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5 STYLE Must-Haves for Fall

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MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 1

STYLE, QUALITY & CHARACTER HANDMADE IN TEXAS CUSTOM DESIGNS • STORE FRONT • SHOW ROOM

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39 IN THIS

ISSUE

ON THE ROAD 4 Reasons to Travel to Lubbock Incredible Texas Parks

44 4

FEATURE Back to School Basics

AT HOME Southern Charm DIY Candle Making Basket Wall

48 INSIDE BUSINESS Pura Vida Facelogic

18 IN THE KITCHEN How to Paint French Macarons 3 Simple Meals Handmade Bread

50 LIFE & STYLE 5 Must-Haves for Fall

Organizing Your Pantry with Style

52 FROM THE HEART An Act of Love It˙s OK to Say No

ON THE COVER Kitchen: Karlene Karst Photographer: Tracey Ayton MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 3

AT HOME

Southern Charm Photography by Carol Embry

4 | moderntexasliving.com

Opposite: Okan and Emily Roberts built this beautiful home in the lovely Stone Creek Ranch subdivision. As the owner of 5j Dance Hall and former owner of Junque in the Trunk, Emily is known around town for her sense of style.

Above: The bathroom creates quite the statement room with black walls, checkered tile floor and gold accents. The old doors that lead to their office are one of the favorite pieces in their home and and the perfect welcome to guests as they enter.

MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 5

AT HOME

6 | moderntexasliving.com

Above: Throughout the home you will find a mix of old, new, and timeless pieces that create an inviting space for guests.

Some of their favorite local hot spots for purchasing home decor are Lavertys, Junque in the Trunk, and Simply Irresistible.

MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 7

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AT HOME

DIY

Candle Making

by Amy Williams

C

andles instantly make a home feel cozy by adding warmth, light, and an inviting ambience to a space.

In addition, they make your home smell so good! You can easily make candles with a few supplies and these simple directions. Before long, you will love making scented candles for each new season. This fun DIY makes a wonderful handmade gift for family and friends during the holidays.

The best part is that you can control what goes into your candle to ensure that

10 | moderntexasliving.com

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CANDLE MAKING • Soy Wax Flakes • Natural Wicks • Containers • Centering Device • Pouring Pot • Fragrance or Essential Oils

they are health friendly. Soy or beeswax are the best options for a clear-burning candle. Depending on your preferences and sensitivities, you can use more or less fragrance. Using all natural fragrances and wicks is recommended, so check the packaging before purchase.

Additional items from your kitchen that are needed include include a stove, an old pot to melt the wax, measuring cup, wooden spoon for stirring, cooking thermometer, and scissors.

Images taken at The Morrow House

MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 11

AT HOME

Instructions for Candle Making PREPARE THE CONTAINERS. We used 8 oz lidded glass jars for containers, but any size will work. First, place the bottom of the wick on the inside of the jar. You may need to use a spoon to press the base of the wick in place. A dot of hot glue or melted wax will secure the wick. With a metal centering device, place the top of the wick in the center of the device to hold it into place.

MEASURE THE WAX. You will use approximately twice the amount of wax flakes for the size of candle that you are making. We used about 2.4 cups of wax flakes to make an eight ounce candle.

MELT THE WAX. You can use a double boiler or simply place the metal pouring pot into a larger pot of shallow boiling water. Pour wax flakes into the pouring pot. Use a wooden spoon to stir frequently. The wax will take about 10 minutes to completely melt. With the thermometer, ensure the melted wax reaches a temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

ADD FRAGRANCE. Pour the fragrance oils into the wax and stir frequently for a couple of minutes. We used a coconut almond oil blend. Use about ½ an ounce of oil for an eight ounce candle. Then, remove from heat and allow the wax to rest for a few minutes.

POUR THE WAX. Allow the wax to cool to 140 degrees before pouring. Carefully pour the hot wax into the prepared container. Ensure the wick stays centered in the candle.

TRIM THE WICK. Allow the candle to cool completely, which may take up to an hour. Lastly, trim the wick down to size, approximately ½ an inch or less.

Enjoy! The candle will need to cure for a week before burning. This will allow the candle to develop the best scent.

Remember, never leave a candle unattended!

Amy Williams is a Waco-based home decor and DIY Blogger. She is also a visual merchandiser and product stylist. You can follow more of her work on cutertudor or at cutertudor.com.

12 | moderntexasliving.com

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AT HOME

Basket Wall

by Regan Mauck

MATERIALS NEEDED: • Collection of flat baskets • Hammer • Nails

Find a wall that needs some love!

