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mckinneywomancontents
March/April 2008
March/April 2008 issue 11
10
16 SUCCESS IN THE CITY
Spring
Local artists share diverse talents
The Evolution of
Fashion Guide
American Women
Speak, Lead
& Succeed
20
Cover Girls Anne Royer Laura Moore Carol Benson Sona Knox
30
Cover Photo by Wendolin Mercado Photography www.wendolin.com
Publisher: Vanessa Ximenez publisher@northtexasmagazines.com
Art Director: Marlina Rahman graphics@northtexasmagazines.com
FEATURES
Contributing Writers:
7 Success In The City Meet four of McKinney’s
most talented artists
10 Going Eco-Chic at Your Wedding 14 Spring Fashion 2008
Bold and Bright
16 The Evolution of American Women
18 Speak, Lead and Succeed
Jacqueline Bodnar Lorie Fangio Leah Ingram Haley Shapley
20 Vegetable Gardening
Spring planting produces a healthy harvest
24 Got Headaches? Here’s how to get relief 30 ABCs of Getting Your Zzzs
Desiree Simons Marsha Sparks Lucy Parker Watkins Dotty Woodson
North Texas Magazines, Inc. 808 S. College St., Suite 111 McKinney, TX 75069 972.547.6261
www.northtexasmagazines.com
McKinney Woman Magazine is a product of North Texas Magazines, Inc. Copyright 2008, exclusive of proprietary ads and artwork designs. All rights reserved. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without prior written permission from the publisher. Placement of advertising is not a personal endorsement by the publisher or its representatives, and no liability arising therefrom is assumed.
Editor’s Note With the increasingly rapid growth of Collin County, it’s no surprise that the artistic community of McKinney is also on the rise. This month’s cover girls personify the diverse artistic talent that our city is proud to declare. On page 7, read about the passions, the creativities and the successes of four of McKinney’s exceptional artists and how each of their talents has contributed to the continued development of our uniquely creative community. On page 14, you’ll have an excuse to be bold and beautiful with the fashion trends of spring 2008. Dazzling bursts of rich tones will not only revive your closet, but will also revive your spirit. This spring, you have the perfect excuse to unleash your feral fashion sense and go from blah to brilliant! In addition to looking good, it’s important to feel good. On page 30, read about the ABCs of getting your Zzzzs. While most people will suffer from insomnia at some point in their lives, it’s unnatural and unhealthy to have chronic sleep deprivation. If you’re falling asleep at work or on the road while driving, you’re risking more than just a sluggish day. Use our helpful hints to maintain good sleep “hygiene” or in extreme cases, to know when to seek professional treatment. Sincerely,
Vanessa Ximenez
McKinney Woman | March/April 2008
Photo by Wendolin Mercado Photography
SUCCESS T
IN THE
CITY
By Lucy Parker Watkins
his month’s cover girls are representative of the diversity
“When all is said and done, the artist has, and in reality fulfills, a real
of the burgeoning artistic community in McKinney. Each
community service, and the sooner the American public learns to go
one is successful, passionate and highly creative but
to the capable artists and trained art teachers for art ideas, just as it
also offers a different perspective and strength within the local art
now goes to scientists for medical and engineering knowledge, just
community. Artists Annie Royer, Laura Moore, Carol Benson and
so much faster will our real growth toward getting beauty into the
Sona Knox bring with them cooperative spirits and commitment
daily life of everyone.”
to the promotion of the arts that sets a high standard in the McKinney community.
Royer first began teaching art to McKinney children in 1997 at Carolyn Hewitt’s Lasting Impressions on the Square. Thanks to the
Anne Royer
encouragement of Hewitt, as well as the Garret Art Gallery, she de-
Anne Royer, known as Miss Annie by her
veloped studio art classes for young people, continuing McKinney’s
students, is a steady artistic force in the
long history of training and launching young artists. Some of her
city. With masters degrees from Yale, and
senior high students, graduating this year, have studied with her
a passion for teaching the community
since those early days.
about the deep artistic roots laid generations ago by regional artists, Royer is
“My agenda is education, both of artists and of potential patrons.
fervent in her commitment to nurturing
There is a great deal of excellent art being produced in McKinney.
the local artistic community. Royer’s philosophy is best described
I encourage people to collect the art of local artists, many of whom
by one of her favorite quotes from John S. Ankeny, director of the
call McKinney ‘home’ after extensive study and work beyond the
Dallas Museum of Fine Arts in the 1930’s:
region. Let’s support their work here.”
www.mckinneywoman.com
March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
With a wealth of knowledge and love of research, Royer’s influence
both traditional and abstract art. She is happiest when she is busy
reaches beyond the paint spattered easels in her art studio. Whether
working on original commissions for her clients.
she is teaching students artistic techniques, giving art history lectures at the Heard-Craig House, or creating new images during local guitar
Moore’s studio is located at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, 129 S.
concerts, she is clearly and decisively focused on contributing to the
Tennessee, Suite 101, just south of the Downtown McKinney
growth of beauty in the daily lives and home of McKinney’s citizens.
Square and online at www.lauramooreart.com.
Royer can be reached online at www.McKinneyArtandDesign.com
Carol Benson
and at 972-542-7387.
Carol Benson, a self-taught artist, designer, wife and mother of three, always had an
Laura Moore
innate sense of design and color. In her On the surface, artist Laura Moore’s move
earlier years, she frequently drew and
from a career as a computer systems execu-
sold portraits of pop culture icons. Later,
tive to becoming an accomplished artist
she discovered a passion for the abstract,
working in downtown McKinney may seem
which offers viewers pure emotion, memo-
contradictory. However, Moore has bridged this seemingly vast gap and created an artis-
ries, and works of art that allow countless arrangement possibilities. Her artwork turns a house into a home.
tic portfolio and following which shows her deep commitment to the arts.
