March 2012 Ellis County Living Magazine

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ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

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972-938-1770

www.centralkubota.com $0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for terms up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota equipment from available inventory at participating dealers through 6/30/2012. Example: A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 borrowed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Only Kubota and select Kubota performance-matched Land Pride and equipment is eligible.

Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental customers. 0% A.P.R. and low rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate (C.I.R.) offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 6/30/2012. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information.

Introducing COMPLETE Lawn Maintenance The Metroplex’s most trusted greenery now offers full service lawn maintenance!

We u s e t h e h i g h e s t q u a l i t y e q u i p m e nt a n d g r a s s t r e a t m e n t s t o ke e p t h i c k , h e a l t hy l a w n s fo r o u r c u s t o m e r s .

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 32

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GET OUT IN THE GARDEN!

2012

18 12

CHECK OUT THE LATEST IN LOCAL FASHION

MARCH APRIL

FASHION Spring Fashion 12-14

What You Need to Know About Waxing 16

LIFE & STYLE Before They’re Movies 18

Texas Taps 20 Recipe File 22 The 10 Commandments of a Guys’ Road Trip 24 Be a Mindful Mom 26 Bountiful Baskets 28 Marketplace 30

HOME & GARDEN Gardening Section 32 Storage Wars 40 March-April Plants 44 Jump In! 46

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MARCH-APRIL 2012

BEFORE THEY’RE MOVIES

PROFESSIONAL What’s New for 2011 Tax Returns 48 The Philosophy of Three Words 50 The Lady Bird Deed 52 The Real World Keeps Score 56 Lessons Learned 54

MEDICAL VAULT: Margaret Shaw, DDS, PA 56

Supplement Snapshot: Can a Pill Bring Better Health? 58 Social Media 60 You’re So Vein 62 Outsourcing 64 Are You Fit to Get Fit? 66 Stop Springtime Sniffles 68 Are You Connected? 70

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE Volume 8 Issue 2

Cindy has been a force in Ellis County for more than 20 years. An optimistic and generous leader, she has supported many local organizations throughout her time living in Waxahachie, and was the perfect candidate to start Ellis County Living Magazine. Send her your thoughts at publisher@living-magazine.com.

Cindy Camp PUBLISHER Jennifer Kemp ART DIRECTOR Kate McClendon EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kathryn Kemp ASSISTANT EDITOR Pamela McCrory Patti Youngblood Missy Gautier ADVERTISING Susan Kosoris CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Tyler-Marie Evans INTERN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melinda Hines Diane Johnson Collard Melinda Kocian Jacob A. Hale Mark Singleton Dr. Katherine Donaldson, Psy. D. Cindy Burch

Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly

by ECL Media, Inc. using only environmentally friendly ink.

Copyright 2012, ECL Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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

We are proud members of the Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian 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.

Guarantee you’ll receive Ellis County Living Magazine by subscribing today! Go to www.living-magazine.com and click on “subscriptions.”

0 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MARCH-APRIL 2012

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

Kate is the editor of Ellis County Living Magazine. She grew up in Waxahachie and graduated from Baylor University as a journalism major and studio art minor. Kate loves all aspects of the writing and editing process and has writing experience for multiple mediums. If you have any ideas, questions or comments, send her an e-mail at Kate@ living-magazine.com.

Kathryn has joined our team as assistant editor. She studied journalism and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 2009.

She loves writing and has a curiosity that drives her to always be asking questions and learning about the world around her. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, going out with her friends and playing games. Send an e-mail to Kathryn at kathryn@living-magazine.com.

Missy was born and raised in Houston. She worked there for many years in the sales, marketing and public relations industry. Missy is a Texas State University graduate and a published freelance writer. She recently joined the Living Magazine staff as as an advertising representative, concentrating on the areas of Midlothian, Ovilla and Red Oak. Her professional and thorough approach will give clients the competitive edge they need to succeed. Contact her at missy@eclmedia.com.

Pamela is our Sales Account Executive for Waxahachie and Red Oak. She has an extensive background in sales and advertising and also runs a promotional advertising business. She enjoys her family and friends, cooking, entertaining, and traveling. Contact her at pamela@eclmedia.com.

Patti is our assistant editor and assists with business development. She is a retired high school English teacher and was raised in Waxahachie.

Patti assists the editorial staff and she assists clients in the Ennis area with their advertising needs. Patti is married, the mother of two grown daughters, and a proud Nan-Nan to her two darling grandsons, Will and Benjamin. Contact her at patti@living-magazine.com.

Susan is a University of Texas business school graduate with 25 years experience in business management, marketing and accounting. She has recently joined the staff of Living Magazine as the chief financial officer. Susan has three sons and enjoys volunteering, cooking, reading and traveling. Contact her at accounting@eclmedia.com.

Please join us in celebrating Jennifer’s fantastic five years by congratulating her on our Facebook page.

Cover photo by Thibaut• thibautdesign.com Staff photos by Marie Q Photography • Hair and makeup by Misty Templeton

AROUND TOWN EDITOR’S NOTE As the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to get outside and welcome the spring season.

This issue focuses on “everything spring” as we feature many gardeningrelated articles in conjunction with the upcoming Master Gardeners’ Lawn & Garden Expo on Saturday, March 31. In these articles you’ll find everything you need to know about landscaping, starting an herb garden, rainwater harvesting and much more.

Also in this issue you’ll find our favorite Texas beers, books that will soon be movies, how to sign up for bi-weekly fresh and local produce, and what to do to have a successful guys’ roadtrip.

In the next issue, we’ll be focusing on health and wellness so you’ll get to read many articles aimed at making all of our lives a little healthier.

There are many events coming up this March and April that give you the opportunity to get out there and enjoy spring.

From craft fairs to Easter egg hunts, you’ll have no problem filling up your schedule!

Happy reading!

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MARCH-APRIL 2012

WAXAHACHIE

www.waxahachiechamber.com

LAWN & GARDEN EXPO Come out Saturday, March 31, to the Waxahachie Civic Center to learn all about the latest in gardening at the Master Gardeners’ Lawn & Garden Expo. For more information, visit www.ecmga.com.

HEALING HEARTS GALA On Saturday, March 31, come out to the First United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. to support Healing Hearts Center at their gala, “Facing the Giants, Breaking the Silence.” The Healing Hearts Center is a domestic violence support center serving Ellis County residents. For more information, visit www.healing-hearts-center.org.

CRAFT FAIR The Texas Baptist Home will be hosting their second annual TBH Craft Fair for Adoption on Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church. Admission is $2. Contact Megan Baldwin at 972.937.1321 for more information.

MIDLOTHIAN

www.midlothianchamber.org

EASTER EGG HUNT Bring the kids and search for eggs at the Easter Egg Hunt, put on by the Midlothian Downtown Business Association and the City of Midlothian. Beginning at 10 a.m. on March 31, kids ages 1 month to 10 years old can search Kimmel Park for all the eggs they can find!

NAVARRO COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP GALA “Bonjour Brilliance,” the Navarro College Scholarship Fundraising Gala, will be held on Saturday, April 14, at the

Midlothian Conference Center with entertainment featuring the Dallas String Quartet. For more information, please call 972.923.6439.

ENNIS

www.ennis-chamber.com

WINDING RIDGE BED & BREAKFAST OPENING Winding Ridge Bed and Breakfast, located on Sugar Ridge Road just outside of Ennis, will be open for bookings this March. The bed and breakfast is located on 22 acres that will be covered with bluebonnets this spring. It will be the perfect place for a weekend getaway. For more information, please call 214.543.3057.

BLUEBONNET TRAILS FESTIVAL During the weekend of April 21 and 22, take some time to explore “the official bluebonnet trail” and snap some pictures in the fields of our lovely state flower. Visit downtown Ennis for art, crafts, souvenirs, food and live music.

RED OAK

www.redoaktx.org

EASTER EGG HUNT Red Oak Parks & Recreation will put on the annual Easter Egg Hunt from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 6 at Pearson Park. Come out and let your little ones hunt for eggs for free!

RED OAK BRIDAL SHOW If you’re planning a wedding, the Red Oak Bridal Show will provide help with many vendors, lots of information and a fashion show put on by Emma’s Bridal Boutique.

The Bridal Show will take place on April 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Red Oak Municipal Center.

For all local events and updates on what is happening in our area, visit www.living-magazine.com and click on BLOG. Do you have an event that you want everyone to know about?

Send an e-mail to: EVENTS@LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

Downtown SHOPPING

WAXAHACHIE

COME SHOP OR VISIT WITH THESE MEMBERS IN OUR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREA! Boyce Feed & Grain SINCE 1850

Downtown Waxahachie is blooming with fun! Mark your calendars for these upcoming events: THE CRAFTY SCRAPPER 308 S. College • www.thecraftyscrapper.com Blossoming Birdcage Album Class March 3 • 10:30 a.m. • $35 Altered Canvas Cookbook Class March 3 • 10:30 a.m. • $50 Baby Keepsake Box & Mini-Album Class March 10 • 10:30 a.m. • $28 No Frills Crop • April 7 • 10:30 a.m. • $25 GINGERBREAD ANTIQUE MALL 310 S. College • 972.937.0968 Second Saturday at Gingerbread Antique Mall • March 10 & April 14 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Antique appraisal day and sale! Shop for great bargains throughout the store. Bring in a cherished item for a free verbal (non-binding) appraisal.

Buffalo Creek Cowgirls Check It Out Fabrics Citizens National Bank

Waxahachie

College Street Printing

OLD TOWN VILLAGE 307 S. Rogers • www.oldtownvillageantiques.com Old Town Village Second Saturday Sale • March 10 - 11 & April 14 - 15 Take 20% off all regularly priced items $10 and over.

(Not valid on firm, sale and previously marked down items. Must be $10 or more per item.)

College Street Pub

PAPER COWGIRL RETREAT 972.921.6883 • www.papercowgirl.blogspot.com Paper Cowgirl Retreat • March 15 - 16 Take 20% off all regularly priced items $10 and over.

(Not valid on firm, sale and previously marked down items. Must be $10 or more per item.)

PETTICOATS ON THE PRAIRIE Chautauqua Auditorium • www.

MOSAIC MADNESS petticoatsontheprairie.blogspot.com 211 S. College • www.mosaicmadness.net Petticoats on the Prairie - The Premier Vintage Market in West Second Saturday Sale at Mosaic Madness • March 10 & April 14 Texas • March 17 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. •$5 Take 20% off all hand-made custom mosaic, stained glass pieces & retail items. Come in and mention WAXAHACHIE LIONS CLUB MINI GRAND PRIX “2nd Saturday” to receive discount pricing.

Historic Downtown Waxahachie • www.

MKT TRAIN DEPOT waxahachielionsclub.org/minigrandprix/default.htm 501 S. Rogers • Daniel Smith: 214.532.5795 Waxahachie Lions Club Mini Grand Prix • April 21 First Annual MKT Train Depot Model Train Show • March Miniature NASCAR-style go-karts race to the finish!

10 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • $5 • Hosted by Historic

Common Threads Quilt Shop Corner’s Art Gallery & Framing Crafty Scrapper Creative Laser Tattoo Removal Clinic Dan’s Maintenance Service Ellis County Art Association Ellis County Living Magazine Ellis County Museum Gifts, Etc. Gingerbread Antique Mall Glenn’s Warehouse Carpet Gran’s Antiques H&H Grocery & Deli KBEC 1390 Radio AM Klassy Klutter Martha Nell’s Clothes Tree Maxwell Jewelry Mosaic Madness NAPA Auto Parts/Marina Pool Supplies Old Town Village Antiques & Uniques

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Patrick Home Partnership

If you are looking for fabric for recovering furniture, DIY projects and accessories, come see Michele Hampton. As the creative force she can design, transform and decorate your home from beginning to end.

212 S. Rogers Street • Downtown Waxahachie •checkitoutfabrics.net 972.938.2403

Plato Loco Restaurant

Pearman Oil & LP Gas Pete & Re-Pete Salon Friends The Gilded Lily Pad The Texas Theater The Dove’s Nest Antiques & Restaurant Tina Bohlman Gallery Tire Town TLC Event Rentals Waxahachie Daily Light Waxahachie NOW Whitley’s Philly Grille

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL OF THE FUN THINGS GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WAXAHACHIE, VISIT...

