February March 2020
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
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TOUGH ON CRIME NOT YOUR TAX DOLLARS
Contents FEBRUARY-MARCH 2020 |
volume 16
|
issue 1
26
22 LIFE + STYLE VOTING • 11 Your Vote Matters by Todd Little Q&A • 13 With Cindy + Paula
TRAVEL • 26 Skiing Vermont: Where Skiing Still has its Soul
AROUND TOWN • 14 Events in Ellis County
REVIEW • 28 Love Your Ride
FASHION • 16 Accessories we Love Featuring Klutch Handbags & Copper Rose BEAUTY • 22 Journey to Nourished Skin by True Reflection Skin Professionals
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RECIPES • 24 Love is Sweet - With Bittersweet Bakery
HOME + GARDEN COURTNEY WARREN • 30 Finding the Perfect Fit
34 FEATURE ECMG LAWN & GARDEN SHOW • 38 Garden Show Details & About the Master Gardeners PROJECTS • 44 ECMG Beyond the Expo OKRA • 46 Okra, the Beautiful Workhorse in the Landscape HERBS • 48 Using Herbs in the Landscape
* * N E W CO LU M N I S T * *
REVIVAL LIVING • 34 The Beauty of Balance
LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
FEB/MARCH TIPS • 50 Planting/Growing Guide for the Season
MEDICAL DR. GORMAN • 54 5 Steps that Can Help You Prevent Breast Cancer LA FIN CINDY BURCH • 56 Baja Bliss
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YOUR VOTE MATTERS BY ELLIS COUNTY JUDGE TODD LITTLE
Photo By: Alizada Studios / Shutterstock.com
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it was built. When we look outside we don’t see the same County that people were seeing 50 years ago. As a third-generation Ellis County resident, I have seen the first-hand impacts of economic development, capital improvements, and expanding demographics over the years. My family farm went from 800 acres to 1. The potential that has always been here is beginning to boom, and it’s crucial to understand the landscape we see today started at the ballot box. It was just over 100 years ago in 1919 that the State of Texas was the first southern state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment. In August of 1920, this amendment was approved, granting women the right to vote. Although our means of voting have changed, they continue to change for the betterment of all. Ellis County is now offering county-wide voting. This means that citizens no longer have to vote in a specific precinct but can choose a location based on convenience. There is an option to vote by mail and even curbside voting where a ballot can be brought to your vehicle. Technological advances continue to contribute to establishing one of the strongest voting networks ever. These opportunities have not always been at the forefront of our county, however, our voting rights should always be the cornerstone on
which we build our principle and practice. We live in the Netflix era, with hundreds of options available to watch and each week we can get bored and move onto the next best thing. In this era of convenience and abundance, we can easily forget that the right to vote and benefit of casting a ballot has not always been so available. When voting, we should always reflect on the sense of gratitude that is easily forgotten since not everyone globally has this right. During my teenage years, I was paid minimum wage to run back and forth picking up ballots from precinct vehicles and taking them to the elections office. This first-hand experience pushed me to assist in campaigns at the collegiate level during my time at Baylor University. After college, I came back to work alongside my father in the family business. I found involvement in elections through campaigns of local officials, Justices of the Peace, and Congressmen. I admired local politics as public servants are a part of the body in which they serve. The focus of the majority tends to navigate towards the top at the federal level, however, the pyramid is always thicker at the bottom. As local public servants, you see us at the grocery store, you see us at church on Sundays, and sometimes we might even be neighbors. Day to day we are directly in contact with our constituents and accountable to our community.
Again, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It was built by and comprised of the people in which it served. Ellis County is growing, and even though the landscape may change the culture remains the same. The time is now! Be invested in your community. Your voice at the polls is essential to maintaining your values, your rights, and transparent government made up of the local community. What will local education be like in the years to come, what will your city look like? This is why voting is the most important obligation we have as citizens. It’s a right to be heard and a right not freely given in many nations worldwide. A vote regarding your representation, the local school board, the city, the county, are your impressions on community. What will your fingerprint be? See you at the polls.
ELLIS COUNTY JUDGE TODD LITTLE LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
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YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR ELLIS COUNTY LIFESTYLE, HOME AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2005
PUBLISHER CINDY CAMP publisher@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
MARKETING INTERN SHELBY CARROLL social@living-magazine.com
Living
ELLIS COUNTY
MAGAZINE
Cover photo by Adriana Herrera, Instagram: @foodforthabooty Dessert Charcuterie Design by Angel Schiffer of Bittersweet Bakery
Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by ECL Media, Inc.© using only environmentally-friendly ink.
Staff photos by Rebecca Chesney Photo & Film
Copyright 2020, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved.
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.
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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 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, Midlothian and Red Oak Chambers of Commerce.
Follow us on Instagram: @EllisCountyLiving facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/ECLivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving
Q&A with cindy + paula
Getting to know Powerful Women in Ellis County
We ladies live and breathe Ellis County Living Magazine and Media, it’s our baby. Together we have created a powerhouse. Our goal is to promote and expand business across Ellis County and beyond.
The inspiration we see in each other is what began our idea of 2020 Women of Influence. We are beyond excited to share a new face that will be our Powerful Woman of Influence every issue. To kickoff 2020 Women of Influence, we wanted you to learn more about us with a little Q&A. WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF OUR JOB: CINDY - “Mentoring the staff to learn all they can in their field.” PAULA - “Having a vehicle of creativity as well as a successful business model.” WHICH LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES WE USE: CINDY - “Be calm, listen, and motivate for greatness!” PAULA - “Understanding that humans need to feel validated, so to allow free expression of their viewpoint is valuable to all.” HOW WE HAVE OVERCOME CHALLENGES WHEN STARTING OUR POSITIONS: CINDY - “Persevere.” PAULA - “Listening more than talking and kept an attitude of being coachable.” Enjoy our February/March 2020 Issue. It’s fresh and bold, plus see more stories on our website. Let us know your thoughts on our social meida too.
LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
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ELLIS COUNTY AROUND TOWN
SO MUCH IS HAPPENING RIGHT HERE WHERE WE WORK, PLAY AND LIVE
FEBRUARY WAXAHACHIE JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 1 Last Call: The Ultimate Boutique Sale Waxahachie Civic Center For more information: 972-923-4433 FEBRUARY 1-29 Downtown Dine Around The entire month of February at participating restaurants in downtown Waxahachie For more information: www.downtownwaxahachie.com FEBRUARY 6; 6 PM - 9 PM Daddy Daughter Dance Waxahachie Civic Center FEBRUARY 8 Jazz Café 2019 Waxahachie Civic Center
ENNIS
FEBRUARY 27 Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet Waxahachie Civic Center For tickets and information: 972-937-2390 FEBRUARY 28; NOON Brown Bag & History at Ellis County Museum Ellis County Museum For more information: 972-937-0681 FEBRUARY 29; 10 AM - 5 PM Last Saturday Boutique Bingo Stroll Participating Downtown Merchants FEBRUARY 29; 7 PM Waxahachie Symphony Association – Hermitage Piano Trio SAGU Hagee Communication Center Performance Hall, 1200 Sycamore www.waxahachiesymphony.org LATE FEBRUARY-MID APRIL Tulip Festival Poston Gardens
FEB 8; 12PM - 11PM Ennis Czech Music Festival Sokol Hall www.facebook.com/events/ 580608589373336/
FEB 22ND 12 PM - 10:30PM Patriot Party Downtown Ennis Live music, vendors, real life helicopter and tank for families to experience Benefits Helicopters for Heroes (more details on page 29)
Mardi Gras Party 2020
FEBRUARY 13; 5 PM - 8 PM Ladies Night Out Every Month in Downtown Waxahachie with Participating Merchants FEBRUARY 21-23 Encore Performing Arts Waxahachie Civic Center FEBRUARY 21 & 22 Downtown Waxahachie Mardi Gras Pub Crawl, Parade & Celebration Downtown Waxahachie
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BEADS, BEADS & MORE BEADS...