Benson first began selling her work on eBay in 2004, where she quickly became a power seller. Since then, Benson has sold more
After working in corporate America for 16 years as a self-proclaimed
than 400 pieces of original artwork to an international array of
workaholic, Moore had the opportunity for what she thought would
interior designers, architects and art aficionados. In addition to
be a 3-month sabbatical in Paris. “I have always worked. When I went
her downtown working studio and gallery, Benson’s art is also
to Paris, I missed working, but not my line of work. This was an eye-
displayed at J. Mackie, Ltd., in the Dallas World Trade Center. Her
opening revelation for me. I’d always been interested in art, but was
work became so popular there, that her family moved from Ari-
always too practical minded and risk averse to pursue it,” Moore says.
zona to McKinney to be closer to the design community which was avidly purchasing her artwork.
The sabbatical turned into a two and a half year residence in Paris. During this time, Moore shifted her focus away from the computer
“My niche is art for the design industry. I am known for creating
industry to her love of art. She diligently studied watercolor, pho-
custom palettes for specific clients and developing artwork based
tography, drawing, bookmaking and just about every other medium
on their overall design concept.”
available in the art world. Benson’s creativity and ingenuity reaches beyond palette and can“Paris assaults with you with its beauty in the best possible way. I felt
vas. She has mastered the art of marketing her work. Since open-
there was so much to learn. I immersed myself in the art and archi-
ing her studio, she has focused her efforts on building downtown’s
tecture of the city,” Moore comments.
art scene. Her hopes are to expand on the already thriving art district by bringing in a regular clientele of art buyers and design-
After leaving Paris, Moore continued her artistic endeavors. Utilizing
ers to the downtown area. She has jumped on the 2nd Saturday
the works she’d created while in Paris, she put together a portfolio
grassroots efforts, offering a venue for guest artists, including cop-
for consideration at her dream school, The School of the Art Institute
per work by local artist Chris Cobb and occasional live sculpting
of Chicago. Based solely on her portfolio, Moore was accepted and
by Art Wells. Carol will also help organize and recruit artists for
received her 2nd degree, a Bachelors of Fine Arts, in 2006.
downtown’s 2nd Annual Art & Jazz Festival this June.
She now operates a small studio/gallery in Downtown McKinney.
This talented artist and marketer is thrilled to continue creating her
“I was drawn to the vibrancy, support and camaraderie of the
popular artwork while offering a diverse collection to people from
downtown community,” Moore explains.
all walks of life and collaborating with other artists to encourage them to pursue a career in the art world.
Moore views this part of her life as her latest experimental and educational adventure. She works in several mediums and creates
Carol Benson’s studio is located at 104 N. Tennessee on the Downtown McKinney Square and online www.carolbensonart.com.
McKinney Woman | March/April 2008
www.mckinneywoman.com
Sona Knox
Classes at McKinney Art House are student inspired and student
A few years ago, former McKinney ISD art
driven. Focusing on the ideal of free creative expression, Knox’s
teacher, Sona Knox, found herself driving to
students come to her with ideas and she shows them how to do
Lake Tahoe each summer to teach after-school
it. This personal inspiration from students evolves into beautiful
art classes in a district that was not offering
works of art. “This puts the responsibility on the students. There
them to students. After too much time being
are always places to go to look at Monet or Van Gogh’s works, but
spent away from her family, she decided it was
there are times when students must look inside themselves. Mon-
time for her to offer art instruction in the local
et and Van Gogh wouldn’t want us to do their work, they’d want us
community, outside the public school system. Working completely
to move forward.” says Knox.
from a place of inspiration and trust, Knox found a 100-year-old house just north of the Downtown McKinney Square.
Knox is also committed to community involvement. McKinney Art House serves the neighborhood by offering students opportunities
“An intuitive thought told me ‘to look for your building’ the day
to take art classes while assisting in the facility’s day-to-day
I discovered the house on Kentucky. So, it was kind of like, ‘if you
functioning, whether it is raking leaves or assisting teachers.
build it, they will come,’ and they did come!” The McKinney Art House is located at 502 North Kentucky Street, Knox’s primary goal was to create a safe place where adults and chil-
just north of the Downtown McKinney Square, and online at
dren could explore art under the guidance of professional art teachers.
www.ArtHouseTx.com.
She also focused on offering art teachers a place where they could teach freely without limitations, while making income to support their
Historic downtown McKinney offers a gallery art walk from 7-10
families. Her vision quickly came to reality and McKinney Art House
p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of every month, and each of these artists
is now a popular stop for students of all ages and artists from all over
participates in that event with original fine art.
Collin County. Lucy Parker Watkins is a freelance writer and editor living in McKinney.
www.mckinneywoman.com
March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
Going Eco-Chic
at Your Wedding By Haley Shapley
With both Earth Day and wedding season on the horizon, now is the perfect time to think about how to make tying the knot a little more eco-friendly. Whether you go all out and wear a gown made of hemp and buy carbon offsets for all your guests or you do something smaller like send out recycled invites or serve organic food, every little bit can help. Below are some tips for greening your big day.
Invitations
Anything made of paper — invitations, programs, save-the-date cards — can easily be created out of recycled or even tree-free paper. Almost any company can make your invites recyclable, but here are a few who specialize in it: Green Field Paper Company (www.greenfieldpaper.com), Twisted Limb Paperworks (www.twistedlimbpaper.com), and Of the Earth (www.custompaper.com). To communicate with guests, cut down on paper notices by creating a wedding website. This will keep everyone informed and is a great place to post photos after the wedding for your friends to see. TheKnot.com and WeddingWindow.com offer easy-to-use tools for this.
