.

The claw foot tub was in horrible condition. It was sanded down and refinished to look brand new. It was

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

moved to the new upstairs bath.

A large shower was added to the master bath and a dining room buffet was used for a vanity and sink.

Hardwood floors and bead board walls were in keeping with the original theme of this turn-of-the-century cottage. Although a little small for a master bath, this room beams with the luster of yesteryear and lacks nothing when it comes to personality.

The entry area was necessary for welcoming guests from the wraparound front porch. A large window brings in an abundance of sunlight and the original front door and wood moldings are the finishing touch.

Pine plank floors were installed throughout the entire house—the existing floors were not salvageable.

Much of the woodwork was duplicated and replaced, but anything that could be repaired was used.

Various wall treatments were used, as this project was part of a home decorating segment on “Good Morning

Texas” during construction. Included were wallpaper, paint, bead board paneling, supaglypta wainscoting in the dining room and upholstered lower walls in the entry. The dining room upper walls were done in a special faux texture where multiple colors were stacked and glazed for aging.

Upon entering this adorable home, one would never believe where it had been and how far it has come. That is exactly what Judy and Phillip Siebert thought as soon as they entered the door. It is a show place. They fell in love with this warm, inviting home immediately. They will enjoy their piece of history for a very long time to come.

But, the best thing is, that fancy little lady will have another hundred years to give our fair city. For that, we are grateful.

DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD has been decorating Ellis County for more than 20 years.

Contact Diane Johnson Interiors at 972.935.8899 or djohnsoninteriors@hotmail.com.

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PROFESSIONAL

7

STRATEGIES FOR SAVING

BY ANDREA WALTON, STATE FARM AGENT ®

Are you doing your best to save for your future? It can be very challenging to begin a savings program. After necessities such as food, clothing and housing, there can be little left to put aside for future goals.

make to your retirement savings plan. It’s a good idea to do what it takes to get the matching limit. It’s free money that can really help your bottom line during retirement.

• Start small and stay steady. The first word is the most important— Unfortunately, failing to save could start. You should begin as early as mean the difference between enjoying possible to get the most out of your a comfortable retirement and giving up savings plan. some basic needs. Often it is a matter • Pay yourself first. Think of your of making the decision to begin saving savings or investments as a bill you now in order to buy a new home or car must pay on a regular basis, much later. The goals you set are important the same as a car or mortgage to you. Making changes to prepare for payment. Be disciplined and make those goals can make a difference. the payments according to a set schedule. For better results, estabFor that reason, State Farm has looked lish an automatic monthly deducat various ways to get a person’s savtion from your paycheck or checkings plan on track and came up with ing account to fund an investment seven strategies that you can use today. or savings account.

• Create separate pots of savings • Don’t splurge with your tax refor upcoming life stages. Retirefund. Instead of spending your rement may be an important goal for fund, use it wisely by paying down which to begin saving, but other debt, funding an individual retiregoals or events need as much or ment account, or saving it for future more preparation. Don’t shortfinancial goals. change other goals while concen• Take full advantage of your emtrating on one thing. Whether it’s a ployer’s retirement contribuhome, car or child’s education, it is tions. Your employer may match a important to give appropriate attenpercentage of the contributions you tion to each.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

• If you have children, find the right education plan. You have a number of choices when it comes to saving for a child’s education. Finding the one that makes sense for your situation takes planning and information.

This takes us to the seventh and, quite possibly, the most important point…

• Work with someone you know and trust. Everyone’s needs and goals are unique. Just as you go through many changes during your lifetime, your financial goals may change. You should work with a professional who not only knows about various plans and strategies, but knows you and will stay with you through the long haul. Most people feel the best guidance they receive comes from a financial professional they know and trust.

In the end, it all boils down to making a plan, getting started and staying the course. When you make the decision to finally start, contact a financial professional who knows you and understands your needs.

Andrea Walton is a local State Farm® agent. Contact her at 972.617.7770.

Building a Trusting Relationship One Client at a Time

We’re here to answer your call personally and solve your legal, accounting and IRS needs.

Kevin McDonnell has his B.S. in accounting from the University of New Orleans. He received Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law. Kevin is an accomplished Attorney and Certified Public Accountant practicing in Ellis County. His goal is to provide efficient and effective management for all individuals at all stages of their lives. He provides reasonable rates for full accounting and legal services concentrating on asset protection, wealth preservation, all aspects of business, tax, and elder care law. Kevin will examine each individual’s needs regarding preserving wealth and assets for the future, financial security and wealth transfer. He is a founding board member of CASA helping abused and neglected children. Kevin is never to busy to take your call.

Kevin McDonnell, JD, CPA

Attorney at Law and Certified Public Accountant 714 Ferris Ave. • Waxahachie • 972.923.2881

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PROFESSIONAL

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BY CRAIG MONK

It’s getting harder to avoid the topic of long-term care (LTC) these days.

Almost everyone knows someone who has received long-term care services, along with a story about its unexpected high cost. This has caused concern over what our own long-term care needs might be and for good reasons.

First, we’re getting older. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double to 71 million, comprising approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population.

Second, with improvements in health care, sudden death from acute diseases are less likely. The chance of incurring a debilitating disease that may require long-term care has increased.

No doubt, as the baby boomer generation continues to age and live longer, the system may strain to deliver the needed services. As demand outstrips supply, costs can only be expected to rise.

WHAT IS LTC? Long-term care encompasses a broad spectrum of services for individuals suffering from chronic illness. These services include assistance with basic everyday functions, household chores or life management, also known as Activities of Daily Living (ADL): • Bathing: turning on faucets, wash-

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

• • • •

ing and drying the whole body; Dressing: getting clothes from the closet, dressing self, including fasteners; Toileting: moving self to and from the bathroom, arranging clothes, cleansing self; Eating: getting food and drink from a container into the body for nourishment; Continence: maintaining control of bowel and bladder function.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? Some of our shared concern centers around cost. Just in the past two years alone, the increase in the average cost of long-term care ranged from five percent to 13 percent, varying by type of service.1 In 2008, the average daily cost in an assisted living community was $3,241 per month while the average daily cost of a private nursing home room was $217, or $79,205 annually.

