May 2013 Ellis County Living Magazine

Shopping Music Home Travel Law Health Medical

Living

Healt h & Wellness

Your GATEWAY to HOMETOWN service and expertise

www.TheSchmidtGrp.com When you are looking for hometown service backed by expert, local professionals, turn to The Schmidt Group at Gateway Mortgage. Their Waxahachie office has over 90 years’ experience in the mortgage industry and best of all, they live and work right here in ELLIS COUNTY. The Schmidt Group promises you: • A community first approach • Local underwriting and reliable closings • Service for a lifetime So whether you are purchasing a new home, considering refinancing or even seeking access to your home’s equity, they have the right solution to meet nearly any mortgage need.

Your Local Mortgage Team JEFF SCHMIDT - 817.681.7897 Regional Manager, RMLO 91368

TOM KER - 972.365.7022 Senior Loan Officer, RMLO 356892

NICK HESTER - 469.855.9262 Senior Loan Officer, RMLO 338108

TERRY WOOTEN - 214.949.9285 Senior Loan Officer, RMLO 224831

Office: 972.937.2200 | 100 Executive Court #3 | Waxahachie, TX 75165

Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC NMLS 7233

SERVICES: HAIRCUT COLOR/HIGHLIGHTS BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT FUSION HAIR EXTENSIONS AVEDA DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENT (WITH SCALP MASSAGE) UPDO MAKEUP (FLAWLESS MAKEUP USING AN AIRBRUSH SYSTEM) ARTIFICAIL NAILS SHELLAC MANICURE PEDICURE FACIAL WAXING PERMANENT MAKEUP EYELASH EXTENSIONS AIRBRUSH TANNING

FRESH-AS-A-DAISY MAY PACKAGES: (Please book at least one week in advance.)

SALON NARCISSE SIGNATURE DAY OF BEAUTY: Nourish the romantic in you with 6 customizable services!

BACK TO THE GARDEN: Freshen your day and lift your spirits with 4 customizable services!

FLOWERY MAY SPECIALS: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not:

10% DISCOUNT

if your stylist or technician has a daisy in her hair

SPRING TWILIGHT NIGHTS AT SALON NARCISSE:

All Dressed Up:

Forget manic Monday with 2 customizable services.

25% OFF

ALL DRESSED UP WITH SOMEWHERE TO GO: You’ll look perfect for your special event with 4 customizable services!

All packages in May include fresh flower treatments, food and drink, gifts to take home, and the AHHH you’ve been waiting for!

AN

SALON

sparkly boutique jewelry Please Come Again:

$10 COUPON for your next visit

ALL AGES & CONCEPTS

Brand New Face in the Same Place

For more information, including pricing, additional services and directions, call 972.938.9044.

Salon Narcisse • 213 W. Jefferson (corner of Jefferson and Elm) • Waxahachie

Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-7PM

The SPCA will be here with furry friends to adopt!

Radio remote between noon and 2 p.m. Come by & be on the radio!

Loryn Brown Leonard

Ron Tucker

Mike Hatcher

Dave Patton

Eileen Horton

Mike Hatcher

Ron Tucker

Eileen Horton

Loryn Brown Leonard

Ron Tucker

Mike Hatcher

Eileen Horton

Dave Patton

Loryn Brown Leonard

Soul’s Harbor If you like DIY projects, come see the items from Soul’s Harbor!

Sponsors

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

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HOME OF THE

$20 Oil Change NOW OPEN ON SU NDAYS

45TH ANNUAL

June 1st and 2nd, 2013

Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes

John & Arlene Hamilton

Kin & Sandy Knight

Mike & Denise Riley

910 West Marvin

900 Bryson

600 West Jefferson

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday and Sunday • • • •

George & Paula Susat

Tim & Ashley Balch

415 Brown

1117 West Jefferson

• • •

Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes* Gingerbread Trail Arts & Crafts Fair at Getzendaner Park* Plein Aire painting and art show* Free Historic Waxahachie, Inc. courthouse tours Free music in Getzendaner Park* Getzendaner Park food booths* Getzendaner Park childrens’ activities*

Saturday only • • • • • • •

Downtown Farmers Market All downtown businesses & restaurants open Midlothian Classic Wheels benefit car show on the square* “Living Magazine” Metal Art Show* Fly-In Pancake Breakfast and aircraft display at Midway Airport Free movie “Places in the Heart” and art sale at Getzendaner Park Master Gardener’s garden tour

Sunday only • •

Some shops and restaurants open Studebaker Club car show on the square

*Indicates event benefiting Ellis County Museum.

www. gingerbreadtrail. net •

972 .937 .0681

TABLE OF CONTENTS 36

2013

all aBoUT neW zealanD: YoUR neW DReam vacaTion

22 14

cHecK oUT THe laTeST in local FaSHion!

FASHION Spring/Summer Fashion 14 amber’s Favorite Things 18 a Whiter, Brighter Smile 20

LIFE & STYLE Wedded Wisdom 22 Wine & Shine 24 For good measure 26 Say What? 28 motherly love 30 Texas czechs 32 give a Kid a chance 34 zealous new zealand 36 a Worthy cause 40

TiPS FoR YoUR WeDDing

MAYJUNE HOME & GARDEN mastering the Bath 42 may & June Plants 46 For art’s Sake 50 inspired Whims 52 Puppy love 54

MEDICAL Spreading Their Wings 56 Fitness Fits 58 What is Wellness? 60 a Personal Touch 62 What does that label really mean? 66

*

CINDY BURCH:

Remembering “Daddy o” 68

Briarpatch

B Largest Brighton Selection in Ellis County

Best selection of Mother’s Day & Father’s Day cards The Briarpatch #1

The Briarpatch #2

The Briarpatch #3

BOUTIQUE 404 W. Main St., Waxahachie 972-937-7717

HOME DECOR 405 Water St., Waxahachie 972-937-1441

Hallmark 507 N. Hwy 77, Ste. 406, Waxahachie 972-923-1884

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

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.

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3 PUBLISHER CINDY CAMP CREATIVE DIRECTOR JENNIFER KEMP EDITOR KATHRYN KEMP ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINDSEY KEENEY ADVERTISING PAMELA MCCRORY BRITTANY HUSTED NOEL HARRIS CFO SUSAN KOSORIS A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

Ellis County Living Magazine is published bimonthly

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

Copyright 2013, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved.

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

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.

Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest & Twitter! facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/eclivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving

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

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

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // MAY-JUNE 2013

JENNIFER is the creative director for Ellis County Living Magazine. She is a perfectionist who works around the clock making sure the magazine maintains its high design standard. While ad and page design are very different things, her positive nature keeps the two sides of magazine production working well. Send questions or comments to jennifer@living-magazine.com.

KATHRYN is the editor of Ellis County Living Magazine.

She studied journalism at the University of Texas and has a curious nature 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. Contact her at kathryn@living-magazine.com.

LINDSEY is the associate creative director for Living Magazine. She grew up in Ennis and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in telecommunication media studies.

She enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping and traveling, especially to her favorite destination: Las Vegas.

Contact Lindsey at lindsey@living-magazine.com.

PAMELA is our advertising representative for Waxahachie and Red Oak. She has an extensive background in sales and advertising and runs a promotional advertising business. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, entertaining and traveling. Contact her at pamela@eclmedia.com.

BRITTANY is the advertising representative for Midlothian and Ennis. After graduating from Waxahachie High School, she earned a degree in business administration from Texas State University. In her spare time, she enjoys being with family and friends, traveling and taking pictures. Contact her at brittany@ living-magazine.com.

SUSAN is the chief financial officer of Ellis County Living Magazine. A University of Texas business school graduate, Susan has 25 years of experience in business management, marketing and accounting. She has three sons and enjoys volunteering, cooking, reading and traveling. Contact her at accounting@eclmedia.com.

NOEL is the newest member of Ellis County Living Magazine.

She is the advertising representative for Waxahachie, Midlothian and Ennis. She grew up in Waxahachie and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University. Noel loves spending time with family & friends and staying fit! Contact her at Noel@livingmagazine.com.

STAFF PHOTOS TAKEN BY MARIE Q PHOTOGRAPHY COVER PHOTO BY THIBAUT | THIBAUTDESIGN.COM COVER PHOTO FOR THE MARCH/APRIL 2013 ISSUE PROVIDED BY APRIL PIZANA PHOTOGRAPHY.

eDiToR’S noTe The song “it’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year,” is meant to be about winter and the holiday season, but lately i catch myself singing it about this time of year. all of the sunshine and blooming flowers makes you want to get up and go!

Speaking of getting up, this issue is the Health & Wellness issue, all about getting up and getting healthy.

You’ll find so many great tips on eating, drinking and living well, along with ways to give your home and family life a good healthy boost! czech out the history article to prepare for some polka dancing in ennis, and get ready to plan a trip after you read about vacationing in new zealand. next, we have the Backyards issue. if you know of a great backyard you’d like to share, or have any other ideas, comments or questions, email me at kathryn@ living-magazine.com.

As we went to press with this issue, news broke first of the bombings in Boston and then of the explosion in West. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and we will continue to follow and share ways to help.

Please let us know about any efforts you are organizing.

What do Living Magazine contributing writers do to

stay healthy and happy?

A day in the life of Lindsay Markert.

“To stay healthy, i think in terms of having fun rather than exercising. my favorite active fun things to do are basketball, yoga, zumba, swimming, hiking and racquetball with family or friends. During quieter times, i like to make mixed media art projects, scrapbook, or make greeting cards.

Whenever i am doing these activities, any worries just melt away. “ – Dr. Katharine Donaldson

“as a busy momma of four, the most important thing for my sanity, health and happiness is a little bit of quiet each day! i love my babies endlessly, but i need a few minutes each day to think without interruption in order to be the best momma i can be.” – lindsay markert At the top of Diamond Head in Hawaii.

Teresa (right) and photographer Marie Q after running the “Hottest Half” marathon in 2012.

“Running is my obsession.

Running with my friend is more than miles together.

We share something greater. an accomplishment of something we both thought we couldn’t do. no one can take that away.”

– Teresa choate

“i joined Waxahachie Running club in January with zero running experience. it is awesome because there is a group for every training level. in the club, i have accomplished milestones i never expected and made lifelong friends that encourage me and keep me accountable.” – amber Thompson “no matter what is going on in the world around me, i always smile and feel happy when i am with any or all of our 13 grandchildren. We are so thankful to have them all near to keep us well-hugged and blessed daily.”

– Diane Johnson

What keeps me healthy and happy? lately, my mom and i have been walking the trail at getzendaner Park. it keeps me healthy because i’m getting some exercise, and being outside is great.

Spending time with my mom makes me happy! Sometimes we get an added treat when my dad joins us (though he prefers to move a little faster than we do).

“no matter how busy and stressed i may get throughout the year, i always take time for a spa day. nothing like a massage, facial and pedicure to help keep me sane.”

- cindy Burch

“Nana” with granddaughter Lexi. living-magazine.com // maY-JUne 2013

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{ aRoUnD ToWn { A lot is happening in Ellis County...

BLOOMING GOOD TIME SPRING SPECTACULAR

THURSDAY, MAY 2 4 to 7 p.m.

The Doves nest, Waxahachie Style show, door prizes, wine & cheese, and much more!

WAXAHACHIE COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS “GUYS AND DOLLS”

MAY 3 & 4 AT 7:30 p.m.

MAY 5 at 2:30 p.m. chautauqua auditorium getzendaner Park, Waxahachie Tickets are $12 for seniors/students and $15 for adults and can be purchased at waxahachiecommunitytheatre.com, or the Waxahachie chamber, the ellis county museum or the offices of Jerry ellis, DDS in midlothian. call the WcT box office at 972.646.1050 or send an email to wct.texas@gmail.com for more information.

CARS IN THE PARK CAR SHOW

SATURDAY, MAY 11 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. getzendaner Park, Waxahachie Sponsored by midlothian classic Wheels & Daily light with all proceeds going to campfire creek Therapeutic Riding center. For more information, contact alan Krohn at 214-808-4019, or visit midlothianclassicwheels.com.

FILTHY FIVE K

SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9 a.m. lakeview camp and conference center, 5128 Fm 66, Waxahachie The maypearl chamber of commerce and maypearl education Foundation hosts a “mud run” featuring more than three miles of military-style obstacles.

Participation is $55. To register, visit www.filthyfivek.com. For more information, call 972-998-3106 or e-mail info@filthyfivek.com.

JFK 50 - WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

MAY 21, 6:30 p.m.

Waxahachie civic center Robert groden, author of several books on the JFK assassination, served as a photographic consultant for the House Select committee on assassinations and as the authenticity expert for oliver Stone’s JFK movie. When he was 18, groden made a commitment to the former president at his grave and has been fighting to uncover the truth ever since. as we mark the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s death, come hear stories and see pictures you’ve never seen before and get a chance to ask questions. admission is free.

NATIONAL POLKA FESTIVAL

MAY 24-26 Downtown ennis (intersection of Knox St. and Dallas St.), KJT, Kc and Sokol Halls celebrate Texas czech heritage with authentic cuisine, sounds and costumes. a parade, 13 bands, arts and crafts.

