September 2018 Ellis County Living Magazine by Ellis County Living Magazine

Visit us online:

www.TheSchmidtGrp.com

Building or Renovating a Home Just Got Easier Gateway Mortgage Group offers smart solutions that can meet a variety of home construction needs. Best of all, since we are one of the country’s largest privately held mortgage bankers, you can rest easy knowing you will be dealing with Gateway from application throughout the life of your loan.

Single-Close Construction Loans • Financing for the lot and construction • Lower costs with one loan closing • Extended lock program available Ready to learn more? Give us a call at Gateway Mortgage. We are right here in your backyard. We live here, we work here, we play here.

Jeff Schmidt 817.681.7897

Terry Wooten 214.949.9285

Tom Ker 972.365.7022

REGIONAL MANAGER • NMLS 91368 Jeff.Schmidt@GatewayLoan.com

SR LOAN ORIGINATOR • NMLS 224831 Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

SR LOAN ORIGINATOR • NMLS 356892 Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

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

¡HABLO ESPAÑOL!

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

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

Office: 972.937.2200 | 1332 W. Hwy 287 Bypass, Suite-1 | Waxahachie, TX 75165 All loans are subject to program guidelines and final underwriting approval. See local branch for details. Gateway Mortgage Group is a registered service mark of Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC NMLS 7233.

Living ELLIS COUNTY

media, inc.

Long-Term Care & Asset Protection Planning wise and compassionate counsel

Hale Law Firm was showcased in Newsweek Magazine as a Leader in Elder Law 2012. If you or someone you love is at risk of spending their life savings to pay for the ever-growing cost of long-term care, we invite you to call today for your FREE initial consultation. Explore the opportunities our long-term care and protection planning can provide.

John D. Hale

417 West Main Waxahachie, TX 75165 972.351-0000

Baylor University BBA, Texas Tech J.D.

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Baylor University BBA, Texas Tech J.D.

Jacob A. Hale

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CONTENTS September-October 2018 |

volume 14

issue 5

BEAUTY

18-19 FALL SELF-CARE ESSENTIALS

LIFE & STYLE

20 FALL READS New books to read and share. 22 RECIPE FILE: SOUP SEASON You’ll live for weeknight dinners

WEDDINGS 2018

24 ON THE COVER All the details on that epic cake! 26-28 TEETER/PRICE WEDDING 30 2018 WEDDING TRENDS From dream planners to the dreamy royal wedding. Get inspired with the top trends for couples planning the big day.

HOME

34 WEDDING DAY BLISS Diane Johnson Collard Column 36-38 CHILDREN’S ROOMS Courtney Warren designs a room to grow (tall) in. 40 GIFTS OUTSIDE THE BOX Tips from Realtor Melinda McCutchan 42-44 LOCAL GARDENING Ellis County Master Gardeners are ready for the fall!

MEDICAL

26 Greetings from Santa Fe

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

46 BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE - WAXAHACHIE Preparing for - and having - a healthy pregnancy.

BRANDI MCCOMB PHOTOGRAPHY

www.OldBisonRanch.com

ERICA MAE PHOTOGRAPHY

REBECCA CHESNEY PHOTO & FILM

www.MilagroFarms.com

972.217.9427 | Jodi.greeneryweddings@gmail.com www.MilagroFarms.com | www.TheGreeneryTX.com | www.OldBisonRanch.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

PUBLISHER CINDY CAMP publisher@living-magazine.com

PARTNER-STRATEGIST PAULA BAUCUM paula@eclmedia.com

Welcome to the 14th annual Wedding Issue of Ellis County Living Magazine! In your hands is one of our favorite issues to produce every year. A wedding brings together not only couples, family and friends, but collaborations between artists and artisans in all parts of our local business community. Every year, our goal is to show you the bounty of local talent that is continually pushing the boundaries of what they can create just for us in our county. I hope that you will look at hiring local if you are planning your wedding or a fun event over the next year. Also in this issue is fabulous advice from our design columnist Diane Johnson Collard and children’s room décor inspiration from Courtney Warren. Local Realtor Melinda McCutchan writes her advice for newlyweds on the house hunt. Lastly, Cindy Burch takes us to one of her favorite places, Santa Fe. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to keep up with all of the major fall events. We will be giving away tickets to the State Fair of Texas and Screams all season long!

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINDSEY KEENEY lindsey@living-magazine.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEAGAN CAMP editor@living-magazine.com

- Meagan ART DIRECTOR CARLY PECHAL creative@living-magazine.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR JESSICA LENAMOND social@living-magazine.com

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

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

COVER PHOTO BY SIERRA SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHY CAKE DESIGN BY ANGEL SCHIFFER OF BITTERSWEET BAKERY PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER MIRROR TRAY FROM SOCO DEPOT FLOWERS BY HEB WAXAHACHIE STAFF PHOTOS BY LUCILLE PHOTO

Guarantee you’ll receive Ellis County Living Magazine by subscribing today!

Go to www.living-magazine.com

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and click on “subscriptions.”

A special thanks to all of our local contributing writers.

Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by ECL Media, Inc.© using only environmentally-friendly ink. Copyright 2018, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved. For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.

y b d e v o L s l a c o the L FUN FINDS! E S E H T P O H S

{ MARKETPLACE }

The Comfy Are you ready to get comfy this fall? The Comfy is a sweatshirt thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a blanket too! This fuzzy, warm sweatshirt/ blanket is perfect for lounging on the couch, those chilly nights at the ball field or hanging out around the campfire. One size fits most! Go to thecomfy.com to order yours!

TheComfy.com Find us on Facebook & Instagram

The studio Check out our unique selection of jewelry this fall! This necklace made of charoite stone from Siberia is sure to turn heads. Always 20% Off!

3671 N. Hwy. 77 WAXAHACHIE 972.617.7740 www.TheStudioTX.com

Find us on Facebook & Instagram

The Mix Jazz up your shoe game this fall! Stop by The Mix to check out our selection of fun, fashionable clothes, shoes and accessories.

107 W. Franklin St. | WAXAHACHIE 972.938.2403 Find us on Facebook & Instagram

Kit-cat Klock This adorable, retro feline has been putting smiles on faces since the 1930s! Go to kit-cat.com to read the full story and to order your own. Kit-Cat Klock comes in all colors and patterns to compliment anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s space while adding vintage charm.

kit-cat.com Find us on Facebook & Twitter

Copper Rose

High cotton exchange

Located in Forreston, Copper Rose is a boutique that carries the latest trends in fashion, farmhouse chic home decor and gifting ideas! Take the short drive to Forreston to discover our charm and hometown friendliness!

