November 2016 Ellis County Living Magazine

LM I Ellis County Living Magazine

ELLIS COUNTY

November/December 2016/living-magazine.com

HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

General and Special Elections - Tuesday, November 8th, 2016 Early Voting begins October 24 - November 4th Last two days of early voting are from 7AM - 7PM at all 7 locations (November 3rd and November 4th) On Election Day you will need to vote at your voting precinct location from 7AM - 7PM.

Visit our website for a complete listing of polling locations, sample ballots and more.

Check your voting status by calling the Elections Office.

Happy Holidays From Your Friends at Gateway Mortgage!

www.TheSchmidtGrp.com Your Award-Winning Team Jeff Schmidt - 817.681.7897

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. Whether you are purchasing a new home, considering refinancing or even seeking access to your home’s equity, they have the right solution to meet nearly any mortgage need.

The Schmidt Group promises you: • A community - first approach • Local underwriting and reliable closings • Service for a lifetime

REGIONAL MANAGER NMLS 91368

Jeff.Schmidt@GatewayLoan.com

Tom Ker - 972.365.7022 SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 356892

Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Nick Hester - 469.855.9262 SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 338108

Nick.Hester@GatewayLoan.com

Terry Wooten - 214.949.9285 SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 224831

Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace - 903.571.9869

LOAN ORIGINATOR/BUSINESS DEV MGR NMLS 1146461

Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

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

LES HILL, a master stylist and colorist is a leader in the industry with 35+ years of experience working with hair. Les has an uncanny ability to assess a client and determine the most flattering cut and style for both their features and personality. Les is constantly upgrading his repertoire by continuing education with global masters.

CHARLOTTE MCGRAW Charlotte began her career at Shelton’s Salon and Spa in Bedford, Texas. After 16 years of working and training with top designers from around the world, she moved to Waxahachie.

She began working with Les in 2010 and continues to use her artistic ability and passion to create a look designed for each individual.

BEVERLY FRANKLIN With 32 years of experience working with hair, Beverly has been Aveda-trained for six years. She is constantly inspired by her continuing education. Beverly has a passion for creativity in color and hair design. She enjoys giving 100% to each client and possesses a true love for the industry.

STEPHANIE JONES Stephanie is a haircut specialist with more

than 10 years of experience. She was trained by and worked with Aveda for seven years. Her passion is creating haircuts customized to reflect your individual style.

DESI MUÑOZ Trained by Aveda, Desi has created looks for individuals for more than 10 years. Highly educated in the art of color application and cutting hair, she excels at achieving a completed look of beauty by design. Desi has worked with Les off and on over the years and joined him most recently in 2010.

MICHAEL GREEN Michael is a strong colorist and stylist and has joined our team after relocating from Houston. He has been in the industry for 24 years and trained under Salon Friends’ own Les Hill when he graduated from cosmetology school. We’re excited for him to be a part of our team!

JACLYN NESS Jaclyn completed the requirements for a cosmetology

HAIR. NAILS. SKIN. BODY.

license in 2004. For the next few years, she continued her education and honed her skills at Worx, an Aveda Salon in Cedar Hill, where she first met and worked with Les. Since then, Jaclyn has worked locally, pursuing her passion of creating great looks through her haircutting skills.

MELISA SALAZAR Melisa has a passion for hair that began in her childhood. She followed her dreams and eventually graduated from the Aveda Institute of Dallas. She now calls Salon Friends her home.

Melisa uses her skills as a cosmetologist, along with client input, to realize her vision for your perfect look.

SHARON LEACH Sharon has been practicing massage therapy in Ellis

County since 2005. Professionally trained, Sharon takes a holistic approach in her treatments. She specializes in, but is not limited to, Swedish massage, aromatherapy, myofascia release and pre-natal massage. Her healing touch speaks for itself.

DELILAH TERRY Delilah is a certified nail technician with 20+ years

of experience. Her passion is healthy nail care, and she has continued her education and focus to hone her craft. Delilah is continually educating herself on fresh new trends and application of products from global industries. Her attention to detail, coupled with her dedication to customer service and professionalism has rewarded her with a faithful and loyal clientele.

PAULA WEATHERLY Paula brings nearly 10 years of experience to

her esthetician services, and she is constantly looking to improve the client experience. She offers eyelash extensions, full body waxing, skin care, microdermabrasion, brow and lash tinting, lash perms and facials. She believes facials are the healing of the skin inside and out.

BRITTANY MILLER Brittany graduated from Paul Mitchell the School

in Arlington in 2015. Her goal is to enhance natural beauty in all that she does. She specializes in micro bead hair extensions, creative color and event hair/makeup. She was born and raised in Ellis County.

972-937-HAIR 106 W. MAIN . HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WAXAHACHIE

.com

GABRIEL MOTTU Gabriel has a passion for men’s hair care and the art of skin care. Gabe completed his requirements to be a licensed cosmetologist in 2011. In pursuit of his passion for barbering, Gabe trained at the Aveda Institute, as well as with top barbers, honing his skills in the craft of men’s grooming. Through his training and experience, Gabe can help his clients reach their hair and skin care goals.

ASHLEY REYNOLDS Ashley completed her cosmetology training in 2008. She has worked in the Waxahachie area since 2009. Ashley stays at the forefront of her field through continuing education and product knowledge training. “The consultation is the key,” says Ashley. Ashley listens carefully to her client’s wants and needs to guide them to their best look.

The Waxahachie Junior Service League’s

CHRISTMAS MARKET SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 10 A.M.-5 P.M. | WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER FEATURING OVER 130 UNIQUE VENDORS, PICTURES WITH SANTA, AMAZING RAFFLES & FOOD

TICKETS $5 AT THE DOOR | CHILDREN UNDER 10 FREE

V I P Shopping Party & Taste of Ellis County FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2ND 6 P.M.-9 P.M. | WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER AN EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE THAT INCLUDES FOOD, DRINKS, ENTERTAINMENT AND A RAFFLE TICKET. FOOD FROM: CREATIONS BAKING COMPANY, RISING SUN HIBACHI GRILL, COWBOY CHICKEN, FUZZY’S TACO SHOP, THE VAULT SMOKEHOUSE, LITTLE SICILY, RAISING CANE’S AND MEAT SWEATS.

TICKETS $20 AVAILABLE AT INTERBANK

Sponsored By: DIAMOND

PLATINUM

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

The Oliver Team

WWW.WAXAHACHIEJSL.ORG

501 North I-35 E. Waxahachie, TX

972-938-1770

www.centralkubota.com

CONTENTS NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2016 |

volume 12

|

issue 6

LIFE & STYLE

26 BEAUTY: GETTING THE SKINNY Get kissable lips this winter.

28 CURL UP WITH ME The best page-turners for you to read.

30 KEEP MOVING Andre Jones tells you how to workout at home during the busiest, yummiest season.

HOME

48 DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD COLUMN

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Sweet gifts that last a lifetime 52 TREES TO INSPIRE Red or green? How about neither!

54 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER GARDENING Ellis County Master Gardeners have lots of advice for you this winter.

MEDICAL

56 DR. KATHERINE DONALDSON Survive the holidays!

60 EATING RIGHT DURING THE HOLIDAYS Baylor Scott & White have recipes and substitutions for you to incorporate into your holiday feasts.

38 FASHION 16 GIVE THANKS

All the looks for a grateful day.

18 EAT, DRINK AND BE STYLISH Party looks for the season.

20 HOLLY JOLLY Keep it formal for the holidays.

22 WARM WISHES Stay cozy and warm this winter.

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64 CINDY BURCH: CHRISTMAS AT THE DOVES NEST

FEATURE

32 THE TURKEY DAY MENU The Fireman’s Wife has your strategy and menu plan for the most delicious Thanksgiving spread.

38 THE TREE OF YOUR DREAMS Explore the fabulous tree features on the cover.

40 - 44 MAKE YOUR LIST We’ve done all the hard work for you! Shop gift ideas for him, her and the little ones from the best boutiques in Ellis County, and a few online resources, to round out your search for the perfect present.

ON THE COVER: TREE DESIGN BY TERESA CHOATE AND HENRY FRAYRE OF FRESH MARKET FLOWERS, CHAIR BY TEXAS PEARLS & CO. SEE MORE ON PAGE 38!

Happy Holidays!

Thank you for another amazing yea�!

- Cindy Camp, publisher & the Living Staff

ART DIRECTOR BRITTANY MCDANIEL creative@living-magazine.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR TYLER-MARIE HARTMANN social@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.

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

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

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

ADVERTISING CHRIS BENNETT chris@living-magazine.com

A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINDSEY KEENEY lindsey@living-magazine.com

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

STAFF & COVER PHOTO BY MELISSA SHOOK PHOTOGRAPHY

Copyright 2016, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved.

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

Follow us on Instagram: @ECLivingMagazine facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/ECLivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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around town

november November 11-13

EDITOR’S NOTE

WWII Reenactment

Downtown Waxahachie

November 19

Texas Motorplex in Ennis

Lantern Fest

T

he time for family feasts and decorating the tree have arrived and we couldn’t be more excited to share the Holiday Issue 2016 with you. The staff at ECLM have been listening to Bing Crosby croon about white Christmases since September to get us in the holiday spirit while planning photo shoots with trees and tinsel. It’s our favorite time of the year!