Free shuttle to entertainment sites for polka music, lunch and dinner. visit nationalpolkafestival.com for more.

15TH ANNUAL POLKAFEST FUN RUN-WALK/5K/10K

SATURDAY, MAY 25 2405 Yorkstown Dr., ennis (in front of the lonestar fitness center) Registration packet pickup from 5:45 to 6:45 a.m., races begin at 7 a.m. visit polkafestrun.com for more information.

GINGERBREAD CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT

FRIDAY, MAY 31 11 a.m. (1 p.m. shotgun start) Waxahachie country club Hosted by the Waxahachie chamber of commerce. Players pay $110 for lunch, green fee, drinks, golf towel,

goodie bag, prizes on several holes and fun! after the tournament, keep it going with a happy hour and snacks.

Registration ends may 31, 2013. contact Brenda Ranck at the chamber, 972-937-2390 or by email to branck@waxahachiechamber.com for more information.

COMMUNITY FREE DAY AT THE FITNESS CENTER

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Baylor institute for Rehabilitation & Fitness 507 Hwy. 77 n., Suite 700, Waxahachie (behind applebee’s) Baylor invites community residents for group exercise classes, up-to-date cardio and strength equipment at no cost.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST & FLY-IN

FRIDAY, JUNE 1 8 to 11 a.m. mid-Way Regional airport, midlothian For information, call 972-923-0080 or visit mid-wayregional.com.

METAL ART EXPO

FRIDAY, JUNE 1 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

405 W. madison, Waxahachie (across from the Women’s Building) Two blocks south of main St. or Business Hwy 287 from i-35 (exit 401 B) metal art expo to showcase local artists’ repurposed art. See page 48 for a preview of what you’ll see, and visit metalartexpo.com for more information.

KIDS YOGA CAMP

JUNE 17-21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. a fun way to get your 5- to 10-yearolds moving this summer. They’ll learn yoga, healthy eating and how to build a good self-esteem. light snacks provided every day. Register by June 7 for a rate of $35, after June 7 it’s $50.

For updates and chances to win free stuff, be sure to “like” us on Facebook and visit our blog at www.living-magazine.com.

Do you have an event you want everyone to know about?

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

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living-magazine.com // maY-JUne 2013

WAXAHACHIE

WAXAHACHIE CINCO DE MAYO

MAY 3-4 The fiesta kicks off on Friday night in downtown Waxahachie on Franklin Street with the Plato loco Street Dance featuring live entertainment from Baraja de oro from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. Festivities continue on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. with a concert by los Desperadoz from San antonio Texas. Hosted by e.c.H.o (ellis county Hispanic organization). For more information, email waxahachiecincodemayo@hotmail.com or go to waxahachie5de5.com.

SUPER CHEVY CRUISE

SATURDAY, MAY 4 7 to 8:30 a.m.

Downtown Waxahachie

2013 THIRDGEN ROUNDUP CAR SHOW

SATURDAY, MAY 4 getzendaner Park For more information, call mark Finley at 214-649-1307 or visit thirdgenroundup.com.

WAXAHACHIE RELAY FOR LIFE MAY 10-11 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.

Downtown Waxahachie

WAXAHACHIE’S OLD FASHIONED SINGING

MAY 10-11 chautauqua auditorium in getzendaner Park For show times and ticket information: WaxaoFS.com

8TH ANNUAL PAINT HISTORIC WAXAHACHIE PLEIN AIRE PAINT-OUT

MAY 24-JUNE 1 in the historic districts of Waxahachie 50 of the top landscape artists in Texas paint all week long then sell their art.

For more information, call 972-937-3414 or visit elliscountyart.net.

PLACES IN THE HEART

JUNE 1, 7 P.M. chautauqua auditorium, getzendaner Park admission: FRee (seating is first come, first served) concessions available from the Waxahachie lions club

45TH ANNUAL GINGERBREAD TRAIL

HiSToRic Home ToUR & aRTS anD cRaFTS SHoW JUNE 1-2 Sponsored by the ellis county museum

SINCE 1850

For more information: 972-937-0681

Members of the Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association: - Beads n Bling - Buffalo Creek Cowgirls

NORTH TEXAS LAKES SCOOTER RALLY

- Cherics Antiques

WAXAHACHIE JUNETEENTH PARADE & CELEBRATION

- College Street Printing

JUNE 13-16 lake Waxahachie

JUNE 19 location TBa

WAXAHACHIE COW CREEK COUNTRY CLASSIC BIKE RIDE JUNE 22 Sponsored by the Waxahachie Rotary club For more information: www.cowcreekcountryclassic.org

CRAPE MYRTLE FESTIVAL & DRIVING TRAIL

JULY 3 - concert & Fireworks at the Waxahachie Sports complex JULY 4 - Parade downtown

FARMERS MARKET SEASON CONTINUES! SATURDAYS, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- Citizens National Bank of Texas



Downtown SHOPPING

- College Street Restaurant & Pub - Common Threads Quilting - Ellis County Art Association - Ellis County Living Magazine - Ellis County Museum Inc. - Frank’s Urban Collection - Gingerbread Antique Mall - Glenn’s Warehouse Carpet - Gran’s Antiques - Klassy Klutter - Maxwell’s Jewelry - Mosaic Madness - Napa Auto Parts/Pool Supplies - Pearman Oil & LP Gas Inc - Plato Loco Café & Cantina - Sandra’s Dazzling Jewelry

CHECK IT OUT

check it out has thousands of yards of fabric in stock.

Furniture, accessories and lamps. come check us out!

212 S. Rogers St. • Waxahachie 972.938.2403 checkitoutFabrics.net

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

W W W. D OW N TOW N WA X A H AC H I E .CO M

- The Boyce Feed & Grain Corp - The Dove’s Nest Restaurant - Tire Town

FREE

Parking Garage

kson and Jefferson at the corner of Jac

FASHION

Here Comes

SHIRT, Chic Boutique $22.95 MISS ME JEANS, Chic Boutique $89 SHOES, Plain Jane $26.99 BRIGHTON BRACELET, Briarpatch $52 EARRINGS, Plain Jane $8.99

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // MAY-JUNE 2013

DRESS, Chic Boutique $42.90 BRIGHTON PURSE, Briarpatch $280 SANDALS, Chic Boutique $27.95 NECKLACE, Plain Jane $14.99 EARRINGS Chic Boutique $9.95

DRESS, Briarpatch $56 WEDGES, Chic Boutique $32 NECKLACE, Stella Dot $39 BRACELET, Plain Jane $8.99 EARRINGS, Chic Boutique $10.95

*Items labeled Stella & Dot contributed by Living Magazine contributing writer Lindsay Markert. Find more at www.stelladot.com/lindsayjmarkert

es the Sun...

TOP, Chic Boutique $40.95 MISS ME PANTS, Briarpatch $97 BAG, Stella Dot $98 BRACELET, Stella Dot $59 EARRINGS, Chic Boutique $9.95

TOP, Plain Jane $38.99 BIG STAR SHORTS, Chic Boutique $66 WRISTLET, Plain Jane $7.99 NECKLACE, Plain Jane $18.99 EARRINGS, Old Town Village $19.95

DRESS, Plain Jane $48.99 BRIGHTON PURSE, Briarpatch $260 SHOES, Plain Jane $33.99 BRACELET, Stella Dot $29 EARRINGS, Chic Boutique $10.95

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // MAY-JUNE 2013

15

FASHION

and I say

it’s Alright

DRESS, Plain Jane $48.99 CLUTCH, Chic Boutique $34.95 NECKLACE, Plain Jane $14.99 BRACELET, Chic Boutique $12.95 RING, Plain Jane $12.99

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // MAY-JUNE 2013

DRESS, Plain Jane $38.99 CLUTCH, Chic Boutique $18.95 BRIGHTON NECKLACE, Briarpatch $76 EARRINGS, Stella Dot $49 BRIGHTON BRACELET, Briarpatch $88

TANK, Chic Boutique $17.95 BIG STAR PANTS, Chic Boutique $70 BRIGHTON PURSE, Briarpatch $295 BRACELET, Stella Dot $29 EARRINGS, Plain Jane $8.99

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

17

FASHION FASHION { BEAUTY }

A Few of My

{{

FAVORITE THINGS

It’s with bittersweet emotion that I tell you my husband and I are moving out of Ellis County, and therefore, this will be my last article for Living Magazine. He has taken a new high school coaching position north of Dallas. We are excited for the new opportunity, but will miss so much about Waxahachie.

BY amBeR THomPSon

A FAVORITE THINGS PARTY! i recently hosted a party and invited my girlfriends to bring five of their favorite items, around $6 each. each attendant also brought a favorite treat or dish; mine was fruit salsa (see recipe below). at the end of the evening, we took turns selecting five different things to take home. it was super fun to see what everyone brought, and exciting to take home new things to try! Some of the highlights were: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I’d like to leave you with a few of my favorite things that will perhaps give you little moments of joy, too.

I CONFESS; I’M A MAKEUP JUNKIE. These few

items have passed the test for tried and true staples in my makeup bag:

Mineral Foundation

♥ Jane Iredale Amazing Base mineral foundation ♥ Merle Norman Lip Pencil Plus ♥ Xtreme Lash GlideLiner

Peppermint Castile Soap

Kombucha Tea Crockpot Liners Downy Unstoppables Lemon + Eucalyptus essential oil Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castile Soap

I’M AN ESTHETICIAN, so it’s no surprise i’m into skin care. i have to have these products: ♥ Osmosis Purify Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser ♥ Eminence Bearberry Eye Repair Cream ♥ SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel

Eye Repair

AMBER is a licensed esthetician and makeup artist with more than 10 years’ experience in the beauty industry. She provides services for Ellis County brides and manages The Spa at Equinox in north Dallas. Contact her at ali. thompson@live.com.

more of MY FAVORITE

BEAUTY PRODUCTS: ♥ Farmhouse Fresh Agave Nectar Ageless Body Oil. This smells delicious and makes the skin feel phenomenal! ♥ Coconut Oil. Research its many uses. ♥ Clarisonic Facial Brush ♥ OPI Gel Polish in I Have a Herring Problem. Blue eye shadow is still out, but blue polish is hot!

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living-magazine.com // maY-JUne 2013

last, but not least, is WAXAHACHIE –here’s what i’m going to miss:

Body Oil

♥ Lunches with girlfriends at The Dove’s Nest ♥ Dinners at Campuzano’s and Tuscan Slice ♥ Logging miles with Waxahachie Running Club ♥ Picnics and long walks at Getzendaner Park ♥ My best friend, whom I met here

Waxahachie has been home for seven years. We’ve made lifelong friends, a ton of memories and truly feel like part of the community. i’m sure we will be back to visit often.

Please note i am happy to travel “down south” to continue doing makeup in ellis county. i can be reached at ali.thompson@ live.com.

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

19

FASHION { BEAUTY }

A W HITER ,

Food Tips

BRIGHTER

SMILE BY cRaig SmiTH, D.D.S.

millions of dollars are spent each year in america on tooth whitening products, either over the counter or by prescription from a dentist. Why? Because people want white teeth! Unfortunately, in many of these cases people simply did not achieve the results they were looking for. many people who want to whiten their teeth are older adults, and older teeth are simply harder to whiten! as we age, stain molecules from coffee, tea, red wine, etc., are driven deeper and deeper into our teeth. This sometimes makes older teeth frustratingly hard to whiten. also, teeth with special issues like tetracycline staining are harder to whiten.

The solution to these issues is KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™. Widely regarded by dental professionals as the most effective and reliable system on the market, KöR Whitening was invented by internationally renowned cosmetic dentist and whitening science expert Dr. Rod Kurthy. The KöR Whitening process works by restoring the ability of your teeth to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from the whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the teeth, dissolving stain molecules. This is achieved with specially formulated whitening gels and whitening trays that are carefully made to intimately fit the teeth, resulting in maximum absorption of the gel.

KöR whitens teeth dramatically, often lightening them 16 shades or more. although everyone is different, with the proper KöR Whitening system, all teeth will have dramatic results, even those stained by tetracycline. and to answer a common question, natural teeth cannot get “too white.” The whiter they get, the better they look.

KöR Whitening can involve at-home whitening only, or a combination of athome whitening and whitening sessions in the dental office. a thorough exam will determine the approach that is best, ensuring the whitest smile possible.

The process is entirely safe and works for patients from 14 to 104, even rejuvenating older teeth back to their youthful brilliance. The KöR patient experiences little to no sensitivity and will have completely permanent results with some periodic home maintenance. Best of all, staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea and red wine will have no effect on the brilliant color of teeth whitened with KöR. craig and his wife, Deborah, own main Street Dental in Waxahachie.

The american academy of cosmetic Dentistry offers numerous tips for oral health on their website. Here are a few of the foods they recommend for brighter, healthier smiles. visit aacd.com/smilerecipes to download a free e-booklet featuring recipes using “SUPER-SMILE” foods.

BROCCOLI: forms

an acid-resistant film on teeth that can help prevent enamel erosion.

CARROTS: full of vitamin a which is absolutely necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. This and all crunchy vegetables also cleanse and stimulate your gums, making them healthy.