Looking to rent vintage china and unique glassware for your wedding or event? We have you covered! Located on the Historic Square of Downtown Waxahachie, we offer a mix of antiques, home decor, unique items and wedding decor rentals.

118 S. Highway 77, PO Box 117 | FORRESTON 214.546.8023 Find us on Facebook & Instagram @copperroseshop

209 S. College St. | WAXAHACHIE 469.261.4772 Find us on Facebook & Instagram

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 8 BOGO 2nd Saturday Downtown Waxahachie SEPTEMBER 8, 9 AM-1 PM Junk in the Trunk Downtown Waxahachie SEPTEMBER 13, 5 PM-8 PM 2nd Thursday Ladies Night Out Downtown Waxahachie SEPTEMBER 15 C10s in the Park Truck Show Getzendaner Park SEPTEMBER 16, 12 PM-4 PM Waxahachie Bridal Extravaganza Market Waxahachie Civic Center Admission: $3. For more information: www.waxahachieciviccenter.org or 469-309-4000 SEPTEMBER 22 10 AM-5 PM Downtown Sidewalk Sale Participating Downtown Merchants SEPTEMBER 28-29 AND OCTOBER 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 Screams Halloween Theme Park Fridays & Saturdays only For more information: www.screamspark.com or 972-938-3247 SEPTEMBER 28-30 Disc Golf Tournament Waxahachie Disc Golf Course For more information: drowan816@gmail.com SEPTEMBER 29-30 Waxahachie Gun & Knife Show Waxahachie Civic Center

SEPTEMBER 29 9 AM-5:30 PM Chautauqua Assembly Chautauqua Auditorium “Comedy & Humanity” Discover humor through science, history, drama, spirituality, psychology, politics, and so much more! Also on 9/29 come paint a trash can in the park for “Trash Can Transformation” – bring out the artist in you! www.waxahachiechautauqua.org SEPTEMBER 30 “Farm Fun Day” at Ellis County Rural Heritage Farm, Inc. 130 Cunningham Meadows, Waxahachie In association with the Master Naturalists, Ellis County Museum, Inc. and Waxahachie Chautauqua Assembly. For more information: 972-937-0681 or www.ruralheritagefarm.org

EVERY SATURDAY Free Yoga Minnie McDowal Park SEPTEMBER 15, 9 PM Free Movie Night in the Park Lions Park Despicable Me 3

EVERY SATURDAY, 8AM-1PM Midlothian Market Heritage Park Come support our local vendors, artisans and creative crafters! SEPTEMBER 15, 9 AM Wildflower Walk Mockingbird Nature Park 1/2 mile stroll hosted by members of the Indian Trail Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. Bring water and insect repellant and wear closed toe shoes. More info 972.825.5175

SEPTEMBER 21 International Day of Peace 812 Alex Lane Bring a Friend Free to all classes on UN Peace Day at Crescent Yoga Studio. SEPTEMBER 22 10 AM-2 PM Ellis County Emergency Preparedness Fair Midlothian ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium Free and open to the public event to prepare you in the event of an emergency. Hosted by the City of Midlothian and Ellis County’s Office of Emergency Management in participation with Regional First Responders and Organizations. More info 972.775.7633 SEPTEMBER 29, 5 PM-8 PM National Night Out Kick Off Midlothian Community Park National effort to make our community safer and strengthen neighborhood and police partnerships. Activities, demonstrations, and fun for all ages. National Night Out is October 3 in neighborhoods. Call 972.775.7633 for more info.

SEPTEMBER 8 2018 Annual Founder’s Day Watkins Park on Live Oak Rd. If you have any questions, please contact the Red Oak Area Chamber of Commerce at 972.617.0906. Redoakareachamber.org

GET YOUR TICKETS!

On Saturday, November 3, 2018 the community and beyond are invited to dine on the Historic Downtown Waxahachie square alfresco as Waxahachie High School Culinary Educator and Chef, Joel Skipper, and the culinary students prepare a four-course dinner, onsite, for all attendees. The harvest themed dinner will include produce, meats, greens and other ingredients provided by local farmers from the Waxahachie Downtown Farmers Market and other local resources. A portion of the proceeds will be presented to qualifying culinary students as scholarships for future education. Tickets are $100 per person and will be available after September 1 at www.downtownwaxahachie.com. Seating is limited.

SEPTEMBER 29, 11 AM Crunchy & Sweet Brews and Bags Fundraiser Railport Brewing Co. 405 W. Madison St., Waxahachie This is a family-friendly fundraiser benefiting Compadres for Camp. Entry fees will go toward 2019 Camp Sweeney Tuition ($3600/child) for the 4 families participating. Each cornhole team fee is $100 and includes your entrance into the tournament as well as 2 beer tickets. Live entertainment and food trucks will be available until around 5PM. Tickets on Eventbrite. com.

. . . A LOT IS HAPPENING IN ELLIS COUNTY

OCTOBER OCTOBER 4-7 AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals Texas Motorplex For more information: www.texasmotorplex.com OCTOBER 6, 9 AM-6 PM 4t h Annual IOOF Oddfest Singleton Plaza For more information: collegestreetpub@yahoo.com OCTOBER 11, 5 PM-8 PM 2nd Thursday Ladies Night Out Downtown Waxahachie Participating Merchants OCTOBER 12-13 NHRDA World Finals Texas Motorplex For more information: www.texasmotorplex.com OCTOBER 12-14 Vintage Market Days Ellis County Expo Center OCTOBER 13 Waxahachie ISD Dance/Drill Team Color Run Getzendaner Park For more information: ewilcox@wisd.org OCTOBER 13 BOGO 2nd Saturday Participating Downtown Merchants OCTOBER 20, 9 AM-2 PM Coming Home Fall Market (SAGU Homecoming) Hagee Communications Center $5 admission; $2 for students. For more information: swaevents@sagu.edu OCTOBER 20 Pink Night Out Downtown Participating Downtown Merchants

OCTOBER 20, 11 AM 4t h Annual Family Festival Hosted by Our Sunflower Friends Ellis County Expo Center An incredible day filled with games and entertainment. All families and children are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information: www.oursunflowerfriends.org OCTOBER 26, 27, 28, 7:30 PM Shrek the Musical Chautauqua Auditorium Waxahachie Community Theatre announces performances of Shrek the Musica l. Tickets are $12 for seniors/students and $15 for adults and can be purchased online beginning October 1 at www.waxahachiecommunitytheatre. com. Preschool children get in free with a paid adult admission. Tickets will also be available October 1 at the Chamber of Commerce and The Ellis County Museum in Waxahachie, and at the offices of Dr. Jerry Ellis, DDS, in Midlothian. Contact the WCT box office at 972.646.1050 or via email at wct.texas@gmail.com for further information. OCTOBER 27, 9 AM-7 PM Texas Country Reporter Festival Historic Downtown Waxahachie Join Kelli & Bob Phillips, hosts of the weekly TV show, Texas Country Reporter , for the 23rd Annual Texas Country Reporter Festival. Admission is FREE. Free concert by Shenandoah. Surrounding the Waxahachie courthouse square will be more than 250 booths set-up with artists, craftspeople, food, live entertainment and some of the people who have been featured on Texas Country Reporter over the years. For more information on the festival, call the Waxahachie Convention & Visitors Bureau at 469-309-4040 or visit www.waxahachiecvb.com

