July 2017 Ellis County Living Magazine

LM I Ellis County Living Magazine

ELLIS COUNTY

Summer Issue

July/August 2017/living-magazine.com

The Ultimate in Outdoor Living

Pools • Spas • Cabanas • Cottages • Lazy Rivers • Outdoor Kitchens

Lazy River Pool Company

The Unique One-of-a-Kind Pool Builder We customize a pool to fit your home, your style & your budget We build a quality pool with unique designs and craftsmanship qualities.

From a Lazy River Pool to elegant backyard garden pools, No two pools are alike.

214.883.2779 • WWW.LAZYRIVERPOOLS.COM Architectural Designs (Copyright 2017) Engineering Construction

Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce 2015 Business of the Year It’s about Communities, Families and Homes.

Welcome Home... to Ellis County!

When you are looking for hometown service backed by expert, local professionals, turn to The Schmidt Group at Gateway Mortgage.

Their Waxahachie office has over 100 years experience in the mortgage industry and best of all, they live and work right here in ELLIS COUNTY. Whether you are purchasing a new home, considering refinancing or even seeking access to your home’s equity, they have the right solution to meet nearly any mortgage need.

The Schmidt Group promises you:

• A community - first approach • Local underwriting and on-time closings • Service for a lifetime

Your Award-Winning Team

Voted “Best Mortgage Company” in Ellis County for the 5th Year in a Row! 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

Jeff Schmidt 817.681.7897

Terry Wooten 214.949.9285

Tom Ker 972.365.7022

NMLS 91368

NMLS 224831

NMLS 356892

REGIONAL MANAGER

Jeff.Schmidt@GatewayLoan.com

SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Nick Hester 469.855.9262

Laura Mitchell 972.743.9520

NMLS 338108

NMLS 864780

SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR Nick.Hester@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace 903.571.9869

LOAN ORIGINATOR/BUSINESS DEV MGR NMLS 1146461

Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

LOAN ORIGINATOR

Laura.Mitchell@GatewayLoan.com

SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Authier 903.654.0145

LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1527367

Matt.Authier@GatewayLoan.com

Visit us online: www.TheSchmidtGrp.com

Office: 972.937.2200 | 1332 W. Hwy 287 Bypass, Suite-1 | Waxahachie, TX 75165 Gateway Mortgage Group is a registered service mark of Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC. NMLS 7233

Join Us This Summer!

July 1 FAMILY FEST 2pm-7pm Free Family Fest: live music and bbq

July 15 at 10 am Low Maintenance Landscape Seminar

July 29 at 10 am Grow Organic! Seminar

August 26 at 10 am Fairy Gardening Workshop

Make Over Any Interior or Exterior Surface!

Attention pet owners, homeowners and business owners...

C&M Staining & Overlay has been providing homeowners, private companies, management companies, hotels, architects, designers, and contractors with answers to concrete problems for over 30 years.

C&M Staining & Overlay offers a highly flexible

and creative design tool that will transform your plain gray concrete or existing decking into a multi-dimensional, beautiful textured surface.

It is designed to cover old or new concrete.

We offer a wide variety of colors and textures with structural integrity far exceeding that of standard concrete finish.

C & M STAINING AND OVERLAY OFFICE: 469-552-6001 • DIRECT: 214-577-1465 • WWW.CONCRETEANDMORE.COM

972-515-3546 | www.aoasispools.com

Unique Pool Designs and Features • • • • • • • •

Custom in-ground pools Chlorine and saltwater pools Infinity pools Negative-edge pools Free-form pools Waterwalls Waterfalls Grottos and stonework

Get quality work at affordable prices at A Oasis Pools and Outdoor Living. One contractor does the entire job and we provide complete service. You will have more choices with our unique and custom designs. Contact us today for

a FREE estimate. We are proud

972-515-3546 | www.aoasislandscaping.com

Traditional and Southwest-Style Landscaping • • • • • • • • • • •

Custom landscape designs Water-friendly designs Landscape installation Irrigation Drainages Annual color change out Landscape lightings Pergolas Outdoor Kitchens Custom Stone Works Lawn Maintenance

to be a family-owned and operated company.

CONTENTS JULY-AUGUST 2017 |

volume 13

|

issue 4

LIFE & STYLE

24 BEAUTY: NATURAL IS NICE Get a summer glow with these tips 36 A NOURISHED LIFE Christina Driskell’s new column on parenting and family.

38 RECIPES: SWEET & SAVORY SUMMER Fire up the grill!

42 BEACH BOOKS We can’t wait to read these on vacation!

44 TRAVEL: HAVE TOYS, WILL TRAVEL Everyone (and these treats) in the car!

HOME

14

56

52 A SIMPLE RENOVATION

Diane Johnson Collard redesigns a bathroom in an instant.

56 COURTNEY WARREN COLUMN We asked Courtney to help us with designing an outdoor workspace at ECLM’s office.

60 JULY/AUGUST GARDENING Ellis County Master Gardeners on getting the most out of the late summer soil.

62 HOUSE HUNT SURVIVAL GUIDE Realtor Melinda McCutchan’s advice for new home buyers.

MEDICAL

28 FEATURE: SUMMERTIME IS HERE!

28-29 SMOKIN’ HOT BBQ WITH MATT PITTMAN 30-34 THE SUMMER LIST

8

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

72 FASHION

14 - 22 SUMMER SIMPLE

We took our models to Roland’s Nursery in Waxahachie to show off these sweet summer outfts.

66 MIGRAINES Marisa Sibley on advances in migraine treatments 68 MARRIAGE & TRUST Practice and learn from Dr. Skinner 70 IS IT WORTH A SHOT? Baylor Scott & White on which vaccinations you should consider for all stages of life.

72 CINDY BURCH: I LOVE LISBON

Waxahachie Civic Center Presents The 14th Annual

Bridal Extravaganza Market S U N D AY , S E P T E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 12PM-4PM ADMISSION $3.00

Waxahachie Civic Center 2000 CIVIC CENTER LANE

Now Accepting Vendor Applications

FOR MORE DETAILS: 469-309-4040 OR VISIT WAXAHACHIECIVICCENTER.ORG

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

EDITOR’S NOTE

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER CINDY CAMP publisher@living-magazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINDSEY KEENEY lindsey@living-magazine.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEAGAN CAMP editor@living-magazine.com

ADVERTISING CHRIS BENNETT chris@living-magazine.com

Summer has arrived and with it swim parties that last late into the night, stargazing in the backyard and sharing meals with friends and family.

This season is less about the freedom from the drop-off lane at school and more about being grateful for days and weeks that blend together with sunshine and sunscreen.

Days where breakfast is for dinner and served on paper plates and eaten in swim trunks. It’s a magical time of year where the sunflowers are out and the corn can be picked from the stalks. We here at Ellis County Living Magazine hope you have a blissful summer and we hope you spend some time by the pool reading this issue and learning more about our great cities.

- Meagan

ASSISTANT EDITOR TYLER-MARIE HARTMANN social@living-magazine.com

Follow us on Instagram: @ECLivingMagazine facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/ECLivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving

ART DIRECTOR CARLY PECHAL creative@living-magazine.com

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

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

MAGAZINE

STAFF PHOTOS BY LUCILLE PHOTO

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

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

10

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

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

Copyright 2017, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved.

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

Explore What’s New In

Ennis Y’all KINDRED SOULE MARKETPLACE

Wherever life takes you, make sure you have the perfect place to store your moments and memories.

Rediscover the art of gift giving. Also experience our eatery and tea bar serving Piper & Leaf Tea. 200 W. Knox St. #100 DOWNTOWN ENNIS (972) 876-4202 kindredsoule.com

ENNIS FARMERS MARKET

Visit the charming downtown farmers market to stock up on fresh produce, herbs, baked goods, eggs and other unique items. Enjoy listening to music and visiting with friends and neighbors in historic downtown Ennis. Open Saturdays from 8am-1pm. facebook.com/ennistxfarmersmarket

CHIC BOUTIQUE & GIFT EMPORIUM

Come check out our new location in downtown Ennis to see fresh new summer styles. We have clothing, accessories and gifts for every occasion!

211 N.W. Main Street, Ste. B DOWNTOWN ENNIS (972) 875-6250

ROSEWOOD RANCHES, INC.

Our mission is to proudly deliver the healthiest, most mouth-watering, naturally raised beef in an environmentally sensible environment, as the utmost expression of our family’s rich ranching history.

8017 Hwy. 85 | ENNIS (903) 326-7611 | Cell: (214) 729-9454 | rosewoodbeef.com

chicboutiqueandgiftemporium.com

INTERIOR IDEAS, INC.

Who says you can’t be fashionable at the beach? At Interior Ideas & Wildflower Cafe we have you covered this summer with gifts, shopping, lunch and a friendly downtown atmosphere.

211 W. Knox St. DOWNTOWN ENNIS (972) 878-6868 iibg@sbcglobal.net

“Expect More”

AROUND TOWN JULY: WAXAHACHIE July 3rd-4th Crape Myrtle Festival & Parade Waxahachie Sports Complex A great way to celebrate the Fourth of July with a community tailgate party, concert, children’s activities and more. For more information, visit www.waxahachiecvb.com.

July 8th BOGO 2nd Saturday Downtown Waxahachie Participating downtown merchants will be offering sales on the second Saturday of the month.

July 13th 2nd Thursday Ladies Night Out Downtown Waxahachie Every month from 5 to 8 pm with participating merchants.

July 14th Summer Moonlight Movie: MOANA Downtown Waxahachie Gather with friends and family to watch an outdoor movie in the downtown square. Movies begin at 9 pm.

July 28th-30th Wanted-Goldilocks on Trial-Waxahachie Community Theatre’s Kids Summer Showcase Living Hope Nazarene Church Tickets are available online at www. waxahachiecommunitytheatre.com.