CHEESE: offers the benefit of lactic acid to help prevent tooth decay.

GINGER: an anti-inflammatory to support healthy mouth tissue.

GREEN TEA: contains an antioxidant called catechin, which reduces bacteria growth that causes gingivitis.

KIWI: pack more vitamin c than any other fruit. a lack of vitamin c can break down the collagen network in your gums, making them tender and more susceptible to bacteria and gum disease.

LEMON: a natural “whitener” and assists with pH balance in the body.

ONIONS: contain

Before

sulphur compounds and reduces certain bacteria that cause tooth decay.

PINEAPPLE: helps you produce extra saliva.

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combine that with citric acid and you have an allnatural bacteria fighting mouthwash. also contains vitamin c and the enzyme Bromelain promoting a healing alkaline response in the mouth.

QUINOA: pronounced “Keen-wah” is a super grain with a load of minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese, and Phosphorus to strengthen teeth.

SALMON: a great source of vitamin D making it easier for teeth to get the full power of calcium from foods you are eating.

SESAME SEEDS: these “little scrubbers” reduce plaque, and due to their calcium content provide a necessary mineral for teeth. nuts in general have a high pH, thus are protective for teeth by managing pH balance in the mouth.

SHIITAKI MUSHROOMS:

contain a sugar called lentinan, which prevents mouth bacteria from growing.

STRAWBERRIES: great “scrubbers,” high in fiber and lots of vitamin c, which is great for gum health.

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

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WEDDING

BY TeReSa cHoaTe

{ PLANNING }

Wedded Wisdom May Trends

Black and gold have made a new splash into decor design. Black and white have always expressed class and sophistication, but a new spin adds horizontal stripes or a chevron print. The addition of gold is not the gold of the 1980s, it’s more vintage and muted, not brassy or too shiny. The photos show the royal head table for the wedding party - we love the chivari chairs and gold branches. notice the details of the bride’s cake and the menu card. The invitation also sets a preview of what is to come at the reception. The guest tables are the opposite design of the head table: primarily black with white and gold accents.

Designs by Teresa choate’, The Bride’s Rep and courtney Keen-Flores, FReSH

How and where do I get my marriage license?

You have the venue, the dress, the cake, the menu and the minister. The guests have responded. However, there is still one very important component necessary to complete the day. You must have a marriage license. i know there are lots of brides and grooms about to be married, and thought this little tidbit would save you both time and a little stress.

Similar procedures apply all over the state of Texas. Find out where the closest county clerk’s office is to you. You may get a marriage license in a county other than the county you will be married in, within the state of Texas.

The earliest you can get your marriage license is 30 days prior to your wedding date, and no less than 72 hours prior to your wedding date. You must have two forms of iD; most couples use a valid driver’s license and social security card. also acceptable is a certified copy of your original birth certificate, U.S. passport or military iD. Blood tests are no longer required. in ellis county, the license fee is $72 cash; checks are not accepted. if for some reason the bride or groom cannot

TERESA CHOATE, CWC THE BRIDE’S REP - 972.935.3478 PHOTOS BY BRENT HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY

make it to the county clerk’s office, there is a form available to fill out. You must pick up the form from the office as it is not available online. The rules are very strict; the form must be filled out completely, must be notarized and the actual iD must be presented. if you would like to take a marital education program sponsored by the state of Texas, “Twogether in Texas,” you will receive a $60 discount on the license fee. The class is $50. For more information on this program, go to BeThechampion.org, send an email to parer@anthemstrongfamilies.com or call 214.426.0900.

The Dallas downtown clerk’s office is open monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some are open until 4:30; it is wise to call ahead for specific hours. in ellis county, the couple actually has a choice of two different licenses, one has a vintage look and the other is a little more updated.

Who would have thought? make sure you add your marriage license to your “To Do” list!

ELLIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE 109 S. Jackson Street Waxahachie, Texas 75165 972.825.5000 • WWW.co.elliS.TX.US monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

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LIFE & STYLE

wine & shine { DRinKS }

BY KaTHRYn KemP

One of the beauties of a good glass of wine is that, in moderation, it’s actually beneficial to your health.

Here are some choices promising extra boosts of good-for-you power.

eKUn caBeRneT SaUvignon made With organic grapes (This brand also does an organic chardonnay.) “a well-balanced chilean cabernet Sauvignon that would pair nicely with a variety of meats and dishes where the preference is for a very pleasant medium-bodied dry wine.”

–notes from Susan, Jeff and Samantha Kosoris

canDoni PinoT gRigio made With organic grapes Deliciously refreshing and great for your everyday stash. it’s almost lemony with just a slight hint of sweet.

ePPa SangRia (Red and White) With twice the antioxidants of a normal glass of red wine, eppa Sangria does the work for you. Just poor the blend of organic super fruit juices over ice and you’ve got a party! add some fruit if you’d like, or just enjoy as is.

SKinnYgiRl WineS in california Red, White and Rosé Blends, as well as moscato, the Skinnygirl wines offer 5-ounce servings at around 100 calories versus the usual 120.

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Winemaker for gary Farrell Winery, Theresa Heredia, samples the fruits of her labor.

GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL Recently, cindy and i were invited by gary Farrell Winery in Sonoma to a wine tasting event at abacus in Dallas.

The flavors of the amazing wines and a magnificent dinner (created by chef Kent Rathbun) are still resonating on our taste buds. my mouth is literally watering as i share this with you. as we waited to be seated, we were served some passed appetizers: fried oyster over a fried green tomato with goat cheese, and tuna wrapped in mango, paired with the 2011 Russian River Sauvignon Blanc (one of my favorite pairings of the evening). The wine, very crisp and clean, was a perfect start to the evening and demonstrated the incredible pairings we were in for.

We made our way into the beautiful private dining room, where we were seated with the winemaker herself, Theresa Heredia, who discovered her passion while pursuing a PhD in chemistry from Uc Davis when some fellow teaching assistants (on the enology track) brought wine to a grading session. She decided winemaking sounded like more fun than peptide synthesis, and the rest is history. along with Theresa, our table included five regulars of these wine pairings. Their interesting conversation paired with incredible food, wine and atmosphere made for a lovely evening with people who came to feel like old friends by the end of it all.

our first course, seared Rockport skate wing with creamy chickpea panisse and saffron lobster nage was paired with the 2010 Russian River chardonnay. next was the woodroasted pheasant over roulade creamy “popped” quinoa and green peppercorn jus, served with the 2010 Russian River Pinot noir, then my favorite of the evening: grilled colorado lamb meatball over squid ink tagliatelli, lemon thyme pistou, toasted pistachio and the 2010 Hallberg vineyard Pinot noir. i tend to prefer white wines and rarely buy a red just for my own stash, but i would buy this light red with flavors of black cherry and a hint of chocolate. after our mountain huckleberryvermillion blue cheese turnovers and lemon-sage ice cream paired with the 2010 Bradford mountain zinfandel, we headed home to sleep like happy little angels.

Interested in attending the next event?

Go to kentrathbun.com and click the Events tab to learn how.

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

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LIFE & STYLE { RECIPES }

For Good

Measure Baked Bananas in Orange-Cinnamon Sauce SeRveS 4 4 medium ripe bananas, cut in half lengthwise 1/2 cup orange juice 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons soft margarine, melted 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 shredded coconut 1/2 cup low-fat lemon greek yogurt 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts, for garnish

Preheat oven to 375°F. arrange bananas side-by-side in a 9-by-9-inch baking dish. combine orange juice, lemon juice and margarine in a small bowl. add brown sugar and cinnamon. Blend well. Drizzle orange juice mixture over bananas, then baste to coat bananas. Sprinkle with coconut. Bake for 10 minutes, until sauce is bubbling but bananas are softened but keep their shape. Serve warm.

Spoon sauce over bananas. Top with yogurt; garnish with peanuts. Recipe by Roberta l. Duyff, mS, RD, FaDa, cFcS. Source: academy of nutrition and Dietetics, www.eatright.org. nutrition per serving: calories: 260; Fat: 10g; Sodium 100mg; carb: 43g; Fiber: 4g; Protein: 4g

Springtime Cereal SeRveS 2 3⁄4 cup wheat and barley nugget cereal 1⁄4 cup 100% bran cereal 2 tsp. toasted sunflower seeds 2 tsp. toasted almonds, sliced

1 Tbsp. raisins 1⁄2 cup bananas, sliced 1 cup strawberries, sliced 1 cup raspberry or strawberry flavored low-fat yogurt

mix the wheat and barley nugget cereal, bran cereal, sunflower seeds and almonds in a medium bowl. add raisins, bananas and half of the strawberries. gently stir in the yogurt and divide between two bowls. Scatter the remaining strawberries over the top and enjoy! Source: academy of nutrition and Dietetics, www.eatright.org. nutrition per serving: calories: 352; Fat: 6 g; carb: 69 g; Sodium: 272 mg; Fiber: 8 g

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Tilapia and Sautéed Peppers in Soft Tacos SeRveS 6 6 5-ounce tilapia filets or other firm white fish 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 limes, divided 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut in 1/4-inch strips 1/2 large yellow bell pepper, cut in 1/4-inch strips 1 jalapeno pepper, cut in thin strips 1 small onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 6 8-inch whole wheat tortillas 6 tablespoons coarsely-chopped fresh cilantro or parsley in a medium bowl, toss tilapia with cumin, salt and juice of 1 lime. Set aside while preparing other ingredients. Heat olive oil to medium-high in a large nonstick skillet. add red and yellow peppers, jalapeno, onion and garlic. cook and stir for about 1 minute, until peppers and onion are slightly softened. add tilapia and cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until white and opaque. Fish will flake easily and may break apart. Warm tortillas according to package instructions. Divide tilapia-peppers mixture and cilantro evenly over tortillas. Roll to shape the taco.

To serve, garnish each taco with a wedge of the remaining lime.

Recipe by Roberta l. Duyff, mS, RD, FaDa, cFcS. Source: academy of nutrition and Dietetics, www.eatright.org. nutrition per serving: calories: 380; Fat: 15g; Sodium: 310mg; carb: 28g; Fiber: 4g; Protein 33g

EatRight.org For full nutrition facts, more recipes and lots of great resources for healthy living, visit www.eatright.org and click the “Public” link.

You’ll find tips on everything, from deciphering food labels to the health benefits of weeds, all from the academy of nutrition and Dietetics. Have little mouths to feed? visit www.eathright.org/ kids/ for endless resources to help you raise healthy kids.

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

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LIFE & STYLE

{

BOOKS Say What?

{ BOOKS }

For many, taking a foreign language class was required in high school and/or college, but somehow we find ourselves years later with very little ability to recall what we learned. If you are yearning to brush up or start fresh and learn something new, consider checking out one of these programs. BY KATHRYN KEMP

1. ROSETTA STONE

TOTALe

PRICE: $299 FOR A 12-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION Available Languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Dari, Dutch, English (American & British), Filipino (Tagalog), French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Pashto, Persian (Farsi), Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Latin America & Spain), Swahili, Swedish, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese

This online version of Rosetta Stone offers the same content as the CD, plus apps for the iPad, iPhone and Android, stories to read aloud, gameplay and chat with other learners, plus live sessions with native French-speaking tutors. The actual lessons are kind of like games, keeping it entertaining.

It introduces new words in each lesson and uses no English, so you learn with context clues using pictures and words you’ve already learned. Each lesson quizzes you on vocabulary, pronunciation and writing.

One section breaks down the word into parts and tests your pronunciation of each.

2. DUOLINGO

3. FLUENZ

4. MANGO

5. BABBEL

PRICE: FREE

PRICE: CURRENTLY, PRICES START AT $187, $458 FOR ALL 5 SECTIONS.

PRICE: $79 FOR ONE “JOURNEY,” $176 FOR ALL THREE

Available Languages: Mandarin, Spanish (Latin American), Spanish (Spain), French, Italian and German

Available Languages: Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese

PRICE: $12.95/MO, $8.95/MO FOR 3 MONTHS, $7.45/MO FOR 6 MONTHS

Available Languages: Spanish, German, English, French, Portuguese and Italian

Though you pay nothing, gold coins are earned each time you complete a section, making you feel like you’re playing a game and winning.

The program alerts you every time a new word or concept is introduced and has a Vocabulary tab where you can see which words you’ve learned and choose to practice your weakest words. The Immersion portion offers articles written in the chosen language and help translating along the way by hovering over a word with your mouse. There is also an available iPhone app and a chat board to connect with other language learners.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // MAY-JUNE 2013

Of all the programs I tried, this one felt the most comprehensive. Each lesson begins with a video lecture from the creator of the software explaining in detail a group of words and the meanings behind them, even breaking down each word or phrase into its parts so you know the literal English translation. Next, you go through various activities to dissect pronunciation, usage, writing and reading, and create sentences with the words you’ve learned. Each language is different and it feels like a lot of time was put into creating the program with lessons specific to what you’ve chosen.

It’s more like a class and less like a game than the others, but if you are serious about becoming fluent, it seems very effective and thorough.

Mango lessons take you through a sort of slideshow, introducing words along the way and allowing you to hover over for translation and listen to a word as many times as you need. A tutor speaks to you and stops along the way to have you speak and compare your inflection with a native speaker. Many slides teach you cultural aspects of certain words and the region generally associated with the language. If you need to learn basic conversational language fast, this would probably be a good choice.