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CHECK IT OUT

FASHION

SPRING FASHION

TOP, Chic Boutique $38.95 JEANS, Chic Boutique $29.99 EARRINGS, Target $5.99 SHOES, Plain Jane $38 GLASSES, Target $16.99 ESSIE POLISH, “Ole Caliente” $8

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MARCH-APRIL 2012

DRESS, Chic Boutique $78 CLUTCH, Target $16.99 REAL TURQUOISE BRACELET, Merle Norman $100 SHOES, Maurice’s $29

EARRINGS, Target $7.99 SONIA KASHUK POLISH, “Fairy Princess” Target $4.99

TOP, Chic Boutique $38.95 MISS ME JEANS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $99.99 BRIGHTON PURSE, Briarpatch $195 WEDGES, Target $29.99 BRIGHTON EARRINGS, Briarpatch $54 SONIA KASHUK POLISH, “Dream of Genie” Target $4.99

DRESS, Plain Jane $48 BOOTS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $239 EARRINGS, Target $9.99 NECKLACE, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $14.99 SONIA KASHUK POLISH, “Tango Mango” Target $4.99

TOP, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $55.99 PURSE, Merle Norman $79 MISS ME JEANS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $85.99 FLATS, Target $12.99 OWL NECKLACE, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $16.23 OPI NAIL POLISH, Merle Norman $8.50

DRESS, Plain Jane $48 PURSE, Merle Norman $69 BRACELET, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $35.99 SANDALS, Target $24.99 NECKLACE, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $14.99 OPI NAIL POLISH, Merle Norman $8.50

MARCH-APRIL 2012

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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FASHION

SPRING FASHION

TOP, Chic Boutique, $34.95 JEANS, Briarpatch $88 BRACELETS, Target $19.99 FLATS, Target $12.99 EARRINGS, $14.99 SONIA KASHUK POLISH, “Golden Ticket” Target $4.99

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MARCH-APRIL 2012

DRESS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $50.99 RING, Target $24.99 BOOTS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $240 FLOWER ON BOOT, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $20 BRIGHTON BRACELETS, Briarpatch $48 each ESSIE POLISH, “Navigate Her” $8

TOP, Chi c Boutique $34.95 JEANS, Chic Boutique $29.99 EARRINGS, Target $7.99 SHOES, Maurice’s On-line $39 BRACELET, Belk $35 ESSIE POLISH, “A Crewed Interest” $8

MARCH-APRIL 2012

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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By Amber Thompson

FASHION

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT WAXING

BY AMBER THOMPSON

Warmer months are upon us, and nobody wants to get caught in a Sex and the City “Miranda Moment.” Be sure you know when to wax and how to maintain the smooth results.

therefore, waxing would not be an ideal hair removal method. Many acne topical treatments will thin the skin as well, so consult your wax specialist to learn if waxing is contraindicated.

WAX TYPES

To avoid a bad wax job, ensure the waxing technician is a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist. Let the technician know if the wax is too hot, and make sure they don’t wax the same area twice with soft wax.

A new stick should be used each dip to avoid cross contamination. If they double dip during your service, just imagine how many times they’ve done it before.

Hard wax has a low melting temperature and cures to a firm consistency similar to the way that candle wax hardens. As the wax cures, it shrink wraps around the hair and does not adhere to the skin, causing less redness or irritation. It’s great for sensitive areas like lip, bikini and underarm.

Many estheticians use soft wax for larger areas like the legs, chest or back due to the ease of application and speedier process. It is applied in the direction of the hair growth; a muslin or pellon strip is applied over the soft wax and then pulled against the direction of the hair growth.

Some redness may occur, and a sticky residue may be left behind. Ultimately, both waxes are effective for removing hair.

WHEN TO AVOID WAXING Always tell your esthetician any medications you are taking, as some medications may cause the skin to thin;

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MARCH-APRIL 2012

BIKINI BASICS A traditional bikini wax includes removal of any hair outside of the underwear line. A Brazilian bikini wax is removal of all hair in the bikini area, including the behind if desired. To minimize pain, many people have found that applying a numbing cream shortly before the waxing and/or taking a pain reliever, like Tylenol, is helpful. After waxing, exfoliation is essential to avoid ingrown hairs. Use a sugar scrub twice weekly for smooth, bump-free skin. It is recommended to wax every three to four weeks for optimum results.

EYEBROW SHAPING As a makeup artist and esthetician, I believe nothing enhances the face like a set of well-groomed eyebrows.

The brows frame the eyes and add shape to the face. Fuller brows are the most attractive. If you have fallen victim to the over-tweezed brow craze of the 90s, there is still hope. Many people have found that products made for lash growth enhancement work equally as well on the eyebrows.

Once your brows have grown out, go to a wax technician you can trust to shape your brows naturally.

AMBER

is an esthetician with more than 10 years’ experience in the beauty industry, including top Esteé Lauder companies and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas. She now manages the Spa at Equinox, Preston Hollow, and works as a makeup artist in Ellis County and surrounding areas. For an appointment, reach her at amber. thompson@equinox.com.

MARCH-APRIL 2012

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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LIFE & STYLE

BEFORE THEY’RE MOVIES…

Lately, we’ve seen more and more books being brought to life on the big screen, and it looks like 2012 will be no different. While many anxiously await the release of novel-turned-movie, “The Hunger Games,” here are a few more titles to check out before the film versions come out later this year.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER

By Seth Grahame-Smith This satirical “true” story of our nation’s 16th president depicts a grief-stricken Abraham Lincoln seeking revenge after his mother is killed by a vampire. From the author of “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” this story chronicles the life of Abraham Lincoln from his early teen years through his assassination in 1865 (apparently the work of a vampire).

Produced by Tim Burton, the silver screen version is set to hit theaters June 22.

THE WETTEST COUNTY IN THE WORLD

By Matt Bondurant Based on true stories about his grandfather and two great-uncles, Matt Bondurant’s “The Wettest County in the World” depicts the struggles, crimes and greed of three bootlegging brothers, the Bondurant Boys, in depression-era Virginia. Notorious gangsters and roughnecks, the brothers ran liquor through Franklin County, VA during Prohibition and for years after.

Shia LeBouf and Jessica Chastain star in the film adaptation hitting theaters August 31.

CLOUD ATLAS: A NOVEL

There’s a good chance you’ve already read these classics, but you may want to refresh your memory before their film versions hit the big screen in December.

By David Mitchell Travel through time as six intertwining stories take the reader from a boat on the Pacific in 1850 to between-the-wars Belgium, Governor Reagan’s California, 21st century U.K., Korea in the “near future” and post-apocalyptic Hawaii, then all the way back again to end where it began.

With a star-studded cast including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant and Susan Sarandon, this film is set to be released October 19.

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LES MISERABLES

By Victor Hugo The epic story of a French ex-convict living in early 19th century Paris has been told and re-told, most memorably as the stage musical. On December 7, a film adaptation of the musical hits theaters, with a notable cast including Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried and Helena Bonham Carter.

GREAT GATSBY

By F. Scott Fitzgerald The classic American novel gives the reader a glimpse of 1920s Long Island as seen through the eyes of narrarator Nick Carraway. Set to release Christmas Day, the film will star Leonardo DiCaprio as the mysterious Jay Gatsby and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway. Carey Mulligan and Isla Fisher also play key roles.

ON THE ROAD

By Jack Kerouac This autobiographical novel based on author Jack Kerouac’s real-life road trips across post-World War II America sheds light on what has come to be known as the “Beat Generation.” Expected to be released December 27, the silver screen version will star such names as Kirsten Dunst, Amy Adams and Kristen Stewart.

BY KATHRYN KEMP, NEW STAFF BOOK-A-HOLIC

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MARCH-APRIL 2012

MARCH-APRIL 2012

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LIFE & STYLE

Texas Taps

For many years, Texans have associated Lone Star and Shiner Bock as Texas beers. Although both are still available, microbreweries are popping up all over the state, giving Texans other choices for Texas-made beers. The next time you are planning an outing, consider contacting some of these local breweries to take a tour and sample some of their wares. BY LIVING MAGAZINE STAFF

BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS..

Four Corners Brewing Company, another microbrewery, will be opening this fall on Singleton Ave., near the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, as part of the ongoing plan to revitalize the area.

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DEEP ELLUM PUNXSATAWNEY PILS

This is a crisp, light and slightly spicy beer from Deep Ellum Brewing Company that appropriately debuted on Groundhog’s Day. The brewery just opened in December and offers six beers that are available in several restaurants and bars in DFW and Austin.

DEEP ELLUM BREWING COMPANY Dallas 214.888.3322 www.deepellumbrewing.com

RAHR & SONS IRON THISTLE

Rahr & Sons Brewing Company has been a staple in the Fort Worth community since its founding in 2004. The Iron Thistle, a dark, thick and sweetly malty Scottish style ale, is one of the brewery’s seasonal offerings. If you’re interested in trying more from this brewery, they offer tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays and a “brew cruise” in late March.

RAHR & SONS BREWING COMPANY Fort Worth 817.810.9266 www.rahrbrewing.com

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MARCH-APRIL 2012

REAL ALE FIREMANS #4 BLONDE ALE

This beer was a favorite among our staff because of its refreshing taste with subtle hints of citrus fruits. We’ll be looking forward to enjoying it on the upcoming warm spring days.

REAL ALE BREWING COMPANY Blanco 830.833.2534 www.realalebrewing.com

SAINT ARNOLD SPRING BOCK

Saint Arnold’s German-style Spring Bock has a complex taste made up of fruity, sweet and grainy notes that creates the perfect patio beer.

All of the staff agreed that this beer was a must-try. If you want to sample more brews at the Houston-based brewery, $7 will get you a tour of the facility and a glass for your top choice.

SAINT ARNOLD BREWING COMPANY Houston 713.686.9494 www.saintarnold.com

SOUTHERN STAR BOMBSHELL BLONDE

This rich, golden ale has flavors of lemon, bread and hops and is only available in a can. The packaging may turn bottle devotees off, but we say to give it a try! Southern Star is a relatively young brewery that focuses on more than beer—they recycle most of the waste produced by the brewery and they host an annual contest for homebrewers to win a chance for their beer to be brewed on Southern Star’s system.

SOUTHERN STAR BREWING COMPANY Conroe 936.441.2739 www.southernstarbrewery.com

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LIFE & STYLE

4'%+2' (+.'

Black Bean Soup Black bean soup is a perennial favorite. It has a rich feel and great flavor, but what about spice? I always cool off my soup with a spoonful of sour cream but just for the contrast of hot and cold, never to relieve the bright spices in the soup because it rarely is made with a lot of heat. The balance of spicy soups should fall between the satisfaction of lots of heat while still being able to discern the different flavors of the other ingredients, so look for this as you make any dish where spices are included. Heat should be there to amplify the flavors, not drown them out completely.

This dish is easily made vegetarian by substituting water for the chicken stock and any kind of cooking oil for the bacon.

4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into small slices 1 medium onion, diced 1 carrot, diced 1 stalk of celery, diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 jalapeno, diced (feel free to remove seeds to better control the heat) 2 cans of black beans or 1 pound of dried beans, cooked.

1 can of black-eyed peas Pinches of cayenne, Mexican oregano, cinnamon, cumin 3 cups water or chicken stock 1-2 tablespoons masa or all-purpose flour 1 lime Salt and pepper to taste Set up Dutch oven or large stockpot to medium and toss in bacon; let render for 7-10 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside. Add the onions and let cook until translucent, then add carrot, celery, garlic, jalapeno and cook for another 5 minutes until soft. Add the spices, stirring them for about 30 seconds to let them bloom, then add beans and stock. Scrape the bottom of the pan to free any small bits left over and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and let go for about 25 minutes. At this point, taste the broth and adjust the seasonings, adding whatever you like. Take an immersion blender and blend for about 1-2 minutes until partially blended, so you have some whole beans and thick consistency. (You can also add a few ladles of the soup into a blender and process then add back into your soup.) Squeeze the lime juice into the soup just before serving. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even better the second day!

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Roasted Carrots

with Agave and Red Onions Roasted carrots are an often overlooked option for dinner, so adding red onion and the light sweetness of agave enhance the dish and give bright colors to your table. Try this easy side dish to go with a richer stew or soup, or make it on the grill in the summer.

1 pound carrots, washed and peeled if desired 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced 1/4 cup agave 2-3 red onions, sliced and rings separated Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Slice carrots in half lengthwise and then in half again and toss in a large bowl with agave, thyme, red onions and salt and pepper. On a large sheet pan, make an even layer of the mixture and pop in the oven. Rotate the pan after 20 minutes and check every 5 minutes for doneness. They should be fork tender and a little caramelized when they are ready. Serve immediately or at room temperature. Serves 4.

Pita Bread 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 1/4 cups water, a little hotter than body temperature Combine water and yeast to dissolve. Combine flour, olive oil, salt and sugar, then add water and yeast. Process for 30 seconds or mix by hand until mixture forms a ball, then knead until a smooth texture is formed. Cover and let sit in oil until it doubles in size. Punch down dough and cut into 6 equal pieces and form each piece into a ball. Cover with a damp paper towel loosely and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Using a rolling pin or stretching the dough with your hands (like pizza), flatten each ball into a 1/4-inch thick disk.

Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes or until puffed.

RECIPES BY MEAGAN CAMP

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LIFE & STYLE

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF

A GUYS’ ROAD TRIP

BY JUDD MCCUTCHEN

With spring right around the corner, my attention focuses toward a number of outdoor activities. This is the time of year that you might find me at the local bait and tackle shop stocking up on plastic lizards and spinner baits. Or you might catch me at Richards Park taking in some Indian Baseball. And if I’ve behaved myself all week, my wife might just let me loose on the weekend to play a little golf.

But more so than any of these, spring means that it’s time to start planning our annual guys’ trip. With that in mind, I thought it might be fun to inscribe the unspoken rules of guy trip etiquette. Using past experience as my guide, I came up with the 10 Commandments. To protect the privacy and identity of my friends, I have refrained from using any names here, but you guys know who you are. Let’s get it!

COMMANDMENT I

THOU SHALT NOT BE LATE

This one sounds simple, but don’t let it fool you. There’s no better way to hack off your buddies than to have them sitting in a hot Suburban waiting on someone who overslept. And it never fails that this guy gets out of his car in a great mood, can’t figure out why everyone is mad, and has somehow had time to stop at Whataburger on his commute. Not a good start there, padna.

COMMANDMENT II

THOU SHALT NOT UNDER EXAGGERATE

I know this commandment is a little silly, but we all know that guys exaggerate when they start comparing battle scars.

I figure if there’s ever a time to inflate the truth a little bit, this is it. Lord knows when you get home it won’t fly. Your wife will call you out in a heartbeat. So take advantage when you’re with your guy friends who might actually believe you.

