August 2017

The Ultimate Issue 5TH2017 ANNUAL

Readers’ Choice

AUGUST 2017 ARLINGTON MANSFIELD GRAND PRAIRIE EDITION

PLUS!

Local happenings, community events, and more...

WHO’S THE BEST? Your voting results inside

MOVEABLE FEAST Pack a pleasing picnic

VIBRANT VENTURES Ultimate experience excursions

MAN 8-17.indd 1

Honesty, Integrity, Hard Work and Family Values IS THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE HAMILTON BROTHERS TOGETHER

7/25/17 9:10 AM

IS IT POSSIBLE TO TRANSFORM THE WAY EMERGENCY CARE IS DELIVERED? At Primecare Emergency Center, we're doing it.

We understand the importance of accessing timely medical care in the case of emergencies, which is why we offer a 24-hour emergency care facility that is conveniently located in Arlington, Texas. You can rest assured that you will receive expert quality care without having to wait longer than expected. We strive to deliver personalized and focused medical care to every patient that walks into our ER center.

THE PRIMECARE DIFFERENCE Open 24/7 With Almost NO WAIT! • Personalized Emergency Treatment Staffed By Emergency Physicians • State-of-the-Art Imaging On-Site Lab • Pediatric & Adult Care

COLLABORATE • DESIGN • REVEAL WWW.LANDRYDESIGNS.COM OR CALL 817.835.3100 Published Nationally 28 times • 34 international design awards 5912 S Cooper St, Suite 110 • Arlington, TX 76017 682-323-8899 • www.pcec247.com • facebook.com/PrimeCareEmergency

2 MAN 8-17.indd 2-3

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

3 7/25/17 9:10 AM

Your Guide To

Fabulous

Increase cup size with a BREAST AUGMENTATION 2 week recovery time, final results in 3-4 months MOMMY MAKEOVER combines breast rejuvenation with tummy tuck.

2 weeks recover time, final results in 4-6 months

Popular Procedures: Mommy Makeover • Abdominoplasty Breast Augmentation • Breast Lift & Reduction Brazilian Butt Lift • VASER liposculpting Facial Rejuvenation • Botox & Dermal Fillers Male Gynecomastia • Aesthetic Medical Spa

MICHAEL L. THORNTON D.O., FACOS Double Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

817-477-9000 MANSFIELDCOSMETICSURGERY.COM 550 N. Walnut Creek Dr., Suite 120 Mansfield, TX 76063 OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Monday-Friday: 9am – 5pm (Closed for lunch 12pm – 1pm)

4 MAN 8-17.indd 4-5

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

2016 & 2017

5 7/25/17 9:10 AM

WE TREAT MORE THAN VARICOSE VEINS DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS? • • • •

LEG/ANKLE SWELLING PAIN/CRAMPS IN YOUR LEGS LEG THROBBING/ACHING RESTLESS LEGS

• • • •

SKIN DARKENING SKIN BREAKING DOWN OPEN SKIN WOUNDS VARICOSE/SPIDER VEINS

• • • •

NEUROPATHY NIGHT CRAMPS LEG FATIGUE/HEAVINESS ITCHING/BURNING

WE CAN HELP RELIEVE THOSE SYMPTOMS! ASK US HOW! SCHEDULE A CONSULT WITH DR. EIDSON! ATLAS VEIN CARE PROMISE: YOU WILL ALWAYS BE EVALUATED AND TREATED BY A DOCTOR.

DR. THOMAS E. EIDSON, D.O. BOARD CERTIFIED VEIN SPECIALIST

ATLASVEIN.COM 817-795-VEIN (8346) 2701 MATLOCK ROAD # 103 ARLINGTON, TX 76015 6 MAN 8-17.indd 6-7

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

7 7/25/17 9:10 AM

“I Went From Size 18 to Size 8! 116 lbs GONE!!!”

“I Look and Feel Great!”

“I was sad and depressed, not in a good place. My son’s friend asked me, “Do you have a baby inside you?” I decided I had to do something about my weight. A friend told me about Slim4Life and I decided to take control of my life. Now I have lost 116 pounds. I enjoy life so much more. I feel so good about myself and my accomplishment. I have much more energy. I look and feel great. My doctor was so HAPPY. She told me great job, keep it up. This program is so easy to follow. Thank you Slim4Life!”

Anissa McDole Client in Southlake, TX

January 2016 263 lbs.

Size 18

September 2016 147 lbs.

Size 8

Call for a FREE Consultation!

888-730-9909 slim4life.com

For

6 Weeks

66.00*

$

*All Services Included

15 DFW Locations

• Alliance • Arlington • Cedar Hill • Fort Worth • Frisco

• Hurst • Lake Worth • Las Colinas • Lewisville • McKinney

• Mesquite • Plano • Preston Valley • Ridgmar • Southlake

The 2017 Vote is in. Slim4Life Voted Best Weight Loss Center 5th Year in a row.

BE SLIM 4 LIFE

• No Prepackaged Meals • Doctor Recommended • Guaranteed Results - in writing • Personal One-to-One Counseling • No Exercise Required • Individualized Programs • Men, Women, Children

*All products priced and sold separately

8

MAN 8-17.indd 8-9

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

9 7/25/17 9:10 AM

The Law Office of Lauren Gaydos Duffer, P.C.

inute Free 30 m t our n o sa consultati office Arlington onth em during th t. u of A gus

Lauren Duffer was named Top 10 Family Law Attorney Under Age 40 by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys; Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorney Family Law: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014; Texas Rising Star: 2010, 2011

817.548.5643

1521 N. Cooper St. Suite 710 Arlington, Texas 76011 secretary@txfamilylawatty.com • www.txfamilylawatty.com 10 MAN 8-17.indd 10-11

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

11 7/25/17 9:11 AM

Painting Effects on Walls, Furniture • Interior Design • Paint/Stain Furniture Refurbishing/ Repurposing • Re-do Kitchen/Bath Cabinets • Baby Rooms Fireplaces using Faux Brick/Stone/Paint • Bannisters/Staircases Wood Panelling/Molding • Front Doors • Faux Wood look on Ceilings Color Washing/Glazing • Wrought Iron/Outside Furniture

Amy's most popular services include redoing old cabinets in

bathrooms and kitchens, painting murals and paint effects in babies, children's and teenagers rooms, concrete pots and fireplaces, updating and modernizing dated wood paneling, sanding and staining furniture to give it new life.

AMY HAS BEEN FEATURED ON TWO TELEVISION SHOWS, "THE BLOCK" AND "DULUX PAINT'S DO'S & DON'TS!”

Amy's Paint Effects

817.313.9064 • AmysPaintEffects@yahoo.com

12 MAN 8-17.indd 12-13

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

AmyFauxEffects.houzz.com

13 7/25/17 9:11 AM

AUGUST 2017 THE ULTIMATE ISSUE

PAGE 31

102

ON THE COVER 28 I IKIDS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

24 I CHILDREN’S COURTYARD

94 BONUS FEATURE

IS PRIVATE EDUCATION RIGHT FOR MY STUDENT?

PAGE 90

WELLNESS

CUISINE

68 I Ultimate Orthopedics

102 I

AESTHETICS

FEATURES

70 74

CLASS IS IN SESSION HEALTH IQ: ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES

16 FROM THE PUBLISHER

18 20 22 26

14 MAN 8-17.indd 14-15

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

SOCIAL CALENDAR BEST BETS TALK OF THE TOWN FRUIT OF THE VINE

AU G U ST 2 01 7

Perfect Packable Picnic 106 ICE POPS FOR GROWN-UPS

76 I Bling Your Wedding Ring

65 I

HOMESTEAD

86 I Fresh Festivities

78 INDULGE YOUR TRESSES

IN EVERY ISSUE

80 I So Hot? It’s Cool!

83 84

DAPPER DECKS WELCOME!

Made in the Shade Block the rays in stylish ways

Celebrate some strange summer days

Avoid an HVAC attack!

First day of kindergarten

100 I

ADVENTURE 94 I Our Ultimate Experience List

98 I Rebecca Carrell Going Solo

Only you doesn’t mean lonely you

15 7/25/17 9:11 AM

Hello from our Mayors…

PUBLISHING

FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER Misty Daniels, mdaniels@livingmagazine.net EDITOR Brandon Daiker, bdaiker@livingmagazine.net SENIOR ADMINSTRATOR Todd Collom EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Landry, Anna Charles, LaRue Novick, Meredith Knight, Lisa Jenkins-Moore PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Derek Gower, Dustin Doskocil, Lauren Medean, Diana Raines PHOTO JOURNALIST INTERN Bree Maurin

Hope Summer 2017 has been a blessing ...

PRODUCTION

...for your family. It certainly has been for the Daniels, as we inaugurated our annual summer trip with Mimi and Poppy, taking our grand girls to Sea World. We laughed, played in the rain, pet the dolphins, watched amazing shows, learned about these astonishing mammals, and hopefully made memories the girls will never forget. We certainly won’t.

How can it be August already and time for our annual Ultimate issue? This year’s edition is crammed with summer wellness, cool recreation ideas, yummy lightweight recipes, summer beauty, fashion, and health tips, and—don’t look now—but ideas for getting the family ready to return to school.

As teachers get their ducks in a row, moms breathe a sigh of relief with another successful summer in the books, and the rest of us dream of game days and holiday visitors, I’ll leave you with my favorite Irish blessing.

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields.

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Donny Stevens GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Nicole Crenshaw, Van Ngo, Calvin Fields CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER Jenefer Grady ADVERTISING/SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lindsay Clark, Kami Anderson, Kathryn Orsak

FOR ADVERTISING/DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION CALL 682-556-1246.

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE GROUP NORTH TEXAS ROCKWALL/ROWLETT/HEATH FRISCO/PLANO MCKINNEY/ALLEN THREE-EIGHTY NORTH NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY COPPELL/LAS COLINAS KELLER FLOWER MOUND N. RICHARDSON/MURPHY MANSFIELD/S. ARLINGTON/S. GRAND PRAIRIE SOUTH TEXAS THE WOODLANDS SPRING/CHAMPIONS LAKE HOUSTON CY-FAIR PEARLAND/FRIENDSWOOD FORT BEND KATY/FULSHEAR RICHMOND TOMBALL

And until we meet again,

CORPORATE OFFICE — LIVING MAGAZINE PUBLISHING PARTNERS

may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

4101 W. Green Oaks, #305 - 594 | Arlington, TX 76016 682-556-1246 | Fax: 817-572-3232 MISTY DANIELS, PUBLISHER mdaniels@livingmagazine.net 682-556-1246

LIVING MAGAZINE PUBLISHING PARTNERS a partner of Chansen Media Group

MAYOR JEFF WILLIAMS

MAYOR RON JENSEN

MAYOR DAVID COOK

It isn’t hard to find bad news. Pick up a paper or turn on the TV and you can hear more than you care to know about the darker side of mankind. But there are good people doing kind things around us every day. More than 20 children in the Arlington community received free bikes this summer, thanks to the generosity of Republic Services employees. Volunteers with Dalworth Restoration spent their free time repainting a fading and cracked patriotic mural on East Mitchell Street.

To shine the light on these and other random acts of kindness, the Arlington City Council, our newly-formed Community Relations Commission, and I have established The Arlington Kindness Initiative. Did a stranger lend a helping hand when you were stranded on the side of the road or surprise you by paying for your coffee or dinner? We want to hear about it!

As part of the new “Experience the Kindness of Our Dream City” campaign launched in June, we’re encouraging residents and visitors to report random acts of kindness through the city’s free mobile app, Ask Arlington. The City of Arlington’s kindness initiative aspires to spread awareness about the importance of kindness around the community by getting residents to think of ways to be kinder to others, whether it’s simply opening the door for someone or mowing the yard of an elderly neighbor.

I’m challenging residents to report 400,000 acts of kindness, over the next year, a way to promote unity within our city. The initiative and the mobile app are our way of putting helping your neighbor and being kind at the top of everyone’s to-do list. It’s an opportunity for us to take our can-do spirit to a higher level. I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and we’re looking forward to great days ahead for our community.

Now, what kind act can you perform today?

WalletHub, an online financial management company, recently ranked Grand Prairie 21st Best City in Nation for First Time Home Buyers. That’s just one of the many 2016-2017 accolades the city has received: • Grand Prairie was one of 203 cities nationwide to achieve an ISO 1 Fire Protection rating, lowering residential insurance rates • American Heart Association Gold Medal for EMS response times • 8th safest large city in Texas, FBI • #6 in Top Ten Healthy U.S. Housing Markets, Smart Asset • 13th Best City in U.S. for Families, WalletHub.com • Best Place to Retire, Forbes Magazine • #1 Farmers Market in Texas, American Farmland Trust • National League of Cities Cultural Diversity Award: Mayor’s Community Table • #26th Best U.S. City for Jobs, WalletHub.com • Libraries Change Communities award, Texas Library Association • H.E.B. Excellence in Education for Best Large School System in Texas • Gold Medal Finalist for Best Parks in Nation, National Recreation and Park Association Pair that with Arlington’s many awards, and the heart of DFW is unstoppable.

It seems just yesterday we were celebrating the last day of school. Now we’re only weeks away from the start of a brand new school year.

This year Mansfield Independent School District students will start school on Aug. 16, 2017, a week earlier than they did last year. Those 34,357 students will be at 44 campuses, spread across 94.5 square miles in Mansfield, Arlington, Grand Prairie and parts of unincorporated Tarrant County.

The City of Mansfield is extremely fortunate that our partner school district is considered to be one of the best in the state. The Mansfield ISD is one of the many reasons that young families are flocking to our community. They love the location, they love the quality of life and they love our schools.

A strong educational system is critical for any city. It sets the tone for a community as to how well they plan for the years ahead. A quality and comprehensive education for our children ensures a bright future not only for our children, but for the city where they live. It means a skilled workforce. It means a caring community where volunteering is important. It means a solid foundation for the community’s growth.

We as a city are grateful to MISD Superintendent Dr. Jim Vaszauskas, as well as the district’s teachers, administrators and staff for their dedication to the children of Mansfield. We benefit greatly from their commitment to education.

We wish them a great school year ahead and much success. And, congratulations to Dr. V for being named Superintendent of the Year for Region 11 for the Texas School Board Association.

ARLINGTON

AUGUST 2017 ARLINGTON MANSFIELD GRAND PAIRIE EDITION

Honesty, Integrity, Hard Work and Family Values

IS THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE HAMILTON BROTHERS TOGETHER

16 MAN 8-17.indd 16-17

Live Life Grand,

Ron Jensen Mayor, Grand Prairie

The Ultimate Issue

Get the August 2017 issue now.

LivingMagazine.net

GRAND PRAIRIE

MANSFIELD

David L. Cook Mayor, City of Mansfield

Living Magazine is published monthly by Chansen Media Group, Inc. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Living Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and their agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

17 7/25/17 9:11 AM

SOCIAL CALENDAR AUGUST 12 MOVIE ON THE BEACH: CARS Drinks and concessions available for purchase. Cost: entrance fee into the park is $10/vehicle. For more information call 972-237-8100. Loyd Park, 3401 Ragland Rd. Grand Prairie

AUGUST 12 COFFEE & CRAFTING Come get crafty and enjoy great company and coffee/tea. We will provide all the necessary supplies. 9:15-11am. For more information or to register call 817-277-5001. Ages 13 and up. $15. Pre-registration is required! Dottie Lynn Rec Center, 3200 Norwood Lane.

Arlington Parks and Recreation

AUGUST 12 AND 26 MOBILE PET ADOPTION Adoptions will be at the Petsmart® in South Arlington, 203 E. I-20 (Arlington Highlands) 10:30am-3:30pm.

