April May 2020 Ellis County Living Magazine by Ellis County Living Magazine

APRIL/MAY 2020 www.living-magazine.com

New Logo, Same Exceptional Service

Terry Wooten 214.949.9285 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 224831 Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Tom Ker 972.365.7022 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 356892 Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace 903.571.9869 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1146461 Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Authier 903.654.0145 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1527367 Matt.Authier@GatewayLoan.com

Adrian Sanchez 469.628.3868 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 643358 Adrian.Sanchez@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Helms 903.641.9838 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1696114 Matt.Helms@GatewayLoan.com

Danny Gildea 972.921.5569 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1903297 Danny.Gildea@GatewayLoan.com

Office: 972.937.2200 1332 W. Hwy 287 Bypass, Suite-1 | Waxahachie, TX 75165 www.gatewayloan.com/waxahachie-tx

Gateway Mortgage Group, A division of Gateway First Bank, NMLS 7233

board certified pediatric dentistry for infants, children and teens!

The Ultimate in Outdoor Living

As seen on GAC Channel’s “Cool Pools”, episode “a river runs through it”

POOLS STARTING AT $45K

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

Lazy River Pool Company

Unique One-of-a-Kind Pools Our website will show you our custom-designed pools. No two pools are alike. We customize a pool to your home, style and budget.

Call for an appointment to see our showroom design center: 214.883.2779

WWW.LAZYRIVERPOOLS.COM

Walker Cabinets & More, LLC Midlothian, Texas 76065 (972)775-5119 - office line (972)775-5129 - fax line www.walkerscabinets.com www.wallbedsusa.com Walker Cabinets is locally owned by Steve and Sandy Walker. Steve Walker has been in the cabinet insdustry for over 25 years. His attention to detail and custom designs makes him one the best cabinet guys in the metroplex.

CALL US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 972-298-8515 WILLIAM A. BROWN, D.D.S. F.A.G.D. General Dentistry 226 N. Cedar Ridge Rd. Duncanville, TX 75116 williamabrowndds@gmail.com

www.WilliamABrownDDS.com

Contact one of the these City Real Estate Agents today to discuss your next move!

Amelia Valdez 469-658-5506

Shirley Martinez 972-742-5762

Becky Herrera 469-693-5227

Karen Emery 817-917-5035

Jessica Correa 469-556-0024

Marlene Norcross 512-431-4413

We keep current info of all transactions of your city, and use leading edge technology to provide clients with current and accurate property information. We provide free Market Analysis of your home. Janie Hendrix 817-271-0720

Professional Values • Real Estate Solutions • Your City Real Estate Ennis Main Office • 101 NW Main St • Ennis, TX 75119 • 972-878-2222

Contents APRI-MAY 2020 |

volume 16

issue 2

16 LIFE + STYLE REVIEW • 14 Community Festivals are Fun. A Day’s Roadtrip is also Fun. TRAVEL • 16 Step Into a New, Old World RECIPES • 18 Posh Picnic by Home Grown Market FASHION • 20 LA Brings out Spring Vibes BEAUTY • 26 Celebrate Your Natural Skin by True Reflection

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

20 HOME + GARDEN COURTNEY WARREN • 28 4 Ways you can use your Home to Celebrate the ones you Love REVIVAL LIVING • 32 The Beauty of Spring THE DUCKWORTHS • 38 Celebrating Minimalism APRIL/MAY TIPS • 42 Planting/Growing Guide for the Season

32 MEDICAL DR. WORD • 44 Why am I still Getting Pimples as an Adult? DR. GORMAN • 46 5 Steps that Can Help You Prevent Breast Cancer

LA FIN CINDY BURCH • 48 Celebrate in the Big Apple

YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR ELLIS COUNTY LIFESTYLE, HOME AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2005

PUBLISHER CINDY CAMP info@living-magazine.com

PARTNER-STRATEGIST PAULA BAUCUM paula@eclmedia.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINDSEY KEENEY lindsey@living-magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR CARLY PECHAL carly@living-magazine.com

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

Cover photo by Grant Duckworth Photography Cover Home Designed by Duckworth Interiors

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

Staff photos by Rebecca Chesney Photo & Film

A special thanks to all of our contributing writers. For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

No portion of Ellis County Living Magazine shall be reprinted in any other publication without permission. The views expressed herein should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician.

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

Now it is more important than ever to support your local businesses. Here are some ideas on how to do that safely: • Order food t0-go • Shop their online stores • Purchase gift cards • Keep updated on Facebook

www.downtownwaxahachie.com

Community FESTIVALS are fun. A day’s road-trip is also fun. A wonderful vehicle like the new Mercedes-Benz Metris makes both more enjoyable. BY ALAN GELL, AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALIST Small communities are often identified with some special, unique, or historical event. This might be a long-ago military battle or such, but more likelythan-not, communities are identified with products or crops produced over the distant past. This might include watermelons, tomatoes, peanuts, cows, or even specialty furniture. If these don’t work, small towns can come up with an event to simply band the community’s citizens together in support of the town other than Friday night football. These ‘festival’ events can be fun and interesting for both adults and children. Usually, there are children’s activities and carnival-styled rides. There are homemade crafts, scholarship fundraisers, music, food, and items for sale by vendors, churches, or local clubs. Many times, there is a small parade, complete with the local school band, politicians, and of course, cars. Cars are part-andparcel of most of our daily existence. Getting to a community festival can be a terrific opportunity to take a short road-trip and getting there is half of the fun. Recently, my wife & I had a brand-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris van for a week-long testdrive. The Metris is a special van that is offered in either a cargo style or a passenger style. Our testdrive model was an attractive Juniper Red colored cargo van. It only offered two seats, so it was perfect for a two-person road-trip. The Mercedes-Benz Metris van is almost below-the-radar in consumer knowledge. It is mid-size and can easily navigate city streets or tight parking spots. Competitors are either larger or smaller and most shoppers would find the Metris to be like the Papa Bear – Mama Bear – Baby Bear story. It is just the right size. Often, day-trippers visit a festival or simply go ‘antique-ing.’ We have had those occasional finds that were much too large for our small vehicle,