OCTOBER 27 Ultimate Street Night Texas Motorplex For more information: www.texasmotorplex.com OCTOBER 31, 3 PM-5 PM Trick or Treat on the Square Downtown Waxahachie waxahachiecommunitytheatre. com. Preschool children get in free with a paid adult admission. Tickets will also be available October 1 at the Chamber of Commerce and The Ellis County Museum in Waxahachie, and at the offices of Dr. Jerry Ellis, DDS, in Midlothian. Contact the WCT box office at 972.646.1050 or via email at wct.texas@gmail.com for further information.

OCTOBER 1-31 Haymazing North Plaza Parking Lot, 302 N. Dallas St. Huge hay maze in downtown Ennis.

OCTOBER 4, 5 PM PreStage Fan Fest Downtown Ennis Food, live music, and race cars. EVERY SATURDAY Free Yoga Minnie McDowal Park OCTOBER 6, 7PM Jazz Under the Stars Minnie McDowal Park

OCTOBER 27, 9 AM-9 PM Ennis Autumn Daze Downtown Ennis Vendors, food, kids activities and craft beer.

EVERY SATURDAY 8 AM-1 PM Farmers Market 104. N. McKinney St. Free crafts beginning at 10 AM.

HOSTED EVERY SATURDAY, 8 AM-1 PM Midlothian Market Heritage Park Come support our local vendors, artisans and creative crafters! OCTOBER 20, 9 AM Wildflower Nature Walk Mockingbird Nature Park 1/2 mile stroll hosted by members of the Indian Trail Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. Bring water and insect repellant and wear closed toe shoes. This is a free event and open to the public. More info 972.825.5175 OCTOBER 31, 4 PM-6 PM Midlothian Downtown Trick or Treat Midlothian Central Business District on 8 th Street and Heritage Park Visit the “Hocus Pocus Spooky Hall” inside the Midlothian City Hall. Visit www.midlothian.tx.us for event details.

OCTOBER 27, 4 PM-8 PM City of Red Oak’s Fall Festival Watkins Park Trunk-or-Treat event! www.redoaktx.org

BEAUTY

BY LINDSEY KEENEY

Whether you are preparing for your bachelorette, wedding day, honeymoon or just looking for some fun products to try on an average weekday, these beauty gems are sure to add some fun and sparkle to your beauty routine!

Take your face washing routine to the next level with the LUNA mini 2 by Foreo. The silicone tips vibrate, deep cleaning your pores and leaving you feeling refreshed. Try the LUNA go (a smaller version with the same power) for those on-the-go type of days.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

Salt by Hendrix Lip Butter - Blush www.saltbyhendrix.com Mad Hippie Facial SPF www.madhippie.com

Glisten with The Dream Glow Kit by Anastasia. These powder highlighters will add an extra pop to any look. Tie it all together with Anastasiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Matte Lipstick!

Sunshine Glitter Beach Gypsy SPF 30+ with Gold Glitter www.sunshineglitter.com

Anastasia Dream Glow Kit www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com

Anastasia Matte Lipstick www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com

Foreo LUNA mini 2 www.foreo.com

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Highlighter www.benefitcosmetics.com

Salt by Hendrix Mermaid Oil Facial Treatment www.saltbyhendrix.com

Foreo LUNA go www.foreo.com

Harper + Ari Dream Sugar Cubes www.harperari.com

Sand & Sky Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment wwwsandandsky.com

Sand & Sky’s Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment and Porefining Face Mask help you hit the reset button on your face. Made from Australian pink clay, the mask and treatment deep clean and invigorate your skin.

Makeup Junkie Bags make the perfect storage for all of your beauty products. These funpatterned bags won’t fall over based on the flat design and also make for easy cleanup with the lined interior. Multiple sizes and keychain accessories add personality making each bag unique to you.

Sand & Sky Porefining Face Mask wwwsandandsky.com

Makeup Junkie Bags www.makeupjunkiebags.com

Harper + Ari Exfoliating Sugar Cubes - Discovery Kit Gift Box www.harperari.com T.S.Pink Soap Rocks www.tspink.com

The Original Crystal Elixir Water Bottle by Glacce makes staying hydrated fun. We all know that keeping up your water intake helps your skin look it’s best. This beautiful, aesthetically pleasing bottle and crystal energy will inspire you to keep those refills of water going all day long.

Glacce Original Cystal Elixir Water Bottle www.glacce.com LIVING-MAGAZINE. LIVING-MAGAZINE. COM // C SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER OM // JULY-AUGUST 2018

BOOKS

Fall in love with these Reads GET IN THE CAR, WE ARE HEADED TO THE BOOKSTORE! FALL IS HERE AND WE HAVE YOUR READING LIST ALL SET BY MEAGAN CAMP

Warm Transfer by Laura Holtz

Tamsen Peel isn’t happy in her marriage. Issues ranging from the run-of-the-mill to the run-forthe-hills plague her relationship with high-powered advertising executive Victor. Amid their lavish lifestyle in the uppermost echelon of Chicago elites, Tamsen has lost her sense of identity and hope for the future. Cuddle up with this challenging portrait of a marriage and the complexities of sharing your life with a manipulative partner. Will Tamsen find a new normal or stay caught in the storm?

Guerilla Kindness & Other Acts of Creative Resistance by Sayraphim Lothian

Crafting has woven its way back into the hearts of Americans! With TV shows like “The Great British Bake Off” and “Making It” people are relishing the nostalgia of making something from scratch. Now add that enthusiasm for originality and channel it towards causes that pull you out of your comfort zone and you’ve got Craftivism. Lothian’s interactive and colorful guide shows you lots of fun projects to bring out the craftivist in you. This also makes an excellent gift for a newly converted crafter.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

Love Coming Home

Amazing Texas Girls

Designer Jennifer Adams has written a new guide to transforming your family’s space whether you are a homeowner, a renter or in between! Let Adams inspire not only your physical spaces but the spaces within yourself that may be holding you back from your dreams. Topics like “demystifying the vision board” and “inspiring readers to let go of restrictions and take action with confidence.” Pick up your copy to jumpstart your fall home makeover.