Arlington

AUGUST 18 MANSFIELD SENIOR CITIZENS DAY

AUGUST 11

DIVE IN MOVIE Join us at Hurricane Harbor as we show The Lego Batman Movie on a Texas sized big screen over our iconic wave pool. Grab an inner tube and relax in the water with friends and family while you watch the movie. The movie will start at approximately 8:15pm. For more information visit sixflags.com/hurricaneharbortexas.

Arlington

AUGUST 5

Mansfield

AUGUST 8

DOG DAYS PLAY DAY

ROBIN’S CAFÉ COOKING CLASS

The Hot Dog Days of summer are no match for the fun youth players. Free for children and youth age 5-10 and 11-18. Enjoy refreshments and music. Registration is required.

9:30-11:30. Call 817-459-6163. 500 W. Mayfield.

Spend the afternoon learning how to pack the perfect picnic in a jar. Perfect for fun summer outings! 2-4pm. For more information call 817-277-8091. Eunice Activity Ctr., 1000 Eunice St.

Arlington Tennis Center

Enjoy a Moroccan inspired celebration with entertainment, door prizes, food and much more! Morning snacks, coffee service and lunch provided. Free to all seniors. 9am-1pm.

Reserve by August 11 at 817-728-3680 x3687.

Mansfield Activities Center, 106 S. Wisteria.

Arlington Parks and Recreation

AUGUST 1 - 31

FALL YOUTH SPORTS REGISTRATION Registration for t-ball, modified coach pitch, coach pitch, outdoor soccer and girls’ softball. Register online at coapar. sportssigup.com.

Arlington Parks and Recreation

18 MAN 8-17.indd 18-19

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

19 7/25/17 9:11 AM

4

AUG.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 7:30 PM VERIZON THEATRE GRAND PRAIRIE

ROD STEWART WITH CYNDI LAUPER

EDITOR’S PICK

Rod Stewart is on his 2017 tour with special guest Cyndi Lauper and they are playing concerts across North America. With a career now in its fifth decade, Stewart has sold over 100 million records worldwide with six consecutive number one albums, 62 hit singles including 31 top tens, and six number ones. Combining hits and showmanship that stretches several decades, these entertainers will leave you happy and satisfied.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 9 PM THE GREASE MONKEY

CLAYTON GARDNER TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 8 PM J. GILLIGAN’S BAR & GRILL

EDITOR’S PICK

THE DARK TOWER

IDRIS ELBA, MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY DIR. NIKOLAJ ARCEL (A ROYAL AFFAIR)

Stephen King’s genre-bending saga of the gunslinger makes its way to the big screen after more than a decade of planning. Drawing influence from works like The Lord of the Rings and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, the series is considered by King to be his magnum opus.

AUGUST 4

AUGUST 18

DETROIT

THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD

JOHN BOYEGA, WILL POULTER DIR. KATHRYN BIGELOW (THE HURT LOCKER)

RYAN REYNOLDS, SAMUEL L. JACKSON DIR. PATRICK HUGHES (THE EXPENDABLES 3)

A period drama set in 1967, Detroit recounts one of the largest race riots in U.S. history from the perspective of the Algiers Motel incident. The film is director Bigelow’s first feature since 2012’s Zero Dark Thirty.

ZACK COFFEY SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 8:30 PM DIAMOND JIM’S SALOON

KYSER SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 9 PM GLORIA’S ARLINGTON

LATIN FIRE ORQUESTRA WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 7 PM J. GILLIGAN’S BAR & GRILL

BERYL COURT

Reynolds plays hitman Jackson’s distinctly unneeded bodyguard in an action-comedy that serves as a tangential send-up of 1992’s Costner/Houston romantic thriller The Bodyguard.

AUGUST 18

AUGUST 11

LOGAN LUCKY

THE GLASS CASTLE BRIE LARSON, WOODY HARRELSON DIR. DESTIN DANIEL CRETTON (SHORT TERM 12)

CHANNING TATUM, ADAM DRIVER DIR. STEVEN SODERBERGH (OCEAN’S TRILOGY, MAGIC MIKE)

Based on author Jeannette Walls’ bestselling 2005 memoir, The Glass Castle follows Walls and her siblings as they experience an unusual and poverty-stricken upbringing throughout the American Southwest.

Dubbed the “anti-glam version of an Ocean’s movie” by director Soderbergh, the film sees the three Logan siblings try to perform a robbery during the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 8 PM FAT DADDY’S MANSFIELD

TRIPPPLESHOT FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 8:30 PM EL ARROYO

ACOUSTIC HASH SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 12:30 PM ACTION PARK GRAND PRAIRIE

SLAM FEST THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 6:30 PM VERIZON THEATRE GRAND PRAIRIE

LOST 80S LIVE SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 9 AM MANSFIELD FARMERS MARKET

SCOTT & STEVE

20 MAN 8-17.indd 20-21

AUGUST 22

HALFWAY HOMEMADE: MEALS IN A JIFFY

EDITOR’S PICK

PARRISH RITCHIE

Parrish Ritchie brings the feel of her popular food blog Life with the Crust Cut Off to print. 100 recipes offer clever “hacks” to transform store-bought basics into creative crowd-pleasers, like crescent roll Philly cheesesteaks and ice cream sandwich cakes.

AUGUST 8

AUGUST 22

OF MESS AND MOXIE: WRANGLING DELIGHT OUT OF THIS WILD AND GLORIOUS LIFE

Y IS FOR YESTERDAY SUE GRAFTON

JEN HATMAKER

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

While we check the accuracy of event information prior to press, details can change. Please check with the venue before hitting the road! Foreigner and Cheap Trick 40th Anniversary Tour image property of respective parties. Still from the trailer for The Dark Tower (2017), Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Book cover from Halfway Homemade: Meals in a Jiffy by Parrish Ritchie (2017), Countryman Press. All imagery is presented for non-commercial illustrative purposes.

BEST BETS: AUGUST

AU G U ST 2 01 7

21 7/25/17 9:11 AM

TALK OF THE TOWN

ARLINGTON/MANSFIELD

COFFEE WITH COPS

As you walk into the annual Coffee with Cops in Mansfield, smiling officers greet you. Coffee in one hand, they proffer a welcoming handshake with the other hand. The annual event is a way for local police officers to talk one-on-one with the community fielding questions, addressing concerns.

“We find out first-hand about the public’s concerns and questions,” said Experienced Patrol Officer Trey Kerr, who serves as MPD head of communications. “Someone comes to an event with negativity, because the sight of a man in uniform denotes a bad experience for them. But we’d like to change that perception.”

Similar Coffee with Cops events are held across the country and have been an annual occurrence in Mansfield since 2011.

“We do other community outreach as well: meet and greets, fall festivals, neighborhood watches, and cops’ night out,” Officer Kerr said. “We want to make getting together with local law enforcement a routine part of life.”

Officer Kerr takes pride in the role he plays as an officer of the law in Mansfield, a place that’s provided a safe and happy way of life for his family since 1999. “I’d like to change the perception some people have of policemen,” Officer Kerr said.

“Helping people is the best part of my day.”

BY PHOTO JOURNALIST BREE MAURIN

22 MAN 8-17.indd 22-23

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

23 7/25/17 9:11 AM

SPOTLIGHT master—significant milestones and indicators.

And with recent renovations, a good thing got even better. Always looking for ways to improve their offerings to families, the Children’s Courtyard has remodeled their classrooms, adding new equipment and updated furnishings, and has expanded their offerings to school-age children with a new gaming area, STEM activities, an art studio, and a theater. They’re excited for parents to come tour the upgraded facility.

PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS, ACADEMIC SETTING A solid educational foundation begins with teachers. That’s why Children’s Courtyard teachers are highly trained, highly- motivated, and highly responsive professionals. Your child’s time at Children’s Courtyard begins with a customized assessment developed to select the most competent teachers and care staff for your unique child.

See what’s new at the

Children’s Courtyard

All staff members study at one of Children’s Courtyard’s unique Master Schools where they’re mentored

WHO WILL EMPOWER THEM TO BECOME THE UNIQUE, SPECTACULAR LITTLE PERSON THEY WERE BORN TO BE INTELLECTUALLY, EMOTIONALLY, SPIRITUALLY, AND SOCIALLY? FOR THOUSANDS OF PARENTS ACROSS OUR AREA THE ANSWER HAS BEEN THE CHILDREN’S COURTYARD.

by Master Teachers and taught effective best practices. That support continues throughout their careers with ongoing assessments, continuing education, and training.

SPACES THAT INSPIRE LEARNING AND CREATIVITY Children’s Courtyard schools feature large, window-filled classrooms and state-of-the-art, age-appropriate equipment, creating a dynamic, vibrant, active environment.

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR BUSY FAMILIES We all know parents want to be with their children as much as possible.

Children’s Courtyard is working to assure you won’t have to miss a single precious moment of your child’s day.

With their mobile app for parents, you’ll receive real-time photos and updates throughout the day, wherever you are. You can choose to receive updates via email, including a daily Email Digest, or summary of your child’s day. Highlights of the mobile app include: • Parents can share access with other people, such as grandparents • Love It button: Let teachers know you appreciate their dedication to your child • Easily share photos through text messages and emails • Past updates don’t expire; simply scroll down to relive favorite memories • A high level of security, so parents can know their updates are private, visible only to them and any other recipients they choose Find out more at ChildrensCourtyard. com.

BY MEREDITH KNIGHT

O

ne of the toughest decisions any parent can make is who to trust with their infant through school-age child. It’s a decision that involves your heart, mind, and gut.

Who will love them and value them as an individual the way that you do? Who will comfort them, when they’re sad, laugh at their burgeoning sense of humor, and revel in every new accomplishment? Who will empower them to become the unique, spectacular little person they were born to be intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and socially? For thousands of parents across our area

24 MAN 8-17.indd 24-25

ALL STAFF MEMBERS STUDY AT ONE OF CHILDREN’S COURTYARD’S UNIQUE MASTER SCHOOLS WHERE THEY’RE MENTORED BY MASTER TEACHERS AND TAUGHT EFFECTIVE BEST PRACTICES. THAT SUPPORT CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREERS WITH ONGOING ASSESSMENTS, CONTINUING EDUCATION, AND TRAINING.

the answer has been The Children’s Courtyard.

At the Children’s Courtyard, they understand that education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. That’s why they empower parents with educational options to create the most fitting path for each unique child and to ensure they’re prepared for elementary school—and for life. In every program, and every classroom, Children’s Courtyard staff and teachers address the specific needs of children based not only on age, but on individual pace of development.

Their curriculum has been designed to ensure that all children reach—and L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING “he Children’s Courtyard in Mansfield is a great place for kids. My daughter and son both enjoy the time spent at this location. The employees are friendly and they strive to teach the kids while making sure the kids have fun at the same time.

Their summer program is filled with lots of activities and field trips for the kids. I highly recommend this location for your child care.”

Lauren , Mansfield, TX

AU G U ST 2 01 7

“The Children’s Courtyard is a great, safe place to take your kids. The staff, including all directors and teachers, genuinely cares about the children and their families. My 4 year old has attended this school since he was 2, and loves all of his teachers - from the beginning to now. My 8 year old attends the summer program and enjoys the teachers, activities, and friends. The facility is great and the school-age kids have many options to keep summer fun.”

Penni, Mansfield, TX

25 7/25/17 9:11 AM

YOUR BODY,

FRUIT OF THE VINE

BY LISA JENKINS-MOORE

It is only when we make our soul (our mind, will, and emotions) submit to our spirit that we can be under His lordship, and under His lordship is wisdom, temperance, and healthy desire.

26 MAN 8-17.indd 26-27

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

S

olomon’s temple would have been a sight to behold, an unimaginable wonder of palatial architecture, precious metals, rich stones, and intricate detail.

The Bible says the temple took almost eight years to construct and it is estimated 180,000 laborers were involved. Solomon’s desire to honor the Lord was expressed through its construction and no expense was too great for the King of Glory. In modern American terms, the temple was built wxith at least 8 million pounds of gold and 77 million pounds of silver. Not including other expensive materials, the current value of the temple with the gold and silver alone would be about $218 billion!

A few months ago, while sitting in Presence 2017, a worship festival held in Austin and hosted by The Heart of David Movement, I heard a whisper. The voice said, “you’re killing My temple.” I recognized the voice—a significant impression in my spirit—and a feeling of conviction swept over me. As my mind centered in on the word temple, I imagined taking a sledgehammer into Solomon’s temple and swinging wildly. If Solomon’s temple were still standing, would you, I, or any Godfearing person consider such destruction?

And yet, the voice reminded me that I am now His temple—one I’ve neglected and abused. I’ve swung the sledgehammer many times over the years, disregarding the value, the precious price paid for my body. The cost of my body, your body, His temples, was God’s only Son, Jesus.

We so easily forget our bodies are not our own but we are bought with a price—the highest price of all (I Cor.6: 19, 20). We do not have permission to treat ourselves any way we like or indulge any desire of the flesh. Though we don’t like to talk about it, or even think about it, misusing our bodies is sin. God’s Word clearly tells us to avoid sexual immorality, gluttony, drunkenness, and the like— and admonishes us to be sober and aware of the enemy’s schemes (Gal. 5:21; I Pt. 5:8).

While I doubt the majority of Bible-BelievingChrist-Followers are imbibing alcohol to the point of drunkenness, or engaging in a lifestyle of sexual immorality, many of us are not honoring God’s temple.

As of 2016, 38 percent of American adults were obese.

Medical practitioners once defined obesity as being 20 percent over ideal weight. Now they use BMI (body mass index) which takes into account height and weight; anyone with a BMI over 30 is considered obese. Obesity is lethal to one’s health, increasing the risk for many diseases including diabetes, gall stones, heart disease, stroke, degenerative arthritis, and much more. Obesity is estimated to cut 8 to 10 years off of life expectancy and makes the years lived less enjoyable.

like me, who are not overweight, but still treat their bodies poorly. Some folks enjoy cigarettes, now a known cause of cancer, which decreases one’s life expectancy by fourteen years. Others ingest sugar to the point of addiction, wreaking havoc on their body chemistry, causing depression, cavities, and skin conditions. And then there’s the other side of the coin—the foodies—who are so obsessed with what they eat that food ends up consuming much of their lives. When one focuses too much (or too little) on the health of the body, the health of the soul and spirit suffer.

Deep inside, all of us long for a healthy balanced life that includes good food, exercise, laughter, love, and relationships. Yet we are bound by various addictions, seeking solace in food, drink, exercise, sleep. God offers us freedom, but true freedom comes only in adherence to His Word. Only recently did I learn that “self-control” wasn’t in the original text as part of the fruit of the spirit.

Instead, the original Greek word read “lordship.” Ah… there it is. Even as Spirit-led Believers, our “self” cannot be controlled. It is only when we make our soul (our mind, will, and emotions) submit to our spirit that we can be under His lordship, and under His lordship is wisdom, temperance, and healthy desire.

I spent much of the first night of the worship festival weeping, repenting for the poor way I had treated His temple. I asked God to give me His perspective and to lead me into healthy choices for eating, sleeping, exercising, and living. Isn’t that what all of us really want? A healthy life, lived to its fullest, so we can give love, receive love, and live out the purpose He has for us? I hope you will join me in asking honest questions, hard questions, questions that lead to surrendering to His lordship, laying down bad habits and old addictions, and embracing a new life of freedom in Him.

To contact Lisa or follow her blog, visit LisaJenkinsMoore.com or connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ljenkinsmoore

Obesity, of course, is not the only indicator of unhealthy living, just one of the most obvious. There are others, AU G U ST 2 01 7

27 7/25/17 9:11 AM

ON THE COVER

oral conscious sedation and, like his brothers, stays on the leading edge of his field through continuing education courses. Dr. Ross is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth District Dental Society.

