September 2017 Ellis County Living Magazine

LM I Ellis County Living Magazine

ELLIS COUNTY

September/October 2017/living-magazine.com

Waxahachie Civic Center Presents The 14th Annual

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

Waxahachie Civic Center 2000 CIVIC CENTER LANE

Now Accepting Vendor Applications FOR MORE DETAILS: 469-309-4040 OR VISIT WAXAHACHIECIVICCENTER.ORG

Voted “Best Mortgage Company” in Ellis County: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 It’s about Communities, Families and Homes.

Welcome Home... to Ellis County!

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

Their Waxahachie office has over 100 years experience in the mortgage industry and best of all, they live and work right here in ELLIS COUNTY.

Gateway Welcomes

Adrian Sanchez to their Award-Winning Team!

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.

Adrian Sanchez 469.628.3868

LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 643358

Adrian.Sanchez@GatewayLoan.com

The Schmidt Group promises you:

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

¡HABLO ESPAÑOL!

Your Award-Winning Team Jeff Schmidt 817.681.7897

Terry Wooten 214.949.9285

Tom Ker 972.365.7022

NMLS 91368

NMLS 224831

NMLS 356892

REGIONAL MANAGER

Jeff.Schmidt@GatewayLoan.com

SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Nick Hester 469.855.9262

Laura Mitchell 972.743.9520

NMLS 338108

NMLS 864780

SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR Nick.Hester@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace 903.571.9869

LOAN ORIGINATOR/BUSINESS DEV MGR NMLS 1146461

Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

LOAN ORIGINATOR

Laura.Mitchell@GatewayLoan.com

SENIOR LOAN ORIGINATOR Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Authier 903.654.0145

LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1527367

Matt.Authier@GatewayLoan.com

Visit us online: www.TheSchmidtGrp.com

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

Texas Plants and Trees • Pottery Fountains • Patio Décor Succulents • Miniature Gardens Join Us This Fall!

September 16 at 10 am Get Ready for Fall Seminar

September 30 at 10 am Jurassic Gardens Workshop

October 14 at 10 am Miniature Halloween Garden Workshop

October 14 at 11 am Pumpkin Smash Family Festival and Sale

NEW! Hand rolled clear plastic curtains, with a rope & pulley for ease of raising.

NFPA 701 F/R

Certified Vinyl & Clear

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PATIO COVERS AWNINGS RETRACTABLE AWNINGS ELECTRIC & MANUAL SHADE SCREENS

CUSTOM DESIGN • ADDS CHARACTER & PRIVACY

4551 Old Hwy. 67 • Midlothian 972.723.8000 • info@doubleccanvas.com

www.doubleccanvas.com

The Ultimate in Outdoor Living

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

Lazy River Pool Company

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

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

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

C&M STAINING & OVERLAY TRANSFORMING AND RESTORING CONCRETE SURFACES FOR OVER

THE LOOK OF WOOD, THE DURABILITY OF CEMENT! PICTURED: CEMENT OVERLAY WITH WOOD EFFECT

PET FRIENDLY SCRATCH RESISTANT STAIN RESISTANT CHIP RESISTANT NO COLOR LIMITATIONS

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE • 469-552-6001 • WWW.CONCRETEANDMORE.COM

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 |

volume 13

|

issue 5

LIFE & STYLE

26 BEAUTY & THE BRIDE! Alerting blushing brides

28

A NOURISHED LIFE

Christina looks back on married life!

32

NATIONAL TAILGATING DAY Waxahachie’s Luke Lorick on his signature event coming to a parking lot near you

34

FEMININE FALL READS Slip one of these in inspiring memoirs and stories into your weekender.

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72

JOURNALING TO KNOW YOURSELF Dr. Elizabeth Amerine discusses her latest book

HOME 54

FARMHOUSE NOW & FOREVER? Diane Johnson Collard reflects on the classic style 58 COURTNEY WARREN COLUMN Designing bedrooms for childhood 60 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER GARDENING Ellis County Master Gardeners are ready for fall.

MEDICAL

64 STREAMLINED TREATMENTS FOR BREAST CANCER Dr. Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS on the latest treatment 66 MARRIAGE & TOGETHERNESS Me, You and Us from Dr. Skinner’s chair

28 FEATURE: THE WEDDING ISSUE 38 ARMSTRONG/SIMMONS 40 PITTS/WASHINGTON 42 KENNEDY/KINNEY 44 JETT/RUBLE 46 VENDORS FOR 2017 WEDDINGS 48 WEDDING BAG ESSENTIALS

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38 FASHION 14 - 24

BE OUR GUEST Year-round wedding chic photographed at Hidden Waters in Waxahchie.

68 STAYING ABREAST Baylor Scott & White bust myths about breast cancer treatments 70

NEW HOME, NEW YOU Waxahachie-based dentist Dr. Seth Atkins’ advice for newlyweds

72 CINDY BURCH: PORTUGAL PARTE DOIS

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER PRESENTS

43RD ANNUAL WAXAHACHIE CHAMBER AUCTION

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2017 WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER 6:00 PM $75 PER PERSON $550 PER TABLE OF EIGHT GUESTS

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RESERVE TICKETS, CONTACT THE CHAMBER AT 972.937.2390 OR EMAIL SKING@WAXAHACHIECHAMBER.COM

CENTURY CLUB RAFFLE TICKETS ARE $100 EACH AND THIS YEAR, WE WILL ONLY SELL 300 OF THEM! PURCHASE YOUR TICKET OVER THE PHONE (972) 937-2390 OR ON-LINE AT WWW.WAXAHACHIECHAMBER.COM.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN!

{

WWW.WAXAHACHIECHAMBER.COM

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

EDITOR’S NOTE

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER CINDY CAMP publisher@living-magazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINDSEY KEENEY lindsey@living-magazine.com

For the last 13 years, Ellis County Living Magazine has documented countless wedding celebrations around the area. We have loved having a backstage view of the ceremonies in churches, backyards and on farms county-wide in every page of each Wedding Issue. 2017 is our best year yet.

We have innovative brides using vintage colors, textures and sweet sentiments to create a wedding day that is uniquely their own.

Weddings are endlessly fascinating as a cultural touchstone in our society, and we hope you enjoy reading about these four couples who graciously shared their wedding day with ECLM and our readers. Please stop by our booth at the Bridal Extravaganza Market at the Waxahachie Civic Center on September 17, 2017, and let us know which one is your favorite!

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

ADVERTISING CHRIS BENNETT chris@living-magazine.com

- Meagan ASSISTANT EDITOR TYLER-MARIE EVANS social@living-magazine.com

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

ART DIRECTOR CARLY PECHAL creative@living-magazine.com

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

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

No portion of Ellis County Living Magazine shall be reprinted in any other publication without permission.

The views expressed herein should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician.

MAGAZINE

STAFF PHOTOS BY LUCILLE PHOTO COVER PHOTO BY HUNTER HOLM PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE KINNEY/KENNEDY WEDDING AT THE SECRET GARDEN AT ROLAND’S

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 // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

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

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

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

Explore What’s New In

Ennis Y’all KINDRED SOULE MARKETPLACE Wedding day or anniversary, give the gift of gratitude to any couple to celebrate their love in a unique way.

200 W. Knox St. #100 DOWNTOWN ENNIS (972) 876-4202 kindredsoule.com

MINNIE MCDOWAL PARK Grand Opening! Join us at the grand opening of Minnie McDowal Park.

The park is a fabulous gathering space in downtown Ennis with a water feature, art wall, climbing sculptures and restrooms. This will be the perfect place to relax under a shade tree and enjoy the heart of our city.

972-878-4748

INTERIOR IDEAS, INC.

ENNIS PUBLIC THEATRE Our mission is to create an environment for performers to foster growth and achievement and to be a destination for many to experience a taste of artistic life and vitality that will entertain, educate, encourage and inspire.

113 N. Dallas St. | DOWNTOWN ENNIS (972) 878-7529 | ennispublictheatre.com

ENNIS AUTUMN DAZE OCTOBER 21ST Come downtown for awesome fall family fun.

Pumpkin painting, hay maze, corn pit, food, shopping and more! Download the Ennis Y’all mobile app for a list of all upcoming fall events.

972-878-4748 visitennis.org

“Expect More”

Give the bride-to-be everything she needs to kick off her fall entertaining calendar. At Interior Ideas & Wildflower Cafe we have you covered this fall with gifts, shopping, lunch and a friendly downtown atmosphere.

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

ROSEWOOD RANCHES, INC. Our mission is to deliver healthy, delicious, naturally raised Texas Wagyu Beef in a sustainably sensitive environment, preserving our family’s rich ranching history.

8017 Hwy. 85 | ENNIS (903) 326-7611 Cell: (214) 729-9454 rosewoodbeef.com FREEZER READY STEAK AND OTHER CUTS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE DIRECTLY FROM THE RANCH. CALL TODAY!

212 West Knox | Suite B | Ennis | (972) 875-9858

AROUND TOWN

A LOT IS HAPPENING IN ELLIS COUNTY...

SEPTEMBER: WAXAHACHIE September 8–10 Jr. Dragster E.T. Bracket Finals Texas Motorplex For more information, check out www.texasmotorplex.com.

September 9 Junk in the Trunk Downtown Waxahachie Begins at 9 am and ends at 1 pm.

September 9 BOGO 2nd Saturday Downtown Waxahachie Participating downtown merchants will be offering sales on the second Saturday of the month.

September 9 Waxahachie Riding Club Playday Waxahachie Rodeo Complex Begins at 2 pm. For rainout dates and more information, check out www.waxahachieridingclub.com.

September 14 Ladies Night Out Downtown Waxahachie Every month from 5 to 8 pm with participating merchants.

September 16 C10s in the Park Truck Show Getzandaner Memorial Park A family friendly event that starts at 8 am. There will be food trucks, cool trucks and great people! For more information, http://www.c10sinthepark.com/.

September 16 Trucks ‘N Tunes Downtown Waxahachie Featuring Jason Cassidy as the entertainer for the “Party on the Square.” For more information, check out http://www.c10sinthepark.com/.

September 16 Oktoberfest Waxahachie Civic Center From 10 am to 7 pm. For more information, www. stjosephoktoberfest.com.

September 17 Bridal Extravaganza Market Waxahachie Civic Center From noon to 4 pm, the best place for every bride to be in Ellis County!

September 23 Classic & Custom Motorcycle Show Downtown Waxahachie For more information, call Daniel at 214-532-5795 or vespaman76@gmail.com. Begins from 10 am to 3 pm.

September 23 Around the World Poker Sip ‘N Stroll Downtown Waxahachie For more information, www.downtownwaxahachie.com.

Opening Weekend September 29-30 and every weekend of October Screams Halloween Theme Park www.screamspark.com On Fridays and Saturdays only. For more information: 972-938-3247.

September 30 Chautauqua Assembly Chautauqua Auditorium in Getzandaner Park A free yearlong cultural celebration with fun family activities! For more information, check out www.waxahachiechautauqua.org/events/.

ENNIS September 1-9 Moon Over Buffalo Ennis Public Theatre For more information on this live comedy production, check out http://www.ennispublictheatre.com/.