This issue’s fashion section was shot in the home of Chris and Mark Roberts that will be on the Candlelight Home Tour in Waxahachie this December. Be sure and stop by to see their beautifully designed and decorated home. The Roberts graciously agreed to pull out the holly in September to give us a warm backdrop to this season’s trends.

Shopping and cooking are my two favorite holiday activities and we have both covered for you in our feature section beginning on page 32. Our favorite local food blogger, Christina Driskell of The Fireman’s Wife, has put together your game plan for Thanksgiving.

Christina even has a full tutorial on how to prep your turkey and several recipes to guarantee it will taste wonderful on the 24th. A big thanks to Melissa Shook for photographing Christina’s feast and the beautiful tree on the cover.

The ECLM team wish you and yours a magical holiday season.

-Meagan Camp editor-in-chief

PHOTO BY WENDY NAKAJIMA

A wonderful way to remember our veterans and the past sacrifices made for our country. You will see over 200 people dressed up in 1940s outfits, over 60 antique vehicles and more! The big battle will be at 3 pm on Saturday, November 12. Email pbski@yahoo.com for more information.

-WAXAHACHIENOVEMBER 4-5

Old Fashioned Singing

Chautauqua Auditorium Friday at 7 pm – Saturday at 3pm. For more information, www.WaxaOFS.com.

NOVEMBER 5

Downtown Dash 5K

MKT Depot in Downtown Waxahachie 8:30 am, benefitting the Salvation Army. For more information, call 972-937-0509.

NOVEMBER 5

Fall Farm-to-Table Feast Downtown Waxahachie For tickets: www.downtownwaxahachie.com.

NOVEMBER 5

Fair & Auction

Christ the King Lutheran Church Fundraiser for our Youth & Mission events for 2017. For more information email ctkcraftandvendorfair@yahoo.com.

NOVEMBER 10

2nd Thursday Ladies Night Out

Downtown Waxahachie 5 pm-8 pm. Every Month in Downtown Waxahachie with Participating Merchants.

NOVEMBER 12

Trucks ‘N Tunes Downtown Waxahachie 6 pm - 10 pm.

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

Before the sun sets, you can enjoy an afternoon of live music, face painting, s’mores and other fun! Then, the evening begins the lighting of the lanterns, that represent our memories of the past year. A beautiful event to spend with family and friends! For more information, contact 972878-2641 or www.texasmotorplex.com.

NOVEMBER 12

Veterans Weekend Film, Dinner & Dance

Waxahachie Civic Center Benefitting John Wayne Cancer Institute. For tickets and information: www.crossroadsoftxff.com.

NOVEMBER 12

Harvest & Holly Days Market First United Methodist Church Waxahachie For more information: 972-937-4113.

NOVEMBER 12 - 13

Hachie Holidays

Rogers Hotel 10 am - 6 pm Instagram: @HachieHolidays NOVEMBER 18 – 19

4th Annual Festival of Trees – A Home for the Holidays

Waxahachie Bible Church For more information, contact elliscountyhfh@gmail.com.

NOVEMBER 19

Texas Wines Sip ‘N Stroll

Downtown Waxahachie 4 pm – 8 pm. For tickets: www. downtownwaxahachie.com.

NOVEMBER 19

Christmas Craft Fair

Waxahachie High School 9 am - 4 pm. Benefits WHS programming. For more information e-mail kimkrie@aol.com.

NOVEMBER 26

Junk in the Trunk Downtown Waxahachie 9 am – 2 pm.

NOVEMBER 29

Christmas Parade & Community Tree Lighting Downtown Waxahachie 6:30 pm – 9 pm.

-MIDLOTHIANNOVEMBER 5

Fall Wine & Arts Festival

Downtown Midlothian 4 pm – 8 pm. Tickets are $25 for 15 wine tasting tickets.

NOVEMBER 11

Veterans Tribute Dinner

Midlothian Conference Center 6:30 pm – 9 pm. For information, call 972-775-7177.

-ENNISNOVEMBER 12-13

Gun Show

The Sokol Hall, 2622 E Hwy 34 Begins at 9 am.

NOVEMBER 26

Chad Upergraff Live

The Wooden Nickel, 111 W Ennis Ave Begins at 8 pm. Contact 972875-1600 for more information.

december December 3-4, December 10-11

Downtown Waxahachie

Candlelight Home Tour

The event is from 2 pm - 8 pm,. The tour will feature 3 unique homes, spanning from the Victorian era to the 21st century that will don their holiday finery. Tickets are $15 per weekend with children under 12 free. Check out our Fashion Section on page 20 to see a sneak peek into Chris and Mike Roberts’ home featured on the Candlelight Home Tour.

-WAXAHACHIEDECEMBER 2-3

Christmas Market & Gift Show

Waxahachie Civic Center Sponsored by the Waxahachie Junior Service League.

DECEMBER 2-4, 9-11

Bethlehem Revisited

402 N. College Street (behind Central Presbyterian Church) Free Admission. 6 pm – 9 pm.

Walk through the real life town of Bethlehem, complete with sheep, camels and donkeys.

DECEMBER 8

2nd Thursday Ladies Night Out

Downtown Waxahachie 5 pm - 8 pm. Every month with participating merchants.

DECEMBER 9 -11

“You Better Watch Out”

Chautauqua Auditorium Ticket available online at www. waxahachiecommunitytheatre. com.

DECEMBER 10

Cocoa Stroll

Downtown Waxahachie 4 pm – 8 pm. For more information: www.downtownwaxahachie. com.

DECEMBER 10

YMCA Santa Run

December 3

Southern Star Celebration

-ENNISDECEMBER 1

Ennis Parade of Lights and Block Party

DECEMBER 10

DECEMBER 2 – 18

The English Merchant’s Inn During the Candlelight Home Tour, stop by for some afternoon tea at the newest B&B in Waxahachie.

505 NW Main St. For more information, contact 972-878-5126 or check out www.TheatreRocks.com.

Downtown Ennis Parade begins at 7 pm.

“My Favorite Christmas” at Theatre Rocks!

DECEMBER 30 - JANUARY 1, 2017

DECEMBER 2- 18

Waxahachie Civic Center For more information, contact (918) 658-4500.

2705C N. Kaufman For more information, www.EnnisPublicTheatre.com.

Waxahachie Gun & Knife Show

-MIDLOTHIANDECEMBER 3

Southern Star Christmas Celebration

Heritage Park Begins at 1 pm. Includes a lightup parade, the Christmas story, pictures with Santa, live music and tree lighting.

DECEMBER 17

Heritage Park Midlothian

The day begins at 1 pm with entertainment and vendors sprinkled throughout Heritage Park and the Back Alley Plaza in Downtown Midlothian. Then, at 6 pm begins the Christmas light-up parade, followed by the telling of the Christmas story and the lighting of the Christmas tree in Heritage Park. The theme this year is “A Christmas in Wonderland.”

Downtown Waxahachie 5K and a 1-mile fun run with every runner receiving a 5-piece Santa suit to wear during the run.

An English Christmas Tea

around town

“Nuncrackers” at Ennis Public Theatre

Operation Christmas Child sends gift-filled shoeboxes (school supplies, small toys, and hygiene items) to children in need around the world.

In 2015, more than 11.2 million boxes were delivered globally to over 150 countries, with 8.7 million of those coming from the United States. Ellis County alone contributed almost 5000 boxes last year!

Our National Collection Week is from Nov. 14-21. Farley Street Baptist Church in Waxahachie and East Ridge Baptist Church in Red Oak will be our relay centers (drop off locations). These two locations are the receiving points for the filled shoeboxes that come from area churches and individuals.

Ellis County is trying to exceed the 5000 boxes we collected last year by 1000! For more information, please contact Burt Lyon, Ellis County Operation Christmas Child Area Coordinator at 310-413-8716.

DECEMBER 3

Lucky’s CC Car Show & Drive Downtown Ennis Begin at 10:00 am.

-RED OAKDECEMBER 1-4

Festival of Trees

For more information, check out www.rohs.redoakisd.org.

Pet Adoption Event

Midlothian Wal-Mart Garden Center 9 am – 11 am. Animal shelter pets available for adoption in advance.

SAMARITAN’S PURSE

OPERATION

CHRISTMAS CHILD LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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VAULT

NOVEMBER 10 | FREE EVENT Reducing Your Family’s Healthcare Costs in the Era of Obamacare 6 Facts About Healthcare discussed by local professionals.

u

y

Secrets of Direct Primary Care

Leveraging membership medicine to lower healthcare costs. We will find out ways to save your family money.

v

Reducing Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Cost

Available market solutions for reducing expenses and discussing discount programs including prescription drugs, radiologic imaging and surgical procedures.

Obamacare penalty sharply increasing for 2016 and 2017. Learn the 14 ways to avoid the tax penalty.

w

Alternatives to Obamacare Plans

Learn about alternatives to Marketplace and fully funded plans. Get advice on how to take control of your healthcare costs.

Learn how to get better coverage and the doctors and hospitals of your choice for less cost. Learn how small businesses can avoid the high cost of health coverage for their employees.

x Bring your questions to this FREE event

Obamacare: Tax Penalty

Obamacare Plans

Ellis County has ACA Marketplace plans. Learn how to pick the one that is right for you. Learn what is and what is not covered and which doctors participate. Learn how to determine what subsidies may be available to you.

z

Healthcare Tax Saving Ideas for Small Businesses

Small business employees are the highest group of uninsured adults. Learn ways you can help your employees get affordable health coverage.