He knows the importance of community service, and volunteers his time in administration with the Boy Scouts of America. He’s a youth leader within his church and a supporter of the Future Leaders Exchange Program through which he and his wife, Ileana, will be opening their home to a student from Eastern Europe this fall.

The Hamilton’s recently celebrated their son’s first birthday.

Honesty, Integrity, Hard Work and Family Values

is the glue that holds the Hamilton brothers together

BY MEREDITH KNIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK GOWER

Family ties and a wholesome upbringing are the glue that holds the trio of Randy, Ross, and Blane Hamilton together. Whether they’re building their growing practice or grabbing some brotherly family time, the Hamiltons passion for others stands strong. “Growing up with all brothers had its positives and negatives,” said iKids founder, Dr. Randy Hamilton. “Mom was given all the attention deserving of a lady: flowers, opened doors, etc.

She didn’t have to share it with any other woman in the house. But she also had to tolerate furniture shoved aside for indoor tackle football and the occasional broken lamps or furniture.”

“All the credit goes to Mom and Dad for raising us in a home where honesty, integrity, hard work, and family values were emphasized;

28 MAN 8-17.indd 28-29

where we were taught the importance of treating all people with kindness,” Dr. Randy said. Nowadays, you can find these brothers spending time together, whether with their families or just each other. From dental conferences, to vacations, they’re not only brothers, they’re best friends. “We share a vision and a passion for providing exceptional dental care for children,” Dr. Randy said. “And we’re blessed to be able to work and build our practice together.

I can’t think of two guys I’d rather spend my days with.”

Together with their highly-trained and compassionate team, the Drs. Hamilton strive to provide the best possible experience for young guests and their parents while offering affordable pricing and a wide range of services. It’s exceptional care and it’s just for kids. To begin with, each

member of the iKids team is required to attend eight hours at the NEDAC Institute, an accredited course established by the Drs. Hamilton based off Disney University, with the goal of providing the ultimate in guest service. iKids Pediatric Dentistry combines high-tech, cutting-edge dental care with a welcoming, fun, and familyfriendly environment setting the standard for excellence in pediatric dentistry. Parents are always welcome in their child’s treatment room or to relax in the comfortable reception area, knowing their child is calm, happy and in excellent hands. iKids is honored to be chosen Best Pediatric Dentist in Living Magazine’s Reader’s Choice contest and want to thank everyone who voted for them.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

MEET THE HAMILTON BROTHERS RANDY HAMILTON Dr. Randy Hamilton proudly served his country in the US Air Force before choosing to specialize in pediatric dentistry. He founded iKids on the premise that every child deserves a remarkable dental experience. “I like to imagine each child wears a sign around their neck reading, ‘Make Me Feel Special’,” he said. That’s just how these brothers and their dream team make their patients feel. Dr. Hamilton is an award winning, board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Specialty training in dentistry for special needs children allows him to provide all children with a dental home where they can feel a sense of normalcy.

Dr. Randy is one of the few pediatric dentists in the state certified in both oral and IV sedation, ensuring even the youngest or most anxious child can have a calm and positive experience.

He and his family make Mansfield their home, where he’s active in his church and community, coaches basketball and plays various sports. A lecturer and published author, Dr. Randy offers parents insight in his book, Grin and Bare It, A Parent’s Guide to Little Teeth.

AU G U ST 2 01 7

BLANE HAMILTON Dr. Blane Hamilton loves working with his brothers at iKids. He earned his doctor of dental medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and completed an additional two years of specialized education and training in pediatric and adolescent dentistry at Temple University Hospital’s Pediatric Dental Residency Program in Philadelphia, including advanced training in conscious sedation and special needs care. He’s a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Society, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Blane lives in Mansfield with his wife, Sarah and their four boys where he’s active in his church, is an eagle scout currently involved in scouting, and coaches youth basketball and soccer. In his time off, you might find him riding his bike and playing various sports.

ROSS HAMILTON Dr. Ross Hamilton graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern Utah University, and completed his doctor of dental surgery degree at the prestigious Baylor College of Dentistry. Dr. Ross is certified in

Visit iKids online at iKidsDental. com to learn more about this unique practice that sets the standard of excellence in both customer service and pediatric dentistry. iKids, a Whole New Dental Experience! iKidsDental.com 1756 Broad Park Circle North Suite 100 Mansfield, Texas 76063 (817) 453-2800 3801 S. Cooper Street Suite 109 Arlington, Texas 76017 (817) 467-9089 4504 West Vickory Fort Worth, Texas 76107 (817) 332-0007 809 Southwest Alsbury Suite 100 Burleson, Texas 76028 (817) 295-1144 7451 North Beach Street Suite 140 Ft. Worth, Texas 76137 (817) 847-7001 Mansfield Ortho 3807 East Broad Street, Suite 101 Mansfield, Texas 76063 (682) 593-4820

29 7/25/17 9:11 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

It’s Here!

2017

Winners Voting for our 2017 Best Of Readers’ Choice Awards was conducted online from January 1, 2017 to March 15, 2017. The results were collected and tabulated using Survey Monkey software.

30 MAN 8-17.indd 30-31

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

31 7/25/17 9:11 AM

ONCOLOGIST

URGENT CARE

POOL COMPANY

Mansfield Urgent Care & Family Medicine

Accent Pools

SUMMER CAMP

Dr. Lixin Liao - Texas Oncology





UROLOGIST

 OPHTHALMOLOGIST

Dr. Michael Blair - Ford Eye Center

2017

OPTOMETRIST

Mansfield Vision Center

Camp Thurman

REMODELER

TITLE COMPANY

Dr. Patrick Collini

Posse Construction







VEIN DOCTOR

ROOFING COMPANY

TRAVEL AGENT

Dr. Thomas E. Eidson - Atlas Vein Care

WR Roofing 

HOME & GARDEN

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

DOOR COMPANY

ATTORNEY

Alamo Title Company

M&M World Travel Service TUTORING COMPANY

Porter Tutoring

 ORAL SURGEON

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

DELI

Jason’s Deli 

GOLF COURSE

Walnut Creek Country Club 



GOURMET SHOP

GYMNASTICS





Oliver’s Fine Foods

HAIR SALON

Avante Salon & Day Spa  HEALTH CLUB/GYM

GREEK/MEDITERRANEAN

Istanbul Grill INDIAN

Camp Gladiator

India Grill

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

ITALIAN

United Dermatology Associates  LOCAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

Slim4Life MANICURE/PEDICURE

Avante Salon & Day Spa

La Gondola Italian Restaurant  LUNCH

Mary Lou’s Coffee and Sandwich Shoppe 

Mama Cuca’s

MEDSPA

MEXICAN

 PILATES CLASS

Life Time Fitness  PLACE FOR A MASSAGE

Avante Salon & Day Spa  PLACE FOR BOTOX

Mama Cuca’s PATIO

El Arroyo  PIZZA

Mama’s Pizza  PLACE FOR CRAFT BEER

World of Beer

United Dermatology Associates





La Gondola Italian Restaurant

SPA

Avante Salon & Day Spa  WAXING

Avante Salon & Day Spa  YOGA STUDIO

Premier Yoga & Fitness

ROMANTIC DINNER

 SEAFOOD

Fish City Grill STEAK

Texas Roadhouse



ASIAN

Poured

BFF Asian Grill and Bar



BAKERY

WINE SHOP

Total Wine & More 

 BURGER

Hideout Burgers 

32 MAN 8-17.indd 32-33



MARTIAL ARTS

Troy Dorsey’s Karate and Kickboxing 

ORTHODONTIST EMERGENCY ROOM

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center 

Dr. Steven Machicek ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

Dr. Bantoo Sehgal

ENDODONTIST

M&M Door & Window ELECTRICIAN

Solid Ground Electric FLOORING STORE

All-Pro Floors  FOUNDATION REPAIR



Dr. Ken Nguyen

Integrity Foundation Repair

ENT

PEDIATRIC DENTIST

Dr. Jill Peterson





iKids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

FURNITURE STORE



FAMILY DENTIST

PEDIATRICIAN

HANDYMAN

PLACE TO BOWL



Dr. Robert Mann - Cook Children’s



FAMILY PRACTICE DOCTOR/ GROUP

PARK

Katherine Rose Memorial Park

Alley Cats

HEALTHCARE ACUPUNCTURE

Dr. Leon Lee - Ace Acupuncture & Herbs ALLERGIST

Dr. Neil Singhania - Allergy & Asthma Centres of the Metroplex 

Cross Timbers ENT

Mansfield Family Dentistry

Family HealthCare Associates

FERTILITY AND REPRODUCTIVE DOCTOR

Dr. Sy Le - IVFMD

Dr. Kim Gentry - Texas Digestive Consultants 

Surgical Associates of Mansfield

AUDIOLOGIST



Audiology Experts HOME HEALTH AGENCY

NexStep Home Healthcare Dr. Jeremy Parcells

Dr. William DuBois PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Craig Tipping - NexStep Home Healthcare PLASTIC SURGEON

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

Brookdale Lake Arlington

BARIATRIC SURGEON

PERIODONTIST

Institute for Hormonal Balance 

Dr. Darien Bradford  CARDIOLOGIST

Cardiology Partners  CHIROPRACTOR

Mansfield Chiropractic  COSMETIC DENTIST

 HEATING/AIR COMPANY

Hightower Service HOME AUDIO/VIDEO

HOME BUILDER



Dr. Linnie Rabjohn Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle

LANDSCAPER

*

Methodist Mansfield Medical Center  INTERNAL MEDICINE DOCTOR

Dr. John Thurmond  LASIK SURGEON

PULMONOLOGIST

Dr. John Tiu - Texas Pulmonary 

Prime Landscape Services

NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER

Calloway’s Nursery  OUTDOOR LIGHTING COMPANY

Artisan Outdoor Lighting

REHABILITATION CENTER OUTDOOR STRUCTURE COMPANY



Accent Pools



SLEEP DOCTOR

PAINTING COMPANY

MEMORY CARE FACILITY

Dr. Wesley Dennis Arlington Sleep Disorder Center



NEUROSURGEON

SPINE SURGEON

DANCE STUDIO

OB/GYN

TMJ DENTIST

A Step in Time

Dr. Michael Thornton Mansfield Cosmetic Surgery Center







Omega OB/GYN

Dr. Cody Bauer - Mansfield Family Dentistry



Imagine Nation Learning Center

BRIDAL STORE

David’s Bridal 

COLLEGE

CAR DEALERSHIP

University of Texas at Arlington

AutoNation Ford Arlington





COUNSELING SERVICES

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

Jessica Rogers - Solutions Counseling

Southern Painting PATIO FURNITURE COMPANY

Costco PEST CONTROL

Metro Guard Pest Control

Second Home Furniture DRUG STORE

Ray’s Pharmacy

PSK

FLORIST

Flowers, Etc. 

Park Row Christian Academy

FRAME SHOP

Michaels

Derrick Kinney & Associates

 GROCER

HEALTH INSURANCE AGENT

Steve Bell - Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance

Kroger 

HEALTH FOOD/SUPPLEMENTS





Ladybugs Children’s Boutique

CHILD CARE

MAID SERVICE

Kleiman | Evangelista Eye Center

Meadowbrook Memory Care Community

Frost Bank

INSURANCE AGENT



HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Arlington

BABY/CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION



The Cleaning Authority

Classic Oaks Ranch



FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Landry Designs

WEDDING/EVENTS VENUE

RETAIL

B&M Auto Specialists





Dr. Pat Rabjohn - Rabjohn Behavioral Institute

AUTO REPAIR SHOP

EARLY EDUCATION

PODIATRIST

PSYCHIATRIST



Best Buy

INTERIOR DESIGNER



Gully Animal Hospital

David Cook - Harris Cook, LLP

CPA



Dr. Brian Blackburn Minimally Invasive Spine Care

COSMETIC SURGEON

Brett Jeffreys - Handyman Matters

Dr. Yuki Nakamura

HOSPITAL BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE CENTER

Vintage Vibe

Mansfield Custom Homes

GENERAL SURGEON







ASSISTED LIVING CENTER

Dr. Sandi Hamm ENTERTAINMENT

VETERINARIAN

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Dr. Jeffrey Heitkamp Arlington Association of Neurological Surgeons

BARBECUE

Spring Creek Barbecue

Levitt Pavilion

CARDIAC SURGEON SUSHI

WINE BAR

Creations Baking Company

LIVE MUSIC VENUE



Suzushii Sushi & Grill DINING

ASI Gymnastics

MARGARITA



Daireds

United Dermatology Associates

Dr. Haroon Ismaili - Park Forest Oral Surgery



FACIAL TREATMENTS

Avante Salon & Day Spa

DERMATOLOGIST

Sprouts Farmers Market

Al Clark - State Farm

 JEWELRY STORE

Mansfield Fine Jewelry

MORTGAGE LENDER



Service First Mortgage 

PLACE FOR JEANS

Buckle

MUSIC STUDIO/LESSONS

Music Place Mansfield

RESALE SHOP

Arlington Resale Store

PET BOARDING

Pet Resort in the Gardens

 WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

PET GROOMER

Vintage Vibe

Bow Wow Billies PHOTOGRAPHER

DayDream Photography  PRIVATE SCHOOL

Pantego Christian Academy  REALTOR

Robyn and Lanae - Century 21 

PLUMBER

Kennedale Mansfield Plumbing

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY





Watercrest at Mansfield  - MULTIPLE YEAR WINNER IN THE SAME CATEGORY

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

33

7/25/17 9:11 AM

THANK YOU

2016-2017

for voting us Best General Surgeons & Dr. Jeremy Parcells Best Bariatric Surgeon!

Gary K. Alexander, MD, FACS

34 MAN 8-17.indd 34-35

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

Jeremy P. Parcells, MD, FACS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

David M. Rutledge, MD, FACS

35 7/25/17 9:11 AM

2017

From our family to yours Thank You!!

Drs. Ross, Randy and Blane Hamilton

you for trusting u k n a Th nk you for allowi s to car Tha ank you for vot ng us to d e for you Th Mansfie ing us th o what r children. y. a ld and w Arlineg best pediae love ever ydn ton! # tric dentist i ikidsdental COSMETIC DENTISTRY FOR KIDS ORTHODONTICS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN AGES 0 –18 / OPEN MONDAY– FRIDAY • IN-OFFICE ORAL & IV SEDATION MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

®

20

®

www.ikidsortho.com 682-593-4820 3807 E. Broad St., Suite 101, Mansfield TX, 76063

36 MAN 8-17.indd 36-37

2017 ARLINGTON 817-467-9089 3801 S Cooper St #109, 76015

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

ikidsdental.com • 682-222-1010 MANSFIELD 817-453-2800 1756 Broad Park Cir N, #100, 76063

MANSFIELD ORTHODONTICS 682-593-4820 3807 E Broad St #101, 76063

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

17

®

Invisalign Teen NEW! WAXAHACHIE 972-351-9910 2171 N Hwy 77, 75165

37 7/25/17 9:11 AM

Come

Experience the Difference Excellence in Advanced Dentistry

BEST COSMETIC SURGEON

Imagination, Precision, Innovation

BEST FAMILY DENTISTRY FILLINGS/ RESTORATIONS DENTAL SEALANTS CROWNS CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY DENTURES BRIDGES

2016 & 2017

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS ROOT CANALS NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION DENTISTRY TEETH WHITENING DENTAL IMPLANTS PORCELAIN VENEERS

MICHAEL L. THORNTON D.O., FACOS

Double Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

INLAYS & ONLAYS BONDING INVISALIGN REHABILITATION DENTISTRY SLEEP DENTISTRY

Thank you for voting us Best Family Dentist!

We are blessed by your support and are truly grateful.