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September 14-16 Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale Ennis Public Library A great way to find new books and celebrate the joys of reading! For more information, contact 972-875-5360.

September 30 2nd Annual Ellis County Preparedness Fair Historic Downtown Ennis There will be free food, demonstrations and lots of family fun from 10 am to 2 pm.

MIDLOTHIAN September 2-16 Midlothian Market Heritage Park Begins at 8 am and ends at 12 pm with community shopping, crafts and delicious food!

September 16 Wildflower Walk Mockingbird National Park Free to the public. For more information, contact information@itmnc.com

September is officially National Yoga Month!

Crescent Yoga Studio is a proud participant in this national campaign to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Starting Aug.1st - Go to the link below to print your Yoga Month Card for ONE WEEK FREE YOGA at Crescent Yoga Studio for FREE and experience the proven health benefits of yoga.

(Offer for New students only.)

Our events planned for National Yoga Month: 9/4 11th Annual DFW Free Day of Yoga on Labor Day offering free yoga classes Sept.4; Monday at 8am Beginner/Basic Yoga, 9:30am Gentle Yoga 10:45am Belly Dance Open house from 12-1 with food and activities 9/21 United Nations Peace Day - Bring a friend free to all classes on International Day of Peace 9/24, Sat. @ 9-11am Global Mala ~ Yoga for Peace yoga class to be followed by a Mala Making Workshop from 11am-12pm 9/30, Sat. @ 2pm Donation Based Mix Level Yoga class benefiting the Trini Foundation for National Recovery Month.

Please see www.crescentyogastudio.com/communityevents for more information.

AROUND TOWN OCTOBER: WAXAHACHIE October 6-8 Vintage Market Days Ellis County Expo Center October 7 3rd Annual IOOF Oddfest Singleton Plaza Begins at 9 am to 6 pm. For more information, contact collegestreetpub@yahoo.com.

October 7 Waxahachie Annual Chamber Auction Waxahachie Civic Center October 12 Ladies Night Out Downtown Waxahachie Every month from 5 to 8 pm with participating merchants.

October 12-14 Homecoming: Celebrate SAGU 90 SAGU SAGU celebrates its 90th year with reunions, special events, football and fireworks. For more information, check out www.sagu. edu/homecoming.

October 13-14 WISD Homecoming Weekend Waxahachie High School For more information: www.wisd.org or 972-923-4631.

October 14 Legacy Run TBD 5K, half marathon and one-mile fun run. For more information www. wisd.org or 972-923-4631.

October 14 BOGO 2nd Saturday Downtown Waxahachie Participating downtown merchants will be offering sales on the second Saturday of the month.

October 14 Waxahachie Riding Club Payday Waxahachie Rodeo Complex Begins at 2 pm. For rainout dates and more information, check out www.waxahachieridingclub.com.

October 21 25th Annual Ellis County 350 Benefit Ellis County Expo Center From 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Tickets will be available at Ark Country Store or Boyce Feed & Grain.

October 27-29 Fall WCT Musical “Annie” Chautauqua Auditorium Tickets online at www. waxahachiecommunitytheatre. com. Tickets available October 1 at the Chamber of Commerce and The Ellis County Museum in Waxahachie, and at the offices of Dr. Jerry Ellis, DDS, in Midlothian.

October 28 Texas Country Reporter Festival Historic Downtown Waxahachie Join Kelli & Bob Phillips, hosts of the weekly TV show, Texas Country Reporter, for the 22nd Annual Texas Country Reporter Festival. This one-day arts and music festival will take place around the historic courthouse square in downtown Waxahachie on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 9 am - 7 pm. Admission is free.

October 31 Trick or Treat on the Square Downtown Waxahachie The best Halloween plans in the downtown square from 3 to 5 pm.

ENNIS October 7 Jazz Under the Stars Minnie McDowal Park, Downtown Ennis This free concert begins from 7 to 9 pm.

October 12 PreStage Fan Fest Historic Downtown Ennis From 5 to 10 pm, you have the opportunity to see NHRA pro and sportsman cars and drivers up close.

October 13-28 The Addams Family Ennis Public Theatre There’s a chance to see the live production of your favorite television family at the Ennis Public Theatre. For more information and tickets, check out www.

EnnisPublicTheatre.com.

October 14 Ennis Pink Power Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Historic Downtown Ennis For more information, check out https://epp5k2017.eventbrite.com.

October 21 Ennis Autumn Daze Historic Downtown Ennis From 9 am to 3 pm, you can have fun with the corn pit, the hay maze and incredible live music!

October 26-29 Arsenic and Old Lace 505 NW Main St Ennis Enjoy the latest show at Theatre Rocks! For more information, check out www.theatrerocks.com.

October 28 Ennis Farmers Market Season Finale Historic Downtown Ennis Your last time to grab fresh fruits and vegetables.

October 28 Ennis YMCA Monster Mash 5K Dash Historic Downtown Ennis A Halloween-themed way to keep healthy in Ellis County.

Details will be announced soon.

MIDLOTHIAN October 3 National Night Out TBD This is Midlothian’s annual community building event that promotes awareness for safer neighborhoods. Times are from 5:30 to 8 pm. For more information, contact Curtis. hughes@midlothian.tx.us or call 972-775-7633.

October 7 Midlothian Market Heritage Park Begins at 8 am and ends at 12 pm with community shopping, crafts and delicious food!

October 21 Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival & 5K MISD FB Stadium From 8 am to 2 pm, you can run in the 5K or enjoy great foods and unique, fun items from local Midlothian businesses.

October 31 Downtown Midlothian Trick or Treat Heritage Park From 4 to 6 pm, you can visit all of the local and downtown businesses for candy, giveaways and fun for the whole family! For more information, contact 972-775-7177.

follow us on instagram Want to get inspired? Want to win prizes and tickets to local events like the Vintage Market Days and Screams!

@ECLIVINGMAGAZINE LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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Farm To Table On The Square Savor the season with a fabulous outdoor dinner on the square in historic downtown Waxahachie.

Ticket sales benefit the Waxahachie High School Culinary, Fine Arts and Horticulture students.

Saturday, November 4, 2017 Event starts at 5:00PM TICKETS - $100

Tickets available at DOWNTOWNWAXAHACHIE.COM > EVENTS

Ellis County Museum/Visitors Center Fresh Market & Waxahachie High School

TexPlex Opens in Midlothian TexPlex is truly a unique attraction added to Ellis County that is unlike any other. Whether a date night, family outing, bachelor party, corporate event, or just gathering of friends, this park will NOT disappoint and can be tailored to anyone’s preference or thrill seeking threshold. My husband, Dillon, and I were so lucky to visit this fantastic park for date night and try out some of their adventures.

How often can we watch each other’s priceless faces react to riding in a JetBoat? Or my husband seeing his wife catching air on a jump in a UTV with a professional driver? We will definitely be back for a date night in the near future For the first adventure, I was set off on a ride of a lifetime by a PRO UTV driver on a racing course.

The first go around we went at a moderate speed so I could get familiar with the track. After round one, it was time to book it! My driver was a pro and knew every curve, peak and texture of the course to get us through safely, but definitely with an edge of excitement. I did not stop smiling the entire time; it was thrilling. I have been on my share of UTV’s but never have I been on the beast of a ride we were in with such a skilled driver.

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After stirring up a little dust, Dillon and I went for a ride in the JetBoat to cool off. Having seen the canal that was excavated by TexPlex specifically for this attraction, it was hard to imagine it is man made.

We loaded up in the JetBoat and held on tight; there are not words for the adrenaline rush that we experienced on this ride. Hydroplaning, sharp turns and large gushes of water clogging every view outside of the boat, it was incredible. I cannot tell you how many times we went up and down the canal, but we could have done it all day!

There are many other activities in the park, such as motocross tracks, excavator and bulldozer courses, a shooting range with a military-grade simulator!

I also cannot say enough nice comments about this park and its team members. If you want

an experience, please take the time to visit our friends out at TexPlex and gain memories and experiences that are available right here at home.

Thank you so much to Casey and all of the TexPlex Team!

- Carly Pechal, Art Director

ME!

Learn more at www.texplexpark.com

be our Guest

Ditch the skinny jeans and choose colors and shapes that will fall effortlessly on you. Fashion should be fun, about playing with new shapes and styles. Choose a lightweight look this summer and experiment with your style, whether you're arriving at a festival or at the office.

WRITTEN AND STYLED BY CARLY PECHAL PHOTOS BY ALYECE NICOLE

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From Left to Right, Chic Boutique: Bag, $47.95 Top, $30.95 Pants, $37.95 The Mix, $14. $146 NecklaceTop, & Earrings, 95 Bottom, Dress, $39.

95 The Mix, $85

Excited about a wedding? Stressing about what to wear? Put those worries at ease and enjoy the event, after all, it’s time to celebrate. Here are a few pointers for allowing yourself flexibility in a look while still styling it towards the appropriate wedding theme.

Where to start Soft rose tones on the eyelid with bold liner compliment the hilights on the skin to create a flawless look for any occassion.

Work with the natural texture of your hair.

Curl, tease, or an up-do, have fun with what your hair does best.

Dress, Briarpatch, $54 Necklace, Briarpatch, $25 Necklaces, Briarpatch, $11.95

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FASHION

Dress, The Mix, $224

Traditional Who says a traditional look has to be... traditional?

Cold-shoulders, high necklines, and the cut of a dress can add a dramatic edge to create a stunning look.

Dress, Multitudes, $39

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FASHION

Top, Three Bears, $36 Bottom, Three Bears, $42 Necklace, Three Bears, $14

Vintage Here is your chance to mix and match pieces to make a vintage idea new, or maybe, a new idea vintage. Hand embroidered, floral or a complementary color scheme - let our your inner funk out to create a unique look.

Dress, Multitudes, $42 Necklace, Multitudes, $28

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Dress, The Briarpatch, $29.95 Sweater, The Briarpatch, $31.95 Necklace, The Briarpatch, $26.95 Necklace, The Briarpatch, $19.95

FASHION

Rustic What is more romantic than a soft color palette with details to swoon over? Pair these delicate tones with accessories to add to the beauty of the detail.

Dress, The Briarpatch, $38.95 Necklace, The Briarpatch, $10.95

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Dress, Three Bears, $38 Earrings, Three Bears, $6

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FASHION

the look A big thank you to our intern Jessica Lenamond for all of her help.

MODELS:

HAIR STYLIST:

Angie Antoine Sarah Kinney-Kennedy

Julie Stroope Salon Narcisse 972.938.9044

MAKEUP ARTIST: Sarah Kinney-Kennedy Merle Norman Cosmetics 972.937.9696

the style A BIG THANK YOU TO THE PARTICIPATING BOUTIQUES: THE BRIARPATCH THE MIX MULTITUDES THREE BEARS

the shoot PHOTOGRAPHER:

Alyece Nicole Photography www.anicolephotos.com

LOCATION: Hidden Waters 2220 Bells Chapel Road Waxahachie, TX 75165

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behind the scenes

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BEAUTY

Beauty & The Bride

BY TYLER-MARIE EVANS

Auda[city] in London Eyeshadow www.lancome-usa.com

For bridal beauty, we are focusing on the sometimes-forgotten beauty items, that can become major game changers for your face and overall look. So, whether you are about to walk down the aisle or just need a beauty pick-me-up, try one of these items to bring about the change you want.

perfume

skin

One

Benefit Bo-ing Airbrush Concealer This Benefit concealer basically works like a Snapchat filter perfecting all of your skin's blemishes. Keep it in your makeup bag for the occasional breakout. www.benefitcosmetics.com Grande Mascara and Prime www.grandecosmetics.com

of the greatest beauty additions can be that signature scent that stays with you and defines your personality. Here are some top fragrances that provide a variety of feelings.