Basket walls can work in places that may otherwise be difficult to decorate because they can form to any shape.

Lay out your baskets on the floor so you can decide how you want them placed. This is helpful so you can make sure you like the layout before you start nailing into the wall.

Start hanging your baskets! I like to start with the largest basket and work from there. Most baskets you can hammer the nail straight through the weaving which makes it super easy!

BASKET SOURCES: ▶ Top small basket was thrifted ▶ Bottom basket is from Target ▶ And all other baskets were found at Homegoods

Regan Mauck is a home décor and DIY blogger from Houston, Texas. She loves sharing her latest projects around her home and giving her readers practical advice on her blog, thebloomingnest and www.bloomingnest.com.

14 | moderntexasliving.com

Finding unique wall art can sometimes be challenging. A basket wall is a great option for adding new textures and shapes. It can be so fun to gather and create your own unique collection.

They are light, easy to hang, and can add so much character to your space.

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IN THE KITCHEN

How To “Paint”

French Macarons SUPPLIES NEEDED:

• Wilton gel-based food coloring • French Macarons (you can purchase these at the store, or refer to Handmadefarmhouse.com for my recipe and technique) • New, fine point paintbrushes • Vanilla extract

18 | moderntexasliving.com

Content and photography by Emily Barlow @handmade.farmhouse

P

ainting French Macarons is so much fun! You can quickly transform these delicate and delicious cookies into something really special by using them as a tiny canvas for your designs. The possibilities are endless! Get creative, and have fun.

TECHNIQUE: STEP 1. In a small bowl, pour a few teaspoons of vanilla extract. This will be used as your gel color thinner. You do not want to use water as it will wet your cookies and make them soft. The vanilla dries very quickly and will not compromise the integrity of the cookie shell. It also adds flavor!

STEP 2. On a plate, add a little bit of each gel color you’d like to use on your cookies.

STEP 3. Use the vanilla to thin and even mix colors to create new ones! You’re now ready to add color to your cookie.

Think of this technique like watercolor painting.

STEP 4. Paint your designs on the cookies. Allow time to dry.

If you need to store them, carefully add them to an airtight container or bag and store in the refrigerator.

I really enjoy painting florals and seasonal designs on the macarons. These are so fun to share with friends, teachers, and neighbors or to add to your menu at a bridal or baby shower! Be sure to check out my Instagram page @handmade.farmhouse to see my other cookie designs.

Emily Barlow is an Idaho-based home décor and food blogger. She loves sharing ways to transform a house into a home by making things beautiful on a dime. For more ideas on creative decorating, do-it-yourself project ideas, and delicious recipes, be sure to follow along on handmade.farmhouse or read her blog Handmadefarmhouse.com MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 19

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IN THE KITCHEN

3

Simple Meals TACO BOWL INGREDIENTS: • Ground Meat (Beef, Chicken, or Turkey) • Taco Seasoning Packet • Brown Rice • Onion • Yellow and Red Pepper • Lime • Cilantro • Black Beans

1. Brown 1lb. ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey) and add taco seasoning packet (follow directions on packet).

2. In a separate pan sauté veggies of choice; onions, peppers, jalapeño.

3. In a small pot, cook two servings of brown rice (add 1 tablespoon of lime juice & cilantro to rice for more flavor).

4. Heat black beans in a small bowl for a minute in the microwave or heat on the stove in a small pan.

5. Add all contents to your meal prep container. Make sure to separate each ingredient like pictured.

6. Heat the uncovered meal prep container in the microwave for 1 ½ – 2 minutes and then add any condiments/toppings you enjoy while eating tacos: lettuce, sour cream, salsa, or cheese!

GREEK PASTA BOWL INGREDIENTS: • Pasta Noodles of choice (Penne or Bow Tie) • Italian Dressing • Squash • Zucchini • Purple Onion • Feta Cheese 1. Cook bag of noodles according to package. Let cool for 15 minutes.

2. Once the noodles are completely cooled, add 1-2 cups of Italian dressing to noodles.

3. Chop up squash and zucchini into large chunks and sauté in a pan with 1 tablespoon of butter.

4. Chop 1/2 cup of purple onion and add to cooled vegetables.

5. Add in 1 tablespoon of feta to vegetable mixture.

6. Place cooled contents in meal prep container like pictured.

This meal is not intended to be reheated. Simply stir together, season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

CHICKEN, VEGGIES & QUINOA BOWL INGREDIENTS: • Chicken Breast • Broccoli (cut into florets) • Pesto • Cilantro • Quinoa 1. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper (or seasoning of your choice).