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so the opportunity to take a larger cargo van was appealing, in anticipation we just might obtain that ‘find.’ If you don’t know what is happening around your area for the weekend, it doesn’t take much effort to do an internet web search. Just days before the weekend, our search showed the small town of Lovelady having a Love Festival on the Saturday before Valentine’s, which they have done for 34 years. Checking further, we found the schedule for the parade, festival queen’s coronation, evening dancing, and even a baking contest. My wife made a batch of cookies the night before and entered the Saturday contest. Second place with a small prize of kitchen towels was a wonderful surprise. Numerous politicians threw sacks & sacks of candy along the short route. The weather cooperated and it was a fun time. The Mercedes-Benz Metris was obviously designed as a useful, small commercial van to be used for deliveries or repairs. It would work great for an overnight camping trip. This is not a MiniVan or an SUV, but does offer those features that appeal to both a daily driver or a business. It drives almost as easy as a crossover, but does have those commercial-type features. It is barely insulated for noise, so the sound was almost like being inside a large bass drum at times. The handling is easy and the turning circle is really tight which helps maneuvering in tight spaces. The seats are very comfortable and arm rests are standard. The Metris was powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. There is no option for a diesel version or even All-Wheel-Drive. The 7-speed automatic transmission is augmented by convenient paddle shifters mounted just behind the steering wheel. The Metris cargo van test-model had a slightly longer wheelbase of 135 inches, but could still fit easily into a standard garage or parking space.

There were several ‘packages’ added to the base Metris that included a rear-view camera, heated side mirrors, a very bright LED lighting system in the cargo area, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, slightly plusher seats with lumbar support, heated seats, and an overall stronger heating system. The base prices range from about $26K to $34K. The test-drive model had a base price of $31,200, but with the additional packages and destination charges, the bottom sticker price was $39,001. The Metris is EPA rated for 24 mpg highway and 22 mpg overall. For the week, my own overall average stayed at the 23 mpg point.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

step into A NEW, OLD WORLD Right here in ellis county Have you ever wished you could step back in time and experience merriment, folklore and fun? Scarborough Renaissance Festival is the perfect place to disconnect from the real world and have a fun filled day with family and friends. I remember the first time I visited Scarborough Faire back in 2006. My best friend took me to the festival where her dad worked and I was instantly hooked! I was mesmerised by Queen Margaret, the fairies, the costumes worn by faire goers; all of it just enchanted me. Visiting the festival every year since then has allowed me to meet so many loving people who have become lifelong friends. It’s a judgment free and carefree place, where

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you can express yourself while frolicking through the grounds. If you’ve never visited Scarborough Renaissance Festival I highly suggest you do this season! It’s honestly fun for all ages, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I suggest getting to the festival early for good parking, starting your day early insures that you and your family will see a ton of shows and get the full experience. Be sure to wear comfy shoes, dress light and stay hydrated! When you arrive, there will be a fun gathering outside the gates before they start allowing guests in. Keep an eye out for certain villagers selling maps with showtime info! This will help you stay on schedule and not get lost!

// APRIL/MAY 2020

STORY BY SARAH KENNEDY PHOTOS COURTESY OF PONGO AND SCOTT FISCHER

My favorite show to kickoff the day is the Scottish Court with Queen Margaret at 10:30 am at the Olde Chess Field in Holly Field. Without giving you too many details, this show will have you laughing and engaged so you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss it. After the show ends I head down to West Market road to Rose & Crown Restaurant, it’s the only sit down full service restaurant and bar at the festival which makes it perfect to fill up on incredible food, hydrate with a brew or water of course and stay out of the sun for a bit.

OPEN THE WEEKENDS OF MAY 2 - JUNE 7, 2020 LEARN MORE AT WWW.SRFESTIVAL.COM

For the little ones, the must see shows that you don’t want to miss out on are the Children’s Knighting and Mermaids and Fae Foillies. These will help your kids stay engaged and help them feel even more of the magic! The shows that are fun for all ages are Classics like Don Juan and Migel, Clash of Champions, The Fire Whip Show, Harmless Danger Juggling Show and of course the Joust with the Noble Cause Knights. For adults who don’t have little ones, the beer and wine tastings are a lot of fun and some hilarious shows to see are Iris & Rose and Arthur Greenleaf Holmes. The festival shows and entertainment are really organized so while you’re walking to the next show or on your way to get food you’ll be able to watch amazingly talented bands and musicians perform so the entertainment never stops. There’s nonstop merriment throughout the day so you’ll never feel bored. There will be three Scottish Bagpipe bands playing this year which is always a fan favorite! In addition to the fantastic entertainment, Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a shoppers dream! More than 200 shoppes with everything from blown glass, to jewelry and incredible clothing to wooden mugs to metal works and more can be found throughout the Festival. There are also artisans demonstrating authentic crafts such glass blowing, stone carving, candle making and leatherworks among others. It is amazing to watch & learn from these extraordinary artisans. One thing I love about this festival is that the actors walking around are so interactive, they really help keep the fantasy and magic alive. Everywhere you turn there is something new to see, hear, taste and smell. Your senses will come alive. Come celebrate its 40th anniversary and experience the magic. As the old song goes, “Are you going to Scarborough Faire?”