ENNIS July 1 Ennis Freedom Fest Historic Downtown Ennis & Texas Motorplex A great Fourth of July celebration including the Red, White & Bike Parade, as well as a free fireworks.

12 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

July 1 Music & Wine with Rod Butler Sugar Ridge Winery For more information, call 972-666-2888.

July 5-26 Kids Craft Workshops Kindred Soule Marketplace To preregister or get more information, call 972-876-4202.

July 21-30 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Ennis Public Theatre The new show being presented at the Ennis Public Theatre. For more information, check out www.

EnnisPublicTheatre.com or call 972-878-7529.

MIDLOTHIAN July 1 Midlothian Market Heritage Park Begins at 8 am and ends at 12 pm with community shopping, crafts and delicious food!

A LOT IS HAPPENING IN ELLIS COUNTY...

July 8 Movies in the Park featuring Trolls Hawkins Spring Park Hosted by the Midlothian Parks and Recreation Department.

Admission is free with great prizes.

More information is found on www. midlothian.tx.us.

July 15 Midlothian Market Heritage Park Begins at 8 am and ends at 12 pm with community shopping, crafts and delicious food!

RED OAK July 1 Red Oak White & Blue 777 South I-35 E Red Oak, TX A fireworks show that begins at around 9:15 pm. Bring your coolers and lawn chairs to the event to lay back and watch the Red Oak fireworks!

July 24 – 27 Bike Safety Course Midlothian Community Park The times are from 9 am to 12 pm.

The Midlothian Police Department is hosting this educational event.

July 1 Midlothian Independence Day Parade Downtown Midlothian Begins at 10 am and celebrates the Fourth of July.

July 3 Midlothian Independence Day Fireworks MISD Stadium Begins at 9:15 pm. There is free admission with parking lot gates opening at 6:00 pm. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs. For more information, check out www.midlothian.tx.us.

// JULY-AUGUST 2017

Schedule of events:

8-1 farmers market 9 line up for judging 9:30 judging 10 parade 11:00 awards raffle 7 gates open free admission 9:15 spectacular firework show

SIMPLIFIED JUDGING CATEGORIES. MOST PATRIOTIC, FAMILY AND UNDER 6

AROUND TOWN AUGUST: WAXAHACHIE August 10 2nd Thursday Ladies Night Out Downtown Waxahachie Every month from 5 – 8 pm with participating merchants.

August 11 Summer Moonlight Movie: HAIRSPRAY (2007) Downtown Waxahachie Gather with friends and family to watch an outdoor movie in the downtown square. Movies begin at 9 pm.

August 12 BOGO 2nd Saturday Downtown Waxahachie Participating downtown merchants will be offering sales on the second Saturday of the month.

ENNIS August 12 BYOM (Bring Your Own Meat) Cookout Sugar Ridge Winery A cookout with live music by Josh Jacarrd. To receive more information and RSVP, check out www.sugarridgewinery.com or call 972-666-2888.

August 25 – September 9 Moon Over Buffalo Ennis Public Theatre For more information, check out www.EnnisPublicTheatre.com or call 972-878-7529.

MIDLOTHIAN August 5 Midlothian Market Heritage Park Begins at 8 am and ends at 12 pm with community shopping, crafts and delicious food!

August 12 Mayor’s Back 2 School Bash Frank Seale Middle School From 9 am to 12 pm, there will be fun activities, including water slides, food, a zip line, carnival games, face painting, dunking booth and more.

For more information, call 972775-1800.

August 19 Midlothian Market Heritage Park Begins at 8 am and ends at 12 pm with community shopping, crafts and delicious food!

August 19 Movies in the Park featuring Beauty & the Beast Hawkins Spring Park Hosted by the Midlothian Parks and Recreation Department.

Admission is free with great prizes.

More information is found on www. midlothian.tx.us.

Summer Reading Programs SIMS LIBRARY SUMMER Schedule: All events start at 10am unless specifically stated!

July 5 & 10 FWMSH Mobile Planetarium, 4 shows, RSVP req’d 10, 10:30, 11 & 11:30 July 6, 12pm Lunch with a Librarian July 7 Watermelon Wallow July 12 Wild Things Zoofari July 12, 3pm Tweens - Keep Waxahachie Recycling July 13, 12pm LEGOs at Lunch July 14, Bubblepalooza July 19, Dino George July 20, 12pm Lunch with a Librarian July 21, Dance Party July 22, 10am or 9pm Super Science Saturday! Science experiments in the daytime,

stargazing on the lawn in the evening. Weather dependent.

July 26 Soda Shop Hop July 27, 12pm LEGOs at Lunch July 28, Spaced Out! August 12 Carnival - For those that participated in Summer Reading August 21 Solar Eclipse Watch Party - Glasses available for the first 150 participants.

ENNIS PUBLIC LIBRARY For children 0-Pre-K, July 5, 12 and 19 performances from 10-11am.

K-6 programming at 10am and 2pm on Tuesdays and Thursday, July 6, 11, 13.

Teen programming Mondays from 3-4pm on July 10, 12 and 24.

20th Annual Crape Myrtle Festival and Parade - Pink Petals & Patriotism -

Join the city of Waxahachie for a flower-filled 4th of July celebration with crape myrtles in full bloom during the 20th Annual Crape Myrtle Festival and Parade, FREE to the public.

MONDAY- JULY 3 5 p.m. - InterBank Tailgate Party Waxahachie Sports Complex located at 151 Broadhead Rd. 7:30 p.m - Def Leggend – The World’s Greatest Tribute to Def Leppard sponsored by Carlisle Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.

9 p.m. - Spectacular H-E-B fireworks display Tune into KBEC 1390 during the fireworks show for a special broadcast of patriotic music.

The Kid Zone sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie with FREE activities and food vendors for families to purchase from in the Food Court.

(Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are allowed at the Waxahachie Sports Complex; however, personal fireworks are prohibited) TUESDAY - JULY 4 10 a.m. - Hometown parade sponsored by CNB of Texas.

The parade will start at College Street, head west on Main Street and end in Getzendaner Park.

After the parade, Remedy Church will host a Picnic in the Park in Getzendaner Park for families along with free hotdogs, water, snow cones, old fashioned games and bounce house and “Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby” during the picnic.

For more information on the festival, call the Waxahachie Convention & Visitors Bureau at 469-309-4040 or visit www.waxahachiecvb.com.

Other sponsors include the Crape Myrtle Council, the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce and the City of Waxahachie.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

13

FASHION

From Left to Right: Dress, Multitudes, $46 Earrings, Multitudes, $16 Dress, Multitudes, $42 Earrings, Multitudes, $24

14 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

// JULY-AUGUST 2017

Dress, Multitudes, $42 Necklace, Multitudes, $18

SIMPLY summer Written and Styled by Tyler-Marie Hartmann Photos by Averie Claire

Top, The Mix, $132 Pants, The Mix, $46

Now is the time to let a bold color or strong style do the speaking in your outfit. You don’t have to think about putting multiple intricate details together. Summer fashion is about wearing one to two bold items that show your ability to take charge of the room you walk into effortlessly.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

15

Top, The Mix, $54 Necklace, The Mix, $33 Pants, The Mix, $44

“Lose yourself in

a Summery Floral Paradise"

Romper, Multitudes, $39 Necklace, Multitudes, $22

16

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

17

From Left to Right: Dress, The Briarpatch, $88.95 Bracelet, The Briarpatch, $72 Dress, The Briarpatch, $42.95 Bracelet, The Briarpatch, $98

18

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

Top, The Briarpatch, prices available in store Skirt, Lauren James, $92

A BOLD LOOK FOR A R E M M U S DAY Top, The Briarpatch, $25.95 Necklace, The Briarpatch, $38

Drop some colorful makeup pieces in that shopping cart. Summer makeup trends are all about glowing skin paired with fun, bold colors.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

19

Top, The Briarpatch, prices available in store Necklace, The Briarpatch, $70 Pants, The Briarpatch, $29.95

20

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

21

Simply Summer Credits:

behind

the scenes

the look A big thank you to our interns Jessica Lenamond and Sloane Smith for all of their help.

MODELS:

HAIR STYLIST:

Gretta Moreman Sydney Nguyen

Julie Stroope Salon Narcisse 972.938.9044

MAKEUP ARTISTS: Sarah Kinney-Kennedy and Pam Peterson Merle Norman Cosmetics 972.937.9696

the shoot PHOTOGRAPHER: Averie Claire Photography www.averieclaire.com

LOCATION: Roland's Nursery & Landscaping and the Secret Garden at Roland's 2240 Dallas Hwy, Waxahachie, TX 75165

the style A BIG THANK YOU TO THE PARTICIPATING BOUTIQUES: Dress, Multitudes, $29 Choker, Multitudes, $14

22

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

THE BRIARPATCH LAUREN JAMES THE MIX MULTITUDES

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

23

BEAUTY

Natural Beauty

BY TYLER-MARIE HARTMANN

THE PERFECT NATURAL SUMMER LOOK

Foreo Luna Play Plus www.foreo.com Herbivore Detox Soaking Salts www.herbivorebotanicals.com

Our goal this summer is to promote our natural self, so we have everything from bath salts to facial oils to herbal supplements to promote who we are under the makeup. We have a variety of products to look at! Check out the Herbivore Botanicals’ bath salt to detoxify with Eucalyptus, the Luna Play Plus to deep clean your skin or the Glo Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device to completely brighten your smile.

Glo Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device www.gloscience.com

24

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

Our formula for summer beauty is glowing skin, long lashes and bold lipstick choices. Lancôme’s new matte shakers will give you bold, bright lips to wear on vacation or a day in the office. Then, the Lancer lash serum will give you the appearance of those long lashes and Benefit Cosmetics’ They’re Real mascara will be your go-to mascara for the season.