2. Cook chicken in skillet until heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

3. In a separate small pan, sauté broccoli florets with one tablespoon of butter.

4. Cook quinoa according to package. Add one tablespoon of pesto & 2 tsp. of chopped cilantro for added flavor.

5. Place cooked ingredients in meal prep container. Separate each ingredient like pictured.

6. Heat the uncovered meal prep container in the microwave for 1 ½ – 2 minutes. Season meal with salt and pepper and enjoy!

MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 23

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IN THE KITCHEN

26 | moderntexasliving.com

Homemade country

BREAD LOAF a step-by-step tutorial

by Emily Barlow with Handmade Farmhouse

COUNTRY BREAD LOAF RECIPE INGREDIENTS • 5-5 ½ cups bread flour. All purpose flour may be substituted, however, bread flour has a higher content of gluten which will give this bread its amazing chewy texture. Do yourself a favor and use bread flour!

• 1 tsp sugar • 2 ¼ tsp regular or quick active dry yeast I always use SAF-instant • 2 cups very warm water. If water is hot it will kill your yeast. I like to think of the temperature I would bathe a baby in. Very warm but not hot!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil • 2 tsp salt INSTRUCTIONS 1. Mix two cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast in a mixing bowl. I like to use my KitchenAid for this recipe. Now add 2 cups of warm water.

Beat mixture for 1 minute until smooth. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to stand 1 hour until bubbly.

2. Now add oil and salt. Mix in enough remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until a smooth dough forms. I use 5 cups because I live in a dry area. Swap to dough hook and allow mixer to knead dough for 5-8 minutes. Or do so by hand until dough is smooth and springy.

3. Place dough into a large bowl greased with shortening.

Cover with wrap and allow to rise 1 hour or until double.

4. Once risen, dump dough onto a lightly floured counter.

I like to slice dough in half but this can be made into one giant loaf as well.

5. Take one part of dough and gently shape into a ball by stretching the sides of the dough downward under the loaf to create a round, smooth ball. Repeat with second loaf.

Place loaves smooth side up on a parchment lined cookie sheet (Upside down if baking both on one, and give them plenty of space), a sheet greased with shortening, or a parchment lined pizza stone. Allow to rise 25-30 minutes.

6. Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly spray loaves with a cool water mist and sprinkle with flour. Use your hand to smooth flour evenly on loaf. Use a bread lame to “score” bread with 1/4" deep designs (have fun and get creative!).

Place a metal pan 1/3 full of water on the bottom rack of your oven. This will steam while bread is baking which helps create a delicious crispy crust! An alternative option would be to simply toss in 5-7 ice cubes in the bottom of the oven that will steam while baking.

7. Place pan or stone in oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until loaf is deep golden brown with a crisp crust and sounds hollow when you tap on it. Allow to cool for a few moments and slice with a serrated knife.

MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 27

IN THE KITCHEN

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “SCORE” A LOAF OF BREAD? Did you know that bread scoring was born many, many years ago when villages only had access to a community oven? Families would “score” or slash their bread so that they could identify their loaves at the end of the communal bake.

Nowadays, we use bread scoring to transform ordinary loaves into a unique work of art by scoring our own creative designs.

YEAST MAKES ME NERVOUS, I NEVER GET A GOOD RISE! WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS? If you’re newer to bread making, fear not! This is a great recipe to try. My favorite yeast to use is always this SAFinstant yeast. It comes in a large pack so I open it, pour it into a gallon zip-lock, and store it in the freezer. This will keep it fresh! You can then add it right into your mixing bowl when you need it for bread-making.

One very important thing to get right when you’re using yeast, is your water temp. Be sure its not too hot or it will kill the yeast. Too cool, and you won’t activate it. I like to think about the temperature I would use to give a baby a bath.

Very warm, but not hot.

One way to be able to tell if your yeast is activating is by checking it a few minutes after mixing. You should notice your dough mixture getting bubbly and rising. This means you have success with your yeast! Great work.

WHY IS LETTING THE BREAD RISE AND RE-RISE, SO IMPORTANT? This recipe calls for several rises. Allowing the dough the appropriate time it needs to rise, and re-rise, will result in an incredible texture of the bread once baked. You will notice the bread has a perfectly browned outer crust and a soft, chewy, sponge-like texture on the inside. The rising time will also allow the dough to develop in flavor which will give the bread a rich delicious taste with every slice.