With NIRVANA FRENCH GREY, you will feel mature, chic and intellectual. With BLACK TULIP, you will feel limitless, sensual and free. Try these perfumes to find what matches you.

And

brides, remember that a scent can bring back a romantic memory or a beautiful emotion that you want to relive on your wedding day, so finding a scent that you love is imperative for

Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Mask www.glossier.com

hair

your big day.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana French Grey www.elizabethandjames.us Black Tulip www.nestfragrances.com

Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Dry Shampoo A simple spray that will eliminate all oils in your hair and increase volume.

From the Olsen Twins’ brand, this dry shampoo smells chic and works not just as a dry shampoo, but creates incredible texture in your hair. www.elizabethandjames.us

La Vie Est Belle L’Eclat www.lancome-usa.com

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Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Hair www.franciskurkdjian.com

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Rahua Freestyle Texturizer www.rahua.com

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LIFE & STYLE

THE NOURISHED LIFE

5 Things I’ve Learned In 3 Years of Marriage STRIVING TO BE THE BEST WIFE FOR MY HUSBAND

BY CHRISTINA DRISKELL

I’ve been married to my very best friend for three years. I still look back on June 7th, 2014, as one of the best days of my life full of memories I will cherish forever.

However, saying, “I do,” is just the beginning of a lifetime together. I am in no way a marriage expert, I don’t have it all figured out, my husband and I disagree, we have bad days, and we have weak moments. But, over the last three years, I like to think that I’ve learned a lot about what it means to spend a lifetime with someone, even though I know what I’ve learned so far is just a small fraction compared to what I will learn over the next 50+ years, Lord willing.

1. It’s Not About Me

I know I’m not the only girl out there who thought that a prince riding a white horse, cliché as it sounds, would sweep me off my feet and we would live happily ever after. But once you get past the initial giddy get-to-knowyou dating butterflies, and then the whirlwind engagement, and you’ve walked down the aisle and said those life-altering two words, “I do,”…that’s when things get real. I had to realize pretty quickly that my purpose in our married relationship was to do my best to please my husband.

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” Ephesians 5:22-24

2. Choose Your Attitude

The attitude that I have for the day is a choice I make. Now, I am in no way saying that I am a perfectly happy person every single day, and my husband will attest to that. But, I do try to be conscious of my mood and do my best to adjust it if necessary. Sometimes that means taking a step back and looking at situations from my husband’s perspective, sometimes it means telling myself that I’m wrong, and sometimes it’s as simple as doing whatever necessary to put a smile on my face when I just don’t feel like it. A woman’s role is to set the tone of her household. Therefore, if she is bitter and angry, she will most likely have a bitter and angry home. I want to live in a peaceful, happy environment, so my attitude needs to reflect that desire.

“It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.” Proverbs 21:9

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KENDRA MARTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY

3. Do Good

This lesson is such a broad one, but it’s true. Similar to the golden rule, “Treat others like you would like to be treated,” be the person that you would want to be married to. Be kind, don’t gossip with the girls about your husband, be trustworthy, work hard to maintain the home that your husband wants to relax in after a long day of work, cook his favorite meal every now and then. These are relatively simple concepts, but they are harder to keep up with than you might think. These little tasks are things that I struggled with tremendously our first year of marriage, and still, find myself getting overwhelmed by them every now and then. So try your best, but also realize that you aren’t human and your husband is going to respect you for putting in a conscious effort to be the best wife you can be.

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.” Proverbs 31:10-13

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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LIFE & STYLE 4. Learn How to Communicate

This is most definitely a work in progress for us, but I can say that we have improved on this compared to when we were newlyweds. I’m an introvert who likes to hold in all emotions until I just can’t take it anymore, then I explode. Whereas, Danny is more of a tell-it-like-it-is personality. We have to be considerate of each other’s feelings whenever it comes time to have a serious conversation. I think that we have learned to bend towards the other’s communication style a bit, which is a neat thing to see evolve over time.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Ephesians 4:29

5. Learn From Positive Examples

This is my favorite one. I remember one Sunday morning sitting in church before services started admiring all the older couples in the pews. I saw them holding hands, gently helping each other sit down, laughing together, their relationships just seemed so genuine. After 50+ years of marriage, they were still so in love. I admired them and still do today. They set such positive examples for a younger generation of married couples of what marriage should look like. I sought out to be more like them, speaking to the wives on how they maintained such a happy marriage for many years and they all had one thing in common: they followed the Biblical teaching for what marriage is supposed to be. Was it always easy?

Absolutely not. But they worked for it, and in turn, their husbands also worked hard to uphold their responsibilities. When they mutually put God first, their marriage flourished. What a beautiful thing!

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that marriage is such a wonderful, special, fragile thing. Our marriage isn’t perfect, but we do try our hardest to work for it each and every day, striving to be the husband and wife that God created us to be. And as the years of marriage quickly go by, we have gotten closer, have more respect for each other, can discuss deeper issues, are better friends, have new responsibilities, and we most definitely have grown to be more in love than ever before. It’s the best version of hard work I can think of, and the reward is a great blessing! I can’t wait to see where the rest of our marriage journey takes us!

meet

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

Visit Christina’s Instagram: @chrisjeandriskell

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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LIFE & STYLE

Tailgating Time

Meet Luke!

BY LUKE LORICK

Fall is quickly approaching and with that comes cooler temperatures and FOOTBALL. If you are a tailgater then it is a good bet that fall is your favorite season. Excitement builds all year as we patiently await the start of the season.

Were you aware that there is now a National Day that was made for YOU, the tailgater?

Join in us in celebrating National Tailgating Day on September 2nd.

Whether you are an avid homegater or you are going to the stadium to tailgate with your best buds, raise a drink and cheers to our favorite National Day: National Tailgating Day.

STAY COOL: Temperatures can get well above 100˚ and keeping cool is essential to being able to enjoy the tailgate and not pass out.

Did you know they make a portable cooler that also doubles as an air conditioner?

Portable battery operated fans and lightweight breathable clothing are musts to stay cool and enjoy the tailgate.

Luke gained his passion for tailgating at the University of South Carolina home of the Gamecocks and the iconic Cockaboose (Railroad cars by stadium used for tailgating).

Luke took this love of tailgating and formed Tailgating Challenge in 2012.

When he learned there was not a day dedicated to his favorite sport, tailgating, he knew he had to right this wrong. Luke worked with National Day Calendar registrar to officially form National Tailgating day that will forever be celebrated by tailgaters across the world.

STAY WARM IN WINTER: Even in Texas we get some unpredictable cold weather that could dip below freezing, but don't let jack frost keep you tailgating down. You can get heated gloves or even gloves with a built in koozie. There are even heated jackets and pants you can get to stay toasty warm all while enjoying what you love: Tailgating with friends and family.

Learn more: www.tailgating-challenge.com/ national-tailgating-day

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Tailgate Safety Tips

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

DON'T GET BURNED: The UV index even in the fall can be extremely high and you need to protect your self with wearing a hat, applying sunscreen throughout the day and invest in a pop up tent to provide additional shade to escape the suns harmful rays. You'll thanks us later.

GRILL SAFELY: Transport your propane tank in a secure fashion so it doesn't roll around your vehicle. When you're done cooking make sure the fire is out and ensure no children come by and touch a hot grill.

COOLER SAFETY: Section out kids vs. adult drinks: best bet is to use separate coolers that are different colors, so there is no mix up.

PROTECT YOUR CAR'S BATTERY: Don't have a dead battery from leaving your radio on during the tailgate. Invest in a bluetooth speaker or better yet bluetooth stereo cooler to pump the tunes out. Should you get a dead battery make sure you keep jumper cabels in the vehicle.

Use

#NationalT ailgatingD ay

on Septembe r 2, 2017

State Fair

2017 Finalists: Chicken Noodle Soup on a Stick Deep fried soup skewer with a side of crackers and a savory broth sauce.

Fat Smooth Three Belgian cream puffs in beignet batter fried and topped with a chocolate-caramel sauce.

Fernie’s Fried Texas Sheet Cake Chocolate brownie cake with a Cocoa Puffs, panko and cinnamon sugar crust and then fried. The cake is drizzled with Dr. Pepper icing, pecans, and a strawberry on top.

Deep Fried Fruit Loops Froot Loops, whipped marshmallow fluff and fried with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger Funnel cake “buns” encase a burger dipped in queso and topped with a pile of bacon.

Surfin’ Turfin’ Tator Boat A cheesy baked potato stuffed with melted butter, steak and lobster.

EDITOR’S CHOICE:

Tamale Doughnut Carnitas and masa are formed into a savory doughnit and served with a creamy salsa on top.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

33

LIFE & STYLE

Feminine

FALL READS

BY TYLER-MARIE EVANS

Whether you are choosing a wedding dress or living the single life in a small town, you deserve to read an amazingly empowering book. From Princess Diana to Zinzi Clemmons, each perspective will teach you more about the world and someone else's experience. For the young, old, single, married and more - take a trip through literature in another's shoes.

THE SINGLE'S GAME

BY LAUREN WEISBERGER The “Devil Wears Prada” writer brings us the story of Charlotte Silver, a pro tennis player who experiences terrible results and an injury during her latest tennis match. When she teams up with a new, ruthless coach, she is taught to become relentless on the court. Take a trip behindthe-scenes in the world of competitive tennis, as well as into Charlotte's love life for Weisberger's latest success.

READ IF YOU LIKE: “The Devil Wears Prada” by Lauren Weisberger

DEAR IJEAWELE, OR A FEMINIST MANIFESTO IN FIFTEEN SUGGESTIONS

BY CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie received a letter from a close friend asking her how she would raise her daugher as a feminist and responded with this beautiful manifesto written to all of the women of the world. She talks to daughters openly about female issues, concerns and questions. A poignant reading on what it means to be a woman in the present age.

READ IF YOU LIKE: “We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

WHAT WE LOSE

BY ZINZI CLEMMONS An autobiographical piece of Zinzi Clemmon's experience as a mixedrace woman. Though it is not a memoir, Clemmons tells the story of Thandi, who feels like an outsider of race wherever she goes, and is forced to come to terms with herself, after her mother fights an agonizing battle with cancer. Clemmons echoes her own personal experiences heritage and pains through the fictitious life of Thandi.

READ IF YOU LIKE: “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.

memoirs

THE BEAUTY MYTH

BY NAOMI WOLF Actress Emma Watson recently started a book club ( a Shared Shelf Group) on GoodReads. com that promotes books that deal with equality for all people. In the past, the group has read and discussed novels like “The Handmaiden's Tale” by Margaret Atwood and “My Life on the Road” by Gloria Steinem. They just finished up “The Beauty Myth” by Naomi Wolf for July/August, so join to see what novel will be featured for September. Then you can join an online community and discuss literature!