2

1

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{

4

3

5

Available Languages: Italian, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Indonesian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish

One thing I really liked about this choice is the in-depth way it taught the actual culture of the language. It makes sure to point out situations where a certain rule may not apply. Unlike some of the programs, it uses different pictures for the different languages and their regions. The way each lesson is taught doesn’t stay exactly the same, making it easier to stay interested. Chat rooms and boards are available for those wishing to put what they’ve learned to use with other students.

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

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LIFE & STYLE

Motherly Love When you are on an airplane getting ready to take off, the flight attendant always tells you in case of a crash to use the oxygen mask on yourself first, then help your neighbor. She always says that you can’t help anyone else until you help yourself. The first time i flew after becoming a parent, this little speech really struck me. i looked over at then 8-month-old Jackson and thought that there was no way i could watch him suffer, that he would get the mask first. But then i realized that the flight attendant had a really good point - what if i passed out trying to help him? i am the one who understands our needs and how to maneuver the masks. So in order for us both to thrive, i needed to put myself first, as hard as it was for me to be okay with as a new mom.

love YoURSelF FiRST, anD eveRYTHing elSe FallS in line.

YoU ReallY Have To love YoURSelF To geT anYTHing Done in THiS WoRlD. - lUcille Ball The same concept applies to parenting. in order to be the best mother i can be, i need to invest some time in myself. i know this, but often i don’t follow through with putting myself first. Time constraints, busy schedules, mommy guilt and a never-ending to-do list usually interfere. even though the reasons not to are many, i am learning more every day that i truly need - and deserve - some time carved out just for me. even if my mom time consists of just a five-minute stretch of silence, it’s good for me. Taking a break from the noise and chaos helps me to breathe deeper and actually think. i can refocus and get my thoughts in order. i can do

something i want to do.

if you are a mom and you are reading this, most likely you are thinking, “Sounds great, but HoW?” Because between jobs, running a household, children’s activities, church, your spouse’s schedule...where does time for mom fit it? and, if you are anything like me, your daily to-do list is long and you just want.it.Done. So you bypass the opportunity to get away for a few minutes in the name of getting more things crossed off of your list. i have done that many, many times and i am the one that suffers. The things get done, but my head is spinning and i’m exhausted. a small break really can reenergize you and therefore make you better prepared mentally and emotionally to do the jobs of the day!

Here are a few of my go-to ways to sneak in alone time. Some are possible without help, some are not, but that is what your support system is for! Whether it’s a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a family friend...there are people that love you. Your kids and would be happy to contribute too!

A QUIcK WORKOUT AT HOME. Walking, running, yoga, zumba, a DvD...anything works!

A QUIET SHOWER. is there anything better for a mom that hasn’t used the restroom alone in years?

A FEW cHAPTERS OF A GOOD BOOK. it’s so nice to read something without pictures every once in a while!

A DRIVE ALONE. Stop by Sonic, turn on good music and roll the windows down. instant mood refresher.

A HANDFUL OF cHOcOLATE. Fueling mothers since the dawn of time.

A SHORT NAP. Because kids = no sleep.

A LITTLE PAMPERING. Painting nails, taking extra time to get ready or picking up a new product at the store are all small ways to get in a little pampering. When momma looks

lindsay, a Waxahachie native, is a mother of four and writes her articles during morning nap time. visit her blog at www.themommarazziblog.blogspot.com/ to read more about her family.

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a MothEr’s talE By lindsay MarKErt

good, she feels good!

A LOT OF PAMPERING. manicure, pedicure, massage, lunch and shopping...how could this not brighten your mood and refuel your parenting batteries?? it never fails, after spending a bit of time taking care of me, i feel better about myself and more equipped to parent these munchkins of mine. Being a mother is a huge job and one that doesn’t come with time off. Whether you’re a working mother, a stay-at-home mother, a weekend mother, a mother to toddlers or a mother to teenagers...you are alWaYS a mother. That does not change based on the day of the week or time of the day or the age of your children. neither does your value. Your children may not always be able to express their appreciation for the meals prepared, bottoms wiped, boo-boos kissed, parties planned, stories read, clothes washed, games attended, encouragement and snuggles given...but they will benefit from you valuing yourself. This mother’s Day, take time to take care of you. it’s the best gift you can give yourself!

MOTHER’S DAY

IDEAS

For many mothers, mother’s Day is like their birthday, Boss’ Day and christmas all rolled into one. Being a momma is 24/7/365, so a day to show mom how appreciated she is will be well spent. and teaching the kids to appreciate their mom and all she does will mean the world to her. most moms would choose a sentimental gift over something random picked up last minute.

GIFT IDEAS FOR A HAPPY MOMMA: • The day off from diapers, dishes and laundry • Sleeping in with breakfast in bed • Time with her mom • a planned day at a spa • gift certificate for a family photo shoot • artwork from the kids • a photobook of her favorite pictures of the kids

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

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HISTORY

BY KATHRYN KEMP

{ How Are You? } It’s no secret; Ennis has a Czech heritage as rich as the kolaches from Kolache Depot. In fact, communities all over Texas share this heritage.

Though for most of us it probably comes as no surprise that a group of people immigrating to the United States would choose Texas as a destination, we’re left questioning what would have drawn such a large number to make the trek from what is now the Czech Republic (then a part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire).

Most would credit a man named Josef Arnost Bergmann, referred to by many as “the father of the Czechs in Texas.” After moving to Texas in 1849 to preach to German colonists, Bergmann began writing letters back to his homeland about the abundance of cheap,

Bez Práce Nejsou Koláče.

Without work, there are no cakes The kolache, or kolác, derived from the Czech word “kolo” meaning round or wheel, originated in what is now the Czech Republic and arrived in Texas with the thousands of Czech immigrants in the 1800s.

Recipe by Ella Patek, as printed in “A Taste of Historic Ennis,” a cookbook from the Ennis Heritage Society.

Makes 6 dozen 2 packages dry yeast 1/4 cup lukewarm water 1 tablespoon sugar 1 cup butter 2 cups milk

5 egg yolks 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon mace 6-7 cups flour

Preheat oven to 375 F. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and add 1 tablespoon sugar. Melt butter and add milk. Heat until warm.

Beat egg yolks and add 1/2 cup sugar; beat until thick. Add milk with butter, yeast, mace and salt; mix well. Add flour 1 cup at a time, working dough until smooth and silky. Let rise until double in bulk.

Form dough into walnut-size balls. Place on greased baking sheet 2 inches apart and brush each ball with butter. Let rise until double in size. Press center and fill with desired fruit filling. Let rise until light. Bake 7 to 10 minutes. Brush with butter after they are baked.

Patak suggests a homemade apricot filling (directions below), but in another submission to the cookbook, Ginny Svehlak suggests using any Solo brand filling.

Apricot Filling: Cook 2 pounds dried apricots in enough water to cover until tender; drain. Add 1 cup sugar and mix well.

rich farmland to be found here. When a letter was published in the Moravian newspaper, people in Moravia (a former region of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire) were intrigued and began making plans to make the move themselves.

Another Moravian man, Josef Lidumil Lesiker, could also take some responsibility for the mass movement, helping to organize groups to make the trip in the 1850s. Once settled in Texas, he began writing articles for periodicals, both in the United States and back home, encouraging many more to immigrate to America. As for Ennis, records show the family of Jacob Sebesta to be the first Czechs to arrive in Ennis in 1873.

St. John Nepomucene Catholic School Elaine Gallagher moved to Ennis as a child in 1936 from Dallas with her parents, Adolf Miller and Zofia (Sophie) Pavlicek Miller, and her younger brother Adolf Jr. (Adolph/ Eddie). She began school midterm at St. John School (which housed students from 1912 until it closed in 2008), then a two-story wood building with restrooms in a separate building out back. She recalls having never been taught by nuns before, and was surprised the first time she was “whacked across the posterior with a yardstick” for attempting to crawl to the back of the classroom to talk to a friend. She also recalls learning a very important lesson from Sister Mildred, a Nun who taught at the school at the time.

“At lunch ever day she would open the school gym, set up the old record player, take the front of her long black skirt and hook it under her belt and teach us to learn the dances of our Czech ancestors. Her reason for doing this was quite simple…she told us many times, ‘I want you in the halls on the dance floors and not at the halls in the parked cars!’”

ech dances d taught Cz Sister Mildre School. at St. John to students

Elaine as drum major for the school band.

Early 1970s - Little Girl: Gloria Miller, Older Girl: Patti Miller Kizer, Boy: Dwayne Miller, Couple: Marjorie and Eddie Miller.

Photo courtesy of Marjorie Jarolimek Miller

1977 Nat ional Polk a Festiva Dungan, l parade weather : Troy man for WFAA Cha Photo cou rtesy of Ro n nel 8. n Spellma n

Mystery Behind the Moves While it is generally accepted that the polka, a lively dance in a 2/4-meter danced in couples, originated in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic), where the name comes from is more of a mystery. It is widely believed to come from the Czech word “pulka” meaning half (referring to the half-step nature of the dance) or field, but could also come from the Czech word “polska” meaning Polish girl, referring to the polish dance songs often used for polkas. In English, “polka translates to Polish woman.

1974 National Polka Festival parade Photo courtesy of Ron Spellman

LetÕs Polka!

When Raymond Zapletal, Len Gehrig and Joe Liska of Ennis approached Chamber of Commerce manager Jack McKay in 1967, he couldn’t have imagined the magnitude of their idea, but agreed the city should give it a chance.

Having visited various cities and witnessed the response from people of Czechoslovakian decent to polka bands, they dreamt of bringing something similar to Ennis. Thus, the National Polka Festival® was born. The three brains behind it all agreed to find the bands and the chamber organized the parade and various downtown festivities. Three years later, the attendance was reaching 30,000.

47th Annual National

Nowadays, with the festival in its 47th year, it attracts up to 50,000 people from all over the country, making it the largest polka festival in the United States. The chamber is still involved, along with the Ennis Convention & Visitors Bureau, and there is even a Polka Festival Committee.

Memorial Day Weekend: May 24-26 Featuring a King and Queen Dance Contest, Czech costumes (kroj), a parade, polka dancing, Czech food and 14 live polka bands, including Grammy Award winning Brave Combo.

: Dwayne Miller, Early 1970s - Left Kizer Right: Patti Miller mek Miller rjorie Jaroli

Photo courtesy of Ma

Polka Festival¨

LIFE & STYLE

{ nonPRoFiT }

BY KaTHRYn KemP each year, as summer comes to an end and a new school year approaches, excitement fills the air as children and their parents begin collecting the necessary supplies. While the beginning of class may not seem so thrilling, new backpacks, pencils, binders and clothes seem to make the thought a bit more appealing.

For many low-income families, anxiety replaces excitement as worries arise about whether or not there will be enough money for these necessities, not to mention various health screenings and other checkups.

But for families in ellis county, give-aKid-a-chance is here to help. an outreach activity of mission ennis Bridge Builders, a nonprofit organization “committed to helping bring businesses, civic groups, individuals and faith based organizations together for the betterment of the people of ennis and ellis county,” gaKac supplies more than 1,000 children each year with school supplies and health screenings, among other things.

The event, now in its fifth year, was born when Pastor Buck marshall of new Hope church moved back to ennis from Tennessee, where his church hosted a similar back-to-school event. at first, gaKac was a church event, but it expanded rapidly and before long, the entire community had jumped on board. last year, the event was hosted by Tabernacle Baptist church, where Todd grey serves as pastor. as far as he’s seen, he says the event is so successful because of director marty

34

nelson and the passion he brings to the table, along with some military leadership experience.

“He cares so much and he does such a good job. He’s not afraid to go past cultural lines or denominational lines and extend a hand across the aisle,” grey said. along with nelson, numerous unpaid volunteers help make gaKac possible, as well as funding and support from numerous civic organizations, businesses, churches and public organizations. it costs $30 to sponsor a child, who will attend the event in august to collect supplies and receive health checks. “it is simply amazing to look into the eyes of a child who has just been given clothes, school supplies, a haircut and many other helpful things and see their joy. The only thing that tops that is the look of joy and gratitude on the parents’ faces who really could use the help,” grey said.

This year, selected students will receive new uniforms, backpacks, grade-specific school supplies, books, haircuts, dental checks, vision, hearing and scoliosis screenings, plus a free meal and entertainment the day of the event. Parents and families can have blood pressure and cholesterol checked and receive gently used clothing, new bibles, gift bags, access to community resources, a food package and automobile checks. Representatives from every domination will be present to offer spiritual guidance to those requesting it, and a photographer will be available to take family photos.

“The smiles on the faces of these families is heartwarming. For many, this was the first family portrait they ever had,” volunteer Patti Youngblood said. eligible families in ennis, corsicana, Palmer and Waxahachie are nominated by local churches, businesses and organizations, then are selected based on availability, with priority given to single-parent families and those with three or more children. Together, the community and the county are working to give local kids a better chance at success.

Give A Kid A Chance WHAT: a single-day event designed to help students and their families with a new school uniform, backpack and school supplies, as well as access to community and faith service providers.