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick www.charlottetilbury.com

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Highlighter www.benefitcosmetics.com

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real www.benefitcosmetics.com

Lancome Matte Shaker Liquid Lipstick www.lancome.com

makeup

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

25

BEAUTY

Pestle & Mortar Superstar Retinol Night Oil www.pestleandmortar.com

Moon Juice Beauty Dust www.moonjuiceshop.com

skin

After wearing the Retinol Night Oil for a few nights, I noticed my skin was less red and more even-toned. I went barefaced for a few days after and loved the new, radiant glow my skin had.

Mullein & Sparrow Facial Steam and Mask www.mulleinandsparrow.com

Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask www.charlottetilbury.com

To achieve that summer tan, use the Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze and Glow mask. Without going through a major tanning process, you can get that summer glow and no one will know the difference!

Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil www.herbivorebotanicals.com

Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask www.charlottetilbury.com

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed oil www.christophe-robin.com

26

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

Moon Juice Beauty Dust www.moonjuiceshop.com Herbal supplements are a great way to get that beauty health you need through drinking a smoothie or a cup of tea.

The Beauty Dust Moon Juice herbal supplement is full of nutrients to give your skin and hair its inner glow. You can mix it in a smoothie, water, almond milk and more. A simple way to make a great difference.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste with Pure Rassoul Clay and Rose Extracts www.christophe-robin.com

Volume, texture and body—our dream summer hair is full of life.

Here are some choice products and a styling tool that helps to create those beach waves.

Christophe Robin Brightening Hair Finish Lotion www.christophe-robin.com

hair

Pestle & Mortar Superstar Retinol Night Oil www.pestleandmortar.com

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

27

FEATURE

Smokin' Hot

BY MEAGAN CAMP PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATT PITTMAN

Waxahachie’s pitmaster matt pittman shares with us adelicious burnt ends recipe and answers questions about his world of cooking.

1) What is the Meat Church philosophy on cooking?

My cooking style is very primitive. I believe all you need is wood, fire, good meat and our seasoning. We don’t cook with any gadgets or electronics. I would say our BBQ is old school and very straight forward.

2) You offer classes at your outdoor kitchen in Waxahachie. What are the

classes like and are they for beginners?

We are not just trying to teach you the basics of how to make briskets, ribs and chicken. We can do that, but our goal is to offer a very unique experience in our private home. These classes are interactive, super fun and they are for all skill levels. We’ve created a lot of buzz in the BBQ community, and luckily a lot of people are wanting to work with us. Therefore we bring in special guests including pitmasters on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list. We will show you how to cook on anything from an offset smoker to a Big Green Egg or Traeger. We are extremely thorough and cover all the basics like fire management, meat selection, how to brine\season\sauce as well as advanced ways to cook on many different cookers. We teach core BBQ as well as unique stuff you don’t see a lot of folks doing.

3) How did you design your outdoor kitchen to accommodate your equipment and your classes?

My wife and I set out to design a fun space for our family and also our friends as we like to entertain. Luckily for me, I talked her into basically what I consider the ultimate outdoor kitchen.

There were no written diagrams or plans for the kitchen so to speak. There were visions in my head and the builder, and we just iterated daily until it was completed. The kitchen is extremely unique given it has an offset smoker built in as well as many different types of cookers including a custom, stainless Santa Maria Grill. We want to show you how to make amazing meals on your cooker of choice.

See the class schedule and Matt’s upcoming appearances at www.MeatChurch.com!

28 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

// JULY-AUGUST 2017

Brisket w i t h B u r n t E n d s SHOPPING LIST:

full packer brisket meat church holy cow meat mitch whomp bbq sauce 1/2 size disposable aluminum steam pan

BY MATT PITTMAN, MEATCHURCH.COM

A brisket is comprised of two muscles; the point (the fat end) and the flat (the lean end). In order to be able to cook brisket burnt ends you

4)

PREPARE

Prepare your smoker at a temperature of 275°. If you are using a Big Green Egg you want to set it up for an indirect cook with the ConveGGtor. I recommend a heavier smoking wood chunks for this cook such as oak, hickory, mesquite or pecan.

3) BRISKET need to butcher the brisket a

2) BUTCHER THE BRISKET Trim the excess fat and silver skin from the brisket. Also, remove any “hard” pieces of fat as they will not render off during the cooking process.

Trim the fat off the bottom of the brisket leaving only 1/4 in (6 mm) fat.

1) YOUR SMOKER

bit more than you would for a traditional packer. Therefore, after your traditional brisket butchering, you need to start to separate the flat form the point. Using a sharp boning knife expose the point meat so it can absorb smoke. You don’t have to completely separate the muscles. (See photo for example).

SMOKE THE Place the brisket in the EGG fatside down. When the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, double wrap the brisket in nonwaxed butcher paper or aluminum foil...this is what we call the Texas crutch. The bark will have formed nicely by this point.

Continue to smoke the brisket until it reaches 195 internal temperature.

The brisket is not completely done at this point but we need to separate the point to make burnt ends. Unwrap the brisket and separate the point from the flat. Re-wrap the flat and

return it to your Big Green Egg. Continue to smoke it until the meat is “probe tender” which means when you probe it with an instant read thermometer there is no resistance.

Think of a toothpick in a cake. Each piece of meat is different but this will likely be at around an internal temperature of 203°.

It’s important to let the juices redistribute in your BBQ so it doesn’t run out when you slice it. Therefore, rest your brisket flat in a cooler for at least one hour. Slice it against the grain when ready to serve.

FINISH THE BURNT ENDS Take the point and cut it into 1” cubes. Place the cubes in the aluminum pan. Season and toss the cubes with more Meat Church Holy Cow. Cover the cubes with WHOMP sauce.

Finally, toss the cubes thoroughly to ensure they are completely covered.

Return the pan to the smoker and cook for another 1 – 2 hours or until all liquid has reduced and the bbq sauce has caramelized.

Allow to cool for a few minutes and enjoy immediately!

GET RECIPES & BUY MEAT CHURCH MERCH AT WWW.MEATCHURCH.COM

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

29

LIFEFEATURE & STYLE

THe Summer List

Our Summer in Ellis County Bucket List

1.

BY MEAGAN CAMP

H MOVIES WITY THE FAMIL

Pack your comfy chairs and bring them to the movies. Ennis, Midlothian and Waxahachie are showing family friendly films this summer. Be sure and check their websites or social media for the latest times and listings!

ennis

Ennis Public Library will be showing films in the month of August, check on their Facebook page for the complete schedule

midlothian

2017 Movies in the Park summer schedule. All movies shown at dusk at Hawkins Spring Park.

July 8 – Trolls August 19 – Beauty and the Beast (2017)

waxahachie 30 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

// JULY-AUGUST 2017

Summer Moonlight Movies July 14: MOANA August 11: HAIRSPRAY Come join us in beautiful, historic downtown Waxahachie for FREE movies!

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a night of family fun!

Movies begin at 9pm (dark).

Concessions available on site.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

31

l a c o l g n i h t try some 2. TDHAEYVTINRIPEYTAORD

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

FEATURE

Take a daytrip to one of our local vineyards and enjoy the beautiful scenery and cool wines.

MyEndlessID is a small chip that can be worn on the collar and when scanned with a smartphone will give you an alert that your pet has been found and give the person who found them vital information like contact info, medical and insurance history and is more cost-effective than an implant at just $20. endlessID.com

Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards Lost Oak

Enjoy the view: Epic Helicopters

658 County Road 1334 8101 County Road 802 www.epichelicopters.com Pittsburg Burleson offers fly-over wine tours to six different wineries including Messina Hoff and Lost Oak Winery.

3.

E PARTY IN THD BACKYAR

Praising pork butt as the bedrock of southern BBQ, Matt Moore’s newest cookbook, South’s Best Butts, explores the regional techniques pitmasters use on this classic cut. Moore also brings influences from different cuisines to show the diversity that BBQ can incorporate, including a recipe for Pork Belly Tonkatsu Ramen. The book isn’t limited to meats either; sides, desserts and more are featured.

32

Order, cook and enjoy a good drink by the pool.

This light Mexican-style beer has the the coolest looking bottle for your next party.

Luckily, the beer is made by Full Sail Brewing in Oregon so it tastes refreshing and light.

Turn up the grill and start the fajitas and pair it with Sesión.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

Waxahachie is now part of the Instacart network, which means that Central Market, Total Wines, Whole Foods and other DFW stores are now available to be delivered to your front door, same day, saving you the trauma of grocery store parking. Order from your phone (iOS and Android) or on their website, www.instacart.com. The first year of membership is free so give it a try and order in.

NOW D IN WA ELIVERIN G XAHA CHIE

Don’t want to risk it when you are working out or tubing down the Brazos? Switch out your cherished rings for Groove Rings. The silicon used allows the ring to keep moisture out and let air flow in making sure it’s a comfortable fit for all kinds of activities. groovelife.co

Need to tune out the chatter at the airport or by the beach?

Check out Wraps, earbuds with a braided cord so they never tangle and they can be wrapped around your wrist like a bracelet for easy access. They comes in lots of colors, perfect for that road trip the see the grandparents. mywraps.com

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

33

LIFE & STYLE

Dripo Dripo is a travel cold brew system that can be used at home, the office, even in the middle of the woods. In one section you put ice and water, in the middle your ground coffee and a filter. The water drips through the coffee layer into a tumbler at the bottom and in about two hours a cup of cold brew is ready.

SWEETENED COCONUT ICED-COFFEE 1 1/2 cups Dripo iced-coffee 2oz coconut milk 1 tsp. granulated sugar DIRECTIONS 1. Cold brew your favorite coffee using 1 1/2 cups of ice water 2. Add 2 ounces of coconut milk and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Stir.

3. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Perk Up!

We at ECLM are big fans of:

4.

LO E E F F CO

VE

1) Supporting people who dedicate their time in service of others and 2) A coffee maker than doesn’t require a degree in barista to produce a good iced coffee. Skip the drive-thru window and try this unique coffee experiences.

Fire Department Coffee Co-founded by military veterans, Fire Department Coffee founders are now firefighters with a mission to give back to the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday. A portion of every sale is donated to military and firefighter charity organizations. All military and first responders receive 15% off every order.