COMMANDMENT III

THOU SHALT NOT BRING YOUR WORK WITH YOU

The sole purpose of the trip is to get away

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from the hustle and bustle. Bringing the office with you is asking for trouble. If someone insists on working, they must understand that they will be constantly interrupted, made fun of, and become the butt of all jokes until they put away the laptop.

COMMANDMENT IV

THOU SHALT NOT BRING YOUR WIFE/GIRLFRIEND/FIANCÉ

You’re thinking, “Who would bring their significant other on a guys’ trip?” Like I said before…I won’t name names, but trust me, it happens. It’s usually two guys that do this. They assure everyone that their wives will be “shopping” the whole time.

WRONG! Want to ruin the trip? Bring your old lady.

Mart security guard is to receive utmost respect. This should eliminate an unwanted wake-up call to your best friend’s wife.

COMMANDMENT VIII

THOU SHALT NOT FORGET TO CALL HOME

DO NOT under any circumstances forget to make the nightly call home. Your wife is already worried just by the fact that you are gone. Her mind will go to the worst-case scenario if she doesn’t hear from you. Even if you went to bed at 8:30 p.m. and did nothing wrong, you will be punished and treated as if you did whatever unimaginable act she created in her head while waiting for the phone to ring. You lose either way. Just make the call.

COMMANDMENT V

THOU SHALT NOT ROOM SNORERS WITH NON-SNORERS

If you snore, it’s hilarious to hear how your freight-train breathing technique kept everyone up all night. But if you don’t, you have a hard time not asphyxiating your roommate with the extra pillow. Solution: snorers in one room, non-snorers in another. Problem solved.

COMMANDMENT VI

THOU SHALT NOT TAKE INCRIMINATING PHOTOS/VIDEOS

Guys act 10 years younger when they are on a road trip. It’s a fact. Opportunities are abundant to capture someone acting in a manner not concurrent with their age. With social media these days, it’s imperative that an agreement is made to not publish any such photos or videos.

COMMANDMENT VII

THOU SHALT NOT CHALLENGE THE AUTHORITIES Although I am good friends with a local bail bondsman, I would prefer not to call him because someone in the group decided to go streaking in the quad. So anything from a police officer to the Wal-

COMMANDMENT IX

THOU SHALT NOT BE A MOOCH

Favorite phrases of the mooch: “I don’t carry cash,” “Dude, cover me and I’ll get you later,” “I must have left my wallet in the room.” These words are like nails on a chalkboard to the friend with cash, because he knows there’s a better chance of being struck by lightning than getting his five bucks back. So be sure to hit up the ATM machine before leaving town.

COMMANDMENT X

THOU SHALT NOT BE “THAT GUY”

It is undeniable. It happens every trip. For some reason there’s always one guy who completely annoys everyone. He usually surfaces around lunchtime of day two, and no matter what he does or says the rest of the trip, you don’t want to hear it.

Heed this warning: if you can’t spot “That Guy” by lunch of day two, there’s a good chance you are “That Guy.” So call your buds, plan a trip and remember to always adhere to the 10 Commandments.

Judd McCutchen is a Waxahachie native and has never been “That Guy.”

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LIFE & STYLE

%H D 0LQGIXO 0RP

Moms have a profound ability to impact their family’s moods and behavior in a negative or positive manner. That old saying, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy,” is true. Learning to enjoy our family enables us to appreciate the important things in life and to let go of the things that don’t really matter. Planned or spontaneous family fun activities can be the catalyst to bring a little fun into our hectic lives.

PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS IN YOUR OWN FAMILY. IT’S THE LITTLE, EVERYDAY SWEET THINGS THAT MAKE THE MOST DIFFERENCE TO THOSE WE LOVE. • Leave notes of encouragement around the house, in their office, their car, lunchbox or briefcase.

• Write down 25 reasons why you love your child on separate slips of paper and place in a piñata for them to bust open.

• Use glow-in-the-dark sidewalk chalk to write a message or draw a picture that your child can see through the bedroom window at night.

• Give your child a warm towel on a cold morning when they get out of the shower or put their clothes in the dryer while they are having breakfast.

• Tell them how much you appreciate and love them, often and in front of others.

TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT EACH OTHER AND SPEND TIME TOGETHER. SO MUCH CAN BE LEARNED JUST

BY BEING TOGETHER. • Take your family to their favorite restaurant, the park for a picnic, a game or even a day at the mall for no special reason.

• Surprise the kids by getting them out of bed to go get ice cream with the family and possibly a friend.

• Make your loved ones smile by attending something important to them like a game, play or field trip.

• Play 20 questions and learn something

new about each other while driving your child to school or practice.

• Take each of your children to the grocery store by themselves at least once a month and allow them to pick out the cereal and snacks. You can even divide the shopping list and race to see who can finish first.

BE INTENTIONAL AND SET A SPECIFIC NIGHT FOR FAMILY FUN EVERY WEEK OR AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH. SCHEDULE WHATEVER YOUR FAMILY ENJOYS, JUST MAKE SURE IT HAPPENS. • Choose a theme from a movie and plan a meal and games around that theme. If you choose “The Incredibles,” for example, make power snacks like trail mix and set up an obstacle course in the backyard.

• Cook hot dogs and s’mores on the grill and camp in the backyard as a family.

Use a projector and white sheets tacked to the house to watch a movie.

• Play games or put a puzzle together and use Mod Podge to seal it and frame it in the family room.

• Try something new as a family like indoor rock climbing and have fun learning together.

BE SENTIMENTAL AND RELIABLE. LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR THEM. • Schedule date nights with your children so you can give them personal attention. Our family loves to go to Chick-fil-A on Tuesday nights. The

kids eat free, plus they have an activity ranging from face painting to special guest appearances by the tooth fairy.

The kids have a great time in the play center, and we have a chance to talk.

• Tell them one reason every day why you love them, whether it’s something about their personality or something they do that makes you proud.

• Create a small scrapbook of your favorite memories together. Include a photo or two from each occasion and journal about what you did and why it was special. Then sit down with your child, relive the memories together and laugh about all the fun times you have shared.

DON’T FORGET TO CREATE SPECIAL MOMENTS FOR JUST YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE. REMEMBER, THE KIDS WILL EVENTUALLY LEAVE, AND IT WILL BE JUST THE TWO OF YOU AGAIN. • Try something new and have fun learning. Take dance, golf, karate or even scuba lessons together.

• Treat your husband to one of his favorite things like a Cowboy game or golf trip with the guys.

• Give your spouse a manicure or take him breakfast in bed. Make a fuss over him, he may say he doesn’t need it, but he will appreciate it.

“Mothers are the heart of the home; they build family life by wanting, loving and taking care of their children.”

-Mother Teresa

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

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LIFE & STYLE NON-PROFIT

BOUNTIFUL BASKETS

BY KATE MCCLENDON

Many families are focusing their attention on creating healthy, wholesome meals with fresh ingredients.

However, organic, local produce can cost quite a pretty penny. Now Ellis County residents have a new option for purchasing local produce at a good price—Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op.

In 2006, Sally Stevens and Tanya Jolly co-founded Bountiful Baskets as a way for people to have better access to local produce.

“We were both really strapped for cash and had been using coupons to stretch our budgets, but noticed how that skewed our family toward eating less wholesome meals,” Sally said. “We wanted fresh, wholesome food on our tables for our family, and this was a good way to stretch our dollar.”

Bountiful Baskets distributes produce baskets with different contents based on what is in season and of high quality, but each basket usually contains six fruit items and six vegetable items. You can also order all-organic baskets and occasionally artisan bread and other add-ons for an extra fee. It costs $15 for a conventional basket and

$25 for a 100% certified organic basket.

Locations run on an A-week or Bweek schedule and contributions are accepted beginning the Monday before at noon and running until 10 p.m. that Tuesday. Placing an order is called “contributing” because Bountiful Baskets is not a business that you buy from, but rather a co-op where all money is pooled to purchase the produce.

After the contribution time ends on Tuesday evening, that gives volunteers enough time to pick up and prepare exactly the amount of baskets needed. Pick-up time is that Saturday afternoon, during a 20-minute window. If you don’t show up during that window, your basket of produce will be donated.

The Chamber of Commerce in Waxahachie is the nearest Bountiful Baskets pick-up site for local residents.

Bountiful Baskets is completely run by volunteers, so they rely on participants to play their part.

“This is a grass-roots, all-volunteer, no-contracts, no-catch co-operative,” Sally said. “Without volun-

teers, this co-op wouldn’t happen, so you will need to help as you are able. There are many opportunities to help!”

After contributing a few times, it is recommended that you “pay it back” by volunteering during one pick-up day. Volunteers need to arrive an hour before pick-up time and will help prepare baskets, break down boxes, assist with distribution and help pack up.

If you decide to participate, there are step-by-step instructions for exactly how to set up an account and contribute on the Bountiful Baskets website. On the day of the pick-up, bring your contribution confirmation (receipt) and something in which to carry your produce home.

It’s that simple!

For more information about Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op and to contribute, please visit their website at www.bountifulbaskets.org. To read comments and recipes and to see photos, visit www.facebook. com/bountifulbaskets.

BOUNTIFUL BASKETS FOOD CO-OP ELLIS COUNTY LOCATION: Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce 102 YMCA Drive Week A Saturdays Pickup time: 4:15-4:35 p.m.

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LIFE & STYLE

.?PICRNJ?AC PROMOTION

THE STUDIO

Music of the Spheres— bountiful sounds from these chimes. Many sizes available. Made in Austin.

Hwy. 77 & Tracy Lane Waxahachie 972.617.7740

DOVES NEST Enjoy your favorite Doves Nest condiments without leaving the comfort of your home.

105 W. Jefferson Waxahachie 972.938.3683 www.thedovesnestrestaurant.com

APPLE ANNIE’S GARDEN GATE FLORAL Custom floral arrangements in fresh or silk, gifts and much more! We offer Jim Shore figurines, GUND stuffed animals, Foundation’s Angels, custom crosses, WoodWick candles and Leanin’ Tree cards.

112 W. Knox St Ennis 972.878.6616

PLAIN JANE Carry your drinks in style with this cute cooler!

107 W. Franklin St. Waxahachie 972.923.4433

BUFFALO CREEK COWGIRLS

DR. NANCY’S DAY SPA Offering chiropractic adjustments.

Gift certificates available.

Dr. Nancy MacDonald, DC Chiropractor 1014 Ferris Ave. #2155 Waxahachie 972.415.4740 www.drnancysdayspa.com

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Choose from home decor, clothing and accessories for a great present.

207 S. College Waxahachie 972.937.7490

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HOME & GARDEN

You Pick It HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

BY ROY MERS As a young man I had no idea the world heirloom tomatoes would enter my life in my later years. My teenage years were spent on a small farm in southwestern Missouri, and my responsibilities were dictated to me by my father to keep the garden tilled and the tomatoes trimmed and suckered. And as you can imagine, like most teenagers I rebelled and hated every minute of it—my mind was somewhere else. Little did I know that the training I received as a young man would influence my life so strongly when I moved to Ellis County. My wife, Lisa, and I arrived in Ellis County in 1997 after purchasing a home on seven acres in the northern sector of the county. Our venture into gardening and heirloom tomatoes started small and has grown into the avocation that it is today. Our gardening is our passion, and we enjoy spending time together on our joint gardening projects.

The question often arises, “What is an heirloom tomato?” Simply stated, an heirloom plant is any plant from which you can harvest the seed and reproduce the plant by planting the seed. Hybrid and genetically modified plants will

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not reproduce successfully. Heirloom plants have been passed down from generation to generation and have never been genetically modified. As the agricultural production patterns changed from locally raised produce to mass-produced vegetables on large farms, farmers and seed companies saw the need to develop plants whose fruits could be shipped long distances without being harmed. Consequently, the scientific minds in agriculture developed hybrids and, most recently, genetically modified plants that produce a fruit for shipping rather than for quality of taste and best nutritional value. With high-energy prices, inflation and unknown effects of genetically modified foods, the trend to grow local,

healthy food is rapidly accelerating.

We were intrigued with the idea that we could produce some of our own food on our own land. After the acquisition of a motorized tiller, we started breaking up the soil. I recalled some of the gardening techniques taught to me by my father, and my wife searched the Internet for gardening information for North Texas. Working together and through trial and error, we were moderately successful in producing crops from our earlier gardens. As we gained experience we discovered the quality and nutrition of heirloom tomatoes. Through experimentation with soil types, cultivation methods and seed selection, our heirloom tomatoes

have become a consistent crop.

Over the years our garden has grown to over one acre under cultivation, and we have acquired additional equipment including a Kubota tractor with a 60-inch tiller. We have also added a small greenhouse and most recently a full-surface irrigation system.

The greenhouse is heated and is used primarily for seed starting in the spring.

With the addition of irrigation, our plants can now survive the moisture and temperature fluctuations during the Texas summer. Last year we cultivated approximately 2,000 heirloom tomato plants from seed of approximately 30 varieties. We planted 515 plants in our garden and sold the remaining plants to local growers in Ellis County. Although our gardens are not certified organic, we produce our plants and fruits using natural fertilizers and natural pest control.

It is true that some heirloom tomatoes are not as prolific as some hybrid varieties. On the other hand, we have had some of our heirlooms produce enormous amounts of fruit. Like any other garden plant, soil, wind, moisture and temperature are the variables that dictate yield of fruit production. Soil preparation is important in the high clay content soils found in Ellis County.

Over the years we have found that it is impossible to put too much organic waste in these types of soils. Leaves, compost, straw and hay are the most common materials I use. The addition of sand and expanded shale also helps keep the soil dispersed. When first breaking ground, I deep plow the soil from 18 to 24 inches and then roto till with the tractor until the soil is broken to fine particles. Planting time is usually late March through April for our crop.