Doctor participation is way down, premiums have gone way up...learn what subsidies are available.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

ABOUT THE LOCAL SPEAKERS

Waxahachie Civic Center Thursday november 10, 2016

Dr. Travis Brown, Access Private Medicine | Midlothian

Dr. Brown will advise you through the affordable family medicine that he practices. His practice specialty is offering Membership Benefits for your family with 24-hour cell phone access, little to no wait, no copays, no insurance hassles. He’s on a mission to bring back the housecall. Come ask questions on how to reduce your health care expense.

James Bell, US Health Advisor & AIBC Consultant | Waxahachie

SPEAKER SCHEDULE: »»6:30 Dr. Travis Brown Dr. Brown is going to talk about the state of insurance, rising costs and alternative medical practices that are changing the way everyone approaches healthcare.

James Bell has been a licensed insurance agent for five years and a small business owner for over 20 years. He is an individual, family and business health insurance consultant broker and agent who can help guide you through the confusing world of health insurance.

»»7:00 James Bell Kevin J. McDonnell,

CPA, Attorney and Counselor at Law | Waxahachie

Attorney and Certified Public Accountant Kevin J. McDonnell is the founding partner of both a full service Law and CPA firm. Mr. McDonnell also has numerous years of handling tax controversy and business matters. He has litigated a wide variety of civil tax and business cases in State and Federal Courts.

FREE EVENT

Thursday, 6:30 pm • November 10, 2016 Waxahachie Civic Center 2000 Civic Center Drive | Waxahachie For More Information Call 214.228.4280

US Health Advisor James Bell will go over the current Obamacare plans, the changes in 2017 and alternatives that are available to families and businesses.

»»8:00 Kevin J. McDonnell CPA and attorney Kevin McDonnell will discuss penalties and tax implications of the current health insurance options.

»»8:30 Q & A Bring your questions for each speaker of concern. The specialist will take time to talk to you.

FASHION

HAT, Chic Bo utique $19.95 TOP, Chic Bo utique, $39.95 NECKLACE, Chic Boutique , $17.95

HAT, The Briarpatch, $20.95 h, VEST, The Briarpatc $51.95 TOP, The Briarpatch, $54.95

BRACELET, SoCo Depot, $35 BRACELET, SoCo Depot, $22



WALLET, Chic Boutique, $32

Know how to dress for every holiday outing, family gathering and forest photoshoot. On trend for fall are chokers, suede & leather textures, natural colors & of course, hats!

JACKET, Multitudes, $62 DRESS, Multitudes, $39 HAT, Multitudes, $26

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

KEYCHAIN, Old Town Village, $10

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: HAT, Multitudes, $26 // SHIRT, Multitudes, $28 SKIRT, Multitudes, $36 // CHOKER, Multitudes, $18 HAT, Chic Boutique, $19.95 // DRESS, Multitudes, $44

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

HAT, Chic Boutique, $19.95 // SHIRT, Multitudes, $32 SKIRT, Multitudes, $38

Briarpatch

Largest Brighton Selection in Ellis County

Cards & Gifts for All Occasions!

Check Out Our New Arrivals 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

FASHION

NECKLACE Chic Boutique, $16.95 SHIRT Chic Boutique, $39.95 PANTS The Briarpatch, $42 SUITCASE Old Town Village, $38

Stylish

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CHOKER, The Briarpatch, $48 SHIRT, The Briarpatch, $26.95

EARRINGS, Chic Boutique , $14.95 CARDIGAN, The Briarpatch, $43.95

EARRINGS, Gemini Moon, $12 // TOP, Gemini Moon, $36 // PANTS, Gemini Moon, $32

NECKLACE, The Briarpatch, $92 // SHIRT, The Briarpatch, $56.95 VEST, Ark Country Store, $28.95 // PANTS, The Briarpatch, $89



NECKLACE The Mix $24

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: HAT, Chic Boutique, $19.95 // DRESS, Chic Boutique, $39.95 // EARRINGS, Chic Boutique, $10.95 RIGHT: HAT, Chic Boutique, $19.95 // NECKLACE, Chic Boutique, $17.95 // SHIRT, Chic Boutique, $39.95 // PANTS, Chic Boutique, $69.95

SHIRT, The Briarpatch, $42.95 UNDERSHIRT, The Briarpatch, $14.95 NECKLACE, The Briarpatch, $58

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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FASHION

Classy Traditional EARRINGS, Chic Boutique, $13.95 NECKLACE, Chic Boutique, $15.95 DRESS, Chic Boutique, $36.95

What is your Holiday style for 2016?

Soft Vintage

NECKLACE, The Briarpatch, $23.95 DRESS, The Briarpatch, $68.95

Flirty Chic

HEADBAND, Gemini Moon, $12 SHIRT, Gemini Moon, $32 SKIRT, Gemini Moon, $36 CAKE STAND, SoCo Depot, $48

For non traditional girls, try lavendar or pink colors or velvet textures to put a spin on traditional outfits!

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DRESS, Multitudes, $38 EARRINGS, Multitudes, $14 CHOKER, Multitudes, $16 BRACELETS, Multitudes, $14 DRESS, Multitudes, $48 // VEST, Multitudes, $64 // EARRINGS, Multitudes, $10 DRESS, Multitudes, $39 // NECKLACE, Multitudes, $28 | CONFETTI POPPER, Multitudes, $10.50

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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FASHION

Think about who you are this year and the woman you’ve become. No matter what age, no matter what look, every female should be empowered with confidence this season to enjoy their style & beauty.

DRESS, Chic Boutique, $36.95 CHOKER, Chic Boutique $9.95 NECKLACE, Chic Boutique, $17.95 EARRINGS, Multitudes , $10

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DRESS, The Briarpatch, $38.95 // NECKLACE, The Briarpatch, $11.95 DRESS, The Briarpatch, $69.95 // NECKLACE & EARRINGS SET, The Briarpatch, $11 // BRACELET, The Briarpatch, $9.95

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SHIRT, Chic Boutique, $35.95 // EARRINGS, Chic Boutique, $15.95 // BRACELETS, Chic Boutique, $18.95

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

DRESS, Chic Boutique, $33.95 // EARRINGS, Chic Boutique, $13.95

DRESS, The Briarpatch, $54.95 NECKLACE & EARRINGS SET, The Briarpatch, $25.95

TOP, Multitudes, $79 // NECKLACE, Multitudes, $24

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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FASHION

Locations: Home of Chris & Mike Roberts. Be sure to visit them in December during the Candlelight Home Tour Downtown Waxahachie

Hair Story: “Who isn’t in love with the dreamy 1960s hairstyles of icons like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot?

Well, fast forward to Christmas 2016, and we’re still mesmerized by the teased bouffant & hair twists. So, for this shoot, Julie experimented with modernized 1960s hairdos that could work for a holiday party or Christmas card! For the fall look, we let the tease down and the curls take over.”

-Assistant Editor Tyler-Marie Hartmann

Models: Dawn Evans Courtney Fairbanks Jessica Calvert Lexi Pearson

Makeup Artists: Pam Peterson and Summer Miller Merle Norman Cosmetics 972.937.9696

A Big Thank You to the Participating Boutiques: ARK COUNTRY STORE THE BRIARPATCH CHIC BOUTIQUE GEMINI MOON MULTITUDES OLD TOWN VILLAGE SOCO DEPOT THE MIX 24

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

Hair Stylist: Julie Stroope One Fine Day Salon 972.937.6401

Photographer: Lauren Apel Photo

www.laurenapelphoto.com

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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LIFE & STYLE

Getting the SKINNY Advice from Tiffany Miner,

your DermOne skin care expert

Kissable lips for the holidays From kisses under the mistletoe, to smiling for endless photos, to that all-important New Year’s smooch, the holidays are showtime for your lips. This often-neglected skin not only needs to look the part for the holiday season, but also needs to be pretty, smooth and kissably soft. Follow these tips for that perfect pout. »» EXFOLIATE. Look for products that include beta hydroxy or alpha hydroxy acids and use once a week, if needed. Be careful if your lips are already red, dry or cracked, as you don’t want to irritate them further. Another no-fail technique for exfoliation is to use a toothbrush or baby washcloth on your lips, and rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate. »» PROTECT WITH SUNSCREEN. SPF in the wintertime? Yes! The skin all over your face needs SPF 30+, including your lips with at least SPF 15. Even when it’s chilly outside, make sure to reapply your sunscreen when outdoors for more than two hours.

Lips can burn and can develop skin cancers. There are a host of products for whatever kind of lip color or product you like that also contain SPF, including: Shiseido Lip Treatment SPF 36, which you can wear under your lipstick or on its own for incognito protection from UVA/UVB rays; Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm, SPF 20, for a hint of color that glides on beautifully; or even Lorac Breakthrough Performance Lipstick, SPF 15, which has sun protection, anti-aging and collagen-boosting ingredients all in one lipstick. Check the label to ensure it includes UVA and UVB protection for this precious skin.

»» HYDRATE AND MOISTURIZE. During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to forget to drink lots of water, but that is key – especially as we turn the heat on inside our homes, which tends to dry our skin. Also, make a resolution to stop licking, biting, and chewing your lips – it dries them out. Use products with hydrating ingredients including beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E, or coconut oil.

SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair is a great emollient treatment that helps improve environmental damage while helping to smooth and refine the lip surface. Applying Aquaphor or Vaseline at night also gives lips a chance to heal while you snooze. »» ERASE THE LINES. Those lines around your mouth that cause your best red lipstick to bleed are often erasable. Speak with your dermatologist about a product like Juvederm, which can fill in the lines around your kisser. For changes you can make today to help keep your lips smooth, don’t drink out of straws, and definitely stop smoking – both are practices that can make the area around your lips very unsmooth.

As we all count our blessings this holiday season and share our joy with others, make sure your lips are in top shape to frame your best asset: a beautiful smile. From all of us at DermOne Dermatology in Waxahachie, we wish you a wonderful holiday season, and great skin health in 2017!

Have a question you would like to ask Tiffany?

Send it to editor@living-magazine.com and you may be featured in a future issue!

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Tiffany Miner, PA-C DermOne Waxahachie 972-937-0200

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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LIFE & STYLE

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Give the Gift of a Good Read

BY TYLER-MARIE HARTMANN

1. GIRLS ON FIRE

3. THE MAGNOLIA STORY

by Robin Wasserman

by Chip and Joanna Gaines

Robin Wasserman explains the dangerous influence friendship plays on young girls’ lives in her first adult novel, set in the 1990s.

When shy, awkward Hannah Dexter befriends the wild child of Lacey Champlain, a plot full of suicide, cult activity and a dark past unfolds, keeping the readers on their toes, begging for more.

If you love the HGTV show “Fixer Upper” or have taken a day trip to the Magnolia store in Waco, then you need to read this behind the scenes look into creators Chip and Joanna Gaines’ stories. Read all the quirky tales of the Magnolia stars, like when the couple first met, bought their first fixer upper home, started a family and began their entrepreneurial career.

2. THE MUSE

4. AN ABBREVIATED LIFE

by Jessie Burton

by Ariel Leve

For history lovers, this globe trotting mystery follows two strong characters from the past and present. The present 1960s involves the ordinary Odelle Bastien and her stumbling upon a new clue in the mysterious death of artist Isaac Robles. The past shadows Olive Schloss in 1936 and her growing friendship with the unfortunate artist.

This memoir takes you back to Ariel Leve’s childhood and what it was like to grow up with a narcissistic mother in the spotlight.

The story shows the pain of a child, but also captures the healing process Ariel went through and the salvation she found in her own family.

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5. SCRAPPY LITTLE NOBODY

by Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick — the quirky brunette, still known for her “Cups” song routine in “Pitch Perfect”, is excited to wow the world some more with her upcoming memoir. If she can get you on the floor laughing with a 140-character tweet, just imagine what her first book will do. Pick this up to enter Anna Kendrick’s mind and learn about her New England upbringing, Hollywood beginning and her everyday life.

6. MILLENIALS OF NEW YORK

by Connor Toole and Alec Macdonald

The perfect Christmas gift for any millennial you know or someone who is just trying to figure out what being a millennial really means. Full of colorful pages, this book takes on a “Humans of New York” style, but covers a more specified group of people. Learn all about the perfect selfie, the “Netflix and chill” concept and more about millennialism.

7. GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW: A NOVEL

by Amor Towles

Exiled to Moscow’s Metropol Hotel, Count Alexander Rostov learns to live his days in a small hotel while the dark political world of 1920s Russia swirls around him. This story teaches readers to embrace the power of human relationships and encounters, even when confined to a small place amongst the great uprising of communist Russia.

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LIFE & STYLE

Fit for the Season Andre Jones from Swink Athletics in Midlothian is here to give you some at-home fitness tips to keep you moving this holiday season.

It is everyone’s favorite season—with families coming together, gift giving to loved ones and of course, the delicious food surrounding the holidays. Typically, our biggest influx of people in our gym are right as summer starts and—you guessed it—January 1st. So, I am here to give you some very simple steps to help avoid gaining those few or several unwanted pounds that seem to creep up on you during the holiday season. Get ahead of the game and start making your goal weight before the New Year.

SWINK TIPS 1. It is likely that you may have family coming in town or you are traveling to visit family for the holidays. You also may find yourself sitting while traveling more than you realize. One of the worst things we can do to the hip region and the bowel system is sit for long periods of time. Your first piece of advice is to move and move often. Make sure you also move down into a squat position that allows your crease of the hip to pass below the knee height. This massages the bowels and helps keep you flowing as well as keeps the hips from becoming immobile.

2. Food seems to be everywhere during the holidays. From sweet snacks to finger foods to leftovers, your food options always seems to be in abundance. The key here is protein.

Protein makes your digestive system work harder to break down foods as you eat it.

Meaning that you typically stay fuller, longer. This can truly help you avoid the constant trips back for the “empty calories” that have zero nutritional value.

3. Do you love sweets and snacks and know there is no way you will give those up? Try finding a substitute or healthier version of your favorite things. Usually, making a few swaps can make a huge difference nutritionally and in calorie content. Coconut or almond flour can be used instead of your typical flour; honey can be used as a sweetener; and grilled meats can be used instead of fried. Just plan ahead and you can really give yourself a fighting chance.

4. Finally, get outside! Disconnect. Leave the posts, the scrolling through social media and the likes for being present. You’re around people who you may not see that often, so bond with them over things like catch, a walk around the neighborhood, outdoor games, fire pits, etc.

Even board games get you moving more than you can imagine. Things like being outside get the body moving, but more importantly, allow you to enjoy each other’s company during a joyous time.

Now, if you’re feeling like you can master these tips and you are ready to really get involved in a workout routine, I’ve got an at-home workout that can really jump start your system. A great tip is to grab a partner to do this with you; your chances of pushing yourself and actually going through it are even higher.

PHOTOS BY BETSY JONES OF SWINK PHOTOGRAPHY 30 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

// NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

THE WORKOUT The idea behind this workout is to get the heart rate up and have different portions of the body worked throughout for the entirety.

Remember, be sure to check with your doctor first if you’re just getting into working out.

THIS WORKOUT IS 5 ROUNDS TOTAL, WITH THE REPETITIONS AS FOLLOWS: 100 Yard Run For this, mark out a distance that is roughly the length of a football field. Use mailboxes or trees as markers or actually run a football field! If this is your first time to get physical, try a walk/run combo. Also, make sure to stay hydrated.

15 Burpees The burpee is performed by (1) dropping to all fours in a pushup position, and doing a pushup (using your knees is okay) where your chest and thighs touch the ground, then hopping up to your feet and then (2) jumping off the ground vertically while putting your hands overhead.

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1. modified

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20 “Prisoner” Lunges (10 per leg) These will keep those shoulders burning while focusing on the legs and core. Start by interlocking your fingers and placing your hands behind your head. The key on these is to not “rest” them on top of your head but to hold them up behind the head. Once there, proceed to lunge forward with one leg, brace your core and make sure to drop the back knee to the ground. Do not let the forward leg’s knee travel over the toes. Once the back leg’s knee touches the ground, step forward and switch legs. That’s 1 rep per leg or 2 reps total.

Grab a buddy and use each other as motivation to keep going. As always, be safe and have fun!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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HOLIDAY { THANKSGIVING 2016 }

happy

Friendsgiving

BY CHRISTINA DRISKELL PHOTOS BY MELISSA SHOOK

We started a tradition of Friendsgiving where our dearest and closest friends come together and we share a traditional Thanksgiving meal. The kids are left with grandparents or babysitters, and we get to enjoy the adult company for a few hours. We eat wonderful food together, we laugh together, we play card games together and we just enjoy the together-ness and fellowship between one another.

Our Friendsgiving is very casual, consisting of burlap table runners, wide mouth mason jars to drink out of, placemats that I found years ago at Target in the $1 section, mix-matched dishes, pumpkin candles filling the air with the heavenly scent we all know and love and the house decorated with homemade banners and scarecrows that my mom bought for me back when I was in college. A Thanksgiving feast gives me a chance to really experiment and work with foods that I normally don’t cook so we happily host. I’ve written this for you because we always have a great time at our Friendsgiving, and I believe it’s the casualness of the whole evening, food and company, that really sets the tone.

Our Friendsgiving Meal: – OVEN-BAKED TURKEY –

brined, injected, stuffed and basted

– THE BEST DRESSING – – BRUSSELS SPROUTS AU GRATIN – – ROASTED GARLIC & FETA MASHED POTATOES – – BOURBON CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE –

-BeforeYouBegin24 hours before you’re going to begin cooking your bird, you’re going to brine it. Here’s how to make the brine and prep your turkey:

HONEY MOLASSES & HERB TURKEY BRINE »» 3 quarts of Water »» 2 c Kosher Salt »» 1 1/2 c Molasses »» 1 1/2 c Honey »» 1 c Soy Sauce

»» 1 T Red Pepper Flakes »» 1 T Dried Sage »» 1 T Dried Thyme »» 1 T Rosemary »» 2 Bay Leaves

»» The peels from 3 Oranges »» 1 head of Garlic* * individual cloves removed- they don’t need to be chopped or minced, just the whole clove thrown in there.