“Amazing Texas Girls” tells the stories of notable girls who spent most or all of their childhood in Texas and shape the history of the Lone Star State. Every chapter readers will meet a new girl who is 17 years old or younger in each chapter and learn about their upbringing. This is a great read to share with a young Texan eager to learn how strong women are made when they are challenged.

by Jennifer Adams

by Mary Dodson Wade

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

RECIPE

BY MEAGAN CAMP

To me, and anyone who adores pumpkin spice everything, the month of September marks the beginning of the most delicious season of the year, fall. If you are meal planning or the head cook in the family, the harvest season is great for batch cooking for a crowd. Start off roasting fresh vegetables and blend them up for a dreamy soup that is easy to freeze or turn into a rich sauce for pasta or a roast chicken. Below is one of many soup ideas to get your imagination fired up.

INGREDIENTS

5lbs Tomatoes on the Vine, roughly chopped 1 large Sweet Onion, chopped 3 Cloves of Garlic, chopped 1 T Yellow Curry Powder 2 T Garam Masala (Indian Spice Blend) 1 t Garlic Powder 1 t Red Pepper Flakes 1-1/2 C Low Sodium Chicken Broth 1 T Balsamic Vinegar 1/2 C Light Coconut Milk 1 C Pearl Couscous ( We prefer RiceSelect Organic Pearl Couscous) 1 C water

METHOD 1. In a 5 or 7 quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil through and add onion and a pinch of salt. SautĂŠ until the onions become translucent. For a deeper flavor, slow cook the onions until they get a rich caramel color, but not burnt. Add garlic and stir for a few seconds to avoid burning. 2. Add in all spices and stir until spices coat the garlic and onions and begin to toast. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and mix in tomatoes. Add in chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil before turning the heat down and letting it simmer for 30 minutes to one hour. 3. With an immersion blender or a countertop blender, puree the soup until creamy and smooth. 4. On the stove, bring the water to a boil with a pinch of salt and add the couscous. Cook according to instructions and take off the heat when cooked through, 5. Add the couscous, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and coconut milk to the blended soup and stir in until the flavor is rich and balanced. Feel free to add more seasoning until you get the flavor that makes you hum with satisfaction! Enjoy in a sentimental mug or dunk a grilled cheese sandwich in the soup for a fun family dinner.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

WEDDING

The ECLM team worked with Angel Schiffer of Bittersweet Bakery in Waxahachie to identify some new wedding cake trends to inspire our brides. Frist, we went for color with the deep sea blue. Second, Schiffer added texture with fresh fruits like blackberries, pomegranate seeds and figs and then fresh orchids. Schiffer recommends that you start working with your baker a year before your wedding. After choosing your baker, sign that contract! Schiffer recommends that you let your baker know about the other food being served, the number of guests you actually expect to attend (be realistic!) so they can help you create a cake that fits with your needs and your budget. Lastly, make sure you have the ability to make changes to your cake in the contract! Give yourself permission to change your mind and build a strong relationship with your baker.

The 2018 Wedding Issue is here! Be sure to kick off your wedding planning by attending the Bridal Extravaganza on September 16, 2018 at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Did you see the cake on the cover? It was designed by Angel Schiffer of Bittersweet Bakery in Waxahachie and was photographed in the Crape Myrtle room at the Waxahachie Civic Center by Sierra Summer Photography. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of my favorite selling points for the Waxahachie Civic Center is the fact that we can be so versatile. We can open our ballroom up and have one huge expo or divide it and have six smaller events, the options are really endless! This not only allows us to be accommodating

to different size events but also those clients who have different size budgets. Our staff will work with you to create a customtailored event that will exceed your expectations! Whether your needs are as simple as a great and convenient location for company training and seminars, or as lavish and detailed as wedding ceremony/receptions, proms, and galas, we know you and your guests will enjoy our professional and beautiful setting.

ON THE COVER: Angel Schiffer, owner of Bittersweet Bakery in Waxahachie is the creator of our jaw-dropping wedding cake on the cover, photographed by Sierra Summer Photography at Waxahachie Civic Center.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

WEDDING

When you have a daughter, you know you will be the mother of the bride someday, but to go through the process is interesting. My daughter’s engagement was in mid-December, so serious planning began immediately! Our first step was booking a venue - we booked a beautiful, local reception venue, Firefly Gardens. After a fun yet exhausting ALL day search for the perfect wedding dress, Marisa found a dress that she loved at a&bé bridal in Dallas. And it is true, the bride knows when it is the right dress, we could all tell the moment she put it on too! I had a definite advantage as the mother of the bride, due to the fact that I have a very organized daughter who knows what she likes. Truthfully Marisa was very methodical in her planning which made the process between the two of us a lot of fun and less stressful. Marisa would always ask for my input or my perspective. Do not get me wrong, it was still a lot of hard work, but I would not have changed one thing!! I must admit that I let all of the vendors do all the work and heavy lifting. I did not do any of the crafting and decorating many people do these days because I really wanted to enjoy every minute of this special celebration. We turned everything over to Teresa Choate, our wedding coordinator, for that final week. After seven months of planning and organizing, things were set, and I was ready to sit back and take it all in. All of the wedding festivities began with a fantastic bridesmaid’s brunch given by Marisa’s aunts at The English Merchant’s Inn on Friday morning followed by a wonderful dinner of yummy food and heartfelt toasts hosted by The Teeters at The Dove’s Nest that night. The wedding day started early with hair and makeup at the church for all of us. The morning was so much fun spent talking, laughing and dancing with Marisa’s amazing friends from childhood and college. Marisa grew up in the Central Presbyterian Church and my husband and I were married in this church in 1983, so this made the ceremony even more special. The church was gorgeous and filled with family and friends that have

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

supported these two kids throughout their entire lives. You want your daughter to meet just the right person, but when it really happens, it is overwhelming. Watching her walk in with her dad was amazing. One of the most unique parts of the ceremony was allowing three very important ministers to be a part of their marriage ceremony: Presbyterian family-friend Rev. Polly Williams, Brooks’ grandfather Rev. Earl Teeter and Marisa’s cousin Rev. Stefani Reed-Meyer. This made it a

Teresa Choate - Wedding planner a & bé Bridal Shop Firefly Gardens Fox and the Fleur Bittersweet Bakery My Sister’s Affair Catering The Styling Stewardess - Hair and Makeup Kristen Dee Photography Brooke Boyd Video Infinity DJ Systems Candid Camper - Photo Booth Chelles Macarons Minted - Invitations and Menus College Street Printing - Wedding Program