Many mistakenly believe that Medicare or Medicaid will pay for our LTC needs. However, the inescapable conclusion is that neither Medicare nor Medicaid is an ideal solution for long-term care. Medicare is targeted primarily at acute care and Medicaid is generally only available to those living below poverty level, or those who are medically disabled and have to spend themselves into poverty.

Some believe they can rely on their own personal resources to pay for their long-term care needs. Howev-

er, many underestimate the cost and can end up using savings or assets they have built up over a lifetime.

ANOTHER OPTION: LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE Instead of depleting their assets, relying on the government for help, or burdening loved ones, many are turning to long-term care insurance to help cover these costs if a need arises. This type of policy covers services such as nursing home, assisted living, home care and adult day care.

If you believe you’re too young to begin thinking about long-term care, consider that many people who require long-term care are workingage adults between the ages of 18 and 64. Plus, the premiums for longterm insurance are much lower the younger you are when you purchase the policy.

A licensed financial services professional can help you determine whether you need long-term care insurance, how much and how to pay for it.

Prudential Financial’s Long-term Care Cost Study, 2008.

1

Availability of long-term care insurance varies by carrier and state.

Prudential Financial R Craig Monk 5215 N O’Conner Blvd Ste. 700 Irving, Texas 75039 Phone 972.910.0040 Cell 817.714.0460

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Michael W. Hartley Attorney & Counselor at Law

Michael W. Hartley has been practicing law for 30 years. He is proud to call himself a trial lawyer. He believes that power in America should remain with the people through the exercise of individual freedoms.

Trial lawyers give the voice with which to respond to big business, government and the judiciary.

AWARDS: The Brown and Judge award for Academic Achievement in the area of Products Liability. He was a member of the Board of Barristers and Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity while in law school.

Represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants: Family, Probate, Contract, Corporate, Real Estate, Product Liability, Commercial Collections, Appeals to the Court of Appeals & Supreme Court of Texas, Trial of civil cases including misdemeanor & felony charge, including Capital Murder and appeals to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

• B.S. degree in 1975, Texas Tech University • J.D. degree in 1979, Texas Tech School of Law • Practiced in El Paso, Texas for 11 years • 1991, Practice relocated to Waxahachie

216 Franklin Street • Waxahachie

972.938.0088

www.elliscountylawyer.com JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

!"

BY MARK SINGLETON - PRESIDENT & CEO CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK OF TEXAS

PROFESSIONAL

Seeing Eye-to i Being middle-aged doesn’t simply refer to the years I have lived. I have found I am smack in the middle of two generations of how people communicate. In general, the older generation wants to converse eyeto-eye while the younger crowd prefers iPhone-to-iPhone.

Without question, new technology is not shackled by old traditions. Facebook, Twitter, My Space, YouTube and other social networking mediums are deeply entrenched in our society. However, professionally and parentally these new lines of communication have me both captivated and concerned.

Professionally, I am entrusted as a banker to protect customer information. Millions of dollars have been invested into keeping the bad guys out of good customers’ accounts.

But all the failsafe measures we take on our side of the ledgers can be useless if access to that account information is inadvertently revealed by the customer.

It is estimated that 88 percent of consumers use only one password for all their accounts. Those passwords are generally very common and easily detected by cyber thieves by simply reviewing people’s Facebook and other personal communication services. In fact, a

new virus is attaching to some of the 500 million Facebook users that aids criminals in detecting passwords. Technology is sometimes electrifying and sometimes shocking.

Parentally, I have mixed emotions. My 14-year-old son clearly understands that his networks are not a place for bullying or backstabbing. He’s a good kid, so I really don’t fear him compromising his values using the sites he frequents. It’s not my son that concerns me, it’s the crooks out there that are preying on youth and kids’ naivety in regard to identity theft.

In order for parents to claim IRS deductions for children, at the time of birth, a social security number is required for each dependent child. When young people open their lives up in social networking services from Facebook to Twitter, they often expose personal information that can be used by thieves to open bogus accounts.

It’s critical that parents teach their children the dangers of mobile devices, social media and social-networking sites. Once you begin getting debt collection notices coming to your home in the name of your child, it is too late to have a serious talk about electronic communication safeguards.

You must tell your children that their Social Security number is sacred. If you don’t think your message has sunk in, check their credit report.

In a recent Dallas Morning News article about identity theft, they suggest that you check the three primary credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) in regard to theft of your children’s personal information. “If no credit report is found, it’s good news. But if one exists, it means someone probably opened an account using your child’s

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

name,” stated the DMN article.

Where technology will take us in the next 50 years seems incomprehensible and I hope my son is on the cutting edge of every new development. But theft has been around since one caveman stole another’s dinner, except now it is much more advanced. My child and yours should learn the importance of using social networking safely.

More than 11 million people in the U.S. experienced some sort of identity theft last year (an increase of 12 percent from 2009), according to an annual report by Javelin Strategy & Research.

According to the Javelin report, there are key steps you can take to limit exposure to cyber theft: • An estimated 13 percent of the identity thefts that occurred in 2010 were committed by someone known to the victim. Protect information from being exposed through social networking sources.

• Use unique and hard-to-guess passwords.

• Check your online bank statements regularly and if you use a debit card, make sure to subscribe to your bank’s debit card alert program.

The Javelin study found that 43 percent of all reported identity fraud cases were spotted by consumers self-monitoring their accounts through an alert program and thus were able to lower their average out-of-pocket fraud costs.