WHAT IS A BREAD LAME? There is a certain technique used for bread scoring. It is a form of art and takes a little practice. However, when using a special double-sided razor called a “lame,” you can easily transform your risen loaf into a canvas and create a beautiful work of art by scoring it. Don’t let fear overcome you! You’ll be so happy to see your beautiful golden loaf come out of the oven with your unique stamp on it!

HOW DO I SLICE INTO MY FRESHLY BAKED BREAD LOAF WITHOUT SMASHING IT? Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes from hot to warm.

Use a serrated bread knife! This makes the world of a difference when you’re ready to slice into your warm loaf.

Now load it up with butter and honey, and sink your teeth into that slice of heaven!

Emily is the homemaker over at Handmade Farmhouse. She loves finding ways to turn a house into a home. For more of her ideas on affordable, intentional decorating, DIY projects, from-scratch recipes, and how to make your home your happy place, follow her on handmade.farmhouse.

28 | moderntexasliving.com

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Pantry

IN THE KITCHEN

Organizing With Style

by: Aly McDaniel @thedowntownaly

1. PURGE!

Clean out the entire pantry. Throw away all expired cans, spices, and food. You know they are in there.

2. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN! Wipe down all shelves and walls. I use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water or any food safe cleaner. I also touch up any scuffs on the shelves with paint.

3. WALLPAPER! Add your choice of peel and stick wallpaper (if desired). Tip: Peel about 12” of the backing away from the paper. Apply the paper to the top of the wall. Working from top to bottom, pull the backing away as you evenly press the paper to the wall. You can reposition the wallpaper if it looks crooked.

Trust me…it takes me a couple of tries.

4. SHOPPING! I like to go to Walmart, The Container Store, and Target for organizational items for my pantry. I am all about the plastic canisters and baskets to hold my food. I like to take chips, crackers, cereal, cookies, and other snacks out of their bags and put them in a plastic canister. It saves you so much more room, especially if you have a small pantry. It also helps preserve the freshness of these items, and it’s a lot easier to see when you're running low on an item. Lazy Susans are another great item to organize all your sauces and extra spices. My favorite item to organize my food is BASKETS, BASKETS, BASKETS! I painted a white border all around the tops of mine to make them look more my style. The Container store has a lot of options. Amazon has a ton of organizing items such as clear spice jars with gold lids and labels. Lastly, I purchased storage drawers because I had a lot of room underneath my last shelf. I recommend getting some sort of storage drawers (if you have room) because you can store mail, kids school work, trash bags, dog food, etc.

5. ORGANIZE! It’s now time to organize all the food, condiments, baking supplies, etc., into their baskets or canisters. Make sure everything has a place to live. Make sure you utilize your walls. I used wall grippers for my spices, so I can easily see and grab the ones I need.

6. ADD APPROPRIATE DECOR & STORE OTHER ITEMS I like to store my larger cooking equipment that I use weekly on the top shelf. They are also very pretty and I like them to be seen. I always add some sort of faux plant in the top corner and a sign that either says eat or pantry. It just gives your pantry some style.

Go to ModernTexasLiving.com to see what products were used to organized the pantry.

Aly Mcdaniel, a.k.a @TheDowntownAly on , is a full time blogger, mom of two little boys, and wife.

She shares "all the things" such as home decor, fashion, beauty, family, and most importantly making people laugh with her funny videos. Her passion is home decor and she believes every room should be organized with style.

32 | moderntexasliving.com

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ON THE ROAD

4

REASONS

YOU SHOULD TRAVEL TO LUBBOCK THIS FALL

by Jessica Serna

1

CAPROCK CANYON STATE PARK Caprock Canyon State Park is a one of a kind park in Texas.

One of the most unique features is the free roaming bison!

Whether grazing in the grasslands or walking across the road you’re trying to drive down, you can see the bison everywhere. Not to mention Caprock Canyon has some of the most gorgeous hikes through the canyons and to a cave!

Unless you have a kid at Texas Tech, you may not have made your way to this West Texas town. However, you’ll be surprised at all the unique things Lubbock has to offer!

2

HANG OUT WITH PRAIRIE DOGS

These cute creatures run around Lubbock like they own the town. You’ll see them as you’re driving down roads, but at Prairie Dog town you can actually see them up close!

3

VISIT THE TRUE WINE COUNTRY OF TEXAS

While we all associate the Hill Country as Texas’s wine country, Lubbock produces 80% of the grapes that are used in Texas wines. There are multiple wineries in Lubbock producing quality Texas wine and the beauty of the wine tours here is that you can get a more personalized experience as the crowds are not as large!