WHEN: august 17, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Ennis high school - 2301 Ensign rd., Ennis FOR MORE INFORMATION, TO SEE HOW YOU cAN HELP OR TO NOMINATE A FAMILY IN NEED, VISIT

WWW.GIVEAKIDAcHANcE.cOM living-magazine.com // maY-JUne 2013

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

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LIFE & STYLE

{ TRAVEL }

Zealous

New ZealaNd

BY MeaGaN CaMP

one of the first things you notice when you leave the auckland airport is that New Zealand looks, on the surface, like the united states, but just a bit different.

First, you are driving on the wrong side of the road, the signs are in english and everyone is so friendly. after you’ve gotten over your jet lag, you begin to see that it is nothing like any place you’ve been to before. Comprised of two large islands and hundreds of smaller islands, New Zealand has every sport or outdoor activity you can think of, whether it is summer or winter. each small town plays host to a favorite mountain or lake and can provide you with the most amazing excursions run by locals.

New Zealand is often described as feeling like it is all the best parts of the 1950s with all the modern amenities that you enjoy. want to catch a plane between auckland and Christchurch? No problem. walk up, buy your ticket and get on the plane. No security lines or risks of missing your plane await you, just easy domestic travel to get you where you need to go! everywhere in New Zealand takes under an hour by plane and it is the easiest way to get around. The terrain on both islands ranges from deep rainforest, to bright sandy beaches, to towering mountains that rival the swiss alps. every region has its own special brand of beauty.

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Small TownS, BIG ExcurSIonS:

The south Island is known for its amazing skiing, bungee jumping (it was invented here) and glaciers. whether you go in winter or summer, these are options for you. antarctica isn’t too far away, so even during the summer it can be windy and rainy most of the time. our first stop in the south Island was to Christchurch, the site of the two crippling earthquakes in 2010.

The “Red Zone,” as the city has named the portion of downtown with the most damage, is looking to reopen in summer 2013, but has become home to a number of city projects to encourage people to rebuild in the area. It is a beautiful city with lovely parks, museums and restaurants. we headed up arthur’s Pass, a stunning drive, to Franz Josef, the site of the large glacier that gave the town its name. we stayed in a small bed-and-breakfast in the town that has only a few streets but plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and souvenir stores. The most popular way to see the glacier was Heli-Hiking. It is ex-

actly as crazy as it sounds. You are given hiking gear, piled into a helicopter and flown to a flat portion of the glacier and then you hike with a guide to the base.

It is expensive, but an amazing way to see the surrounding mountains and the jaw-dropping glacier. other activities in the area were guided walks through the forest and, my favorite, glacier pools. The Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools is guaranteed to wash away any remaining stress from your trip. Tucked away off the main highway are public and private heated pools that you can rent and swim away while looking up into the forest. our private pool was built into the base of a tree and came with a modern slate shower with heated floors and a changing room.

Queenstown is known for its party atmosphere, extreme sports and wonderful food. we stayed at the Crowne Plaza right on the main strip facing the lake and it was accessible to all the restaurants and the popular boardwalk area. Take the skyCity ride to the top of the mountain for amazing views of the city and the mountains in the area. If you are feeling

Photo: Julian Apse

Photo: AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand

Photo: David Swanson

Photo: Gareth Eyres

Photo: Kieran Scott

Photo: Bob McCree

adventurous, jump off the A.J. Hackett tower and experience the bungee jumping phenomenon that started in Queenstown.

If that’s not your thing, you can watch from their waiting area and see all the brave souls make their leaps.

The small town of Kawhia (pronounced Ka-fee-ya) is a great day trip from Auckland. The beaches are pristine and deep, so never worry that you’ll have trouble finding a place for your beach towel. It’s a popular destination for do-it-yourself hot pools because lava from a local volcano runs underneath. You’ll see locals bring a shovel to dig shallow pools, and hot water from underneath creates a relaxing hot tub.

BIG CITY CUISINE

My most memorable plates were served to me in Auckland. We stopped at Depot in the SKYCITY Grand Hotel one Friday night and sat at the exclusive chefs table to watch the kitchen at its finest. The meal was superb and the added experience of seeing the inner workings of a popular trendy restaurant made it more entertaining than any play we could have seen. Fresh oysters, house made charcuterie and the best New

Photo: Franz Josef Springs

Zealand wines were highlights of this great restaurant. For breakfast, which the New Zealanders take very seriously, we enjoyed Vudu in Queenstown and Federal and Wolfe in Auckland. Hearty breakfasts with a strong flat white (a cappucino style coffee) got us through the day.

One of my favorite aspects of New Zealand is that it still retains its small-town charm. Besides the grocery store chain 4 Square, you won’t see fast food restaurants on the highways or hotel chains outside of the major cities. Each town supports its small businesses, inns and restaurants and shows no sign of wanting to gentrify. I hope they never do.

New Zealand is easiest to fly to from the West Coast, especially Los Angeles. Consider looking into packages for tours of both islands, as you’ll get a better picture of the land and the strong local culture. Many companies do themed packages for wine tours and adventure tours, or just consider buying a bus pass that allows you to hop on and off all over the country.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // MAY-JUNE 2013

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Local Shopping

LIFE & STYLE

MARKETPLACE KUTIE PATOOTIE COUTURE Mom and daughter dresses! Custom designer clothing for women and children. Custom couture clothing by Carrie Carter and jewelry by Casey Barrentine. www.kutiepatootiecouture.com facebook/kutiepatootiecouture.com

BLOOMS & MORE Show mom how special she is this Mother’s Day, May 12th!

301 N. Elm Street Waxahachie 972.937.3111 www.bloomsandmore.net

THE STUDIO Show off Mom’s sense of style with a piece of this beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry.

All jewelry 20% off every day!

3671 N. Hwy. 77 Waxahachie 972.617.7740

MASSAGE BY TERRA Stressed out?

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Accepting female clients at this time. Call for appointment: 972.825.9692 Since 1995

BETTY’S BOUTIQUE To book our mobile boutique at an upcoming festival or event, contact us today!

972.217.5395 (message only) bettysboutiquetx@yahoo.com

SALON ENVY NEW LOCATION 401 N. HWY. 77 STE 11-B Waxahachie (next to Tuscan Slice) 972.937.4142 www.salonenvyspa.com

THE GREENERY Mother’s Day and Father’s Day sale. Amish rockers - comfortable and stylish for your porch - on sale from $229.

NEW! Hand-milled benches from Old Byson Ranch. Normally $299, on sale for $175.

Picnic tables also available.

3671 N. Hwy. 77 Waxahachie 972.617.5459 www.thegreenerytx.com

OLD TOWN VILLAGE ANTIQUES & UNIQUES Show your one-of-a-kind mom or special lady just how unique she is with one-of-a-kind earrings by local designer, Melissa Kay Baker.

Designs as beautiful & unique as she is.

307 S. Rogers St. Waxahachie 972.938.9515 www.OldTownVillageAntiques.com

TURQUOISE HAVEN Join us for a great Mother’s Day weekend fashion show, May 9th at 7 p.m. Food, drinks, shopping and preview of spring/summer styles. Sample Sale May 9th, 10th and 11th.

Find us on Facebook for more details.

120 N. Hwy. 77, Ste F Waxahachie 972.937.0337

IMPRESSIONS SALON ETC. Enjoy $5 off new clients with this ad.

Gift certificates available!

An Aveda Salon Thank you to all of our loyal customers - we appreciate you.

202 N. I-35 Service Rd., #B Red Oak • 972.617.6300 www.impressionssalonetc.net

ANNIE’S GARDEN BOYCE FEED & GRAIN Stop by and purchase our furminator! Help yourself and your pet this allergy season! (Available for cats and dogs.)

441 S. College 972.937.1541 www.boycefeed.com

For all your wedding and floral needs!

Anna Sanders 903.879.2633 annasanders71@ gmail.com

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // MAY-JUNE 2013

39

County Update HOME & GARDEN

By Carol Bush / Ellis County Judge

A Worthy Cause Too often we fall victim to the notion that only “important people” leave a mark on society. We question our ability to impact the world around us and sometimes even convince ourselves that being “ordinary” excuses us from even trying. Celebrity may steal the spotlight and wealth may marshal more resources, but it is the passion and commitment of the individual that sustains the success of a cause long after the starstudded stage has cleared.

As county judge, I routinely receive requests to publicly recognize the efforts of various organizations or to issue a proclamation highlighting the importance of a particular cause. From celebrating the cultural richness of Ennis’ Czech heritage to Proclaiming March as Meals on Wheels Month, drawing public attention to worthy individuals and efforts can be one of the more rewarding aspects of my job.

Yet, there are times when it can be heart wrenching. Every year, I am asked to proclaim the month of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Since 1983, April has been dedicated nationally to the prevention of child abuse. It is such a sad comment on the state of our society that child abuse is so pervasive that an entire month is devoted to educating the public on the topic, and it is sadder still that our heightened awareness cannot eliminate it. There are those of us who cannot fathom the evil that would drive a person to harm a child, but it is a travesty that must be recognized and addressed.

Over the years, my career as an attorney and judge has often brought me into contact with the victims of abuse. Their stories are tragic, and these children will bear the

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physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives. Some years back, I represented a child who had been removed from her home by Child Protective Services. The allegation was, and the facts later proved, that her mother’s live-in boyfriend, with her mother’s knowledge and consent, had sexually abused her. She was the same age as my own daughter, which made her plight all the more horrible and real to me.

She was a darling strawberry blond with beautiful blue eyes and rows of freckles dotting her cheeks and nose. Outwardly, she appeared to be a typical 7-year-old child as she happily answered questions about school and her favorite things. Perhaps the most remarkable thing I remember about our initial interview was her nonchalant segue into the explanation of why she wasn’t allowed to be with her mother.

I listened to her describe her own sexual abuse at the hands of a 40-year-old man.

The details were so graphic and somehow more horrific because of the childlike words she used to recount them, the sweetness of her voice a sharp contrast to the ugliness of a crime that had been committed many times over. My heart broke as I realized that, quite possibly, she had never known anything but abuse. Eventually, the case resolved with a criminal conviction for the perpetrator and the termination of the mother’s parental rights to the child.

It has been cases like hers and those of other children who have also lost their innocence that have compelled me to be part of organizations like The Gingerbread House, Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center. Gingerbread House “provides a child-friendly environment for the child

victims and their non-offending family members and coordinates the intervention process reducing further trauma to the child. The center’s goal is to optimize the investigative and prosecution process; provide quality legal, psychological, social and medical services to abused children and to heighten community awareness.”

Child abuse is real. The number of children seen at The Gingerbread House last year underscores that grim reality. Under the leadership of Director John Wyckoff, the nonprofit center has stayed true to its mission to be a resource and a refuge where the healing begins for these children.

Child abuse can be a tough and difficult subject. It is ugly and the natural instinct is to look away because it’s too uncomfortable or sad to face head on. As a founding and current member of The Gingerbread House board of directors, I can attest to the difference that “ordinary” people can make. I have witnessed children’s lives made better by those generous individuals who have volunteered their time, talents and resources. Very rarely can one person alone have as great an impact as a group of like-minded individuals unified by a singularity of purpose.

April comes and goes as quickly as it always does, but the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life is ongoing. I challenge you to contact The Gingerbread House (elliscountygingerbreadhouse.org), or another organization devoted to the prevention of child abuse, to find out how you can leave your mark on the world.

It doesn’t take riches or fame, just commitment.

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

41

HOME & GARDEN { inTeRioR DeSign }

Mastering the

Bath

BY Diane JoHnSon collaRD

The master bath is the second most important room in the house. The kitchen, of course, will always be number one because we are always eating, but the master bath is a special place, too.

When it is time to remodel, whether your home is 10 years old or 100, the bathrooms are a big consideration.

Some older homes have tiny little spaces that bathrooms were squeezed into many years after construction and newer homes have vast wasted floor space allocated for bathing. Whichever you have, there is usually room for improvement. in the 80s, homebuilders were starting to build larger homes with more rooms and more amenities.

That three-bedroom, two-bath ranch with two living spaces was getting bigger and bigger. included in that expansion was the redesigning of the

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master suite.

Homes in the 50s and 60s had especially small bathrooms for the master. in those days, it was a wonderful luxury to not share a bath with the kids, so anything was acceptable. Somehow we went from that tiny luxury to the mega bathroom that just could not be big enough to please us.

By the mid-80s, the master bath was no longer a utilitarian space, but a haven for relaxation. Jacuzzi garden tubs and large walk-in showers were added to almost every new home.

Husbands and wives no longer shared a sink, but had one of their very own. Toilets were no longer sitting out in the open, but closeted into their own little room. The bathroom had evolved into a real room. in all of this creative designing,

builders and architects seemed to try to outdo themselves. The most unusual or elegant bathroom brought the most excitement from potential buyers. That is what it was all about.