817- 473-0291 • MansfieldDentistry.com 2017

38 MAN 8-17.indd 38-39

100 Carlin Road • Mansfield, TX 76063

“Thank you to the readers of Living Magazine Arlington & Mansfield for voting me as Best Cosmetic Surgeon for the past two years. It’s a joy to use my passion for cosmetic surgery as a form of surgical artistry and creativity. I’m blessed and honored to receive this humbling award. I love cosmetic surgery… and it shows!”

DR. MICHAEL L. THORNTON

817-477-9000

Popular Procedures:

Mommy Makeover • Abdominoplasty Breast Augmentation • Breast Lift & Reduction Brazilian Butt Lift • VASER liposculpting Facial Rejuvenation • Botox & Dermal Fillers Male Gynecomastia • Aesthetic Medical Spa

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

MANSFIELDCOSMETICSURGERY.COM

550 N. Walnut Creek Dr., Suite 120 Mansfield, TX 76063

OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

Monday-Friday: 9am – 5pm (Closed for lunch 12pm – 1pm)

39 7/25/17 9:11 AM

VOTED #1 VEIN CARE Thank you Living Magazine readers & community for voting me Best Vein Care.

It's a true honor!

• LEG/ANKLE SWELLING • PAIN/CRAMPS IN YOUR LEGS • LEG THROBBING/ACHING • RESTLESS LEGS • SKIN DARKENING • SKIN BREAKING DOWN • OPEN SKIN WOUNDS • VARICOSE/SPIDER VEINS

DR. THOMAS E. EIDSON, D.O.

• NEUROPATHY

BOARD CERTIFIED VEIN SPECIALIST

• NIGHT CRAMPS • LEG FATIGUE/HEAVINESS • ITCHING/BURNING

At Atlas Vein Care, you will always be evaluated and treated by a doctor certified to treat vein disease.

ATLASVEIN.COM • 817-795-VEIN (8346) 2701 MATLOCK ROAD # 103 • ARLINGTON, TX 76015

40 MAN 8-17.indd 40-41

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

41 7/25/17 9:11 AM

THANK YOU FOR VOTING

DR. BRADFORD

BEST CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON 2017!

2017 “My goal is to offer advanced treatment to my patients and do so in a way that minimizes pain, risks, and recovery time. I want to improve their quality of life.

With that in mind, I work closely with my patients and their physicians to tailor a treatment program designed specifically for each individual patient.”

Darien W. Bradford, MD

Excelling on the cutting edge of surgery Some common Cardiothoracic Services & Treatment: Aortic and Mitral Valve Repair/Replacement • Pacemaker Placement

Diseases of the Esophagus to include GERD and Achalasia

42 MAN 8-17.indd 42-43

Darien W. Bradford, MD Cardiothoracic Surgeon

www.bradfordmd.com

817.465.5311 515 W. Mayfield Rd. #404 Arlington, Texas 76014

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

43 7/25/17 9:11 AM

Thanks to our Living Readers and wonderful patients for voting us “Best Cosmetic Dentist” of Mansfield & Arlington There’s A Story Behind Every Smile Everyone wants to have a smile they feel good about, no matter their age, gender, profession, or circumstance.

Dr. Sandi Hamm Offers:

• Teeth Whitening (At Home or In Office) • Checkup & Hygiene Care • Porcelain Crowns/Veneers • Dental Implant Restorations • Invisalign (Invisible Braces) • White Fillings/Cosmetic Bonding • Teeth Grinding Relief • Gum Disease Therapy • Smile Makeovers • Snoring Relief (Not your ordinary Dental Team!)

2017

44 MAN 8-17.indd 44-45

Understanding that simple fact has allowed Dr. Sandi Hamm to provide not only exceptional results, but also a pleasing experience.

So whatever the story may be…

Dr. Sandi Hamm would like to be a part of yours!

1830 East Broad St., Suite 100 • Mansfield, Tx 76063 (817) 477-4441 • www.DrSandiHamm.com BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

45 7/25/17 9:11 AM

SA LO N • S K I N C A R E • S PA

Voted Best Hair Salon & Day Spa

2017

Thank you

to our amazing team & our loyal guest for voting us #1 again this year!

MATTHE W 1 9 :2 6 With God all things are possible...

1223 East Debbie Lane (near Matlock Road)

Mansfield, Texas

BestSalonMansfield.com 817-477-4040 46 MAN 8-17.indd 46-47

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

47 7/25/17 9:11 AM

Thank you for voting me BEST PLASTIC SURGEON IN ARLINGTON/MANSFIELD!

THANKS YOU FOR VOTING US BEST CHIROPRACTOR!

Dr. George Bobbitt, DC

OUR PURPOSE To lead people in our community away from needless pain and suffering and away from the use of unnecessary drugs and surgery. Through Chiropractic, we provide a route and the means for all to attain improved health, vitality and happiness.

DON’T WAIT.

BEST OF LOGO 2017 2013, 2015, 2017

48 MAN 8-17.indd 48-49

WE CAN HELP YOU.

MANSFIELD

ARLINGTON

KENNEDALE

(817) 453-3999 MansfieldChiropractic.com 1071 Country Club Dr, Ste 101 Mansfield, TX 76063

(682)276-1532 ArlingtonChiroCenter.com 2401 W Pioneer Pkwy, Ste 145 Pantego, TX 76013

(817) 330-3600 KennedaleChiropractic.com 405 W Kennedale Pkwy Kennedale, TX 76060

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

49 7/25/17 9:12 AM

Cardiology Partners would like to thank the readers of Living Magazine for voting for us as "Best Cardiologist”.

We are honored to be recognized by the

R

E

S

ID

E

N

T

IA

L

C

O

M

M

E

R

C

IA

L

Thank you for voting us Best Roofer!

• New Roof Construction • Roof Repair / Replacement • Commercial Roofing • Skylights

FREE INSPECTIONS

When having work done on your roof - it is VERY IMPORTANT that homeowners ALWAYS ask for proof of insurance, bank references, supplier references, as well as customer references whether using WR Roofing or not.

We work closely with you to ensure we understand your every need. We take pride in knowing that we consistently take care of our clients. We believe that the best materials along with a well tenured and well trained staff, is the key to our success. We dedicate ourselves to satisfy and exceed your expectations.

817-473-5066

At WR Roofing...Expect the best.

817.842.2500

CardiologyPartners.com 50 MAN 8-17.indd 50-51

Licensed & Insured

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

Commercial & Residential Locally Owned & Operated

1836 Lone Star Rd. Mansfield, TX 76063

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

51 7/25/17 9:12 AM

52 MAN 8-17.indd 52-53

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

53 7/25/17 9:12 AM

We would like to thank Living Magazine readers once again for voting us BEST AUDIOLOGIST!

1261 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Suite 105 Arlington, TX 76013

Dr. Kristin Robbins

Dr. Lisa B. Fell

817-451-4818 AudiologyExperts.com

ALL-PRO FLOORS allprofloorstx.com

Our ALL-PRO family wants to thank our community for your vote!

7201 S. Cooper Arlington, TX 76001 2013, 2015-2017

54 MAN 8-17.indd 54-55

Interior & Exterior Carpentry • Bathroom Remodel • Screened Porches • Deck & Patio Additions • Drywall Repair & Replace • Window Caulking Trim Repair • Door Repair & Install • Door & Cabinet Hardware • Grab Bar And Hand Rail Install • Tiling Kitchen And Bath Floor & Backsplash Hang Window Treatments • Kitchen Remodel • Painting, Sealing, & Touch-ups • Siding, Fascia, Soffit Repair • Garbage Disposal Replace • And Much More!

We deliver customer service…and it just so happens we can do 1162 different odd jobs for you while we are there.

817.560.4070 • HandymanMatters.com

2225 W. Southlake Blvd.

Southlake, TX 76092

Serving the Tarrant County area Insured, bonded, back-ground checked and drug tested craftsmen Locally Owned

682-367-1740

2015-2017

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

We would like to thank Living Magazine readers for once again voting us Best Handyman!

- Brett Jeffreys, President

55 7/25/17 9:12 AM

The staff and providers at Mansfield Urgent Care and Family Medicine would like to thank all of our friends and neighbors for once again selecting us as the Best Urgent Care.

We are honored and we will continue to strive to give our patients the most efficient and

2013-2017 Care Best Urgent

best care possible. Thank you for trusting Mansfield Urgent Care and Family Medicine with your medical needs.

MansfieldUrgentCare.com Mansfield 817-473-3979 • 1811 Hwy. 287 North SUITE 150 (Super Target Shopping Center)

NO APPOINTMENT IS EVER NECESSARY • PRIMARY CARE COPAYS APPLY

Best Interior Decorators 5 years in a Row We love our customers!

Jeannine Hoang and the staff of United Dermatology Associates would like to express our gratitude and thank the readers of Living Magazine for once again voting for us.

We are honored to be chosen the Best: Dermatologist • Practice for Botox • Practice for Laser Hair Removal

United-Derm.com WINDOW TREATMENTS • FURNITURE • WALL AND FLOOR COVERINGS • ACCESSORIES OUTDOOR • BEDDING • LIGHTING • FLORALS • BUSINESS INTERIORS • STAGING Mansfield • 2800 E. Broad St., Ste. 124 • 817-539-0959 Arlington • 723 N. Fielder Rd., Ste. C • 817-539-0959 Flower Mound • 2560 Central Park Ave., Ste. 395 • 469-635-5990 Burleson • 780 N.E. Alsbury Blvd., Ste. B • 817-529-1753

56 MAN 8-17.indd 56-57

COLLABORATE • DESIGN • REVEAL WWW.LANDRYDESIGNS.COM OR CALL 817.835.3100

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

2017

57 7/25/17 9:12 AM

Thank you for voting PSK LLP BEST CPA FIRM 2017!

Personal Tax | Business Tax | QuickBooks Consulting Audits and Reviews | Estate and Trust Work Business Consulting | Accounting and Payroll Fraud Detection and Prevention | Rent-A-Controller Best Practices Engagements

3001 Medlin Drive #100 Arlington, Texas 76015 (817) 664-3000

Protected Play and a Pampered Stay

Pet Resort in the Gardens thanks you for your continued trust & support!

Best Pet Boarding 2017!

2017

• Dog & Cat Boarding • Doggie Daycare • Grooming • Veterinarian on call 24/7 • Daycare Webcam

58 MAN 8-17.indd 58-59

• Private Suites w/ Webcam • Large Indoor Play Area • 8 Outdoor Pay Areas • Cat Condos • Fully Enclosed Cat Sun Porch

2890-A West Pioneer Parkway Arlington, TX 76013 PetResortInTheGardens.com 817-635-5510

*CALL FOR DETAILS- EXPIRES 10/1/2017*

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

59 7/25/17 9:12 AM

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST Place to Bowl 2013-2017!

Proud to be YOUR place to bowl.

Select your gated estate lot in the beautiful South Pointe now!

We have more than just bowling:

Mansfield is the 17th Best Place to Live In America!

• 5,000 sf two-story laser tag arena • Giant Arcade featuring the latest Arcade/Redemption games • Two-Story Tall Indoor Rock Climbing Wall • Full Service Bar • Meeting rooms and more...

2017

Thank You For Voting Us

Best CustomHomeBuilder for the 4th year in a row!

Come on over and play!

817-784-2695

“Build on Your lot or Ours!”

THE JULIE SHORT TEAM

2017

682-518-1158 | 682-552-4374 | mchtexas.com

www.alleycatsbowl.com

Old meets new in this eclectic boutique

Thank you for voting us

Best Psychiatrist!

Thank you for voting

Advanced Treatment For: Depression ADHD | Anxiety 2017

Best Furniture Store and Women’s Boutique!

We custom build farm style tables • We carry Tyler Candles products

RABJOHN BEHAVIORAL INSTITUTE, PLLC

Browse for vintage and new gifts including home decor, custom furniture, jewelry, clothing and more. Vintage Vibe is an exclusive distributor of Maison Blanche paint. Visit us to register for paint classes or have your piece custom-painted by us!

PAT RABJOHN, MD, PH.D SANDRA DAVIS, MD

DEPRESSION

Can be a Flaw in Chemistry, Not Character.

It's Time To Set Those Gears Back Into Motion.

60 MAN 8-17.indd 60-61

1585 E. Broad St. Ste 101 • Mansfield, TX 76063 • 817-473-2777 Store Hours: Tues-Fri | 10-6 • Sat | 10-5 • Sun | 12-4

1751 Broad Park Cr S, Ste 201 Mansfield, TX 76063

2017

(817) 539-2282 RBIPsychiatry.com

Exclusive distributor of Maison Blanche paint

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

61 7/25/17 9:12 AM

Need A Solution?

CONGRATS

TROUBLED TEEN • COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN • MARITAL CONFLICT • ANGER MANAGEMENT

Thank you to the Living Magazine readers and the Mansfield community for allowing me to do what I love and trusting me with your loved ones. – Jessica L. Rogers, MA, LPC

to all 2017 Readers’ Choice winners!

2017

601 Strada Circle, Suite 107 • Mansfield, TX 76063 • (817) 475-1735 • SolutionsCounseling4u.com

W E L C O M E T O O U R FA M I LY

62 MAN 8-17.indd 62-63

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

63 7/25/17 9:12 AM

Made in the

SHADE Pieces available at Dillard’s Just because the sun is brightening up the world around you doesn’t mean you can’t dim the lights a little bit from time to time—and look good doing it. We’re fans of bold, big sunglasses that block those rays and tint your surroundings, while also giving you that sunlit summer style.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!

Quay Australia Indio Mirrored Aviator $65

Visit LivingMagazine.net to view all of our 2017 Readers' Choice winners.

64 MAN 8-17.indd 64-65

BEST OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

65 7/25/17 9:12 AM

Versace Studs Medusa Round Mirrored, $168

Michael Kors Mirrored Aviator, $159

Quay Australia x Desi Perkins

Quay Australia

High Key Aviator, $65

Santa Fe Aviator, $60

66 MAN 8-17.indd 66-67

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

Deborah C. Sullivan, DDS, MS | Daniel Wright, DDS Diplomates, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

AU G U ST 2 01 7

67 7/25/17 9:12 AM

WELLNESS DID YOU KNOW?

ULTIMATE ORTHOPEDICS Everything you need to know during an active summer

BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

Summer in Texas means more time to be outside and active. Whether you’re enjoying running, swimming, skiing, hiking, team sports, or triathlons, unexpected pain or injury can slam the brakes on all the fun. In fact, each year in America 135 million adults and kids make ambulatory visits to an orthopedic expert, more than three million are hospitalized for orthopedic issues, and nearly $245 billion is racked up in orthopedicsrelated medical costs.

If you’ve found yourself with back pain, a sports injury, arthritic hips and knees, stiff neck muscles, or other musculoskeletal complaints, and you’re not finding relief with simple rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, it’s time to seek the help of an orthopedic specialist, particularly if you’re experiencing:

68 MAN 8-17.indd 68-69

• Difficulty performing daily functions (like walking up the stairs or carrying grocery bags) • Pain in muscles, tendons, or joints that persists for more than a few days • Joint pain that becomes more intense during periods of rest • Swelling or bruising around a joint or the location of an injury • Limited range of motion, such as an inability to straighten your back • Joint deformity • Signs of infection including heat, inflammation, fever, or redness • Any unusual symptoms in the pained area An orthopedic specialist is devoted to the diagnosis, treatment,

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON? DON’T LET THE NAME FOOL YOU If your doctor recommends you see an orthopedic surgeon, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s recommending surgery. Although an orthopedic surgeon is qualified to perform surgery and there are many highly-trained and experienced orthopedic surgeons in our area, any good surgeon only considers invasive options as a last resort, to be undertaken after all non-invasive options have been considered.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries, disorders, and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system. That includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons. Many specialize in certain areas, such as the foot and ankle, hand, shoulder and elbow, spine, hip, or knee—or may choose to focus on specific fields such as pediatrics, trauma, reconstructive surgery, oncology (bone tumors), or sports medicine. Whatever the focus, orthopedic specialists can help you with a variety of things.