Start by adding all of these things to a large stock pot. Stir together, bring to a boil and let simmer for about 10 minutes. You’re then going to transfer this liquid to a HUGE pot or bucket, big enough to hold your turkey. Then you’ll need:

» 3 additional quarts of water • About 2 lbs. of ice cubes • the turkey « To the large pot/bucket, add in the additional water and ice cubes. I just empty out our freezer’s ice bucket. Give all the liquid a quick stir. The last step is to prepare your turkey for brining by, obviously, removing the packaging and cleaning out the innards. Remove the gizzards and the neck (save if you like these things) and rinse the turkey out with water. Finally, place the turkey into the brine, pushing the bird into the liquid and allowing the cavity to fill up with the brine. With the ice cubes in the brine, it will stay cool for awhile so it can sit out on your counter or wherever you’d like to put it. However, once the ice cubes have melted, it needs to go into the fridge to make sure the bird stays cool. Leave the turkey in the brine for at least 24 hours.

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HOLIDAY { THANKSGIVING 2016 }

The big day! Preparing and cooking THE TURKEY! This consists of four major steps: injecting, basting, stuffing and cooking. Start by removing your turkey from the brine and placing breast side up in your roasting pan. Save the brine for just a little bit longer, you’ll need some things from it.

GARLIC BUTTER INJECTION LIQUID

CITRUS, GARLIC, AND HERB BASTE

STUFFING THE BIRD WITH FLAVOR

»» 1 Stick of Unsalted Butter »» 1 t Garlic Powder »» Injector

»» 3 Sticks of Unsalted Butter »» The Zest of 2 Large Lemons »» 2 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary, minced »» 2 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme, minced »» 3 t Garlic Powder

»» 2 Baseball sized Sweet Onions, cut into quarters »» 1 Garlic Head, individual cloves removed »» A Bunch (a few sprigs) of Rosemary »» A Bunch (a few sprigs) of Thyme »» 1 Honeycrisp Apple, chopped »» The Orange Slices and Bay Leaves from the Brine

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat with the garlic powder, stirring constantly. You DO NOT want this mixture to boil or get too hot, you just want it to melt. Add this liquid to your injector and inject into the turkey until you have run out of garlic butter! I tried to put most of it into the breast, because I knew that’s where moisture is usually lacking.

Add all of these ingredients to a small saucepan and melt together over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Once again, just get it all melted together, DO NOT BOIL. Using a basting brush, brush the liquid all over the turkey. Try to separate the skin from the breast a little and even get some baste in between those layers.

Once coated well with the brush, simply pour any basting leftovers directly onto the bird.

Simply stuff as much of these things into the cavity of the turkey. Really push it all in there, cramming as much as you can in there. This simply provides the bird with lots of flavor that will really be evident throughout the cooking process. You won’t do anything with all of this stuff as soon as the turkey is done, you can eat it if you want to, but it’s main objective is to simply provide extra flavor. You can now get rid of your brine—you’re all done with it!

FINALLY, preheat your oven to 350˚.

Using baker’s twine, tie up the legs of the turkey, which will help to close up the cavity and allow the turkey to cook more evenly. The key is to cook a turkey for about 15 minutes per pound. I cooked my 11-pound turkey for about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

I cooked mine half uncovered and then half loosely covered with foil. When I noticed the legs were getting rather dark, I decided to cover it with foil to prevent it from getting too dark. Your turkey is done when you insert a meat thermometer into the thigh and it reads at least 170˚. Cover the turkey with foil and let sit for about 30 minutes before cutting into it.

»» 2 heaping cups of Cornbread, cut into cubes »» 3 heaping cups of French Bread, cut into cubes »» 1 lb Italian Sausage

THE BEST DRESSING EVER

»» 1 T Butter »» 1 lb Baby Bella Mushrooms, chopped fine »» 1/2 c Diced Onion »» 1 Granny Smith Apple, diced

»» 2 Garlic Cloves, minced »» 1/2 c Dried Cranberries »» 1 T Brown Sugar »» 1/4 c Apple Cider »» 8 oz. Chicken Stock

»» 1/2 t Ground Thyme »» 1/2 t Dried Rosemary »» 1 Bay Leaf »» Salt, to taste »» Pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 350˚. Start by putting the cubes of bread into a large bowl and set aside. In a large skillet, brown the sausage until it’s all cooked.

Place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any grease and set aside. In the same large skillet with sausage grease poured out, add in the tablespoon of butter, mushrooms, onion, apple, garlic, cranberries and brown sugar. Let that cook together over medium high heat, stirring occasionally. Now your house is starting to smell wonderful! Once the onions become translucent, add in the apple cider. Reduce heat to low and let simmer together for about 5 minutes. Take this mixture and add it to the large bowl with the bread cubes. Next, in a small saucepan, place the chicken stock, thyme, rosemary and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf (throw away), then pour this mixture into the same large bowl with the bread cubes. Add the sausage to the large bowl as well and stir all the ingredients together using a big spoon. At this time, you might want to go ahead and taste it to see if you need/want any seasonings added to it. I added about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, just to give you an idea. When seasonings are where you like them and it’s all combined, place in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350˚ for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is nice and golden brown.

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HOLIDAY { THANKSGIVING 2016 }

BRUSSELS SPROUTS AU GRATIN

ROASTED GARLIC FETA MASHED POTATOES

»» 2 lbs of Brussels Sprouts, washed and halved »» 2 T Butter »» 2 T Flour »» 1 1/4 c Heavy Cream »» 1/4 c Mayonnaise »» 1 c Grated Fontina Cheese + additional 1/2 c for topping »» 1/2 c Grated Parmesan + additional 1/2 c for topping »» 1/2 t Salt »» Pepper, to taste

»» 1 Head of Garlic »» Olive Oil »» Salt »» 4 Large Russet Potatoes »» 5 oz. Crumbled Feta Cheese »» 1/2 c Butter »» 1/2 c Heavy Cream »» 1/2 t Pepper »» Salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 350˚. Get a large pot of water boiling. Toss in the brussels sprouts and stir them around for 2 minutes. You’re blanching them. They’ll turn bright green.

Remove from the pot of water and place in a baking dish. Next, in a medium saucepan, place the butter and melt over medium high heat. Once melted, reduce heat to low and add in the flour and quickly whisk together, trying to remove any lumps of flour. When combined, add in the heavy cream, mayonnaise, 1 c grated Fontina, and 1/2 c grated Parmesan. Stir this cheesy sauce together until the cheese gets all melty. Add in the salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce all over the brussels sprouts in the baking dish.

You may need/want to stir them just a little bit to make sure all the sprouts are covered in the sauce. Top with the remaining grated Fontina and Parmesan. Place in the 350˚ oven, uncovered, and cook for about 45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 425˚. Cut off the top of the garlic, exposing the cloves. Place the garlic on a piece of foil. Drizzle the garlic with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and lightly season with a pinch of salt. Wrap the head of garlic in the foil and place in the oven. Cook for about 30-35 minutes or until the garlic is golden brown.

Remove the skin from the potatoes. Chop into small chunks and place in a large pot. Once all the potatoes are chopped, add enough water to the pot to cover the potatoes. Add a few teaspoons of salt to season the water, adding flavor to the potatoes while they cook. Place on the stove and cook potatoes over medium heat until the potatoes are tender enough to stick a fork through with little to no resistance.

While the potatoes are cooking, remove the garlic all the cloves from the bulb. You can gently squeeze them out or use a fork to pull them out. Place in a small bowl and mash the cloves with a fork into a garlic paste.

When the potatoes are cooked, drain the water. Add the garlic, feta cheese, and butter to the hot potatoes. Mash all these ingredients together with a potato masher.

Once its all combined, add in the heavy cream and pepper. Mash or stir to combine these last ingredients. Taste and add some salt if desired.

BOURBON CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE »» 1 Pre-made Pie Crust »» 3 Eggs »» 1 cup Sugar »» 2 T melted butter »» 1 cup Dark Corn Syrup »» 1 t Vanilla »» 1/4 cup Bourbon »» 1/4 cup Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips »» 1 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans (I threw pecan halves in a food processor) »» 1 - 10 in. Cast Iron Skillet or Pie Dish Preheat oven to 375˚. Sprinkle the skillet with flour and roll out your pie crust dough. Place into the skillet and press into the bottom and sides. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla and bourbon When it’s all combined, set aside. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and pecans on the bottom of the crust. Pour the filling mixture on top.

The pecans will rise to the top. Bake for 40 minutes. Let cool completely to room temperature before serving.

meet

christina Otherwise known as The Fireman’s Wife. I have a blog all about family, food and life with my fireman!

I recreate old family recipes, create new ones and write about our life here in Ellis County.

Visit Christina’s Blog: thefiremanswifefood.com

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Oh! Christmas Tree HOLIDAY

The design for the top of the tree is always the favorite.

Sometimes less is more.

Teresa used a large twig star.

Around the star she added fresh blue thistle and wooden flowers on stems from Texas Pearls & Co. Look for elements around your home that you can add to your tree to pull the look together.

Story & Design: Teresa Choate at the Lodge at Loma Linda Flowers: Henry Frayre at Fresh Market Flowers Photos: Melissa Shook

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Special thank you to Henry Frayre for always collaborating with me and trying anything. Huge shout out to Mandy at Texas Pearls & Co. for one-of-a-kind elements.