THE GLASS CASTLE BY

DIANA - HER TRUE STORY

BY ANDREW MORTON

A telling memoir of strength and survival embodied in the woman of Jeanette Walls. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, Jeanette and her siblings had to survive being raised by addicts and promised false hopes.

Grab this book quickly because the widely anticipated film starring Brie Larson is already out in theaters!

One of the strongest women in history comes alive through Andrew Morton's interview. As we just remembered the 20th anniversary of her tragic death on August 31st, we would like to honor her full life that she lived in service to others. Lady Di opens up on everything from growing up in a dysfunctional family to first meeting Charles to her deep desire to love and help others. Become inspired by the beautiful life of our forever Princess Di, in her own words.

READ IF YOU LIKE: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.

Tall Leather Tote, www.cuyana.com, $175

JEANETTE WALLS

READ IF YOU LIKE: “Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy” by Jacqueline Kennedy.

Dr. Tenery is a 3rd Generation Waxahachie native who currently practices ophthalmology at Medical City Dallas. He still has strong family ties in the Ellis County area; in fact, for many years the W.C. Tenery Medical Center in Waxahachie was named for his grandfather.

“Insurrection at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue” is a tense fictional tale of drama and political intrigue in the White House. It details the book’s main protagonist as he investigates the accidental death of the Vice President of the United States. As political unrest mounts and tensions simmer, countries across the globe plot to take America down from within and establish a new world order.

Amidst it all sits the President, surrounded by a swarm of security and a staff that he no longer trusts. When a threat to national security ripples

through the White House, the few left standing must make decisions that could tear apart the very fabric of American values.

Although potential fodder for today’s chaotic political environment, “Insurrection at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue” is a thriller intended to captivate readers regardless of their place in today’s political spectrum. This makes Dr. Tenery’s new book engaging and enjoyable for anyone interested in politics, mystery and intrigue. Available on Amazon.com, $16.99

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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LIFE & STYLE

Journaling to Know Yourself Author Elizabeth Amerine’s new book, This self-awareness book includes journaling prompts used by therapists to help clients gain insight into their authentic self.

BY SLOANE SMITH

Q: How has your work in the medical field helped you discover the effectiveness of these prompts?

A: My work with many of my medical patients is a combination of neuropsychology with a focus on medical issues such as brain functioning or dysfunction of ability and independence whereas my work with therapy patients/clients centers around increasing coping skills, relaxation and mindfulness, changing illogical thinking patterns and challenging self destructive/self sabotaging behaviors. Journaling is one tool to begin to get to know your thoughts, recognize how you have internalized certain beliefs and rules that may not reflect your authentic self, but be holdover from childhood experiences, i.e. the voice inside your head. Prompts allow my patients to explore their thinking, process their emotions and hear their own voice. Having the clients probe their perspective and perception with open ended prompts is a cornerstone to cognitive (thinking) behavioral (the actions associated with thinking patterns) therapy. One simple way I see the effectiveness of the prompts are the typical "ah ha" moments when patients discover a new way of seeing things.

DR. ELIZABETH AMERINE

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Amerine about balancing her writing life with her work as a Psychologist. As someone who has been interested in writing novels and poetry for her whole life, she decided to self-publish her books while also pursuing a job in neuropsychology.

With the release of her new book, I asked her a few questions about its content and where it came from.

“Getting to Know --- You!” is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble in both print and eBook editions.

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

Q: What kind of research did you do to find/come up with the prompts for this book?

A: The prompts in the book are the tried and true ones I either learned during my training or are ones I developed over time in my 30+ years as a psychologist. I chose ones which are both simple and complex and, along with the drawings in the print edition of my book, are likely to draw out emotions and thoughts to clarify an issue, release negativity, or surprise you with insight.

Q: Do you keep a journal? If so, how has it helped you?

A: I kept a journal from high school until about ten years ago when an automobile accident rendered my dominant left hand unable to adequately hold a pen to write. While I've been able to learn to write with my right hand, the writing is difficult to read and journaling on a computer seems too impersonal to me. When I did journal it was often an eye opener to my perceptions and hard wired rules that interfered with positive productive pleasant living.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about this book?

A: The self-help/self-awareness book is not intended to be a therapeutic tool unless it is used in conjunction with a therapist. It is a book that may begin a process to be true to yourself, to take yourself seriously, to know who you are, what you believe, what you want for your life to be genuine and authentic.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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WEDDING

Armstrong + Simmons 11.12.16 My

name is Claire Simmons (maiden name was Armstrong) and my husband is Jeremy Simmons. We are both graduates of Ennis High School, and then Dallas Baptist University. We met and started dating in high school and then we got married on November 12, 2016.

Our wedding was very special for many reasons. First off, we had the the ceremony in my parents backyard in Ennis, Texas. Which, if any one is able to do, I would always suggest it to people. It made the day special but laid back. There were no rules we had to follow, and we felt completely relaxed. Not to mention any time we go to visit I get to see the place where we pledged our love and life to each other.

Our reception was held in the Chatauqua Auditorium at Gezendaner Park in Waxahachie. Many people don’t know the cool history of the building, but it was built in 1902 during the Chatuaqua Movement which was an educational and cultural traveling circuit. It is an octagon, open air auditorium that seats 2,500 people when it is full with benches. For our reception, we were able to move benches around, bring in tables and create a dance floor. My husband and I love antique historical things, so this was perfect for us! (Not to mention the tiny price tag of $200 as opposed to the thousands most people pay for a venue!)

My mom, Jina Armstrong, is a full-time photographer so many of our friends assumed she was photograph my wedding, but we decided she should be able to enjoy the day as a mom instead of working. As hard at as it was for my mom to trust someone else with taking such important photos, we found a wonderful substitute. Brittany Partain is a sweet, sweet girl who I was acquainted with from college and also had a full-time photography business.

We met with her and knew it was a perfect fit. She was awesome!

We decided to have a somewhat unconventional meal and had the restaurant Babe’s Chicken cater. Fried chicken, the best mashed potatoes of your life, and biscuits! Perfect!

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I chose a simple strapless dress from the website BHLDN.com which is a branch of Anthropology. I ordered it through the mail and it came in a week and fit perfect, it was so easy it was almost scary! Then I also purchased two “toppers” for my dress. The first was lace sleeves that when worn over my dress looked like it was sewn on. I wore this to the ceremony for a more vintage and classic look. After the ceremony I took my lace off and put on my second topper which can only be described as a loose hanging cover up with beads that reminded me of the roaring 20’s. I loved both BRITTANY PARTAIN

My husband and I did a “first look” before the wedding which I suggest to anyone and everyone!

versions of my dress and that I was able to have 2 looks.

• We had a candy bar, popcorn, and Mexican Coke.

A FEW OTHER FUN THINGS:

• My husband’s groom cake was the Captain America Shield because he loves comics.

• We, along with our wedding party, our parents, siblings, young cousins and officiant learned a choreographed dance the night before the wedding to “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk The Moon which we performed at the beginning of the reception. So fun!

• We left to sparklers which is always fun and makes cute pictures.

• My husband and I did a “first look” before the wedding which I suggest to anyone and everyone!

It was such a special time for us to see each other and talk before the ceremony. Plus awesome pictures too! I’ll never forget that peaceful time we had together before the craziness of the day happened.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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WEDDING

Washington + Pitts 8.6.16

VANESSA HYLES

I

have always loved weddings and every aspect of it. I had been planning and dreaming of my perfect wedding. I was obsessed with the show Say Yes to the Dress and looking at wedding magazines. When I became engaged on August 2, 2015 I started planning August 3. I always knew that I wanted a wedding that was elegant and timeless. I didn’t want to rush the process. I didn’t want to look back years from now and think what on earth was I thinking.

I started first with deciding on the colors that I wanted to use. My favorite color is pink and I was hesitant to use that as a color in my wedding because I thought that people would expect that. I tried to steer away from pink but I just kept coming back to it so I decided to use the colors blush and gray with gold accents. I then began to look for venues that would allow me to create what I envisioned. I looked around for about a month and decided on Willow Creek in Waxahachie. I chose this venue because it was a beautiful blank slate and I could customize it however I wanted to and it could hold a big wedding. The staff there were very helpful in giving me options and ideas.

Through Willow Creek I was referred to Kevin Edmonson with Accent Florals and he by far one of the best florist I have ever met. He listened to me and he understood the vision I had. He was able to bring my vision to life.

My wedding was perfect because it was a family affair.

That was the one thing I loved the most. Being that both of us were born and raised in Waxahachie our family and friends already knew each other. It was a big gathering of love, fun, and laughter. We started the day in the bridal suite with hair and makeup. My makeup artist Shara Harris was amazing and she did the makeup for the entire wedding party which consisted of 7 bridesmaids. The guys were in the man cave having fun themselves and getting dressed.

We were married by Adrian Cooper, Sr who Is also a childhood friend. My wedding ceremony was short and sweet and since it was outside my programs were fans designed by Melinda Saylors of Well Inked. She was also my wedding coordinator for the day and she and her team worked really hard to make sure that the day went as smooth as possible. We moved inside for a plated dinner with lots on laughs and dancing. The

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night ended with a sparkler send off on the bridge then to the party bus that took the wedding party around downtown Dallas to continue the fun. When the night was over we were dropped off at the airport for our honeymoon at Secrets Maroma Beach in Mexico. This beautiful day was captured by Vanessa Hyles who I have known for many years. My favorite things about my wedding were my family, the beautiful flowers, my cake and my gorgeous dress.

- Ardrea Pitts

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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WEDDING

Kinney + Kennedy 10.1.16 Oct. 1st 2016 was a very magical day for my husband

Taylor and I. We were high school sweethearts ready to make it officially forever. We had a traditional Irish Wedding with a Christian Handfasting ceremony where our hands were bind together with ribbon to symbolizes our connection and devotion to each other and eternal commitment as one. We did other Irish wedding traditions like use Lavender, the symbol of love, on our wedding cake and on all guests the tables. I even put a penny in my shoe for good luck which is another old Irish tradition. As far as planning goes our inspiration was a blend of Irish, woodland and “The Lord of the Rings.” My amazing mother DIY’d all of the decorations, my father even cut the wood pieces from cedar on my grandmother’s land which made it even more special and helped save money.

You don’t need expensive wedding decor, DIY it and bring in some things from outside in nature since it’s free, it will add a warm and cozy element while staying in the budget. One of my favorite decor items was the Kennedy tartan on the cake table and the wedding party table which we thought brought an amazing touch to the decor. Another favorite decor item from the wedding was a photo on the sign in table of both mine and my husbands Ireland family coat of arms with our wedding date, it really showed that two Irish families were becoming one.