Add a Friday night pub crawl, a parade, a sip n stroll, a DJ & live Zydeco music & you've got the PERFECT Mardi Gras Party 2020.
COUNTY-WIDE CHAMBER EVENT
MARCH WAXAHACHIE MARCH 7-8 Waxahachie Gun & Knife Show Waxahachie Civic Center MARCH 12; 5 PM - 8 PM Ladies Night Out Every Month in Downtown Waxahachie with Participating Merchants MARCH 20-21; FRIDAY AT 7 PM – SATURDAY AT 2 PM Waxahachie Old Fashioned Singing Chautauqua Auditorium For more information: www.WaxaOFS.com MARCH 20-22 Ink Masters Tattoo Convention Waxahachie Civic Center MARCH 26 10th Annual Share the Love Gala Benefiting CASA of Ellis County www.casasofelliscounty.org
MARCH 27-28; FRIDAY AT 7 PM – SATURDAY AT 2 PM Waxahachie Old Fashioned Singing Chautauqua Auditorium For more information: www.WaxaOFS.com MARCH 27 - APRIL 4 Ellis County Livestock Show & Rodeo Presented by Ellis County Youth Expo Ellis County Expo Center For more information: www.elliscountyyouthexpo.com
March 14; 10am - 3 pm The four Ellis County chambers of commerce (Ennis, Midlothian, Red Oak and Waxahachie) have joined forces to create a new vendor show. The event will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Ellis County Expo Center. It will feature approximately 200 vendors, live entertainment, a kid’s zone, food trucks and more. Planning for the new event started in September at a meeting of the Chamber executives. TICKETS : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ellis-county-market-tickets-71263979481
MARCH 28 Spring Lawn & Garden Expo Waxahachie Civic Center 2000 Civic Center Lane, Waxahachie Over 100 exhibits, speakers, demonstrations For more information: 972-825-5175 or www.ecmga.com
Denim & Diamonds Benefit Concert & Auction clock
(more details on page 38)
MARCH 28; 10 AM - 5 PM Last Saturday Boutique Bingo Stroll Participating Downtown Merchants
FEBRUARY 7; 7 PM - 9:15 PM Friends of FirstLook 25th Anniversary Celebration Waxahachie Civic Center Envision 2020 is the future potential and promise for the people of Ellis County when our mission of “leading Ellis County to embrace Life by promoting best sexual health practices and providing family support in the name of Jesus Christ” is successfully lived out each day. Where could we be in 25 more years? The possibilities are endless, but we can’t do it without you. Contact Lisa Bittle at 469.778.7480 or visit https://friendsoffirstlook.org
MIDLOTHIAN
MARCH 27; NOON Brown Bag & History at Ellis County Museum Ellis County Museum For more information: 972-937-0681
Thursday, March 5; 6 PM – 10:30 PM The Midlothian Education Foundation is excited to bring you the 2nd annual Denim & Diamonds Benefit Concert & Auction. Join us on March 5, 2020 at Bella Woods Wedding and Event venue for an acoustic duo featuring featuring Jason Boland and his fiddle player. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for food trucks, adult beverages, and an auction showcasing big ticket items from our own community. This will be a great night of fun for you and your friends while benefiting the students and teachers of Midlothian. TICKETS : Avaible at www.eventbrite.com This event is 21+ LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
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accessories we love KLUTCH handbags A line inspired by the savvy modern woman with a lust for life. The Klutch brand is for those with a sensible yet chic sense of style who understand the importance of finding the perfect transitional accessory.
Our Vagabond Macrame Crossbody in white or sand is a must-have for spring/summer! Jokingly dubbed “the trend that millennials revived from the dead,” the Macrame movement doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Retail $44 FIND THIS BAG AND MORE AT WWW.KLUTCHHANDBAGS.COM OR SHOP LOCAL AT THE DOVES NEST IN WAXAHACHIE, TX
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We’re Turning 16!
LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // WINTER 2019
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HOW TO
pick the perfect
H AT Hats are such a staple to fashion and will be the perfect finishing touch to your outfit this season! Our go-to is the Charlie One Horse when you’re looking for a hat with personality. The colors, unique bands, and signature brand are just a few fun qualities of the brand! The Chief Hat ($229), pictured in burgundy and bone, is a sturdy topper available in sizes small through large. This classic piece offers unlimited outfit options in a style you can dress up or down, or wear every day. The Highway Hat ($62), coming soon, is our most popular style that has sold out several times over! This style is an easy way to add that perfect touch to any outfit. For a more delicate outfit, consider the floppy style Dreamer hat (tan, pictured) and Explorer hat (brown, pictured). Both are $27 and a no-brainer when it comes to adding that perfect third piece to your outfit! FIND THESE HATS AND MORE AT WWW.COPPERROSE.SHOP OR SHOP LOCAL AT THEIR STOREFRONT IN WAXAHACHIE, TX
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Fresh Spring FINDS
Celebrate the new season! Here are some fun finds that bring spring vibes your way!
Mosaic Madness Explore your creative side by making mosaic art - using broken bits & pieces of glass and tiles to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Fun for all ages and skill levels. Walk-ins are welcome. 972.937.5797 211 South College St. | Waxahachie
www.mosaicmadness.net Find us on Facebook & Instagram
20% OFF A MOSAIC PROJECT WITH THIS AD!
Pinrose Looking for a new perfume for your spring break travels? Look no further! Pinrose’s Good Intensions Kit offers a variety of beautiful scents to fit your every mood!
www.pinrose.com
Copper Rose Boutique Carrying the latest fashion trends with locations in Waxahachie and Forreston, Copper Rose is a boutique that also offers farmhouse chic decor & giftable items! Check out our custom zip code pillow cases! ($39 each) 214.463.5599 Waxahachie • Forreston
www.copperrose.shop Find us on Facebook & Instagram @copperroseshop
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Tata Harper Skincare Natural luxury skincare that will nourish your tired winter skin, prep it for spring and leave your face feeling refreshed! Tata Harper’s Trial + Travel set is an excellect collection of their daily essentials to take on-the-go or try out as a new skincare routine.
www.tataharperskincare.com
Announcing Our Grand Opening! Caves Jewelry is now open in Midlothian! We are a family owned & operated jewelry store that offers a wide variety of services from custom jewelry design to jewelry repair. We have an in-house jeweler with over 30 years of experience and a new, fully functional repair shop. Our owner, Jerry Caves, is a GIA certified gemologist with 35 years experience. Our new location features a brand new custom design studio, new jewelry lines, and an improved customer-centered experience. Come meet our friendly staff and the Caves family! Also join us at our Grand Opening event February 8th!