STAY IN CABOOSE

4

If you like to check out funky places, Woodrow House Bed & Breakfast has a caboose that you can sleep in!

To see more information about My Curly Adventures travels, check out her website at mycurlyadventures.com. You can also follow her on mycurlyadventures_ mycurlyadventures curlyadventures

MONAHANS

If you’ve never heard of sand surfing, Monahans Sandhills State Park might come as a surprise to you!

Sand dunes stretch on for miles for a breathtaking view. If you’re looking a unique camping spot, there’s nothing like waking up to the sun rising over the sand dunes.

INCREDIBLE TEXAS PARKS for Hiking and Camping

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Hot springs, Santa Elena Canyon, the Chihuahuan desert, scenic drives, and more can be found at Big Bend National Park. This park is so vast that you will find yourself coming back and back for more.

by Jessica Serna

LONGHORN CAVERNS STATE PARK

With a history of prohibition parties in a cave, sparkling calcite crystals lining the walls, and the spot where Confederates mined bat poo for gun powder, the Longhorn Caverns is a must visit destination in Texas! While you can’t camp here, Inks Lake State Park is close and you can camp right around the water. You might even catch some deer wandering around.

GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK Camp just a minute’s walk from the beach! Galveston Island is a great spot for bird watching, kayaking, and sunbathing. At night you can watch the stars as the waves roll across the sand!

To see more information about My Curly Adventures travels, check out her website at mycurlyadventures.com. You can also follow her on mycurlyadventures_ mycurlyadventures curlyadventures MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 41

The Junior League of Waco is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Through more than 80 years of service, members have given millions of volunteer hours to support the League's mission. The League welcomes new members in both the spring and fall each year.

The League currently focuses on Early Childhood Education & Development, believing that supporting the youngest children among us will have an indelible impact on Waco.

League members support this focus by participating in community projects and collaborative partnerships. The community is invited to show their support by contributing to ongoing fundraising efforts. Additionally, the League raises funds through the annual Deck the Halls Gift Market, which will take place November 1-3.

For more information please visit jlwaco.org.

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Back to School Lunch Essentials and Meal Plans

When trying to get back into the routine of rushing the kiddos to school, it's always nice to have a few go-to ideas for their school lunches.

Here are some of our tried and true recipes that you can not only feel good about making, but that your kids will love.

44 | moderntexasliving.com

Yumbox Zuppa is a triple insulated stainless steel thermal food jar for packing your hot or cold food.

Yumbox MiniSnack is a snack box, to pack smaller healthy snacks.

Yumbox Original has six compartments perfect for young children up to age eight.

Ages 4-6

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Wednesday (Homemade Lunchable)

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Main Course

Greek Bow-Tie Pasta Salad

Boiled egg

Fun shaped cheese & ham picks

Bagal, cream cheese & jelly sandwich

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks (Pizza Crust, Pepperoni, Mozzarella Cheese) (optional: top with butter, garlic powder, dried parsley)

Fruit

Fruit medley on picks

Blueberries

Raspberries/ watermellon

Frozen grapes

Honeydew melon

Veggie

Cherry tomatoes

Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels (whipped cream cheese, spinich tortilla, purple cabbage, baby spinach leaves, red & yellow pepper)

Carrot Sticks

Chick Peas

Sugar snap peas

Grain

Banana muffins by Little Bites

Townhouse heart shaped pretzel crackers

Pita crackers (muffin liner)

Choc chip mini muffins

Dairy

Cottage cheese

Babybel cheese (use design stamp cutter)

Dip Sauce Container

Greek Dressing

Mini Choc Chip Cookies

Dill Cream Cheese Dip

Yogurt covered raisins

Marinara Sauce MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 45

Bentgo Fresh 4 compartment leakproof lunchbox with bult-in portion control. Very easy to clean and have many great color options!