Once young tomato plants are in the ground, they should be protected from the strong spring winds until they reach about 18 inches high. Tomatoes need water, so if it is a dry spring be prepared to water the crop. If your garden drains well, it is virtually impossible to overwater young tomato plants in the North

Texas environment. As average daily temperature rises, watch for collapsing or withering plants—that’s a sure sign more water is required.

Tomatoes produce best when the vines are supported either by staking or growing inside a tomato cage. We use the caging method by bending flat mesh rebar into a cylinder and placing it around the plant. There are also cages that can be purchase at the local garden and hardware stores.

Tomatoes will bloom in late April through July 1 and can produce fruit as long as the daily temperature stays below approximately 90 degrees.

Blossoms typically will not set fruit above 90 degrees. However, keep those plants alive during the summer because once fall arrives and the temperature falls, the growing season returns. Heirlooms will bloom again in the fall and produce another crop that can be harvested until the first heavy frost. Your crop will not be as abundant as in spring but rewarding nonetheless.

You can follow some of our adventures at www.greeneaglegardens.com, and we will be selling plants at the Ellis County Garden show on March 31.

PLANNING AN HERB GARDEN

by Arlene Hamilton As the balmy days of spring draw us outdoors, the idea of planting a culinary herb garden can quickly move from a dream to a pleasurable activity. Whether the herb garden is small or large, basic planning on paper is worthwhile. The beauty of planning is that you can adapt it to your space and style. First, decide if you are a gardener who likes a formal look or a free-flowing design. We have all seen pictures of the classic knot garden or the carefully manicured beds with trimmed hedges and wide pathways dividing the beds into neat squares. I enjoy seeing these but don’t have the time or fortitude to effectively maintain one during the long, dry Texas summers.

Another suggestion is the popular circle design, perfect for a small space.

The circle is divided into wedges much like a wagon wheel. In fact, an old wagon wheel is perfect for a beginner’s starter garden with the herbs planted between the spokes. Normally each wedge is planted with one type of herb making a very pleasing design.

My personal preference is a non-tra

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HOME & GARDEN ditional, free flowing garden that evolves over time and allows for expansion, new varieties of herbs, or maybe the addition of a few vegetables or flowers. It is helpful to have the garden close to the kitchen door.

You will be more inclined to use the herbs if they are convenient. Plus, just seeing them and enjoying the fragrance will draw you to the garden.

After you have determined design, location and size, we are ready to get down and dirty. Soil preparation is by far the most important part of your garden plan.

Even though herbs are easy to grow and don’t require a lot of fertilizer, a good loamy bed will get your seedlings off to a quick start. Begin by laying out your design. If doing a freeform garden, a water hose is a great way to outline the bed. Kill any existing grasses or plants, then layer on several inches of compost. Top it with about an inch of expanded shale and till all into the existing soil, down at least eight inches. Don’t let the cost of the expanded shale prevent you from using it. It will reduce your water use. Expanded shale is a porous material capable of absorbing water and releasing it slowly at a later time.

Now the fun part—selecting which herbs you want to grow and use. It’s important to read and follow the instructions on the labels and seed packets. Spacing is important. It’s amazing how large a fourinch rosemary plant will be in a year or two. There are a number of herbs that prefer the cooler months rather than our hot summers. Herbs such as cilantro, dill, chervil, and nasturtium will die back in the summer, while basil prefers warm soil and long sunny days before thriving. Also, mature size is important. Taller herbs such as dill and fennel should run along the back of the garden or in the center of a round or square bed. Low-growing herbs such as thyme, chives and parsley make interesting texture and do best when placed along the border. Medium-sized herbs should be placed in the middle. Place large perennials such as a rosemary, a bay tree or a rose in the center of the bed to avoid disturbing the roots when you are replacing annuals. Invasive plants such as mints should be kept in containers to prevent

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them from taking over the garden.

Lastly, be sure to take garden maintenance into account before you till up the backyard. It’s a mistake to plan a garden that will require many hours of work. Herbs require pruning, weeding, watering, harvesting and occasional feeding. Although herbs are more resistant to insect problems, expect to spend some time on pest control.

Most of all, celebrate the joy of preparing dishes using the flavors of herbs grown in your very own garden.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

BY PAM DANIEL Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting rainfall for a beneficial purpose.

Rainwater harvesting usually refers to the collection of rainfall from roof surfaces and is stored in cisterns for later use. In the early part of the 20th century, rainwater harvesting was practiced in Texas, but with the development of municipal water systems, the practice became obsolete.

With the population projection estimated to increase from 21 million to 46 million in Texas by the year 2050, there is a renewed interest in rainwater harvesting in Texas. With limited water resources and increasing demand for water, there is a growing awareness to conserve water, collect rainfall and use our most valuable resource efficiently.

Rainfall is collected from the roof, through gutters and downspouts, and then directed to storage tanks or cisterns. The stored rainwater can either be pumped back into the home for potable use or used for landscape irrigation. Either way, rainwater harvesting provides conservation of our water supplies.

Rainwater is free of any chemi-

cals and/or dissolved salts. Unlike well water, rainwater is naturally soft and can be used for household purposes without the need for a water softener. Rainwater is also ideal for those on a low-sodium diet since it contains no salt. And of course plants respond much better to rainwater than to municipal water.

A typical home with 2000 square feet of roof can collect about 1,200 gallons of rainwater with every inch of rain. With the average rainfall in North Texas, a homeowner can collect up to 42,000 gallons in a year! This water would otherwise run off and contribute to erosion, pollution and storm water. Rainwater harvesting systems are exempt from property tax, and there is no sales tax for rain harvesting equipment and supplies.

There are many resources available to learn more about rainwater harvesting.

The following websites are excellent sites with more information.

• http://rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu • www.twdb.state.tx.us • www.arcsa.org • www.texaswatermatters.org • www.waterwisetexas.org Please contact the Ellis County Master Gardeners with any questions about rainwater harvesting at 972.825.5175, or visit our website at www.ecmga.com.

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HOME & GARDEN

DRIFT® ROSES—MY NEW FAVORITE THINGS,

BY JAMES KOCIAN Looking to spice up your garden and try something new? The Drift Rose may be just what you need to provide some dramatic ground-covering and give your garden a little pop.

From the same people that brought us the Knock Out family of roses, the Drifts are a mix of full-sized and miniature roses.

They are tough, disease resistant repeatbloomers that are virtually maintenance free and can withstand winter weather.

Drifts bloom every five to six weeks from spring to frost, but regular deadheading could be a way to help ensure repeatblooming. Pruning about 6-8 inches in early spring will also encourage optimal performance from the roses. Naturally dwarfed with attractive glossy, dark green foliage, the Drifts combine well with perennials and other upright shrubs.

The roses usually grow to be between two and three feet wide and about a foot and a half tall, making them ideal for small gardens, hillsides and even those random places where it’s hard to find something to fit. They’d also be great to fill in empty space you have looming in your garden.

THERE ARE SEVEN VARIETIES OF THE DRIFT ROSE: The Icy Drift Rose, the newest addition to the series, grows to be one to two feet tall and two to three feet wide with small, pure white double blooms forming from late spring and early summer through to frost. The flowers are borne abundantly in large clusters with medium green glossy foliage. This particular plant has excellent disease resistance.

Refreshing apricots to light pink double flowers of the Apricot Drift Rose make their appearance in spring and never stop coming. These full, spreading plants are ideally suited for small gardens or along paths and walkways.

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The most rounded of the Drifts, the Coral Drift Rose, has small cup-like deep coral-orange blooms that grow abundantly and bloom continuously until fall. Each stem has five to eight flowers, each with a petal count of 20 to 25. This rounded, bushy plant grows to be less than one-and-a-half feet in height and less than two feet wide.

and Coral, this plant will grow to be less than one-and-a-half feet tall with a width of less than three feet.

The bright peach-colored Peach Drift Rose is the most floriferous of the Drifts and the only one that is truly fragrant.

Blooming continuously until fall, each stem will have five to eight flowers containing 15-20 cup-like petals. This rounded bush will usually grows to be less than one-anda-half feet tall and less than two feet wide.

The smallest of the seven, the Red Drift Rose has scarlet-red blooms approximately three-quarters of an inch across. It is a low-creeping plant of less than one-and-a-half feet tall and less than two feet wide with ten to twenty flowers per stem.

The Pink Drift Rose is the most prostrate of the bunch, growing abundantly and continuously with deep pink-colored, semi-double blooms oneand-a-half inches in diameter. The stems usually have ten to twenty flowers, each with seven to eight petals. Like the Peach

Pale pink double flowers seeming to float in clusters atop dark green glossy foliage characterize Sweet Drift Rose bushes.

The most double-flowered of all the Drifts, this exceptionally disease resistant flowering continuous bloomer is ideal for hillsides or pathways.

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BASIC STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL VEGETABLE GARDEN

BY SUSAN NORVELL There are several basic steps that you can follow to have a successful vegetable garden.

HAVE A PLAN Your plan should include such things as location and size of your garden, what you plan to plant and how much you are going to plant. It is a good idea to sketch out the garden to scale to make sure everything will fit.

LOCATION As with most things in life, location is very important. Vegetables grow best in a level area with loose, well-drained soil and at least six to eight hours of sun per day. Your garden should be located near a good supply of water and in a location where it will be convenient for you to work.

GARDEN ORIENTATION It is important that your tall vegetables don’t cast a shadow over your shorter vegetables. To avoid this, plant your tallest vegetables on the north end of the garden. They will cast their shadow out of the garden to the north. Your shortest ones should be planted at the southern end of the garden and your medium-sized vegetables in the middle of the garden.

SITE PREPARATION This is an extremely important step.

Know what type of soil you have by getting a soil test done. Forms and soil-sample bags are obtained at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Ellis County at 701 South I-35 in Waxahachie. Vegetables grow best in deep, well-drained soil with adequate organic matter. Ellis County's soil pH is alkaline, generally around 7.5 on the scale. Most vegetables prefer a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 (slightly acid) but will tolerate alkaline soil. Fertilize and amend based

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on your specific soil requirements.

Never till or plant in your soil when it is wet. The higher your organic matter content, the easier it is to prepare a good seedbed. If you are purchasing soil to fill a raised bed, remember that this soil will be sterile and you will need to add micro-organisms and fertilizer.

Till the soil to a depth of eight to10 inches and then rake smooth.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT VARIETIES Plant the varieties recommended for our area. We need heat-tolerant varieties.

Generally, large fruited tomatoes don’t do well here. Plant the most disease-resistant varieties you can find and follow the recommendations on whether to plant seeds or transplants.

PLANT AT THE RIGHT TIME Planting either too early or too late can be a problem so adhere to the recommended planting time. Some vegetables can be planted over a longer period of time while others have a very short span of time for planting.

Consider both the calendar and the temperature when planting. Heed recommendations for spring versus fall planting on specific vegetables and varieties.

PROPER CARE AND MAINTENANCE If you don’t plan to follow an organic program, use the least toxic products.

Control weeds, especially early on as they compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Fertilize as recommended. Water consistently.

Control diseases and insects as required. Spend time in your garden; it is the best way to halt potential problems.

HARVEST AND STORAGE For the best quality, pick your vegetables at the optimum time. Unlike wine, age will not improve their quality.

Take time to learn when the various vegetables should be harvested. Store correctly based on need—refrigerated, non-refrigerated, dry, cool place, etc.

Proper storage will insure your harvest lasts as long as possible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Additional information on these topics and additional aspects of vegetable gardening are available on the website www.ecmga.com or by calling your Texas AgriLife Extension Service—Ellis County at 972.825.5175.

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES

BY PAM DANIEL “Sustainability” and “green” are commonly heard words in today’s media. Going green or living a

more sustainable life is growing in popularity.

Sustainability encourages practices that benefit the environment while improving the prosperity of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a delicate balance.

As population rises and resources are consumed at an alarming rate, practicing sustainability will essentially save our future.

We must incorporate sustainability into our daily lives through conservation, awareness and responsibility.

Sustainable landscaping includes an attractive environment that is in balance with the local climate and requires minimal resource inputs like fertilizer, pesticides and water.

Sustainable landscaping includes the following principle goals: % Water conservation % Safe use and handling of fertilizers and pesticides % Reduction of yard waste entering urban landfills % Landscaping for energy conservation Sustainable Landscape Tips: % Utilize low volume or drip irrigation to achieve significant water savings. % Ensure automatic sprinkler systems are working properly. % Install rain/freeze sensors or ET controllers that provide weather-based irrigation. % Start a compost pile to improve the soil and reduce your waste. % Use mulch to minimize water evaporation. % Harvest the rain! Use rain barrels or cisterns to collect rain from your roof or gutters. % Utilize Earthkind techniques that combine the best in organic and traditional gardening. % Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home to keep your house cool in the summer and let the sun warm your home in the winter. Just three trees properly placed around a house can save up to 30 percent on energy use. % Trees or shrubs planted to shade air conditioners can improve efficiency, using less electricity. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10 percent less electricity than the same unit operating in the sun.

Visit these web sites for more information! www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind www.urbansolutionscenter.tamu.edu MARCH-APRIL 2012

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INTERIOR DESIGN

STORAGE WARS The holidays are over, and I find it interesting that our minds are automatically drawn to thoughts of spring cleaning. I am not sure what it is about this time of the year, but it brings on a inner desire to spruce things up and get rid of clutter. Maybe it has to do with getting Christmas decorations packed up and put away.

It always feels so good to get the glitz and glitter boxed up and back into the attic.

Finding storage for holiday dishes, linens and serving pieces becomes a struggle for most of us.