Upcoming Events:
Now Open in Midlothian
• GRAND OPENING Feb 8th, 1-4 pm drawings for prizes, food & drink
PRIZES INCLUDE: $25 GIFT CARD, $50 GIFT CARD, AND A PIECE OF JEWELRY FROM OUR NEW TRACY ARRINGTON STUDIOS COLLECTION.
• SAVINGS FROM THE HEART Starting Feb 1st through Valentine’s Day Customers pop a balloon with a prize inside that saves 25-50% off their purchase!
1020 E. Main St. | Midlothian, TX 76065 (972) 230-0950 | www.CavesJewelryInc.com
JOURNEY TO
Nourished
Skin
STORY BY NICOLE ALMAGUER, OWNER TRUE RELCTIONS PHOTOS BY SARAH KENNEDY & NICOLE ALMAGUER At True Reflection-Skin Professionals, our mission is to welcome you into another world. We cater to you in every way we can, from the luxury robes, to the way we treat you, to the freshly infused water, and the holistic products used on the skin. We make sure every detail is all about you and healing your skin! God is our foundation, so we pray with every client we see. It’s a private prayer that you may not know about, but you will feel it! We use CBD Infusions and CBD infused products mixed with ingredients specifically for skin needs. We remove all your dead and dull skin to build up your skin’s natural barrier. All facials are customized for your skin type. Let me give you a little background about CBD. We have an Endocannabinoid cell system in our body that’s actually stimulated by CBD; therefore, our body works well with this oil and promotes homeostasis which reduces inflammation. CBD is a component found in the Hemp plant that has a wide variety benefits. The reason CBD is beneficial to our skin is because it attacks damaged skin cells and heals the affected areas. Acne, dryness, psoriasis, aging, eczema, etc. are all calmed down and healed by the techniques we use to infuse the CBD into the skin. We truly care about your personal concerns and want to show you how we realistically can get you the results you desire. We want people of all ages to know we care about you and welcome you to our haven.
Love,
Nicole
CHECK US OUT Instagram: @truskinpros www.trueskinpros.com
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is sweet
BY ANGEL SCHIFFER, OWNER BITTERSWEET BAKERY PHOTOS BY ANGEL SCHIFFER & ADRIANA HERRERA
Desserts can be the sweetest gift. Whether you are searching for the perfect hostess gift or something for your friend that seems to have everything she needs. It’s hard to say no to perfectly baked treats in adorable pink bakery boxes sealed with a gold sticker. Gooey chocolate chip cookies, the fudgiest brownies, and impeccably balanced cupcakes await for you at Bittersweet Bakery. Do you need a creative centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day party?
Try a sweet charcuterie board! TIPS AND TRICKS Texture is key when creating the perfect Valentine’s Day charcuterie board. Start with a natural piece of wood, or a slice of marble for a neutral classy base. As an artistic rule odd numbers are the most aesthetically pleasing, I like to anchor my board with my most favorite element in three sections. Whether that be stacks of cookies or brownies I try to go with the crowd favorites for this. Mini cupcakes are easily the best desserts for a crowd As they are extremely versatile. This is where you can bring an elegant gold touches and your color scheme throughout your design.
Fresh florals and piles of fruit bring brightness and life to the board. Elevate your traditional chocolate covered strawberries with 24 karat gold leafing.
CAKE CLASS
date night
Just like any good grazing board you need something funky. We chose glitter dipped fortune cookies and pocky sticks. In lieu of crackers as your finishing touch, any Valentine’s Day charcuterie would not be complete without the quintessential conversation hearts candies. This fills in any open gaps and brings your board together.
Check out our Valentines Day holiday shop at: www.bittersweet-bakery.com/shop
Looking for a unique date night idea? Try your hand at decorating like a pro in one of our hands on cake decorating classes. During the class you learn techniques such as how to properly build a layered cake, create popular finishes, and how to style your cake with embellishments and seasonal decor. The best part? Once the class is complete you will leave with your own 6 inch round cake. REGISTER ONLINE AT: WWW.BITTERSWEET-BAKERY.COM/CLASSES COST: $85-$125 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
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Skiing Vermont: Where Skiing Still has its Soul STORY BY SHELBY CARROLL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAGIC MOUNTAIN SKI AREA Experienced travelers of all ages have embraced the all too familiar feeling of tourist hotspots across the United States defined by crowds, noise, and chaotic conditions. In an age of tourist traps, Magic Mountain Ski Area in Londonderry, Vermont offers a unique experience that is characterized by authenticism, leisure, and strong ties to community and tradition. We had the opportunity to speak with Magic Mountain’s President, Geoff Hatheway.
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Hatheway describes Magic Mountain as a “throwback resort”. The spotlight is on skiing, without the extravagant add ons and distractions that many resorts possess. Travelers can explore the unique wonders of the mountain without getting trapped in excessive spending and diversions. Hatheway said, “We really focus on the sport of skiing. When you come here, you’re really on the ski area itself … It’s definitely a road less traveled and a place where people get in touch with the soul and spirit of skiing.”
LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM //FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
Magic Mountain offers a one-of-a-kind experience through its slopes. It has more glades and natural slopes than many ski resorts. This includes 50 trails, 205 skiable acres, and a 1,500 foot vertical drop. This is just one of the reasons that Magic Mountain was voted The Top Overall Ski Area in North America in 2017 by Liftopia, the largest online sales platform for ski resorts. “Magic is different than the other more commercial ski resorts. The challenging terrain is more fun and exciting, but the environment is friendly and comfortable,” said twenty-year Magic Mountain enthusiast Mark Haight. The ski area is regarded by avid skiers as a place to seek new adventures, push past comfort zones, and tackle daunting mountain slopes. However, Magic Mountain is not just for experienced skiiers. With 26 easy and intermediate trails and ski lessons for both adults and children, Magic has the perfect option for everyone. To Hatheway, the most rewarding part of his job is “seeing happy skiers and riders coming down the hill.” This is just part of what a typical day at Magic Mountain looks like. He described the day as getting up early, riding the red chair (ski lift), skiing incredible terrain down the mountain, and gathering at Black Line Tavern for music, food, and fellowship at the end of the day. These moments never grow old to Hatheway, who has been skiing Magic’s slopes since 1999, before becoming president in 2016. He said, “Some of my best friends that I would have never met anywhere else come from Magic.” It is a place to build friendships, foster them over the years, and revisit all of the memories they create. The heart of Magic Mountain lies in its slogan: “Where skiing still has its soul”. This year, choose to forgo the same tired and packed vacation locations. Instead, delve into all of the enriching features that encompass Magic Mountain Ski Area. Just like it did for Geoff Hatheway, there’s a good chance it will become your “home away from home.”