Bentgo

Ages 7-9

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday (Mexican)

Thursday

Friday

Main Course

Turkey & Cheese Sushi Sandwich Rolls (Spinach Tortilla, shredded mozerella, turkey lunch meat, shredded carrots with Cream cheese spread)

Mac & Cheese (Thermos)

Quesadilla

Turkey wrap

Tortilla soup (Thermos)

Fruit

Grapes/cantaloupe medley

Oranges/Pears

Fresh mango cubes

Watermelon/ pinapple medley

Applesauce

Veggie

Sliced Avacado

Sliced Cucumber

Sweet bell pepper

Brocolli/ cauliflower

Roasted sweet potato rounds (honey, ground cinnamon)

Grain

Mini rice cake

Rice

Townhouse pretzel crackers

Dairy

Dip Sauce Container

Yogurt Dip

Ranch

Salsa

Granola bites

Hummus

46 | moderntexasliving.com

Ages 10+

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Main Course

Pizza Pancakes

Grilled Chicken Peta

Corn, tomato, black bean salad

Salad in a Jar

Meatballs (Thermos)

Fruit

Watermelon

Kiwi/Pinapple

Strawberries/peaches/ blueberries medley

Nectarines/pear slices

Cantaloupe

Veggie

Cucumbers

Mushrooms/tomato/ brocolli Medley

Brocolli

Red bell pepper slices

Pretzel Crisps

Garlic Toast

Grain Dairy

Yoplait Gogurt Yogurt Tube

Cheese stick

Boiled egg

Stonyfield Organic Kids Berry Yogurt (Freeze night before)

Dip Sauce Container

Marinara Sauce

Craisins

Hummus

Ranch Dip

Marinara Sauce

Nutridashe

FOOD PICKS: Make lunchtime fun with these adorable foodpicks by Nutridashe. They are the latest craze with moms and there are so many different options to choose from!

LUNCHBOX LABEL: Mabels Labels are the newest and most eye-catching way to label your little one’s lunch box this school year! Mabel’s Labels brand new Lunch Box Labels are the perfect way to personalize expensive and easy-tolose lunch gear. Just peel-and-stick the durable, waterproof label onto the front of your kid’s bento box or lunch box, then use and wash the container daily with no worries! The labels are available in 16 adorable designs and they are completely dishwasher and microwave safe. ____________________________________________ *All products are food safe materials, BPA-free and phthalates-free.

MabelsLabels MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 47

INSIDE BUSINESS

Business in the Spotlight:

PURA VIDA FACELOGIC Pura Vida Elite Day Spa and Facelogic Skincare and Day Spa have merged as one to bring the Waco community, and the many tourists visiting Waco, the best of both spas.

This is exciting news. So, we visited with Erin Kubala, owner of Pura Vida, and Chris Sadler, owner of Facelogic, to discuss why they merged the two companies and to learn what benefits this merger will provide.

YOU ARE BOTH OBVIOUSLY SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELVES. Erin is a native Texan from Teague, Texas, who moved to Waco in 1997. She thoroughly enjoys the life of an entrepreneur and has never looked back since starting her spa business. She is married to her Waco firefighter husband and they have a wonderful 3-year-old son who is the love of their lives.

Chris is a Baylor alum. He has been married for 34 years to his amazing wife who is also an entrepreneur. He moved to Waco in 1980. He started his first business while studying at Baylor and has been fortunate enough to pursue his entrepreneurial dream through several different business ventures over the years. He and his wife have two grown children and recently had the joy of adding a grandson to the family.

digital facial skin analysis, laser treatments, and non-surgical skin tightening just to name a few of the additional services.

Clients will be able to not only visit the spa to relax, but to improve the condition and look of their skin. This will position Pura Vida Facelogic Elite Day Spa to be the only spa in Waco to offer comprehensive relaxation with skincare. Not only will they provide a long-term benefit to the Waco area clients who visit on a consistent basis, but they also plan to partner with local businesses on offering health and wellness to their employees. They also plan to partner with local hotels to provide quality spa services to their guests. Erin and Chris believe they will add to the overall experience for those visiting the beautiful city of Waco and are excited to be a positive contributor to the overall Waco experience.

WHY SHOULD WACOANS AND WACO VISITORS ALIKE COME AND TAKING TIME EXPERIENCE PURA VIDA FACELOGIC'S OUT OF OUR BOTH SPAS HAVE BEEN ELITE DAY SPA? OPERATING INDEPENDENTLY FOR Chris states, “I think we all hope to be a BUSY SCHEDULES YEARS NOW. WHY DID YOU TWO positive influence on others. I believe we all DECIDE TO MERGE? want to make a difference in those we interact TO PAMPER Both owners of Pura Vida and with on a daily basis. That in turn means we AND IMPROVE Facelogic have been providing their must have some “me time” to rejuvenate in exceptional and award-winning services order to be at our best. Relaxation and selfOURSELVES, CAN for a combined total of 23 years. They improvement are key ingredients in making HELP US RESTORE have both been voted the Best of that a reality. Time is a precious commodity.