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

very special gathering of faith, family and friends. The reception was just as beautiful and fun as I could have ever hoped and dreamed for. The delicious food and vibrant flowers were outstanding! From their first dance, through all of the classic rock songs, to their final dance alone on the dance floor before leaving through a line of sparklers, the day could not have been better! It is surreal to now be on the other side of all of this preparation

28 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

and celebration! To any future mothers of the bride, be sure to step back and take it all in and remember to enjoy every minute. This Mother of the Bride would not have changed a thing!! - Emily Price, Mother of the Bride

// SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

WEDDING ALTERNATIVE WEDDING PLANNING FOR THE DIY BRIDE:

ULTIMATE WEDDING PLANNER

Photo Credit: Hadrian / Shutterstock.com

This planner is organised in 10 sections, and in each section you will find all checklists and worksheets needed to plan the wedding day and beyond. Brides using this planner will not need to worry about missing a single detail! . Since it is also a digital product, it’s easy to transfer the important checklists to a phone or tablet which is especially useful during vendor appointments. The cover can be edited and personalised with the couple’s names and their wedding date. Find it on Etsy: SweetPaperWedding sweetpaperwedding.etsy.com

The royal wedding was the wedding of the year. We all swooned over Harry and Meghan’s sweet love for each other and happily dreamt of a fairytale wedding during an English summer with a sparkly crown atop our heads. Although not the average person has the same budget as these two newlyweds, and 21 million to be exact, or is engaged to a prince in the most famous family in the world, these trends that caught our eye from the royal wedding can easily be incorporated in anyone’s big day that are sure to make you feel like a new duchess. BY JESSICA LENAMOND

Meghan shocked everyone with her elegant, embellishment free Givenchy gown when she first appeared on the steps of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Her sleek bateau neckline was a sure contrast to the high-necked lace gown that we all expect from a royal bride. Meghan’s veil though was very traditional with powerful ties to her new citizenship and title. The veil was a dramatic 16.5 feet long and its edges were embroidered with the 53 distinctive flora of every Commonwealth nation, all held high by former Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara. The makeup was a simple, everyday look that highlighted her freckles and bold eyes. Meghan’s choices on her dress, veil, accessories, and makeup all personify the idea of leaving some things simple, but choosing a few pieces to powerfully stand out from the rest. Oh, and, did I mention, she slipped into a sexy Stella McCartney dress for their second reception?! Further proving the fact that a dress change is always a good idea!

As tradition goes, the royal wedding bouquet should be small, white, green, and consist of dainty garden flowers. Not only did Meghan’s bouquet match this perfectly, but Prince Harry handpicked the flowers that were in her bouquet the day before in their home’s gardens at Kensington Palace. Another sweet detail: Princess Diana was commemorated by the many forget-me-nots that were in the bouquet, her favorite flower.

Harry and Meghan’s wedding cake was incredibly in tune with the modern twist on tradition theme that played throughout the entire day. They veered from the typical royal fruit cake by choosing light and summery flavors with lemon sponge cake drizzled in elderflower syrup, topped with Amalfi lemon curd and decorated with 150 roses and peonies. The three separate cakes fed 600 people, and were filled with an impressive 200 Amalfi lemons, 500 organic eggs from Suffolk, 44 lbs. of butter, 44 lbs. of flour, 44 lbs. of sugar and 10 bottles of Sandringham Elderflower Cordial.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

THE PERFECT WEDDING PLANNER

What makes this printable planner unique is that it guides you through the wedding planning process from start to finish and it's completely free! Budget spreadsheets, inspiration pages, checklists and so much more planning must-haves are included. You’ll find 120 pro tips throughout the planner so couples can get inside info from industry professionals that can help save you time and money. After you purchase the digital item, you can instantly download your PDF and print it onto 8.5" x 11" paper. There are 100 pages total. Find it at: www.basicinvite.com

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

WEDDING

BY JESSICA LENAMOND

Each year there are those few defining trends of a wedding season that we see in almost every wedding on Instagram, movies, our friend’s weddings, and of course, Pinterest. These are the three most popular flower trends seen this year that we think will continue to make an appearance for you to take inspiration from for your perfect day. Each trend is easily versatile for anything from a small backyard ceremony to a grand 300+ affair. Happy planning!

Floral wreaths are a perfect trendy alternative to your usual large centerpieces, wall decorations, chairback arrangements, or even bouquets. They are also a project for the DIY bride! Hanging flower wreaths within a venue with high ceilings can fill a big space and create an impressive visual impact whether they are placed above your head at the ceremony or above the tables at the reception, freeing up space. If you want to take it to the next level, go all in with a giant floral wreath! They can be used as beautiful props in pictures or even as the circular arch behind you as you say your vows. These huge wreaths can be completely floral, just branches, or a mixture between the two, and are a sure way to impress all of your guests.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

Following the announcement that Ultra Violet is the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year, moody hues in bouquets and arrangements have appeared everywhere and will continue to do so, no matter the season. Deep purple and burgundy stand out from the traditional ivory and blush tones and make a striking contrast with a white wedding dress or gray suit.

It’s no secret that greenery was huge in weddings this year. We see it in every single detail, from the stationary, table garlands, bouquets and more. Anything you can think of, eucalyptus and Italian ruscus have been seen all over the wedding blogs. Greenerycentered florals are best for weddings with a neutral color palette of creams and greens or the outdoors woodlands theme.

It doesn’t have to be fall or winter to see the moody hues either. The deep tones can be mixed with lighter pink shades in the sunnier months or stand alone when the wine shades are most seasonal.

The bouquets for these weddings are very natural with drooping stems and can be made unique with a few blooms that pop, but don’t overpower. One of the most elegant ways to use greenery is to cover an arch or arbor in it and small flowers to create a frame for you and your soon-to-be-spouse during the ceremony. No matter which way you use greenery or what type, there are so many possibilities that you can undoubtedly make your wedding unlike any other.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

HOME + DESIGN

BY DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD

I always look forward to our wedding edition of Living. There are so many weddings featured and each is so very different from the next. Although most of the weddings featured are rather lavish, whether they are held inside or out, they all have special elements unlike the others. For instance, some have many bridesmaids with long, elegant dresses. Others feature fewer bridesmaids in flowing frills in their bare feet. Some grooms and groomsmen are dressed in tuxedos and some are in more casual suits. Some flowers are real and some are artificial. Some are held in churches and some are in wedding venues. In all these events, there is a festive mood and lots of fun to be had by all. No matter where the celebration takes place, happiness abounds. Night time weddings are made more beautiful by candlelight or mood lights that create a romantic aura that can not be denied. Festive music in the air makes even the stuffiest guest want to sway a little. Maybe even dance…… It is impossible to attend a wedding, no matter how large or how small, without feeling joy. There is the hope of eternal happiness and years of adventures to be shared by the special couple. The anticipation of a lifetime of experiences, challenges and growing up together fills the air. Every guest feels the emotion. Every guest feels the joy.