Something I always dreamt of as a child was to have bagpipes play as I walk down the aisle, so my parents made it a reality for me. We had a bagpipe player named Don Shannon from Ireland who is also apart of the North Texas Caledonian Pipes & Drums play during the ceremony when everyone walked down the aisle. The bagpipes has to be hands down our favorite thing about the ceremony, to have that playing in the background as I’m about marry the love of my life made it even more of an emotional and magical moment for both us. Taylor and I are huge nerds and our relationship started because both of our loves for video games and fandoms which also made sense to add those little elements into our wedding, Taylor had an amazing “Halo” helmet groom’s cake and to make everyone feel like they were in a magical castle

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hall we played “The Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones” soundtrack as everyone ate their dinner. When it was time to say goodbye we wanted to go out with a bang. Everyone gathered around as we all sang at the top of our lungs “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey and after the song we walked out of the venue while everyone rang these amazing brass bells that we got from the The Doves Nest to represent the ringing of the church bells. It was the perfect way to close an amazing magical night with our family and friends. - Sarah Kinney-Kennedy HUNTER HOLM

To the future couples that are about to get married and reading this right now, heres an Old Irish Blessing to bring good luck and spirit through out your marriage,

“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door.”

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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WEDDING

Ruble + Jett 6.2.17

June 02, 2017, was hands down the very best day of

my life. It was like a fairy tale. Ever since I was a little kid, I had dreamed of a woodland themed, gorgeous outdoor wedding. I walked down the aisle alongside my dad, as I met eyes with my Prince Charming. It was a glorious moment at Old Bison Ranch in Forreston.

May I say, the venue truly outdid themselves; it was exactly what I had in mind. I am so grateful to my parents for giving me the fairytale wedding of my dreams.

My vision for our big day included tables topped with greenery, the twinkling of candlelight, golden glitter, and delicate antiques a huge thank you to the talented decorator Jody Tolar.

On the heads of the lovely Jett wedding bridesmaids rested eucalyptus and baby’s breath crowns. Thanks to Tranquility Salon & Spa we all had gorgeous hair and airbrush makeup to give us a flawless look. In their hands were bouquets of flowers tied with ribbons that hung towards the floor, and assorted dresses flowing in shades of portobello thanks to the amazing florist Jacob Muñoz, at HEB in Waxahachie. Personally, my bouquet was one of my very favorite details of the wedding.

Our photographers Ms. Jennifer Calderon and Mr. Sawyer Skipper and videographer Mr. Ryan Wermich captured incredible and beautiful work. We are in love, love, love with the outcome of their finished products.

Pastor Matt Jett performed our ceremony. We wanted the focus to be on our love for Christ and our commitment to each other. For us, this was the most important part.

We wanted our wedding guests to have a blast. As a couple, we are all about having fun. D & CHI (the live band) helped bring the joy and laughter with music and dancing. It truly added so much character to the night.

A special detail of our night was our wedding night lodging at Magnolia Farms Bed & Breakfast. They

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had a quaint, adorable room and even fed us breakfast and coffee the next morning. We highly recommend them.

But, the best part of it all was knowing we had just made the most important decision of our entire lives and we got to share those gorgeous memories with each other. We are so excited for this new adventure into marriage and what the Lord has for us. - Faith Jett PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER CALDERON

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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WEDDING

Wedding Credits armstrong + simmons

washington + pitts

CEREMONY:

CEREMONY + RECEPTION:

FAMILY HOME, ENNIS

WILLOW CREEK, WAXAHACHIE

RECEPTION:

PHOTOGRAPHER:

CHATAUQUA AUDITORIUM GEZENDANER PARK, WAXAHACHIE

PHOTOGRAPHER:

VANESSA HYLES

WEDDING PLANNER:

BRITTANY PARTAIN

MELINDA SAYLORS, WELL INKED

CATERING:

FLORAL DESIGNER:

BABES CHICKEN, CEDAR HILL

DRESS: BHLDN.COM

ACCENT FLORALS KEVIN EDMONSON

MAKEUP: SHARA HARRIS

CAKE: CAKE GUYS, DUNCANVILLE

kinney + kennedy

ruble + jett

CEREMONY + RECEPTION:

CEREMONY + RECEPTION:

THE SECRET GARDEN AT ROLAND’S, WAXAHACHIE

OLD BISON RANCH, FORRESTON

FLORAL DESIGNER:

SYLVIA FLORES

EUBANKS FLORIST, WAXAHACHIE

WEDDING COORDINATOR: WEDDING DECORATOR:

HAIR:

JUDY TOLAR

HAYLIE POLLARD SALON DE ALLURE, ENNIS

FLORAL DESIGNER:

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

JACOB MUÑOZ HEB, WAXAHACHIE

HUNTER HOLM PHOTOGRAPHY EDWARD MASON NEWPORT PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHER:

CAKE:

VIDEOGRAPHER:

JENNIFER CALDERON

SARAH ARDEN

RYAN WERMICH

RECEPTION MUSIC:

CAKE:

ALL ABOUT TONIGHT KARAOKE & DJ, WAXAHACHIE

WENDY WINNI

DRESS:

D & CHI

MOONLIGHT BOUTIQUE, WAXAHACHIE

LIVE BAND:

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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WEDDING

Wedding Essentials Before you pack your bag for the wedding, make sure you have everything you need to relax and look great all day long.

BY MEAGAN CAMP

day of essentials

PIXIE MOOD BACKPACK Your bag to hold your essentials should be large enough to hold everything you need and be bright enough to find at the end of the day. The bright blue vegan leather is chic and fun. www.pixiemood.com

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// SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

When it comes to shopping local, what better way to support small business than on your wedding day?

Follow some of our favorites on social media to see their latest work.

floral

Jacob Muñoz, HEB Waxahachie @jacob.the.florist By far one of the most popular local florists, and the most conveniently located, Jacob regularly posts arrangements that can be simple corsages and large-scale decorative style.

Henry Frayre & Teresa Choate “Fresh Flowers and Gatherings” on Facebook Henry and Teresa combine their talents on every level with special events, beautiful floral arrangements (featured in many ECLM shoots) and you can see them work at Fresh Market in Waxahachie.

ME &MATS CANDLES From the moment you unpack the box, Me & Mats candles do more than just make the rool smell great, they are a burst of happiness and fun. Send as a gift or set them out on the counter, either way they make an impact. www.frenchstudioimports.com

JUVALIPS Don’t like the idea of getting injections, but you want your lip color to pop in every pic? Try JuvaLips, a handheld device that will plump your lips in 1-2 minutes and the results can last through the reception. www.juvalips.com

local love

cake & pie

Ellis County has many wonderful bakers and their creativity knows no limits. Follow our favorites to spark your imagination for your next cake.

PREHEELS PROTECTOR We love a good high heel for dancing after dinner, but your feet really suffer during those chicken dances. Spray on PreHeels before you slip on your pumps to prevent blisters and friction as you walk to and from the dance floor. www.preheels.com

@BittersweetWaxahachie Angel Schiffer’s spectacular naked cakes, cupcakes and, most recently, unicorn cakes are bright and fun, just like their creator! @UncleWilliesPies CeCe Pettigrew delivers her delicious pies and cakes all over DFW. Their “UncleWillie’s Original Pecan Pie” is a must-try. Visit their Instagram to see all their creations!

tableside eco chic

HIKARI QUAD EYESHADOW These gorgeous colors are made for a fall or winter wedding. Rich in pigment and shimmer, Hikari’s quad palette will up your makeup game. www.hikaricosmetics.com

Small changes, big impact We already know that receptions are costly and most things are singleuse décor that can seem wasteful to brides and grooms who don’t want a larger footprint just so they can have a lovely wedding.

These bamboo napkins are 100% compostable and are thick and able to WWW.THENAPKINSUS.COM handle a deviled egg or two. $26 FOR 50.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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WEDDING

Choosing the Ring Survival Guide

BY NICK MILLER, DESIGNER AND OWNER, MINT DIAMONDS

Choosing a Jeweler Choosing a jeweler has many similarities to choosing your life partner, although we admit that the latter is slightly more important.

Fortunately for you, you’ve already accomplished the hard part. As when choosing a partner, it is important to look for the qualities that will result in an exceptional and lasting relationship.

Qualities like great communication, trust and passion are paramount to the relationship’s success. Your jeweler should be able to communicate with you clearly in an honest and straightforward manner, understanding your preferences and guiding you to a purchase that exceeds your expectations. You should look for a strong, positive reputation and credentials that backup their expertise and passion for their craft.

Ultimately, you will likely get to know them on a personal level, so make sure that they are not only qualified, but kind and trustworthy people with whom you want to build a long-term relationship with. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of what makes a jeweler a great choice:

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ONLINE VS. RETAIL When thinking of engagement rings, the average consumer conjures images of fancy brand names, romantic television commercials and red carpet celebrity features. Big name retailers have certainly made a lasting impression on most of us with their big marketing budgets. But their big marketing budgets are the result of their big markups. Sure, the experience of walking into a famous store with exceptional quality and service seems like an exciting and glamorous white-gloved experience.

But expect to pay at least 20-30% more for a product that is easily matched by the exceptional craftsmanship you can receive with reputable online jewelers. To put that into perspective, the same diamond engagement ring that costs $8,000 at luxury and big retailers will likely cost you between $5,600 and $6,400 when purchased online. With the extra $1,600 $2,400 you’ll save, you can buy a bigger diamond or fly to Paris for the proposal.

At Mint Diamonds you can expect the same white-gloved treatment without the inflated costs associated with the huge overhead and large sales commissions of big retail stores. You will also enjoy the opportunity to work with our designers in creating something truly one-of-a-kind an experience not available in most retail stores.

Whether shopping our collection or designing a custom ring through our website, or visiting our sleek, appointmentonly showroom near Houston, you will always find the highest quality product at an exceptional value.

Our goal is to create the perfect engagement ring of your dreams with savings that, in many cases, could pay for your honeymoon and allow enough leftover to leave a generous tip on your beachside pina coladas.

SERVICE AND QUALITY Possibly one of the most significant and certainly one of, if not THE most important purchase of your life, an engagement ring should be treated with the respect it deserves. You owe it to yourself to choose a jeweler offering the best in customer service and quality. From beginning to end, our jewelry specialists are happy to answer your questions, explain options and guide you in making educated decisions. We firmly stand by our leading quality, policies, warranties and the reputation we’ve earned serving our customers for years.

DIAMOND AND GEMSTONE CERTIFICATION Similar to how cars have titles and registration, diamonds and gemstones have grading reports. It is imperative that the diamond you choose for your engagement ring is complete with a grading certificate and you should carefully inspect it before you purchase. This will verify that the diamond has been professionally examined by a gemologist and supports the valuation and appraisal of your stone. At Mint Diamonds, we offer and select only diamonds that have been graded by the most reputable, industry-leading authority, The Gemological Institute of America (GIA). GIA provides credited reports containing a full scientific and unbiased assessment of your diamond’s 4Cs. They test every diamond submitted to establish its authenticity as a diamond and whether it’s been subjected to treatments. GIA reports provide a full description of the diamond, including color, weight, measurements, and cutting style, and disclose any known treatments. All reputable jewelers understand the value of this report and should willingly provide you with this information.

LONG-TERM CARE Before choosing a jeweler, you should investigate what services they will provide for the life of the ring. Again, this is a long-term relationship, not a one-night stand, so make sure that your jeweler can easily provide the following services: • • • • • • • •

Routine cleanings and general maintenance.

Diamond upgrade services.

Discounted redesigns and repurposing.

Annual polishing and rhodium plating.