SPORTS MEDICINE

If you enjoy any type of sporting activity, you probably already know you’re at risk for injuries to your bones, ligaments, and muscles. The advantages of having an orthopedic doctor evaluate, diagnose, and treat your sports injury (rather than simply seeing your usual doctor) is that most have experience treating a variety of athletic injuries in everyone from weekend warriors to pro athletes.

They can work to restore function and often develop a program to help you avoid injury in the future.

PINCHED NERVE

If you’ve ever had a pinched nerve, you know it’s not a pain you can easily ignore. The amount of time it takes for pinched nerve pain to subside varies greatly from person to person.

In many cases, pain can be relieved by simply resting the injured area and avoiding activities that worsen them.

But each case is uniquely different.

If symptoms from a pinched nerve persist or pain is severe, you may need the help of orthopedic treatment to shrink swollen tissue around the nerve.

AU G U ST 2 01 7

The proper name for your tailbone (coccyx) was derived from the Greek word for cuckoo—“kokkux”—because the curved shape of the bone resembles the bird’s beak. Scientists consider your tailbone a vestigial structure which humans no longer needed once we began walking upright. Tails help other mammals balance.

HERNIATED DISC

A spinal disc consists of a soft center encased in a tougher exterior that rests between the individual vertebrae along your spine. A herniated disc occurs when that soft center pushes out through the tough exterior of the disc, irritating nearby nerves and resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. An orthopedic specialist can work with you to develop an individualized plan for relieving pain and other symptoms.

ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE

If your Achilles tendon ruptures, you’ll likely feel a snap or pop, followed immediately by pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg, usually affecting your ability to walk.

Surgery is often the best option to repair an Achilles tendon rupture. But each case is different and should be evaluated as such.

FOOT AND ANKLE OR ARM AND ELBOW INJURY

There are 26 bones in the human foot and ankle and 64 in the arm, wrist, and hand. A wide range of injuries can affect these areas at any age, including fractures, ruptures, sprains, tennis elbow, broken and fractured bones, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and general pain.

An orthopedic specialist can initially help you manage pain then work with you on a plan to address your problem and help you avoid further injury or damage.

SPINE SURGERY

If conservative treatment methods like physical therapy and

interventional pain management haven’t relieved your neck or back pain, spine surgery might be an option. But any spine surgeon should exhaust all non-invasive options before considering surgery for chronic upper and lower back pain, slipped or herniated discs, spinal stenosis, myelopathy, and more. Common spine procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons include laminectomy, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), osteotomy, and spinal fusion surgery.

ARTHROSCOPIC KNEE SURGERY

Knee arthroscopy is one of the most frequently used procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries. This minor surgical procedure is done using an instrument called an arthroscopy.

While the knee is the joint most often viewed and operated on using the arthroscope, other joints such as the shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, and wrist can also be viewed with this instrument. This state-of-the-art technology can help an orthopedic specialist properly evaluate your injury and recommend the best treatment options.

HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT

Most of us know someone who’s undergone a hip or knee replacement.

It’s truly amazing how far this technology has come. Hip or knee replacement surgery is an option for anyone with severe hip or knee pain that’s not relieved by non-surgical methods. Full joint replacement can relieve pain and restore full function to the joint.

69 7/25/17 9:12 AM

WELLNESS

Class is in Session How to Make this School Year Healthy and Happy for You and Your Kids

The first day back to school can be an exciting moment in time.

Fresh supplies, a new pair of shoes, and a chance to reunite with friends. Kids are enthusiastic and parents are often relieved.

As you get your kids and yourself back into the swing of things, keep in mind a few strategies to ensure that you all stay in good mental and physical health.

VISIT YOUR DOCTOR

KEEP IT CLEAN Teach younger children to protect themselves from germy schools and pals, especially at meal and restroom times.

Show them proper handwashing—with an ample amount of soap and at least 20 seconds of vigorous scrubbing, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic. While you are out school shopping, pick up a few mini hand sanitizers for your kids to carry in their backpacks and maybe a jumbosize for the classroom.

ARE YOU AND YOUR KIDS GETTING ENOUGH ZS?

Now is a good time to schedule an annual physical and eye exam to be certain your kids are in good shape to do and see everything this school year. Pediatricians recommend that you and your children get vaccinated as early as possible this fall.

Certain vaccinations, such as whooping cough and tetanus, may be required by most schools as a condition of enrollment. Unsure about which vaccines are absolutely necessary? Talk to your children’s doctor and your own doctor to find out what is best.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, children ages 3 to 5 need 10 to 13 hours of sleep a night. Ages 6 to 13 need 9 to 11 hours. And, like you, your teens 14 and up should get 8 to 10 hours.

GET UP AND MOVE

HOMEWORK HABITS

Since the 1970s, obesity rates in children have more than tripled in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about one in five school-aged children is obese, putting them at risk for asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression. You can keep your kids at a healthy weight with daily exercise and participation in sports. When choosing after-school activities, look for those that involve movement. Make time in the evenings and on weekends to walk the dog or enjoy a bike ride with your kids. Active parents have active kids, making for a healthy and fit family.

70 MAN 8-17.indd 70-71

NO FLU FOR YOU Everyone six months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DO provide a quiet, consistent workspace for your child.

DO answer questions and offer assistance.

DO encourage the use of checklists and timers.

DON’T let after-school activities take up homework time.

DON’T do the homework for your child.

DON’T let TV and electronic devices distract your kids during homework.

(American Academy of Pediatrics)

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

71 7/25/17 9:12 AM

WELLNESS “It is best to address your child’s immunization and physical needs prior to their school’s schedule pickup date.”

-- Dr. Fisher, Mansfield Urgent Care & Family Medicine

5 BRILLIANT BROWN BAG IDEAS DAY ONE

DAY TWO

Whole wheat waffle strips

Salad with homemade Italian dressing

Plain yogurt mixed with pure maple syrup and frozen blueberries Sliced apples and strawberries

• IMMUNIZATIONS – 6 MONTHS TO ADULT • SPORT & SCHOOL PHYSICALS • PRIMARY CARE • URGENT CARE • PCP BENEFITS APPLY

Hard-boiled eggs Sliced apples Cheddar cheese scone

FIND THE BEST BACKPACK

RELAX AND BREATHE

Childhood is no time for backaches. Look for a backpack with padding along the back and shoulder straps. Encourage your kids to pack only the necessities to keep their burden as light as possible.

Use front compartments for small supplies and pack heavier items closest to the center. A good rule of thumb is that the backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.

Make sure your child is using both shoulder straps with the bottom of the pack sitting at the waist.

Going back to school causes anxiety for some kids and parents. If your little ones are feeling apprehensive, remind them about fun experiences they had in past school years.

Let them know that you and their teacher will be there for support. Listen as they verbalize fears. Find a few books to ease back-to-school jitters. Reading about another person’s experiences can calm your child. Show your children how to take deep breaths and visualize positive actions. Be sure they are getting enough rest, healthy food, and plenty of water so they can be well both physically and mentally.

DAY THREE

DR JEFFREY FISHER = UNITED HEALTHCARE PREMIUM / TIER 1 PROVIDER. PRIMARY CARE COPAYS APPLY

WWW.MANSFIELDURGENTCARE.COM

MANSFIELD | 817-473-3979 | 1811 HWY. 287 NORTH, SUITE 150 (SUPER TARGET SHOPPING CENTER)

MON - FRI 8:30 TO 8:00 PM SAT 8:30 TO 6:OO PM.

2013-2017

Use our new WEB CHECK-IN!

VOTED “BEST URGENT CARE”

BY LIVING MAGAZINE READERS.

K N OW L E D G E — E X P E R I E N C E — PA S S I O N

Sandwich with hummus, cheese, and lettuce Whole-grain pretzels Sliced veggies with yogurt dipping sauce

DAY FOUR Whole wheat pasta salad Prosciutto and mozzarella Sliced apples and melon

Dedicated to addressing all your family’s skin care needs.

Small salad

DAY FIVE

Call us today to schedule your appointment with

Hard-boiled egg

LISA OSTROWSKI, MPAS, PA-C.

Sliced apples

682-518-1515 TexasDerm.com

Frozen green smoothie pop Whole grain corn muffin

72 MAN 8-17.indd 72-73

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

1830 E. Broad Street Suite 102 | Mansfield, TX

73 7/25/17 9:12 AM

WELLNESS

Some people are intolerant to things that others are allergic to. Your doctor can make a diagnosis, depending on your personal reaction to a substance.

See your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment!

COMMON FOOD INTOLERANCES:

HEALTH IQ

• Gluten (found in wheat) • Lactose (found in milk products) • Chemicals in foods such as amines in certain cheeses and caffeine in drinks and chocolate • Naturally occurring histamines in fish • Food additives such as MSG, artificial colors or flavoring, artificial sweeteners, and nitrates in processed meats

COMMON ALLERGIES:

Health IQ

Allergies and

Intolerances What’s the difference between an allergy and an intolerance? Many people are unsure of how to tell whether an aversion to a particular food is a simple intolerance or a potentially serious allergy. The simplest way to explain the difference is by the type and severity of the body’s reaction to a given food item.

In other words, the difference is a matter of whether consuming a small amount of a certain food causes a manageable level of discomfort, or whether it causes an immune system reaction that may affect several internal organs and possibly be lifethreatening.

WHAT’S A FOOD INTOLERANCE?

In the case of a food intolerance, one may be able to handle small amounts of the offending item, or be able to prevent an unpleasant reaction with the aid of a supplemental enzyme.

A common example occurs in the case of lactose intolerance. Those

74 MAN 8-17.indd 74-75

• Eggs • Fish • Milk • Nuts from trees like hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts • Peanuts (groundnuts) • Shellfish • Soy • Wheat

who are lactose intolerant can only consume normal dairy products with the aid of lactase enzyme pills to allow them to digest the lactose.

They can also consume lactose-free milk products. Unlike in the case of an allergy, if a lactose-intolerant person drinks a glass of whole milk, the symptoms, while extremely unpleasant, won’t be serious or lifethreatening and don’t involve the immune system.

Another example of an intolerance occurs in people with celiac disease whose bodies cannot process gluten. Celiac disease symptoms are a lot like an allergy because the immune system is involved. The important difference is that celiac disease sufferers are not at risk of anaphylactic shock if they ingest gluten. Their symptoms will be mostly gastro-intestinal in nature.

WHAT’S AN ALLERGY?

An allergy is a situation in which

exposure to a particular food or substance causes the body’s autoimmune system to kick into overdrive. The result can be a condition called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, which can be increasingly severe with repeated exposure to the allergen in question.

Those who suffer from allergies must avoid the substances that trigger this reaction. For some it’s a mild allergy to certain types of plant pollen. For others, it can be a life-threatening reaction to the venom found in insect or jellyfish stings, peanuts, or the pollen contained in unfiltered honey.

For people with allergies, even a minor exposure to their particular allergen can trigger a dangerous reaction, whereas those with an intolerance can receive guidance from their doctor on treatments or other strategies to compensate for the intolerance.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

Visit Our Website at www.pleasantridgemedicine.com.

NEW LOCATION IN

GRAND PRAIRIE Call To Make An Appointment Today!

Theresa D. Stretch, M.D. | Chelsea Doyen, M.D. Arunpriya Vadivelu, M.D. | Healther B. Rich, FNP Olubunmi Awe, FNP | Katherine Johnson, FNP

THE STRENGTH OF A TEAM

At Pleasant Ridge Internal Medicine, our experienced team is committed to building relationships with patients ages 17 years and older, and providing them with the highest level of service within a warm and friendly atmosphere.

1806 W. PLEASANT RIDGE RD. ARLINGTON, TX 76015 (817) 635-6363

AU G U ST 2 01 7

Arunpriya Vadivelu M.D., OLUBUNMI AWE, FNP Grand Prairie Location

OUR SERVICES:

• Diabetes • Hypertension • High chvolesterol • Thyroid • Adult Chronic Care • Health Screenings • Annual Physicals • Hormone Therapy • Weight Management

This office is like no other doctor's office.

I switched doctors after 16 years 5 years ago and have zero regrets. You can bet everything in your pocket I trust Pleasant Ridge Internal Medicine 100%.

1004 S. CARRIER PARKWAY GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75051 817-761-7876 (NOW OPEN!)

75 7/25/17 9:12 AM

AESTHETICS

Having the right CPA means you can have more moments like these.

How to Upgrade the Bling on your Engagement or Wedding Ring

What makes us DIFFERENT? • We file all Personal and Business, Nonprofit, Estate, S-Corp, Corporation and Partnership Returns and relevant forms.

• We offer Legal assistance with Creating and Closing Companies, Tax Audit Representation, IRS Representation, Tax Account Monitoring for every year and Tax Planning • Full Payroll services with Direct Deposits for employees.

• Bookkeeping Services and Bookkeeping setup catered to your company.

• Customize QuickBooks to mirror your business processes, creating forms and reports to help you manage in a more efficient manner.

BY CHRISTOPHER SMITH, GENERAL MANAGER OF ROBBINS BROTHERS

Over the years, your taste in jewelry or financial situation may have changed in a way that has influenced what you want in an engagement or wedding ring. Whatever the reason may be for this change, there are a variety of ways to upgrade your bridal rings. Whether it’s changing the diamond, adding a wedding band, new setting, etc. there are several options to take into consideration throughout the process of this change. Below are the most important things to pay attention to when you’re ready to upgrade your bling.

GIVE YOUR RING A FACELIFT

For those who want to upgrade, but are worried about losing the sentimental value from their original ring, there are ways to have the best of both worlds. Depending on your budget, there are many options you can explore, such as keeping the same diamond and switching out the setting, adding another wedding band, adding a different finish to the ring and more. Luckily, there is no right or wrong way to alter your ring -- as long as you love the end result.

QUALITY OR QUANTITY – THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Making changes to your original wedding ring can be an emotional process as it represents memories and a bond shared between you and your spouse. Considering the significance of a wedding ring is so high, you want to ensure that you are satisfied with the result.

When you alter your ring, if quality is most important to you, opt for a diamond or gemstone with the highest clarity grade within your budget. However, if you would be happier with more carats and seeing a bigger look on your finger, and you are not as concerned with the

76 MAN 8-17.indd 76-77

diamond’s internal characteristics, that’s fine too. The choice is yours and the goal is to smile affectionately every time you look down at your beautiful, upgraded ring.

6517 Brentwood Stair Rd. | Fort Worth, TX 76112 Phone: (817) 457-1182 | Fax: (817) 451-8743

www.metroplextax.com

PERSONALIZATION IS KEY

As the years change, so do our personal style and taste.

Perhaps you want to add a little color to your setting (rose gold and pink sapphires are hot right now); or you could be a new fan of the halo design. Or maybe you just want a 3-carat diamond in celebration of your third wedding anniversary (that’s totally okay too!). The enhanced changes you make to your engagement or wedding ring should reflect exactly what you want while symbolizing your amazing relationship.

REVIEW YOUR POLICY

Last but not least, reviewing your trade-up policy is a key step as you wish to upgrade your ring. Most jewelers offer trade-up programs or adjust the price of a new diamond/ gemstone based on the original engagement ring price.

Referencing the original documents for your ring is a great way to get the process started and find out what is feasible.