All of the work you put into choosing the right baker and the right florist becomes unimportant in the scheme of things. A thirty-minute service will change your life forever whether it is in front of a judge or a thousand people. Although I thoroughly enjoy a magnificent wedding, my true joy comes from seeing the newlyweds go off into the wild blue yonder, hand in hand, to find their future together. I was recently involved in a very small wedding that was filled with more happiness than I had seen in a wedding for some time. It was a second time around for both who were middleaged. The groom had grown children and small grandchildren, but the bride had no children, so she was marrying an entire family. The bride was wearing a simple but elegant gown. A gazebo under enormous oak and pecan trees is where the ceremony would take place. A relative had made matching plum print shirts for the groom and ring bearer. The little flower girl wore a matching sundress. The guests were dressed very casually, as it was 100 degrees in the shade. No one had to pack suits or special clothes. The little children could even play in the dirt, if desired, without being scolded. The atmosphere could not have been more relaxed.

runner made from the same purple print fabric dressed the long trestle table. A triple layer carrot wedding cake, baked by yours truly, was decorated with ivory, plum and soft pink flowers. The cake sat on a crystal pedestal in the center of the table. On either side of the cake were fruit pies with garland and garnish flanked between. The simplicity was stunning. The cost of the wedding had consisted of the rental of the lodges, a few flowers and several yards of fabric. The cake was my gift to the bride and groom. An aunt and I had prepared most all of the food for the reunion, so buying groceries was the only expense there. It was truly a bargain wedding, but it was exactly what they wanted. Their dream was to have the entire family together for the weekend to have a fun-filled, relaxing time to share their happiness. That is precisely what they got. So, you see, it doesn’t matter where you get married or how much it costs. What matters is the end result. Having the family all together for a happy occasion and the bride and groom living happily ever after is what it is truly all about. Have a wonderful September! See you in the fall. Diane

The reception was held in the dining room of the largest cabin on the property. A table

Diane Johnson Collard has been decorating Ellis Country since 1983. She has designed and built homes as well as completing scores of remodeling projects. Her great love is restoring the old homes of Waxahachie. She has written articles for every edition of Living Magazine since the first edition was published. Diane had a five year run with Good Morning Texas as their design consultant and completed many projects for the cameras. A magazine of her many articles and projects was published in 2015. Contact Diane at 972-935-8899

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

HOME + DESIGN

BY COURTNEY WARREN PHOTOS COURTESY OF COURTNEY WARREN HOME

In this craziness of the back to school season, it might be that your kid’s space is the last thing on your mind. Allow me to give you some practical tips to help you fast track a room redo/refresh so you can focus on what really matters. Catching up on Netflix, of course.

Let your child give you input, and take it with a grain of salt. Just because they want their entire room painted head-to-toe “Pepto Bismol pink” doesn’t mean you have to acquiesce. There are plenty of creative ways to allow them to have their desires expressed and still have a stylish room they can grow with. For instance, one precious little client loves pink and birds. Her mom wanted a sweet retreat that would last for years to come. Notice that she loves pink, but we used it sparingly. As noted above, we took her interests and used them to the design the room while still making it practical. You don’t have to go overboard with a bold color choice. The small touches of pink give a feminine softness and do not overwhelm the room as pink can do. As a result, the daughter and mom adore the room, and the mom adores that it is not a room that will be tossed aside when the next Disney movie debuts. Which leads to the next tip….

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

HOME + DESIGN When designing a kid’s space, not only do I design for their current stage of life, but also or about 3- 5 years from now. If we outfitted the room in just what kids enjoyed currently, we could be changing things every year! I am looking at you, “Thomas the Tank Engine” phase. For instance, this teenage girl wanted an eclectic, bohemian space, so we included fantastic lighting, new grownup furniture, and more sophisticated decor. Now, this is a space that will take her well past high school.

Kid’s spaces do not have to be chaotic and haphazard, and they don’t have to look too cartoonish or thematic. For instance, in this game room, we incorporated their love for music into the decor. Hobbies are a great way to surround kids with what they love and are a natural way to decorate their spaces.

What easy changes can you make to update the space now?

Courtney is an award-winning interior designer who specializes in decorating, renovation & home staging to help stuck people adore their home. She loves her Waxahachie historic cottage and has been published three times in national magazines for Better Homes and Garden’s Special Publications. She lives in her 5th renovated historic home in Waxahachie with her two boys & husband, who is a local pastor. She and Joel love creating so much that they just launched Screen Door Home Company, where they renovate to restore beauty to historic homes around Ellis County. You will find her wearing flip-flops rather than heels and drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic. Follow her daily projects on Instagram at @courtneywarrenhome & @screendoorhomeco and see her work at courtneywarren.com.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

HOME + DESIGN

BY MELINDA MCCUTCHAN REALTOR® WITH KELLER WILLIAMS

Have you ever looked at a gift registry and wished you could get something unique that would keep on giving and hope it is on the list? Presenting a heartful gift to a couple who are starting a beautiful new life together is a blessing and a privilege. I seem to always want to think outside the box and then have to reign myself in so that I respect the gift registry. After all, it is the list of newlywed’s wishes! But, what if I could come up with some ideas that might make it to the gift registry in the future! With homes in mind, I have several ideas of uncommon but useful gifts suggestions.

STAGING! Why wait until selling your home? Whether your newlyweds are staying put or moving to a new pad, why wait to have the house look like it is ready for an Ellis County Living photo shoot? Contact your favorite real estate agent for their best staging expert or find one online and get a gift card for a couple of hours of staging advice. Many stagers provide hourly consulting services and understand what it takes to pull together the basics. And who knows, it just might eliminate any “conversations” about whose pre-marital stuff looks better because there is an independent third party to put it all together! ART! Art is always something that can encourage collaboration and make a room snap. Think about providing a gift certificate at a local gallery or online art site that allows the couple to choose something to highlight their walls! NO BUGS HERE! How about a year’s worth of pest control both inside and out! Search for a local pest control service that will work with a prepaid plan and provide all-natural pest control so that family and pets can thrive without all the little unwanted visitors that seem to arrive at the most awkward times!