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

posh PICNIC A picnic is a perfect activity for his time of year. Embrace the outdoors and ditch the traditional simple picnic food. Spice it up with some fresh ideas from Chef Lucy at Home Grown Market in Ennis. Opt for a fresh buffalo chicken dip, pimiento cheese, crackers, sliced meat, fresh vegetables & Fruit. Not only can you make these at home, but they are also offered as to-go itemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Home Grown Market in Ennis. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip 1 cup 1 cup 16 ounces 2 cups 1 cup 1 TBLS 1 pound

Ranch (recipe below) Franks red hot sauce Cream cheese, softened Sharp cheddar shredded Sour cream Worcestershire sauce Chicken, chopped (recipe below)

BY LUCY BRADDOCK PHOTOS BY ADRIANA HERRERA, FOOD FOR THA BOOTY

In a large bowl cream together all except chicken. Fold it in after the rest is well mixed - allows it to keep the chicken from being over processed. Serve; cold, room temp or warmed. Fun additions: bleu cheese, preferably buttermilk bleu, crispy bacon and green onions

Ranch 2 ounces 2 cups 1 1/2 cup 1/2 cup

HVR seasoning package Buttermilk Sour Cream Mayo

Roasted Chicken 3.5 pounds 1/2 pound 5 each Cheesecloth

Chicken whole Unsalted butter (melted) Bay leaf (stuff in cavity) soak in butter and place over the chicken, breast up

Roast at 350 degrees until internal temp reaches 165F

Pimiento Cheese 1 pound 1 1/2 cup 1/4 cup 1 1/2 cup

Cheddar, shredded Roasted red bell pepper, large dice and the juice (about 1/4 cup) Parsley, curly, finely chopped Mayo

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Lucy Braddock Owner & Chef at Home Grown Market Chef Lucy Braddock was born and raised in Ennis Texas. She graduated from Blinn with an Associates in Science. She received her chef certification and a degree in Applied Science from the Art Institute of Dallas Culinary Arts in 2008. Since graduating, she has worked as a cook in Kitchens that include Dallas Country Club, Oak Restaurant, Two Sisters Catering, as a private residential chef and most recently as the purchasing manager for Northwood Club. Lucy recently relocated to Ennis with her son and is the chef and owner of Home Grown Market, a butcher shop located in downtown Ennis. (469)881-1818 www.homegrownmarketennis.com FB @homegrownmarketennistexas IG @homegrownmarketennis

s e b vi

LA Brings out Spring

MEET melissa Although Influencer is the trendy and now official word in the English Language to describe a person who inspires, guides, and is knowledgeable, I prefer to consider myself an Encourager. There seems to be so much more grace in that term! Encouragement for YOU to discover and embrace your own personal style. Wild Grace is a bold faith boutique brimming with clothing, accessories, and home goods. The flagship store is anchored on the corner of Main and 7th street, a block off the historical downtown Garland square. Additionally, we are blessed to be approaching our third year of being a pop up nestled within the Dove’s Nest in downtown Waxahachie. We also ship all over the world! How do I develop my own style personality of the season and share it at the boutique? As an enthusiastic wanderlust, I am particularly fond of travel. I love exploring the visual feast of the heartbeat of a city and even more specifically a community. I am passionate about soaking up the beauty of local color, nature, flavors, sights, sounds, art, architecture, all the beautiful complexions, and what everyone is wearing. I fill a tote bag of all sorts of found objects and treasures that I want to remember in building this or a future season’s collection.

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For Spring|Summer 2020, I am giving a nod to LA where the rich colors of nature combined with bohemian and retro flair whimsically abounds! Downtown LA. Venice beach. Abbot Kinney. Sunsets, sand, and succulents. Warm terra cotta, big tropical wallpaper prints, dried prairie grasses, and lots of cacti in all shapes and sizes. The Pantone colors of the season are everywhere! Sun-washed shades like Coral Pink, Lark (think dried wheat) and Faded Denim. Brighter sun-kissed colors like Saffron, Sunlight, Cinnamon Stick, Orange Peel, and Flame Scarlet. Bluest of sky colors like Classic and Mosaic. Succulent shades ranging from Biscay Green to Chive.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

I’m liking bold fabric prints reminiscent of the sixties in the colors of the season that are updated and grounded with the warm “complexions of the world” colors thrown in. Honoring an ongoing effort to encourage the recycling of fashion discards, I make it a point to hit resale shops for a kiss of vintage to mix in with our new arrivals. Scarves, concert tees, sunglasses, and belts from the past can add an unexpected touch to a new outfit.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

Upon return from an inspiration adventure, I open the tote bag of treasure and spread it all out in a layered collage of artistic chaotic organization. I head to market and start curating the seasonal vibe for Wild Grace. Fashion can change quickly, it is cyclical, and it reappears in a wave of revival but always with a fresh twist. Hints from LA verify the homage being paid to the ‘60s through the ‘90s this Spring and Summer. Filling the shop with these relevant trends to combine with your very own celebrated style is my goal! Pieces of my art act as a backdrop among the merchandise to visually transport the customer to places where my journey began. Wild Grace... because we all need His wild, free, wonderful grace!

Wild Grace Insta & FB: @shopwildgrace www.shopwildgrace.com 972-205-9819 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

Haruharu The Haruharu Wonder “Maqui Berry Anti-Oxidant Cream” + the “Black Rice Face Oil” will have your face feeling fabulous and hydrated! Check out their website to read more about the wide variety of skincare products they offer.

www.haruharuusa.com

Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake Co.