34

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

35

LIFE & STYLE

e d i u g y n A sun t o SUMMER

THE NOURISHED LIFE

BY CHRISTINA DRISKELL

Parks:

There are so many parks in Ellis county and many of them have recently been renovated. Our favorites include Getzendaner, which boasts lots of room for playing on their multiple playgrounds but also some beautiful walking trails.

We also like the renovations made at Brown Singleton Park, which has new playground equipment.

There is power in numbers:

Play dates with friends is our favorite way to spend our days! Everyone can bring what they have.

A few ideas include kiddy pools, bubble machines, chalk, water sprinklers, slip and slides, you name it!

Splash Pads:

These are becoming quite popular these days. There is a splash pad located at The Avenue church in Waxahachie, and several others around neighboring cities.

Day trips:

Being located so close to Dallas and Fort Worth, we have so many options as far as museums, waterparks, and fun restaurants to try. Do a little research online and see if there’s a fun day trip you and your family can go on to make some summer memories!

Our favorite way to beat the heat is with popsicles! Most popsicles that you can buy at the store are loaded with sugar, preservatives, and other chemicals and artificial colors, so we make our own! I use AdvoCare Rehydrate, which provides optimum hydration and electrolyte replacement, which is so necessary during the hot summer days! I like to mix this with real 100% fruit juice to create different flavors.

HOMEMADE POPSICLES

meet

1 scoop of Fruit Punch Rehydrate 1. Stir all ingredients together and pour into popsicle molds.

8 oz. Water 2. Freeze a few hours and they’re ready to eat!

8 oz. Organic 100% Pineapple This recipe makes 6 popsicles.

Juice (The amount you get may differ depending on the size of your molds.)

christina

Christina is a wife and mom that loves to help others reach their health and wellness goals through nourishing meals, healthy relationships and creating strong family bonds.

Visit Christina’s Instagram: @chrisjeandriskell

36

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

37

LIFE & STYLE

Sweet & Savory Summer RECIPES BY MEAGAN CAMP

Let’s give the burgers and hot dogs a break this season and start grilling with new flavors and techniques, like our yogurt marinated chicken kebobs. Once you slice into a piece of caramelized pineapple atop a big bowl of Blue Bell, you may not go back. Have a great season by the grill!

CARAMELIZED PINEAPPLE WITH CINNAMON • • •

1 Pineapple, cored and sliced 1 T Cinnamon 1/4 C Demerara or Turbinado Sugar*

METHOD 1.

2.

3.

DEMERARA AND TURBINADO SUGARS Why not use regular brown sugar in the caramelized pineapple recipe?

It’s all about texture. These sugars are not as refined as traditional brown sugar so they add a bit of crunch to the pineapple. Not into the crunch?

Regular brown sugar tastes just as good!

Preheat your grill on high and lightly oil the grates.

Add sliced pineapple and let the natural sugars caramelize slowly, 7-8 minutes on the first side, 4-5 on the other.

Remove from the grill and place on a large platter and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on each side and serve with your favorite ice cream.

grillbot

The least favorite task grillers have to accomplish is the last one of the evening, cleaning the grill. Lucky for us, 2017 has brought us the ultimate solution to this arduous task, the Grillbot. Not only can you use it while the grill is still warm, they recommend no higher than 250˚, but it runs on a timer, with an alarm, and a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Just place the Grillbot on your grill, close the lid and the brass brushes will start working away on your dinner. Enjoy your cookout without dreading the after party cleanup!

$129.95 - $159.95, www.grillbots.com

38

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

39

LIFE & STYLE

CHICKEN CURRY KEBOBS WITH YOGURT • • • • • •

2 lbs. Boneless Chicken Thighs, in bite-sized pieces 1 C Greek Yogurt 1 t Cumin 1 t Coriander, ground 1 T Yellow Curry Powder (or preferred curry blend) Salt and Pepper to taste

METHOD 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling.

In a large bowl, mix the spices into the yogurt followed by the chicken.

Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours.

Using tongs, shake off any excess yogurt from the chicken and move to a cookie sheet.

Slide 3-4 pieces of chicken on the skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired, packing them tightly together to prevent overcooking.

Grill chicken on indirect heat for 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches 165˚ with a thermometer or the juices run clear.

Serve with a cool sauce like tzatziki or mix together yogurt and your favorite fresh herbs.

I

went to lunch with Jonathan Wingo, brand ambassador for The Balvenie scotch whisky brand, to ask him about his go-to summer scotch cocktail. His answer, a classic scotch and soda, which he likens to “the new coke.”

Margaritas, mojitos, mai thais, the triple-threat of summer cocktails for vacation goers and luau themed pool parties, but what about a drink for those who don’t want an umbrella in their glass?

No Umbrellas Here

BY MEAGAN CAMP

Scotch + Soda » 1 oz or a slug of The Balvenie 12 year Double Wood » 1 bottle of Topo Chico mineral water

40

Using a highball glass, add your ice cubes, the larger the better to slow down melting, then the amount of scotch you prefer and top with the Topo Chico.

Using sparkling water opens up the flavor of the scotch and adds that hit of refreshment that makes this a great summer drink.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

For Wingo, a slug of Balvenie 12 year Double Wood, a cold bottle of Topo Chico mineral water, a handful of ice (the clearer, the better) in a highball glass is rich in flavor, refreshing in the 100˚ heat and a way to enjoy your single malts instead of leaving them in the cabinet six months out of the year.

Wingo says of this throwback cocktail, “I want to have this [cocktail] where I want the basest expression to live. I want it to be a very cool flavor. For me, this is all aspects of refreshing.

The mouthfeel is fantastic and the fact that I can still taste the distillery characteristics and almost argue that it is really quite vibrant, taking away the all of the other aspects of the alcohol.“

Two Ingredients + Ice = A Classic Scotch and soda isn’t a watered down drink, but a cocktail that anyone can modify to their tastes by using their favorite scotch any time.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

41

LIFE & STYLE

Whether you are looking out at a clear blue ocean or pulling up a chair at your favorite coffee house (we’re looking at you Pop Top, Fresh and Lighthouse), we have the book for you. Get lost in our Summer Vacation Reading list that will give you the confidence to conquer the world or let you daydream in Paris for a few hours.

THE HALF-DROWNED KING

BY LINNEA HARTSUYKER

The first in a trilogy, “The HalfDrowned King” will be your new favorite world to conquer. Inspired by the Viking legends of the author’s own lineage in Norway, King Harald Fairhair, has taken inspiration from the legend of the first King of Norway, but instead of focusing on his epic battles and successful takeover of multiple kingdoms, she tells the story of a brother, Ragnvald, and sister, Svanhild, who must support the king’s great plan and overcome betrayal and brutal choices in the shadow of his campaign.

BY TYLER-MARIE HARTMANN

DRINK PINK: A CELEBRATION OF ROSÉ

IMPRESSIONS OF PARIS: AN ARTIST’S SKETCHBOOK

BY VICTORIA JAMES

BY CAT SETO

For all lovers of rosé wines, enjoy this beautifully drawn book that teaches you about the history of the wine, while providing delicious recipes that give you an excuse to bust out your favorite pink drink.

Whether you use this book for your next girlfriend get-together or simply to decorate your coffee table, this pretty pink addition will be a summer must.

If you are the type that is not a big fan of long reads, then try looking at an illustrated book before bed. Better yet, look at dreamy illustrations of Paris. Artist Cat Seto highlights hidden gems in the French city, pastel macarons & landmarks. A must read for the Francophile!

Summer Vacation

42

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

BUILDING YOUR HOME: A SIMPLE GUIDE TO MAKING GOOD DECISIONS

BY KRISTINA LEIGH WIGGINS

TORCH

BY CHERYL STRAYED

WHEN YOU FIND OUT THE WORLD IS AGAINST YOU

BY KELLY OXFORD

If you have seen Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal of Cheryl Strayed in the 2014 film “Wild” or read Cheryl Strayed’s account herself, you know that this woman has led a full and powerful life. Pick up Strayed’s debut novel “Torch” to read about how unexpected life news affects a small family and causes discovery of self and intimate relationships. This novel will touch your heart, just like her memoir did.

Known as being one of the funniest people on Twitter (according to Rolling Stone magazine), Kelly Oxford will make you laugh and cry with this realistic depiction of everyday life. Read and enjoy what it means to be a human, from the perspective of Kelly Oxford. In the words of Kelly, “This is a book for anyone who has felt like the world is against them. In other words, this is a book for everyone.”

beach reads

Getting to the place in your life where you are ready to build your own home is a big deal, a sign that you can take on lots of responsibility and don that hard hat. So where do you go after you get the courage to start a new build?

In Kristina Leigh Wiggins new book, “Building Your Home, A Simple Guide to Making Good Decisions,” she uses her experience as an architect and project manager to guide you through the process. In addition to the book, Wiggins also launched her organizational app, Simpleigh, in late 2016.

Wiggins tells new clients, “Let’s break it into smaller portions…too often people want to stand back and looking at the big picture all the time, which can be very overwhelming with all of these endless decisions that need to be made. Where as, if you can prioritize, ‘Ok, here are the things that are most important to me,’ and [we] focus on them one at a time. Then we are building upon each other so that it is not such an overwhelming task. The book and the app both try to break things down into categories so you that really can hone in and focus on that one thing and then build upon it,” Wiggins told editor Meagan Camp over the phone.

Wiggins has designed a stylish workbook, checklist, design dictionary and keepsake into one book. Learn more about Kristina and her work at www.simplykristinaleigh.com.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

43

Have Toys, Will Travel This summer, families all over Texas will embark on the classic pastime of the road trip. Here are some tips from our new Art Director, Carly Pechal, as well as a look at some new things to toss in your tote bag. Happy travels!