- Teresa Choate

HOLIDAY

“The general concept for this design was to be inviting, natural and woodsy. We had a broad idea of what elements we wanted to incorporate. We liked the contrast of the metal finish ribbon and the plaid ribbon with the hint of blue. The biggest inspiration came from a piece we found at Texas P earls & Co.; we loved the wooden deer with its detail and antlers.“

u

We used two different styles and textures of ribbon: the copper wire metal mesh and a plaid with gold and blue accents. We incorporated the natural elements by using the cotton.

v

We enjoy doing groupings of similar items. So, we included three gold deer, two standing and only one lying down to complement the larger deer head.

w

We also encompassed natural twig stars dusted with glitter, choosing to place a couple within the tree and a larger star at the top.

x

Why not use fresh floral on your tree? Touches of white hydrangea add to the living nature of the tree.

y

The largest focal point in the tree does not necessarily have to be on the top. We like to add elements of surprise throughout the tree, which is why we love this wooden deer.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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HOLIDAY

PHOTO BY MELISSA SHOOK

Love for the Ladies

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: “Junk Gypsy” by Amie Sikes & Jolie Sikes, amazon.com, $25 // Kate Spade Holiday Village Thermal Mug, Bittersweet Bakery, $18 // Kate Spade New York Deco Dot Recipes Box, Bittersweet Bakery, $30 // Swan iPhone Case, riflepaperco.com, $36 // Paris Illustrated Art Print, riflepaperco.com, $24 // Joyeux Noel Ornament Assortment, rosannainc.com, $16 each // “I’ll Love you Till the Day I Die” Sign, Texas Pearls & Co., $37 // Vintage Purse, Old Town Village, $15 // Paul & Joe Holiday 2016 Nail Polish, beautyhabit.com, $16 each // Limited Edition Paul & Joe Lip Gloss, beautyhabit.com, $25 each // Clock, Soco Depot, $28 // Marie Antoinette Notepad, The Doves Nest, $7.50 // “A” Letter Décor, Texas Pearls & Co, $12 // “Never Be Like the Rest of Them Darling” Bag, The Doves Nest, $14.95

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HOLIDAY

PHOTO BY MELISSA SHOOK

Gifts for the Guys FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Cowboys Tool Box, Boyce Feed & Grain, $49.50 // Fresh Market Gift Card & Coffee, Fresh Market Coffee // Macho Socks, The Doves Nest, $11.95 // Yeti hat, Ark Country Store, $24.99 // Monte Carlo Collection Wall Art, RosannaInc.com, $24 each // Three Cheers for Beers Gift Set, SoCo Depot, $52 // Jack Black, “The Jack Pack” Gift Set (Facial Cleanser, Moisturizer, Shave Lather, etc.) , Getjackblack.com, $ 49 // Binoculars, SWFA, $429.95 // “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, amazon.com, $32.50

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HOLIDAY FEATURE

PHOTO BY MELISSA SHOOK

Buys for the Babes FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Horse Toy, Boyce Feed & Grain, $16 // Football Bibs, Chic Boutique, $22.95 // Dress, Chic Boutique, $33.95 // Peter Powers and His Not-So-Super Powers by Kent Clark and Brandon T. Snider, amazon.com, $15.99 // Doodle Crate—Create a Woodworking Clock, kiwicrate.com, subscription $19.95 per month // Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll 150th anniversary edition hardcover book & matching bookmark, riflepaperco.com, $30 // Fox Onesie, The Doves Nest, $29.95 // Pretend Makeup Beauty Set, littlecosmetics.com, $28.99 // Space Mission Sandbox, begoodcompany.com, $31.98

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Shopping Guide

MARKETPLACE v

u w

 x

y

1. FARMHOUSE 2. THE Amy just returned from a STUDIO shopping trip in France!

Love this old copper pitcher, filled with flowers from Farmhouse and a French shoe shine bench. Look for our Farmhouse candles, body scrubs and room sprays.

Home - Garden Antiques - Art. Open Tues through Sat. 10 - 5.

308A S. College WAXAHACHIE 972.938.9090

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Trending now: white buffalo turquoise squash blossom necklace. This very rare sterling silver set was crafted by M. Spenser. Always 20% off!

3671 N. Hwy. 77 WAXAHACHIE 972.617.7740

3. OLD TOWN VILLAGE 4. THE MIX ANTIQUES & UNIQUES Are you a glitz and Skip the crowded malls with the same-old stuff. Instead, shop downtown for antiques, collectibles and vintage gifts that are sure to please everyone on your Christmas list. We have 60 shops on three levels with old, new and artistically created pieces. Make it a magical holiday!

Open every day.

307 S. Rogers St. WAXAHACHIE 972.938.9515 www.oldtownvillageantiques.com @oldtownvillage_antiques

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

glam girl? Then come to The Mix for your Christmas clutches and more.

It’s everything!

Interior design, gifts & clothing store.

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

5. MOSAIC MADNESS

6. FUNKY OWL ART STUDIO

A masterpiece created by you will make the perfect gift this holiday season. Stepping stones, flower pots, clocks, birdbaths, vases, frames and so much more. Fun for all ages! Find us on Facebook & Instagram.

We are ready for the holidays at the Funky Owl! Come in and paint on pottery, canvas paint, or learn to glass fuse. We have lots of holiday items to paint, including a huge assortment of ornaments to personalize. Start on your handmade holiday gifts now, don’t wait! No appointment needed, just walk-in and create. Fun for all ages!

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

2305 N. Hwy. 77 (next to Ann’s) WAXAHACHIE 972.923.7788 www.funkyowlartstudio.com Find us on Facebook

Living

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Ellis County Living Magazine • 405 W. Madison • Waxahachie www.living-magazine.com • info@living-magazine.com • Office: 972.935.0938 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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Sweet souvenir giving memories as gifts

BY DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD

Boxes and stacks have a way of creeping up on us. Our storage spaces are packed.

Our closets are packed. Every shelf and cabinet in the house are packed and sometimes we actually start stuffing things under the beds.

Sound familiar?

I have found that I have moved the same boxes of unknown “stuff” from one house to the other for decades. Now, if you are unlike me and have stayed in the same house for your entire adult life, you may not have a clue what you actually have either. I have owned this house for 14 years, which is longer than any other home in my life, and I still have these boxes.

My mother died in 2000 and I ended up with several more boxes of her keepsakes. I stacked them in the attic with the others I have collected and forgotten about.

I have had the grandiose idea for many years to put together scrapbooks for my children. A few years ago I actually bought some books and started with baby steps to get the job done. Being totally overwhelmed with the project, I laid it aside. Now those books are part of the “stuff” I have collected.

A few years back I began to worry about Mother’s boxes. I started digging through the Christmas decorations and

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endless stacks of boxes trying to identify the ones that belonged to her. One by one I dug them out. Before long my guest room looked like a photo explosion.

In opening those plastic bins and boxes I discovered my past. There in those boxes were proof that I had once been a little girl. I had once had three brothers and a sister. I had once had parents and grandparents who, too, had been children.

In that experience, I unveiled my history and things I had long forgotten. When I was a child, on blistering cold winter days, we spent endless hours going through picture boxes. Mother would identify the relatives in the pictures and often tell stories that went along with them. The day I spread those pictures out all over that bedroom, I felt like I had stepped back in time.

Being the only member of my generation, I realized that no one was left to share these stories with my children and grandchildren. They were just lost in dusty old boxes to be forever forgotten.

I left those pictures, documents and keep

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HOME & GARDEN SWEET SOUVENIR

sakes spread all over that room until I decided how to approach the problem.

I could never get scrapbooks done in my lifetime. Along with photos of me, there were pictures of all of my siblings and their children, too. That meant eight more scrapbooks for my nieces and nephews.

started by making separate stacks for each child. I tried to include pictures of each of them as children in every box.

For my cousins, our children have always been close, so it was important to add them all to each stack. I included picture of all the aunts and uncles they had grown up with.

Then, one day I decided to start buying decorative boxes, you know, like the cardboard boxes that look like they are covered with wallpaper. I bought one for each of my three girls and all eight of my nieces and nephews. I had a plan.

Once I had gotten a handle on getting the stacks together, I placed them into their proper boxes and transferred the boxes to the bed. I continued going through the pictures until I had all of the pictures of myself, my siblings and all of our families sorted.

Every day after work I would go upstairs to the bedroom and start sorting through pictures. I returned to the attic to find several old dusty boxes filled with pictures that I had collected throughout my life. I began blending Mother’s things with mine.

My plan was to fill the boxes with pictures that pertained to each person. I

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Christmas was just around the corner and I knew exactly what I was going to do with the boxes. When we had our family Christmas gift exchange, I presented my girls with their boxes. On Christmas Eve I gave my nieces and nephews who were present their boxes.

They ended up on the living room floor for most of the evening, doing just what

I did on cold winter days, going through old memories and sharing stories.

I hope your holidays are filled with lots of family and wonderful memories.

God bless and I will see you next year,

DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD Diane has been decorating Ellis County for more than 30 years. Contact Diane Johnson Interiors at 972.935.8899 or djohnsoninteriors@hotmail.com.

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HOME & GARDEN

Deck the Halls

BY COURTNEY WARREN

Christmas reds and greens, they go together like putting butter on bread, getting sleepy after eating turkey and eating green bean casserole with those crunchy onions on top. What if red and green don’t match with your room? Is it okay to venture out of the holiday-approved colors and decorate with something different? I am here to tell you not only is it okay but sometimes, it is a breath of fresh air. Here is a bright and whimsical tree design that will brighten a festive room this season.