Selling that house and expecting the bathroom to do it. it worked. as time passed, these homeowners discovered that many of those creative features really have no purpose in their daily life. after living in the house for 20 years, they have come to the conclusion that the jacuzzi is never used and the space planning is awkward. one of the most common features used a few years ago was the angled Jacuzzi tub that sits in the middle of the room. Behind the tub there is an oddly-shaped shower. generally, these bathrooms have quite a lot of floor space that is

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

43

HOME & GARDEN

Before

unused. often, vanities are large and rambling to fill in all of the allocated space. most of the time these rooms are too chopped up to have a smooth functional flow.

Tearing out the Jacuzzi completely is always an option. Some people have never been in the tub at all, so getting rid of it is not an issue. in some cases, the tub is still important, whether jetted or not, so recreating a workable plan including the tub is our goal.

By straightening the tub wall we enlarge the shower to almost twice the original size. not only is it larger, but it is no longer ill shaped. generally, two showerheads are installed, and sometimes a rain head in the center of the ceiling is used as well. now we have a super shower instead of an awkward shower. most always we can do this new arrangement without shower doors, as there is ample space for walking into the shower without overspray issues.

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// maY-JUne 2013

in some cases, the closet space is sparse, so using some of that wasted area for extending the storage space is a viable option. even if the space only allows for a linen closet, you have gained valuable storage that you did not have before.

Whether you struggle with tiny spaces or more space than you really need, redesigning the layout of your bathroom can give you more storage, better floor space and a much nicer bathing experience. getting rid of those cabbage roses will do wonders, too. Texture over that dated wallpaper with a heavy splatter drag or light trowel and see what a difference it makes. The room will automatically seem larger and more open.

Tired cabinets can dampen the spirits in a bathroom, too. Freshen up the old cabinets with a glazed finish and bring them back to life. There is no need to strip and refinish the wood.

Just clean them up and glaze them. if the bathroom is small, i will often paint the old stained cabinets to make the room feel larger and less closed in.

Start thinking about the changes you would like to make in your bathrooms.

The options are endless.

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.

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

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

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

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

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HOME & GARDEN

» Gardening

May 2013 PlanTing » it is time to plant sweet potatoes. » Plant other hot-weather, summer-blooming plants, including succulents, purple fountain grass, esperanza, hibiscus, plumbago, purslane, moss rose, mexican petunia and angel’s trumpet. » consider such shade plants as ‘Texas gold’ columbine, elephant ears, impatiens, torenias, nicotiana and caladiums. » Wait until June to plant periwinkles (vinca). » after spring-flowering bulbs have bloomed, divide and replant them. make sure the tops have dried before moving. The foliage feeds the bulbs for next year’s blooms.

BY melinDa Kocian, elliS coUnTY maSTeR gaRDeneRS

FeRTilizing anD PRUning

gaRDen WaTcH

» manually thin peaches, apples, pears and plums to about 5 or 6 inches apart to produce larger fruit. » Fertilize tomatoes and most other vegetables every other week for productive and vigorous plants. » mow lawn grass the proper height every five days to keep it dense and healthy. Keep the blade sharp for a good clean cut to prevent browning at the tips. » Deadhead roses and other reblooming plants. Feed fruit trees, perennials, annuals, ground covers and vines with a lawn fertilizer. » Pinch back mexican bush sage, aster, chrysanthemum, cooper canyon daisy and mexican mint marigold to encourage compact plants and more blooms in the fall. These may need to be pruned several times during the year.

» look for insects and diseases on tomatoes and other crops. early detection is imperative. Keep the soil adequately moist to prevent blossom-end rot on tomatoes.

Spray for early blight with a labeled insecticide as soon as it’s detected. crop rotation each year will help prevent some diseases from building up in the soil. » Hornworms on tomatoes are common and can devastate a crop.

They can usually be removed by hand or controlled by Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Use it with care on any plant. it kills all types of caterpillars, including those that are the larva of the butterflies and moths. » Squash vine borers and squash bugs tend to be a problem. Destroy squash bug eggs found on the underside of the leaves by hand or a stream of water. many vegetable pests often can be controlled by mechanical, biological or organic means before using chemical pesticides. always read the label to make sure the product is safe for vegetables.

EARTH-KIND® NATIVE HABITAT



creating a ‘backyard habitat’ through the use of native and well-adapted plant species not only provides a habitat, but also assists in reducing water use as well as the need for potentially harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Texas Wildscapes, coordinated by Texas Parks and Wildlife, is one of the most popular and successful native habitat projects for commercial and residential landscapes. To learn more about earth-Kind native Habitat, click on the Resource tab at www.ecmga.com and click on earth-Kind Publications.

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TIPS: Texas Wildscapes provide the essential ingredients for a variety of wildlife – food, water, shelter and space. This is done by planting and maintaining native vegetation, installing birdbaths and ponds, and creating structure. The goal is to provide places for birds, small mammals and other wildlife to feed and drink, escape from predators and raise their young.

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

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HOME & GARDEN

» Gardening

JunE 2013 PlanTing » This is the best time to plant vinca (periwinkle), in full sun. They like the hot weather. ‘cora’ is a new type of vinca that is resistant to soil-borne diseases. it comes in many colors, excluding yellow.

Water with drip irrigation or soaker hose to keep water off the foliage. » Warm-season color or foliage plants still can be used in containers or in the ground. Use 4-inch or larger nursery stock and keep them well watered. containers may need water twice a day. » Buy and plant crepe myrtles in bloom to be certain to get the color you desire. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes. look for ones that are resistant to powdery mildew.

FeRTilizing anD PRUning » Prune back autumn sage (Salvia greggi) and mealy cup sage (Salvia farinacea) by one-third.

Deadhead other salvias as well as annuals and perennials that will continue reblooming until late fall. » continue to prune as necessary fall-blooming plants, such as mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha), mountain sage (Salvia regal), mexican mint marigold, copper canyon daises, asters and mums to keep them compact and prevent buds from forming prematurely. Don’t prune after September, when buds begin to form. » Fertilize container plantings, including hanging baskets, every week with a water-soluble fertilizer. » This is the second time to use an all-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer on turf grasses. You can cut the amount in half to prevent excessive growth. The more fertilizer on a lawn, the more water it needs.

gaRDen WaTcH » insects and diseases will be prevalent this time of the year. Treat with an appropriate organic or chemical pesticide, if needed. vegetable plants that cannot be salvaged should be pulled up and destroyed. » look for small, spindle-shaped bags hanging from trees. These are bagworms. Pull them off by hand. insecticides are not effective once the bag has formed. They are usually found on cedars, cypress, and other cone-bearing trees. However, they can be found on other plants, including oaks and barberries. They multiply, can defoliate a tree and eventually kill it.

EARTH-KIND® LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION



» efficient irrigation is one of the key earth-Kind practices for conserving water in the landscape. low volume irrigation systems (sometimes referred to as drip or trickle irrigation) are among the most effective means of achieving significant water savings. Despite the tremendous potential for water conservation, these systems are not widely used in residential landscapes. » like conventional overhead irrigation systems, low volume systems require proper design, installation, maintenance and operation for optimum water savings and plant performance. » To learn more about earth-Kind low volume irrigation, click on the Resource tab at www.ecmga.com and click on earthKind Publications.

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TIPS: Unlike overhead irrigation systems, the primary design goal of a low volume system is to apply water to a uniform soil depth, either directly to the plant root zone or in a limited area.

Water is delivered at or below the surface of the planted area versus to the surface of the planted area. most low volume irrigation systems are installed at or near the surface of the landscape area and covered with 2-3 inches of mulch. Typically, this type of installation requires less time and cost than a conventional overhead system.

an audit of the irrigation system has been shown to be the most effective tool for maximizing water use efficiency in the landscape. earthKind offers some tips for system operation and management that will help promote water conservation. irrigation audits consist of three main activities: site inspection, performance testing and irrigation scheduling.

ON THE ROAD • IN YOUR HANDS • IN YOUR INBOX • ON THE WEB • IN THE KNOW

Handling all of your advertising needs.

Living ELLIS COUNTY

media, inc.

WEBSITES E-MAIL MARKETING SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTING BILLBOARDS BROCHURES BUSINESS CARDS RACK CARDS

972.935.0938 WWW.EClMEdia.CoM living-magazine.com // maY-JUne 2013

49

HOME & GARDEN

Hatcher

You know the old saying: “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” As more and more emphasis is put on giving new life to old items in home décor, this has never been more true. This June, we’ll be celebrating talented artists who recycle, reuse and repurpose to make old things new again.

Here’s a little preview!

Mike Hatcher

Ron Tucker

Dave Patton

Mike has always liked to draw, paint and build beautiful things, and began working with metal art about three years ago.

Ron has been making metal art for over 10 years.

Dave started constructing with metal as a kid with an erector set and has turned the passion into art.

Tell me about your art.

I like to use rusty metal and objects people usually wouldn’t find attractive and create beautiful pieces of art or furniture with them.

I use both discarded steel and steel that has been formed to a certain shape or flat stock.

I like to use mixed media when possible and I try to incorporate texture in my work.

What made you want to start?

What made you want to start?

Just like creating things from nothing and working with my hands!

Worked in wood, stone and steel, found steel to be the easiest and most satisfying.

Tell me about your art.

Have you always been artistic?

Yes, always have drawn and painted as well as built things.

What inspires you for your pieces?

Colors, rarity of the object, uniqueness, making something nobody would think about out of that object (like my table saw table).

What inspires you for your pieces?

Nature

Tell me about your art.

My art consists of anything out of metal, especially automotive parts since I have been in the industry since the late 70s.

What made you want to start?

In the 90s, I began entering pieces in the creative arts competition during the State Fair of Texas, where I have won several ribbons.

What can we expect to see at the show?

When I saw the ad for the Art Expo, I became very excited and wanted to enter. Only having a couple of pieces, I had to get to work! God started giving me ideas and I sprang into action.

Though I didn’t start with a theme in mind, I seem to be moving in the direction of man cave accessories. I am always open to ideas.

Patton Leonard

Horton Tucker

Loryn Brown Leonard Loryn grew up in Waxahachie, where she now lives with husband Joe and daughter Juniper. Always passionate about art, she said it was her high school ceramics teacher, Carl Block, who inspired that passion and helped her realize her potential.

Tell me about your art.

I make handcrafted jewelry from sheet metal. I really enjoy using copper, silver and brass, but I also like to incorporate non-traditional media such as license plates, fabric and photographs. I enjoy studying plant life, especially trees, and most of my metal pieces start from sketches of nature.

How long have you been creating this type of art?

I received my degree in metalsmithing and jewelry from the University of North Texas in 2007 and have been an active jeweler in the region for a little over six years.

How long does it take you to make one?

Depends. I always start my piece with a sketch, and then I go from there. I cut the sheet metal, and other various media, with a hand-held jeweler saw. The more intricate the piece, the longer it takes! I also received a lot of old costume jewelry from an estate sale, so taking old necklaces, earrings and bracelets apart and re-stringing them takes longer than you think. If I consolidated all the time together, it probably takes me about six to seven hours to have a completed piece.

Eileen Horton Eileen combines metal pieces with glass, both stained glass and glass beads.

How long have you been creating this type of art?

About 1 1/2 years for stained glass, 6 months for the metal.

What made you want to start?

My friend does stained glass, and she showed me how to get started.

Have you always been artistic?

Not at all!! This has been a pleasant surprise.

Ellis County Living Magazine’s Inaugural

Metal Art Exhibition Saturday, June 1, 2013 405 W. Madison, West of Downtown Waxahachie 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Interested in selling your art?

Contact Cindy Camp at 214.289.3842 or info@metalartexpocom, or Craig Hargrove at 972.268.1474 or franksurbancollection@ gmail.com.

HOME & GARDEN

Inspired Whims

In her blog, found at inspiredwhims.com, Kristen Hobbs pulls together decorating tips, gift ideas, DIY projects and so much more to brighten your life. Here are a few of her tips for breathing some fresh air into your home this spring.

BY KRIsTEn HOBBs

Update your bathroom mirrors.

Replace your basic sheet-glass mirror with an accent mirror. If you have a double vanity and feel bold, try two different mirrors for an extra dash of pizzazz.

Add colorful throw pillows to your sofa.

This is the simplest way to completely transform the look of your room without making a major commitment. And, this time of year is perfect for taking a risk with a new bright color. As you can see, none of the pillows “match” but they look great together. Just coordinate the colors with a few other accents in the space.

Frame a tea towel.

A fantastic and affordable way to add a colorful art feature to your wall! You can find a beautiful tea towel on Etsy - just search under keyword “tea towel” - and then frame it in a poster-size frame.

This towel is by Lisa Rupp Designs and only costs $20. (lisarupp.com)

Paint the ceiling.

You can go bold and pick a bright color like yellow.

Or, you can go subtler and pick a softer shade. This is a fantastic way to draw the eye up and make your ceilings seem to soar. And, since it’s only a single wall, your paint expense is very small.

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LIvInG-mAGAzInE.COm // mAY-JUnE 2013

Spray paint an old piece of furniture.

Grab an old side table, chest of drawers, or coffee table (check on Craigslist if you don’t have one hanging around), prime it with spray primer, and then finish with a coat of colorful spray paint. If you ever want to change the color, just spray paint it again!