Someone recently said to me that it wasn’t that long ago that we could leave our doors unbolted and our windows open, but times have changed. That same mentality must also be used in keeping a lock on the information that you let out over the Internet and social networking.

IN THE KNOW • SOCIAL MEDIA

Business Essentials !"#$%&'()*'#$'+,-'.)/0#1 E-mail Marketing

!"#$%#&$'()$*+$,--+.-/#$(-$01#-* How do you get your message out and get people talking?

Ask our clients how eblast are working for them. If you’ve got a special promotion, open house or product announcement, give us a call.

ECL Media Group is a full-service, integrated advertising agency and public relations firm emphasizing service, strategy and creativity. We have a partnership with our clients. They teach us the ins and outs of their business and we create a campaign that helps promote a total image. We offer our clients a complete, integrated marketing strategy built for maximum exposure. With exposure comes awareness.

There’s no better way to get the word out about your event or service than by utilizing our e-mail database of more than 7,000 Ellis County community and business leaders and readers of our exclusive publication, Ellis County Living Magazine. Our database e-mails have all been verified. We design an e-mail with the content you choose (including links to social media) and e-mail it to our database and yours. We will then proivde a detailed open-rate and click-through report.

• $300 for your own e-mail blast to our database. It works.

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2011 Ellis County Living Magazine Calendar We’ve designed a calendar of special features for maximizing your advertising promotions.

Our magazines has 5 reading sections: Fashion, Lifestyle, Home & Garden, Professional and Medical.

FACEBOOK • 18,000 members in Ellis County • Set up, maintenance • Find new fans daily • Links to site, blogs, social media, online news stories and e-mail newsletters • Manage campaigns

JAN/FEB – HOME OF THE YEAR MAR/APR - HEALTH AND WELLNESS MAY/JUNE - TRAVEL JULY/AUGUST – BACKYARD OF THE YEAR SEPT/OCT – WEDDING ISSUE NOV/DEC - ANNUAL HOLIDAY ISSUE

WEBSITES & BLOGGING We create a blog and link it to your Web site, social media and e-mails. Content is updated once a week and additional pre-written content can be posted at any tme at your discretion. Each business has a special market so let’s get together to design your site.

Call me for a quote.

WEB@ECLMEDIA.COM CELL: 214.289.3842 WWW.ECLMEDIA.COM

TOOLS WEB SITES BUSINESS CARDS SOCIAL MEDIA BROCHURES BILLBOARDS POSTCARDS ON-SCREEN ADVERTISING RACK CARDS DIRECT MAIL DOOR HANGERS

405 WEST MADISON WAXAHACHIE, TX 75165 OFFICE: 972.935.0938

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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PROFESSIONAL

BY JACOB A. HALE

!"#$%&'($%)*'++"+, -$./0("+,%&0+!%1$+2$%"+%/3$%4'2$% 0#%!"#$%&3'+,$. could reveal the tell-tale effects of Alzheimer’s. However, it was quite obvious that simple estate planning documents and a “see us in a few years” would not do here.

As the Mercury Grand Marquis slowly pulled away from the first space in front of our office, I watched from the window and knew we were on to something important.

Two hours before, the members of our firm sat down with a husband and wife who had only a vague idea of why they’d come. The husband was recently diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

His wife was just beginning to understand the new role God had designed for her in her 42-year marriage. That is, the role of caregiver.

Combine this new role with the roles she had left to her husband throughout the course of their marriage, and she was overwhelmed.

They had come in the hopes that a basic estate plan—wills, maybe a trust—would straighten out a life that had just become ineffably cluttered.

As we delved deeply into the family’s financial picture, the table soon realized in unison that the couple’s modest income and estate would fall far short of the challenges the future would bring.

This case was different than the emergency public assistance planning we were accustomed to. Skilled long-term nursing care was inevitable, but the need was not immediate. Only a lengthy conversation

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And thus, over the remainder of our meeting, we worked out a new engagement that we had never prepared before. This “Life Care Plan” was to last five years and involve two unique plans and all the documents necessary to implement both plans.

A Life Care Plan combines asset protection, public benefits law, and health care coordination to give peace of mind to families faced with long-term chronic conditions.

Life care planning is principally for those who have been diagnosed with a condition that requires either immediate long-term skilled nursing care, or will necessarily require that care in the future.

At the initial consultation, the attorney should be able to succinctly identify all potential benefit sources to fit specific needs and circumstances. After the meeting, the attorney will draft two plans: one that will describe an immediate course of action to qualify for assistance at the earliest possible date. The second plan is based on a longer time frame that is set by the client. This period could range from three months to five years. The long-term plan will describe how to methodically put your family in the best possible position to qualify for care when the need arises.

It is important to use an attorney firm experienced in attaining benefits from all sources and who understands how these programs interact.

Public benefit programs often have enigmatic and conflicting rules that can cause enormous problems for the unwary. For instance, where an irrevocable trust can be utilized to achieve certain Veterans Affairs pension benefits, this same trust can simultaneously eliminate the potential for Medicaid eligibility. An elder law attorney can carefully navigate the rules of all programs to ensure concurrent eligibility from multiple sources where available. Where this is not possible, the attorney can identify and secure benefits from the program that will provide the most assistance.

A Life Care Plan can not only help discover and attain sources of payment for long-term care, but can also put the client in contact with the most appropriate care providers. Through daily interaction and experience, an elder law attorney firm establishes a network of trusted health care professionals and institutions. From home health, to assisted living, to skilled nursing, we are lucky in Ellis County to have extraordinary care providers to choose from.

If long-term care becomes an inevitability in your family, take heart. A free consultation with an elder law attorney can uncover a course of action that will ensure quality care without depleting a life’s savings. Let a Life Care Plan restore your peace of mind as you prepare for life’s changes.