Dresses
The wedding gown is often the most important detail for a bride, and with good reason — with all eyes on her on the big day, she wants to look her best. But these elaborate gowns can generate tons of waste while being made, especially since they’re usually worn only once. A bride may want to think about buying a onceworn gown or wearing a family dress. If a new gown is a necessity, consider having one made of sustainable materials such as hemp and silk (see René Geneva Design at www.mycorset.com and Threadhead Creations at www.threadheadcreations.com). No matter how much care a bride takes in picking out the bridesmaids’ dresses, the ladies probably won’t wear them again (no, not even if you can shorten them!). So encourage them to donate to a cause like BuzzFree PROMises Dress Giveaway (www.buzzfreepromisesdressgiveaway.org), a local program that rewards young girls who make healthy decisions with a new or slightly used dress to wear to prom.
10
McKinney Woman | March/April 2008
www.mckinneywoman.com
Flowers
One of the best options for flowers is to buy locally and inseason. That way, you cut down on the costs and impact on the earth that come with transporting flowers from another country. You can also try using silk flowers or even skipping flowers altogether. But if real blossoms are a must, donate them afterward to a hospital or other organization where they can get a little use after your wedding. If organic flowers are what you seek, try www.organicbouquet.com or www.californiaorganicflowers.com.
Rings
Diamond mining is a dirty business, but there are alternatives for women who still want a little bling on the ring finger. Lab-grown diamonds look identical to their nature counterparts, and come with the added bonus of being conflict-free and not mined from destroyed land. Just a few of the companies offering this option are Apollo Diamond Inc. (www.apollodiamond.com), New York Wedding Ring (www.newyorkweddingring.com), and Gemesis (www.gemesis.com). Lab-grown diamonds are still comparable in price to naturally occurring diamonds, so if you’re on a budget, try looking at moissanite, which is a step up from cubic zirconia and very similar in appearance to the real deal. Visit www.moissanite.com to learn more. For wedding bands, Cred Jewellry (www.credjewellry. com) has fair-trade versions, and Sumiche Jewelry Co. (www.ecogold.net) offers handcrafted jewelry made from a combination of certified fair-trade/eco-gold and platinum and 100 percent recycled gold and platinum. Another good choice for jewelry is vintage. There are tons of beautiful and classic wedding rings from bygone eras that would look perfect and one-of-a-kind today.
Favors
This is a category that you can really get creative in. You may want to give each guest a seedling, plant a tree in his or her honor, purchase a carbon offset (there are a number of companies that do this, but try Carbonfund.org for more information), pass out organic chocolate, or any number of things that make a statement and thank your guests for attending the wedding. This is just the tip of the (melting) iceberg. For more ideas, check out the books Eco-Chic Weddings: Simple Tips to Plan an Environmentally Friendly, Socially Responsible, Affordable, and Stylish Celebration by Emily Elizabeth Anderson, Organic Weddings: Balancing Ecology, Style and Tradition by Michelle Kozin, and Green Weddings That Don’t Cost the Earth by Carol Reed-Jones. Haley Shapley is a freelance writer and editor based in North Texas.
www.mckinneywoman.com
March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
11
g n i r SpFashion Guide
Rochelle Buice Coin Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Necklace $94, Earings $34
Tylie Malibu
Johnny Was Collection
Havaianas with Swarovski crystals
Joseph Ribkoff Black and White Dot Ruffle Accent Dress $210
DONCA STER
S.R. Square Quilted Pattern available in silver, gold, white, turquoise, lime, and hot pink $45
Extraordinary Apparel. For Extraordinary Women.
TM
Imported Coral Knit Jacket $280 Bettye Muller $390
Pandora Jewelry Bracelets with Pandora Snap $40-$180 Sterling Silver beads starting $20 14K Gold beads/spacers $59-$400 Murano Glass beads $30-$150 Pandora rings silver and gold $24-$499
OneSole Elegant Sole with selection of 3 toppers $130 Single toppers from plain/solid to all crystals $8.99-$29.00
Embossed Leather Cuff Bracelet $50
Cotton Voile Floral Camisole $150
Enamel Link Watch $95
Chie Mihara $345
Stretch Denim Five-Pocket Jean $195
Cynthic Dresser Jewelry $130-$230
Bernardo Sandal $124
www.mckinneywoman.com
March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
13
Spring 2008 Bold and Bright! By Marsha Sparks
Is your inner ‘fashionista’ feeling faded and tired from winter, longing to break out of heavy fabrics and dark colors? Perhaps you’re ready for some fashion adventure – an unconventional direction for your wardrobe? Good news! Spring fashions will undoubtedly revive your sagging spirits! If you ever dreamed of casting fashion caution aside and going boldly forth, spring trends provide ample opportunities to do so! Suffice to say, spring fashion 2008 is not for the timid!
Kaleidoscope of Colors Color bursts forth on all fronts this spring. From the Paris runways, bold colors and rich jewel tones of sapphire, jade, canary, ruby, and amethyst were seen in the collections of Chanel, Dior, and Hermes. (Have you noticed the cobalt blue and bright yellow showing up everywhere?) In Milan, black and white graphic prints and bold florals were visible in the Italian collections of Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, and Versace. (It appears the 1970’s have returned!) American designers favored pastels and neutrals, with shades of blue, pink, and yellow seen in the collections of Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein. Gilded gold, bronze, and silver metallics are incorporated in daywear, from jackets to handbags, camisoles to garment embellishment.