BY MEAGAN CAMP

44

1. Green Goo Travel Kit

2. Finn + Emma Toys

3. “Pottymouth and Stoopid

4. Very Bradley

www.greengoohelps.com

www.finnandemma.com

by James Patterson and Chris Preppy Poly Molly Crossbody Bag Grabenstein, Hachette Book Group The Briarpatch #2, downtown Waxahachie

Traveling with first aid is a must, but as parents begin reading the ingredient list of their favorite brands, they are starting to look for products made differently. Green Goo is a line of organic, people and pet friendly products made in the US. The Travel Kit has an herbal bug spray, arnica cream for pair relief, a coconut oil-based lip balm and an herbal salve to soothe sunburns, scrapes and even poison ivy.

This line of stylish toys, our favorite is the pacifier clip, makes great gifts and will distract the little ones almost all the way to the city limit sign. CARLY'S TIP: "Find a simple basket to place any of these precious products in, along with your other traveling go-tos. This allows for easy access to help lighten the travel stress load."

Master novelist and every dad’s airport go-to author has started his own publishing imprint for children’s books.

Jame Patterson and Chris Garbenstein tell the tale of two boys whose nicknames that defined their school life become their calling card to stardom.

Is the family beach bag covered in sunscreen?

Every trip, roadtrip or not, deserves an upgrade. Vera Bradley's Preppy Poly Molly Crossbody comes in six colors including has a bright summer collection with different designs to carry your favorite things, and everyone else’s essentials.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

45

WEDDING

Landing in your mailbox this September is the 2017 Wedding issue!

If you are a vendor, photographer, florist or caterer, email us photos of your work or trends you see and we’ll consider including them in the issue.

46

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

This issue will guide you to the latest trends in dresses, paper, flowers, entertainment and organization for your wedding. If you are getting married in Ellis County, you’ll find all of your inspiration for a beautiful celebration.

Did you or someone you know get married in the last year and want to be featured in the Wedding issue?

Email Meagan at editor@Living-Magazine.com by July 28th with photos and details of your wedding and we’ll consider it for the issue.

SUMMER 2017

Wedding Trends

BY TYLER-MARIE HARTMANN

Dainty gold rings, that sleek white Vera Wang dress and succulents framing the wedding venue—2017 is full of minimalism, textures and organic simplicity with its wedding trends. These trends prove that we love to celebrate relationships, ideas and new hopes versus a long list of formalities.

Dainty Metallic Accents

Even though minimalism is so big this year, that does not mean we have to lose the shimmers or sparkles in a wedding.

Metallic décor pieces, dresses and even cakes are big this year, sprinkled throughout weddings. Think of a way you could incorporate some dainty pieces of glam into your wedding. We personally love the metallic bridesmaids dresses that are so big right now! A great way to add a little sparkle to your day is by letting your girls dazzle the stage with metallic dresses.

Personalize It

When we say “Personalize It,” we are not talking about monogrammed silverware (even though that is fine too). We are talking about adding a more personal touch to your wedding. Looking at modern weddings, there is definitely a sentimentality included that shows off the personalities of so many couples. This might mean serving Boba tea drinks at the wedding because the couple met at a Boba teashop. This could alsvo mean displaying vintage family photos from the bride or groom’s family tree. Whatever you choose to add to your wedding, let it reflect the soul of your relationship. That is a trend that never gets old!

Go Green

Whether they are getting married in greenhouses or having succulents in their bouquets, brides are turning their weddings into green celebrations.

Plants and flowers hold organic beauty that promotes purity, growth and new living. There are so many ways to spruce up your wedding by adding a little green. You could choose a very green location (greenhouse, greenery, outside venue), use the topic of growth for your ceremony or put a priority on floral arrangements.

Looking for a local florist? Contact Henry Frayre and Teresa Choate with Fresh Flowers and Gatherings at 972.935.3478

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

47

WEDDING

STRONG and

Romantic Color Pairings

BY MEAGAN CAMP

Brides have long debated which color combinations they will choose to adorn the churches, halls and backyards of their wedding day. Remember Julia Roberts’ obsession with “blush and bashful”? This season, wedding planners, bouquet artists and tent specialists are swathing tables and chairs with these rich, luxurious color combinations.

Peach and White (light blue accent)

Navy & Fuschia (gold accent)

PHOTO HEIRESS PHOTOGRAPHY

Dusty Blue and Oxblood (orange accent)

Dark Teal and Orange (deep red accent)

48 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

// JULY-AUGUST 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

49

Shopping Guide

MARKETPLACE u

w v

x 1. MULTITUDES

Gifting done differently!

Tailor your Box of Joy for every kind of gift. Pick up a pre-made box or design your own. Don’t stress, we have your last minute gift covered.

205 S. College St. WAXAHACHIE 972.923.0345 www.mymultitudes.com Find us on Facebook & Instagram

50

y 2. MOSAIC MADNESS

Looking for a fun, summertime activity? Make your own mosaic art! We also have a selection of handmade mosaics ready to buy. Fun for all ages. Walk-ins welcome. (Extended hours for summer.) Check us out on Facebook & Instagram!

211 S. College St. WAXAHACHIE 972.937.5797 www.MosaicMadness.net

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

3. THE STUDIO

Whether accessorizing your home or yourself, find your staple or accent pieces at The Studio. From traditional turquoise to trendy farmhouse, stop by for your new look.

3671 N. Hwy. 77 WAXAHACHIE 972.617.7740

4. THE BRIARPATCH #1

We now carry Ronaldo jewelry! Handmade in the USA, each of these unique pieces tell a story. Come by the store today to check out all of our jewelry, clothing and accessories that are perfect for summer.

404 W. Main St. WAXAHACHIE 972.937.7717 Find us on Facebook & Instagram

5. THE MIX

Step into summer in style with these amazing slides! We have lots of new summer favorites.

Stop in to see all of our beautiful gifts, clothes, accessories and more.

107 W. Franklin St. WAXAHACHIE 972.938.2403 Find us on Facebook!

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAILED DIRECTLY TO OVER 30,000 HOMES AND BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

Advertise your message to all of Ellis County!

KEY MAILING AREA WAXAHACHIE, MIDLOTHIAN, RED OAK, OVILLA, GLENN HEIGHTS, ENNIS AND MAYPEARL

KEY DISTRIBUTION CENTERS • CHAMBERS • HOSPITALS • PROFESSIONAL OFFICES • EVENT CENTERS • LOCAL STORES

ISSUE THEMES JAN/FEB HOME OF THE YEAR MAR/APR EVERYTHING SPRING MAY/JUNE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

MAGAZINE SECTIONS JULY/AUGUST SUMMER SEPT/OCT WEDDING NOV/DEC HOLIDAY

5 sections in each issue:

FASHION LIFE + STYLE FEATURE

HOME & GARDEN MEDICAL

Ellis County Living Magazine • 405 W. Madison • Waxahachie www.living-magazine.com • info@living-magazine.com • Office: 972.935.0938 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM //MAY-JUNE 2017

43

HOME & GARDEN

A SIMPLE

Bathroom

R E N O VAT I O N

BY DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIRACLE METHOD

For several years one of the design jobs I have done more than any other is bathrooms. Bathrooms and kitchens are and have always been, the most important rooms in the house. It seems that a family can function best when the kitchen is in good working order, and the showers is always hot.

Besides the functionality of a nice bathroom, the marketability becomes much greater if selling is in your near future. Any good realtor will tell you that bathrooms and kitchens can make or break a sale faster than anything.

Because of plumbing, tearing out walls, building new cabinets, countertops and light fixtures, the cost is not always easy to justify. A bathroom remodel can become a pricey undertaking.

If you have acrylic or fiberglass shower and tub units you many not realize that those were installed before sheetrock during construction.

Tearing them out can be quite a job. The sheetrock has to be removed from the entire area before the unit can be removed. The tear out and reconstruction is a good part of your remodeling budget.

After years of use, these units become stained and dull. There is no way to clean them. After the surface has worn down all of the bleach in the world will not get it white again. Sometimes they even become brittle and start to crack.

Since the 90’s, huge jetted tubs have been a must in many new homes.

However, what we have discovered over the last two decades is that these tubs are not always a good idea, especially if they were done in hunter green marble or mauve. I have redone many homes where the garden tubs have been removed, and huge walk in showers take their place. That might be ideal, but if you are on a budget, you will need an alternative update. Â Cultured marble and laminate countertops start to look very dated after a few years. The sinks will especially take a beating. Color

52

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

choices often become undesirable, too. But what do you do when it matches the marble tub and the marble shower? If you change one, you have to change them all. It can all seem very daunting.

I have a solution to many of the problems looming over old bathrooms.

For many years I have been using a company called Miracle Method Resurfacing. This product has been used at Nassau for decades. It is a four coat process that will last many years. I have had great success with it.

The refinishing process involves the application of a very hard durable acrylic coating to the existing surface. A proprietary bonding agent is used to molecularly bond the old surface to the new without toxic acids. This finish will extend the life of your tub or shower by at least 15 years.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

53

HOME & GARDEN

BEFORE

Besides the cost, the best part of using this process is the downtime. There is no construction. The total downtime is about three days. The process is done over two days and the curing time is 24 hours to light use.

Color and texture is not an issue, either. There are over thirty colors to choose from. Some are textured to look like quartz, and some are sparkling, shiny porcelain finishes. Colors are available to match fixtures such as toilets and sinks, so there is no mismatching. It all looks factory perfect.

If construction is overwhelming to you or your budget just does not allow for a twenty to thirty thousand dollar remodel, get a face lift. You can mix and match colors for tubs and surrounds. You can resurface everything including the shower, sinks, countertops and tubs. Add a new light fixture and some new paint and your room is done.

AFTER

The Miracle Method finish makes everything look brand new again. It also feels new again. The surface is perfect. These professional technicians take great pride in every detail, including cleaning up after themselves. When they leave your home, the bathroom will sparkle.

For over thirty years this company has specialized in refinishing bathrooms for all major hotel chains, hospitals, college dorms and homes all over the world.