These tasty crumb cakes are worth the hype! Order an entire crumb cake or their famous “crumbkins” (pictured above) online and taste the delicousness yourself!

www.clarksonavecrumb.com

Carolina Herrera Carolina Herrera’s classic fragrance “Good Girl” is now available in “Fantastic Pink”! The same iconic fragrance is back with a new attitude in all it’s glittered glory.

carolinaherrera.com

Therabox Therabox is the #1 self care subscription box! Each box is unique but contains 1 activity to create joy and 6-8 wellness goodies to promote relaxation. Check out the website for more in depth information!

www.mytherabox.com

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

Mosaic Madness Make the special woman in your life a unique piece of art for Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Or, better yet, let her make her own mosaic masterpiece with a Mosaic Madness gift certificate. A fun, creative & enjoyable experience is waiting to be had! 972.937.5797 | 211 South College St. | Waxahachie

www.mosaicmadness.net Find us on Facebook & Instagram

20% OFF A MOSAIC PROJECT WITH THIS AD!

w&p Make life more joyful with these adroable products from W&P! Their porter collection is fresh and functional for all of your snack and drink needs. Take a look at these reusable utensils, drinkware options and more here and online!

www.wandpdesign.com

Copper Rose Boutique Does your baby need some blues? Grab your tiniest fashionista some baby blues at Copper Rose Boutique in Downtown Waxahachie! Kids clothing is the newest addition to one of our favorite downtown boutiques! Sizes available from newborn to 9. 214.463.5599 | Waxahachie | Forreston

copperroseboutique.commentsold.com Find us on Facebook & Instagram @copperroseshop

Winky Lux We love Winky Lux! Their lip balms are a staff favorite. The pill shape and colorful and unique designs spark joy daily! Their formulas are luxurious and leave your lips feeling refreshed.

www.winkylux.com LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

CELEBRATE YOUR

NATURAL

Skin STORY BY NICOLE ALMAGUER PHOTO S BY NICOLE ALMAGUER, STEPHANIE SARA REYNA, KOURTNEY HENNIGAN

At True Reflection-Skin Professionals we want to highlight your natural skin, with one treatment in mind. The Deep Herbal Peel. This particular treatment is equivalent to a total of 15 microdermabrasions in one service. It will shed the old, dull, and rough skin you’re carrying and reveal fresh, new, bare skin. We use an herbal mixture to create micro tears in the skin which generates shedding and a healing response which reveals new skin. We scrub for 10 mins for the best results. This treatment is how we eliminate dark spots, hyperpigmentation, acne, acne scarring, rough, and aging skin. Shedding depends on how long we scrub and the amount of pressure used. Each person needs different results so based on those we will accommodate each individual as needed. After 7 days we recommend an oil facial which we roll the dead skin off. Last, we celebrate how much closer you are to being comfortable in your own bare skin! We have many treatments for all skin types to maintain these results, and to keep your skin clean and renewed as often as you allow! Our skincare products help maintain all of our treatment results! Anastasia Lopez, Sarah Kennedy, and myself (Nicole Almaguer) are the three skin care professionals at True Reflection and we welcome you to be apart of our little skin care community so we can celebrate your bare skin too! For a demonstration of the treatment feel free to visit us on IG @truskinpros and view our IGTV video.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM //APRIL/MAY 2020

Love,

Nicole

DURING

BEFORE

AFTER

Nicole Almaguer, LC, Owner and operator at True Reflection-Skin Professionals Licensed since 2008, I got into this industry young. When contemplating to open my own place or not in Waxahachie, I saw signs from God and went for it. I took all my steps to create my own business and getting a space for my practice was so simple that everything fell right into place! I thank God, all my clients that have supported this dream-come-true, and my coworkers who were literally God sent! I still have a long way to go and am looking forward to the future in a positive outlook! Instagram: @truskinpros www.trueskinpros.com 469-245-7414

June 1st!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

ways you can use your home to celebrate the ones you

love STORY & PHOTOS BY COURTNEY WARREN

You know, I adore my Waxahachie historic home, but more than that I adore the people IN my home. One of my great joys is creating an atmosphere at home that celebrates my family. In this month of celebrations, let’s explore how we can actually use these four walls we inhabit to celebrate those we love. Dress up existing pieces Do you have a fireplace mantel? No? You could even repurpose a reclaimed historic one, like this one in my bedroom. Use this focal point to hang a celebration banner for a birthday or special day. If you are building a home, be sure to incorporate elements like mantles and staircases that make it easy to celebrate those special moments in your home.

Make Snacks More Fun One of my secret design weapons are cake stands and trays. I use them on coffee tables, side tables, and bathrooms to corral clutter.

Even a normal snack seems more special on a cake stand. For instance, breakfast cereal or donuts with a pretty presentation is an act of love (I save it for Saturday, though, when I am not trying to beat the work or school bell!) How about using a special plate for a family member that overcomes a difficult goal, lands a new client or does an act of kindness? Switching out a dinner dish is a simple act that can honor someone to make them feel like a million bucks. And don’t forget- you should get the “special plate” too! If no one else bestows it to you, honor yourself when you should be proud!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

“Even Kale salad tastes better on a pretty plate. (Right? Maybe?) “

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

Don’t hide the memories Just displaying family treasures, photos, even the family last initial–is a signal to your dear ones that they are special to you and that your family is at the core of who you are. Use these personal touches from your past to incorporate your loved ones in your decor.

Celebrate your dates Never forget an anniversary or birthday again when you feature a life size reminder on your wall. I am thrilled that my new decor and design show Real Life Design With Courtney Warren is now on Youtube featuring Ellis County homes with real people and real budgets. I am accepting limited submissions for Spring design projects for both on camera and off. If you are interested in redesigning you home and submitting your home for consideration, please hello@courtneywarren.com with the subject “Makeover” and tell me about your space. Or message me on Instagram at @ courtneywarrenhome.