Winter doldrums won’t last in the face of spring 2008’s bright, feminine fashions. Throw open those closet doors and infuse your current wardrobe with color and drama. A few key additions will instantly update and freshen what is there. Any one of the following “must haves” can add that needed punch: a brightly colored jacket or suit, a metallic handbag or shell, a great white blouse, a fun skirt, a bold graphic print top, a touch of animal print, a trench coat, cinch or chain belts! Don’t be shy – bold and bright define the season! 14
McKinney Woman | March/April 2008
www.mckinneywoman.com
Feminine Silhouettes
Silhouettes ranging from body-
hugging and tailored to voluminous and soft define spring 2008. The return of the female shape has made waist detailing important once again. Waist emphasis can be seen in the resurgence of trench coats, wrap dresses, and blouses that are nipped, tied, or cinched. Tailored suiting takes a decidedly feminine turn with belts, sashes, and waist closures as the focus. Ruffles peek from under jackets while skirts make a comeback - with attitude! And keep an eye out for interesting sleeve detailing this season. From cascading ruffles to cuffs, sleeves speak volumes!
Exotic Influences No need to go to Africa this season – the jungle comes to you in safari styling and intriguing animal prints. Belted, pocketed jackets look sharp but comfortable in desert shades of fatigue, sandalwood, and ivory. Animal motifs appear in leopard and python. From stretch cotton denims to exotic fluid jerseys to washed satins, fabrics exhibit texture and comfort.
Marsha Sparks is a McKinney area clothing consultant for Doncaster, a privately sold collection of fine apparel. www.mckinneywoman.com
March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
15
The evolution of
American Women By Jacqueline Bodnar
M
arch is National Women’s History Month, a yearly
meeting to discuss the rights of women, including voting rights,
celebration established as a month-long observance in
land ownership, and education. After the two-day convention,
1987. There are many events throughout the history of America
100 people signed a commitment to work toward women’s
that helped shape the lives that women currently lead. Narrowing
rights, including numerous men in favor of the movement. This
down to some of the biggest events that have impacted women
convention was the first public attempt by women to come to-
today is a tough task because there have been so many that con-
gether to state what was needed and why. The convention led
tributed to where we are today. Still, there are some major events
to a focused fight for women’s rights; as a result, over the years,
that stand out in the minds of many when it comes to looking
women did get the right to own property, seek a divorce, and
at what events have lead to changes for women in this country.
later to vote.
There’s no doubt that the first convention held on the topic, the World War II, and the role of education have all had a lasting im-
Women Warriors
pact on women.
“You must tell your children, putting modesty aside, that without us, without women, there would have been no spring in 1945.”
Getting Organized The First Women’s Rights Convention, led by Elizabeth Cady Stan-
That inscription can be found on a marker overlooking the Ma-
ton in 1848, was a major force in creating change for American
rina Bay at the Rosie the Riveter World War II / Home Front Na-
women. The convention was held in Seneca Falls, NY, where to-
tional Park in Richmond, Calif. Roughly 6 million women fought
day a national park stands. Five women invited the public to the
at home by leaving their traditional roles in American life to help
16
McKinney Woman | March/April 2008
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with the war effort. These women bravely took on positions that were unfamiliar to them, many working in factories, building bombs, ships and tanks. The women were referred to as Rosie the Riveters, taken from the “We Can Do It!” government advertising campaign that motivated them to mobilize and step up to the plate as the men went off to war. The site of the park was once the Kaiser Shipyards, the largest and most productive of all the shipyards across the country during the war. At the height of World War II, women made up almost 30 percent of the shipyard workforce at Kaiser, which translates into just under 30,000 jobs that were being performed by women. In other workforces during that time, women made up 80 percent of the workforce. When the war was over, many women did not want to return to their traditional roles at home. They found they liked contributing to the workforce, making their own money, and they continued working outside the home.
Learning and Earning One of the biggest impacts on the state of being for women in America has been educational attainment opportunities. Educational events have been at the forefront of change for the American woman. Can you imagine what it must have been like for Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman in the country to graduate from medical school? She must have been surrounded by a lot of testosterone, but today she would be in great company. Women breaking the educational barriers years ago have helped women in colleges across the country today. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2006, there were nearly 27 million women that had a bachelor’s degree or higher, which was double what it was, 20 years prior. Women are earning degrees in record numbers, which often leads to higher-paying positions and business ownership. There are around 6.5 million women owned businesses, producing over $939 billion per year. Those numbers alone show just how far women’s rights have come over the years. Sure, we may still be making 77 cents on the dollar compared to a man’s wage, but there are factors that help to bring that down, such as the differences in career choices between men and women and the time years put into the job. The average full-time American working woman makes around $32,649 per year. In Washington D.C., however, the average woman makes 98 cents on the dollar to a man, and women that go into computer and mathematical job areas make an average of $61,081 per year. What will this generation of women contribute to the women’s movement? The first female president? The cure for cancer? Only history, or rather herstory, will show, as we look back, years from now. Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer that lives in Port Orange, Fla. with her husband and two children.
www.mckinneywoman.com
March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
17
Y
You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve got skills. You’ve got drive. And you aren’t afraid to take risks to get ahead in your profession. Do you ever wonder if there’s something else you could do to take your career to the next level? The answer to that question is a resounding yes! You can learn to give great speeches. In fact, survey after survey of corporate managers and executives reveal that public speaking skills are highly sought after in almost every business, big or small, and can definitely set you apart from the pack. Does the thought of giving a speech make your heart race and your palms sweaty? If so, you aren’t alone. Many people rank speechmaking high on the list of things they fear most. For some it even ranks above the fear of snakes! This fear is often due to two common misconceptions. Let’s get these out of the way here and now. • Myth #1: Some people are “born public speakers.” Truth: Public speaking is a learned skill. Anyone can learn to do it if they are willing to prepare and practice. • Myth #2: Good speakers don’t get nervous. Truth: Even the best speakers experience some nervousness They expect it and have learned to handle it effectively. Now that you’ve got the facts, how do you begin? It might help to remember what I call the “PAM Principle.”
What is the purpose of my speech? You start by asking yourself this very important question.