SELF-CARING PLANTS! Share the air with a beautiful plant! Gift givers are not sure if they are giving something that creates more angst because someone must remember to water it. Well, that angst can be relieved with a selfwatering flower pot with drip irrigation. Several varieties can be found online with a simple search. SMART HOME! Whether owning a new home or an older home, raise the IQ of the home in a variety of ways. A great gift idea would be a smart home starter kit with smart plugs, wifi light adapters, and outdoor-friendly switches to connect home. Other smart home ideas include security systems that can be controlled from a smartphone. The Nest Learning Thermostat is a great device to help save on utility costs. The smart home creates comfort and time and money-saving opportunities for the new couple! BLUETOOTH CONCERTS! Remember when surround sound music in the home used to include yards of cable and holes in the ceiling to wire the house for music? And, if you are considerably younger than me, then, no, you don’t remember! With today’s technology, it is as easy as setting Bluetooth speakers in a couple of strategic spots in the house to feel like a concert is happening in all the rooms. And music is the common language that unites our world! A gift of Bluetooth speakers enhances any moment with music!

HOSES? When was the last time you bought a quality garden hose? I know I was surprised at the price for something that would last several years without splitting, kinking, and just looking ratty. A quality hose is a nice gift and if it makes sense, throw in some soaker hoses to go around those foundations that seem to have a mind of their own! And last, but not least, add a timer with batteries so that all of this can be set up and left to mind itself. HOME WARRANTY! When buying a home in today’s market, many sellers will provide a one-year home warranty policy which covers many items in a home that were working when bought yet may fail after the purchase of the home. A great gift idea would be to pay towards a second year of the warranty. It only takes the air conditioning to go out once in the summer for the policy to pay for itself and cool everyone back down! Remember there is nothing wrong with getting some not-so-common gifts for the newlyweds! Maybe these suggestions will show up on a gift registry or spur your creativity to come up with ideas outside of the box and set you apart as a gift giver! And maybe you will pick up a few of them for yourself as well! “Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.” - John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Melinda McCutchan is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams in Waxahachie. Visit her website at ellisforsale.com.

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

HOME + DESIGN

BY MELINDA KOCIAN {ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSSOCIATION}

PLANTING

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Plant these fall vegetables now: beets, carrots, “greens” (mustard, collard, turnip), kale, lettuce, radishes and spinach. Lawn establishment using warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, zoysia and buffalograss should be completed early in the month. Overseed established Bermudagrass lawns with perennial ryegrass this month, if desired. Plant these fall-blooming annuals from bedding plants before buds have opened: marigolds, petunias, asters, pinks, snapdragons and mums. Wait until cooler weather to plant pansies, violas and ornamental cabbages and kale. Complete sowing bluebonnets to ensure spring flowers. For season-long color, purchase a wildflower mix that contains annuals and perennials, as well as coolseason and warm-season plants such as bluebonnets, black-eyed Susan, Indian blanket, Indian paintbrush, Mexican hat, plains coreopsis, purple coneflower and evening primrose. Sow seeds in areas that are free of grasses and lightly tilled. Lightly rake area to get good seed-soil contact before watering.

GARDEN WATCH

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CONSERVATION-WISE

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FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

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Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer (4-1-2 ratio) on lawns and shrubs to prepare plants for fall and winter. Container plants will benefit from using high-nitrogen, watersoluble fertilizers. Tidy up summer perennials by removing dead and faded flower stems and seed stalks. Continue through fall. Root-prune trees and shrubs to be transplanted this winter. Cutting the roots around the plant with a spade will stimulate new root growth in what will become the soil ball when plant is moved.

42 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to lawns early in the month to control winter weeds. Depending on the type of weed targeted, it may be necessary to apply two products – one for grassy weeds (annual bluegrass, ryegrass, etc.) and another for broadleafed weeds (chickweed, clover, dandelions, henbit, etc.). Make final application of Image® or SedgeHammer® before mid-month to control nutsedge in warm-season lawns. Remove webworms from pecan trees. Cut off the ends of branches as soon as the webs appear. Tear open large webs to expose worms for the birds. Spraying is not practical. Spray roses suffering from black spot and powdery mildew with labeled fungicide. Prepare beds for spring-flowering bulbs. Add organic matter to improve water drainage.

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Harvest the rain! Install a rainwater catchment system on your property to reduce demand on public water supply. Rainwater is low in pH, minerals and salt, and contains no chlorine. To learn more, contact a Master Gardener rainwater harvesting specialist by calling the local AgriLife Extension office at 972-8255175. Why mow it (lawn) when you can grow it! Incorporate edible plants into your landscape. To learn more about transitioning a part of your landscape into vegetable, fruit or nut production, go to https://wateruniversity.tamu.edu/about/ publications and click on “The Edible Landscape.”

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

HOME + GARDEN

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Plant cool-season annuals such as pinks, snapdragons and ornamental cabbages and kale early in the month. Wait until temperatures have cooled to plant pansies and violas. Complete planting these fall vegetables early in the month: radishes, spinach and turnips. Last chance to sow wildflowers in order to have blooms next spring. Always purchase “fresh” seed. Purchase spring-flowering bulbs while selection is good. Chill tulip and Dutch hyacinth at 45°F for 60 days prior to planting. Daffodil and grape hyacinth require no special handling but should be stored in a cool location until planting (soil temperature below 55° F). Recommended daffodil varieties include Ice Follies, Fortune, Carlton, Cheerfulness and Tahiti. Fall is a great time to set out perennial herbs, including thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, lemon balm, pineapple sage and Mexican mint marigold. Work a few inches of compost into soil prior to planting and mulch the plants after planting.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

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Remove annuals that have completed their life cycle. Leave seed pods to selfseed next year (cleome, cosmos, four o’clock). Continue to feed tropical plants in containers and hanging baskets with a water-soluble fertilizer. Cut back or repot overgrown houseplants and fertilize with same fertilizer. Spring and summer-flowering shrubs and vines (including climbing roses, wisteria, etc.) should not be pruned at this time because they have already established their buds for next year’s bloom. Prune these plants immediately after they stop blooming next year.

GARDEN WATCH

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Watch for brown-patch fungus on St. Augustine lawns. Water only in the mornings and apply turf fungicide at first sign of fungus. Watch for cutworms and looper caterpillars on young leafy vegetables. Products containing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) are safe to control these pests. Control aphids with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Attention, Christmas cactus owners! To initiate flower buds, give the plants bright light each day followed by 12-14 hours of total darkness at night, for 30 days starting mid-month. And keep night temperatures under 65° F.

CONSERVATION-WISE

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Make landscape changes starting this month. Be sure to select native and adapted trees, shrubs and perennials to complement or renovate your landscape. Fall planting will allow these plants to establish roots before hot, dry weather arrives next year. Grouping plants in the landscape with like watering requirements (hydrozoning) can result in significant water savings. Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to reduce the amount of pesticides used in your landscape. IPM is a common sense, science-based strategy used to manage pests (insects, plant diseases, weeds) by applying economically and environmentally sustainable practices. Learn more about this holistic system of pest control at http://landscapeipm. tamu.edu.