I am always reminded that storage is an issue when I have the need to find a home for things not used regularly. My clients often call on me to resolve those same storage needs.

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I have worked on many kitchen remodels over the last year or two. The number one request is more storage. It is not always an easy task, but I often find wasted space that is potentially valuable, usable space. Storage is like gold. It never loses its value and sometimes feels priceless.

In the kitchen belonging to Tom and Harriot Elder, there were several needs, including more storage.

The kitchen was small, and it felt closed in by upper cabinets over the bar. If we removed those cabinets, much needed storage would be eliminated, but they had to go.

We found several solutions to the storage issue. First, shelving was added in the laundry

room which will hold kitchen supplies, extra food items and large cooking utensils.

In removing the cabinets over the bar, a space was exposed on the side wall where the cabinets could be extended by two feet.

Since the new cabinets were taller than those removed, we regained almost all of the storage we had lost by removing the upper cabinets and fur down.

Any time there is a cabinet bar divider in a kitchen, there is potential for accessing hidden space. If there are doors on the kitchen side of the

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bar, doors can be added to the back side, allowing access to every inch of the lower cabinet storage.

That is exactly what we did in this kitchen. With this change, the lower cabinet storage is now accessible from the breakfast room, too. There is no longer a need to get on your knees and twist your body into a knot to get to the back side of the cabinet, and there’s no more dead corner space that you can’t get to at all.

Other improvements included removing the outdated wallpaper,

texturing the walls and painting. We also added new light fixtures for better lighting.

The cabinets were painted and glazed to lighten and brighten the space.

We removed the blue laminate countertops and backsplash to install new granite countertops and a tile backsplash. New cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures completed the makeover.

The Elders’ new kitchen is bright and spacious.

There is ample storage and abundant light, and the kitchen boasts

a modern, upscale appearance. It is amazing what a few changes can do to make your home feel new again. If you didn’t see the before and after pictures, you would never believe the transition.

Spring is just around the corner. Beware!

The “spring sparkle bug” is just beginning its biting season. It is time to think about clearing things out and brightening things up. That extra storage is badly needed, so get on your thinking cap and try to figure out where you might capture more space in your home. If you can’t come up with any ideas, you are welcomed to call me. I will be happy to help you out.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY DECORATING.

DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD Diane has been decorating Ellis County for more than 20 years. Contact Diane Johnson Interiors at 972.935.8899 or djohnsoninteriors@ hotmail.com.

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BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

Master Gardener EXPO Plant Sales, by Pam Daniel

COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS’ MARCH: ELLIS LAWN & GARDEN EXPO March in Ellis County brings green trees, flowers and one of the most popular events in the county. The Waxahachie Civic Center comes alive with the Ellis County Master Gardeners’ Lawn and Garden

Expo. This is the 12th year for the Expo. Once again approximately 4,000 visitors will experience the plant sale, adult and children’s workshops, featured speakers and more than 100 exhibitor booths.

MARCH PLANTING • Annuals started from seed in January can be planted in late March.

• Plant tomatoes, peppers and eggplants from pots after March 15. They should be hardened off (gradually exposed to outside temperatures) before putting them in the ground. Cover if a freeze or frost is predicted.

• Sow seeds of warm-season vegetables such as beans, corn, squash, melons and cucumbers in mid- to late-March. Wait until the soil warms in April to plant okra.

• Plant herbs and perennials in raised beds with soil that has been amended with organic matter.

• Vines (including hyacinth bean, Cyprus vine, black-eyed Susan vine, potato vine and Malabar spinach) can be grown from seeds to climb a trellis or arbor.

• Establish perennials in amended well-drained soil.

•

• • •

and Lady Banks Rose, Carolina Jessamine and coral honeysuckle immediately after they finish blooming.

Remove dead top growth (Bermuda grass only) by lowering mower blades 1 or 2 notches. Bag clippings and use in the compost pile or as mulch.

Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to pecans and again in April and May. Begin fertilizing roses with a specialty rose food or balanced fertilizer.

All trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers can be fed with high-nitrogen fertilizer or compost.

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of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, two to three times a year.

PLANTING • Mow Bermuda grass frequently • Plant St. Augustine and hybrid at one-and-a-half inches to keep Bermuda sod. St. Augustine thick and healthy, and mow St. can take some shade but Augustine at two-and-a-half Bermuda needs full sun. Make inches. Raise the mowing height good seed-to-soil contact (use one notch later in the summer to a roller) and keep sod moist reduce water requirements and until new roots are established. to make the grass more draught Common Bermuda can be tolerant. started from seed, but it is best to • Use a mulching mower and hydromulch. In either case, keep leave grass clippings on the the area moist for several weeks. ground. They will provide a • Establish warm-season annuals source of nitrogen to feed the from transplants. For sunny lawn. areas consider zinnias, firebush, pentas, petunias, blue daze, GARDEN WATCH moss rose, purslane, butterfly weed, lantana, sweet potato vine • Closely inspect plants for insects. Treat only if you see and Dahlberg daisy. For shade, the insect. Many insects are consider begonias, Persian beneficial such as lady bugs, shield, coleus, impatiens, ferns garden spiders, praying mantis and hostas. Wait until May to and assassin bugs. Identify the plant caladiums. pest. If it is one that must be • Sow okra seeds. controlled, use an appropriate • Herb,s such as dill, parsley, insecticide for that insect. The fennel, mint, oregano, thyme, insecticide must make contact basil and Mexican mint with the insect or be used while it marigolds, can be planted from is feeding on foliage. transplants.

• For fire ants, use the “Texas twoFERTILIZING AND PRUNING step method.” First, apply fire-ant • Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer bait to the area with a hand to lawns. This is usually after spreader. Use fresh bait from the third mowing when the unopened containers. If fire-ant entire lawn is green. Follow colonies are still active after up with additional fertilizer in using the bait, treat the individual June (optional) and again in mounds with an appropriate September. St. Augustine and insecticide. There are organic Bermuda grass need one pound and chemical types available.

GARDEN WATCH • As needed, control black spot, powdery mildew and thrips on roses with an appropriate fungicide or systemic insecticide.

Use a stream of water or an insecticidal soap on aphids.

• When a pesticide is needed, always use the least toxic one first.

• If needed, apply a pre-emergent on lawns to prevent spring and FERTILIZING AND PRUNING summer broadleaf and grassy • Prune spring-flowering shrubs weeds. A weed and feed fertilizer and vines such as quince, azaleas, is not recommended because it is forsythia, bridal wreath (Spiraea) too early to fertilize lawns.

NEED ASSISTANCE ATTRACTING WILDLIFE TO YOUR PROPERTY? Do you have a nature-related question? Call the Texas AgriLife Extension Service – Ellis County at (972.825.5175) and ask to talk to an Indian Trail Master Naturalist.

Members of this volunteer program serve Ellis and Navarro Counties. The program is sponsored by Texas Parks & Wildlife and Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

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WILDFLOWER GARDEN

In 1997, the Texas State Legislature designated Ennis as the home of the “Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail” and the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas” with 40 miles of the oldest flower-lined trails known in Texas. The North Central region of the state is home to hundreds of species of wildflower varieties.

Many are now available at local nurseries as plants or in seed form. Start by sowing seeds in the

fall in areas similar to where they are seen in the wild. Research germination time, water, sun and soil requirements for species before planting. When sowing large areas, crisscross seeds, mixing one part seed to four parts inert material such as masonry sand perlite, or potting soil. Walk over area covering seeds with no more than 1/16 of an inch of soil. Seedto-soil contact is critical.

Pink Sensitive Briar by MG Photo Contest Entry.

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BY GINA GIBBS

A beautiful swimming pool and the accompanying landscape have long been the American dream. With new home construction in decline, more homeowners are opting to remain in and improve on their existing homes.

One of the best ways to improve the value and enjoyment of a home is to add the intrinsic value of a poolscape.

Your poolscape offers year-round use with the addition of a heated spa.

Swimming pools see trends and improvements yearly. The guidance of a professional can simplify designing and building a pool that perfectly suits your yard and family needs. A beautifully designed swimming pool is a reflection of its owner and surroundings. Size, shape, style, water color, water features, fire features and equipment are just a few of the decisions to consider.

Your professional will be well versed in the latest designs, techniques and equipment.

Water features are an exciting addition to a swimming pool. You may choose the drama of deck jets, solid arcs of water which shoot out of the decking and can be angled in

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any direction, landing in the pool or spa. Additional drama is achieved when LED lighting is added into the water stream, creating spectacular multicolored light shows. Even fire can be cleverly incorporated into your water features.

Pool tile is functional and beautiful and has seen great improvements over the years. No longer are we limited to "city-pool-blue." Tiles resembling drystacked stone and multicolored glass tiles are just a couple of the multitude of choices available today. However, blue is still in fashion. Today’s blues range from bright cobalt to muted with stone effects and hints of copper and earth tones.

Even plaster, the largest surface of your pool, has gone beyond the traditional smooth white finish.

Additions of polymers, colors, aggregates and glass beads, will affect texture, longevity and water color. Imagine a dark base plaster with white quartz stones, gold flakes and crushed iridescent abalone shell, all making the interior of your pool glisten like silk!

In this technological age, pool technology has not been left out.

Automation is one of the most exciting improvements in the pool industry.

With today’s technology, accessing your backyard paradise is right at your fingertips. In-home automation has been around for many years, but now imagine controlling your backyard features remotely via your smartphone.

You can call your system from work to turn on the spa heater and arrive home to the perfect temperature.

All of these ideas can be tailored to fit your needs. With the guidance of your professional pool builder and designer, any family can come home to the “American Dream.”

Gina Gibbs is the owner of Texsun Pools and handles sales, designs and construction. She began pool construction in 2000 and worked as a home designer and builder until 2006, then started Texsun Pools in 2007.

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PROFESSIONAL

BY GRANT AND WEEDON, CPAS, P.C.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2011

TAX RETURN$ DUE DATE OF RETURN

The 2011 Form 1040 is due on or before April 17, 2012. This means that the deadline for making 2011 contributions to IRAs, health savings accounts and medical savings accounts is also April 17, 2012.

CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES

If you made taxable 2011 sales of stocks (other than inside your IRA), mutual fund shares, other securities or other capital assets (such as a vacation home or raw land investment), you must complete new Form 8949 (Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets), in addition to filling out the familiar Schedule D of Capital Gains and Losses. Because of new rules that took effect last year, securities brokers must now report to sellers (and the IRS) the basis of certain securities that were sold in taxable accounts. They also have to report if the resulting gains and losses were short-term or long-term.

This year you have to segregate gains and losses from securities that are “covered” by the new broker requirements from gains and losses that aren’t “covered.” Generally, a covered security is a security you acquired after 2010. Potentially, you could have to file six Forms 8949 for short-term/long-term, covered/noncovered and basis/no basis.

For sales of covered securities, there is no longer a virtually risk-free opportunity to fudge the tax results in your favor because the IRS is going to get a copy of each 1099 that is sent to

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you. Now they will know the basis and whether it is short-term or long-term.

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FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT REPAYMENT

Taxpayers who bought a home in 2008 and claimed a first-time homebuyer credit can make their 2011 installment of the credit repayment without attaching Form 5405 if they still own the home and used it as their main home for all of 2011.

For homes purchased in 20092011, the credit does not have to be repaid unless the taxpayer sells or otherwise stops using the home as a principal residence within 36 months, beginning on the date of purchase.

Then, the credit is repaid in the year of sale. If the home is sold to an unrelated person, the repayment is limited to the gain on the sale.

2010 ROTH IRA CONVERSIONS

Individuals who converted or rolled over an amount to a Roth IRA in 2010 and did not report the taxable amount on their 2010 return must report that income evenly between their 2011 and 2012 returns. The amount that is taxable in 2011 is reported on line 15b (for conversions from IRAs) or 16b (for rollovers from qualified retirement plans, other than from a designated Roth account).

NEW 1099-MISC QUESTION

There are two new questions for farmers and businesses, including partnerships and corporations.

• Did you make any payments in 2011 that would require you

to file Form(s) 1099?

• If “Yes,” did you or will you file all required Forms 1099?

We don’t know what the IRS intends to do with this question, but it seems likely they will be following up with those people who answer yes to the first question and no to the second.

Grant & Weedon, CPAs, P.C. is located at 617 Ferris Ave. in Waxahachie. Contact their office at 972.923.1590.

WHAT TO BRING WHEN YOU VISIT A CPA • Copy of previous year tax return • All current year tax documents: • Forms W-2 for wages, salaries and tips • All Forms 1099 for interest, dividends, miscellaneous income, Social Security, gambling winnings, etc.

• Brokerage statements showing investment transactions for stocks, bonds, etc.

• Schedule K-1 showing income from partnerships, S corporations, estates and trusts • Statements supporting deductions for mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and charitable contributions • Any tax notices sent to you by the IRS or other taxing agency

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PROFESSIONAL

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

CNB of Texas has launched a new marketing campaign that took almost two years to develop. The philosophy behind just three simple words may be of interest to those who are attempting to develop a statement that positions their company as being uniquely better than their competition.

An essential key to good marketing of products and services is determining what will motivate an existing or potential customer to respond in a positive way to a message. In banking, that task is difficult because there is a public perception that all banks are basically the same, including their products and services.

For years, convenience was the reason most people gave for choosing one bank over another. Longer hours and shorter waits, more branch locations and less hassles all made a significant difference in people’s choice of a financial institution.

The problem with providing longer, shorter, more and less is that it costs a considerable amount of money to provide the personnel to conveniently serve customers. The solution to that problem was both the salvation and the curse in the new age of banking.