Speak, Lead and Succeed By Desiree Simons
18
McKinney Woman | March/April 2008
“When my speech is over, what do I want my audience to do, think or believe?” You should be able to answer in a sentence of two. This is your goal statement and your entire speech is built around this idea.
Who is my audience? I am always skeptical when I go shopping and see and a sign that says “one size fits all.” Usually that’s not true. It is not true with speeches either. A good speaker will learn about his or her audience and tailor the speech to fit that particular audience. The process is called audience analysis and it is very important. Learn as much as you can about the following:
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- Knowledge of your topic
Delivery (How You Say It)
- Educational Level
Here’s the secret to delivering a speech
- Culture/Ethnicity
well. “Do what comes naturally.” Too
- Gender
often people get behind the podium and
- Attitudes/Beliefs
turn into a “talking head.” Their heads
- Age Range
don’t move, their hands don’t move, their
- Political/Religious Affiliation
facial expression never changes…. Get it?
You won’t need to know all of these
A “talking head.” The best speakers move
things for every speech, but the more
away from the podium and use their bod-
you know about your audience the
ies in a natural way, using gestures and
better you can address possible concerns
movement in much the same way as they
and objections before they become
do in normal conversation.
stumbling blocks. Speaking of conversation, your voice is
What Materials Will I Use to Accomplish My Purpose ?
your greatest tool. It reveals your feel-
You will use content (what you say) and
you are sad, or happy or angry… it will
delivery skills (how you say it) to get the
be reflected in the sound of your voice.
job done. A good speech is not just a list
The same should be true when you give a
of facts. It is a compilation of different
speech. It is called “conversational qual-
kinds of information that when combined
ity.” The opposite of conversational qual-
correctly create a single “picture.” Imag-
ity is a flat, monotone voice and it is the
ine a puzzle. The individual pieces, of
“kiss of death” for speakers.
ings and attitudes about your subject. If
different shapes and colors, don’t reveal much alone, but when they are put to-
Your voice is important, but so are your
gether a clear image emerges.
eyes. Eye contact with the audience is essential. Speakers who simply read their
Content (What You Say)
remarks are consistently viewed more
Statistics, examples, quotes, and defi-
negatively. If you plan to read, you might
nitions can all be used to create your
as well make copies of your notes, pass
“picture.” Also, whenever possible incor-
them out and sit down. The audience
porate humor in the form of stories or
doesn’t need you! The key to achieving
anecdotes into your speech. In a speech
eye contact is preparation and practice.
he gave to the Washington Speechwrit-
Write your notes in short, words and
ers Roundtable, Hal Gordon, one of the
phrases. Long sentences increase the
speechwriters for former President Ronald
chance you will be looking at your notes
Reagan said “One of the best ways of
and not your audience.
bonding with an audience is with humor.” Good public speakers have a definite adCredible, relevant and audience appropri-
vantage over their colleagues who dread
ate support material is the key to good
walking to the podium and then struggle
content. However “knowing your stuff” is
and stammer through their presentations.
not enough. According to Patricia Fripp,
If you are willing to prepare and practice
a San Francisco-based executive speech
you can take your confidence and your
coach and past president of the National
career to a higher level.
Speakers Association, “Merely knowing your subject is as far from public speaking
Desiree Simons teaches speech courses at
as knowing the words of a song is from
Collin County College and is the author of the
singing. A knowledge of one’s subject is
eBook titled: The Fast Lane to Great Public
vitally essential, but that alone does not
Speaking available at www.myspeechpro.com.
give the ability to speak interestingly and correctly.”
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March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
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Vegetable Gardening Spring planting produces a healthy harvest By Dotty Woodson
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successful garden is accomplished through planning and preparation. Doing the hard work during the spring while the weather is sunny and cool allows for a fruitful garden harvest. Every garden has different needs, particularly if you opt for vegetables. Most gardeners grow vegetables all year round, once the garden is established. Some vegetables, like onions and garlic are planted as early as January and February. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts are planted in the fall and grow all winter. Plan what plants and vegetables you need, and prepare by knowing the specific needs of your garden.
The requirements for a successful garden are: 1 1 1
A sunny location. Most vegetables need six to eight hours of sun. Well draining location. Low spots that hold water encourage diseases. If your only choice is a low area, construct a raised bed. You might also consider constructing raised beds if you have the type of clay soil that should be used to make clay pots. Air circulation. Don’t put a garden next to a wall or fence, because good air circulation is necessary to help prevent diseases and carry beneficial insects into the garden. Give the plants room, as over-crowding reduces air circulation. If the garden is located where the hot, drying west wind will continually blow, try planting wind breaks.
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1 1 1 1 1
Water. Locate the garden near a convenient water source. Water early in the morning, and use drip irrigation or a soaker hose. Garden centers, feed stores and home stores carry do-it-yourself drip irrigation supplies. Size. Keep it small. The size depends on how much you want. The average family of four only needs two tomato plants if they are going to eat the tomatoes fresh. If you plan to can or freeze vegetables, double the number. Addition of organic matter. Add six to eight inches of compost by tilling or turning compost into the soil and using mulch on the top of the soil after planting. Add more organic matter every year. The best source of organic matter is yard and garden waste. Don’t bag it, compost it! Use slow release fertilizers if needed, such as composed manure. Timing. Plant as early in the spring as possible. Timing is determined by soil and air temperature, not the calendar. Most plants need a soil temperature of 65º F to do well. Use dark mulch or compost to attract heat, or black plastic which can also reduce weeds. Check seed packets or a good reference book for temperature needs of the vegetable plants you choose. Plants. Plant vegetables recommended for your area, and look for disease resistant varieties. Grow your plants vertically. Squash, cucumbers and even melons will grow
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vertically if supported. Avoid planting the same plant family in the same location every year by rotating crops for best results. No weeds. Many insects are attracted by weeds, so be sure to keep them under control. Start with a weed-free area. Kill Bermuda grass and weeds before planting by moistening the ground, then covering it with black plastic for a couple of www.mckinneywoman.com
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March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
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sunny weeks or longer. A heavy mulch layer suppresses weed and makes it easier to pull out weeds if they blow into the garden and germinate. Insect control: Identify the insect, since not all are harmful. Some are temporary visitors migrating through or waiting to turn into a butterfly. Tolerate a little damage for nature. Monitor your garden daily, and hand-pick off insect pests. Spray off insects with a strong stream of water. If necessary, use the least toxic insecticide available, such as soap, and only spray the affected area. Most insecticides will kill the beneficial insects as well as the damaging insects. Harvesting: Harvest the vegetables at the peak of freshness. Do not allow them to become overripe. Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried. Overripe and wet vegetables are susceptible to storage diseases. If the vegetables will not be eaten fresh, can or freeze the vegetables the day they are picked.