“I love creating a beautiful space- not just for beauty’s sake- but to celebrate the ones that live there! Which one of these simple tips could you incorporate at home to honor the ones who live there with you? “

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

Courtney Warren, Dallas-based interior designer, is in high demand for her ability to move clients’ home designs “From Stuck to Stylish”. Her big laugh, quick wit and joyful personality assure her clients that design can be FUN! Courtney’s projects are often featured in national magazines including Better Homes and Gardens Do It Yourself, Kids Rooms, Best of Flea Market Style, Cottages and Bungalows, and American Farmhouse Style, where she has earned distinctive nicknames such as “flea market queen” and “fast-footed bargain hunter”. Courtney was chosen for TLC’s series Four Houses and is a frequent design consultant and commentator on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program. She is a pastor’s wife and busy mom of two boys who loves to share favorite quotes (the ones that make her snort-laugh) and current design projects on Instagram @courtneywarrenhome.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

THE BEAUTY OF

S P R I N G

STORY & PHOTOS BY REVIVAL LIVING INTERIORS

Happy Spring! It’s Emily and Stacie of Revival Living Interiors and we’re celebrating Spring with our aptly named Spring Lane Renovation! Is there anything more fitting for a season of new growth than a full house renovation? It’s thrilling to see a beloved family home be brought into new life for a new generation. We’ve all seen the home renovation shows where they take an outdated home and give it a breathtaking new life. We all want to know, could I do that? How much does it cost? Where would I even start? We hope this article can give you some insight on our thought process as we tackle these exciting projects. Renovations are no small feat to pull off. We utilize our whole Revival Living family when it comes to seeing a renovation from start to finish. From demo clean up to mowing lawns, even our kids lend a hand. What’s really exciting is when we

get to work with our husbands and incorporate all of our expertise and experience. Stacie’s husband, Kevin, owns a commercial construction company and Emily’s husband, Geoff, owns a real estate firm. We’re blessed with a well rounded team for assessing which renovation projects to choose! We would encourage you before jumping in to a renovation to consult with skilled and experienced trades in the industry to help guide your decision making.

EVERY PENNY COUNTS

One of our first steps was (and always is) a meticulous budget. The money has to make sense! To determine the budget, we needed a concept of the direction of our floor plan and a solid scope of work. It’s always a good idea to go room by room and ask yourself “what all will I change in this room?”, and always think about things that you can’t see like foundation, electrical, and plumbing.

When we first looked at the home on Spring Lane, it was like walking into a museum. The original homeowner preserved everything even receipts from when they built it forty years ago! While it is a large house, inside it felt dark and closed in and hard for potential buyers to see it’s full potential. We were confident that with the right vision and a lot of hard work, this home would prove to be a true diamond in the rough.

BEFORE LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

A FUNCTIONAL FLOOR PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILY

We felt confident that a house this size would be a great fit for a family. We agreed that most family life revolves around the kitchen and worked from there. We opened up walls that had segmented and darkened the original design - and now we had a beautiful, long, open space that flowed from the kitchen into the dining area to the family room all the way to the pool. We could envision kids playing and coming to the table, and seamless access from the table to the kitchen. We could see a space that would grow with a family.

STAY PUT WHEN YOU CAN

For smart budgeting on renovations, keep the kitchen and bathrooms where they are if possible. In this project we gutted the kitchen and master bathroom, but kept plumbing in place to save us money! We put in all new beautiful finishes including cabinetry, new sinks, backsplash, counters and faucets - the whole works, but kept the original locations. This one guideline helps scratch a major expense off the budget!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

BEFORE PRETTY INSIDE AND OUT

Here’s a little secret - it’s really fun being our own client! We love bringing our clients’ visions to life for them, but on the Spring Lane project, we got to do everything just the way we envisioned it. Every last detail makes us happy! From restoring the original terrazzo flooring in some areas and keeping the industrial wall hung toilets, we completely revamped the electrical, plumbing and even the exterior courtyard wall. What really made our husbands and many of our subcontractors super excited was how well this home was originally built! It’s not only the beautiful things you can see, but also the quality of the work that was done that will sustain this home for its next forty years! Our favorite part of renovating Spring Lane was when we were finally done, we had a big party, inviting all of our friends and subcontractors. With some trepidation, we invited the original home owner’s family. We breathed a sigh of relief (and maybe shed a few tears) when they told us their mom would have loved the changes. We’re so grateful our Revival Living family was able to see the value in the original home and envision its future filled with family once again. We think that’s a Spring worth celebrating!

EMILY MYERS AND STACIE CAFFEY Revival Living Interiors in Bryan, Texas began when two friends shared a love for interior design and thought just maybe other people would like their style. We pray that, through this business, we may help others live their best story, with their home as they’re starting point, resting place, and the setting for what is most important. Thanks for letting us share a little bit of our world with you. We hope you can see your favorite spaces with a fresh eye and a little inspiration. We’ve got many design ideas we can’t wait to share with you. www.revivallivinginteriors.com

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

CelebratinG

MINIMALISM STORY BY KATE DUCKWORTH PHOTOS BY GRANT DUCKWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY My husband Grant and I planted our roots here in Ennis, this town just drew us in. I met Grant shortly after I moved to Houston to pursue my career in Interior Design. We attended the same church and two months later, we were engaged. A few years later, my sister moved to Ennis, which lead us to take regular trips from Houston to visit them. Each time we would imagine what it would be like to live here, in Ellis County. Two years later, Grant got a job opportunity in Dallas and thats when we decided to make the move to Ennis with our 3 children. This move was a chance for us to reimagine our life-style and we fully embraced the opportunity to do so. After purchasing 12 acres and settling into a rent house, the question was,

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

“What should we build?” We had done the whole big house, big mortgage thing before and we weren’t keen on doing that again. We love to travel and it was important to us to still have room in the budget for this passion. We both love Europe and the European approach to life- simple and unhurried. With those desires at the forefront, we decided we would build what we could with what we had and add additional phases to the house in the future. A small, modern, Scandinavian approach was the right direction. We desired a clean and modern aesthetic with some antique and rustic pieces mixed in. Life with 3 kids can be very chaotic and messy! So this move was all about pairing back and really thinking about what the necessities were for us.