Annual inspection to verify the integrity of the stone, identify damage and avoid serious issues from occurring.

Appraisal services.

One free resize within a specified amount of time.

Discounted repairs for your purchase.

Furthermore, the jeweler should be open and honest when discussing your purchase. They should be able to provide documentation about the ring’s quality, and be willing to provide you a loupe to inspect the minute details of the ring. At Mint Diamonds, we provide all of these services and more and make a solemn

commitment to our customers to always put education and service first.

SAFETY AND SECURITY There are 3 primary safety considerations when choosing a jeweler; safety of location, safety of personal information and product delivery safety. You’ll need to pay attention to the details of how they operate their business to ensure all three are covered.

First you should ask if they are located in a safe and clean environment with adequate security?

Our well-maintained Mint Diamonds office and showroom is located in a professional gated community that is restricted by remote access and a secure perimeter. The community itself and our office are protected by 24/7 high definition video surveillance and every guest must be personally escorted into the premises.

Security of personal information is also of paramount importance, both online and in person. Make sure that the jeweler you choose protects your information with the latest fraud defenses and does not share your personal details with 3rd parties. We have gone to extensive measures to ensure your information stays private and protected.

Finally, you’ll want to confirm that the shipping service that your jeweler uses to deliver your jewelry to you is both reliable and fully covers your purchase in the unlikely event it is lost, damaged or stolen. Over the years we have found that the reliable and secure shipping services offered by FedEx far outweigh the additional cost associated with using them. At Mint Diamonds all of our products are shipped using FedEx with full insurance coverage and requiring a direct signature, 100% free to our customers.

EXPERTS AND GEMOLOGISTS Let’s face it, you don’t have the time to enroll in a Graduate Gemologist course and spend months becoming a diamond expert. That’s why it’s important for the jeweler you choose to have knowledgeable diamond and gemstone experts available to answer your questions and guide you in choosing the best stone for your ring. You will need to rely on them for advice, as you would rely on a doctor in medical situations.

Texas jewelry designer Nick Miller is the owner and designer of Mint Diamonds. He has written the new bible for how to strategize, afford and design an engagement ring for every couple. Nick was kind enough to share a few of the tips he discusses in his “8-Step Guide” which answers many questions for prospective fiancés making their first big jewelry purchase.

WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES In today’s competitive market, there’s no reason for you to settle for second rate service or quality. It is entirely possible to find a jeweler who aims to make you 100% happy for the life of your relationship, and offers the guarantees and warranties to backup their claims and make you confident that you are covered for the long-term. Although it may take a bit of research, these jewelers are fairly easy to spot.

Here are some important questions to ask about the jeweler you are choosing: • • • • • • • •

Do they offer 100% refunds and returns with an adequate, 30-day policy?

Do they have a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty that covers any defects?

Do they offer only high quality diamonds and gemstones complete with reputable grading certificates?

Is their customer service prompt and helpful?

Do they have positive reviews from actual customers?

Do they offer free diamond upgrades?

Do they provide a professional appraisal with the ring?

Do they assist in getting insurance for your purchase?

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS Jewelers that are involved with major trade associations are dedicated to protecting you as the consumer. They must abide by strict, regulated guidelines and operate within the most ethical best practices and standards. In some cases, they are also required to maintain a minimum level of continued education, which is important in today’s exponential society.

Associations like Jewelers of America (JOA) and the American Gemstone Society (AGS) were founded with the desire to advance the professionalism and ethics of the jewelry industry.

Read the rest of the “8 Step Guide” at www.mintdiamonds.com LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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Shopping Guide

MARKETPLACE v w x

u

y 1. THE STUDIO Searching for that perfect gift? We’ve got you covered!

Whether it be for a wedding, or just to celebrate the day, these two delightful pieces will add that finishing touch.

3671 N. Hwy. 77 WAXAHACHIE 972.617.7740

2. THE MIX

Step into fall in style with these embellished ankle boots! We have lots of new fall favorites.

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

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

3. SOCO DEPOT

The kitchen is the heart of the home! We have kitchenware, home decor and bridal registry available.

501 S. Rogers WAXAHACHIE (In the historic MKT train depot) 972.351.0086

4. THE BRIARPATCH #1

We have the largest selection of Brighton® in Ellis County! Come by the store today to check out all of our jewelry, clothing and accessories that are perfect for fall.

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

5. MOSAIC MADNESS

Make your own mosaic masterpiece at our beautiful studio in downtown Waxahachie. No set class time - just drop in and start creating.

A member of our friendly staff will help you along the way. We have a large variety of projects to choose from. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram.

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

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HOME & GARDEN

FA R M H O U S E

Now and Forever?

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD

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No one loves old architecture more than I do. I have been amazed at the art of construction since I was a child.

When my family took our annual jaunt to Georgia from Illinois in the middle of a blazing summer, I didn’t want to miss a thing.

When I first visited Waxahachie, I was gasping in delight at every turn. I was in old house heaven. Most of the 35 years I have lived here has been in an old home. I have restored more than I can remember.

Many for clients and many for the sheer delight of bringing a beautiful old lady back to life. What a joy it has been to be a part of saving our heritage.

In those days there were no express ways, but only two lane highways that wound from town to town through the country all the way there. I couldn’t wait to get to the next little town. I would look at every building, commercial or otherwise, in amazement.

I have always wanted to try to duplicate that trip that my family took every year of my life from the age of seven to nineteen. There were certain things that I looked for year after year.

Surprisingly, for a little girl who shared a bedroom with four siblings, most were gorgeous old homes. A little girl’s dream.

“Because of my love of old homes, his new farm house trend in design is exciting in many ways. After a long absence, younger adults are finding the beauty in old things.

I am delighted that they finally see what I have always seen.”

The shabby chic trend led the way for the more rustic farm house style. I find it amazing that I can even say “new farm house style.” What does that even mean?

It has been here forever and ever. We just ignored it.

Until recently, old ragged siding or fencing was just nasty old garbage that needed to be burned. Now it is a premium product and a good money maker because it is in high demand. Now, instead of complaining about your neighbor’s old fence that is falling down, we are asking to buy it. I have to laugh.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

But, sadly, this too will pass. In the 80’s and 90’s, there was a huge trend back to the Victorian era. Antique sales were at an all time high. All homes, Victorian or not, was done in that elegant, nostalgic style.

Of course, all old houses were originally filled with wallpaper over cheesecloth because the walls were raw boards. In keeping with that original theme, restoring old homes included lots of wallpaper.

Large cabbage roses and any other life size pattern indicative of the time was used in every home. New or old.

diane’s barn

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HOME & GARDEN

diane’s barn

As we all know, that nostalgic trend ran its course, and we have spent many years getting rid of that floral wallpaper. Yes, it was a real sneak peek back to the grand days of old, but it soon became overwhelming and tiring. The antique business and wallpaper sales took a nose dive. The next trend of the old world Tuscan style had taken over.

And round and round we go.

When I bought my 1879 farmhouse in 2000, I wanted it to remind me of my childhood, which it did. I had lived with the Victorian elegance in several homes, which I loved, but my heart was always at my grandmother’s farmhouse in Georgia.

I have always had a great love of old barns, too. I looked at them by the hundreds as a child. Every shape and style. Sitting in the middle of a bare field or surrounded by a cluster of other buildings, every one of them inspired me. Especially the ones at my grandmother’s house and my uncle’s dairy farm.

“Fortunately, my farmhouse came with an original barn, which I cherish. That quaint little barn has been sitting for well over a hundred years, and I hope it gets to stay another hundred years for others to enjoy.”

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Unfortunately, trends change and progress takes its toll. Old buildings are taken down by the thousands to make room for new developments, and history is lost.

I am thrilled that the younger generation has found a moment in time to devote to the love of old things while there are still some around. Even if it is a passing moment, it is a delight to see them rummaging through rusty metal hardware and salvaging old doors and windows to repurpose in their homes.

I would love to see this trend stay awhile, even if it is getting to be a little over done.

I think the time will come when people will regret getting so carried away with the raw wood walls and rugged edges on everything, but I hope they keep some of the appreciation for old things.

Trends tend to be all or nothing. It is almost always overdone, no matter the style. I stand by the rule that a basic base is always best because trends change so quickly.

Unfortunately, because of the “overdone” look, we tend to go for, our homes become dated and out of style every decade.

If you have accents of raw wood and metal, you won’t tire of it, and it is easily changed with time. Search for items that you love

enough to keep through the next trend or are inexpensive enough to be disposable.

“The farm house style is in my blood and always will be. It is not a trend for me, but a lifestyle, set in stone by the memories of my childhood.”

What ever your home style, make it your lifestyle. Fill it with memories that your children will carry with them forever. Don’t worry about the trends of the time, but the memories of the time. That is what matters most.

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

happy memories!

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.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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HOME & GARDEN

THE ULTIMATE KIDS ROOM

WRITTEN AND STYLED BY COURTNEY WARREN PHOTOGRAPHED BY JARROD ESTES

Because I love creating special places for kids, I have certain guidelines to make these spaces last longer than the average kid’s rooms. Can any of these hints help you freshen up your child’s space?

It was the summer of my middle school year, and my eye was on two velour navy chairs my mom was getting rid of. I commandeered them for the game room, invited all my friends over, and armed them with puff paint. (Do they even make puff paint any more?). For the entire summer, we graffitied our names, movie quotes and anything else we could dream up on those chairs. My mom didn’t care because she no longer wanted them. My friends thought we were breaking all the rules because we were PAINTING ON THE CHAIRS, YA’LL. So it is no wonder that I get just as excited to create unique spaces for kids. There is a magical feeling of a childhood room that cannot be reproduced later in life. Think back to your room as a kid. Don’t you remember every detail perfectly?

The glow in the dark stars or poster of your high school crush? I bet you can picture it all right now.

STAY AWAY FROM SPECIFIC CHARACTERS .Instead think of themes. If they love Frozen, use the colors of the movie in the room, but do not include the actual characters on the wall. Of course, they will have enough stuffed animals and dolls to bring in what they love and it will still be easy to switch out later. A 13 year old might like a blue and purple room, but if there is a life style Elsa above her bed then she is going to be hoping to “Let it Go”.

(Side note: You cannot speak of Frozen without including a Let it Go joke. It is a Disney obligation. Groan all you want. I am just doing my job.)

INCORPORATE THINGS THEY LOVE If he is into cars, use colors that will go with cars but are also generic enough to be easily switched out later.

TRY TO BRING IN A LITTLE MAGIC Maybe with twinkle lights, a reading nook, or with a special light fixture. Everyone remembers their childhood room! It is so easy to create a magical, interesting place and can be done on a budget! You would be surprised what kids are enamored with and it is easier than you think!

TRENDS Trends right now are camping rooms, outdoor rooms, princess rooms (of course!) and mermaid rooms. Shiplap is also a popular trend that can be used for any theme.

TRY TO PLAN SEVERAL YEARS OUT If she is 3, create a room with a 6 year old in mind.

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

e t p Se

PLANTING »»

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Plant these fall vegetables now: beets, carrots, “greens” (mustard, collard, turnip), kale, lettuce, radishes and spinach.

Lawn establishment using warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, zoysia and buffalograss should be completed early in the month.