Candyland Fun

- color scheme: teal, pink and red This is a great theme to do for a kid’s room, game room or play room because kids love this tree. It is over the top with color. Top it off with some faux or real lollipops for an extra dose of fun and frivolity!

»» Teal Boa »» Shiny Teal Tulle »» Red Curly Q’s

- on the tree »» Oversized Lollipops »» Pink Striped Ribbon »» Yarn Ball Garland

Remember, we decorate to celebrate the season. Do not let it stress you out! Make it fun, eat some snacks and get your family involved. If you think being prodded with hot twinkle lights sounds more fun than decorating, let the Queen of Christmas (that’s what they call me) give you a hand! Actually, no one calls me that. But I do truly love helping people decorate for the holidays. Maybe you could start calling me that if I help you?

Love, the (newly self-appointed) Queen of Christmas

meet courtney

I’m an interior designer who specializes in decorating, renovation & home staging. I am passionate in helping stuck people love their home. I love my home, which was just chosen to be featured in Better Homes & Gardens special publication, “Best of Flea Market Style 2016.” I live in my 3rd renovated historic home in Waxahachie with our 2 boys & my husband, who is a local pastor. I would rather be wearing flip flops than heels. Follow my daily projects on Instagram at @courtneywarrenhome or see my work at courtneywarren.com.

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HOME & GARDEN

{ ellis county master gardeners association }

november

BY MELINDA KOCIAN

PLANTING

»» This is an ideal time to plant coolseason greens such as spinach, lettuce, mustard, Swiss chard and arugula. »» Bluebonnets can still be planted from transplants. Plant pansies and violas this month, and mix in blood meal with the amended soil. »» Daffodils and grape hyacinth may be planted once soil temperature drops below 55° F. Plant 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. »» Now through February is a great time to plant container-grown trees and shrubs. Consider the mature size of the plant, especially trees, when deciding on variety and placement. Dig a hole two times the diameter and one inch shallower than the root ball. Make sure the root ball and the hole are thoroughly wet before planting. Back fill with existing soil only and water well.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

»» Feed and water cool-season vegetables that you are growing now.

»» Feed winter annuals growing in the ground and containers with a highnitrogen, water-soluble plant food every two to three weeks. »» Remove the tops of herbaceous perennials after they have died. Add 2-3 inches of mulch to the beds to reduce winter weed growth. »» Trim patio plants and hanging baskets before moving indoors for the winter.

Locate them near bright windows. »» Refrain from pruning freeze-damaged plant material at this time. This pruning is best done in late winter.

GARDEN WATCH

»» It’s time to winterize. Disconnect hoses from faucets and drain all hose-end sprinklers. Bring all tender tropicals indoors. Greenhouse owners should check the heating and ventilation systems to ensure proper operation. Perform maintenance on outdoor equipment.

Drain fuel from gasoline-powered engines and run the carburetor dry.

GAYFEATHER (liatris elegans)

BLOOMS AUGUST TO OCTOBER

The gayfeather is a slender, unbranched plant, 1-4 feet tall. Its narrow leaves, much like pine needles, are about 3 inches long, whorled around the stem. The flower spike is 6-20 inches tall, blooming from the top downward. Flowers are purple about a half inch long.

There are no ray flowers, but long petal-like bracts the same color as the disc flowers.

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»» Check potted plants growing outside for insects (mealy bugs, whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, roaches, ants) before moving inside for the winter. Apply a labeled insecticide several days prior to the move, if needed. »» Stockpile leaves for use in compost or as mulch. It is an excellent way to recycle organic waste and to nourish plants and enrich the soil. Mix one cup of high nitrogen fertilizer per cubic yard of compost. Turn pile with spade fork to keep it aerated. Water, if needed. »» When planning new landscapes, select trees, shrubs and perennials that are winter hardy in your area. It is best to choose plants from your zone and the one or two zones to the north of you. According to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map, Ellis County is located in Zone 8 (average lowest annual temperature is 10° F to 20° F).

Therefore, plants listed for Zones 8, 7 and 6 should be your best bets.

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HOME & GARDEN

{ ellis county master gardeners association }

december

BY MELINDA KOCIAN

PLANTING

»» Plant pre-chilled tulip and hyacinth bulbs mid- to late-month. Plant bulbs in masses, as opposed to narrow rows, for best effect. »» Daffodil bulbs may still be planted. Look for early- and small-flowering varieties that tend to naturalize and return year after year. »» Plant berry-producing trees and shrubs to add winter color to your landscape.

Some good choices include possumhaw holly, yaupon holly, Carolina buckthorn, rusty blackhaw viburnum and American beautyberry. Select plants with the berries on them to know what you are buying. »» Create a wildlife-friendly landscape that attracts birds, bees and butterflies by planting a diversity of native and adapted plants. Choose drought tolerant, sustainable plants, and those with Earth-Kind® and Texas Superstar® designations. »» Considering a living Christmas tree?

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

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

»» Apply a root stimulator such as liquid seaweed or a high-phosphorus fertilizer to newly planted trees and shrubs. »» Do not top crape myrtles or remove the central leader of any shade tree.

It destroys the crape myrtle’s natural shape, and it delays blooming by five or six weeks. If your plant is too tall or too wide, remove or relocate it, and replace with something smaller that won’t require trimming. »» Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around perennial flowers and newly planted trees, shrubs and vines. It protects against winter freeze damage, conserves moisture and moderates soil temperatures. »» Remove mistletoe from trees as soon as it becomes visible. Use a pole pruner to remove the entire twig from infected branches before the mistletoe produces berries. There are no effective consumer products to control this parasitic plant.

COREOPSIS

(coreopsis tinctoria nutt) ANNUAL BLOOMS FEBRUARY TO DECEMBER

Plains coreopsis is seen as large splashes of yellow along roadsides and in fields in spring, especially in relatively moist soils. The plants produce numerous flower heads on slender, branching stems. Brown centers are flecked with yellow. Ray petals are yellow with a maroon spot at the base which may be small or may occupy a large part of the ray. There are many species with several varieties of coreopsis in Texas, often making identification difficult. Although its big show is in the spring, coreopsis will bloom until frost in a year with ample rains.

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GARDEN WATCH

»» Protect tender vegetation from the cold with a lightweight frost cloth available at most nurseries and garden centers. »» Continue to water lawns and newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials if rainfall is insufficient. »» Prepare garden soil for spring planting by tilling in 6 inches of organic matter (compost, rotted manure) to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. »» Don’t forget our feathered friends especially during the winter when their natural food supply is limited. Providing sunflower, safflower and thistle seed, suet and fruit will attract many species of birds to your backyard. Also, be sure to provide water. »» Take advantage of the cold weather to sit down and check out the new seed and nursery catalogues. Order early to ensure availability.

Learn more from Ellis County Master Gardeners Association at:

/ECMGA

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MEDICAL

Surviving the Holidays

BY DR. KATHERINE DONALDSON

Dear Dr. Donaldson,

The holidays are coming up and we are going to be staying with my husband’s parents.

I have never felt particularly accepted by them and I am worried about how things will go. Sometimes I feel left out or sometimes they give me advice and it makes me feel they think I am not good enough for their son or a good enough mother.

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We choose our spouse, but we do not get to choose our in-laws. It is tough feeling like the outsider and it is hard to be criticized. There are things you can do to improve the relationship and help you feel better about spending time with your husband’s family. »» First and foremost, work together with your husband. Do not let these issues come between you. »» Start a new holiday ritual with his family. Rituals help strengthen bonds. »» Realize that his family may feel threatened by you. They may resent their loss of influence over him, or not being able to spend as much time with him as before you married. If this is the case, try to set them at ease by reassuring them of how important they are to both of you. »» You may consider listening to their advice and taking what is helpful and disregarding the rest.

If they persist, let them know you appreciate how much they care about their grandchildren while reassuring them that you have things handled. »» Have a plan with your husband

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to make an exit if the visit becomes toxic. »» If your in-laws have unhealthy behaviors, you and your husband may choose to limit the amount of time you spend with them. For example, you may choose to get a hotel room instead of staying in their home.

But be aware if your husband does not share your feelings, he may come to resent you if he perceives you as treating his family unkindly. »» Pick your battles. Some things aren’t worth getting upset about and are not worth upsetting your husband over. »» Know that you and your husband are a team. If these issues start to divide you, talk things out, with both of you having the opportunity to share your feelings. As long as you and your husband can work together, you can get through this. »» Remember that although his parents may not like everything about you, you probably don‘t like everything about them either. That is okay. You don’t need their approval. Your husband chose you, and what re-

ally matters is your marriage and how you both feel about each other. »» Having said that… focus on what you do appreciate about them.

They must have some good traits if they parented your husband. »» If they have healthy relationships with your children, you can appreciate that. »» If you begin to feel things are insurmountable you may want to seek out the help of a therapist.

I hope your holidays are peaceful and happy.

DR. DONALDSON is a clinical psychologist practicing in Waxahachie.

She can be contacted at 972.923.0730 or by visiting donaldsonwellnesscenter.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.