When we get asked as to why we chose to use pink on such a large piece in the home, Grant will say, “When everything is really white and minimal, you really have the opportunity to incorporate some bold choices.” Phase one includes a double sided glass hallway that currently acts as their foyer but will eventually connect to the next building, a main living space, one bathroom, 3 bedrooms, a library, a loft for each kids bedroom that connects to a shared playroom. The first floor is 1150 sq ft and the lofts and playroom a combined 288 sq ft. I had some major concerns prior to moving in. I was very worried being a family of five and only having a 24” refrigerator, the size of the closets and kitchen storage space in general. After moving in, those concerns

quickly disappeared. I grocery shop once a week and I’ve never had an issue fitting everything in the fridge. The only change I made was buying smaller size condiments. We have really minimized our clothes and gotten down to kitchen essentials. If something was a must-have or multifunctional it stayed. A set of vintage lockers acts as our “mudroom”, all the backpacks, lunch boxes, jackets, etc. are stored within easy reach but out of view. A large pink cabinet made by my dad houses our collection of scales from travels, glassware passed down from my grandmother and additional kitchen storage.

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The bathroom works double duty as the bathroom and laundry room and features a cast iron wall-hung sink and an entire wall of storage. Both Grant and I each had a must-have item on our list when starting the build. For Grant, it was linear air registers (which you would typically only see in a commercial space) and small recessed can lighting. “Working as a commercial architectural rep, I see the linear registers all the time and knew I had to have them in our home for two reasons. One, because I really love the unexpected aspect they bring and two, because I think it’s all of the little details that in the end, contribute to the overall feel of the house.” -Grant For me, it was a library with a Harry Potter theme. I am a collector, treasure hunter, and avid reader. It was really important to have a quiet retreat where I could house all of my books and proudly display all of my collections. With floor to ceiling cabinetry painted navy, brass library lights and metallic gold stars on the ceiling, this room is totally unexpected and a menagerie of books and oddities alike. I fell in love with reading in the 4th grade and I grew up reading Harry Potter and waiting for each book to come out and then each film. For me, Harry Potter is really the ultimate example of just how magical reading can be. I proudly displays my very first copy of “The Sorcerer’s Stone” in a lucite box on the wall. The copy is noticeably tattered and well-loved.

“Ultimately, I think when you walk into our home it feels like you’ve been transported to a European apartment. Because of its simplicity, you immediately feel at peace.” -Grant 40 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

// APRIL/MAY 2020

KATE & GRANT DUCKWORTH Kate has been working in the interior design industry for over 12 years and her company, Duckworth Interiors, has been providing turn-key interiors for almost 9 years. Grant has been behind a camera lens since high school and is the talent behind Grant Duckworth Photography, where he specializes in portraiture and commercial photography. They also chase around daughters Iris (8) and Olive (5) and son Henry (2).

If you’d like to to see more of what we love to do, follow us on instagram and facebook @duckworthinteriors @grantduckworthphotography

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

Ellis County Master Gardenrs

Monthly Tips

BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSSOCIATION

tips for PLANTING

APRIL

• Plant warm-season annual flowers. For sun (6+hours per day): angelonias, copper plants, firebush, lantana, moss rose, purslane, pentas, ornamental sweet potatoes and zinnias. For shade (less than 4 hours per day): begonias, coleus, impatiens and perilla. Select short, compact plants. • Plant okra and southern peas (black-eyed peas, etc). Squash, cucumbers and melons can still be planted. • Many herbs can also be planted from transplants (dill, parsley, fennel, mint, oregano and thyme). • Now is the best time to plant Bermudagrass and St. Augustine grass sod. Grade and smooth area prior to installing sod to ensure good soil contact. Keep moist until roots are established. • Seeded varieties of Bermudagrass may be sown starting midmonth. Keep soil moist until seed germinate and grass has established a good root system. • Select caladium tubers now, while ample stocks are available, for May planting.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to established lawns. Use product containing at least half of its nitrogen in slow-release form. • Mow common Bermudagrass at 1 1/2 inches and St. Augustine grass at 2 1/2 inches. Frequent mowing with sharp blades will keep an established lawn thick and healthy; but avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf surface each time. • Fertilize roses every 4 to 6 weeks from now to September. Start with a balanced fertilizer, then apply ammonium sulfate or other high-nitrogen fertilizer as new growth appears, following a flowering cycle.