Overseed established Bermudagrass lawns with perennial ryegrass this month, if desired.

Plant these fall-blooming annuals from bedding plants before buds have opened: marigolds, petunias, asters, pinks, snapdragons and mums. Wait until cooler weather to plant pansies, violas and ornamental cabbages and kale.

Complete sowing bluebonnets to ensure spring flowers. For seasonlong color, purchase a wildflower mix that contains annuals and perennials, as well as cool-season and warmseason plants such as bluebonnets, black-eyed Susan, Indian blanket, Indian paintbrush, Mexican hat, plains coreopsis, purple coneflower and evening primrose. Sow seeds in areas that are free of grasses and

r e mb

lightly tilled. Lightly rake area to get good seed-soil contact before watering.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING »»

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Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer (4-1-2 ratio) on lawns and shrubs to prepare plants for fall and winter. Container plants will benefit from using highnitrogen, water-soluble fertilizers.

Tidy up summer perennials by removing dead and faded flower stems and seed stalks. Continue through fall.

Root-prune trees and shrubs to be transplanted this winter. Cutting the roots around the plant with a spade will stimulate new root growth in what will become the soil ball when plant is moved.

GARDEN WATCH »»

CHINESE PISTACHE

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to lawns early in the month to control winter weeds. Depending on the type of weed targeted, it may be necessary to apply two products – one for grassy weeds (annual bluegrass, ryegrass, etc.) and another

The Chinese Pistache is a rapid-growing, deciduous tree reaching heights of 40 feet with a width of 30 feet. This tree is long lived with spectacular red to red-orange fall color. The Chinese Pistache tolerates full sun with low to moderate water needs. This hardy tree is extremely pest resistant and has been designated as a Texas Superstar®.

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BY MELINDA KOCIAN

{ellis county master gardeners association }

»» »»

»»

»» »»

for broadleafed weeds (chickweed, clover, dandelions, henbit, etc.).

Check for spider mites on tomatoes and new transplants. Treat with strong stream of water or insecticidal soap.

Make final application of Image® or SedgeHammer® before mid-month to control nutsedge in warm-season lawns.

Remove webworms from pecan trees. Cut off the ends of branches as soon as the webs appear. Tear open large webs to expose worms for the birds. Spraying is not practical.

Spray roses suffering from black spot and powdery mildew with labeled fungicide.

Prepare beds for spring-flowering bulbs. Add generous amounts of organic matter to improve water drainage.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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HOME & GARDEN

CHINQUAPIN OAK

The Chinquapin Oak (or Chinkapin Oak) is a large, deciduous, Texas native tree reaching heights of 50-90 feet with a width of 20-40 feet. This tree has distinctive saw-tooth leaves that provide yellow to bronze fall color. The Chinquapin Oak is moderate to fast growing and is seldom troubled by disease or pest. This tree tolerates full sun, has moderate water requirements and is designated as a Texas Superstar®.

October PLANTING

»»

»» »» »»

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Plant cool-season annuals such as pinks, snapdragons and ornamental cabbages and kale early in the month. Wait until temperatures have cooled to plant pansies and violas.

Complete planting these fall vegetables early in the month: radishes, spinach and turnips.

Last chance to sow wildflowers in order to have blooms next spring.

Always purchase “fresh” seed.

Purchase spring-flowering bulbs while selection is good. Chill tulip and Dutch hyacinth at 45°F for 60 days prior to planting. Daffodil and grape hyacinth require no special handling but should be stored in a cool location until planting (soil temperature below 55° F). Recommended daffodil varieties include Ice Follies, Fortune, Carlton, Cheerfulness and Tahiti.

Fall is a great time to set out perennial herbs, including thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, lemon balm, pineapple sage and Mexican mint marigold. Work a few inches of compost into soil prior to planting and mulch the plants after planting.

Make landscape changes starting this month. Select tree, shrub and perennial varieties needed to complement or renovate your landscape. Fall plantings will allow these plants to establish roots before hot, dry weather arrives next year.

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FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

»»

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Remove annuals that have completed their life cycle. Leave seed pods to self-seed next year (cleome, cosmos, four o’clock).

Continue to feed tropical plants in containers and hanging baskets with a water-soluble fertilizer. Cut back or repot overgrown houseplants and fertilize with same fertilizer.

Spring and summer-flowering shrubs and vines (including climbing roses, wisteria, etc.) should not be pruned at this time because they have already established their buds for next year’s bloom. Prune these plants immediately after they stop blooming next year.

»»

Attention, Christmas cactus owners!

To initiate flower buds, give the plants bright light each day followed by 1214 hours of total darkness at night, for 30 days starting mid-month. And keep night temperatures under 65° F.

Learn more from Ellis County Master Gardeners Association at:

/ECMGA

GARDEN WATCH

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Watch for brown-patch fungus on St. Augustine lawns. Water only in the mornings and apply turf fungicide at first sign of fungus.

Watch for cutworms and looper caterpillars. Products containing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) are safe to control these pests.

If aphids become a problem on young leafy vegetables, control with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.

PICK ONE UP TODAY!

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 // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

63

MEDICAL

Streamlined Treatment for Breast Cancer NEW RADIATION OPTION CUTS TIME BY TWO-THIRDS If you receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, it can be overwhelming. You’ll have to sort through a lot of information quickly and make decisions about what treatment is best for you.

For many of my patients with early stage breast cancer, lumpectomy – removing the tumor surgically – is the recommended treatment option. But you have to have radiation after a lumpectomy. That’s part of the package.

The typical way to deliver radiation is called external beam radiation. If you have this type of radiation, you have a lumpectomy first, wait three to four weeks for the incision to heal, then have 30 radiation treatments – five a week for six weeks. It’s effective, but it’s cumbersome.

Each visit takes only 15 or 20 minutes, but you have to go every day. The appointments can be hard to arrange around your work schedule and other commitments.

RADIATION IN LESS TIME

I have a better option to offer a lot of the women I treat. It’s called partial breast radiation, and it can be done soon after surgery, with appointments twice a day for just five days. The treatment process starts with lumpectomy, just like with the typical process, but I leave a catheter in the surgical site. Once I know that the cancer hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes and that the catheter is positioned properly, we can use the catheter to deliver radiation right to the location that needs it.

Partial breast radiation delivers a higher dose of radiation than external beam radiation does, but it’s more focused on the tissue where cancer is more likely to recur.

So, there’s less risk of damage to the lungs, heart and ribs, and less blistering, redness, and thickening of the skin. There are several systems surgeons can choose from, and the one we use, called SAVI Brachy, gives your radiation oncologist a lot of flexibility in arranging your dosage and protecting your skin.

BY VALERIE GORMAN, MD, FACS

TWO WEEKS TO THE FINISH LINE

If I operate on a Monday, I’ll know whether the lymph nodes are negative and the catheter is positioned properly by that Friday, and radiation can start on the following Monday. In just two weeks, the whole process is finished. You would be taking time off from work and your other activities after lumpectomy anyway, so it’s convenient to get your radiation treatments done then.

Studies have found that breast cancer recurrence rates for partial breast radiation are comparable to external beam radiation, and there’s less risk to other parts of the body. Most people are happy to have the treatment time shortened, and they do very well with it.

I offer this treatment here in Waxahachie, so women can take advantage of the benefits of the streamlined treatment without having to travel to Duncanville or Dallas.

Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS | 469.800.9830 | Breast Surgeon at Texas Surgical Specialists

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MEDICAL

MARRIAGE & TOGETHERNESS

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

Trust is a critical factor in a marriage. So is another T-word: Togetherness. Togetherness is an important, even critical, factor in a satisfying and enduring marriage. It is the difference that keeps a marriage from being or becoming just a convenient living arrangement. Marriage should be more than two people deciding to get together to live in the same house or apartment, share expenses, and sleep together. Rather, it is a deeper connection that brings two people together to join with each other in the mutuality of caring for the other both emotionally and in their behavior towards each other. It requires commitment. Togetherness is part of what keeps the “fire” or mutual investment and interest in the union and the nuts and bolts of committing to share lives.

Togetherness is not measured by the emotional intensity of attachment. It is more like a comfortable, calm, relaxed, peaceful thing than intense. It is certainly not a “Velcro” relationship; one where two people are too intensely joined. In psychological terms, this is called “enmeshment” and often is evidence of significant psychological problems. It suggests that one or both partners hold relationship or personality deficits that they are using the other to try to fulfill. They may experience needing to be together for self-completion rather than wanting to be together, an entirely different thing.

Not surprisingly, intensity works both ways.

Intense relationships run the risk of burning out or transitioning to intense negativity that destroys the relationship. Emotional intensity is not a sign of true togetherness and does not contribute to a satisfying, enduring marriage.

Perhaps this points to the importance of “friends first”: getting to know a person and growing towards closeness. That way, you can make an “informed” decision whether you want to join forces with this person and spend time and maybe the rest of your life with them. A Strong friendship is the basis of overcoming incompatibilities and fostering togetherness.

In my practice, I tend to worry when a couple comes in and seems to almost sit in one another, squeezing hands and smiling. This is not reality and can very quickly change to shouting and accusations. The prognosis is much better for a couple who comes in experiencing conflict, even genuine anger or upset with one another, but they show physical closeness, they look at each other, and they talk, even angry talk. Each values the marriage and wants to improve, to communicate, to solve problems, and to let the past be just that. They are together despite the conflict.

It is important to recognize that marriage is made up of three persons: you, me, and us. All must be

acknowledged and receive due attention.

Enmeshment ignores or takes away from the individuals. Self-absorption shortchanges or ignores the Us and tries to make the marriage all about me. Both distract from true togetherness.

Neither contributes to lasting, satisfying relationships. The Us must be nurtured to achieve “togetherness.”

Close, well-functioning couples never stop being individuals. Each has their interests, hobbies, needs and biases before the marriage and these do not just go away. No one is free of “warts.”

Each partner needs room to exercise their individual interests. One partner may be a singer and spend time away from the other rehearsing and performing. The other may show horses in

dressage competitions. Each may attend the performances of the other. In a successful couple, both partners have opportunities to exercise their interests and activities with the support of, but not at the expense of, the other. Supporting the other in these personal activities is part of growing togetherness.

It has been said that marriage is an ongoing exercise in overcoming incompatibility. Similarly, it is an ongoing

exercise in moderating separateness. There are two basic ways to enhance togetherness.

First, you can work on reducing unnecessary and interfering bits of separateness. This results from excess focus on the individuals in the marriage and can be a sign of lack of trust and commitment. Things like separate bank accounts, paying separate bills, untouchable individual cars, etc., tend to reinforce separateness. Taking these ideas into a marriage introduces separateness from the start. This is not to say that a couple must hold all in common. Remember, there are two individuals involved, but that the things of each are transparent to and accessible by the other.

The second way is actively fostering togetherness.

This includes, but is much more than, doing things together. Each partner can support the other and do what they can to make them the best they can be. They can grow together emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. They can hold and work towards common goals, be each other’s best advisor, and reach major decisions together. Importantly, they can listen to each other and hear clearly. They can decide upon and work towards a common future. These can lead towards the most important togetherness, togetherness of mind and soul - two persons deciding to be together and to work every day to be more that way.