ABOUT ROBBINS BROTHERS

Robbins Brothers, The Engagement Ring Store in Arlington specializes in proprietary and designer engagement ring settings and loose diamonds. The destination retailer also carries an extensive selection of wedding bands, promise rings, anniversary bands, threestone rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. To learn more about Robbins Brothers of Arlington, please call 817.466.2860 or visit https://www.robbinsbrothers.com/ arlington.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

Come Relax at THE PAMPER HOUSE

Cellulite Treatment • Aqua Detox • Body Wraps • Skin Care • Nail Care • Massage • Waxing • Tinting 8 0 6 W E S T A B R A M • A R L I N G T O N , T X 7 6 0 1 3 • ( 8 1 7 ) 8 6 0 - 4 4 1 5 • PA M P E R H O U S E . C O M AU G U ST 2 01 7

77 7/25/17 9:12 AM

AESTHETICS

PRODUCT PICKS 1. The Agave Restorative Hydrating Mask is an intensive reconditioning hair treatment loaded with agave plant sugars that will help hydrate and heal sun-damaged hair while eliminating frizz. $38, AgaveOil.com

Indulge Your Tresses

3. Shield against humidity-induced frizzing and protect against breakage with It’s a 10 Miracle Whipped Styling Balm. $25.73, ItsA10HairCare.com

Summer hair care products and tips

BY LARUE V. GILLESPIE

Summertime fun is grand for the soul, but can be oh-soharsh on your hair. From chlorinated water stripping your locks of moisture and color to the sun inflicting damage with its intense rays, your tresses take a beating this time of year. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to ensure your hair stays super soft, shiny, and healthy this summer. We asked hair extraordinaire Brad Bitton, owner of HSI Professional, for his top tips—and this is what he had to say.

makes you feel the need to wash it even more. Try just rinsing in the shower after a day at the beach or pool.

Need a quick fix for oily hair? Dab a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel along your scalp to dissolve excess oil.

TOP TIPS

Some shampoos contain UV protection, but most are chemical-laden and are best avoided. A quick way to add some protection is to run your hands lightly through your hair after applying sunscreen to your body.

1. PUT YOUR HAIR UP IN LOOSE, COMFORTABLE STYLES.

A messy braid is ideal for keeping your hair under control and minimizing exposure to the sun. Tight hairstyles can be damaging because they tend to pull and tear hair, especially if your hair is dry from the summer heat.

2. WASH LESS OFTEN.

Frequent washing strips your scalp of its natural oils, which in turn stimulates additional oil production and

78 MAN 8-17.indd 78-79

4. For instant damage repair, use the Arbonne Pure Vibrance Hair Revitalizing Masque. Just a few minutes can restore luster. $54, Arbonne.com

3. REDUCE THE HEAT.

Your hair is already exposed to a significant amount of heat on a daily basis in the summer, so give the blow dryer and flat-iron a break and go natural if you can.

5. Formulated with keratin and Hyaloveil, the Goldwell Kerasilk Reconstruct Restorative Balm will nourish hair and help improve elasticity. Apply to towel-dried hair and leave in. $29.99, at salons nationwide

4. ADD SOME SUNSCREEN.

5. TRY A SOOTHING MASK.

Salt water and chlorine are very dry and damaging for the hair. But if you coat your hair in a moisturizing hair mask and braid it before going in the water, you’ll keep the water from penetrating the hair. Or use an emergency mask after being out in the sun all day to return moisture to your hair.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

2. Fortify the ends of your hair while you sleep with the rare and robust oils in Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian AntiBreakage & Repair Antidote Split End Treatment Serum. $21.99, TheManeChoice.com

AU G U ST 2 01 7

6. Boasting a high concentration of nourishing and revitalizing argan oil, the HSI Smoothing Hair Mask works to infuse protein back into dry, damaged tresses. $14.99, HSIProfessional.com

79 7/25/17 9:12 AM

HOMESTEAD

So Hot? It’s Cool

Your summer air conditioning crash course

BY DAVID BUICE

W        

EXPERIENCE MATTERS!

Summer is here, and it there’s anything most of us feel we’ve got to have to survive the dog days of it, it’s our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Though we depend on it to keep us comfortable during our scorching Texas summers, many of us don’t know much about how this system works. So, we thought we’d offer a quick primer, along with some maintenance tips and suggestions.

Donna J. Smiedt Board Certified Family Law Certified Family Law Mediator Collaboratively trained 30 years in family law practice •Donna J. Smiedt has been selected by her peers as a Texas Superlawyer and as a Top Attorney Fort Worth •Donna J. Smiedt has been named for over a decade as "Arlington's family law attorney of the Year!"

•Donna J. Smiedt at The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt, PLLC has been honored as "10 Best of 2016 in Client Satisfaction" by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.

Without getting too far into the “scientific weeds,” when cooling your home your HVAC system basically operates according to the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics. Reduced to its bare essentials, this law says that heat flows spontaneously from a hot to a cold body.

Think of an ice cube placed outside on a hot day. Heat is drawn to the ice cube and it melts.

That’s a simple example of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, and that’s basically how your house is cooled.

FIVE FULL SERVICE FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS•EXPERIENCE MATTERS

817-572-9900 | ArlingtonDivorces.com

The AC part of your HVAC system is made up of outside and inside units. The outside unit, usually found to the side or back of your house, contains the compressor, condenser coil, a fan, and various electrical components. The inside unit, often found in the attic or a utility room, contains a fan (or blower) and an evaporator made up of copper coils through which the system’s refrigerant (cooling fluid) flows.

With those basics in mind, your home’s cooling system works as follows.

When the temperature in your house rises above the temperature you’ve programmed into the thermostat, the thermostat turns on the system.

The fan in the system draws warm air from the rooms of your house to the copper coils in the evaporator in the inside unit.

“Regular maintenance on your HVAC unit by a trusted professional will extend the life of your system and also help save on energy costs during these hot Texas days. Don’t let an unexpected air conditioning breakdown change your summer plans.”

- Martin C., Bon Air Service Company

80 MAN 8-17.indd 80-81

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

DON’T LET AN UNEXPECTED AIR CONDITIONING BREAKDOWN CHANGE YOUR SUMMER PLANS

CALL BON

AIR SERVICE NOW FOR YOUR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CHECK.

LIVING SPECIAL $79.00

(reg $115) Service & Check (per system)

$149.00

(reg $169) Per System for the Bon Air Service plus semi annual maintenance agreement and receive the benefits year round.

BON AIR SERVICE COMPANY, INC. AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

TACLA1057C

AU G U ST 2 01 7

1905 W. JEFFERSON, GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75051 • 972-264-2244

BONAIRSERVICE.COM

81 7/25/17 9:12 AM

HOMESTEAD

DAPPER

Simultaneously, the system pumps cold, liquid refrigerant from the outside unit to the copper evaporator coils. Like that ice cube, the refrigerant heats and vaporizes as it absorbs and removes the heat pumped from the rooms of your house. (The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics in operation!)

The cooled air (air from which heat has been removed) is pumped back into your house, and the heated, vaporized refrigerant moves to the outside unit for dispersal into the atmosphere. Outside, as the heat disperses, the refrigerant returns to its liquid state and is pumped back to the inside unit as the cooling cycle repeats itself.

The modern HVAC systems we have in our homes are highly reliable, and taking a few home maintenance steps can help keep them functioning normally. As with any mechanical system, however, problems can develop, and the best way to prevent serious problems and repairs is to have your HVAC inspected and maintained regularly by trained professionals.

In addition to extending the life of your system, regular maintenance saves on energy costs, since the system will not have to work as hard, and also improves the air quality in your home.

So, while there are simple things that you can do to maintain your HVAC system like keeping filters and changed and the external unit clear of debris, for most of us professional help is needed. And at this time of the year, many professional air conditioning and heating companies offer inspection and maintenance specials.

For most of us, that’s the best way to make sure the cool air keeps flowing during the depths of the sweltering Texas summer.

82 MAN 8-17.indd 82-83

DECKS

HVAC HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS While very few of us can call ourselves HVAC pros, there are some things we amateurs can do to help keep our system running efficiently.

• Outside, cut back any shrubs to provide at least two feet of clearance for the compressor/condenser unit.

• With your garden hose, wash the compressor/condenser unit to clear away accumulated dirt, dust, and pollen. But do not use a pressure washer as this might damage the unit.

• Make sure the outside unit is level. The pad on which the compressor/condenser unit rests can start to tip as the soil beneath it settles. And if the unit is not level, it can easily fail.

Use rot-resistant shims to restore it to level.

• Inside, change your filters regularly, perhaps monthly during the height of summer. And use quality, pleated filters.

• In the attic, inspect the system’s ductwork for any crimps, holes or leaking joints that impede airflow. Use professional quality, heat-resistant tape to repair leaks, not duct tape.

• Have a programmable thermostat installed, and then program higher temperatures during the heat of day and cooler temperatures at night. The less your unit runs, the longer it should last.

After doing these things, you should still call in professionals for regular maintenance of your system. The professionals can inspect the control box, coils, fan motor and blades, compressor and tubing, and refrigerant levels, things that most homeowners don’t have the expertise to do.

In sum, don’t cut corners and risk baking in the summer heat when your HVAC system goes out. Call in the professionals in advance and let them do their job.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

LIVE MORE OUTDOORS

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

Decks today are more than just a place to throw a few burgers on the grill. A well-designed deck serves as an extended living area that reflects your lifestyle and adds value to your home. It’s fun to create a dashing deck you and your family will love for years to come. We’ve gathered few ideas together for inspiration!

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Let your deck reflect who you are.

Do you love flowers and soothing water sounds? Build in planters and integrate water features into the design, such as a bubbling fountain, versus adding these as an afterthought. Create wide stairs so you can place pots on them without cramping the stepping space. Or consider incorporating a zen garden as a focal point. If you like to party, design a deck with happy hour in mind featuring a built-in bar and countertop, icemaker, refrigerator, and storage for glasses, bottles, and mixing equipment. Cheers!

BRING THE INDOORS OUTSIDE

Move day-to-day activities out to your AU G U ST 2 01 7

deck. Include an outdoor kitchen with a grill, gas cooktop, and prep space.

Or how about turning your deck into a pizzeria? You can use a built-in pizza oven to bake pizza, bread, pasta, chicken wings, appetizers, and more.

Create an entertainment area with seating and an outdoor TV and audio system for a complete entertainment experience. Binge watching a favorite show under the stars? Priceless!

TAKE COVER

Don’t let Mother Nature keep you from fully enjoying your deck. A retractable awning protects from a passing shower and lets you go from full sun to full shade with the click of a button. Better yet, ask your builder to design a roof that will cover all or part of your deck, or include a gazebo-like structure in your plans.

Plus, you can mount outdoor fans in a covered area to help you stay cool in the stifling Texas summer heat.

EXTEND SEASONALITY

Turn your deck into a cozy gathering spot as the temperature drops by including a fire pit or an outdoor

fireplace. With new developments in ignition-resistant and fire-retardant building materials, and by creating a no-burn zone beneath and around these features, you needn’t worry about your deck becoming instant kindling. (Remember to check with your local fire safety and building codes.) Consider installing wall, post, or ceiling-mounted heaters, which are typically infrared and electrically powered. They can be ideal solution if you wish to heat a larger area or have limited deck floor space.

Ready to get started? Choose a reputable contractor who will do the job right and stand by their work.

Ask about 3D virtual deck design that enables you to visualize your dream deck before breaking ground.

Multilevel decks with built in storage space are on-trend, where different deck levels are dedicated to different functions. Make your multi-level deck night-friendly by including stair lighting in design. Think beyond the tiki torch, and add deck posts or pillars to hang festive string lights overhead.

83 7/25/17 9:12 AM

HOMESTEAD Shutters Shades Draperies & More!

Joseph & Raquel Elder, Owners

Creating a striking first impression with a memorable front door They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Just as you choose the right outfit, hairstyle, and makeup for meeting new people, you also want your home to put its proverbial best foot forward when entertaining guests, neighbors, or colleagues. The first step in this first impression is a front door to be proud of!

A PROFESSIONAL TOUCH

The best front doors often come with a professional touch. Whether that means a custom door crafted of iron, reclaimed barn wood, or beveled glass, making your mark with a signature front door shows not only your style but your personality.

Start with your budget, keeping in mind that once you change your front door, you may also choose to change all other exterior doors to match, as well. Build a budget with long-term planning in mind so that you can upgrade the entire exterior look of your home if you choose to do so later.

Although big box stores carry a wide range of products and employ professional door hangers, a custom door contractor may be able to give you ideas for your exterior that

84 MAN 8-17.indd 84-85

you’ve not yet considered, such as garage door replacement or approach alterations. You will want to leave the installation to a professional.

Improper door installation can lead to crooked door panels, squeaking and creaking, difficult operation, and floor damage.

CHOOSE YOUR AESTHETIC

Pinterest and Google browsing are good ways to find ideas for the look you want, but the best way to determine what you’re looking for is to take it to the streets. Drive neighborhoods you admire and take photographs of doors that stand out to you. By compiling the images, you’ll see a clear trend in what you prefer, and then you can take those images to either your custom door contractor or to your retailer.

Choosing natural stained wood, a customized paint color, or something unique like iron, glass, or a combination of materials will set your front door apart.

In addition, think about not only what you can see from the street, but also what you see from inside the house.

Do you want to be able to see out of your front door, or is a solid door preferred? Keeping heat out and

9 A $9 e Valu

Free Installation

blocking a bright afternoon sun may be ideal, or perhaps you have a northfacing front door and would like all the light you can get. Think through all the angles before making your purchase.

Schedule your FREE IN-HOME Consultation today!

817-539-0155 // BudgetBlinds.com /MansfieldTX

Relief for your Aches &Pains

LOCKED UP TIGHT

The hardware to the door can be just as important as the materials that comprise the door itself. Choosing a solid lock can also be beautiful.

Although traditional locksets are both beautiful and functional, you may want to investigate the changes in lock technology before settling for a traditional lock, such as a codelocking door or a lockset that is easy to re-key in the case of a break-in or lost key.

is Closer Than You Think • • • • •

Another option is a keyless home entry system. They might seem complex, but are becoming more and more common. Smartphone technology can be used to connect your home security to Siri, Amazon Alexa, or the Google Assistant. Smart locks can also track who comes and goes from your home around the clock, which is important if you have teenagers at home, or you would like to monitor workers in your home while you are out of town.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

Signature Series when you mention this ad.

Expire 8/31/17

SCIATICA RESTLESS LEG NUMBNESS/TINGLING NEUROPATHY CAR ACCIDENT

George Bobbitt Bobbitt D.C Dr.Dr.George D.C. Call us at 817-453-3999 to schedule your exam and consultation.

1071 Country Club Dr #101 • Mansfield, TX 76063 • 817-453-3999 2401 W. Pioneer Pkwy Suite 145 • Arlington, TX 76013 • 682-276-1532 405 W. Kennedale Pkwy • Kennedale, TX 76060 • 817-330-3600 MansfieldChiropractic.com

AU G U ST 2 01 7

85 7/25/17 9:12 AM

Experience the Fascinating Possibilities • Womens Hair Design • Specializing in Cut and Color • Relaxers

Fresh Festivities

• Extentions/Hair Dreams System • Extentions/Sew-in System • Custom Wigs • Keratin Smoothing

TINA

FUN CELEBRATIONS TO MIX THINGS UP

BACHE -WIIG

|

817. 903. 4095

BY CHRISTI PELT

Studies have shown that societies which celebrate more are happier overall. August may not have any traditional holidays, but that’s no reason to let the month slip by without celebrating. Round up some friends or family this month to celebrate one (or more) of the following quirky holidays—and enjoy the accompanying happiness boost!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DAY

INTERNATIONAL BEER DAY

BOWLING DAY

Did you know? Zythology is the study of beer and beer making.

Did you know? In the 1930s, British anthropologist Sir Flinders Petrie discovered a collection of objects in a child’s grave in Egypt that he surmised were used for an early form of bowling. That would mean bowling can trace its roots back to the year 3200 BC.

Did you know? The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield in 1938 when she mistakenly believed she could make a quick batch of chocolate cookies by putting chocolate chunks in a sugar cookie dough.