LEARN MORE AT WWW.MAGICMTN.COM
LOVE THE RIDE BY ALAN GELL, AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALIST
A gift that your Valentine will definitely love - An all new, compact Nissan Sentra sedan Are you always looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and be remembered? Did you lack somewhat in the Christmas gift for your special someone? An easy solution that will remedy both of these situations is gifting an allnew Nissan Sentra. Get it in white and wrap a big red bow around it or just pick the unique color that will impress and delight. The Nissan Sentra has been around for several years, actually 37 years, and while many auto manufacturers are abandoning sedans and flooding the market with small-sized SUV’s, Nissan has chosen to improve and enhance their sedan line-up. The compact Sentra for 2020 is a wonderful example and has been introduced with an all-new exterior design, more refined enhancements on the inside, and simply is a small-sized sedan that has sex appeal. It is not a sports car, but is a sedan that is attractive and makes you feel good when you are driving it. Nissan held a media event in Florida for a number of journalists which included me. We spent several days and a lot of ‘seat-time’ driving around the Miami area, following the coastline, crossing those short bridges that join the Florida Key islands, and a lot more. This compact Sentra sedan is so quiet that we purposefully tried to whisper back and forth just to see if it was that quiet. It was. This new 2020 Nissan Sentra is the eighth generation of the sedan. Surprisingly, the Sentra
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is Nissan’s best-selling nameplate of vehicles in the U.S. Surveys show that the number one reason that consumers buy a sedan is for “personal space” followed closely by style, craftsmanship, and an emotional driving experience. Taking the Sentra on the roads and bridges in South Florida was a simple and fun drive. Emotional? Sure, mostly because the driving was so smooth and easy. For this 8th generation model, the Sentra engineers improved the overall proportions, dropping it 2 inches closer to the ground for more driving stability, and stretching it 2 inches wider to give more seating space. The seats are noticeably comfortable. Inside, there is a refined sophistication of sorts. The materials and craftsmanship may not be luxury, but are definitely premium in nature. The cabin is spacious. The steering wheel is not fully round but is D-shaped with a flat bottom to provide easier handling. The Sentra comes standard with heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Those certainly help to comfort your Valentine during cold weather. There are three trim levels available, all with automatic transmission. The middle choice is the SV Premium that offers quilted leather seats, an 8-inch color display, heated exterior mirrors, and even a sliding glass moon-roof. Pricing for a base model Sentra is slightly under $20k. The bottom sticker price on the SV Premium, including delivery charges, only comes to $23,860.
BOTTOM LINE: So much more can be said about how easy it is to fall in love with this Sentra sedan. The outside looks great, the inside is comforting, and the ride is smooth, agile, and exciting. The pricing is amazing for all that is offered. So, pick a starry night, open that moonroof, find a great place to ‘gaze’, and enjoy that your Valentine loves your choice of gifts.
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Finding the
PERFECT Fit STORY & PHOTOS BY COURTNEY WARREN
Do you ever wonder what your childhood would have been like if you had grown up with a cell phone in your hand? My birthday this year announced to the world that I don’t fall into either Gen Y or Z. The side ponytail is another clue. Nope, instead, I grew up using one of those enormous camcorders you had to rest on your shoulder. Remember those? The kind that filmed on big video tapes you played back on a VCR? (The Millennials are scratching their heads.) But I was connected to that apparatus like my 13-year old is now connected to Youtube. Because with it, I created my own TV network where I was the star, anchor, talk show host, and commercial pitch man. Today they’d say I was “creating content” and a stage mom would submit me to be the next internet sensation. But back then, when my middle school friends and I acted out commercials that looked more like blooper reels, we just had a million laughs doing it. Those silly times are some of my fondest memories. Being on camera has always been in my blood. It might be because, when I was a kid, my dad wrote a bestselling memoir which
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led him to guest spots on talk shows like Oprah (when she had big hair) and Donahue (remember him)? More than that, though, I think it’s because I have always been able to relate to people and make them laugh, and I feel at home when I can connect with folks in a way that reaches them. But when I got the first call from a national TV network asking to make a show about me and my interior design work, I actually was so shocked I had to sit down right where I was. My legs felt like Jello. (This was a tad awkward as I happened to be in the Waxahachie city hall at the time and suddenly I’m just sitting on the floor outside an office, huddled by the water fountain.) I really couldn’t begin to process that this dream of mine might really have a long shot of coming true. I was thrilled to have a chance to walk through the door to my lifelong dream (right after I got up off the floor)!
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However, I quickly learned that creating a TV show is a very long game, and is a combination of 1) being in the right place at the right time and 2) a lot of factors completely out of my control. So over the next three years I was contacted and interviewed for numerous opportunities. I was even chosen to host a show on a major home network! I thought, “This is it—the dream has arrived!” But, like times before, network needs and budgets quickly changed and the dream stalled out. I was disappointed but undeterred. I knew that people are fascinated with the behindthe-scenes of the interior decorating world, and I was excited to show them how I turn normal design on its head with my unique, client-centered design philosophy.
I am thrilled to tell you that MY NEW YOUTUBE SHOW launches on Feb. 14! What will you see when you tune in? For starters I’ll be documenting the building of our new house in Ellis County (what a ride THAT’s been! Can’t wait to share!) AND, you’ll get to see up close the day-to-day, behindthe-scenes stuff of working with design clients all over the Dallas Metroplex! I am also accepting submissions from families that need a refresh or makeover, so if you are interested in submitting your home for consideration in this new series, please email hello@courtneywarren. com with the subject “Youtube Makeover”. I specialize in helping you love your home!
To say this is new endeavor is exciting would be the understatement of the “Most designers--including me--have a decade. I won’t say it’s completely new trademark style, but I am passionate about territory for me (remember, I’ve been at learning my client’s style and helping them this since at least age 13 wink, wink) but it create their dream space. As a result, my is certainly a new take on my lifelong love style repertoire is as varied as my client list.” of “Ready, camera, ACTION!” And I’m counting on your support! What I have realized is that I don’t need a national network to share my love of creating beautiful spaces! Just like my favorite 13-year old, I have a cell phone and internet service, and so now I am making my own dream come true.
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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.
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“
Happy February! We’re Waxahachie natives, Emily Barnard Myers and Stacie Caffey of Revival Living Interiors and we’re delighted to be joining you to talk about interior design! Since love is in the air, we thought we’d share with you not just what we love, but what we think is one of the key ingredients of love balance!
”
THE BEAUTY OF B a l a n c e STORY & PHOTOS BY REVIVAL LIVING INTERIORS
Just a little about us - we adore what we do! We started out as friends who liked design and one thing led to another and now we run a successful remodel and design business! We’re deeply grateful for all the people who have invited us into their homes and offices and trusted us in designing their spaces. It might be easy to assume that two friends who have so much in common are identical, that we like the same things, that we agree on everything and have the same strengths, but not at all! Emily has a way with words and Stacie is the meticulous numbers boss. Emily’s discernment sees all the issues to be considered and Stacie’s boldness embraces a new challenge. We know that what each of us brings to the table is important in balancing our team.
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In design, balance means harmony. It doesn’t mean matching. We all know it’s easy to throw together a room that matches. Leather couch, leather chair, leather ottoman - it might all match, but it doesn’t feel good, right? It just isn’t what it COULD be. It’s missing out on what makes life beautiful. It’s missing richness. It’s missing texture. It’s missing depth. So, how do we create that richness? Part of that richness lies in playing with symmetry and asymmetry. Our brains gravitate toward symmetry. Symmetry is familiar. When we bring symmetry into a room, we know it will instill a sense of calm. Our brains will find it soothing - even if you couldn’t put your finger on exactly what elicited that sense of peace.
1. REVIVAL RECOMMENDS: MIRROR, NOT MATCH
When we first saw this lovely room, with its sky high ceilings and vast windows, it was in chaos. It wasn’t the chaos of clutter, but the chaos of balance and scale. The homeowner had a few key pieces she wanted to use, but otherwise the sheer size of the room was overwhelming. Anything diminutive simply got swallowed up. This room demanded a boldness in scale. We began to build our design employing a mirroring design, seen here in the twin couches facing each other and the pair of lovely chandeliers. We brought balance not just to the floors and walls, but the ceiling as well. The result was a cozy, sophisticated elegance.