John R. Skinner, Jr., Ph.D. | 972.923.0730 | www.donaldsonwellnesscenter.com

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MEDICAL

Staying aBreast

BY BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER - WAXAHACHIE

With all the awareness campaigns and tremendous advances in detection and treatment over the past two decades, it’s hard to believe that still more than 40,000 American women die every year from breast cancer. And an estimated 252,710 women will receive the dreaded diagnosis in 2017. All this is to say that breast health should be top of mind for women not just every October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – but yearround.

Busting Breast Cancer Myths

“There are at least two significant misconceptions about breast cancer,” says Rufus Mark, MD, a radiation oncologist on the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie medical staff. “One is that a screening mammogram can cause cancer.”

He points out that there has never been a documented case of a mammogram causing cancer, and moreover, the amount of radiation exposure involved in the screening is similar to that of a roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to New York.

“The second misconception,” Dr. Mark continues, “is that many women diagnosed with breast cancer believe that if they undergo removal of both breasts through bilateral mastectomy, they will improve their chance of survival and have a lower risk of recurrence.”

In other words, a breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean losing both breasts to surgery. In fact, at the end of 2016, the American Society of Breast Surgeons issued a consensus statement discouraging the majority of women with breast cancer from having bilateral mastectomy. The procedure also is discouraged as a way to prevent breast cancer, except potentially in women – like actress Angelina Jolie – who have tested positive for the

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BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene (less than 1 percent of women).

Not Your Mother’s Breast Cancer Treatment

Many breast cancer patients of even a decade ago would not recognize many of the advanced new treatments that have improved survival rates and helped preserve breast tissue.

“We’re moving into an era of genetic understanding of breast cancer, allowing us to target DNA within the cancer cells to create better treatments,” says Dr. Mark. “These new genetically targeted therapies offer a better chance at survival and better chance to preserve breast tissue.”

In addition to genetic-targeted therapies, radiation treatment options have also improved, and in many cases, allow breast cancer patients to skip mastectomy altogether. These options, which are offered at Baylor Scott & White – Waxahachie, have the added benefit of minimizing disruption to daily life.

“We’re able to do breast conservation radiation a lot faster now – sometimes completing radiation treatment regimens within a week,” explains Dr. Mark.

Prevent and Detect

Having a family history of breast cancer doesn’t

mean a woman will get breast cancer. But if a mother or sister has had it, a woman should probably talk to her doctor about a genetic test. However, some of the best steps a woman can take to prevent breast cancer are the same steps doctors recommend to ward off any number of diseases.

“There is a correlation between obesity and breast cancer,” says Dr. Mark. That means living a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise may help reduce breast cancer risk.

Besides living healthy, according to the American Cancer Society, women should be sure to get their annual screening mammogram starting at age 45 – or possibly age 40 depending on risk factors.

Newer 3-D mammography technology can help increase cancer detection rates, and reduce the rate of unnecessary biopsies by capturing many more images of breast tissue than a traditional 2-D mammogram. As an added bonus, it captures these images without compressing the breast, and it is covered by most insurance plans in Texas as well as Medicare.

While women diagnosed with breast cancer today have many more treatment options and a much higher survival rate than previous generations, preventing the disease or catching it early should remain every woman’s goal.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017

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MEDICAL

NEW MOMENT, NEW YOU!

BY DR. SETH ATKINS, DDS

!

Congrats

You are getting married! There are many things to get done prior to the big day.

As a dentist, I am often asked “what can I do to improve my smile?” This question takes on a new sense of urgency with a wedding day approaching. The good news is, there are a variety of options to enhance your smile prior to the big day.

BLEACHING Bleaching is often the most cost effective and lease invasive way to lighten a smile in a relatively short time period. This can be done using a combination of in office treatment along with custom bleaching trays to be used at home. Professional bleaching products used in dentistry are completely safe and have no detrimental effects on tooth enamel and gums when used as instructed. If minor changes in the shape of the teeth are desired, bleaching can be combined with direct bonding of the teeth with tooth colored fillings.

ADVANTAGES Time: The effects of whitening can be seen in as little as a few days.

Cost: Bleaching (with or without bonding) is the least expensive way to lighten your smile.

Maintenance – though occasional “touch up” bleaching is required to maintain results, it requires the least amount of maintenance of any of the options.

DISADVANTAGES Previous fillings and crowns will NOT bleach like teeth. If you have multiple existing restorations on your front teeth, it can be very difficult to get a good result with bleaching alone. The teeth will get whiter, but the restorations will stay the same color. If this is the case, you may desire some of the restorations to be replaced after the teeth are lightened.

Bleaching will not change tooth position or shape. If these changes are required, you will be better served by one of the other options below.

ORTHODONTICS When the position of the teeth needs to be altered, one of the most conservative ways to accomplish this is orthodontics. Many people are amazed at the difference slight changes in tooth position can make in the smile. When teeth are moved to the correct position, we do not have to sacrifice tooth structure that is required to make room for porcelain veneers or crowns.

Depending on how your teeth align, movement of the teeth can be accomplished with traditional braces or Invisalign (clear aligners that move the teeth). Once aligned, minor changes in shape can be accomplished with chairside bonding if required and tooth color can be altered with bleaching if desired.

ADVANTAGES Moving teeth to the correct position is the most conservative way to change tooth position.

DISADVANTAGES Time: It takes time for teeth to move. While minor changes can be completed in as little as a few weeks, more involved movements can take months. It is important to start as soon as you can to be completely sure everything is perfect for the big day.

Shape: Orthodontics will not change the shape and size of your teeth. If these changes are desired, a combination of veneers or bonding will be required.

PORCELAIN VENEERS In instances where changes to tooth shape and/ or size are required, porcelain veneers can be a great option. The addition or porcelain allows for more control to shape the teeth as well as alter the color.

ADVANTAGES More control over tooth shape, size and color Time: The time required to complete veneers usually falls in between bleaching and orthodontics. Allowing three months to complete the process is a decent estimate.

DISADVANTAGES Cost: Veneers are often the most expensive way to enhance your smile.

Tooth structure: many times some of the existing tooth structure has to be removed to make room for the veneers.

Maintenance: Given enough time, everything wears out. Veneers are no exception. This can result in higher overall maintenance costs in the long run.

The best way to determine which option is for you is to visit your dentist. Without question, the biggest limiting factor we run into is TIME! Adequate time to complete esthetic changes is key.

Seth Atkins, DDS | 972.937.8433 | www.elliscountyfamilydentistry.com

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Join Us At Our New State-Of-The-Art Location!

Welcome to Ellis County Family Dentistry From the very first time you walk in the door, it’s our goal to create a pleasant, family friendly environment.

Realizing that each patient has different needs, our practice priority is education with an emphasis on preventive care. You can be confident that we will listen carefully and explain any necessary treatment in detail. We strongly believe that your oral health plays a very important role in your overall health and well-being. We offer a full range of dental services to help you meet your dental goals.

Services: Regular Cleanings, Crowns, Veneers, Tooth Colored Fillings, Periodontal Therapy (Gum Treatment), InvisalignÂŽ, Dentures (Traditional and Implant Supported), Dental Implants and More!

General Dentistry 110 Park Place Court Ste. 100 Waxahachie

972.937.8433

info@elliscountydentist.com www.elliscountydentist.com

LAFIN FIN LA

PORTUGAL PARTE DOIS In my last article, I wrote about my new love affair with Lisbon. There wasn’t enough room to write about the second phase of our trip through Portugal, so I will continue our adventure in this issue.

We left Lisbon to head into northern Portugal with a private driver, who would be with us the next five days educating us on the country’s history and showing us things we would not have seen by taking a train. www.wiselyrent.com Our first stop was the picturesque town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Set amidst pine-covered hills, it was a clear and crisp morning as we drove up the forested mountain to the beautiful Pena Palace, while catching glimpses of its twin conical chimneys through the trees.

The palace’s interior is an eclectic mix of Moorish style with arabesque courtyards, barley-twist columns and 15th-century azulejos (tiles). Back in the town of Sintra, we shopped for linens and pottery before enjoying a long al fresco lunch on the grounds of the Tivoli Palace Hotel and then drove through Cascais, a Portuguese fishing town situated on the western edge of the beautiful Lisbon coastline.

The next morning we leisurely set our pace, occasionally getting off the highway and seeing some of the countryside. We stopped in Obidos, a charming region famous for their cherry liqueur before continuing on to Marfa and touring their spectacular neoclassical palace built during the reign of King John V in 1717.

By late afternoon we arrived in Porto, another UNESCO-listed city full of baroque and 19th-century architecture

set along the steep banks of the Douro River (River of Gold), which flows from Spain through Northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean. We stayed in a hotel on the river overlooking the Dom Luis I Bridge and the Serra do Pilar Monastery on the Vila Nova de Gaia side.

Most everything you want to see in Porto is within walking distance, like the iconic Chapel of Souls with its exterior covered in blue & white tiles. Long lines are always waiting to see Lello, the gothic- style bookstore that was the inspiration for Hogwarts Library in “Harry Potter.”

Around the corner is the Clérigos Church and bell tower, plus numerous pastry shops and boutiques at every turn. Porto is also a serious destination for foodies.

The Mercado do Bolhão food market is a culinary paradise, as is the many port wine lodges such as Graham’s and Taylor’s.

We enjoyed our best meal of the trip at a small restaurant called O’Paparico. With its ancient stone floors and old wooden beams, the food, the service and the presentation is deserving of its Michelin recommendation.

The Douro River Valley was our final destination in Portugal and just about an hour outside Porto. The drive began through romantic villages dotted with medieval stone houses, but as we got further into the valley, it became more harrowing at times as our van took hairpin turns around huge granite bluffs on one side of the narrow road and incredibly steep terraced vineyards cascading downward. As we neared the small town of Pinhao, whitewashed

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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quintas (wine estates) began popping up on the mountainsides. We stopped to tour Quinta de la Rosa and enjoyed trying their award winning ports and wines in their ultra modern tasting room with a view. While the traditional way of touring the Douro has been day trips from Porto by train, there are now several ways to fully experience the valley, including a Viking River Cruise. We opted to stay the night at the Vintage House Hotel, a gorgeous riverside haven surrounded by terraced hillsides. If we had known how wonderful the resort is, we would have planned for a longer stay. Pinhao, although very small, serves as a good base for exploring the many surrounding vineyards and has a delightful train station with handpainted tiles depicting the grape harvest.

I have experienced the wine regions in California’s Napa Valley, Spain’s Ribera del Duero and the rolling hills of Tuscany, but the Portugal wine region is truly unique and beautiful.

On our last morning, we walked down to the hotel’s dock and boarded a sailboat for a lovely cruise with the boat’s owner, Paulo and his dog Luna. Read more at WWW.ANIMADURIUS.PT . It was a highlight of our trip and the perfect ending. We sailed past terraced vineyards and orchards, whitewashed villages and eye-catching gorges all while relaxing and enjoying some of the region’s famous port. We talked about all the things we had seen and done over the past week and toasted to our new found love of Portugal, vowing to return as soon as possible.

Cindy Burch

2001 Bates Drive Suite 102 Waxahachie

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