Ways to celebrate: • Take a plate of cookies to the office for your co-workers.

• Deliver cookies to neighbors.

• Gobble up dozens of cookies yourself. No judgement here!

86 MAN 8-17.indd 86-87

Beer lovers, rejoice! An international day of celebration was founded in 2007 by a small group of beer lovers in San Francisco.

Ways to celebrate: • Visit your favorite pub, bar, or brewery.

• InternationalBeerDay.com suggests giving the “gift of beer” to your friends.

• Enjoy a new-to-you brew.

Ways to celebrate: • Play your own crude game of bowling by filling plastic soda bottles with water and using a cantaloupe as a ball.

• If you’re the more traditional sort, gather up your family and friends and head to a local bowling alley.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

87 7/25/17 9:12 AM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

BOOK LOVERS DAY

BREAK THE MONOTONY DAY

FRANKENSTEIN DAY

Did you know? The first book printed in the American Colonies was The Whole Booke of Psalmes Faithfully Translated into English Metre, also known as the Bay Psalm Book. It was first printed in 1640 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Did you know? The average American watches more than five hours of television per day.

Did you know? At least 55 Frankenstein films have been made.

Ways to celebrate:

Ways to celebrate: • Go some place you have never been.

• Try something you have always wanted to try.

• Pay a visit to your local library.

• Volunteer to read to shut-ins.

• Curl up with a good book.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 NATIONAL S’MORES DAY

Did you know? The first published recipe for “some mores” was in a 1927 publication called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. Loretta Scott Crew, who made them for Girl Scouts by the campfire, is given credit for the recipe.

Ways to celebrate: • Gather around a campfire or fire pit and make s’mores the old fashioned way.

• Make indoor s’mores by utilizing your oven’s broiler.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24TH INTERNATIONAL STRANGE MUSIC DAY

Did you know? The oldest known playable instrument is a 9,000-year old flute unearthed in China.

Ways to celebrate: • Make strange music with friends by forming your own band using makeshift instruments.

Celebrate the life of English author, Mary Shelley, on the 220th anniversary of the date of her birth.

This summer also marks the 199th anniversary of her most famous work, Frankenstein.

BAD POETRY DAY

Did you know? There are over fifty types of poems.

Roses are red.

August is hot.

Are you celebrating Bad Poetry Day or not?

Ways to celebrate: • Try your hand at writing a particularly bad poem.

• Spend the day reading Frankenstein.

• Watch your favorite movie adaptation of the book.

• Ask some friends to join you for a Frankenstein Day costume party.

Have a Frankenstein cupcake decorating contest and make Frankenstein crafts.

INVISALIGN SPECIAL

Free care package which consists of a Sonicare flex care platinum tooth brush, and tee shirt as well as extra cleaning packages to assist in ortho. Mention this offer when scheduling.

Expires 8-31-17

HONEST, PATIENT DRIVEN CARE SINCE 1983.

Steven W. Thomas, D.D.S. COSMETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

4164 S. COOPER • ARLINGTON, TX 76015 WWW.STEVENWTHOMASDDS.COM • 817.468.1166

L et

He lp Y o u

S C UL P T Y OUR B O DY Ky b el l a & C o o l sculptin g For fat reduction–chin or body

As the dog days of summer come to an end, it is time for National Dog Day.

S culptra

For tightening sagging knees, Arms, or creating fuller buttocks

Ways to celebrate:

U lth erapy

• Spend time with your favorite pooch at a dog park.

For body tightening

• Volunteer to walk the dog of an elderly neighbor.

• Teach your old dog a new trick.

WHEN INTEGRITY COUNTS...

990 US Highway 287 North • Ste. 112 • Mansfield, TX 76063

Did you know? The World Canine Organization recognizes 339 dog breeds.

• Play a game of poetry Mad Libs.

2015

817.473.6677 • www.kimledds.com

NATIONAL DOG DAY

• Ask family and friends to join you in writing bad poetry and compile a bad poetry anthology.

MAN 8-17.indd 88-89

Must present coupon on day of service.

Offer cannot be combined with Dental HMO or PPO plans. Not valid if certain dental conditions exist. Offer valid for new patients only.

NEW EXTENDED HOURS

• Head to YouTube and search for videos of Vienna’s Vegetable Orchestra. The orchestra of experimental musicians was formed in 1998. Since then, they have been traveling the globe playing everything from artichokes to zucchinis.

• Host a National Dog Day party and invite your friends and their dogs.

Ask guests to bring supplies like dog food and paper towels to be donated to your local animal shelter.

88

Complete Exam, Full Mouth X-rays & Professional Cleaning

Expires 8-31-17

Ways to celebrate:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

$69.00

(Value of $250.00)

Mansfield • 817-539-0959 2800 E. Broad St., Ste. 124 Arlington • 817-539-0959 723 N. Fielder Rd., Ste. C Flower Mound • 469-635-5990 2560 Central Park Ave., Ste. 395 Burleson • 817-529-1753 780 N.E. Alsbury Blvd., Ste. B United-Derm.com

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

89 7/25/17 9:12 AM

IS PRIVATE EDUCATION RIGHT FOR MY STUDENT? A private school education isn’t for everyone. Let’s be real, public schools can be pretty fabulous. Many public school teachers and administrators seem to genuinely care deeply about their students and the quality of education they are receiving.

But what if public school doesn’t seem like the perfect fit for your student? Do you just stick it out, or do you try something different? We’re choosy when purchasing a home, or a new automobile—heck, some of us have a hard time buying new clothes (which is probably why some of us still have blue jeans from college hanging in our closets). We wouldn’t accept a one-size-fits-all swimsuit, now would we? So why should we accept a one-size-fitsall approach to education?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PRIVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION? For some (we would never claim all) students, public education has become a pressure cooker situation. For these students, private school can provide a more independent education—with less emphasis on how your child is performing compared to other students, and more emphasis on the student as an individual. It can be a fabulous option for some families—but you have to ask yourself, is private education worth the investment for my family?

90 MAN 8-17.indd 90-91

EDUCATION IN FAITH | FORMATION IN HOPE | PERSEVERANCE IN CHARITY

SMALLER CLASS SIZES

VIKING STUDENTS EXCEL

Conventional wisdom says that smaller class sizes translate into better student performance on academic achievement tests. Obviously private schools vary greatly in size, but almost every private school focuses on the importance of small class size. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to focus more on the individual student— allowing teachers to better hone in and address both educational strengths and weaknesses.

• Faith-based, co-ed, college preparatory school with long tradition of excellence.

• 99% of Nolan Catholic graduates attend college; 59% of 2017 graduates earned scholarships, totaling over 17.5 million!

One mother, Sarah Alderman, says she has been very pleased with her family’s decision to send their children to a private school.

“We have three very different boys,” Alderman says.

“There are vast differences in their learning styles and abilities. To be in a classroom environment where the teacher has the ability to spend one-on-one time with our child to ensure not just their success, but mastery of the subject matter is priceless… many times teachers have no control over the speed in which they teach the material, or how much time they can give to any one individual student. The teachers in our local school district are phenomenal, caring, exceptional; but oftentimes their hands are tied.”

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

• Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Honors Courses and award-winning programs in Math, Ecology, Robotics, Fine Arts and Athletics.

4501 Bridge Street • Fort Worth, Texas 76103-1198

817-457-2920 • NolanCatholichs.org AU G U ST 2 01 7

91 7/25/17 9:13 AM

AMPLE RESOURCES, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES A private school can provide exceptional and challenging experiences through extracurricular activities, Advanced Placement courses, and other programs geared specifically towards talented and gifted students. Many private school students tend to score top marks on standardized tests and college entrance exams.

Quality resources and extracurriculars provide students with the opportunity to fully explore their interests and talents. Much like their public school counterparts, private schools are responsible for producing many leaders in politics, business, and society. And increasingly today, private schools are sought out by parents of kids with special needs such as behavior problems or learning disabilities.

“Our middle son has ADHD. We weren’t sure he would be able to keep up in school where the academic bar has been set so high. At the beginning of the year, his reading score was a 0.8, which isn’t even equivalent to a kindergarten reading level. But his teacher saw him as an individual, and refused to let him fail,” says Alderman. “Instead of saying you have a learning disorder so we’ll just set the bar lower and let you get by, she chose to work hard with him.

She challenged him in such a way that not only did he ‘get by,’ he flourished. She was able to make time for him—and all of her students—to personally encourage them and cater to their needs, to see them exceed expectations.”

“At the end of the year the teacher pulled me aside in the lunchroom. With tears in her eyes and his reading scores in her hand, she explained to me that his reading level was now a 3.5. A third grade reading level. I get it, it’s not terribly uncommon for children to be ahead of their reading level—but for my son, it was a triumph. She inspired a desire in him to work harder, reach higher, and achieve in a way we didn’t know he had in him,” Alderman says. “The cost can be a burden. The financial commitment is not easy for our family. We are selfemployed, and have three children attending the school in the fall. The sacrifice is daunting at times, but every sacrifice we make to pay their tuition seems outweighed by the rewards.”

A SAFE ENVIRONMENT, A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY Private educational institutions have reputations for maintaining high disciplinary standards. Lower staff-tostudent ratios allow for more effective observation and control of school grounds. The strong sense of community tends to discourage (most) dangerous behavior. This

92 MAN 8-17.indd 92-93

often translates into improved success rates at the postsecondary education level as well. A strong sense of pride is instilled in private school alumni, creating rich networking opportunities upon entering the workforce.

This is sometimes especially true at faith-based schools.

There are many approaches to education, and finding a school (or preschool) that matches one’s own perspective can create a positive and productive academic experience for not only your student, but for your entire family. So do your research!

APPROACHING DISORDERS DIFFERENTLY

“Private education benefits the entire family unit. From the parent’s point of view, the required involvement in the student’s studies and school life fosters a closer relationship in the home. The parents tend to have a deeper feeling of ownership in the school, and work alongside the teachers as a team to educate and raise the students,” says Alderman. “From the student’s perspective, they are seen as an individual. A person worthy of investment not only from their parents, but from the entire school body.”

“Parents need to ask themselves, what fundamental aspects are non-negotiable? Is it small classes? College prep? Large athletic teams? Arts? Religion? Once you know what you truly desire and require for your family— you need to be willing to decide how to achieve it,” says Alderman. “Private school might not be the best fit for every family, and I do not believe it is universally ‘better’.

But I do believe it is best for our family. We had a list of requirements, found a school that filled them, and will do anything necessary to keep our boys in an environment where they truly flourish.”

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

Dr. Laws has a special interest in the treatment of ADD and ADHD not only for the children, but for the adults as well. If your child is struggling in school, has low grades or is spending too much time doing homework, let us help you. We will be glad to discuss medical treatment as well as alternative treatment modalities.

THE FAMILY CARE CLINIC FOR ADD/ADHD ARLINGTON 601 OMEGA DR. SUITE 203 ARLINGTON, TX 76014 817-466-7060

ENNIS 717 W. LAMPASAS ST. ENNIS, TX 75119 972-875-6700

FAMILYCARECLINICFORADHD.COM

AU G U ST 2 01 7

D. BLAYNE LAWS, MD

93 7/25/17 9:13 AM

ADVENTURE

Our Ultimate List Experience

Designed to inspire you to create your own!

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

94 MAN 8-17.indd 94-95

WELLNESS

Some of the best times in life involve an ultimate experience.

We’ve rounded up a few fantastic ones from around the country and the world.

What would you put on yours?

There’s no time like the present.

ULTIMATE SUNSET

From the Serengeti plains to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is an adventurer’s dream. At sunset, with the sky ablaze in different hues, the sun, a huge orange orb, lingers on the horizon. This serves as a magnificent backdrop for dark silhouettes—canopied trees, elephants returning from a watering hole, or a giraffe after a day of nibbling leaves.

Look closely, and you may spy a leopard resting on a tree limb. And at that very moment, it’s not uncommon to feel singularly small in this vast and deceivingly peaceful wilderness.

BEST OLD-TIMEY BARBECUE JOINT IN TEXAS

Speaking of limbs, we’re going out on one here. If you’ve got a barbecue crawl through Texas on the mind, Smitty’s in Lockhart is especially memorable. From the onpremises smoked meat to the overall experience, Smitty’s rocks it old school with no frills and no apologies. Moist smoked meats with just the right amount of lean and fat are served on butcher paper. Add some basic sides then sit at one of their communal picnic tables and dive in. The throwback

atmosphere is so Texasauthentic you’ll want to go searching for Peanut Rounders and a Big Red. MOST CHARMING NEW ENGLAND B&B

Quaintness abounds in New England, but The Cottages at Cabot Cove in Kennebunkport, Maine are truly magical.

This enclave of 16 petite and immaculate cottages—each individually decorated by an interior designer—rests alongside a captivating tidal cove with the Atlantic Ocean just beyond. You can cast your worries aside in this sublimely peaceful, idyllic setting, something we can all use these days! Enjoy morning coffee and a complimentary basket of fresh baked goodies on your private cottage patio. Pick up some wine and cheese and watch the sun set after a day of beach combing, biking along scenic coastal routes, and exploring the fine shops and galleries in Kennebunkport village.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS HOTEL

Pack your parka and mukluks and head to Lapland for an utterly aweinspiring experience at Finland’s Kakslauttanen Aretic Resort. Take the family and become absorbed in the enchanting beauty of the northern lights and the Lappish wilderness from the comfort of your own private hideaway. Their newly built KeloGlass igloos, which sleep up to six, combine the comforting warmth of a cozy log chalet with a sensational view from a glass igloo bedroom.

The cabins include a private sauna, fireplace, and kitchenette. It doesn’t get any better than this!

LARGEST HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD

BEST U.S. COLLECTION OF FAMILY STYLE GERMAN RESTAURANTS

Unless you’re the Grinch, the nineday Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta offers loads of fun.

It features more than 750 balloons from over 50 countries. Special events include a showcase of balloon launches before sunrise and a mass ascension when all the participating balloons float up in two or three carefully coordinated waves. Why Albuquerque, you ask? It turns out this Chihuahuan Desert city has ideal weather patterns and a geographic landscape that allow balloonists extra control over their crafts.

Iowa’s Amana Colonies deserve props for the selection and overall experience. Half the residents in the seven villages— Amana, East Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, South Amana, West Amana, and Homestead—are descendants of the original German colonists. As for home-cooked German fare made from family recipes passed down from one generation to another—we’re talking crispy jäegerschnitzel, tender spätzle egg noodles, and even traditional piestengel rhubarb wine from a

ULTIMATE WELLNESS AND SPA RESORT

There’s something about Ubud, Bali that nurtures the soul like no other place on Earth. Ubud’s COMO Shambhala Retreat provides a uniquely immersive “360-degree” well-being experience, along with complimentary morning yoga classes with a view of the rainforest canopy. Taking a holistic approach, COMO Shambhala intertwines spa treatments and healthful cuisine with activities, adventure, and cultural discovery. The staff will develop a comprehensive plan devised for your own personal goals.

AU G U ST 2 01 7

95 7/25/17 9:13 AM

ADVENTURE

Connecting the Dots Between Heart and Sleep…

Sleep Apnea affects many different people in various walks of life and in different lifestyles, such as those who drink a lot of energy drinks.

local winery—the Amana Colonies offer an authentic taste of Germany in America’s heartland. Choose from several restaurants, including the popular Ox Yoke Inn and the Ronneburg Restaurant. Hit up the Millstream Brau Haus for brat and a stein or two of a small batch, handbrewed beer.

GREAT MUSIC AND PEOPLE WATCHING IN NEW ORLEANS

Skip Bourbon Street and go to Frenchmen Street instead.