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2. REVIVAL RECOMMENDS: CLEAN LINES, CLEAN MIND
On a smaller scale, we love the calm, cool sophistication of this bedroom. You can’t help but take a deep breath and relax as you enter in. The calm isn’t just the hues of white, grey and black. The two wall sconces speak a subtle balance, but the real showstopper is the bed frame. It is deceptively simple but makes a clean and bold statement. The spare lines of the frame are a celebration of symmetry. There’s no fuss, no anxiety allowed into this space. This room says we are calm, we will rest. Of course, a totally symmetrical world would be flat and boring! We love to play with touches of asymmetry. Asymmetry can draw attention to a special piece; it can bring cohesiveness; it can lift the heaviness of a design.
3. REVIVAL RECOMMENDS: THE POWER OF ONE
This wonderful buffet was an heirloom piece a client wanted to celebrate. We knew that it would be easy for a piece like this to trap a client into feeling like everything surrounding the buffet also had to be old - a variation on matching - that would obscure the beauty of the buffet and make the space feel antiquated. By incorporating asymmetry, with the offset mirrors and the single floral, we could bypass the pull to make it a dusty museum piece. The asymmetry of the design brings the buffet into a modern conversation and allows it to be seen for its enduring beauty, not just its sentimental value.
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 their 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. Here’s to a February filled with balance - in life and in design! We’ve got many design ideas we can’t wait to share with you.
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Ellis County Master Gardener’s Expo EDIBLE LANDSCAPING MARCH 28 | 9 A.M.-5 P.M. WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER 2000 CIVIC CENTER LANE
KEY NOTE SPEAKER DANIEL CUNNINGHAM | 10 A.M. “FOODSCAPING”
ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS
JAY WHITE, TEXAS GARDENER MAGAZINE | 12:30
and
“Foodscaping” PRESENTED BY HORTICULTURALIST DANIEL CUNNINGHAM, TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE WATER UNIVERSITY Edible landscapes are one of the hottest trends in garden design! Utilizing areas in your landscape to grow edibles is a great way to add food to your table and reduce your grocery bill. This program teaches you the most apPEELing ways to incorporate edible plants into your home garden and landscape by taking advantage of their ornamental value. You will learn how herbs, fruits and vegetables can add to the colors and textures of your permanent landscape combining both aesthetics and functionality. Why mow it when you can grow it?!
HEATHER RINALDI, TEXAS WORM RANCH | 2:30
OVER 100 EXHIBIT BOOTHS PLANT SALES • ASK THE EXPERTS CHILDRENS WORKSHOPS DOOR PRIZES EXPO TICKET INFO COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM EXPO SPONSORS BEGINNING MARCH 1ST TICKETS ARE $5 AT THE DOOR & CHILDREN UNDER 12 ARE FREE! SPONSORS LIVING MAGAZINE, WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT, EARTHTONES GREENERY, KBEC 1390 RADIO, THE GREENERY, WALMART MIDLOTHIAN, WAXAHACHIE SUN CIRCLE H CONTRACTORS, RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN, NOW MAGAZINE ARK COUNTRY STORE, BOYCE FEED & GRAIN, HEB WAXAHACHIE AMERGRAFIX, CROSS COUNTRY PEST CONTROL TEXAS GARDENER MAGAZINE, CYCLE TOWN SOUTH
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As a horticulturist with Texas A&M AgriLife’s Water University program, Daniel provides professionals and the public with the most current research-based information on resource efficient and water-conserving landscape management. Focused on a holistic approach, Cunningham specializes in native plants, edible landscaping, rainwater harvesting and utilizing landscapes as habitat for beneficial wildlife. Keep up with Daniel by following his @TXPlantGuy social media pages, by catching his latest segments on NBC channel 5, articles in the Dallas Morning News and Edible DFW or listen in on 95.3 “The Range” for tips on how to get the most out of your lawn, landscape, or vegetable garden. AFTER DANIEL’S PROGRAM YOU WILL HAVE TIME TO SHOP THE MASTER GARDENER’S PLANT SALE WHERE MANY OF THE PLANTS COVERED WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE.
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
Speakers
PRESENTED BY ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS The Ellis County Master Gardeners will share their expertise with you at Expo this year in the form of Presentations
Heather Rinaldi, Texas Worm Ranch 2:30 p.m. Restore, Regenerate and Re-native your soil, plants and property
Jay White, Texas Gardener Magazine 12:30 p.m. Bluebonnets: The Gateway to Native Plants Jay White is the owner and publisher of Texas Gardener magazine. He is an avid gardener who grows vegetables, herbs, native and improved flowers, flowering shrubs, fruit trees and native hardwoods on his two acre Brenham property. He is a huge supporter of local farmers who are growing ecologically responsible flowers for the cut flower market and the favorite things in his gardens are the heirloom and pass along plants that have been shared with him by the incredible gardeners he has been blessed to know.
Jay loves sharing the stories of the plants and the people that make Texans the greatest group of garden enthusiasts on the planet. While Jay is a hobby gardener, he has a B.S. and M.S. in Agriculture. His time in graduate school at Texas A&M helped him develop a passion for the science of horticulture which he loves sharing in his fast paced and entertaining lectures. Whether you love growing fresh sprouts that only take a few days or mighty trees that take a lifetime, Jay’s talks will give you the encouragement and knowledge you need to be highly successful in your Texas garden.
Heather Rinaldi is a lifelong gardener and environmental steward. Raised in the farm and ranch land of Oklahoma, she finished her degree in Health in 1993 at Oklahoma State University and had a professional career at Texas Instruments and Raytheon. Before starting her own business in 2008, Texas Worm Ranch, Heather had invested over 5 years in learning more about soil health to improve her own organic lawn and gardens. Her self-directed research in soil microbiology and ecosystem health led her to follow the teachings of Dr. Elaine Ingham, Allan Savory, Gabe Brown, and many other soil scientists, range land practicitoners, and regenerative agriculturists.
Heather has combined her agriculture background and health knowledge with her lifelong love of growing plants and observing the natural world. The mission of Texas Worm Ranch is to educate and empower healthy people, healthy community, and healthy planet through healthy soil. • BS Health, Oklahoma State University • Owner, Texas Worm Ranch, since 2008 • Life in the Soils Course Student with Dr. Elaine Ingham • Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Award, 2016 • Featured Book Interviews: Worm Farming Revolution, by Pauly Piccirillo, The Worm Farmer’s handbook, by Rhonda Sherman • Speaker Highlights: Mother Earth News Speaker, North Carolina State University, Vermiculture Conference Speaker
CONNECT WITH ECMGA TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE 701 SOUTH I-35E IN WAXAHACHIE 40 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM
// FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
TO SCHEDULE A SPEAKER FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION OR TO OBTAIN HORTICULTURAL INFORMATION, CALL THE MASTER GARDENER HELP DESK.
972-825-5175
E-MAIL: ELLIS.TX@TAMU.EDU WEB: WWW.ECMGA.COM
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The Children’s Workshop
AT THE EXPO
The Children’s Workshop Room has become a favorite area at the annual Ellis County Master Gardener Lawn & Garden Expo. Both children and adults enjoy the educational exhibits, hands-on activities, and lively atmosphere of the children’s workshop room. This year, we will have a special focus on edible landscaping. From seed to fork, there will be info and examples of how to grow your own veggies. To top it off, there will also be an exhibit of nature’s garbage disposal - worms! Worm composting is an excellent way to teach children about caring for the environment, so join us to learn more about what these creatures can do for your garden.