GARDEN WATCH

• Check new plant growth for aphids. A few can be tolerated but large numbers should be controlled. Washing them off with a strong spray of water may be all that is necessary for control. • Eliminate fire ants in your landscape by broadcasting labeled bait while temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees. If fire ants are still present after using bait, treat the individual mounds with appropriate insecticide. Contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Ellis County at 972-825-5175 for more information. • Look for rose rosette disease. New growth on diseased roses exhibit elongated/enlarged canes, reddish leaves and stems, and excessive thorns. Remove and destroy infected plants and roots immediately. There is no proven control for this fatal disease. • Soil purchased for use in beds, low areas and containers should be examined closely. Nutsedge and other weeds are often brought into the yard through contaminated soil sources. • Watch newspapers and other media for information regarding wildflower trails, garden tours and plant sales. LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

tips for PLANTING

MAY

• Plant heat-loving annuals including copper plant, firebush, gomphrena, lantana, pentas, purple fountaingrass and ornamental sweet potato in sunny areas. • In shady spots, plant caladiums, begonias, coleus, impatiens (mildew-resistant types). • Seeds of celosia, cosmos, marigold, morning glory, portulaca and zinnia can be sown directly in the beds. Keep seeded area moist until seeds germinate. • Achimenes, cannas, dahlias and other summer flowering bulbs can be planted now. • Establish new lawns before summer heat sets in. Sow seeded varieties of Bermudagrass early in the month; or sod Bermuda or St. Augustine grass. Water daily for first few weeks to develop a good root system.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • Feed fruit trees, perennials, annuals, ground covers and vines with a lawn fertilizer (3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio). • Fertilize tomatoes and most other vegetables every other week for productive and vigorous plants. • Manually thin the fruit on peaches, pears, plums and apples to 5-6 inches apart early in the month. • Prune spring-flowering shrubs and vines soon after flowering. Keep the natural shape of the plant in mind as you prune, and avoid excessive cutting except where necessary to control size. Deadhead roses and other reblooming plants. • Allow foliage of daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs to mature and yellow before removing.

GARDEN WATCH • Allow bluebonnets and other reseeding, annual wildflowers to die and the seeds to dry before mowing the stubble. Delay mowing until end of growing season if other wildflowers are growing in the area. • Check tomatoes for signs of early blight (yellow blotches on lower leaves). Apply a labeled fungicide if needed. Keep soil adequately moist to prevent blossom-end rot (browned tissue on bloom end of fruit). • Look for squash bugs in early morning. Destroy eggs found on underside of leaves by hand. Vegetable pests can often be controlled by mechanical, biological or organic means rather than by synthetic pesticides. • Watch for bagworms on junipers and other narrow-leafed evergreens. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) or general insecticide at first sign of larvae feeding. Remember that once the bag has formed, your only option is to manually pull them off. • Make initial application of Image® or SedgeHammer® to control nutsedge in established warm-season lawns.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

Why am I still getting pimples as an

ADULT?

BY ANDREW WORD, M.D., WORD DERMATOLOGY - WAXAHACHIE

DIFFERENT WAYS TO CELEBRATE WORK FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THERE MIGHT BE TIMES YOU WANT TO PAUSE AND REFLECT QUIETLY ON HOW FAR YOU’VE COME, AND OTHER TIMES WHEN YOU WANT TO THROW A LAVISH PARTY. HERE ARE SOME WAYS YOU MIGHT WANT TO RECOGNIZE SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES: AS A DERMATOLOGIST, THIS IS A COMMON QUESTION I’M ASKED IN THE OFFICE BY PATIENTS. MANY PEOPLE ARE UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT ACNE DISAPPEARS ONCE YOU LEAVE THOSE HALLOWED HALLS OF HIGH SCHOOL. UNFORTUNATELY, ACNE IS A CONDITION THAT CAN AFFECT ADULTS TOO. THIS IS REFERRED TO AS ADULT ACNE.

Adult acne can persist through adolescence into adult years or can first appear in adults in their 30s, 40, or 50s. It more commonly affects women than men. Red bumps, pustules, whiteheads, and blackheads can all occur. Larger acne bumps, or nodulocystic acne, can result in scarring. The most frequently affected area is the jawline. However, adult acne can also occur elsewhere on the face, neck, chest, and back.

Treatment for adult acne is similar to the treatment of acne in teenagers. Topical treatment options, consisting of topical benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibiotics may be utilized initially. If more aggressive treatment options are necessary, oral antibiotics, spironolactone and certain oral contraceptive pills (which can both decrease androgen levels), and isotretinoin can be very effective in treating adult acne.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly of hormones known as androgens, play a key role in adult acne. As a result, women can experience adult acne flares around their menstrual cycles, during pregnancy, around menopause, and when starting or stopping birth control therapy.

Adult acne can be a very troubling issue. We all have enough to deal with in our lives, even without those annoying pimples. By taking necessary measures and getting appropriate treatment, there is hope in clearing up acne, even in adults!

Interestingly, research has shown that stress can increase androgen levels. This helps to explain why patients often note that their acne flares during stressful times. It just doesn’t seem fair that you have to deal with stress and a few bonus pimples to top it off. Oily skin care products can contribute to adult acne by causing occlusion of pores. You can improve or prevent acne by seeking out products that are “non-comedogenic” and/or “oil-free.” These product attributes are typically listed on labeling. Medications and underlying medical conditions can contribute to adult acne. For example, some hormonal supplements and a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause acne by increasing androgen levels. Smoking can also exacerbate acne. In addition to many other health benefits, smoking cessation can be very helpful in improving acne.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

If acne persists despite the use of appropriate products, preventions, and over the counter treatment options, your local dermatologist is here to help! There are a variety of treatment options that can be tailored to each patient.