Jacob A. Hale is an elder law and estate planning attorney at The Hale Law Firm in Waxahachie. To learn more about this topic, please visit www.TheHaleLawFirm.com or send an e-mail to Jacob@The HaleLawFirm.com.

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PROFESSIONAL

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From time to time most of us need to sell a piece of property, whether it’s our home, a rental property or perhaps our parents’ house. The causes of needing to sell a property run the gambit from a job transfer, a death, a divorce or just a desire to move.

The natural question arises as to its market value.

I advise that you should do your own homework and the last person you should call is a realtor. Now before my fellow realtors get upset and question my ancestry, I implore them to finish reading the article.

First, let’s look at some statistical data.

Approximately 85 percent of all homes sold are through a realtor, so the odds are definitely in your favor when you use a realtor. However, you should do much of your own research and formulate your own opinions so you can adequately consult with a realtor.

Several sources of data are now available to you from the Internet. However, caution should be used in relying solely on sources such as Zillo, HouseValues. com, realtor.com, etc. A quick Internet search will provide you with plenty of sites offering to help you formulate an opinion of your home. Some will ask you for your information and then funnel that information off to realtors that will call you.

So if you’re in no hurry, you may want to be cautious about giving out data.

However, many of these are called Automatic Valuation Models (AVMs) or, in other words, they furnish you with an estimate of value derived from a computer and from sales in your area. Think this isn’t important? Well, the computer doesn’t know that you just put in $3,000 worth of new carpet or a new roof for $7,500, or maybe that your home needs carpet or a new roof. These estimates of value can be significantly off from your home’s real market value. However, they can provide at least a starting place for you to be honest

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with yourself about your home’s condition, needed work, etc.

Don’t rely on hearsay information you receive. Just because you heard your neighbor down the street sold his home for $150,000 doesn’t mean it’s actually true. First, Texas is a non-disclosure state, meaning that there is no recorded sales price down at the courthouse for you to go check out. In addition, even if you move to a state that is a full-disclosure state, you really can’t trust a stated sales price.

Why? Simple. Did the sales price include the $2,000 in patio furniture? The $1,500 drapes? The $1,500 riding lawnmower?

Or the $1,000 pool repair? And how much of the closing costs did the seller pay? It isn’t as simple as taking a stated sales price or a rumored sales price and converting that into what the value of your home is since there are many factors that can come into play.

Honesty is always the best policy and it’s the same with valuing your home. You know if you’re overweight before you go to the doctor, so don’t blame the doctor for simply telling you the truth. You know if your blood pressure is high, so don’t blame the doctor for telling you that; and you can’t say you didn’t know—go to any major drug store and they all have blood pressure machines. So just like doing your homework before you go to the doctor, you should do your homework with regards to your property. Don’t fool or kid yourself into believing your home is the very best on the block. Do an honest assessment. You may think that the purple walls in your daughter’s bedroom are cute, but potential buyers probably won’t. They see a paint job and the cost of painting.

That carpet—is it really in good condition?

How would someone else look at it?

Maybe it just needs a steam cleaning, but maybe not.

Most larger counties, such as Dallas County, are all online now and you can easily access information about your home

BY M.E. ATWOOD and others on your street. As a general rule, most county appraisal districts are slightly low on the valuation of homes.

Yes, they are not always low, but years of experience have convinced me that they are generally low. Check the county’s physical data against your actual property.

It the age correct? Is the square footage correct? Did they pick up that converted garage or that pool you added?

Again, while being honest with yourself, why is your house worth 25 percent more than the appraisal district’s valuation? Also remember, you can’t have it both ways— you can’t claim it’s worth substantially less on the one hand for taxes and expect it to be worth substantially more for sale.

Buyers also check this information.

Markets have been around for thousands of years. Two thousand years ago you baked the bread, loaded it on your donkey, took it to market and you received what it was worth that day. The next week or month it may be worth slightly more or slightly less, but the market rules what its value was. Markets still rule today.

Yes, the marketplace is in a state of flux— foreclosures, shadow inventory, etc., all have an impact upon the value of your home—but you can formulate your own opinion of its market value with just a little bit of work. And you’ll feel much more comfortable when you have done the work to reach that opinion.

Now that you have done your homework, the person you should call is a realtor. Be prepared, ask them questions, and they should be able to answer them openly, honestly and without any hesitation to help you price your property so that you will receive fair offers that are representative of market value.

M. E. Atwood, MAI SRA, is a REALTOR and has been in real estate since 1972 and appraising properties since 1975. He instructs courses for several states and the Appraisal Institute. He may be reached at mearlest@aol.com.

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LUIS ESCALANTE NIEVES, M.D.

Dr. Nieves is pleased to join Texas Anesthesia & Pain Management Institute. He brings many years of study, honors and memberships from around Texas universities specializing in sports medicine, pain management and family medicine. As a medical graduate of many fine Texas universities, he is here to manage your pain.

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DR. NIEVES MEDICAL TRAINING:

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School 1998 Baylor College of Medicine Anesthesia Residency 1998-2000 John Peter Smith Health Network Family Medicine Residency 2005-2008 University of Texas Southwestern Medical; Sports & Pain Medicine Fellowships 2008-2010

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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MEDICAL

GOOD INFORMATION, GREAT HEALTH When it comes to women and their health, knowledge is more than power—it’s good medicine.

sonal trainer at BaylorWorx Fitness Center, a Baylor Waxahachie dietician and a weight loss surgeon.

The pattern has become familiar: this week a medical study will come out strongly recommending one thing women should do for their health; next week, another study will be published strongly advising against it.

On top of conflicting research, the volume of information that any Internet search on a given health topic yields can be overwhelming—and much of it is probably inaccurate.