Waco for several years, so the marriage We want to make the most of how we spend AND RECHARGE. of the two companies is a no-brainer. our time. Being at our best allows us to The merger allows the two companies positively impact those around us.” to combine best in class services in the areas of facials, skin Erin stresses the importance Wacoans and visitors alike care, massage and salon services. Both companies strive to taking time out of their busy lives to relieve stress and take provide their clients with a better quality of life. purposeful measures to improve their health. “Work and Pura Vida Facelogic Elite Day Spa is expanding to offer family are worthwhile pursuits, but day-to-day life can wear more advanced services. They are excited that this will us all down. Taking time out of our busy schedules to pamper increase the Hydra Facial capacity to allow them to offer and improve ourselves, can help us restore and recharge.”

48 | moderntexasliving.com

5 21 LIFE & STYLE

Must-Haves for Fall Statement Jewelry

Take your accessory game to the next level with this beautiful line of jewlery by Gorjana at Apricot Lane.

Acrylic Handle Totes

We tote-ally love this trend for fall! Whether you are going to a chic girls night or just running around town, these bags are so versatile. Tortoise shell handles are the perfect way to enhance all the colors of your fall wardrobe while remaining classic and effortlessly chic.

3 5

4

Animal Print Ankle Boots

Take a walk on the wild side with a pair of statement boots. Animal print for all accessories is going to be a hot item for fall, especially when it comes to ankle boots! The perfect way to spice up any outfit!

Neck scarf

Neck scarves are making a comeback in a big way! This Spring/ Summer trend can easily be transitioned into the Fall. From floral to basic bandana prints, this is a simple way to add a little life to your look!

Hair Pins & Clips

Looking for something to spice up your outfit for fall? Turn a summer essential into a fall staple with these adorable clips from Courtney's Boutique.

Brooke and Lexi Broughton are sisters and lifestyle bloggers from Fort Worth, Texas. They pride themselves in finding chic and affordable items for the modern Southern girl. You can see more of Brooke’s work on her brookebroughton or by visiting Southern Sociality. You can see more of Lexi’s work on her Instagram lexibroughton or by visiting Styled State of Mind.

50 | moderntexasliving.com

No Remodel Job too Big or Small

One Stop Shop for Remodeling

Storm Damage

254-235-2500 Texas Professioanl is locally owned and operated by Daron Farmer for over 18 years.

Texas Professional Exteriors is your one stop shop for all of your residential & commercial remodel needs. When you need a local contractor you can trust, call the best!

MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 51

FROM THE HEART

An Act of Love “O death, where is thy sting?”

T

he verse from Corinthians refers to a person passing to a better place, but the sting may well be left with the living. Decisions are tough in a state of grief, and burial arrangements are not something anyone wants to have to do in that state.

So why leave it on the shoulders of our loved ones?

Let’s talk about preparing for death as an act of love.

Take a deep breath and consider the chances of death. It’s a guaranteed real thing. Maybe you have been through a painful funeral feud and don’t want to leave the questions and planning for your children. Maybe you just don’t want Dust in the Wind sung over your coffin (to the tune of Will Ferrell in Old School, 2003).

According to Abigail Boney, Advance Planning Specialist with Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, to pre-plan usually takes about an hour and a half. In contrast, when a family sits down to make choices after a loved one passes, it may take twice that long. A funeral is one of the last things a family wants to do under stress and pressure.

We decided to go through the pre-planning process ourselves and wanted to share with our readers 3 takeaway tips.

#1 COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Communicating and planning with your family about the details of burial can avoid fights and family break downs and allow them to grieve in a healthy way, remembering the love you have shared. Choose a casket or burial type, a song, type of flowers or charity for donations in lieu of. Do you have a favorite poem or scripture? Does your family know your vital statistics (i.e., social security number, place of your mother’s birth, marital date and place) for your death certificate to be completed? These are all conversations that may seem uncomfortable at the time.

However, to be sitting in the room after the fact, selecting each and every detail can be such an overwhelming and daunting task. Take the time to discuss these details with your family members and write them out in a plan. It’s never too early.

#2 PREPLANNING WILL SAVE YOU MONEY

Have you put aside funds or prepaid for funeral arrangements?

Don’t let uncertainty about where you will be living in the future stop you from planning with a local funeral home. Burial insurance and plans can often be transferred or created independent of funeral home location. In addition to knowing and settling the tab, this removes the guilt that comes when loved ones try to plan in a state of grief. You may want to be cremated or use a basic casket, but if you’ve not pre-planned, your spouse may suffer thinking you deserve more elaborate arrangements costing more money.