Andrew Word, M.D. 972.736.3376 Dermatologist at Word Dermatology In addition to his work at Word Dermatology, Dr. Word is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Dermatology at UT Southwestern. He teaches medical students and residents at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Hospital. He is on medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie. Dr. Word is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

Celebrating Breast Cancer Survival,

YOUR WAY WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THE STRUGGLES YOU’VE OVERCOME IN YOUR FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER BY VALERIE GORMAN, MD, BREAST SURGEON AT BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE TEXAS SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

For a lot of my patients, celebrating breast cancer survivorship is important— they understand that overcoming the challenges of diagnosis and treatment is something that they want to acknowledge and honor. Even if fighting breast cancer isn’t always a positive experience, it’s a life-changing event for most people, and marking the passage of time can be meaningful. Dates can hold special significance for many of us. You might want to acknowledge the time that has passed since: • You were diagnosed with breast cancer • You finished surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy • You received a report that you had no evidence of disease National Cancer Survivor’s Day is coming up on June 7, so now is a great time to think about how you want to recognize your fight—or the fight of a loved one—against breast cancer.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

How you can acknowledge your “cancerversary” Different ways to celebrate work for different people and at different times. There might be times you want to pause and reflect quietly on how far you’ve come, and other times when you want to throw a lavish party. Here are some ways you might want to recognize significant milestones: • Have dinner in a restaurant with family and close friends • Organize or participate in a fundraiser • Take a vacation to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, or to a favorite place that holds special memories for you • Plant a tree or start a garden • Create art—paint, sculpt, or write a poem or song. It doesn’t have to be fancy—you could have a group of friends join you for an afternoon or evening class • Treat yourself to a facial, massage, or spa day, alone or with friends • Tackle a bucket-list item—ride in a hot air balloon, visit the Grand Canyon, or taste caviar • Share your milestone on social media • Throw yourself that party

“Every survivor is unique, and every survivor celebrates in their own unique way.”

Celebrating is a personal decision While I encourage my patients to recognize the time that has passed since they’ve begun their battle with cancer, I understand that celebrations are not for everyone. For some people, those significant dates can bring up feelings of sadness or unpleasant memories. If that’s the case for you, or someone you love, it’s perfectly fine to let these anniversaries pass unacknowledged. Or, you might want to journal privately to get your thoughts on paper and recognize how far you’ve come and how your life has changed. You may also want to simply acknowledge the date with your significant other or another close family member or friend. And you may want to turn to other breast cancer survivors for support—people who have faced the same battles and fears as you are well positioned to offer empathy and comfort.

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

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

celebrate in the

BIG APPLE

My husband and I have traveled many places around the world with my in-laws, from scuba diving the Turks and Caicos Islands to shopping for antique carpets in Istanbul and yet my mother-in-law has lived more than 75 years without ever visiting New York City. To celebrate her birthday I thought it was high time I take her to the Big Apple. We flew in on a Sunday afternoon to avoid the heavy weekday traffic and settled into our room at the iconic Park Lane Hotel. I wanted her to experience the luxuries of Midtown Manhattan without breaking the bank. Once the grand Hemsley Hotel, Park Lane is beginning to show its age, but the rooms are large and I was able to book us on the 25th floor overlooking Central Park at half the price of The Plaza next door. My favorite book growing up was Eloise at The Plaza. I figured if we can’t afford to stay there, we can at least walk over for breakfast; which is exactly what we did the next morning. The hotel’s elegant Palm Court is always a buzz with famous faces. The Plaza also has the most adorable all pink Eloise boutique as well as an underground oasis of gourmet counter-style dining options called the Todd English Food Hall. We spent our first full day fantasy shopping 5th Avenue. We had fun trying on rings at Tiffany & Co worth a quarter of a million dollars and drooling over the new Gucci spring handbags before grabbing lunch at the fashionable 7th floor café inside Bergdorf Goodman. We later enjoyed a makeover at Bloomingdales and then walked to the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, peeked inside Radio City Music Hall and lit a candle in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I’d say it was a good first day showing off the city.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // APRIL/MAY 2020

On our way to dinner we stopped for cocktails at the Baccarat Hotel. Tucked away at the end of their Grand Salon is a 1920’s Paris style lounge with a black and white checkered floor and a barrel vaulted ceiling with three Baccarat crystal chandeliers that took our breath away. The largest chandelier, worth an estimated $1 million, features rare red crystals that match the color of the walls and hangs over a 60 foot long bar. From there we went to the famous Polo Bar Restaurant, with its posh hunting lodge décor and equestrian motifs. The Ralph Lauren owned establishment is quintessentially New York and was packed with beautiful people. We were escorted downstairs in an elevator and seated at a cozy corner booth with buckskin leather banquettes where we dined on a wonderful rib-eye steak from the Lauren’s Colorado cattle ranch. The next day started with a cab ride to SOHO for a late breakfast at Balthazar, my favorite French brasserie outside of Paris. We both enjoyed a Bloody Mary and delicious Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon while mapping out the day. We spent time shopping some of the small boutiques and checking out the new Nest Fragrance store before making our way over to the Flatiron District to peruse all six floors of ABC Carpet and Home. I’m always inspired by their innovative interior design, rugs and furnishings. Across the street is Fishs Eddy, another favorite store full of whimsical dishes, kitchenware and gifts. A friend told me about a lovely little French bakery called Maman where we stopped in for cappuccino and shared a delicious almond croissant before heading back to the hotel to dress for dinner. Later we met up with some friends at Freemans, a quaint American style tavern that literally sits at the end of an alley on the lower east side in the Bowery.

Our last day came too soon with so much of the Big Apple left to bite into and just not enough time. I thought to myself, “We didn’t walk the High Line, eat a pastrami sandwich at Katz, tour the Statue of Liberty or climb the Empire State Building. We didn’t visit the 911 Memorial or even see the new Vessel sculpture at Hudson Yards.” I did however take her to see a musical. I think walking through the lights of Times Square and seeing a hit show on Broadway was actually her favorite part of the trip. After breakfast at the famous Sarabeth’s we took our last morning stroll through Central Park before heading to the airport, knowing we had many reasons to return.

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

Cindy Burch

Wise and Compassionate Counsel.

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