Although it has been a well-known product in the commercial market, it has been a bit of a secret in the residential world. The secret is out. I have used this product dozens of times to create a modern, sparkling clean bathroom for a fraction of the cost of reconstruction.

Whether you are updating to stay another twenty years or planning to sell, bathrooms are key. Resurface and save! Look them up online and review their website. You will be impressed.

BEFORE

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

have a great summer.

AFTER

DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD Diane has been decorating Ellis County for more than 30 years.

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

54

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

55

HOME & GARDEN

Take it Outside

WRITTEN AND STYLED BY COURTNEY WARREN PHOTOS BY JAKEE LOWRY, LOWRY STUDIOS When I was just out of college, I worked in an office with one tiny window. Stay with me kids, because these were in the “old days” when phones were plugged into the wall and computers were massive and were stationary on desks. We couldn’t merely take our work activities outdoors, so when I got a break for lunch, I scurried out like a wilting sunflower and pointed my face towards the sun until I had to return to that dark office.

Fast forward a few years later where everything is mobile, and the best work is done on a patio with chips and salsa. (Is that just me? I think better with food.) One common question from homeowners and executives alike is “How can I make better use of my space?” I, my dear, have a good answer for you: take it outside. Whether you are in a home or an office, the same rules apply. Spruce up your unused space, and suddenly it will evolve and seem so much larger!

A LITTLE COLOR GOES A LONG WAY If you have a green thumb, embrace it to make a big impact! Beautiful colors will inspire you and entice you to use your new space. Look for fun combinations of textures and height to add contrast. We stopped by The Greenery and found these galvanized buckets filled with bright and cheery flowers and succulents. Then we chose bougainvillea for a pop of color and succulents, because they make us happy.

CREATE OPTIONS FOR SEATING Wanna sit at the table? Pull up a chair! Would you rather stretch out? This bench [bottom right] is for you. Need a place for your lemonade? Place it on the plant stand. With lots of choices, there is room for everyone in your family or office!

SPRAY PAINT CAN UPDATE ANYTHING We didn’t want to break the bank in creating this space. It was a need for the office, and we wanted to use items we already had.

By searching our storage and older patio furniture [top right], galvanized buckets appeared from behind piles. We found a black and white chair cushion that we are able to dust off. The mismatched patio furniture we made over with ith a couple of dollars of spray paint, making them a matching set. ECLM’s Publisher, Cindy Camp, enlisted her husband David to build a reclaimed wood table with black pipes [top left] to complete the farmhouse industrial look.

Special Thanks to the team at The Greenery & The Studio!

meet courtney

I’m an interior designer who specializes in decorating, renovation & home staging. I am passionate in helping stuck people love their home. I love my home, which was just chosen to be featured in Better Homes & Gardens special publication, “Best of Flea Market Style 2017.” I live in my 3rd renovated historic home in Waxahachie with our 2 boys & my husband, who is a local pastor. I would rather be wearing flip flops than heels. Follow my daily projects on Instagram at @courtneywarrenhome or see my work at courtneywarren.com.

56

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

Ellis County Living Magazine congratulates Courtney Warren on her feature in Better Homes and Gardens “Best of Flea Market Style 2017”on newsstands now!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COURTNEY WARREN

Does your home need a hefty dose of style?

Have a design question?

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uninspired?

Text “HAPPYHOME” TO 24587 to get “The Ultimate Guide to Styling your Home like the Magazine Pros” for FREE. (Valid through 7/15/17)

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

57

Brian and Tiffany Stevens

Hey Guys!

Can you believe this real estate market? It is CRAZY! We are excited by the continuous growth of our county...not that we’re too surprised. We consider ourselves blessed to work, live and raise our 3 daughters here in Ellis County. We are grateful to help people experience this great area through real estate. We don’t take this privilege lightly. We are striving to put into action Jesus’ teaching: if someone asks you to walk one mile, don’t stop there but walk two! As a family & business owners our goal is to “go the extra mile”, not just meet expectations but EXCEED! We’d love to help you too! Even if you are in the early stages of thinking about selling or buying, give us call.

Going the extra mile, Brian and Tiffany Stevens

See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us...

“Brian and Tiffany’s knowledge of the market and predicted sales price was on the mark and aided in achieving a quick closing. Their efforts to meet our specific timing needs were extraordinary and far above the norm. We would highly recommend them!”

-Gary and Ann Brown “They were there for me every step of the way.”

-Kim Jackson

“

... always had an open line of communication. They bent over backwards so that we might have the opportunity to find a comfortable home for our family.

”

-Jeff and

Brigette Turner

“Brian and Tiffany are two of the most sincere and professional people we have worked with. They are honest up front and lead you in the right direction.”

-Troy and Carla Rhodes 58

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

“Brian and Tiffany Stevens are an experienced realtor team providing excellence and delivery.

My spouse and I, as a team, looked and found our dream home and it was awesome to have an experienced realtor team to help us along the way.”

-April Walton

“

”

We built a home in the past without representation, but this time chose to have Brian and Tiffany to help and now we will never build without them.

“

Brian and Tiffany treated us as if we were their only clients and helped ease our stress of selling and purchasing a home.

”

-Jin and Stormy Lee

-Scott and Becca Thrush

“They treated us like we were part of the family.”

-John Rauscher

-Michael and Merlene Jackson

“Two months BEFORE our home was scheduled to hit the market, they brought us a buyer that was a perfect fit ... We enjoyed working with them so much, that we referred them to family and they were able to bring them a buyer BEFORE their house even hit the market... If we ever sell a home again, they’ll be the first team we call.” -Josh and Miya Gifford

Here is a little update on our family...

We’re teaching Hannah how to drive! Pray for us!

Ava’s heart still beats for kitties but she does have room for 1 dog..our puppy MAX!

“We had to face many obstacles but are so thankful that our realtors Brian and Tiffany was there to help us. They are the type of people you would want to have on your side.”

Stevens Team

www.TheStevensTeam.net Brian Stevens | Realtor 214-463-9555 Brian@TheStevensTeam.net Tiffany Stevens | Realtor 214-463-9551 Tiffany@TheStevensTeam.net

Emma and Brian kept the Polka running tradition alive.

Legacy Realty Group 1332 W. Highway 287 Byp. #3 | Waxahachie Broker #9004968 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

59

HOME & GARDEN

PLANTING

»»

»» »»

»»

July

Plant tomatoes and peppers from 4-inch pots. Visit http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable for recommended varieties.

Early July is the time to plant small and medium pumpkins for a Halloween harvest.

Plant heat-tolerant annuals that have been acclimated to hot, sunny conditions. This includes moss rose, purslane, trailing lantana, purple fountain grass, firebush and copper plants.

Lawn grasses can be planted this month, but you will need to water twice daily for short intervals to keep soil surface moist until the grass has established good roots, usually in two to three weeks.

»»

»»

Fertilize plants that bloom on new growth, such as crape myrtles, tropical hibiscus and roses, with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote late-summer growth and fall blooms.

Apply same fertilizer to boost summer annuals and fall-flowering perennials.

{ ellis county master gardeners association }

Light pruning of erratic spring growth may be done to maintain the natural form. Dead and diseased wood from trees and shrubs should be removed.

Major pruning should be postponed until mid-winter.

Deadhead all blooming plants.

Remove dead leaves and spent blooms from container plants.

»»

»»

GARDEN WATCH

»»

»»

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

»»

BY MELINDA KOCIAN

»»

Be a “plant health” detective! Plants respond in various ways to heat and drought stress. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as an insect or disease problem. Correctly identify the problem before turning to a pesticide.

Galls on leaves of oaks, hackberries and other trees are caused by many species of gall-forming insects, and are result of the female stinging the leaf tissues as she lays her eggs. Galls are harmless since the insect doesn’t feed on plant tissues.

Be alert for summer drought conditions which could occur at any time now, leaving normally wellhydrated plants lacking sufficient water. If plants are still wilted the next

»»

morning, watering is needed.

To improve water use efficiency in your landscape, visit http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/ publications/#water.

Watch for lawn pests. Dry, lightcolored areas in sunny parts of St. Augustine are probably the result of chinch bugs (small black insects with white diamond on their backs).

Apply Merit (imidoclopyrid) or other labeled insecticide. Grub worms are the culprits if the turf turns brown and easily comes up when pulled on.

Treat with a granular insecticide.

Rapid death of established landscape plants and orchard trees during the summer may signify the presence of cotton root rot, a soil-borne fungal disease common in our calcareous clay soils. Since there is no effective control, verification by the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab at Texas A&M (http://plantclinic.tamu.edu) will help you know what plants can be used as replacements.

CRAPE MYRTLE The Crape Myrtle is considered a small tree but comes in many sizes and varieties. This deciduous tree has moderate growth with low water needs.

The Crape Myrtle provides profuse spikes of beautiful flowers in many colors ranging from white, pink, purple or red that bloom throughout the summer.

The tree also features attractive, smooth, peeling bark. Crape Myrtle trees may have problems with aphids and powdery mildew.

60 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

VITEX The Vitex is considered a small, rapid-growing, deciduous tree reaching heights of 10-15 feet. Vitex produces profuse spikes of lavender flowers, blooming heavily in the early summer, and then sporadically throughout the summer and fall. Vitex is heat, drought and pest tolerant and is rated a Texas Superstar®.

August PLANTING

»»

»»

»»

»»

Plant these fall vegetables early in the month: beans, cucumbers and squash. Follow up late in the month with transplants of broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower.

Acclimate transplants to full sun before planting. Water immediately after planting.

Plant bluebonnet and other spring wildflowers starting this month.

Select a sunny, well-drained area with minimal vegetative competition.

Plant seed in well-prepared soil and water thoroughly. If planting into existing vegetation, mow the area as short as possible; then lightly disturb the area with a disk or harrow. Roll or drag the seeded area to ensure good seed-soil contact.