New Age Banking meant a customer could have their paycheck direct deposited into their banking account and manage transactions from their home at any time—customers never have to slip out of their pajamas to conduct their banking. Pajama banking meant no more trips to a physical location of a bank.

The whole “we don’t treat you like a number” marketing message went out the window because a customer’s Internet password or number gave them instant access to their bank and accounts. Today, it could be argued that no one cares if they are only a number.

And I say baloney. Having a banker that knows you and understands your needs is still important. Feeling that you belong is a human need that all of us seek, whether it is with family, friends, church, work or

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even with a bank.

At Citizens National Bank of Texas we have made technology a priority. When it comes to electronic banking, our competition isn’t the little independent banks in our backyard, it is the monster banks. If we can’t provide the same bells and whistles with our online banking as Citibank or Chase or Bank of America, then we lose.

However, even though cutting-edge technology may be the wave of the future, it doesn’t have to be a tsunami. Although it is important to demonstrate our bank’s dedication to being an industry leader in technology, I think it is more important to deliver a message that CNB of Texas has a deep-rooted commitment to meet our customers’ needs on a personal level.

For many months, in fact for almost two years, we discussed how to put into just a few words our commitment to meet our customers’ needs in a way that, we believe, makes us uniquely different and better than other banks. From many meetings a concept began to emerge based on one of humanity’s most basics desires: the need to feel like you belong.

In the hierarchy of human needs, we all must have water, air and food; people just can’t live without those necessities. We need shelter and we want to feel safe, but after those essentials, we begin to have both temporal and spiritual needs.

We want to be liked. We yearn to be loved. We want our lives to be validated.

And, we want to belong.

Yes, we go to church for the spiritual connection with our Lord, however, we also cherish the feeling that we associate with a group of people that are seeking our same divine, missionary and humanistic objectives. We affiliate with a civic club, join other parents at our kids’ sporting events or get together with neighbors because it feels good to belong.

In 2011, CNB’s marketing director, Caroline Ford, put a new twist to the

sense of belonging—a possible way to attract new, young professionals that may be moving to the communities CNB serves. She maintained that there may be many young professionals that work in the chrome and glass of the Metroplex that would be willing to commute to work from Ellis County, just so they can live in a rural city like where they grew up. Why? Because “home” is defined as a place where you belong, not just where you live.

The warm feeling of belonging began to take legs as a theme for CNB, but not without going through rigorous, and many times heated, discussions.

Those battles between the out-of-the-box thinking marketing folks and the straightand-narrow conservative bankers basically ended with the question: can we make our customers feel that the sense of belonging makes them happy with CNB of Texas?

And thus started a whole new round of discussions on how to make our new theme, “You Belong Here,” have meaning and value. And what followed has been amazing.

We decided to create billboards and print advertising with only the theme… you may have seen them. We wanted to establish the theme first, and then follow up with how we meet customers’ needs.

However, instead of us developing ways to say how we make our customers feel like they belong, they have come to us.

Not just a few, but many.

Our customers brought us many ideas and literally helped develop the direction we will take with the campaign. Soon, you will see the results of their suggestions.

Our efforts to define the benefits of our bank ended up with just three words: You Belong Here. We are very proud of the advanced technology we offer, the high level of professionalism of our officers and staff, the convenience we offer and so many other ways we meet our customers’ needs. But most of all, we have found out that the best asset we offer is something so simple and so needed by all of us: a sense of belonging.

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PROFESSIONAL

BY JACOB A. HALE

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Lawyers go to great lengths to make the mundane memorable. No law student can escape those three long years without discovering how Marvin the Martian adversely possessed Blackacre from Yosemite Sam. Or determining on an exam whether Luke committed battery against Darth or merely assault. It is rare, thankfully, that these lame examples and nerdy fact patterns find their way into the outside world. But one did: the Lady Bird Deed.

It is commonly thought, even among most attorneys, that the Lady Bird Deed was named after a special conveyance of property between President Lyndon Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird. And to an extent, this is true. Only it never happened in the real world. It happened only in the lecture materials of Jerome Solkoff, an elder law attorney in South Florida. Mr. Solkoff used Lyndon and Lady Bird as fictional characters to describe a novel legal concept he created in 1982: the “Enhanced Life Estate Deed.”

The Lady Bird Deed, or “Enhanced Life Estate Deed,” was originally conceived in an effort to assist in Medicaid eligibility planning. And while it is extraordinarily useful in this regard, it also contains certain features attractive in a more general estate-planning context.

Solkoff’s creation, like most great legal or scientific breakthroughs, was simplicity itself. A Grantor deeds real property (his home for instance) to a Beneficiary. However, in the deed, the Grantor reserves all rights of ownership. That is, the right to possess the property for life; the right to sell the property and reinvest the proceeds; the right to mortgage

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or otherwise encumber the property; and the right to rescind the deed at any time. What’s more, the Grantor relieves himself of any liability for committing waste on the property.

The Grantor could burn the house to the ground and owe the Beneficiary nothing.

right of ownership, no present gift or “transfer” is made and no penalty is assessed. And because these reserved rights lapse upon the death of the Grantor, full title to the property passes immediately to the Beneficiary at death, bypassing the need for probate.

This deed was designed to answer two important Medicaid planning questions.

First, how to transfer real property without incurring the dreaded “transfer penalty.” And second, how to simultaneously ensure that this property passes outside the Medicaid recipient’s probate estate.

While the Lady Bird Deed originated in Medicaid planning, its benefits extend to ordinary estate planning as well.

Some background: one condition of qualifying for nursing home Medicaid benefits is that the applicant must not have made any gifts of property (with limited exceptions) within five years of making application. Otherwise a “transfer penalty” is assessed, which results in an ineligibility period of days, months or even years.

To make matters more complicated, the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1993 directed all states to impose a mandatory recovery program by which the states may recoup their Medicaid expenditures through a deceased recipient’s estate. Because a Medicaid recipient’s liquid assets are generally nominal, the estate recovery program is focused on the recipient’s exempt resources, namely the homestead.

In 2005, Texas implemented its Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP). Fortunately, with our state’s long history of strong homestead protection, the Texas Legislature limited MERP’s reach to the probate estate.

This means that the State may only recover against a deceased’s property passing through a probate proceeding. Therefore, the Legislature thoughtfully allowed its citizens the opportunity to plan around probate and thus avoid the recovery program altogether.

The Lady Bird Deed kills two with one stone.

Because the Grantor has reserved every

For starters, it allows a Grantor to retain enormous flexibility and control over gifted property. This flexibility is an especially important asset protection feature if the Beneficiary falls on hard times. The Beneficiary’s creditors have no right to the property until the death of the Grantor and the Grantor may simply rescind the deed and name a different beneficiary at any time.

Also, when real property is the only asset of value, the Lady Bird Deed has become a relatively low-cost alternative to the preparation of a will or trust.

Lastly, because the transfer is not completed until the death of the Grantor, the Beneficiary receives the added benefit of a step-up in basis. Thus, any capital gains realized by a future sale of the property would be calculated using the fair market value at the time of the Grantor’s death rather than at the time the Grantor purchased the property.

So, while the Lady Bird Deed may not have the pedigree its name implies, it is extraordinary nonetheless. And there is no doubt that the First Lady would be proud to lend her name to a deed saving hundreds of family homesteads across Texas.

Jacob A. Hale is an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney at The Hale Law Firm, P.C. in Waxahachie. To learn more about this topic, please visit www.TheHaleLawFirm.com or e-mail the author at Jacob@TheHaleLawFirm.com.

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PROFESSIONAL

LESSONS LEARNED

BY PATTI YOUNGBLOOD

A 12-year-old boy on a walk finds many things of interest: a tin can to kick, small insects or maybe a tattered baseball, but few boys set out to find old burnt paper from a nearby blueprint shop; David McSpadden wanted burnt paper. A purchase of white pencils from Woolworth’s and the burnt paper provided him his first experience at designing houses. Little did he know that later in life, he would find himself in the construction business, drawing plans for telephone lines.

Local author David McSpadden was like many a high school graduate when he graduated from San Angelo—he wanted to get away from his West Texas hometown. The Army offered that opportunity.

Upon returning from the Army, McSpadden enrolled in San Angelo College. He obtained an associate’s degree and began his career with General Telephone. This career change moved the family from West Texas to the small town of Robstown near Corpus Christi. Hired as a consultant, he soon found that he was more of an engineer, making plans for the placement of telephone wires in buildings yet to be built. The burnt paper and white pencils set the stage for

this phase of his career; however, other thoughts were drifting through his mind.

While living in Robstown, McSpadden decided to become a lay minister, which led him to pastor two churches the following two years. He loved preparing and delivering sermons, but he was not nearly as comfortable visiting church members, many needing his counsel more than a friendly visit. These two years left McSpadden with the realization that he truly enjoyed speaking before groups of people. He was now at a crossroads.

While at this turning point in his career, he came to the conclusion he desired serving God by serving mankind. Possibly this two-year experience as a lay minister would prove to be as beneficial as those old burnt papers and white pencils. Later on, he would put those speaking skills to good use for Rotary International. But first, there were other positions to pursue.

McSpadden went on to work as a consultant in the construction business with close ties to the tourism industry. Several corporations and relocations later, he found himself living in Waxahachie.

About this time, he decided he was tired of consulting and ready to be “doing.”

GONNA JUMP? ...

TAKE A PARACHUTE! is available to purchase on

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McSpadden’s experience in construction led to the formation of his own company, for which he served as president and CEO for 26 years. One of his developments was the Windchase neighborhood near Broadhead Road. He was also actively building hotels. The

economic crunch of 2008 affected his business, just as it did the businesses of many others. This recession came soon after celebrating the best year ever with $44 million in revenues.

Besides the recession, he was fighting a battle to collect money owed on three hotel construction contracts. As legal expenses grew, he had to begin to let employees go, many who had been with him for many years. Before these difficult economic times, he had dreamed of someday retiring and selling his company to long-time employees; certainly, he had not planned on letting them go.

The company came to a close in May of 2010. He refers to the end as a death; the company that he and his wife had worked so hard for was gone, and with that came pain. Not only did he lose his business, but about the same time he suffered a mild stroke. The loss of his company and the stroke were wake-up calls that it was time to make a change. The RethinkAge Institute was founded and a book written.

In March of 2011, McSpadden began writing his 216-page book, Gonna Jump?...Take a Parachute! He completed it by June, all the while continuing to speak to many groups, especially Rotary.

He says that the experiences throughout his career have led him to realize his passion for public speaking and desire to help others live the best life possible. So that hunt for burnt paper and white pencils, along with years of corporate work, Rotary involvement and two years of lay ministry have brought him to this new chapter in his life. If you decide to jump into something new in 2012, remember that parachute.

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VAULT

8L]RL]P_ >SLb //> ;, A SMILE can speak volumes. It’s the first thing people notice when meeting someone new, and it communicates our emotions without saying a word. If you need to get your smile in good shape, you need to find the right dentist.

Look no further than Margaret Shaw, DDS, PA in Ovilla.

HOW SHE GOT STARTED Many people have a hard time deciding what they want their career to be. But not Dr. Margaret Shaw—she knew what she wanted to become at an early age.

“When I was 14, I started working for a dentist from my church, and I knew all along that that’s what I wanted to do, especially when I got into his office,” Dr. Shaw said.

At one point during the time she worked for Dr. Richard Burt in Richardson, she

questioned whether or not to be a dentist. But Dr. Burt helped her clarify her goals and stay committed to her dream.

“He said, ‘You’ve always wanted to be a dentist and you’ll be a good one.’ He really gave me confidence and encouragement and kept me on track. He’s still a very good friend and mentor.”

Once she graduated from high school, she went on to Abilene Christian University and then to Baylor College

of Dentistry. After completing dental school, she worked for her father-inlaw’s clinic in East Dallas while she and her husband lived in Midlothian.

After a few years working at the Dallas practice, she decided to open her own practice in Ovilla. Margaret Shaw, DDS, PA opened in September of 1995 on Ovilla Road and has been in the same location ever since.

SERVICES Because the clinic specializes in general dentistry, Dr. Shaw sees a

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

wide variety of dental needs every day.

Among her favorite things to do in the world of dentistry are extractions and root canals. She’s also helped a lot of patients suffering with migraines get some relief with a nociceptive trigeminal inhibition, or NTI. This device stops painful stimulation to the nerves of the face and jaw that usually occurs when you clench or grind your teeth. Patients typically sleep in the NTI device and experience a drastic reduction in migraine occurances.

amazing, grateful, kind, sweet, humble and lovely,” Dr. Shaw said.

“What I love about [these services] is it’s an instant gratification that I’ve relieved pain and helped somebody,” Dr. Shaw said.

On these trips Dr. Shaw did mostly extractions, but also did some fillings and worked with a translator to educate the people of Nicaragua on the importance of dental health and hygiene.

Soon after starting her practice she took this desire to relieve pain to a global level.

TAKING HER PASSION INTERNATIONALLY In 1996, Dr. Shaw joined with her mentor, Dr. Burt, and the Health Talents International group to take yearly trips to Nicaragua to help citizens with dental and health problems. She also worked with Project HOPE, another global health mission organization, to continue annual trips to work with dentists and doctors in Nicaragua.

“It’s just the greatest experience ever. You get to meet some really neat doctors and dentists, and the people in Nicaragua are

A neck injury kept her from going on the trips for a few years, but she is ready to “get back in the game.”

“This summer I will probably be going to Brazil on a boat down the Amazon doing the same thing—stopping in little villages,” Dr. Shaw said. “That group is called Amazon Outreach. I’m a little nervous because that’s the unknown but it is exciting.”