Residential Service Providers

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Puppy Love Keeping Your Best Friend Healthy and Happy By michael brooks Caring for your pet can be something of a detective’s job. Dogs cannot put into words how they feel, if they are uncomfortable or where it hurts. It is up to us to decipher their feelings and act upon them appropriately. Just like us, dogs’ skin is their largest organ and requires the proper nourishment and care. An unhealthy coat is dry, brittle and lacks luster, whereas a healthy coat will be pliable and shiny without being oily. Fortunately, many skin and coat issues can be alleviated with some simple adjustments to their diet and grooming routine.

Skin allergies are the most common skin irritations we see. The first question to ask is, “What are you feeding your pet?”

Many times, a simple change in diet can make a big difference in your pet’s overall health, comfort and well-being.

Food and treats that are free of typical allergens like corn, wheat and soy are recommended. What your pet is eating is important and their food should have more nutritional value and less or no fat, sugars and fillers. Pet owners should also consider environmental changes that may be affecting their pets, i.e.: new flooring or change of cleaning products or detergent used to wash their bedding. Remember, your pet is much more exposed to the flooring and floor cleaners than you are, especially when many of us are doing our spring cleaning and having our rugs and carpets cleaned.

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Hair care for humans is much different than it is for dogs. As humans, we have one hair per follicle. Dogs can have one primary hair with as many as seven to 20 secondary hairs per follicle.

This means that brushing, de-shedding, cleansing and conditioning are crucial to the health of your pet’s skin and coat. It is very easy for the follicles to become full of dead hair and debris, which can lead to follicular occlusions even in shortcoated breeds. This can lead to issues with overgrowth of the natural flora on your pet’s skin, which, in turn, can lead to fungal, bacterial and staph infections.

Shampooing not only makes your pet smell better, it cleans out the follicles and allows the skin to breathe. Always use shampoos and conditioners formulated for a dog’s ph level, not a human’s, and certainly don’t use dishwashing detergent! It is so important to use a good shampoo that is specifically manufactured to do the job. Bathing a pet in a shampoo that is too harsh can do more harm than good. Usually, a mild cleansing pet shampoo is all you need to bath your dog at home. When you have finished bathing your furry friend, make sure you rinse, rinse and rinse again.

There are many great shampoos out there, but they are meant to do the job and be completely rinsed off.

Here is a little tip that will help those

of you with medium- to long-coated breeds: always brush and comb the coat all the way to the skin before and after you bathe. This helps prevent matting that will irritate the skin and makes your shampoo and conditioner more effective and economical because you use less. I know what many of you are thinking; “my dog hates being brushed.”

Start out with a positive attitude and take a few deep breaths to relax yourself before you begin. Talk to your pet; tell him/ her about your day or about the walk you are going to take after their grooming. Talk in positive, calming tones and smile. If you only get one or two brush strokes in before Fifi or Fido freaks out, then you stop, reassure them, give them a treat and try again later for three strokes or more.

Progress can only be made if it is a positive experience for both of you. Take this time to bond with your pet, make it special and happy, not a “necessary evil.”

Remember, this is your best friend. He or she only seeks your love and your approval. Honor them, cherish them and most of all, love them with the same unconditional love they provide you with every moment of every day.

Michael is manager and stylist at BowWow! Barbers in Waxahachie. For questions or more information, contact him at (972) 937-6324.

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MEDICAL

Spreading their wings Dear Dr. Donaldson,

My son will be going away to college this fall and I am worried about how he will cope with being on his own living in a dorm. He does well in high school, but I know college is very different.

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Going off to college is an exciting time for your teen, but it is understandable that you have concerns about his ability to stand on his own two feet. There are several things you can do to help prepare him for this transition.

pendent on a mid-term and a final, unlike high school, where final grades are a result of multiple assignments. The reading load is greater than in high school. Making your son aware of these differences can help prepare him for his new environment.

First, it is important that you are gradually allowing him to make more choices.

When he is off at college, he will be deciding when to study, who to spend time with, whether to go to class, how late to stay up, how to spend his money, what to eat and so on. By letting him flex his decision-making muscle now, he will be better prepared to make choices when he is out from under your wing. College students who “go wild” are often those who never got to decide things for themselves. When they are suddenly away from home, they do not know how to handle the freedom and are overwhelmed with all the possibilities.

Have you gradually given him more freedom with his curfew? Is he allowed to set his study schedule? Does he decide how to spend his money? These things will help him develop his sense of responsibility and help him be more responsible at school.

Third, encourage your son to enroll in a college adjustment class. Most colleges and universities offer these classes, which earn students one credit hour. They are usually informal and often graded on a pass/fail basis. I taught college adjustment at two different universities as well as at a community college, and our curriculum covered such topics as study habits, test taking strategies, paper writing techniques, how to use the library, how to take care of yourself physically and mentally, meeting the demands of college life, stress management, resources available at college, organizations on campus and budgeting.

Second, academic demands are more intense in college. If he is going to a university, freshman classes can be quite large. Professors do not have time to be concerned with every student, and often attendance is not kept. Grades can be de-

Fifth, educate him about using the health center, which usually offers medical and psychological services. At many universities, students are able to attend several therapy sessions before having to pay.

Medical fees are usually minimal and

living-magazine.com // MAY-JUNE 2013

Fourth, take advantage of the orientations offered by colleges. Being on campus before moving in will help your son get oriented, learn his way around and meet his fellow students.

counseling and medical fees are often included in tuition.

Sixth, if he is not already responsible for his money, now is a good time to help him set up a checking account and a savings account.

It is also a good idea to prepare yourself for his move. Empty nest syndrome is a reality for many parents, especially those who have been very involved in their children’s activities and have few activities of their own. When he is at college, you will have more time to pursue your own interests. If you are busy taking a class, exercising, pursuing hobbies or being involved in the community, you will have less time to miss your son. Although it can be difficult not having your son around on a daily basis, it is worth noting that marital satisfaction improves when children leave home.

I hope your son’s college experience is a good one.

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

Fitness Fits

BY ANGELA MCBRIDE-EASTHAM

We have all heard the saying, “variety is the spice of life.” This concept applies to exercise too. An effective workout program includes several components: cardio exercise, muscle conditioning/toning and flexibility training. Recently, exercise scientists have added the importance of strengthening the core muscles and improving posture for everyday living (functional training). The question is how to fit all these elements into our busy schedules and motivate us to keep fitness a priority.

The answer is to add variety to our workouts. Not only does variety combat boredom and keep the workouts fun, but also prevents overuse-injuries when doing the same exercise over repeated sessions. By modifying our workout routines, each exercise session becomes more effective. Our bodies are like machines; they become accustomed to doing the same exercise over an extended period. As the bodies become more efficient, we actually burn fewer calories doing the same exercise. By integrating a variety of exercises, the muscles have to work harder to “keep up” with the changes and will burn more calories as a result.

Fitness trends to check out: Crossfit:

Crossfit is a highly effective fitness program that includes weightlifting, gymnastic components, functional exercises and stretching. If performed at a Crossfit gym/facility, you will be taken through a Workout of the Day (WOD) with a certified Crossfit coach. The atmosphere is very similar to a group personal training session in which you are being pushed to your own individual limit, while much attention is given to maintaining proper form in order to reduce injury.

Crossfit has gained popularity over the last year, but many people still wonder if it’s the right program for them. When asked to give advice to someone new to this program, Crossfit trainer Wendy Scheer Oelrichs said, “Don’t be intimidated! I’ve talked to so many that think they need to ‘get in shape’ before they try it. Every workout can be modified or scaled to each individual athlete’s ability. It’s normal to have butterflies before your first WOD, but don’t let that nervousness keep you from trying something new.”

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Zumba:

Zumba is an extremely popular fitness program that incorporates Latin rhythms. It is fun, effective and easy to follow. Every class is broken down to a series of upbeat, popular songs choreographed to movements that are high cardio and target the waistline.

You don’t have to be a dancer to get a wonderful workout and have a great time. A lot of people get discouraged when first starting Zumba because they feel they don’t move exactly like the instructor. Please keep in mind that no two people look the same. Everyone is built differently and has a unique style. The important thing is to keep moving and before long, you will find yourself with a smile on your face and having a blast! And if you decide that the dancing style of the traditional class isn’t for you, the Zumba program now includes a variety of other fitness choices such as Zumba toning, Aqua Zumba and Zumba Gold.

Engage your core to get better workout results and look thinner! engaging the core muscles is a great way to achieve better results during each exercise session. The core muscles are comprised of the muscles that support the abdominal region and lower back. so how does it work? Begin by coming into a proper posture. gently roll the shoulders back and then melt the shoulder blades down the back as if to place them in your back pocket. From the side, the middle of the shoulders should be stacked directly below the center of the ears (not in front of them). next, take in a breath and on the exhale draw the navel in and slightly up. only contract to approximately 30 percent of a full effort (never pull in as hard as we can).

To engage the lower region of the abs, pretend that there is a seatbelt across the lower waist (just below the navel). Using the deep

core muscles, scoot away from the imaginary belt. a great way to practice this technique is when you are driving your car and are buckled in. Whenever you are stopped at a red light, take a moment to pull your abs in and away from the belt across your lower waist. another technique to activate the core muscles was mentioned on aBc’s, “Dancing with the stars.” on the show, the judges frequently critique the celebrities and tell them to, “lift their rib cages.”

The action of lifting the chest with the abdominal muscles not only improves their posture and makes their movements more aesthetically pleasing, but also strenghthens the muscles on the sides of their waistline. The best part is that all of these core/posture techniques will actually make us look thinner and more confident!

May is National Correct Posture Month Improve your posture to help prevent injuries.

one of the most substantial benefits of exercise is that it improves our posture, which can prevent injuries. our aim should be to achieve an ideal or neutral posture, and to do so our muscles need to be balanced. The simplest way to think of muscle balance is that there are generally two opposing muscle groups working to support and move one joint. For instance, at the elbow joint, the triceps contract to extend the arm, while the biceps contract to bend the arm. To obtain balance and lessen the risk of injury, our focus should be both strengthening and stretching the corresponding muscle groups. our entire body is connected in such a way that if one group of muscles is out of balance, the rest of the body is negatively affected, known as the “ping-pong effect.” case in point, if we have a job that requires us to sit at a desk for long periods of time, we are placed in a position where we tend to have tight hip flexors. at first glance, this doesn’t seem too bad, until we examine the impact this has on the rest of our body. Tight hip flexors are correlated to a tight lumbar spine as well as weakened abdominal and gluteal muscles. also, if we aren’t consciously holding our posture upright, we tend to hunch over, which leads to weakened upper back muscles and tight muscles in the front of the upper body. Thankfully, through exercise we can combat and correct these imbalances. in this situation, a properly executed exercise program that includes strengthening the muscles in the upper back and gluteal muscles while stretching the hip flexors and opening the chest region would greatly improve the posture and in turn lessen the risk of injury. examples of such exercises include Yoga and Pilates. i know we all have busy schedules and sometimes feel that we don’t have time to squeeze in any form of exercise more less the recommended amount. The time we put into our workouts needs to be well spent. By adding variety, engaging the core and improving our posture, we can achieve better results in the same amount of time. The hardest part is simply starting. once you get going, those feel-good endorphins will kick in and you will be so glad that you decided to spice up your routine!

*

It is important to consult your physician before beginning a new exercise program. * angela graduated from the University of missouri-columbia with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and fitness and a master’s in health education in promotion. a stay-at-home mom in ennis, she is certified in numerous exercise programs and includes her children in her fitness regimen. living-magazine.com // maY-JUne 2013

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MedIcaL

What is Wellness?

Mental Health America leads the country in observing Mental Health Month each May. Here are some of their tips for making sure you stay healthy and well. Visit mentalhealthamerica.net to learn more, or mhadallas.org for our local affiliate.

YOUr pathwaY tO wellness Can Be: » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »

a HeaLtHY dIet:

» improves your ability to learn. » means eating a nutritious breakfast every day. skipping meals leads to a lack of energy. » includes eating something nutritious every time you have a meal. Try substituting processed foods with a salad or swapping something fried for a piece of fruit. » Requires limiting your alcohol intake. » avoids excessive amounts of caffeine. caffeine dehydrates you. » Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration.

reGuLar eXercISe:

» elevates mood, reduces stress, increases energy level, improves appearance, and stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, which makes you happier. » increases alertness and creativity. » improves your overall mental and physical well-being. even taking a 15-minute walk three times a week can help. » Keeps you active and also creates more opportunities to meet new friends! » Decreases stress. on days when you are feeling overwhelmed, hit the gym or do another type of exercise.

Good health Saving more money Healthy relationships Being good to yourself Showing gratitude Keeping good friends close taking care of your community Eating one less cookie Looking for a new job Learning how to let go Walking instead of driving Playing with your pet a day at the spa Eating fresh fruit from your own garden Mastering a difficult yoga pose

reLaXatIon:

Did you know? » connecting with others can help you to enjoy the times when you are alone. » Staying positive can improve your mood and your health. » If you quit smoking now, in 20 minutes your heart rate drops, and in 12 hours the carbon monoxide (a gas that can be toxic) in your blood drops to normal. » exercising in “spurts” can be just as effective as continuous exercise. » Helping others may help you experience less depression. » drinking beverages with caffeine should be stopped 6-8 hours before bed to ensure a more restful sleep. » creating joy and satisfaction can be easy with little things such as

4

sIMple steps

» » » »

»

making a gourmet meal while listening to your favorite music, treating yourself to a massage, or even taking a few moments to admire nature.