Plant fall-flowering bulbs such as spider lily, naked lady lily, rain lily, oxblood lily and fall crocus. Place in the ground twice as deep as the diameter of the bulb.

Dig and divide daylilies, iris, liriope, oxalis, Shasta daisies and other spring-flowering perennials.

»»

»»

GARDEN WATCH

»»

»»

»»

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

»»

»»

Caladiums require plenty of water at this time of year if they are to remain lush and active until fall. Fertilize with 21-0-0 at the rate of 1/3 to 1/2 pound per 100 square feet of bed area and water thoroughly.

Prune bush roses by cutting out dead canes and weak, spindly growth. Cut

back tall, vigorous bushes to about 30 inches. Then apply a complete fertilizer and water thoroughly for beautiful fall blooms.

Plants with yellowed leaves and dark green veins may be suffering from iron deficiency. Apply an iron/sulfur product.

Pinch lanky begonias, coleus, impatiens, geraniums and copper plants to encourage new, dense growth.

»»

Control fire ants in your lawn with mound treatments, as opposed to baits, since ants are foraging less now. Organic insecticides such as pyrethrins and spinosad can be sprinkled on or drenched into the mound.

Order spring-flowering bulbs for planting in November and December. Remember ‘biggest is best’ in regard to bulb size. Be aware of “bargain” bulbs as they may be small or of inferior quality.

Continue to follow the “Homeowners Fruit and Nut Spray Schedule” to protect pecan trees against pecan weevils and hickory shuckworms, and to control peach tree borers on peach and plum trees.

By now you know the real winners and losers in your landscape.

Replace the losers with a Texas Superstar®. These plants have been tested extensively and have proven

»»

to be outstanding performers under our growing conditions. Visit www.

TexasSuperstar.com for a list of these amazing stars.

Don’t forget to provide water for birds, squirrels and other wildlife that may visit your property.

Learn more from Ellis County Master Gardeners Association at:

/ECMGA

PICK ONE UP TODAY!

61

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

HOME & GARDEN

YOUR HOUSE HUNT

SURVIVAL GUIDE

BY MELINDA MCCUTCHAN

Summer is here, and so are the sunflowers!

The housing market is gearing up for another seller’s market for affordable and well-priced homes! Are you in the market? Do you have the stamina to endure the obstacles that could pop up? Over the past five years, approximately 40% of homes sold in Ellis County have happened during the next few months. What is a seller’s market? It is when the number of houses available to buy is lower than the number of people looking to buy!

It means the buyer may have to pay what they consider a premium to buy their next home.

That is reason enough to raise blood pressure levels and cause crazy eye rolling! So, how do you survive the maddening rush not to stress out when looking for a house? It has been my experience that the following tips are helpful and therefore I suggest them to you!

Once you have chosen the best agent for you, be prepared to be on call. It is hard to predict when the house that matches your preferences will appear on the market. You may get the notice in an email, find it online, drive by it, or your agent has identified it before it goes on the market. That means you go now to determine if this is the one! With a young family, this can be a challenge. Be ready to take them with you or find someone to help you as you jump in the car to see that future home possibility!

After you have met with your lender and received your pre-approval letter, have all your paperwork ready. If you are looking in a

certain price range, you can have these letters prepared and ready to send to your agent should you want to make an offer immediately!

When preparing the offer, eliminate as many contingencies as possible. Contingencies can range from the length of your option period to having to sell your house before you can buy this house. Your agent will have a strategy to make your offer the most attractive offer possible to help you get a contract with the seller. When in a multiple offer situation, this strategy can be critical.

When headed out to look at houses, take a kit with you. There are several things to throw in it. Think…survival kit! Take bottled water, a snack, paper and pencil, something to crunch numbers. Also bring hand cleaner, socks or shoe covers for those houses that require you remove your shoes when showing. Toys for the little ones if they are going, your charging cord for all your devices, especially if your little ones are playing on electronic devices, car charger (in case your agent forgot to bring), some spending cash, tape measure. There may be other things you will find helpful, whether you are meeting your agent there or you are riding with your agent.

While it may be laughable at this point, getting adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy diet will be critical. Yes, this sounds like you are training for a big event and you are! This is usually the largest and most important

transaction you will make at this very moment and having your “Happy, Glad, Sad and Mad” emotions in check will serve you well when seriously looking for a home.

Lastly, make an offer that makes sense to you! Do not let the rush and desire to end the hunt cause you to make a regretful decision.

Entering into a contract is serious business and should never be taken lightly. Your agent will provide answers to your questions as you figure out what you want to offer. Then, let it go and keep your eyes open for that next house because there is always another house!

These are all things that will help you successfully survive the pre-contract stage.

Once you have a contract in hand, the work continues. There is the work to be done from pre-contract to closing that will require effort and attention on your part and the seller’s part.

Your agent will gladly assist with this process.

Having survived the house hunt in great shape will allow you to survive the next stages which are closing the house and turning it into your new home!

These are all things that will help you successfully survive the pre-contract stage. Once you have a contract in hand, the work continues. There is the work to be done from pre-contract to closing that will require effort and attention on your part and on the seller’s part. Your agent will gladly assist with this process. Having survived the house hunt in great shape will allow you to survive the next stages which are closing the house and turning it into your new home!

Melinda McCutchan is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams in Waxahachie.

Visit her website at ellisforsale.com.

62

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

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.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

63

MEDICAL

HITTING THE MARK IN MIGRAINES

BY MARISA SIBLEY, CCRC

I met Laura for the first time in the summer of 2015. She came to my office for her first visit as a volunteer for a clinical research study for migraine headaches. “How are you today?” I asked. “Not great,” she said. “I’ve had a migraine for three days.

None of the medications I have used have helped my pain.” As we continued to discuss her condition, she informed me that she experienced a migraine headache nearly 20 days each month.

Her condition was debilitating. It hindered her ability to work, to enjoy quality time with her family and to perform normal, day-to-day tasks.

Laura was far from alone. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 38 million people in the U.S. suffer from migraine headaches, with three times as many women experiencing symptoms than men. Migraine headaches are more severe than typical headaches. Besides being associated with costly healthcare, the condition also takes an economic toll, costing the U.S. an estimated $13 billion annually. During a migraine attack, an individual experiences pain that throbs or pulses, usually on one side of the head.

They typically cause individuals to have sensitivities to lights and sounds, and may even cause blocked vision or dizziness. In addition to the pain, moderate to severe nausea and vomiting are common.

There are several different over the counter and prescription medications

64

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by individuals with migraines. These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), triptans, or other non-migraine treatments. Despite their common use, these treatments are only designed to treat pain after symptoms of a migraine start.

Investigational new treatments that block calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein found in the body to be in high levels during inflammation, are making their way towards likely FDA approval for the treatment of migraine headaches. Treatments of this class are being developed to stop migraines before symptoms start. In clinical trials, these treatments have shown to have positive safety profiles and be effective in reducing the number of days each month an individual experiences a migraine headache.

At ClinPoint Trials, we were able to work with Eli Lilly and Company and patient volunteers from the community on a clinical trial for a treatment called galcunezumab, a CGRP antibody developed to prevent migraine headaches. In a recent press release, Eli Lilly revealed positive results in Phase 3 clinical trials for patients who experienced migraine headaches. These studies compared galcunezumab to placebo, an inactive substance. While the treatment did not completely stop patients

from experiencing migraines, those that received it did experience significantly fewer headaches per month compared to patients that received placebo.

“Migraine prevention will be significantly improved with the emergence of treatments such as galcunezumab,” says Dr. Thomas Ledbetter, Principal Investigator at ClinPoint Trials. “While we were blinded to what treatment group the patients were assigned, we had several patients in this study who were so excited to have their migraines finally under control after years of suffering using traditional therapies.”

There is indeed hope for people like Laura that live with migraine headaches and cannot find a treatment that works for them. While it may be a few more years before we see new treatments for migraine headaches receive FDA approval and hit the market for use, we can hold onto hope that we are on the edge of a breakthrough.

Marisa is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) at ClinPoint Trials, a clinical research site in Waxahachie. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial for migraine headaches, call (972) 937-1640 or visit www.cptrials. com for more information.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

65

MEDICAL

MARRIAGE & TRUST

BY JOHN R. SKINNER, JR., PH.D.

Dear Dr. Skinner, Question: One of my friends is getting a divorce after 3 years but my parents have been married for 45 years. I want my marriage to last. What makes a good marriage?

Marriage continues to be the basic relationship of society and the school in which we learn much of how persons should interact with and treat each other, along with developing, or not, a strong sense of self and ability. The importance of a solid marital relationship on family members cannot be overstated. It seems that in our current society, marriage and the relationship between husband and wife has become muddled. There are a number of factors that go into a strong marriage. Please understand that all marriages are imperfect. I worry much more about a couple who comes in and says they never fight about anything than one where the couple is able to acknowledge conflicts. Couples therapy requires commitment to the therapeutic process and individual and couple changes that need to be made. The level of that commitment can also be a measure of commitment to the marriage. I

66

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

will look at several aspects of marriage in terms of a traditional male-female marriage, but this discussion applies equally to same-sex marriages.

My experience finds the major critical components of a long term, well-functioning relationship to be Trust, Respect, Togetherness, Caring, and Balanced Participation. The most basic and critical of these is Trust. I will examine trust in this article.

Trust is the glue and centerpiece of a successful relationship. Trust involves a mutual commitment to the other and to the relationship with them.

Trust demonstrates faith that the other will uphold the contract between the two and will act in the best interests of the marriage and the other.

When trust is in place, the other has no concern about what their partner is doing. For instance, if you trust your wife, you do not worry about them working around and interacting with other men,

perhaps more handsome, rich, and powerful men than you. If a wife trusts her husband, she does not worry about what he is up to on a business trip. Trust alleviates much anxiety and gives much comfort.