The Other Part of the Equation When you plant vegetables or flowers adapted to the North Texas climate, you can save water and money with less frequent irrigation. To understand your water needs, the City of McKinney offers free WaterSmart housecalls, which detail and analyze your water consumption. An irrigation system needs an annual check-up, just like you do. The WaterSmart
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McKinney Irrigation Check-up program offers residents a discounted rate to have a local professional examine your sprinkler heads, programming, and rain and freeze sensors. You can save money and avoid getting ticketed for watering on the wrong days. Getting rain and freeze sensors installed on irrigation systems can earn qualified home owners a $25 credit on their water bill and help avoid wasteful watering. An evapotraspiration (ET) controller can be retrofitted to irrigation systems and earns homeowners a $125 credit and watering day exemptions. See mckinneytexas.org for details and rebate applications.
Conserving Water Outdoors Water use increases 25 to 60 percent during summer months, but there are steps you can take to prevent waste: 1 Water early in the morning and avoid watering during high winds to reduce loss to evaporation. 1 Water only when needed, and assess by feeling the soil or using a soil moisture meter. 1 Check your irrigation system to see how much each area is being watered. One inch a week is enough to have a healthy lawn all summer. 1 Use soaker hoses where possible.
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Fun-filled fitness for the kids. Worry-free fitness for you.
Introducing $9 childcare and youth classes at Cooper Fitness Center. From childcare at the RC Corral to exciting youth programs, Cooper Fitness Center gives you the freedom to workout worry-free, while your kids enjoy exciting games, exercise and learning activities – designed by our award-winning children’s fitness and health experts. For only $9 per month, you receive unlimited childcare and youth programs including rock climbing, creative movement, gymnastics, yoga, fitness training and access to our Youth Interactive Gaming Court.
Childcare and kid-friendly activities programming – all for only $9 per month. For more information, call 214.383.1000.
7910 Collin McKinney Pkwy
| McKinney, Texas 75070
CooperCraigRanch.com
Headaches happen for all kinds of reasons that glass of wine you had with dinner last night, the big project you’ve got at work, or if you’re PMSing. Whatever the reason you don’t have to grinand bear a headache.
Got Headaches? Here’s How to Get Relief By Leah Ingram
If you get intermittent “regular” headaches, such as from a hangover, pop two ibuprofens and call it a day. If you’re getting chronic daily headaches and you’re continually popping ibuprofen, your self-medication could be to blame. You’ve got something called a rebound headache. Or maybe you’re a coffee drinker. I know that I’m addicted to caffeine and I’m OK with it. As long as I get a cup of coffee into my system by 9:00 a.m., I never get a headache. But headaches can be a big deal for many folks. Read on for more about different kinds of headaches and how you can prevent and treat them.
Much Ado About Migraines If headaches are a beeping car, then migraines are a cruise ship blowing its horn. Approximately 30 million Americans get migraines, headaches that come with nausea, sensitivity to light and throbbing pain. Some migraines last for days. No wonder the World Health Organization lists migraines in the top 20 of disabling conditions.
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It’s time to see your primary care physician if your headaches make functioning at home or work impossible. A recent Harris Interactive study says that the average migraine sufferer has to call in sick to work at least four times a year. To stop headaches, your doctor may first suggest you change certain things in your life, like stopping birth control pills, a known migraine trigger. Or you might have to avoid red wine and aged cheeses, both usual migraine suspects. If after a month none of these suggestions are working, expect your doctor to suggest preventive medication.
Medications That Treat Headaches Two of the most popular preventive treatments are Botox and the anti-epilepsy drug Topamax. “You can have a two-minute series of Botox injections in the forehead and neck every three to four months and become headache free,” says B. Todd Troost, M.D., a neurologist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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Get a headache every month before your period? You’re not alone. Sixty percent of female migraineurs have PMS headaches. A recent study showed that women who took Frova, a drug originally designed to abort headaches, for six days a month before their period did not have any menstrually associated migraines. You might also want to bump up your magnesium intake either through supplements or the food that you eat: studies have linked low magnesium with migraines. Where do you find magnesium? In avocadoes and almonds.
Be Vigilant About Your Sleep Habits Too much, not too little, sleep can trigger a migraine. “Migraine is caused by a change in the brain,” says Anne Remmes, M.D., a neurologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City,” and sleeping in on Saturday or Sunday changes your sleep pattern.” Traveling over time zones similarly gets your circadian rhythms out of whack, making you more prone to a migraine. If you spend all night grinding your teeth or snoring, you’re likely to wake with a headache. See your dentist about a mouth guard or your doctor about your snoring. You might have sleep apnea, a serious medical condition where you stop breathing.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy A big part of headache prevention is learning to relax. “We all have daily hassles, and our posture responds,” says Dr. Remmes. People tense up by hunching their shoulders and clenching their jaw. Then they wonder why they have a headache. Here’s a relaxation technique you can do at your desk. Find a “cue” in your daily life, such as every time your computer chimes on the half hour. When you hear that inhale, straighten your posture, and exhale slowly as your relax your shoulders and the rest of your body. It may take only five or 10 seconds, but getting into the habit of relaxing throughout the day can go a long way towards preventing headaches in the future.