Both panels will address a wide range of health issues women face at different times in their lives. One of the most popular topics Dr. Brady expects to address is menopause and managing its symptoms.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there surrounding different female health issues that women get from the media or even hear from a friend,” says Yolanda Brady, MD, internal medicine physician on the medical staff of Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie. “And when it comes to making decisions about your health, getting the facts straight is crucial.”

Dr. Brady will be one of the medical professionals helping women get the right information about their health at the 2011 Baylor Waxahachie For Women For Life™ event.

The annual women’s health event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the BaylorWorx Rehabilitation and Fitness Center at 507 N. Highway 287, suite 700.

The half-day event offers free screenings, assessments, samples of healthy foods and two Q & A panels with health professionals. One panel, entitled “Coffee Talk with Your Doc,” will feature Dr. Brady and several other specialists on the medical staff at Baylor Waxahachie, including an orthopaedist, oncologist, breast surgeon and more. The second panel focuses on diet, exercise and weight loss. Panelists include a certified per-

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HORMONES: TO TAKE OR NOT TO TAKE “One of the most common questions that women who have entered or are about to enter menopause have is whether or not it’s all right to take hormones. They tend to have a lot of unease and are sometimes even scared to take them,” explains Dr. Brady.

Many of these fears stem from some research studies, which have raised safety concerns associated with hormones, linking them to clots and stroke. Dr. Brady admits that standard practice used to be putting almost every woman entering menopause on hormones. However, now physicians are much more cautious and are prescribing them on a case-by-case basis, closely monitoring dosage and length of time prescribed.

“Studies on hormone replacement seem to be inconsistent, so it’s important for each woman to analyze the risks versus the benefits with her doctor,” advises Dr. Brady. “Like with any supplements, there are side effects, but there is a lot of potential upside to hormones as well.”

GETTING PREVENTION RIGHT Preventive medicine is a hot topic. It is addressed in the recent health reform legislation, and is being promoted by companies nationwide looking to improve employee health and lower insurance premiums. In

fact, prevention is one of the main focuses of the For Women For Life event.

“There are many questions women should ask their doctor, but perhaps the biggest one is simply asking ‘what should I be doing as preventive care for my age level?’”

Young, healthy women typically do not need screenings such as bone density tests, regular cholesterol readings and mammograms.

However, they may want to discuss getting vaccinated against HPV, which can significantly lower the risk of vaginal and vulvar cancers.

As women age, they do need to ask their doctor about when to start and how often they need to have a bone density test, cholesterol reading and have a screening mammogram.

But again, even preventive medicine is not an area without controversy. For instance, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a controversial finding that said women in their forties don’t need an annual mammogram.

Dr. Brady and the American Cancer Society beg to differ, and the debate has been rigorously reported in the national media.

Another common test specific to women where some confusion has blossomed is the Pap smear. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has issued new, widely accepted guidelines.

“After the new recommendations came out, some women were left with the impression that they don’t need the test at all any more,” says Dr. Brady. “But depending on age, women still should have the test every two to three years and should still visit their doc

tor annually. Some women don’t realize that a Pap smear only screens for cervical cancer–not ovarian or uterine cancer or other conditions.”

EXERCISING IN EVERY SEASON OF LIFE Beyond preventive pokes, prods and screenings at the doctor’s office, an appropriate diet and an exercise plan can go a long way in keeping women healthy.

Any exercise plan should be comprehensive and include strength training with heavy weights, according to BaylorWorx Fitness Center certified personal trainer Bonnie Howarth.

“Strength training isn’t just for men. Women often are worried that they run the risk of becoming overly muscular if they train with weights, and that’s an unfounded fear,” she says. “Women don’t have the propensity to put on muscle mass that way, and it’s the best way to create a lean, fit body and positively impact bone density as they age.”

Howarth, who will be a member of the diet, exercise and weight loss Q & A panel at the For Women For Life event, says another commonly held but false belief she hears from women is that intense abdominal workouts will get rid of belly fat. “Ab exercises are for strengthening and toning. It takes a good cardiovascular program to drop the pounds.”

Whether it’s exercise, medication or screenings, Dr. Brady and Howarth both agree that busting myths is one of the most important things a woman can do for her health.

For Women For Life is free, but registration is required and seating is limited. To register, visit www.BaylorHealth.com/ Waxahachie or call 1.800.4BAYLOR.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie or Baylor Health Care System.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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MEDICAL

!""#$%"&'"()"**+,# DEAR DR. DONALDSON,

My daughter has seemed depressed lately. I am sure she is not using drugs, and I am not aware of anything that may be causing her to be depressed. I am really worried because I saw cuts on her arm and think she may be hurting herself. I tried to talk to her, but she didn’t want to talk about it.

You are right to be concerned. Teenage depression is at an all-time high. Although it may not be obvious something is wrong, there are so many stressors teens face. Academic pressures, social pressures, choosing a college and decisions about dating can feel overwhelming. Combine these pressures with hormone changes and the result can be moodiness, even depression.

It is important to differentiate between feeling sad and clinical depression.

Episodes of sadness are quite common when a teen gets a bad grade, loses a family pet, has conflict with a friend or is not chosen for a team or a class play.

If her depression is clinical, you may observe several of the following symptoms: changes in appetite, changes in sleep patterns, a lack of interest in activities she used to find enjoyable, trouble concentrating, talk of death, fatigue, feelings of guilt, irritability and feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless. If you see these symptoms lasting longer than a couple of weeks, your daughter may be suffering with clinical depression and you should seek professional help.

When I work with teens that cut or engage in other self-injurious behavior, they have different reasons for doing so.

Some cut because they feel numb, and cutting is one way to feel something.

Other teens are overwhelmed with feelings and hurt themselves physically as a way to distract themselves from emotional pain. Still other teens are punishing themselves. For others it is a cry for help. Although self-injurious behavior,

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such as cutting, usually produces only superficial wounds, it reveals significant emotional distress.