That said, trust is something that must be earned, not given. To be trusted, we must show ourselves to be trustworthy. That is an important part and function of dating. Developing trust can be affected by experience with parents, the behavior of former spouses, the experience of friends, or past abuse, among other things. These are topics for psychotherapy and may be a focus of couples therapy. Unfortunately, they may not be all that unusual nowadays.

While trust is hard to develop, it is easily destroyed.

Like Humpty Dumpty, it is also very hard to repair.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

67

MEDICAL

Trust, Respect, Togetherness, Caring and Balanced Participation There are two major killers of trust. One is obvious, the other may not be. The obvious one is adultery. This is a violation of the contract and exclusivity of marriage, as well as evidence of the status of personal integrity. It is difficult to overcome because of the extent of its damage to trust. There is no such thing as an “innocent” affair, a “mistake”, or “understandable” cheating. Each is a conscious decision, and we all have the ability to make good or bad ones. The other even worse killer is jealousy. Jealousy demonstrates the absence of trust and also may torment the recipient of the jealousy, pushing them away and potentially diminishing their self-worth. Jealousy is based on internal insecurity and self-negativity. If you have genuine self-esteem, jealousy is not even a consideration. If you do not, it may consume a person, and in doing so, consume the marriage. This pathological jealousy can result in the spouse undergoing frequent inquisitions and accusations, demands that they not even speak to a person of the opposite gender, and destructive attempts to control the thoughts and actions of the other. These constitute spousal abuse and result in destruction of the relationship. So, trust is critical. If a couple cannot trust each other, perhaps they should work on correcting this or reconsider the relationship.

You probably noticed that I have not mentioned love. That is why we get married, isn’t it? Maybe so, maybe not. Actual love is an important anchor and mortar of a strong relationship. Love is also something that is often misunderstood and misrepresented in our culture. It is not “twitter-paty” (remember Thumper in “Bambi”?), it is not sex, it is not possession and it is not domination.

Love needs to be examined separately.

It can be helpful to remind ourselves of the choice we have made to establish a joining with another person, a marriage, and the contract between the two of us. Show caring for your spouse by being trustworthy and showing them that you believe them to be trustworthy, as well. That is more important than all the flowers, presents, sex, and “I love you’s” in the universe.

“It can be helpful to remind ourselves of the choice we have made to establish a joining with another person, a marriage and the contract between the two of us. Show caring for your spouse by being trustworthy and showing them that you believe them to be trustworthy, as well. That is more important than all the flowers, presents, sex and ‘I love you’s’ in the universe. “

JOHN R. SKINNER, JR., PH.D. 972.923.0730

68

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

69

MEDICAL

IT’S WORTH A SHOT

BY BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER - WAXAHACHIE

If you’re a parent, you probably know what it’s like to comfort a child who has had to get a round of vaccinations. While it isn’t fun, the serious diseases vaccinations help prevent make those tough – but brief – moments more than worth it. Beyond the standard flight of vaccinations most children are required to have to attend school, there are a swath of other vaccinations available to both children and adults. So which ones are worth it?

Starting Them Young

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as numerous medical organizations and physicians, recommend several immunizations not currently required in Texas, starting at a very early age.

We vaccinate against rotavirus, which is a virus that causes severe gastroenteritis worldwide,” says Jesus Trejo, MD, a family medicine physician on the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie medical staff. “While we don’t see a lot of it now, with so many kids going to daycare where disease can easily spread, it is part of the standard of care for prevention.” The vaccination is first given at two months and then again at four months and possibly 6 months given depending on the vaccine.

For babies and toddlers, there are two other nonmandatory but highly recommended vaccinations designed to prevent certain types of pneumonia as well as meningitis. One vaccine is a three-dose series and the other is a four dose.

As children transition into adolescence and the teenage years, Dr. Trejo strongly advises parents to have their sons and daughters receive the HPV vaccination.

“Seventy percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV,” he explains. “The HPV vaccination prevents against the two strains of the virus, which account for the vast majority of cervical cancers in the world.” The vaccination also helps guard against certain types of throat and rectal cancers caused by HPV.

Not Just for Kids

The medical community recommends certain vaccinations for adults, especially adults over the age of 60 or those with certain health challenges.

“There is also a pneumonia vaccine we should get

70

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

as we get older,” says Dr. Trejo. “It is indicated for all patients over the age of 65, but also those with immune system or respiratory, diabetes or autoimmune diseases.”

In addition, one of the most heavily advertised vaccinations is for the shingles virus. Shingles is the re-activation of the chickenpox virus. It can periodically cause a severe, burning rash and, in some cases, complications that lead to long-term pain and tingling in certain areas of the body. The vaccination for shingles is recommended by the CDC for adults 60 and older, but available to those who are at least 50.

Dr. Trejo notes that adult vaccinations recommended by the CDC are typically covered by either Medicare or a Medicare prescription plan.

Across Generations

Starting at six months and on through the Golden Years, everyone should receive an annual flu vaccination. While it’s not always a flu-free guarantee, it is highly effective not only at preventing the flu symptoms, but more serious complications.

“You may worry about feeling bad for a week, but a bad case of flu can go on to cause post-flu pneumonia, which can have much more serious consequences,” explains Dr. Trejo. He adds that the flu vaccination does not cause the flu – a common myth.

Additionally, whooping cough seems to be making a comeback, with cases recently reported in the D/FW area. Although Texas children are required to be vaccinated (with the Tdap immunization) and receive a booster shot at age 11 or 12, adults should be revaccinated every 10 years, and women with each pregnancy.

CIRCUMSTANTIAL SHOTS For kids going off to college, the meningococcal type B vaccine to protect against a certain type of meningitis is a good idea. However, Dr. Trejo says it’s probably not necessary for anyone who is not collegebound. Also, there are numerous vaccines available for individuals traveling to underdeveloped countries that can probably be skipped by everyone else.

These include:

Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Japanese Encephalitis

Cholera

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

71

LAFIN FIN LA

I

LISBON

Portugal is listed as Europe’s next great destination in almost every travel article you read these days. After visiting its stunning coastline, jaw-dropping cathedrals and world-class wine region, I would agree. In fact, I’ve fallen in love with Portugal, and there is so much to share about this fascinating country that I will need to write about it in two parts.

(green wine) for a perfect snack. Later in the evening, we dined at a wonderful little neighborhood gem called Canto da Vila, a small authentic café with terrific food and great service. I ordered the bacalhau, a cod fish that is the most popular dish in Portuguese cooking.

Known as the San Francisco of Europe, Lisbon is built on seven hills. The sun shines most every day across acres of red tiled rooftops sitting on steep cobblestone streets with their facades covered in hand painted azulejo (tiles). On one of the hills sits the Moorish ruins of São Jorge Castle, a fortress which has dominated the city for more than 1,000 years. We arrived from Madrid on a beautiful spring morning and checked into the lovely Alma Lusa boutique hotel in the Baixa-Chiado district.

The location is one of the best in the city’s historic center, just one block from the majestic Praça do Comércial waterfront square and train station.

Day two led us to Belém, a picturesque district west of Lisbon on the banks of the Tagus River. The star attraction is Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a monastery that was funded by the wealth and trade that flowed from Portugal’s colonies during the 16th century. It is now a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there we walked to the harbor and enjoyed lunch at the marina. To one side we had a view of the Monument to the Discoveries, a dramatic limestone carving built as a memorial to Portugal’s leading explorers.

On the other side stood Belém Tower, which has guarded Lisbon’s harbor since 1520. After a visit to Pasteis de Belém for the famous and sinfully delicious custard tart called pastel de nata, we caught a taxi back to Lisbon to tour the National Tile Museum located in a former convent.

Walking is often an uphill climb in Lisbon, but taxis and trams are readily available, and there are funiculars and even a huge street elevator providing quick and easy access to the hillier districts. We loved exploring the maze of alleyways and unexpected squares filled with palm trees.

The Chiado neighborhood is full of trendy restaurants. On our first afternoon, we found the popular Barrio do Arillez market where freshly baked breads, olives, cheese and cured smoked meats are served with red wine or crisp vinho verde

One of my favorite places I shopped is called A Vida Portuguesa, specializing in local products that represent the best of Portugal, ranging from hand milled soaps to stationery, embroidered linens and gourmet food and wines. Locals like it for nostalgic reasons and visitors can get all their souvenir shopping done in one cool place. Around the corner is the famous Cervejaria Ramiro, the 60-yearold family owned restaurant focusing exclusively on shellfish, most of which are swimming in massive tanks that line

Let’s start with Lisbon…

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

72

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JULY-AUGUST 2017

the restaurant’s walls. We peeled and ate delicious scarlet shrimp, clams in garlic sauce and tried goose barnacles until we were so full we couldn’t eat the traditional steak sandwiches they serve for “dessert.”

If you are looking for more options than just seafood, try the Time Out Food Market in the Bairro Alto district where over 40 of the best bars and restaurants in the city pop up daily in artisan stalls serving amazing bites.

We spent our final night in the city’s oldest hilltop quarter where you will find numerous bars playing Lisbon’s version of folk music called Fado, a mixture of soulful vocals and a Portuguese 12-string guitar. We chose the well known Casa de Linhares. Built into the ruins of an aristocratic house that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, crowds fill the vaulted stone cellars and enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner while being entertained by the melancholic Fado music that literally means “fate” or “destiny”.

There are dozens of reasons to love Lisbon. On top of what I have already shared, it is Western Europe’s least expensive capital with friendly people who are proud of their country and enjoy sharing it with tourists. I would’ve loved to spend more time with no agenda, getting lost in the time warp of the historic neighborhoods, eating more fresh seafood and enjoying the sunset views from a rooftop terrace, but it was time to head north to Porto. I will share with you this world class wine region in my next article.

Cindy Burch

2001 Bates Drive Suite 102 Waxahachie

Call Us Today!

972-921-8445 Paul Corp

BUILDING QUALITY HOMES IN ELLIS COUNTY, ON YOUR ACREAGE OR OURS W W W.C ORPCUSTO MHO MES. CO M