What you drink is just as important as what you eat.

Spirituality can give you a sense of purpose and meaning.

Writing down your problems can help shift your thinking about the issue and ultimately improve your mood.

It is essential to choose a provider who understands the importance of the both of you working collaboratively regarding your health care.

Stress management techniques are important because chronic (longlasting) stress can change your brain and the way you function.

» means taking time each day to unwind, especially before sleeping. listen to music, read or do whatever you enjoy. alcohol or drugs are not the way to go. » offers a distraction from problems, a sense of competence and many other benefits. » means getting a good laugh. laughing decreases pain, may help your heart and lungs, promotes muscle relaxation and can reduce anxiety.

PLentY oF reSt:

» means getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep.

This is essential and will make you more attentive and active. inadequate sleep can lead to mood changes and lowered resistance to illness. » Provides the physical and psychological resources to cope with everyday life.

Without it, you have to work harder to get daily tasks done and you have less energy. » includes cutting back on alcohol consumption because it can disturb your sleep. Though you might fall asleep faster, you’re body will not be as rested.

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MEDICAL

A Personal

Touch

by Denise Waugh

Have you heard the new medical term palliative (pronounced PAH_LEE_ UH_TIVE ) care and wondered what that is? If so, you are in good company. A recent national opinion poll by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) found that 70 percent of Americans “have no idea” what it is. Palliative care is the newest subspecialty of medicine and became accredited in 2006. Palliative means to make comfortable. According to the CAPC: “Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. This type of care is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness - whatever the diagnosis.

The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness, and can be provided together with curative treatment.”

You might ask, isn’t this just good medical care? Yes, it is excellent medical care that requires an organized team with many psychosocial, medical and spiritual

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skills. It also requires significantly more time than most doctors are likely to have available. A 2011 national poll of patients found that over 50 percent are very concerned about the following: Doctors might not provide all of the •treatment options or choices available.

Doctors might not talk and share •information with the other doctors.

Patients with serious illness and their •families leave a doctor’s office or hospital feeling unsure about what they are supposed to do when they get home.

Patients with serious illness and their •families do not have enough control over their treatment options.

•

Doctors do not spend enough time talking with and listening to patients and their families.

The current medical system has also become quite stressful for doctors, with increasing documentation demands, decreasing physician revenue and significantly decreased time for patient contact.

As our population ages, this is likely to worsen. Even cancer is becoming more a chronic illness than a quickly terminal diagnosis. This has led to 70 percent of

patients with serious illness seeing multiple specialists and greater fragmentation of the overall plan for patient care.

The success of medicine in curing acute illness has led to most of our citizens suffering from multiple chronic progressive illnesses. It is now estimated that only approximately 10 percent of older Americans die of acute illness. The rest die medically predictable deaths due to their chronic illness. Many patients and families are shocked to learn that their chronic illness is likely to get worse over time. Without access to appropriate information, the patient and family may lose the benefit of planning for the future.

Palliative care has been documented to be a more effective and efficient use of hospital resources, and has been documented to increase the quality of care provided to our nation’s most seriously ill patients and their families. It helps patients/families prepare for complex medical decisions and determine treatment options, and partners with the patient and their family to develop a treatment plan tailored to their goals. All these functions combine to improve the quality of the patient’s life.

% For more information, visit getpalliativecare.org and prepareforyourcare.org.

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MEDICAL

What does that label really mean?

A crash course on what really goes into your favorite foods.

BY TRISTA E. PRASIFKA RD, LD When striving to eat healthier, we are often faced with the unclear path of how to choose certain foods, what is acceptable, which claims are correct and many other unanswered questions. Food manufacturers have become master artists and marketers at convincing us that many foods are healthy, will help us feel better, be smarter, faster and so on. The first step to understanding what a healthy eating plan looks like is to begin to decipher some of the label language.

“All Natural” vs. “Organic” “ALL NATURAL”: Foods, from cereals to eggs, have used this claim to convince us that since it is “all natural” it must be good for us. In actuality, neither the FDA nor the USDA has true regulations on what can or cannot be listed as all natural.

Therefore, this term is freely and widely misused, leading consumers to often purchase unwisely.

“ORGANIC”: This particular term has gained widespread popularity over the last 20 years. The USDA does have very particular guidelines about this label and it is heavily regulated. Organic foods are generally grown, processed and manufactured adhering to standards by the USDA. These products are free of artificial food additives and processed Another source of confusion commonly found in most products is that of understanding the meaning of “low”, “reduced” and “free.” The chart listed below refers to the common ingredients often altered in foods. Calories, fats, cholesterol, sodium and sugar are often decreased in foods in an effort to make the food seem healthier. A good point to remember, however, is that if a manufacturer removes part or all of a substance, they generally must add something else. This practice of “swapping” ingredients ensures that the flavor of the food will remain intact. A good example is in that of “low fat” cookies. Although removing about 50 percent of the fat from the food, the manufacturer will often increase the sugar and sodium in the product so it will be appealing in taste. Therefore, you may be getting less fat, but you are getting more sugar and salt.

Neither of these concepts is very “healthy” for a person. The chart listed below is a good form of reference on decoding some of these claims

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without artificial methods (e.g. ripening agents, coloring, radiation, genetic engineering). Pesticides may be used on crops but must not be synthetic in nature, or they must be listed on a specified safety list by the USDA. The question remains, “which is better?” Generally, organic foods are more expensive and can be difficult to find a good variety. When possible, it is a great option to buy organic in the store or search out local farmers or ranchers who offer organic products. However, when faced with a budgetary dilemma, it is always best to rely on any type of fresh or frozen fruits, vegetables and meats to meet your nutritional needs rather than relying on fast or overly processed foods.

“FREE”

“LOW”

“REDUCED”

Calories

< 5 calories per serving

No more than 40 calories per serving

25 % fewer calories

Fat

< .5 g fat per serving

< 3 g total fat per serving

25% less fat

< 2 mg cholesterol per serving

< 20 mg chol., < 2 g saturated fat

25% less cholesterol

< 5 mg sodium per serving

< 140 mg sodium per serving

25% less sodium

< .5 g sugar per serving

Not Defined

25% less sugar

Cholesterol Sodium Sugar

*These amounts are derived by a comparison to a reference food and amount by the FDA.

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MedIcaL

What does that label really mean? CONT. “WHOLE GRAIN”: Products listing 100 percent whole grain must include the entire grain during processing. grains contain three parts: the bran, germ and endosperm. all three must be present for the product to have this label. These multiple parts generally provide more fiber to the final product even after processing. looking at labels for higher amounts of fiber helps the consumer to ensure that he is getting 100 percent whole grain. some low fiber products may state a certain percentage of whole grain while also adding refined flour and sugar. These products often will add caramel color to breads to make them appear healthier! > it is always best to choose whole grain when buying breads/ bread products where the color is coming from the grain, not added colors. White breads/bread products are generally more refined, lacking some of the whole grain benefit. > Daily fiber recommendations for women are 22-28 grams/ day and for men are 28-34 grams/day. looking at labels and choosing a product high in fiber will help you reach this level - beans, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables are all good sources.

HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP (HFCS): This additive has spread like wildfire since its addition into foods about 40 years ago. manufacturers began using HFcs since it is costeffective and easily obtained. it can be found in fruit juices, sodas, cereal, baked goods including sandwich bread, yogurt, ketchup and the list goes on. There have been many studies on the effects of HFcs on the body in animal and human trials. The fact is that it is chemically different than sugar and scientists believe it is absorbed and utilized quicker in the body. in many studies, the increased intake of HFcs showed increased triglycerides, increased abdominal fat and increased insulin resistance in the animals or people in the trials. The incidence of obesity in the United states has multiplied over

the years with currently about one-third of our population being obese. many scientists and medical professionals attribute much of this to the high use of HFcs in our foods.

With that said, it is also true that the overconsumption of anything of high caloric value can lead to these medical issues. as a guideline, women should get no more than 100 calories (6 teaspoons) per day from any sugar and men should get no more than 150 calories (9 teaspoons).

“LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX”: as carbohydrate-based foods are broken down and used by the body, different amounts of sugar (glucose) are released. For people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic, many products are now placing these terms on their labels. a “low glycemic food” means that smaller amounts of glucose are released steadily over time. There are also medium and high glycemic index foods, and these generally release a larger amount of glucose more quickly. as a good rule, beans, seeds, vegetables and fresh fruits are generally low, while many processed food items tend to be medium or high.

“GLUTEN-FREE”: gluten is a mixture of proteins (including gliaden) found in wheat and other grains (rye, barley and oats), which gives dough its elastic texture. many people in recent years have tested or suspected they are positive for a gluten allergy or sensitivity. For them, eating foods containing gluten often causes many gastrointestinal issues, lack of absorption and other health issues including celiac disease. at present, the FDa is working on official guidelines for the labeling of gluten-free foods. many foods stating this on their label are true and concise, lacking any of the grains listed above. However, consumers should carefully read ingredients and labels if they suspect they have an allergy to gluten.

making adjustments to your diet can often be overwhelming. By taking small, consistent steps to improve your eating habits, you can make true changes in your health. Focusing on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and healthy fats, you can meet all your nutritional needs. By keeping processed foods and beverages as well as fast foods to a minimum, you will achieve your health goals even sooner.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND INSIGHT INTO FOOD LABELS AND CLAIMS, VISIT WWW.FDA.GOV AND WWW.USDA.GOV. Trista is a registered and licensed dietitian in ovilla providing personal and group nutrition counseling. she earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Texas a&m University and a master’s in clinical nutrition and dietetics from The University of Texas southwestern medical center in Dallas.

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cIndY BurcH “This drawing was done in 1983. my dad and his brother were distributors for gates Rubber and the company did a story on Dad for the issue.” aRT BY: RogeR cURleY

Remembering

daddY O a chip off the old block is how i was described as a kid; a real daddy’s girl, to be exact. growing up an only child with a largerthan-life father, we were often joined at the hip. i can’t remember my dad ever missing an event i participated in. From 4-H horse shows to high school girls basketball, he was always there cheering me on and encouraging me in all things. if he knew one of my classmates didn’t have their parents at a school function, he would stay there to support them as well. He was strict, and if my mom had to whip me for disobeying i got it twice as bad when Dad got home, but i always knew my parents loved me and wanted the best for me.

Towering 6’6” tall and weighing 400 pounds, heads turned when my dad entered a room. nicknamed “Tiny,” he had been the largest lineman in the southwest conference with a full football scholarship to smU. He had his pick of any university he wanted, but chose smU so his elderly parents in Dallas could attend more of his games. He rarely went anywhere without someone stopping to shake his gigantic hand and tell him they were at the cotton Bowl the day Baylor halfback Jerry coody knocked my dad’s front teeth out with a helmet butt. it was this play that led to manda-

tory facemasks on all helmets.

Drafted by the cleveland Browns and later traded to the new York giants, he played professional football with some of the great names in the sport. Before the Dallas cowboys franchise was formed, coach Tom landry was his defensive coach at the giants, with vince lombardi coaching Frank gifford at offensive. When a knee injury forced my dad into early retirement, Rosey grier took his position. He loved playing for the Browns, but didn’t care much for the giants, saying they were a bunch of “animal crackers” that literally fought over his two allotted beers on the plane ride home because they knew he didn’t drink. Back in Dallas, he and coach landry founded the Fellowship of christian athletes in the greater Dallas area, and my dad served as president for many years.

He was a giant of a man in many ways. He died almost 15 years ago and i still miss him as if it were yesterday. His dry wit and great sense of humor i miss the most. if he had a nickname for you it meant he liked you. He called me “Red” most of the time, or “Rookie” if i made a mistake. i called him Daddy o. a successful salesman and deacon at First Baptist church Dallas, he made sure we

lived a wonderful life and never wanted for anything. i didn’t expect to lose him at only 65 years of age, but he left me with a strong foundation to live by. as another Father’s Day rolls around, i am reminded of a life well lived. Don “Tiny” goss led by example. i found him most every morning by his living room chair, kneeling in prayer and reading scripture. He was a man of his word and dedicated his life to helping others. i spent my life watching him lead young men and women to christ. all through my high school years we held a Bible study at our home on Tuesday nights. some weeks we had over 100 kids packed into our living room to hear the word of god. after all these years, i still have old classmates tell me if it wasn’t for my dad’s influence in their life, there is no telling where they might be today.

Proverbs 22:6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” if only a small chip off the old block, i am truly blessed to be that kind of child.

cindy Burch

cindy Burch and her husband, andrew, own and operate The Dove’s nest in historic downtown Waxahachie. cindy is also a freelance writer, caterer and consultant. Her award-winning cookbook, “The Doves nest Restaurant: new american Recipes From a Historic Texas Town,” is in its fifth printing.

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Soft tissue laser treatment Convenient Location

HOURS: Monday-Friday

7am-5pm

972.937.4370

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OR SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE AT

WWW.WAXFAMDENT.COM