“But one side benefit that I got from going on those trips was that I worked with some of the best oral surgeons in the country, and I’ve learned a lot about pulling teeth from them, so I’ve actually been able to bring that back to my practice here.”

“Every time you come in here you’ll see the same people, which I think indicates how well we get along as a group,” Dr. Shaw said. “And people know that; they feel that when they’re here. We also run on a schedule and when you come you’re not going to be waiting. You might wait five minutes, but chances are you’re never going to wait more than 10 minutes on either one of us. We realize the patient’s time is very valuable.”

PHILOSOPHY OF PRACTICE “All patients should be treated with the same consideration I would give my own family. Gentleness, understanding, timeliness, quality and esthetics get top consideration at our office.”

WHAT PATIENTS CAN EXPECT

After being in practice in the same location for 17 years, Dr. Shaw still loves the area and the familiar faces she sees on a daily basis.

With the help of her dedicated staff who have been with her from the beginning—Charlotte, the office manager, Melissa, the hygienist, Angie, the dental assistant and, occasionally, Dr. Shaw’s daughter, Libby—Dr. Shaw puts the knowledge and discipline she’s gained over the years into practice.

“I do like building the relationships with the long-term patients,” Dr. Shaw said.

“I’m seeing kids grow up. I’m getting to see the kids that I did dentistry on when they were little now turn into mommies and that’s fun. It’s just a good group of people out here.”

WWW.MARGARETSHAWDDSTX.COM

OFFICE 135 W. Ovilla Rd. Glenn Heights MON-THURS

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

972.223.0313 -/

MEDICAL

6833/(0(17 61$36+27

&$1 $ 3,// %5,1* %(77(5 +($/7+" With grocery and pharmacy aisles—and even entire stores—dedicated to nutritional supplements, you might think you’ll be healthier with supplements. But do you really need them? And if so, how do you choose which ones? Matthew Moreland, D.O., a family medicine specialist on the Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie medical staff, answers some questions about vitamins and minerals.

Q: SHOULD I TAKE A MULTIVITAMIN?

A: If you are getting the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day and you don’t have other health concerns, you probably don’t need to take a supplement.

Q: WHAT IF I DON’T EAT ENOUGH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES?

A: As long as you’re not pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you could take a simple over-the-counter multivitamin. You likely don’t need any fancy specialty vitamins. Keep in mind that the health claims on supplements aren’t necessarily supported by research or examined by the Food and Drug Administration. Also, studies of the cancer-fighting properties of vitamins have found that the majority of times, getting the vitamin in a supplement is not good enough. You need to be getting it from your diet for it to count.

Q: ARE THERE CERTAIN GROUPS OF PEOPLE WHO BENEFIT FROM VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS?

A: Yes. There are some groups that benefit including alcoholics, vegans, pregnant women, people who have had gastric bypass surgery, people over age 70 and people who spend most of their time indoors.

Instead of a multivitamin—which contains a little bit of many different vitamins—these people are likely better off supplementing the vitamin in which they are probably deficient.

Alcoholics and people who have had gas-

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tric bypass may need B vitamins. Pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant need folate. People who don’t get much sun exposure and the elderly may need vitamin D. New studies are also showing that vitamin D deficiencies are on the rise for younger adults. At your next appointment, ask your physician about testing your levels.

Q: WHO NEEDS TO SUPPLEMENT MINERALS?

A: Vegans may need more iron. Postmenopausal women, people who are indoors most of the time and elderly people might need to supplement calcium.

Q: IS TAKING SUPPLEMENTS DANGEROUS?

A: Sometimes. Vitamins A, C and E have received a lot of attention. Megadoses of A and E can be toxic, and while vitamin C is generally believed to be safe, most of the health claims associated with it have not been proven true. Heavy vitamin doses can sometimes trigger liver or kidney problems.

Q: DOES ANYONE REGULATE SUPPLEMENTS?

A: In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) holds regulatory responsibility for dietary supplements.

FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those covering “conventional” foods and drug products (prescription and over-the-counter).

Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed. FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market. Manufacturers must make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading. FDA’s post-marketing responsibilities include monitoring safety, e.g. voluntary dietary supplement adverse event reporting, and product information,

such as labeling, claims, package inserts, and accompanying literature.

As part of DSHEA, the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) was created in 1995 at the National Institutes of Health.

Consumers can use its website, http:// ods.od.nih.gov/, to explore studies about various supplements and to download fact sheets that give a current overview of individual vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements. ODS has fact sheets in two versions—Health Professional and QuickFacts. Both versions provide the same types of information but vary in the level of detail.

YOUR PARTNER IN GOOD HEALTH

For a referral to a physician on the Baylor Waxahachie medical staff, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or find one at www. baylorhealth.com/FindDrRight.

ABOUT BAYLOR MEDICAL CENTER AT WAXAHACHIE

Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie provides acute medical care and has been serving the residents of Ellis County for more than 96 years. Baylor Waxahachie was recently named a 100 top hospital by Thomson Reuters based on their overall organizational performance in 10 areas including: quality of care, patient satisfaction and financial performance. The hospital has been part of Dallas-based Baylor Health Care System since 1983.

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

SUPPLEMENT APP The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) offers a free mobile app for consumers called My Dietary Supplements (MyDS). MyDS is available from the iTunes store—just search “MyDS” in the App Store.

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MEDICAL

SOCIAL MEDIA

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Social media has been a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because it puts so much information at our fingertips and gives us the opportunity to connect with people. It is a curse because the connections are often superficial; we text instead of talking and we e-mail instead of writing letters. While your relationship with your old boyfriend may be more than superficial, there is much you need to think about.

You may be remembering the relationship the way you want to remember it, not how it really was. Why did you and your high school boyfriend break up in the first place? Did you not have things in common? Were there personality issues?

Whatever didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work back then may not work now. If it was all so wonderful then, it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have ended. On the flip side, whatever attracted you to each other back then may not be traits that are important or even admirable in adulthood.

Would you have thought about leaving your husband if your old boyfriend had not come along? When you think about

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divorce, you want to consider whether you will be happy divorced if this new relationship doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work out. If you are not ready to leave with the possibility of being on your own, you really need to reconsider.

Although it is not romantic to bring this up, it is important to know that in the early stages of a relationship, a lot of those fantastic feelings we have are related to hormones produced by our body. Males and females release hormones specific to their sex that intensify attraction. Our heart seems to skip a beat, we become excited when our loved one is near or when we hear their voice. These hormones decrease after about six to 18 months. When there are obstacles to a relationship (think Romeo and Juliet), those hormones are present in greater quantities for longer. If the relationship lasts, our bodies produce oxytocin, which is associated with maintaining our relationship. The feelings associated with this stage are not as intense, and some people may feel they have â&#x20AC;&#x153;fallen out of love.â&#x20AC;?

However, it is during this time that a rela-

tionship, if nurtured, can deepen, and love and respect grow.

Most importantly, you need to give your marriage a fair chance. You have invested years in this relationship. Does your husband know that you have not been happy? Have you sought a therapist to address what is not working in the relationship? What are you unhappy about in your marriage? Have you taken responsibility to make changes, to make the relationship better? What role have you played in the relationship? If you leave your marriage without answering these questions, you will just take old baggage into a new relationship.

You now have a lot to consider. I hope you can take your time making a decision.

Good luck with the process.

DR. DONALDSON

is a clinical psychologist practicing in Waxahachie. She can be contacted at donaldsonpsyd@aol.com or by visiting donaldsonwellnesscenter.com.

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MEDICAL

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BY KATHRYN KEMP

March is here, sparking excitement for baseball games, beautiful days at the park, muchneeded vacations and a million other things that get your blood flowing. Designated as Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness month, March reminds you to do just that.

WHAT IS DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS? Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the lower leg or thigh. While the clot itself can dissolve with treatment, it could lead to a more serious condition called a Pulmonary Embolism.

VARICOSE VEINS AND DVT

PULMONARY EMBOLISM

While varicose veins occur in veins close to the skin and involve swelling, not clotting, they could indicate that your blood may not be flowing like it should, putting you at risk for clots. If you have varicose veins, you may want to talk to your doctor about recommended preventive measures you can take to avoid a deeper clot.

A pulmonary embolism is a serious condition caused by a clot that has broken loose and travels freely in the blood to an artery in the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing serious and sometimes fatal complications. Symptoms of PE include unexplained shortness of breath, rapid pulse, sweating, sharp chest pain, coughing up blood and fainting.

AM I AT RISK? Common risk factors for DVT include: â&#x20AC;˘ A history of DVT or other coagulation conditions â&#x20AC;˘ Recent injury â&#x20AC;˘ Long periods of sitting or lying â&#x20AC;˘ Hormone therapy and birth control â&#x20AC;˘ Pregnancy or recent birth â&#x20AC;˘ Being overweight or obese â&#x20AC;˘ DVT can occur at any age, but is more common after 40

TOMATO TIP According to study conducted at Rowett Institute in the U.K., tomatoes can have similar blood-thinning effects to aspirin. Though it would take six whole tomatoes to have an adequate substitute, the study found that a single glass of tomato juice could have anticlotting benefits for about 18 hours. So pack some tomato juice before you head out for your next trip!

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SYMPTOMS â&#x20AC;˘ Swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg â&#x20AC;˘ Increased warmth in one area on or near the swollen leg â&#x20AC;˘ Pain or tenderness in the leg, which you may feel only when standing or walking â&#x20AC;˘ Red or discolored skin on the leg â&#x20AC;˘ May show no symptoms at all

HOW IS DVT DIAGNOSED? Doctors can diagnose whether you are suffering from DVT based on medical history, a physical exam and through testing. While ultrasound is the most common type of testing used, a D-dimer test can be used to measure a substance in the blood that is released when a clot dissolves.

TREATMENT Anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners, work to decrease bloodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to clot and to prevent clots from growing. They are the most commonly used medication for patients suffering from DVT. Graduated compression stockings are usually recommended in conjunction with anticoagulants for treatment and prevention of DVT. These special stockings create gentle pressure on your veins to keep the blood from pooling and clotting.

According to a Call to Action to prevent DVT issued by the Surgeon General in 2008, it is estimated that each year more than 600,000 patients suffer a PE. Though a DVT is not always the cause of a pulmonary embolism, the report says one in every 100 patients who develop DVT die due to a PE.

HOW CAN I PREVENT A CLOT? â&#x20AC;˘ Have regular check-ups â&#x20AC;˘ When sitting for long periods of time, get up every hour or so and move around â&#x20AC;˘ Take all of your medications â&#x20AC;˘ Get moving soon after a surgery or illness â&#x20AC;˘ Exercise regularly â&#x20AC;˘ Maintain a healthy weight â&#x20AC;˘ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t smoke

TRAVEL PLANS? When you travel, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good chance you may spend an extended period of time sitting down. Here are some things to remember: â&#x20AC;˘ Walk up and down aisles of planes or trains â&#x20AC;˘ If in a car, stop every hour or so and walk around â&#x20AC;˘ Move and stretch your legs and feet to improve blood flow â&#x20AC;˘ Wear loose and comfortable clothing â&#x20AC;˘ Drink plenty of fluids

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MEDICAL

OUTSOURCING

BY DAVIS W. MORGAN, DDS

“Made in China.” You see this printed on everything today from clothing and auto parts to sporting gear, furniture, appliances and toys. If you recently contacted your telephone provider or insurance company, you likely spoke to someone in a different country.

Outsourcing is commonplace today. Regardless of the country—India, Indonesia, Taiwan, etc.—Americans associate outsourcing with three concepts: mass-produced, lower quality and low-priced merchandise. The general idea is that outsourcing overseas saves companies money.

Did you know that your new dental crown may have come from China?

It’s true. Outsourcing is intrinsically tied to economics and dentistry is not immune. In today’s competitive marketplace, the lure of low-priced labor and materials is almost too good to resist. Overseas dental labs that cater to American clients offer much lower pricing. It was reported in 2005 that high-volume facilities operate with fees that are sometimes less than 90 percent of U.S.-based labs. Foreign companies don’t have the same laws regarding materials, infection control or sanitation. They also don’t have OSHA and labor wage laws protecting employees. Therefore, it is much easier to create a low-cost product; however, this creates a concern for quality and safety.

In 2008, an Ohio woman discovered that her dental bridge was made in

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China. She had developed non-specific symptoms of lethargy and intestinal upset as well as severe pain and inflammation at the site of her recent dental work. The subsequent investigation found that the surface of the bridge contained 160 parts per million of lead. She was suffering from lead poisoning. Take note: the FDA says there should not be a detectable level of lead in the surface of any dental prosthetic device.

Few reports of incidence as extreme as this have occurred; however, the fact remains that overseas dental labs are producing an ever-increasing share of the dental prosthetic market in the U.S. The economic downturn has forced changes in American business practices. Dentists are looking for ways to maintain profit margins and continue to provide services to their patients. Cutting a monthly lab bill to less than half is tempting, and maybe even necessary, when the fee charged is often set by an HMO, DMO or PPO. There is an abundance of new restorative systems and technologies available today that totally remove the need for an outside dental laboratory. With Cerec CAD/CAM dentistry, you can have your crown placed on the same day that the tooth is prepared. This computer-assisted process produces beautiful metal-free restorations that are milled right in the dental office.

Inquire if your dentist utilizes digital CAD/CAM technology. This tech-

nology allows for better control of not only materials, but the overall outcome as well. You can rest assured knowing that it is American made.

Dental crowns aren’t the only “Made in China” concern at the dental office.