Located in New Orleans’ Marigny neighborhood, this is where the locals hang out, but tourists in the know swing by too, making it a great people-watching spot. Frenchmen Street offers a wide range of musical styles, many rendered with great talent. Most clubs offer free entry or at worst a minimal cover charge, which makes for easy club hopping.

The Spotted Cat and Maison are two favorites. Sit back and laissez les bon temps rouler!

ULTIMATE SKI RESORT

The mountain village of Zermatt, Switzerland tops our list of worldclass ski resorts. Nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn in the Alps, the skiing is on a grand scale. Naturally, Zermatt attracts advanced skiers, but it’s also

96 MAN 8-17.indd 96-97

ideal for adventurous intermediates.

Not into skiing? No worries! You can access many of the ski lifts to reach magnificent viewpoints and superb mountain restaurants. The village, which retains much of its traditional charm, is perfect for an aprés ski stroll along quaint narrow streets dotted with designer boutiques and elegant cafés.

BEST CLASSIC STEAKHOUSE OUTSIDE OF TEXAS

A steak lover’s nirvana, Peter Luger Steak House has been a New York gastro-institution for 130 years. Its bow-tied waiters serve only top grade dry-aged-to-perfection porterhouse steak—thicker, more marbled, and arguably more chomp-worthy than a T-bone. The restaurant’s massive “meat box” is as famous as the steak house itself. This 2,000-square-foot walk-in cooler is packed from floor to ceiling with 30,000 pounds of aging meat, hand-selected by the owners.

Peter Luger only accepts cash, but it’s a small price to pay for one of the best bites of steak you may ever eat.

ULTIMATE FLY-FISHING LODGE

Felix, the owner and manager of Owen River Lodge in South Island New Zealand, wants you to think of his lodge as your private club and

luxury retreat. Known for its relaxed, understated atmosphere, the lodge is in an area heralded as the best brown trout fishery in the world, offering an enormous variety of rivers, streams, and lakes to fish. If this wasn’t enough, all meals are included in the nightly rate and every day is a foodie’s feast. The lodge cuisine—based on a fusion of multi-cultural “Pacifica” influences—is prepared from locally sourced ingredients, including organic produce from the lodge’s large garden.

Please visit our website to learn more about the connection between Sleep Apnea and heart disease.

400 West Arbrook, Suite 220 | Arlington, TX 76014 |(817) 419-7220 | HeartAndSleepClinics.com

BEST CITY FOR FOOD TRUCK CUISINE

Austin is a great food truck city, but for now, Portland may just remain at the top of the heap. With over 350 food trucks throughout the City of Roses, which even has designated food truck parks, you can find just about any kind of cuisine you desire— Southern, vegan, American, glutenfree, pan-Asian, dessert, Tex-Mex— you name it. Check out the Grilled Cheese Grill if you’re hankering for a creative spin on a childhood favorite. Forget calorie counting for the day and order the “Cheesus”—a burger behemoth with grilled cheese sandwiches as the bun.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

97 7/25/17 9:13 AM

First Day of

in my mind more than once over the years. Kindergarten was such a monumental event for both of my children. At one point, it had been the same for me, and I can’t even remember it. In fact, I can’t really remember the “firsts” of any elementary school days, save fourth grade, when we’d moved from Minnesota to Overland Park, Kansas.

I wore a pink dress my grandmother had made, and the teacher had us move our desks in a circle.

Kindergarten

I heard a pastor once say that in the grand scheme of eternity, our entire earthly lives are like the first day of Kindergarten.

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long.

Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

BY REBECCA ASHBROOK CARRELL

—2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

—Romans 8:18 NLT When I had my first baby in April of 2006, everyone warned me it would happen.

“Enjoy every waking minute of your babies,” they would say, “because the time flies by fast!”

I would smile and nod through my sleep deprived fog, thinking they were surely exaggerating.

They weren’t.

I recently found a picture of my daughter on her first day of Kindergarten. As I type, she is getting ready to begin her last year of elementary school, and I know that I’ll blink and be sending her off to college.

I am a journaler, and have been keeping a record of my thoughts since the eighth grade. Seeing the picture of a five-year-old Caitlyn in pigtails, I decided to dig through my spiral notebooks to see what I wrote about that day: I woke up this morning to find my sweet daughter curled

98 MAN 8-17.indd 98-99

up against me in bed. As I smoothed her tousled hair and kissed her rosy cheek, I marveled at the fact that she is five years old and starting kindergarten in less than a week. Even though my children are four and five, I still sometimes feel like a rookie in the mom department.

Caitlyn and I are both anticipating this day; she eagerly, me anxiously. Since leaving my full time job in radio this year (2011), it’s been just me and the kids every day. With daycare no longer an option, we’re a package deal. They come with me to the grocery store, doctors’ and dentist appointments, and we’ve put serious mileage on the jogger stroller.

It is time for her to start school, and she and I are both ready.

But I will miss my little girl.

Caitlyn, on the other hand, has been counting down the days all

summer. Yesterday she pattered down stairs in her little bare feet a good hour and fifteen minutes earlier than usual, claiming she wanted to “practice getting ready.” We sat at the breakfast table, she sipping orange juice and me with my coffee, talking softly about all things school.

I remember that conversation like it happened this morning.

“Are you excited, honey?” I asked.

“Mm hmm,” she replied, rubbing sleep from my eyes. Her next question caught me off guard.

“And nervous. Were you nervous, mommy?”

I racked my brain, trying to find that decades-old memory. I have a L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

vapor of an image of climbing onto a bus with my back-pack. I recall a later year, trying to fall asleep in our New Brighton, Minnesota home, new outfit laid out on my dresser, tossing and turning long before sleep claimed me. But kindergarten?

Nope. Nothing.

“Sweetie, I’m sure I was a little nervous. But here is what I can tell you: I loved elementary school, and you will, too. You’ll meet so many new friends and learn all kinds of exciting things. You have nothing to be nervous about.”

That conversation has replayed AU G U ST 2 01 7

without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

—2 Corinthians 11:23-25, 27 NLT And this same Paul, author of 13 books in our New Testament, who saw the glory of Christ on the road to Damascus and was taken up in a vision to the third Heaven, says in comparison to the glory we have coming, these trials and troubles aren’t even worth counting.

If we are to live with Paul’s perspective we must first change our focus.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

Let’s not take anything away from our troubles. My family is no stranger to difficulty, and I know women who are, right now, going through the heartbreak of infertility and the devastation of miscarriage after miscarriage. I am praying for one friend who is incapacitated from back and neck pain, and a family member because of a spot on his lung. My prayer list includes a woman picking up the pieces of her life after losing both her job and her husband, and a precious couple who recently lost their toddler grandson to cancer. People are suffering all across the globe.

—Colossians 3:1-2 NLT

The Apostle Paul knew suffering.

He loves you.

I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone

He is preparing a place for you even now.

Our very peace of mind, our joy, hinges on what we think. What are you dwelling on? The troubles surrounding you? Or the glory awaiting you? Wherever you are in life, there is more. Let the truth of that statement permeate your every waking moment. Let it direct your words and actions. Let it affect your generosity, your service, your worship, your church attendance, and your prayers. Let the reality of Christ and His coming Kingdom flood your very soul.

He is real.

And someday, the memories of our deepest trials and sorrows will be as faint and foggy as the first day of Kindergarten.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?”

—John 14:1-2 NLT

99 7/25/17 9:13 AM

YOU GET TO MOVE AT YOUR OWN PACE

GOING SOLO

WHY IT’S OKAY—EVEN FUN—TO DO THINGS BY YOURSELF

BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

After college, I moved into a onebedroom bungalow tucked back in the woods along a river. The setting was idyllic and I imagined all the peace and quiet I was about to enjoy.

The problem was I had no idea how to spend time alone. I’d gone from my parents’ home to the dorm to an apartment full of girls, and now I’d come home from work to deafening silence. Within ten minutes, I’d be pacing the floor. Fifteen minutes and I’d be on the phone looking for someone to hang out with. Twenty and I was out the door again, not coming home until bedtime.

cinema, a meal out, or a museum tour with no one in tow but little old me.

YOU CAN SET YOUR OWN ITINERARY

CULTIVATING YOUR OWN COMPANY

Then a funny thing happened. Over time, I learned to enjoy—nah, to cherish time in my own company.

Now I work at home alone all day while my husband’s at the office and our four kids are at school. I’ve even learned how to enjoy a solo trip to the

Maybe not? While doing all of the above with a friend or partner can be great, going it alone is special. Here are some reasons to push past your resistance and find some activities— even public activities—you enjoy doing solo.

There are some things I enjoy doing that my friends find boring. (Historic home tour, anyone?) Likewise, there are things they like I’d just as soon avoid. Rather than drag a girlfriend to geek out over yet another plantation home with me or endure a fivehour thrift store session with my sister, what’s wrong with each of us enjoying our favorite activities solo at least some of the time? If you like the symphony but your spouse doesn’t, if you could stare at the jellyfish at the aquarium long after your friends have lost interest, try going alone. You’re freed up from worrying that you’re boring them and freer still from being bored by what they like that you don’t. Then when you’re together you’ll have something interesting to tell each other.

100 MAN 8-17.indd 100-101

At a time in this country when many are working longer hours, marrying later, and finding themselves with smaller chunks of free time, the idea of doing something alone— particularly something in public—still seems odd to many. They worry what others must think about them being alone. Surely they’d rather have company as they do yoga, fish, hike, go bowling, take a trip, or enjoy a little retail therapy.

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

The more people you include in an outing, the slower things are able to move, because you spend half your time just trying to get everyone in sync.

You’re convoying in cars with one speed demon and one Sunday driver. Half of your group skips breakfast. The other half can’t do without it. Each walks at a different pace, and do you really need to take another selfie right now? Traveling or doing other activities solo frees you up from trying to synchronize everybody’s pace, diet, bladders, and preferences into one experience. No more waiting for others. No more worrying when others are waiting for you.

learn to trust yourself more and your independence will grow exponentially.

YOU’LL ENJOY RELATIONSHIPS MORE

It may sound counterintuitive to say being alone helps you enjoy being with people. But as you spend more time by yourself and as you begin enjoying that time, you may find you also enjoy your relationships with other people more. It could be compared to eating a meal after a time without food. You enjoy and really experience the flavors and textures more, because of the time you’ve been without them. Moreover, time spent alone can offer you a greater appreciation of yourself and what you have to offer.

YOU’LL FEEL MORE INDEPENDENT

You may also become more discerning about who you spend your time with and how you spend that time. Spending time with other people, because you can’t stand being alone, can foster an “any port in a storm” mentality.

Spending time with others, as just one viable option, can feel completely different and offer a fresh appreciation of the things you enjoy about a certain person, relationship, or group of people. Getting to know yourself helps you get to know and appreciate others more.

Once you learn to enjoy being alone, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to actually be alone. And that can lead to feelings of independence. You’ll no longer feel the need for constant interaction with other people, or the anxiety associated with realizing you’re about to be alone. You’ll

So in the end you’ll realize there’s much more to do alone than binge on Netflix at home in your sweats (not that there’s anything wrong with that from time to time). There’s a whole big world of solo activities out there waiting for you to enjoy them. Why not make a date with yourself this weekend and try one?.

YOU LEARN TO EMBRACE LONELINESS

Even for the most social of social butterflies, there are times when being alone is inevitable. So it’s important to master the art of enjoying your own company—not only to be by yourself, but be perfectly happy and contented that way.

By practicing a little alone time now and again, you’ll be ready when those times of isolation occur. You may even find yourself looking forward to them.

AU G U ST 2 01 7

101 7/25/17 9:13 AM

CUISINE

BY MEGHAN BASSETT

G

etting outdoors with a great meal and great company is what summer is all about. From savory to sweet to refreshing, this roundup of my favorite makeable-and-takeable picnic recipes will find themselves at home no matter where your summer adventures may take you!

Pressed Pulled Pork Sandwiches For the spicy IPA pulled pork: 2½ pounds pork shoulder 12 ounces beer (I used an IPA) 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1½ teaspoons paprika ½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon salt For the sandwiches: 1 large loaf ciabatta 1½ -2 cups spicy IPA pulled pork 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, your choice 4-5 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced ¹/ cup of coleslaw, your choice ³ Add pork shoulder, beer, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, pepper, and salt to a slow cooker. Set slow cooker to low and cook for 10 hours. If you use a pressure cooker, cook for 80 to 90 minutes. Remove pieces of meat from the pot and discard the leftover juices. Using two forks, pull apart the pork shoulder until all of it has been shredded. Set aside.

PRIMO’S MEXICAN GRILL

EL

& CANTINA

Cut ciabatta loaf in half lengthwise. Brush with olive oil. Add pork to the bottom half of the loaf. Top with barbecue sauce, sliced cheese, and coleslaw. Wrap sandwich tightly with plastic wrap. Place on a sheet pan and press with a heavy skillet to flatten the sandwich. Refrigerate overnight.

Promises to be the new local favorite hot spot.

Remove plastic wrap, trim sides, and cut into sandwiches. Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 4-6 sandwiches.

Come Experience our Food & Fun! Fresh Mexican Cuisine!

We also serve mouth watering American food!

Come see us!

You can make the pulled pork up to two days in advance and simply store the shredded meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

OUR MISSION:

Fresh Food • Fun Relaxing Atmosphere • Exceed your Expectations

EL PRIMO'S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

2300 MATLOCK ROAD • SUITE 21 • MANSFIELD, TX 76063 • (817) 225-4140 • ELPRIMOS.NET 102 MAN 8-17.indd 102-103

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

103 7/25/17 9:13 AM

CUISINE

Banana Cream Pie Mason Jars 3 1 1-2 3

bananas, sliced packet vanilla pudding mix cups whole milk cups crushed vanilla wafers Extra whole vanilla wafers for garnish Whipped cream

In a small bowl, stir together vanilla pudding mix and milk accordings to packet directions until thickened, approximately 2 minutes.

Get Summer Ready MEDI SPA SERVICES:

In four small mason jars, layer vanilla wafers, pudding, and a few banana slices. Repeat layers once more. Top with whipped cream and garnish with a whole wafer cookie.

Coolsculpting® High Speed Laser Hair Removal Restylane/Perlane/Juvederm Botox/Dysport/Voluma Medical Facials/Peels IPL Photorejuvenation Microdermabrasion/Microdermapeel Micropen Customized Facials

To transport the banana cream jars, simply add the lids to the jars after the final banana slice topping. Save the whipped cream topping for when you serve them up at the picnic!

Strawberry Basil White Wine Spritzer 1 ¾ 1 ¹/ ³ 1

Accent On You

bottle chilled white wine (make sure it’s very cold!) cup chilled club soda cup sliced strawberries cup basil leaves lime, sliced

Cosmetic Surgery Center and Medi-Spa

Y. Anthony Nakamura, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A., Board Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

817.417.7200 • AccentOnYou.com 3030 South Cooper St., Arlington

Come meet our

EXPERTS

and discover the latest advances in

COSMETIC AESTHETICS

Stir wine together with strawberries, basil, and lime in a large pitcher, and let sit 1 hour in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, stir in club soda and serve in glasses. Serves 6-8.

Want to make the wine spritzer a nonalcoholic drink for everyone to enjoy?

Simply replace the wine with 3 cups of lemon-lime soda!

104 MAN 8-17.indd 104-105

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

105 7/25/17 9:13 AM

CUISINE

BAUER BGF

106 MAN 8-17.indd 106-107

L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

AU G U ST 2 01 7

107 7/25/17 9:13 AM

r e m Sum s e l i Sm BEST Place for Kids Braces • NEW Mini & Clear Braces • FAST Treatment Times

THE HILDEBRAND FAMILY

BRACES 2016

108 MAN 8-17.indd 108

817-468-4141 | hildebrandortho.com Free Consultations L I V I NGMAG A Z IN E . N E T

7/25/17 9:13 AM