The Indian Trail Master Naturalists are always an important part of the children’s workshop room and working closely with the master gardeners will provide fun learning activities throughout the day. The workshop will be filled with activities for children and will also include a few takehome surprises. Thanks to Texas Tree Farms of Waxahachie, they will also go home with a young tree to plant. The Children’s Workshop Room is sure to be buzzing with activity, so please plan on joining us. ADULT MUST BE PRESENT WITH CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES
Parents and children are encouraged to bring their gardening questions to the numerous master gardener volunteers that will be available. Junior Master Gardener program volunteers will also be present to share information about the youth gardening program that supports hands-on learning experiences.
Ellis County Master Gardener College Scholarship 2020 In 2003, Ellis County Master Gardener Association (ECMGA) decided to make scholarships available to graduating high school seniors residing in Ellis County. We wanted to provide opportunities to these students that chose college studies in horticulture and/or life sciences disciplines. Since then, we have awarded 43 graduating high school students with college scholarships totaling $86,600. One of the objectives of the ECMGA is to build partnerships with the Ellis County community to expand horticultural education and opportunities. In keeping
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with this objective, the ECMGA will again make scholarship funds available in 2020 to deserving high school seniors pursuing studies in horticulture/life sciences related fields. To qualify, the applicant must be a 2020 graduating high school senior residing in Ellis County from an Ellis County High School, Ellis County Charter High School or Ellis County Home School Program. The applicant must have an elected academic major in a horticulture/life sciences - related field that includes, but is not limited to horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, forestry, botany, biology (e.g.:
plant genetics, plant physiology), landscape design or entomology. Other horticulture/ life sciences - related fields of studies are delineated in the scholarship application package available on the ECMGA website. Applicants must be able to provide proof of acceptance at an accredited institution of higher education. In addition, this year the ECMGA has decided to allow former ECMGA College Scholarship Awardees currently enrolled in horticulture programs/ life sciences degree plans to also apply for a ECMGA 2020 College Scholarship to continue their college/university studies.
ECMG
interested in joining us?
BEYOND THE EXPO BY: MAUREEN NITKOWSKI, 2020 ECMGA PRESIDENT
IS THE MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM FOR ME? Do you want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants? Are you eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
The Ellis County Master Gardeners gladly welcome you to our 2020 Lawn and Garden Expo in Waxahachie. You will find informative speakers, activities for children, really great plant choices for Ellis County and many ideas and sources to fill your gardening needs. Creating a successful Lawn and Garden Expo requires full participation by all of our Master Gardener members, but where are these members the rest of the year? The Master Gardener program is found throughout the United States and was developed to help disseminate researchbased horticultural information to the public. We are volunteers trained thru the land grant college in our state; for all of Texas, this is Texas A&M. ECMGA has chosen multiple ways to reach the gardening public with this information including our Lawn and Garden Expo. If you go to the Waxahachie Farmer’s Market you will find Master Gardeners in attendance to help you with gardening questions. We also have participated in the Red Oak Health Fair, Ferris Earth Day, Waxahachie Lighthouse for Learning, Midlothian Farmer’s Market, Ellis
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County Quilt Show and WISD STEAM day. Our members are active with the gardens at the Waxahachie Senior Center, the children’s garden at the Central Presbyterian Church and our own three teaching gardens: Ridgeview Gardens in Midlothian, Butterfly Garden along the walking trail in Waxahachie and Learning Garden in Getzendaner Park. Not everyone visits the places I have just described, so the Ellis County Master Gardeners offer information with our E-Garden Newsletter, Facebook page and the ECMGA website. We also have published a gardening manual specific to Ellis County which is available in print or as a flash drive for purchase. Our members are available to speak on a variety of subjects to garden clubs, churches, and civic organizations on request. Our contact information is 972-825-5175 which is the Ellis County Agrilife Office or our website which is WWW.ECMGA.COM. Please enjoy your time at Expo and meet us again for your gardening questions.
Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with people? Do you have enough time to attend training and complete volunteer service hour requirements? Do you have special interests that could benefit the community or an interest in developing one? (i.e. bird or butterfly knowledge, native gardens, wildflowers, etc.) Do you have a sincere interest in nature or gardening?
Join us!
OKRA,
A BEAUTIFUL WORKHORSE IN THE LANDSCAPE BY SUSAN KNAPP, 2018-19 ECMGA PRESIDENT When I think of growing okra, I think of my Dad’s vegetable garden years ago. If it didn’t get moisture from above, it did without. By the time the dog days of summer came around, everything was scorched except the okra. I remember picking a lot of okra on hot afternoons and then enjoying Momma’s golden fried okra later in the day. Okra was the humble workhorse in the garden. Then a few years ago, I attended a garden party in an exclusive area of Dallas. There in the middle of immaculate flower beds were stately stalks of okra with their beautiful yellow and white Hibiscus-like flowers complimenting the other perennials and roses. I gained a new appreciation for okra and my flower gardens have rarely been without it since that time. We live in the right place to grow okra! It’s very easy to grow, tastes good, is rich in Vitamin A, and even compliments the ornamental garden. If planted by the first week of August, you might even get a good Fall crop. It’s important to keep in mind that it takes at least 60 days for okra to mature and okra loves the hot weather. Okra is a member of the mallow family, botanical name Abelmoschus esculentus. As a relative of the Hibiscus, okra has a beautiful soft yellow or white bloom that will produce an okra pod in about four days after blooming. Be sure to harvest okra as soon as it is two to three inches long, while it is still tender, otherwise it will become too tough to use.
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VARIETIES My personal favorite varieties are Cowhorn (Southern Acclimated) and Burgundy (Southern Acclimated). I buy these from one of my favorite seed sellers – Brim Seed, who also happens to be one of our EXPO Vendors. The Burgundy is an especially beautiful edible landscape plant. Clemson Spineless and Emerald Velvet are two other recommended varieties. PLANTING Like all vegetables, okra needs to be planted in fertile soil that has been amended with compost. Okra is not as particular as some of the other vegetables that require heavy feeding, but it will do much better and produce better in fertile soil. A side dressing of 10-10-10- fertilizer, compost or manure is suggested when planting. I always plant okra by direct seeding rather than buy plants at the nursery. It’s much more cost effective and okra has a tap root that must remain intact when planting, If damaged the plant will not survive. When planting okra in the Spring be sure the soil has warmed to at least 65, but preferably 75 degrees. Okra loves the heat. Thin the plants and leave 1 to 2 feet between plants; with 3 to 4 feet between rows.
CARE Okra is easy to care for. Eliminate weeds when plants are young and mulch well. In spite of what my Dad did, okra needs an inch of water every 7 to 10 days. After the first harvest, pull the lower leaves from the plant and that will improve production. HARVEST Finally, about 60 days after planting you will be harvesting your first okra. Use a sharp knife and wear skin protection when harvesting. Cut just above the cap and when the pod is still young and tender. There are many ways to prepare okra.
MADE WITH LOVE • HANDLED WITH LOVE • DELIVERED WITH LOVE
JOIN US IN OUR
V E $ 1. 5 M IL L O L H IT W G IN B U IL D
WHO YOU’RE HELPING...