#3 THE PROCESS CAN PROVIDE MEANING

As with many things, planning for the end can give meaning to the journey. You may discover in this process how much you value your faith traditions, or the environment, or find a new quote that speaks to what you want your legacy to be. You may discover something your family fears or loves more than you knew. Have you ever considered what you cherished about a funeral you’ve attended? Perhaps you have no preferences and would like it to be up to your loved ones to plan what they need to celebrate your life. Ask them now. Talk about it. You may live lighter knowing you’ve planned for it.

A special thanks to our friends at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey for sitting down with us and offering our readers a complimentary Final Wishes Organizer at WHBfamily.com.

52 | moderntexasliving.com

ADVANCED PLANNING

Lunch & Learn with Abigail Boney

We invite you to learn how planning for your final wishes may shield your family from unnecessary emotional and financial burden.

Visit our website to see the schedule at WHBfamily.com/events (254) 753-3691

6101 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710

It˙s OK to Say No

by Julie Hays

F

rom the time I decided to step back some at my office and focus more on my family, I've learned so much about balance and about how all the things I've feared really were in my head. I'm a people pleaser. I hate telling anyone no for anything asked of me, and I've spent most of my adulthood up until now, not saying no.

Then someone asked me a question I wish I'd been asked two decades sooner, and it clicked. Was I really "all in" to the commitments I was making? Or was I simply doing something because it was expected, or even worse, because I'd be viewed differently if I didn't? I had to come to terms with the fact that I couldn’t be everywhere, do everything, or be everyone. I needed to say no for me. If the situation was different, and I didn’t have three kids and a husband at home to care for, I would keep myself running on "E" because honestly I love to live life that way. But at some point too many commitments leaves us all running around like chickens with our heads cut off.

Just because I can't be everywhere and do everything doesn't mean I can't do something and something big.

We've all been there. That day or days on our calendar we stress about weeks in advance because after all, how will we do it all? Guess what, we don't have to. But that doesn't mean we’re any less great at being a mom, an employee, a friend.

That one thing you fully commit to can be so much better than the dozen you just try to squeeze in. Maybe it's an extra project you're asked to take on as a volunteer at your kid's school, maybe it's a kid's activity that everyone else seems to be doing but just doesn't work with your family's schedule.

I'm still far from perfect on taking my own advice.

Sometimes I still overcommit, but not as often as I once did. And I no longer have that feeling that I am inferior because I just can't do it all, because one “heck no” means your next “heck yes” will be so much better. I think at some point in our lives, we have to come to terms with the idea that we can't do it all, but what we can do is something.

And that one or two or dozen somethings we choose to commit to will be so much better when the answer from the get go is "heck yes!".

Photo by Charla Holmes Photography

I THINK AT SOME POINT IN OUR LIVES, WE HAVE TO COME TO TERMS WITH THE IDEA THAT WE CAN'T DO IT ALL, BUT WHAT WE CAN DO IS SOMETHING.

Julie Hays is a wife, mother to three and the midday news anchor for KWTX. To follow Julie, go to Juliehayskwtx.

MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 55

Photo by Charla Holmes Photography. Dresses provided by G2

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60 | moderntexasliving.com

Tablescape Inspiration

by Magen Wright

A

tablescape is more than just the decoration that adorns the center of your table. It encompasses the entire surface of the

table and is usually based on a design or pattern. Your tablescape inspiration can be gleaned from the season, a holiday, or even the wildflowers growing outside in your yard. Colors, patterns, textures, candles, glassware, dishes, silverware, napkins, etc. can all be used to beautifully craft your tablescape.

When creating your masterpiece, try to vary your textures and include elements of nature such as flowers, pinecones, or even leaves of various colors in the fall. You can use real or faux greenery – either one can be beautiful. If you opt for faux greenery or flowers, you can always save them to reuse in another tablescape or decorating project. Also, remember to vary the heights of your decorations and try to avoid having anything on the table so tall that your guests won’t be able to see each other.

We used a neutral palette with hydrangeas, a striped table runner, and layered plates topped with linen napkins to complete our look. The added textures of the wood and the sculpted edges of one of the plate layers adds detail while the sprigs of berries and macarons add a soft hint of color. The final contrast of the gold dinnerware completes the ensemble for this beautiful tablescape.

62 | moderntexasliving.com

*additional facility fees will be applied

GATES OPEN 6PM | BANDS 7PM | MARGARITA SALSA CONTEST 6-7PM

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(254) 776-1797

254.295.0610 7348 W. ADAMS #500 • TEMPLE, TX 76502 Find us on Facebook

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