It is important to know that just because a teen engages in self-injurious behavior, it does not mean they want to die; usually any damage is superficial. However, you should seek help for her immediately. This behavior can become a habit and the longer it goes untreated, the harder it can be to stop the behavior. A therapist can help provide your daughter with other, more effective means of coping with her stress and pain. In addition, a therapist will assess the severity of the depression and determine your daughter’s risk for self-harm. When looking for a therapist, it is important to find someone who has experience working with adolescents.

In addition to therapy, encourage healthy behaviors, such as eating balanced meals. If she is neglecting a food group, her body may not have what it needs to produce sufficient levels of the neurotransmitters linked to feelings of well being. Exercise, adequate sleep and a strong support system are all factors related to well being.

You will also want to have her evaluated by her physician to rule out physical problems. Certain physical illnesses, such as hypothyroidism, can create symptoms that mimic depression.

You expressed concern that your daughter has not been willing to share her feelings with you. It may be helpful

if you schedule routine time together for just you and your daughter. When she is talking to you on a regular basis, it will be easier for her to open up. In addition, it will give you the chance to notice any problems early on.

When communicating with your daughter, it is important to use the following good listening skills: • Listen without making her feelings wrong • Do not tell her how she should feel • Listen without trying to fix her problems • Give her your undivided attention • Do not make the mistake some parents do of hovering or trying to make everything right When someone is depressed, having someone who will listen is far more valuable than someone trying to give advice. One component of teenage depression is feeling worthless. If a parent treats a teen as if they are helpless, it only contributes to feelings of worthlessness, which can exacerbate the depression.

Have hope. Although therapy is not a quick fix, I often observe people feeling better after the first session. Just talking about problems can put things in a better perspective. I hope your daughter can get the help she needs and feel better soon.

Dr. Donaldson is a clinical psychologist practicing in Waxahachie. She can be contacted at donaldsonpsyd@aol.com or visit her Web site at donaldsonwellnesscenter.com.

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MEDICAL ASK YOUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL...

CAN NUMBNESS BE REVERSED?

BY DR. TRAVIS SPILLMAN By now, numbness is something most of us are used to at the dentist after an injection of local anesthetic. Your dental professional now has a proven way that may speed up the return of sensation in the soft tissues of the mouth after routine care.

THE PROBLEM...

Numbness can be limiting, affecting your speech, your smile and your ability to drink. You may even catch yourself drooling.

THE SOLUTION...

Now you can get on with your day after routine dental procedures thanks to a new product that reverses the effects of local anesthesia. This new measure of comfort is for patients who dislike the lingering numbness that can last for three to five hours after leaving our office.

To deliver superior care, we’re always finding better ways to ensure your comfort and improve your dental experience. OraVerse is the first and only product proven safe and effective in accelerating a return to normal

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

sensation and function after a local anesthetic containing a vasoconstrictor has been used. So now in about half the time, you’ll be talking, smiling and drinking just like normal.1 And OraVerse can benefit nearly any patient, but is not recommended for children under 6 years of age or weighing less than 33 pounds.

We want you to have the most comfortable experience possible. It’s a commitment that begins when you walk in the door and extends long after you leave. So if you’re among the many patients who dislike lingering numbness and its limitations, let’s discuss whether OraVerse is the right choice for you during your next dental visit.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Tachycardia, bradycardia and cardiac arrhythmias may occur with the use of phentolamine or other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents.

Although such effects are uncommon with OraVerse (phentolamine mesylate), clinicians should be alert to the

signs and symptoms of these events, particularly in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Following parenteral use of phentolamine at doses between five to 15 times higher than the recommended dose of OraVerse, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular spasm and occlusion have been reported, usually in association with marked hypotensive episodes producing shock-like states.

Median time to recovery of normal sensation was reduced by 85 minutes (55%) in the mandible and by 83 minutes (62%) in the maxilla compared to control. Median time to recovery of normal function was reduced by 60 minutes (50%) in the mandible and by 45 minutes (43%) in the maxilla.

1

To learn more about OraVerse, visit Dr. Travis Spillman at the Dental Center of Midlothian, opening in January 2011. Dr. Spillman is part of the teaching faculty for the Center for Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry (CARD). To find out more or to schedule an appointment, please call 972.723.3567 (FLOS).

John Sullivan, M. D. General Surgery

OVILLA MEDICAL CLINIC

NOW OFFERS SERVICES IN TWO LOCATIONS:

OVILLA MEDICAL CLINIC

DALTON MEDICAL CLINIC

675 West Main Street Ovilla, TX 75154 972.617.6376

200 Dalton Drive DeSoto, TX 75115 972.223.7575

Dr. Sullivan arrived in Ennis in 2003 after completing his residency in General Surgery and Fellowship in Laparoscopic Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Since then he married Meg, who is a cardiologist, and had two boys John Michael and William Henry. Dr. Sullivan has kept at the forefront of medicine in Ennis and performs outpatient procedures now at both Southwest Surgery Center in Ennis and Waxahachie Surgery Center.

He routinely performs outpatient gallbladder, hernia, intestine and anti-reflux procedures laparoscopically, allowing patients to be at home the day of their operation. He also performs diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and colonoscopy with minimally invasive techniques for treating hemorrhoids and ulcers. He continues to care for hospitalized patients, performing inpatient and higher risk outpatient surgeries at Ennis Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Sullivanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion is minimally invasive surgery with less pain and faster recovery times while avoiding costly stays in a hospital. With the expansions in the department of surgery, Dr. Sullivan no longer takes call 24/7 at the hospital and has found time to hunt, fish and enjoy his growing family.