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March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
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Parisian Girls Night In By Lorie Fangio
Girls night in is a terrific concept… invite some ladies over, feast on tasty tidbits, share a cocktail or two and enjoy the fun and fellowship of being together. Entertaining in your home is such a wonderful treat for your friends and staying in really has its advantages. Chances are the fare you’ll serve will be more appetizing than anything a restaurant has to offer, your guests can linger as long as they want without being hassled by wait staff and the conversation is so much better when you can mix and mingle freely. Choosing a theme is helpful when entertaining, it just gets the creative juices flowing. I love everything about Paris, the food the wine even the music so a Parisian Girls night in was a natural. Make your party memorable with a few elegant details that can easily be done in an afternoon. First things first, you have to invite your guests. Your invitation will set the tone and the theme of your gathering. A phone call or email notice is fast and easy and of course there are loads of choices in ready made invitations. For my get together I decided to make a simple but charming invitation to convey that we would be celebrating Parisian style. A beautifully printed paper served as the background and a second paper was fed through the printer to hold the party details. I topped them off with coordinating ribbon and a cute fleur de lis charm from the craft store. The fleur de lis is unmistakably French so to accentuate this symbol, I bought plain napkins, a stamp some gold paint and in a matter of minutes I created my own hand made napkins. Food is a terrific opportunity to keep your party theme alive. Keep it painless by preparing only 3-4 dishes and remember the reason you are having friends over is for the camaraderie not to knock yourself out in the kitchen. For my decidedly French fare I prepared sumptuous Brie Encroute that is jam packed with flavor, exquisite Vegetable Appetizer Soufflés and decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Pate. For beverages consider serving several wine choices, beer and one cocktail option. To compliment my Parisian evening I offered Kir Royals, this beautiful pink, bubbly drink is perfect for the girls. Be ready with a non alcoholic option as well such as a pitcher of iced tea or a selection of flavored waters.
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Parisian rose pots are a stunning accent for all of the serving areas and double as a marvelous party favor as your guests depart. These decorations are a snap to make requiring only pots, moss, roses and some sprigs of greenery from your garden. In less than an hour you can have a bevy of these beauties. Host friends for an evening of food, wine and great conversation and plan a Parisian Girls Night In soon, you’ll be glad you did!
Kir Royal ♦ 6 teaspoons Chambord ♦ 1 bottle champagne ♦ 6 lemon twists Place one teaspoon of Chambord in 6 glasses, fill each glass with Champagne, add a lemon twist and serve immediately.
Brie Encroute ♦ ♦ ♦
1 14 oz Brie round (not slice) 1 Pepperidge Farm puff pastry sheet ½ cup seedless raspberry jam
Carefully unfold thawed puff pastry onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin roll slightly to diminish creases. www.mckinneywoman.com
Spoon raspberry jam into the center of the pastry. Place brie wheel on top of jam. Bring pastry around brie joining it on the bottom side. Remove any excess pastry. Flip Brie so that the jam side is up. Use remaining dough to form a design of grapes or leaves on face of brie if desired. Using fork make 4-6 pricks around the top of the Brie. Place the Brie on a cookie sheet and bake at 450 for 8-12 minutes until Brie is browned. Serve immediately or freeze and warm in microwave before serving.
Appetizer Vegetable Soufflés ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
2 packages mini fillo shells 4 eggs separated ½ cup Gruyere cheese ½ cup half and half 1/3 cup flour ¼ cup chopped spinach drained well 1/3 cup finely chopped artichokes ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all ingredients except egg whites. In a separate bowl beat egg whites until they are stiff. Fold egg whites into cheese mixture in two additions. Spoon a
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teaspoon of the mixture into each shell and bake for 15-18 minutes until soufflés have puffed and are browned.
Chocolate Hazelnut Pate ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
½ cup heavy cream 1 ½ cups semi sweet chocolate ½ cup hazelnuts toasted 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon Tuaca or vanilla ¼ cup melted dark chocolate ¼ cup melted white chocolate 1 package butter cookies
Place hazelnut in the food processor pulse until nuts are finely ground. Heat cream in a heavy sauce pan until steaming, add Tuaca or vanilla and remove from heat. Add chocolate and butter and stir until smooth. Add ground hazelnuts to chocolate mixture and stir to incorporate. Line a small bowl with plastic wrap, fill with chocolate and refrigerate until firm. Invert bowl onto serving platter and remove plastic wrap. Drizzle with dark and white chocolate and return to the refrigerator until ready to serve with butter cookies. Listen to Lorie on Home Hints with Lorie Fangio on 97.5 KLAK!