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MEDICAL

A Diabetes-Friendly Diet While Dining Out During the Holidays

BY BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER - WAXAHACHIE

The holidays seem to only add to the already

hectic schedules of most people. This time of year often means extra hours at the office before year-end, a slew of holiday celebrations occupying nights and weekends and time out shopping for family and friends. In turn, many Americans find themselves dining out or ordering take-out more than they do at any other point in the year. This makes eating right even more of a challenge, especially for people living with or at risk of diabetes.

Nearly 30 million Americans are living with diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association. Add to that another 85-plus million who are at risk for the disease, and the word “epidemic” seems quite appropriate in describing the condition, which can lead to serious health complications and even death.

Whether you have diabetes or are at risk for the disease, one of the most important things

you can do to manage or prevent complications – and for your overall health – is eat right.

Although maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge under any circumstance, it is even more challenging while dining out.

“Eating out is no longer a once-in-a-while treat for most people. Whether it’s a work meeting or picking up food for the family on the way home from the kids’ soccer practice, eating out is now a part of our daily culture,” says Lisa Dunn, certified diabetes educator at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie.

With eating out a fact of life, especially during the holidays, it’s important for individuals with diabetes and at risk for the disease to be particularly diligent in making wise choices when they order.

OUT OF PROPORTION Portions served in restaurants, especially fast food and dining chains, are often larger than what is needed for a meal.

“If an entrée is too large, share it or box it up. In fact, in these types of restaurants, you should request a to-go box before you even start eating,” recommends Dunn. To help determine the right amount of food, look no further than your hands.

Meat should be about the size of a palm, while cooked grains, starches and dressing-heavy sides like coleslaw should fit comfortably in one cupped hand. Soup and salad should be about the size of two cupped hands. Dressings, sauces, or other toppings should be one tablespoon, which is the size of two thumbs next to each other. Beverages containing sugar should be avoided, choose water or other sugar-free options.

KNOW THE LINGO "It's great that many restaurants now disclose calorie count and some other nutritional information about their menus. But not all restaurants do or it may not be enough information to make a healthy choice,” explains Dunn.

Here are some item descriptors to watch for, which usually indicate a healthier menu choice: »» Au jus – juice from meat, usually without added fat or calories. »» Blackened – usually cooked in a pan with spices. »» Braised – slow cooked in covered pan. »» Grilled – cooked over an open flame. »» Roasted – cooked in an oven with upper heat source. »» Broth – a water-based sauce, usually fat and sugar free (but watch for high sodium). »» Coulis – fruit or vegetable puree. »» Nage – stock made from herbs and veggies. »» Poached – usually cooked in water. »» Steamed – cooked with steaming water.

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Avoid food that is prepared or served in a high-fat or high-carb manner by steering clear of menu items containing terms such as: »» Aioli – garlic-flavored mayonnaise. »» Bearnaise/hollandaise – “aise” indicates butter and egg yolks, usually a heavy sauce. »» Beurre – “butter” in French. »» Bisque – a soup made from cream. »» Cream/creamy – made from heavy whipping cream. »» Breaded/crusted – fried food that has been coated in nuts, breadcrumbs, or potato. »» Fried/crispy – cooked in oil. »» Pan roasted/golden brown – cooked in butter or oil. »» Gratin – usually contains cheese or buttered breadcrumbs, sometimes as a crust. »» Fritto/piccolo misto – large/small fried pieces. »» Sauteed – fried in a pan with a small amount of oil.

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MEDICAL EATING RIGHT DURING THE HOLIDAYS CONT. KITCHEN CONTROL THE IMPORTANCE OF MEAL TIMING

For people with diabetes – and most people in general – it’s best to eat every four to five hours while awake. Often around the holidays, meal timing is thrown off. So if you know you’ll be grabbing dinner out later than usual, eat a healthy snack in the afternoon like dried fruit or nuts. It may also keep you from overeating at dinner. And remember, drink plenty of water throughout the day, which also can help with appetite control.

Most restaurants post their menus online, so before going, check the options out in advance to know what items might fit well in a meal plan. Don’t be afraid to substitute unhealthy sides for healthier ones or to leave sauces and dressings off or at least on the side in order to use less. Also, consider ordering just an appetizer and then a side salad for your meal, or at least avoid ordering both an appetizer and a main entrée. If you have to have dessert, order something that can be shared with the whole table.

Many people also find themselves drinking more alcohol around the holidays.

Remember, alcoholic beverages are often high in calories, but have no nutritional value. The same can be said for sugary drinks such as sodas, sweet tea and coffee loaded with sugar and cream.

“Controlling your diet is one of the keys to controlling diabetes and your weight,” says Dunn. “Eating out is easy and fun.

With a little forethought, it can also be relatively healthy.”

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers, Baylor Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health.

­— Holiday Recipe — It’s turkey time! Having just a small gathering for the holidays? Rather than going out to eat or cooking an entire turkey, get fresh turkey tenderloins or breast from your local grocery store and try this delicious, easy and healthy holiday meal.

Pan Seared Turkey Medallions with Chili Pecan Gravy on Autumn Couscous makes 6 servings

PAN SEARED TURKEY MEDALLIONS & CHILI PECAN GRAVY »» 2-3 lbs. turkey tenderloins or breast of turkey, sliced ½ inch thick »» 1 Tbsp. olive oil »» ¼ cup pecans, chopped »» 1 tsp. chili powder »» 2 stalks celery, diced »» 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

»» ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced »» 3 cups turkey or chicken broth »» ½ yellow onion, diced »» ¼ cup water and 1 Tbsp. cornstarch to thicken »» 1 Tbsp. fresh garlic, minced »» Salt and pepper to taste

Season turkey medallions with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a cast iron pan on medium heat. Add medallions and sear each side 2-3 minutes. Set aside to be finished in oven at 350˚ for 1-3 minutes. Add all vegetables and garlic to cast iron pan and sauté till tender, about 2-3 minutes. Add chili powder, pecans, broth and vinegar. Heat to simmer, thicken with starch mixture.

Add more salt and pepper to taste.

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AUTUMN COUSCOUS »» 2 cups couscous »» ¼ cup zucchini, diced »» 2 cups chicken broth, boiled »» ¼ cup carrot, diced »» 3 Tbsp. olive oil »» ¼ cup dried cranberries

»» 1 clove garlic, minced »» ¼ cup red bell pepper, seeded and diced »» 1 pinch salt »» 1 pinch ground black pepper »» ¼ cup yellow squash, diced

In a sauté pan, add oil and heat. Add vegetable mixture, garlic and cranberries. Add broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Add couscous and cover. Let stand for five minutes, then fluff with a fork. Serve with a vegetable such as asparagus or steamed broccoli.

Recipe from the Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas Ruth Collins Diabetes Center.

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LA FIN

Christmas at

The Doves Nest please join us Nov. 17 | 3 pm - 8 pm book signing • christian inspired paintings • books • live music

Each year the ECLM staff asks me to write about how I spend my holidays. I think, as in most professions, the grass is always greener because the truth is, from mid-October to New Year's Eve I spend all my time making sure our customers are able to live out their own holiday traditions, leaving little time for mine. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and get great satisfaction making a client's holiday party a special event.

a lot to impress me at markets, but this year the manufacturers were showing some fresh new ideas. I was so tired of the snowman motif on everything and still can’t figure out why black Scottie dogs are so popular. I don’t even know anyone who owns a black Scottie dog. The gift markets are also a good barometer for the economy. If manufacturers are showing new trends and designs it means they have faith in the market.

I also enjoy merchandising the store with all the seasonal items and know I am helping to inspire and decorate many Ellis County homes for the holidays. However, like the cobbler’s children who had no shoes, my home is usually the last to get a tree up, if at all. There’s a good chance the extent of decking the halls this season will be tossing a pillow that says: “Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle” on my sofa and dusting off the nativity scene that I never got around to putting away from last year.

Despite the crazy election looming over us, Texans seem to be pretty positive going into this holiday season. We decided with all of the hateful political rhetoric we have witnessed this year we would concentrate on bringing Christ back into Christmas.

We have tried to fill the store with beautiful nativity scenes and iconic religious items. We also have a nontraditional aqua & chocolate brown color palette for our main tree and extended the color scheme into our new line of bedding with turquoise velvet bedspreads and pillow shams that mix beautifully with our natural linens. Our gourmet food area is stocking up with cookbooks, jams, candied nuts and chocolate, while other areas in the store are overflowing with candles, room sprays, and Christmas scented soaps.

The holidays for me start in June when I head to the Christmas market in the Texas heat. Just when straw purses and tropical scented candles are coming in, I’m gambling on what the hot new stocking stuffer will be and whether people will think peacock feathers look cool in a Christmas tree.

I’ve been in this business so long that it takes

I am excited about our holiday event in the store on November 17. Please join us for

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

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cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres. We have famous jewelry designer, Dian Malouf joining us again this year for an incredible trunk show along with Ginnie Johansen Johnson and her daughter Sarah, who will share their line called King’s Daughter, a Christian lifestyle collection of books and paintings inspired by scripture to help women and girls live with an unshakable identity, radiant joy and kingdom purpose as a King’s daughter in Christ–all for the glory of God. I know it will be a very special evening.

When I really think about it, I do have traditions and ideas. I just share it in different ways by giving people good food to eat and an inspired place to shop. Honestly, that brings me more joy than having my own home decorated for the holidays. I hope to see you at the Doves Nest soon and I wish you all a very special Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Cindy Burch

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