Accepting Most Insurances

WWW.DR-TRAMMELL.COM JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

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MEDICAL

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BY DR. EDWIN CHARNOCK

Let me begin by saying I am not a dietitian and I don’t play one on TV. I am a sleep specialist, but the advice I’m about to give you comes from years of experience of working with folks whose weight has caused significant medical problems. About a third of the adults who visit a doctor’s office have sleep apnea and about 75 percent of them are overweight. Sleep apnea is caused by the narrowing and eventual collapse of the breathing passages during sleep, and when those passages start off somewhat narrow because of excess weight, sleep apnea is more common and more severe. In the short term, it’s important to treat sleep apnea by keeping the airway open during sleep, but long-term weight loss may reduce or eliminate the sleep apnea. Many patients with sleep apnea are too tired to exercise and tend to unconsciously eat to help stay awake.

Statistically, simply treating sleep apnea does not produce weight loss and weight loss, even down to a normal weight, may not eliminate sleep apnea.

Untreated sleep apnea can double your risk of heart attack or stroke, so it can solve your weight problem the hard way.

Humans are extraordinarily efficient energy users and it is difficult with exercise alone to lose significant weight. As an example, a vigorous 30 minutes on the treadmill will burn about 300 calories, or about the same number of calories in two 12-ounce Cokes. I have patients say, “I will watch what I eat.” Watching what you eat doesn’t help; you must change what you eat, and you have to have a plan. Do you have a shelf full of diet books you don’t use? Join the crowd. The market is full of diet books, most of which seem to have been written by marketing people, not clinicians.

And while most of us would agree with Garfield that diet is “die” with a “t,” you

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

don’t have to be hungry all the time and don’t have to live on leaves and twigs to lose weight. There are a number of excellent books available and the general principles are the same. Humans, unfortunately, are not designed to eat large amounts of pasta, grains and rice. This is especially bad if you are a Texan like me who loves Tex-Mex. It’s not that we can’t eat those things, but that we have to eat them in reasonable amounts. Italians, as an example, eat pasta at every meal but most are not overweight. The difference is that their portions are much smaller than we serve here in the U.S. and they eat a lot of fresh vegetables with the pasta.

When we eat highly concentrated sources of carbohydrates, we absorb them much too fast, which causes our insulin level to climb very rapidly to drive the blood sugar down. It does so by forcing that sugar into storage where eventually it may be stored as fat. The insulin level always overshoots, drives the blood sugar down too much, and soon we are again craving carbohydrates. In other words, we not only need to control how many calories we eat, we need to control what kind of calories we eat.

It’s not as simple as calories-in-minuscalories-out equals our weight.

So the first thing is to figure out how much you should weigh. You can measure your height and weight and look on the Internet to find your Body Mass Index, or BMI. This is a common way of determining if you are normal weight, a little overweight or substantially overweight. A better way is to calculate your percent body fat. This is probably a better indicator of your overall dietary health as reflected by your body composition than the BMI. This can be determined by a simple calculation that

can be found on the Internet or you can use a body fat analyzer device. By the way, I do not recommend giving a body fat analyzer as a Christmas gift. You’d be surprised how few people would see that as an expression of concern for their health and would use it to hit you on the head with no concern whatsoever for your health. Trust me on this one.

Once you’ve done a few simple measurements, you will have an idea of where you’re starting and what you want to achieve. The next step is how to get there. You can consult a dietitian, work with one of the many weight management organizations either locally or online, or follow the advice in one of the many fine books available. My personal favorites are “You on a Diet” by Drs. Oz and Roizsen and “A Week in the Zone”

by Dr. Barry Sears. Perhaps the most effective is a supervised weight loss program and you might ask your doctor for a referral to one of those programs.

How do you know if you are making progress? I’ll give you my advice. I don’t think people really care what they weigh.

They care how they feel, how they look and how their clothes fit. For that reason I don’t recommend daily weights. I think it just makes us all neurotic. Once a week should be plenty often enough. Expect to lose weight gradually, about a pound a week. If you are 50 pounds overweight, it’ll take a year. Just be patient.

You didn’t get overweight overnight and you won’t reach a normal weight overnight either. You will, however, feel better, look better and be healthier. It is not easy, but it is worth it.

Edwin Charnock, M.D., is the medical director at Medical Sleep Solutions in Waxahachie. Call 888.768.SLEEP for more information.

!

ALL EYE

OPTICAL CARE

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MEDICAL

ORGAN DONATION

THE GIFT OF LIFE

BY KAITY HENNESSY

An average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant, and every 10 minutes a new name is added to the national organ transplant list.1 There are currently more than 110,000 candidates on the waiting list needing organ transplants.2 This is a staggering number. What many people don't know is how easy it is to become a donor and potentially decrease this number.

Organ transplantation has been a huge success story in the history of medicine.

Although continuing advances and developments in medical technology occur everyday, the need for organs is much greater than what is currently available.

For most, planning what will happen at the time of your death is not a topic that comes up very often. However, organ, tissue and eye donation is very important and should be discussed thoroughly and with your family. Every person has the chance to save another individual’s life by donating his or her organs, and that is a comforting thought. Each organ and tissue donor saves or improves the lives of as many as 50 people.3 There is no age requirement to become an organ donor. Individuals ranging in age from newborn to senior citizen have been organ donors. What is more important is the health of your organs. If you want to

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

become a donor and you are under 18, you will need the permission of a parent or guardian to do so. Also, your race and medical history do not determine whether you can be an organ donor. When the time comes, the doctor will evaluate the health of your organs, and a decision will be made based on a combination of factors, including the type of illness you had, your physical condition at the time of your death and the organs that would be donated.

Organs that can be donated are kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and the intestines. Some of these organs cannot be stored and must be transplanted from the donor to the patient within hours. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), is a national computer network that matches donor organs with donor recipients throughout the country.