As already pointed out, just about any and everything is available from a foreign country and dentistry is no different. Bridges, partial dentures, dentures and dental implants are manufactured in other countries. Botox, anesthetic and many other solutions can come from unregulated sources.

So what can a patient do? Your best assurance is to visit a reputable dentist that you trust. You should feel free to ask questions and get direct answers.

A quality dentist will know his or her lab technicians by name, and he or she will communicate his or her expectations directly to that person. The dentist will deal only with respected dental and medical suppliers. If you have concerns about where your dentistry comes from, you should simply ask. If the dentist office is doing things right, they’ll be more than happy, even excited, to prove it!

Dr. Davis W. Morgan is the dentist at Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry in Midlothian.

His commitment to using the finest technology, paired with his artistic talents and his enthusiasm for people, have helped make Dr. Morgan a premier dentist in the southern Dallas area. To contact Dr. Morgan call 972.723.5544 or visit www. dfwsmiledesign.com.

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MEDICAL

BY DR. BRAD W. COLLINS

Are You Fit to Get Fit? Everyday, people who are out of shape attempt to regain their fitness, lose weight and become more active. They assume if they just move more, they will start to move well. Unfortunately, they will just get better at moving poorly for longer periods of time or with larger amounts of weight or at greater speeds.

With today’s training programs, some sculpted people with beautiful, aesthetically pleasing bodies cannot touch their toes or perform a backward bend. Others compete in triathlons without the basic fundamental movements that are needed to prevent injuries. Though the better the athlete, the more they are able to compensate for their dysfunction, they are still an injury waiting to happen.

Most professionals agree we need a foundation before we enter into more advanced activities. Unfortunately, someone else is always ready to sell consumers the shortcut to performance, fitness or wellness. People rarely want to hear about fundamentals when they are ready to get started working out and getting into shape and are easily persuaded by quick-fix advertising.

Nature demands that we crawl before we walk! How can we expect to do squats with heavy weights, run fast or

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long distances, or even attend a boot camp if we can’t do fundamental movements such as a deep squat, a lunge or stepping correctly? We must create a good foundation so that we can add on the desired fitness. We can’t continue to put fitness on top of a dysfunctional body.

The corrective exercises that are needed to establish the proper fundamental movement aren’t the sexiest or anything that gets put on a board in the weight room, but they are an absolute necessity.

Our bodies are a miraculous creation.

We can get by with one kidney, regenerate our liver and even create bypasses around a blocked artery. When one part of our body is not working, something else will work hard to compensate for the dysfunctional body part. Many times patients come in with lower back pain, and there is no problem with their lower back. The lower back is actually just overcompensating for tight hips or maybe an unstable knee. They could rub on a cream or take a pain killer, but that is the logical equivalent of mopping a wet floor and thinking you have addressed a leak in a pipe. The leak is the primary problem, not the wet floor.

The lower back pain is not the problem, the supporting mechanics are the problem and the pain is the result.

With the proper Functional Movement Screen, these leaky pipes can be detected before the floor gets wet and a person is derailed in their attempt to get healthy before they ever get started. A properly trained movement specialist cannot only detect your dysfunctional areas, but can find the weak link in your chain. Then they can assign the proper corrective strategy to make sure you have mastered the basic fundamentals before adding the advanced activities in which so many are quick to jump.

Most logical people would not start out on a cross-country car trip without first changing their oil, airing up their tires and aligning their wheels, but yet when it comes to our bodies, we are quick to take off, point towards the finish line and step on the gas without first making sure our bodies are properly aligned and functioning correctly. If we don’t first make sure we are fit to start getting fit, we won’t make it to the finish line we desire to reach and we might encounter a few flat tires along the way!

Dr. Brad W. Collins is a sports chiropractor and a certified Functional Movement Screen specialist at Midlothian Spine & Sport in Midlothian. He can be reached at 972.723.1155 or www.midlothianspineandsport.com.

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MEDICAL MEDICAL

6WRS 6SULQJWLPH 6QLIÁHV If you suffer from allergies, the mere thought of gardening (or even walking outside) this spring could make you sneeze. Here are a few things you could try that may just make your spring a bit more pleasant and your nose a bit less runny.

BY KATHRYN KEMP

DID YOU KNOW THAT PLANTS WITH LARGER, HEAVIER POLLEN ARE LESS LIKELY TO PRODUCE AIRBORNE ALLERGENS? Here are some plants that not only look nice, but may be easier on your sinuses.

FLOWERING PLANTS: Begonia, Cactus, Chenille, Clematis, Columbine, Crocus, Daffodil, Daisy, Dusty Miller, Geranium, Hosta, Impatiens, Iris, Lily, Pansy, Periwinkle, Petunia, Phlox, Fose, Salvia, Snapdragon, Sunflower, Thrift, Tulip, Verbena, zinnia.

SHRUBS: Azalea, Boxwood, English Yew, Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Viburnum.

TREES: Apple, Cherry, Chinese Fan Palm, Fern Pine, Dogwood, English Holly, Hardy Rubber Tree, Magnolia, Pear, Plum, Red Maple.

SYMPTOM SOOTHERS

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TIPS FOR AVOIDING ALLERGY ATTACKS: • Using a dehumidifier in your home can help keep allergy triggers such as mold, bacteria, dust mites and mildew under control.

• Air purifiers can help reduce the presence of pesky allergens floating in the air.

• After gardening or working outdoors, change clothes and take a shower if you have time.

• When gardening, wear a face mask, hat, glasses, gloves and long sleeves to reduce exposure to allergens.

• Staying hydrated will help your body to flush unwanted toxins and stay healthy to fight off possible attacks.

• Make sure you are getting your share of Vitamin C. Talk to your doctor about what is appropriate for you.

Try these at-home tricks that could help soothe your allergy symptoms.

NASAL IRRIGATION:

QUERCETIN:

COLLOIDAL OATMEAL:

GREEN TEA:

POTATO SLICES:

For years, Neti pots, spray bottles and saline nasal sprays have been used to clear allergens out of the nose and sinuses. You can buy saline solution at a drugstore, or mix your own mixture of water and salt (1/4 teaspoon per cup of water). Simply fill a squeeze bottle or Neti pot, tilt your head forward over a sink, squeeze the solution up one nostril and wait for it to drain out of the other.

Found naturally in common foods such as apples, onions, garlic, broccoli, red grapes, tomatoes and grapefruit, Quercitin is said to help alleviate allergic reactions and reduce inflammations by blocking histamines. Though the amount found in such foods probably won’t do much for your allergies, taking a supplement could help. Of course, you should talk to your doctor before adding it to your daily routine.

You may remember hopping in a bath of oatmeal for relief of Chicken Pox. It turns out the calming effects of an oatmeal treatment can work for allergic reactions and hives as well. Draw yourself an oatmeal bath for all-over relief or use it as a spot treatment for itchy patches.

Sipping on herbal teas is said to soothe allergy symptoms and clear nasal passages, but research shows the compound methylated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea to be especially beneficial. The compound works to block histamines as well as immunoglobin E, two key players in allergic reactions. Research also suggests that rubbing used green tea bags on the skin can help with an allergic rash.

For many allergy sufferers, puffy eyes are a fact of life. But did you know sliced potatoes can help to reduce puffiness by reducing water retention around the eyes? The juice from potatoes is also said to reduce dark circles. Cucumbers and apples have similar effects, and you could even mix all three together to make sure you get all the benefits.

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MEDICAL

BY VENESSIA RIEPER

ARE YOU CONNECTED? Static. It’s disruptive, loud, irritating and usually leads to loss of connection. Why then do we allow so much of it in our lives? Everyday more and more static interrupts and disconnects us from ourselves and others. Static comes in many forms— work, relationships, health, finances and overall daily stress. We become so numb and accustomed to the sound of it that we continue through our daily lives on autopilot, juggling from one activity or role to another.

The problem with static is that it will eventually lead to disconnection. We lose connection with ourselves, in our relationships and with life in general.

When is the last time you were able to be alone with yourself? I’m talking about the time to reflect on where you are in life, your goals, happiness, the overall balance and connections.

If you were to sit down and really look at yourself, what would you see? Would there be more negative or positive words used to describe yourself or what you’ve become?

It is so easy to get caught up in the static of life that we put our wants, goals and overall well-being on the back burner. We start to become strangers to our own selves. When we allow ourselves to be disconnected on the inside, it starts to seep into the rest of our lives—affecting work, relationships and social circles. It is easy to allow static or interference to become excuses for putting aside the

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work we need to do on ourselves for ourselves.

Static begins to disrupt communication—our communication with ourselves and with others. We become pulled in so many different directions that focusing on one particular thing becomes impossible and we multitask, relying on our autopilot. Today, where quantity overtakes quality, where we have so much static distracting and interfering, we rush over the quality and importance of our lives. The quality being the attention we need to put into our health, needs and ambitions, as well as the quality of time we devote to our relationships and family. Static causes us to focus on how much connecting we get done with the interferences before the line is disconnected.

Disconnection brings the hassle of trying to gain reconnection and the stress that something important didn’t get heard, or taken care of and is possibly lost. We can’t keep static from interrupting, but we can manage and minimize it. It is essential and paramount that we prioritize our daily lives so that we listen to our bodies, taking the time to release stress, enjoy life and gain balance. When one area of our life is out of balance or full of static, the other areas will suffer.

When you start to clear the static in even one area, the static in the other

BY VENESSIA RIEPER

areas lessen and fade away. We can gain the tools we need to handle static before it gets so bad that we can’t hear and lose connection.

Connection is essential—to have that support and network of family and friends and to be an active part of the world around us. Live our lives, not letting our lives live us. We have the capability to empower ourselves on every level and aspect, connecting to life in a way that we enrich ourselves with happiness, love, success and self-worth.

If you rid yourself of the buzzing and screeching static that is not important, you gain stronger connections to the things that truly matter; however, if you allow the static to cause disconnections in your line, the important things may be lost. Get rid of the static! Actively and happily connect to your life. You will never know how fulfilling a strong, clear connection is until you’ve silenced the static. I encourage you to sit down, reconnect with yourself, push out the negatives and replace them with positives, gain balance, set new goals and seize your life; don’t let your life seize you. Can you hear me now?

Venessia Rieper is a Certified Professional Life Coach. She is happily married to Tony with three wonderful children, Zack, Hayden and Emma. She is currently obtaining her Master’s as a licensed marriage and family therapist.

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CINDY BURCH

POLITICAL APATHY Political Apathy: (Noun): (1) A lack of concern or enthusiasm for politics and activities associated with the governance of a country or area. (2) An irresponsible and easily preventable mind-set that is rapidly spreading through the U.S. and its younger population. (3) The lack of common sense. (4) The death of a nation.

A problem plaguing our society is the increasing rate of Americans who just don’t seem to care about what’s going on in our world unless it directly affects them.

I am constantly amazed at the apathy I see among people when it comes to political issues, especially among young people.

Many young people refuse to vote, stating they hate politics and don’t have enough information about the candidates. I’m sorry, but with the World Wide Web in the palm of their hands every day, I don’t think you can use that as an excuse.

Statistics show we as Americans watch more than 35 hours of TV per week. That doesn’t mean we’re watching more news. If you survey the American public, an enormous percentage can tell you who Snookie is, but they can’t remember the name of our Vice President. They can tell you in detail Lindsay Lohan’s woes with the law, but haven’t a clue where we stand with Iran. We have broadened our viewership, but narrowed our intellect by watching daytime judges, surreal housewives and adult talent shows.

I have an idea. Since so many Americans are more interested in following television personalities, what if we required the Presidential candidates to appear on a special edition of “Survivor?” Instead of dropping out of the race based on their lack of funding or their inability to win a primary, they could instead be voted off the island one by one until we have a viable candidate.

If that won’t work, we could narrow it down

with an episode of “Fear Factor,” followed by a round of “Jeopardy,” and winner takes all. The point is that we want to hook our teeth into personality and fame, which often lack sustenance, instead of watching what’s happening in our government.

When 50 percent of the population stays home on Election Day, we get a system of unequal representation. That is, politicians generate benefits for those who vote, and mostly ignore those who don’t. Research shows people with higher incomes and education levels are much more likely to vote because they are more sensitive to political conditions that affect their careers, family and property ownership.

While some people believe their voice doesn’t matter, the Tea Party movement quickly took off and became a major force in American politics with one significant difference—it took action. Unlike jobless Occupy Wall Street protestors who don’t even understand what they are doing, the Tea Party did more than disrupt political speeches and shout its message from the sidelines: it aggressively identified and backed politicians who supported its causes by voting. A perfect example of making your voice heard.

I wouldn’t dream of suggesting that you vote for one Presidential candidate over the other, but I would like to challenge people, especially our young people, to get in on

some of the political information available to you and make yourself aware of the issues our state and country are faced with in this election year. If young people have absolutely no interest in getting involved in something unless a celebrity tells them to, then they will have to pay the consequences someday when America loses all credibility with the rest of the world.

There is nothing more irresponsible than refusing to recognize the RIGHT to vote.

You can educate yourself on any topic about anything. We all have the opportunity to make a difference in our future and our society, and yet so many refuse to take the time to research politicians and their political ambitions and goals. These are the same goals that affect our future, our local, state and federal policies, and especially our rights.

We have been snookered by the Snookies, and it’s time we shift our focus to matters that will impact our real reality, matters which are far more important than keeping up with the Kardashians.

Cindy Burch

Cindy Burch and her husband, Andrew, own and operate The Doves Nest Restaurant & Gifts in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy is a freelance writer, caterer and consultant. Her award-winning cookbook, “The Doves Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From A Historic Texas Town,” has sold more than 30,000 copies.

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