March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
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Medical Directory ALLERGIES
MEDICAL SPA
Allergy Ear Nose & Throat Clinic
Clinic Esthetica
4521 Medical Center Drive, Suite 400 • McKinney, TX 75069
113 S. Tennessee • McKinney, TX 75069
972-548-7555 • www.allergyent.com
972-542-9998 • www.clinicesthetica.com
CHIROPRACTIC Chiropractic Wellness Center 7700 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 100 • McKinney, TX 75070
972-540-0608 • www.chiropracticwc.com
Essence of Eve Day Med Spa 110 E. Louisiana • McKinney, TX 75069
972-540-0810 • www.essenceofevespa.com
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
McKinney Pain & Wellness Center
Bella Births
2600 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 100 • McKinney, TX 75070
201 S. McDonald, Suite C • McKinney, TX 75069
972-540-6630 • www.mckinneypws.com
214-287-0602 • www.bellabirths.com
DENTISTRY McKinney Dentist 1716 W. Virginia Street • McKinney, TX 75069
972-54-SMILE (76453)
5601 Virginia Parkway • McKinney, TX 75070
Women’s Medical Associates of North Texas, P.A. 1105 Central Expressway, Suite 310 • Allen, TX 75013
972-747-4848
972-529-1290 • www.mckinneydentist.com
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Prosper Family Dentistry
Stonebridge Body Works
201 N. Preston Road, Suite A • Prosper, TX 75078
6200 Virginia Parkway, Suite 100 • McKinney, TX 75071 972-548-9993 • www.stonebridgebodyworks.com
972-347-1145 • www.prosperfamilydentistry.com
FAMILY PRACTICE Snyder - Hopkins Family Medicine Center 4561 Medical Center Drive • McKinney, TX 75069
PLASTIC SURGERY Frisco Plastic Surgery, P.A.
214-544-2624 170 North Preston Road, Suite 30 • Prosper, TX 75078 972-346-2279
4401 Coit Road, Suite 309 • Frisco, TX 75035
HOSPITALS
PODIATRY
Baylor Medical Center at Frisco
McKinney Foot Clinic
5601 Warren Parkway • Frisco, TX
1505 Harroun Avenue, Suite H • McKinney, TX 75069
214-407-5506 • www.bmcf.com
972-542-FOOT(3668) • www.mckinneyfootclinic.com
972-334-0400 • www.kensmartmd.com
Our new Women’s Center is really taking off. The Women’s Center at Baylor Medical Center at Frisco is now open. And, though the free valet parking, tasteful surroundings, in-room flat screen TV’s and concierge all say “five-star hotel,” don’t be fooled. Our Women’s Center is all about the labor and delivery of your baby. With a caring staff, free childbirth classes, an embroidered baby gift blanket and a celebration dinner...we assure the birth of your child will start off first class. And, should your baby have some special needs, our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will oversee your baby’s care 24 hours a day. For a tour of our new facility or for physician referral to an obstetrician, call our Women’s Center at 214-407-5506.
214-407-5506 www.bmcf.com
5601 Warren Parkway, Frisco, Texas Physicians are members of the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Frisco and are neither employees nor agents of Baylor Medical Center at Frisco, United Surgical Partners International, Baylor Health Care System, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates. Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. © 2008 Baylor Health Care System CE-BMCF MW 2.08
ABCs of Getting Your Zzzs By Leah ingram
Truth be told I haven’t been a great sleeper my entire life but my ability to get a good night’s sleep really took a nosedive after I got married and had kids. There’s nothing like sleeping with a snorer or worrying about your kids getting home safely at night to keep you from falling asleep. Seems I’m not alone in my quest for a good night’s sleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, one out of every three adults experiences insomnia—the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep—at some time in their life. Of these folks most are middle-aged to older adults. Experts say that the number one cause of short-term insomnia is stress from your job or your family. The good news is, if left un-
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treated, this kind of “transient” insomnia usually goes away on its own in about two weeks. The bad news? You’ve just had close to 14 nights in a row without good sleep. And it isn’t just during the night that insomniacs suffer. Many insomniacs fall asleep at work, says an NSF-Gallup survey— definitely not good for getting a promotion. Even if you don’t have to go to work every day, not sleeping at night can have other consequences—namely, making you a menace on the road. A National Sleep Foundation (NSF) study showed that six in 10 drowsy drivers knew they were too tired to drive but did it anyway, and nearly four in 10 admitted to catching themselves falling asleep at the wheel! The U.S. Department of Transportation says that falling asleep at the wheel causes about 200,000 accidents each year, 5,000 of which result in fatalities.
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Not sleeping can hurt your health in other ways, too. Recent studies have shown a link between weight gain and too little sleep. Two common causes of sleep disruption are restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea, when you stop breathing during the night. Both are treatable.
When to see the doctor It’s time to see your doctor or get a referral to a sleep disorders clinic if you or your partner reports any of the following during the night: * loud snoring, gasping or repeated awakenings * uncontrollable body movements while sleeping * sleep walking You should also see your doctor if your inability to stay awake has affected your daytime life, such as having a heard time concentrating at work or on daily tasks, feeling like you are going to fall asleep behind the wheel, or wanting to nap every day. For general information on sleep disorders and sleep studies, visit the websites of the National Sleep Foundation at www.sleepfoundation.org and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine at www.sleepcenters.org.
For most insomniacs, relief can be found by following what’s called good sleep hygiene, which includes: • Not exercising before bed. • Avoiding watching TV within an hour of going to bed. Nearly seven in 10 insomniacs report watching TV before bed. • Limiting or doing without certain stimulants late in the day, including cigarettes and coffee. I found that if I didn’t have a pick-me-up cup of coffee at 3:00, a habit I’d gotten into, I had an easier time going to sleep at night. • Not using alcohol as a sleep aid. While alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, the sleep you get is fragmented and restless. This will leave you feeling less than refreshed in the morning. • Keeping your bedroom cool. It’s harder to sleep in a warm environment. Also, if you’re a female suffering from hot flashes, a cool bedroom—and pajamas made of a light fabric—can keep you comfortable throughout the night. • Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day. • Establishing a before-bed routine that works for you—and signals to your brain that it’s time to go to sleep. For me my before bed routine included reading for 15 minutes in bed but on top of my covers. Only when I was ready to turn out the lights would I actually get into bed. Soon enough I was snoozing like a baby.
Unique Gifts for All Ages & Fabulous Invitations
Located in Historic Downtown McKinney
213 East Louisiana Street • McKinney, TX 75069 469-952-6141 www.posylane.com www.mckinneywoman.com
March/April 2008 | McKinney Woman
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