Tissues that can be donated include the corneas, the middle ear, skin, heart valves, bone, veins, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. These tissues can be stored and are used to restore sight, cover burns, repair hearts, replace valves and mend damaged tissue and cartilage in patients.

Although organ donation should be discussed in an end-of-life situation, becoming an organ donor while living has become common. There are more qualities an individual must possess to become a living organ donor to ensure the quality of recovery for both donor and receiver of the organ. Kidneys are the most common organ that are donated by living donors, as people can live healthy lives with only one kidney. Other organs can be donated by a living donor, including a lobe of a lung, partial liver, pancreas or intestine.1 The option of a living donor, in combination with a deceased donor, increases a person's chance of finding a matching donor in a shorter amount of time. However, the decision to become a living donor should include careful research and thoughtful consideration. For

Becoming an organ donor is quite simple, and there is no cost to you or your family for the organ or tissue donation. As a resident of Texas, you should complete the following steps: • Check “Yes! I want to be an organ and tissue donor” when you apply for or renew your driver’s license or ID card.

• You can also print and sign a donor card and carry it will you until you are able to indicate your decision to be a donor on your driver’s license. Visit www.organdonor.gov/donor/index. htm, to download and print a page of donor cards.

• Sign up online to be an organ and tissue donor at the Glenda Dawson Donate Life - Texas Registry (www.DonateLifeTexas.org).

more information, you can visit www. transplantliving.org, or contact your local transplant center.

Feb. 14 is National Donor Day. In preparation for National Donor Day, fill out an organ and tissue donation card, register with the Texas Registry, join the National Registry of potential volunteer marrow and blood stem cell donors, and donate blood.

Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, is the day of love.

What would be a more loving gesture than making the decision to become an organ donor and potentially safe lives?

For more information, visit www.organdonor.gov or www.donatelife.net. You can also contact the Donate Life Texas office by calling 210.614.7030.

www.donatelife.net U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 3 www.organdonor.gov 1

2

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=>?@A>B@=CBD

CHEST PAIN, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, PALPITATIONS, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HIGH CHOLESTEROL, FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART ATTACKS

Imad Alwan, MD, FACC INVASIVE CARDIOLOGIST

FELLOW OF AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Adult Cardiology Nuclear Cardiology Cardiac Coronary CT Angiography

1905 W. Ennis Avenue, Ste 506 Ennis, TX 75119

• All types of stress tests - exercise, chemical & nuclear • Echocardiogram • Coronary Calcium Scoring • Coronary CT Angiography • Cardiac pacemaker & defibrillator check-ups • All types of heart rhythm ambulatory monitoring • No referral required • Accepts most private insuraces & Medicare

972-875-0100

Ennis Heart Center, P.A. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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Inn case you y missed it before, here’s one of our favorite past articles by Cindy Burch.

Hopefully 2011 will be the year you seize each day!

Hopefu

SEIZE THE DAY For whatever reason, some people spend their life dreaming about places they would love to visit but never do, while there are others that find ways to fulfill their dreams, no matter the cost or sacrifice. Obviously there are places some of us would love to visit but just cannot afford, be it time, money, or circumstance. As a contributing writer for Living Magazine, I have the opportunity throughout the year to share with you some of my travels. I am amazed at the number of readers that tell me they have always wanted to go to a certain destination, but just haven’t done it yet.

My reply is always the same, “What are you waiting for?” There is so much to see and learn around the world, and so many destinations to experience.

“IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN YESTERDAY, AND WE CAN’T PUT IT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW, BECAUSE TOMORROW MAY NOT COME” I’m not big on making New Year’s resolutions, but I would like to encourage you not to dream away the future.

My father always said he had no desire to travel overseas, until he had seen all of America. Unfortunately, he died at the young age of 65, long before he accomplished either goal. So often we get caught up in the details of day-to-day living that we don’t take the

time to seize an opportunity. We’ve got deadlines and commitments, problems and priorities, distractions and obstacles, and though we really want more fulfillment from every single day, we don’t often take the time we need to rest, relax and recharge. Meredith Grey, the lead character on the hit TV show “Grey’s Anatomy,” summed it up for some of us by saying, “We have to sweep today’s possibility under tomorrow’s rug until we can’t anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant.

Never leave that until tomorrow, which you can do today.”

My husband’s father was a banker for years, and very conservative about everything. My in-laws held back from experiencing a lot of extras in life, fearing they might one day become a financial burden on their two sons.

Although that is an admirable trait, we encouraged them to enjoy their lives, and quit worrying about a future they have no control over. After years of persuasion, they are now more relaxed. At 60 years old, they applied for a passport, started traveling and even got certified in scuba diving. In the past five years, they have been to Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Honduras and the Turks and Caicos islands.

Another prime example of seizing the day is my dear friend and long-time Ellis County resident, Beverly Worthington. After raising a family and being a caregiver to her husband for years, she decided to start doing some things that earlier in her life she might have thought twice about. At age 70, she has gone hang gliding in Brazil, done

a canopy zip line tour in Costa Rica, climbed Machu Picchu in Peru, trekked with me in the underground world of Cappadocia, Turkey, and even climbed the Great Wall of China, twice.

“WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?” Whether your ideal vacation involves a passport or an RV, don’t just watch the Travel Channel, but visit the places you have always wanted to see, and experience the sites you have dreamed of. Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. It’s not going to happen yesterday, and we can’t put it off until tomorrow, because tomorrow may not come. It’s a real challenge to face the present, because it means you can no longer say, “One of these days I’ll take that Alaskan cruise, drive across the country, ski the Swiss Alps or climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.” Seize the day and vow to make this year the beginning of some new life adventures.

Cindy Burch

Cindy Burch and her husband Andrew own and operate The Dove’s ’ N Nestt Restaurant and Gifts in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy’s own cookbook, “The Dove’s Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From a Historic Texas Town,” has sold more than 20,000 copies.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011