IO N
CAPITAL PROJECT
PHASE I • Complete!
PHASE II • Replicate the Distribution Facility in Ellis County using the sustainable model in Johnson County with the addition of office space for staff • Ensure the same level of quality and delivery throughout our service area
PHASE III • Build a modest office building for staff on the site of the Distribution Facility in Johnson County • Provide much-needed office space for staff
ELLIS COUNTY 1311 Ferris Ave Ste C Waxahachie, TX 75165 888.8MY.MEAL
JOHNSON COUNTY 106 E Kilpatrick St Cleburne, TX 76031 888.8MY.MEAL
SHOW YOUR LOVE & SUPPORT BY INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE...TODAY
NAVARRO COUNTY 108 S Beaton St Ste H Corsicana, TX 75110 888.8MY.MEAL
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THE FOOD YOU’RE PROVIDING...
Using Herbs in the Landscape BY ARLENE HAMILTON, ECMG AND MEMBER OF THE HERB SOCIETY OF AMERICA
Culinary herbs not only taste good and add flavor to foods but can also add color and interest to your garden and landscape design. Following are a few herbs that thrive in the Texas climate plus enhance the pleasure of your outdoor living space. Consider using herbs throughout your landscape and have the bonus of adding flavors in the kitchen! Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen perennial with a piney aroma and flavor. Upright rosemary makes a bold statement in the garden and needs plenty of room to expand as it can grow to be a four to five-foot shrub. It can also be planted as a hedge to conceal utility equipment or compost and work areas. There is also a creeping or prostrate variety that will trail down a wall or ledge. Both have pretty blue or pink flowers that begin to bloom in the fall and will add color to the winter landscape. Rosemary likes lots of sun but will tolerate some shade. Once established, additional watering is generally not needed. Be sure to take rosemary sprigs into the kitchen to add flavor to foods high in fat such as pork and lamb. Add it chopped to potatoes, rice, stuffing, stews and soups. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum and p. neapolitanum) is a biennial, meaning it has two growing seasons. The first is the plant’s green and flavorful time. This is the time to harvest the tender green leaves and use in salads, egg dishes, cream sauces, stews and soups. The curly (crispum) makes an attractive bright green border around a vegetable, herb or flower garden. The plants will grow to about twelve to 18 inches and do best if the leaves are harvested regularly. Flat leafed (Italian) parsley is the variety preferred by professional chefs. Parsley responds to seasonal changes
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so if grown in the spring and summer it will set seed in the fall. If you plant seedlings in the fall for a cool weather crop, they will set seeds in the spring responding to the change to warm weather. In Texas we tend to treat parsley as an annual and replant each season. Once the plant set seeds the leave’s flavor becomes bitter. Herb growers and wildlife enthusiasts allow the more mature plants to remain in the landscape as they are a host plant of the beautiful, black swallowtail butterflies. Chives, onion (Allium schoenoprasum) is a perennial that generally dies back in the winter after a hard freeze. The hollow green leaves have a delicate onion flavor. Add the chopped leaves to soups, salads, creamed based dips, omelets and baked potatoes. The pretty, blue spring flowers add zing to green salads and dips. Plant seedlings or seeds in early spring in full sun or part shade. Chives make a good border plant and are a companion plant for roses and tomatoes as a deterrent to black spot and mildew. Chives, garlic (Allium tuberosum) is a perennial used similarly to onion chives but has flat leaves and mild garlic flavor. Plants produce white flowers in early fall that attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. Be careful to harvest the seeds before they turn black and scatter. They will reproduce merrily if not controlled.
Thyme (Thymus spp.) varieties come as low growing, compact shrubs, about 12 inches round, and creeping varieties that grow flat as a ground cover. Thyme species come in many varieties and flavors so if you are planting for landscape appeal be sure to research for your space. Plant the shrub varieties along walkways and as border plants. Plant creeping around stepping stones and in between stones in a patio. The essential oils release a delightful scent when stepped on. Thyme reportedly benefits eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes when planted near by in the vegetable garden. In addition, gardeners recommend planting thyme to repel cabbageworms and whiteflies.
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Ellis County Master Gardenrs
Monthly Tips
BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSSOCIATION
FEBRUARY PLANTING • Cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and potatoes should be planted midmonth, or about 4 weeks prior to the average last freeze date (March 15 in Ellis County). Beets, carrots, lettuce, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard and “greens” (collard, mustard and turnip) should be planted 2 to 4 weeks prior to the average last freeze. • Plant asparagus crowns in 10-12 inches of soil. When buying crowns, look for 2-year old root systems with healthy roots. • When buying plants, biggest is not always best, especially with bare-root plants. Small to medium sizes establish faster. • Dig and divide warm-season perennials (cannas, coneflowers, perennial salvia, mums) before they break dormancy.
FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • Prune bush roses around Valentine’s Day. Prune old, dead and weak canes back to the ground. Leave 4 to 8 vigorous canes, removing one-half of their growth above an outward-facing bud. Wait to prune climbing or leaning roses until after they bloom. Prune errant canes any time to maintain shape. • Herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses may be cut back now. Prune autumn sage (Salvia gregii) by 50%. Mexican feather grass does not require pruning. • Dig and divide large clumps of ornamental grasses, especially if the center of the plant has died. • Cut or mow liriope before new growth emerges. Trim Asian jasmine back to 4 or 5 inches.
GARDEN WATCH • Begin controlling insects and diseases on fruit and nut trees. Spraying is essential for a successful harvest. Contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Ellis County for a copy of the “Homeowners Fruit and Nut Spray Schedule”. • Look for aphids and caterpillars on vegetables, and control with insecticidal soap and Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), respectively. • Check for scale insects adhering to the trunk, branches and leaves of hollies, euonymus, shade trees, fruit and pecan trees. Apply horticultural oil to control these and other over-wintering insects. • For the more difficult-to-control crape myrtle bark scale, apply a neonicotinoid insecticide, such as imidacloprid, as a soil drench to the root zone of infested trees.
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FEATURED PLANT: • CORAL HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera sempervirens) is also know as Evergreen Honeysuckle, Trumpet Honeysuckle or Red Honeysuckle. It is a smooth, twinning evergreen vine bearing dark shiny green leaves which are white on the lower surface. The tubular or trumpet shaped flowers occur in whorls of four to six blossoms. They are usually red outside and orange inside, or rarely all orange or yellow. Ornamentally, coral honeysuckle is well suited to climb on a fence or trellis. It is an evergreen in most of Texas and blooms sporadically throughout the growing season to attract pollinating hummingbirds.
PICK ONE UP TODAY!
pick one up today!
MARCH
14th Annual Ellis County Master Gardener's 2020 Gardening Calendar
Learn more from Ellis County Master Gardeners Association at:
/ECMGA
PLANTING • Plant these annuals early in the month for spring color: petunias, larkspurs, foxgloves and stocks. Other annuals such as marigolds, celosia and wax begonias may be planted late in the month. • Plant tomatoes, peppers and eggplants from 4-inch pots after March 15th. Plants should be hardened off (gradually exposed to outside conditions) before putting in the ground. • Plant warm-season vegetables – beans, corn, squash, melons and cucumbers starting mid-month. • Plant herbs in raised beds with soil amended with organic matter. Harden off plants before planting. • Plant perennial flowers in amended well-drained soil. Know each plant’s prime blooming season, height, width and color to ensure season-long color. Mulch new plantings.
FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • Trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers can be fed with high-nitrogen fertilizer or compost. For patio pots and container gardens, apply a diluted, water-soluble, highnitrogen fertilizer once a week. • Remove old growth from Bermudagrass lawns by lowering mower one or two notches, allowing the grass to spread faster and choke out weeds. Bag the clippings for composting or as mulch. • Prune spring-flowering shrubs and vines such as flowering quince, azaleas, forsythia, bridal wreath (Spiraea), Lady Banksia rose and Carolina jessamine immediately after they finish blooming.
GARDEN WATCH • If frost or freeze is predicted, cover tender vegetables and annuals with frost cloth. It can make a 6 to 8-degree difference. • Beware of close-out sales on bare-root trees as survival rate is low when planted this late in the season. Spend a little more on container-grown plants. • Control black spot, powdery mildew and thrips on roses with an appropriate fungicide or systemic insecticide. Use a stream of water or insecticidal soap on aphids. • Apply pre-emergent herbicide on lawns to control broadleaf and grassy weeds if needed. A “weed and feed” fertilizer is not recommended because it is too early to fertilize lawns.
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LAWN & GARDEN SHOW: • The Waxahachie Civic Center will be home to the 19th annual Ellis County Master Gardener’s Lawn and Garden Expo on Saturday, March 30th from 9-5pm. Exhibitors will pack the center with outdoor-living necessities, plants, machinery, yard art and landscape project materials. Shop their exhibits and they will be glad to help with your projects/questions. Adults can also attend sessions on gardening topics, or “Ask The Experts” about specific gardening challenges. The very popular Children’s Gardening Workshop will have numerous interactive displays and take-home projects. And don’t forget the Master Gardener Plant Sale with a variety of plants suited for North Central Texas landscapes. A big “Thank You” to the Expo sponsors and exhibitors for making this event possible and supporting our scholarship program.
LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
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Steps that Can Help You Prevent Breast Cancer BY MAKING LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND KNOWING YOUR RISK, YOU CAN LOWER YOUR ODDS OF FACING THE DISEASE BY VALERIE GORMAN, MD, BREAST SURGEON AT TEXAS SURGICAL SPECIALISTS
Early detection of breast cancer grabs a lot of attention. And that’s not a bad thing. When you know your risk factors, get your mammograms and other screening tests on schedule, and see your health provider if you notice anything suspicious, you can increase your odds of detecting breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to be treated more easily and with better long-term results. But I worry that women don’t also pay close attention to the everyday things they can do to help prevent breast cancer, not just detect it early. Here are a few things I recommend to my patients to help keep breast cancer at bay.
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1. Choose a diet that lowers your risk. Foods that can help lower the risk of breast cancer also lower the risk of other cancers as well as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. I recommend a diet focused on vegetables, fruit, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy. Among those categories, there aren’t specific foods I recommend for lowering risk. And lowering fat intake doesn’t seem to change your breast cancer risk. 2. Manage your weight. Being overweight, and gaining weight as an adult, increase your risk of breast cancer after menopause. 3. Get some exercise. Moderate to vigorous physical activity can help lower your risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society guidelines call for 150 minutes of moderate activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, spread out over a week. 4. Watch your alcohol consumption. Drinking even low amounts of alcohol can increase your risk for breast cancer. If you drink alcohol, keep it to one drink a day or less. 5. Consider genetic counseling and medication. If you have a family or personal history of breast cancer that puts you at higher-than-average risk, talk to your doctor. You might want to find out if genetic testing could be a good option for you. And taking tamoxifen or another medication might be something else you want to evaluate.
LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
Keep in mind that there are no guarantees with breast cancer prevention. Many of the main factors that affect your risk are difficult or impossible to control: • Your age • Your age when you got your first period and when you reached menopause • Whether you have children, how old you were when your first child was born, and whether you breastfed • Your family history of breast cancer You can take steps to lower your risk, but even the best diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle changes can’t bring your risk down to zero. My recommendation? Make the changes you need to lower your risk, but stick with all your early detection efforts, too. Prevention and early detection go hand in hand.
Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS 469.800.9830 breast surgeon at Texas Surgical Specialists
LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
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BAJA BLISS If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway, Los Cabos is an easy 3 hour flight and full of adventure and delicious Baja cuisine. We enjoy staying at the beautiful Chileno Bay. Owned by Auberge Resorts the desert oasis is sleek and modern, blending right into the arid landscape. Sitting on the only swimmable beach in Los Cabos the resort has 60 guest rooms and 34 villas. Upon arrival you are greeted with big smiles and a cold Chilenito (mixture of Mezcal, a poblano pepper liqueur, fresh muddled pineapple and ginger poured over ice). The ocean front rooms are breathtaking with original artwork, organically made soaps and beautiful hand woven robes from Guatemala. The large artisan tiled bathrooms have an indoor and outdoor rain shower and a soaking tub. If you don’t want the morning sun shining in too early, remote controlled black out shades can slowly roll down for privacy as you get a few extra winks of sleep between their plush linen sheets. Our first evening we usually dine at COMAL, the resort’s signature restaurant. Named #1 best restaurant in Los Cabos by USA Today, the menu offers a fresh contemporary take on regional Mexican and Latin American Cuisine. Having spent years in award winning kitchens such as The French Laundry and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Chef Yvan Mucharraz prepares a tasting menu on the open air terrace where you can enjoy the spectacular sunset views while sipping on a cocktail or one of their many choices in wines. Each day there are numerous activity choices to keep you busy, from scuba diving to deep sea fishing. You can also play golf on the championship Tom Fazio designed course at the Chileno Bay Club. However I like taking advantage of their 7500 square foot Aztec
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Spa, where I get herbal scrubs and clay masks followed by a personalized massage using arnica oil mixed with herbs for a total afternoon of relaxation. Another great option is to just hang by the pool in one of the many gauze draped cabanas and gaze out into the ocean, where this time of year you can catch an occasional whale spouting into the air. The TnT Beach Bar sits just a few feet away and dishes up a great mix of street tacos that the staff is more than happy to keep you in fresh supply of. The attention to detail and the kindness the staff exudes is what makes Chileno Bay Resort a popular five star destination. My favorite place to dine away from the resort is in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna range at Flora Farms. Set against a gorgeous backdrop of palm trees and rolling hills, the farm is home to a wildly popular restaurant, where everything they prepare exemplifies a farm to table lifestyle. All the organic produce comes from the adjoining fields along with their farm raised chickens and pigs. Dinner is served al fresco on long communal tables. Mouth watering wood oven baked pizzas, huge succulent pork chops and sinfully decadent chocolate cake are just some of the offerings on the ever changing menu. A live band adds to the fun and local artisans set up shop in various structures with hand crafted jewelry, clothing and an eclectic mix of goods. It is quite a trek to drive and probably a very expensive cab ride, but well worth the experience. Back at the resort you will find it hard to ever leave, but you can certainly take a ride into town and check out Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina or grab lunch at The Office, a
favorite beachside bar. Don’t miss the iconic spot known as Land’s End, where the rocky outcroppings form the backdrop to one of Mexico’s most splendid natural wonders: El Arco, or stroll along Lovers’ Beach. Two to three nights of Baja bliss will not only rejuvenate you, but keep you coming back to this desert oasis for years to come.
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