12th Annual Ellis County Master Gardeners' 2018 Gardening Calendar

PICK ONE UP TODAY!

PLANTING

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Learn more from Ellis County Master Gardeners Association at:

/ECMGA

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

MEDICAL

PREPARING FOR – AND HAVING – A HEALTHY PREGNANCY For many couples planning a wedding, starting a family is high on the agenda. While getting pregnant may seem straightforward, sometimes it may not be. Even if it is, becoming pregnant is one thing, but having a healthy pregnancy is another. Like the perfect wedding, many couples have a vision for their perfect family, including exactly when they want to have that baby. Gregory Kroeger, MD, an OB/GYN on the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie medical staff, reminds couples that pregnancy is not something they can completely control. “Every couple and every woman is different,” he says. “Statistically, there is only about a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant each month.” That means even if there is no medical issue preventing pregnancy, a couple often must try for months to conceive, and that’s if a woman’s menstrual cycle – and therefore ovulation – occurs monthly. Some women have longer cycles. It’s important not to panic if conception doesn’t happen immediately. In fact, Dr. Kroeger advises that most couples do not need to seek medical help from their OB/ GYN until after a year of trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully. Although, women 35 and older who are not having regular menstrual cycles should seek help after six months or sooner.

BY BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER - WAXAHACHIE Control What You Can Before attempting to get pregnant, it may be a good idea for a woman to see her OB/GYN. “We want to optimize a woman’s health going into pregnancy,” says Dr. Kroeger. “That includes making sure any current or underlying medical problems are treated, any medications she may be taking are safe and that she is up to date on important vaccinations.” Consulting an OB/GYN is especially important for women with health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure or who are struggling with their weight. He also recommends that women attempting pregnancy start taking prenatal vitamins. “The most important time to be on prenatal vitamins is during the first eight weeks of pregnancy because that is when the baby’s organs are formed,” Dr. Kroeger explains. Since most women don’t find out they are pregnant for at least four or five weeks after conceiving, it makes sense to take prenatal vitamins while trying. “They don’t need to be expensive or by prescription,” says Dr. Kroeger. “Just a basic prenatal vitamin available at any grocery store is fine.” Eating healthy, exercising and managing weight are other things women can control during their pregnancy. Although it may be tempting to splurge for nine months, avoiding too many sugary and high fat foods is important in preventing too much weight gain and having a healthy pregnancy.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

In addition, regularly scheduled appointments with an OB/GYN are key to checking if a pregnancy is progressing as expected and baby is healthy. They also allow women to develop a relationship with a physician who can help explain changes happening during pregnancy, address any concerns and establish trust with the medical professional who likely will be assisting in the delivery. Everyone wants the pregnancy and delivery to go smoothly and “just as planned.” But if it doesn’t, it is important that a woman can trust her OB/GYN and know that he or she has her and her baby’s best interest at heart. Being There Having an engaged partner on the pregnancy journey can make the experience easier. That may mean different things for different couples, but the woman carrying the child should always feel supported. “Be involved,” Dr. Kroeger advises partners. “Pregnancy can be tough physically and emotionally. Women are often scared and don’t know what to expect, so being present and patient and understanding is invaluable.” Starting or growing a family is a life-changing experience for every couple. The road there may not always be easy, but the result is worth it.

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018

LA FIN

SANTA FE is a favorite destination for our family, but we don’t always take time to explore the surrounding terrain when we are there, so recently my husband and I decided to venture outside New Mexico’s famous city. We flew into Albuquerque and instead of driving up Interstate 25 straight into Santa Fe we opted for the 60 mile scenic route along the Turquoise Trail. Getting off the beaten path you quickly see why the landscape has inspired many artists over the years. One of the first places worth stopping on the trail is the Tinkertown Museum in Sandia Park, an eclectic maze of rooms filled with handmade marvels and Wild West novelties. The old coal mining town of Madrid is the main attraction along the trail with an array of small shops and galleries now nestled into the bygone old buildings. We stopped for lunch at the Mine Shaft Tavern and ate the best green chili burger we’ve ever had while listening to a live blue grass band. Once in Santa Fe we checked into La Fonda Hotel. Designed by architect John Gaw Meem, known as the Frank Lloyd Wright of the Southwest, the hotel is a wonderful adobe structure that’s sits on the city’s historic plaza. One block down is Shiprock, a Native American art and textiles gallery owned by Waxahachie native Samantha Hamilton and her husband Jed Foutz. After a bit of window shopping we met up with friends for dinner at La Pazuela and started planning out our next few days of adventure. Breakfast our first morning is always at Café Pasqual’s, where you are certain to find a line out the door, but it’s worth the wait. "Red or green?" is the official state question, referring to the type of chile you want served over pretty much any New Mexican dish. Answering "Christmas" will get you both sauces and the way I like to start my day. After indulging in a plate of Huevos Motulenos we shopped some Spanish antique stores and checked out the old turquoise at the plaza’s pawn shop. Summer is traditionally

the high season in Santa Fe when the arts scene explodes, so we headed over to Canyon Road where I can easily spend the day strolling through numerous art galleries. Close by is the impressive Museum of International Folk Art as well as the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. At the end of Canyon Road is the oldest bar in town called El Farol, a great place to take a break and drink a glass of cava. Later in the day we enjoyed a poolside cocktail back at La Fonda before grabbing a few tapas at La Boca and heading up towards Santa Fe’s ski resort to Ten Thousand Waves, the world renowned Japanese spa. The property is beautiful with lantern lined paths of piñon trees, trickling waterfalls and koi-filled ponds. Wrapped in a kimono you can relax with a warm foot bath, book a private teak hot tub or enjoy their sauna and steam rooms between massage treatments. I love to go in the evenings so we can just relax and go straight to bed after a few hours of pampering.

Back in Santa Fe no trip would be complete without dinner at Geronimo’s, where we dined our last night to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The beautiful old adobe structure is quite literally one of my favorite restaurants in the world. We have enjoyed many a celebration there for over 20 years. As we headed back to the Albuquerque airport we stopped to visit Los Poblanos Farm, also designed by architect John Gaw Meem. Los Poblanos is a 25 acre organic farm with a beautiful inn and award winning restaurant. The front fields were blooming with fragrant lavender used to produce their skincare products and honey you can purchase in an adorable shop on the farm. Santa Fe’s unique style is rich in culture, characterized by its thriving art community and its Pueblo Revival architecture, but all of the surrounding areas are just as breathtaking, interesting and worth experiencing. This is why it’s called THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT.

The next morning we drove the high road to Taos. It takes about an hour to drive north from Santa Fe, but you want to leave plenty of time to wind through the mountains, stop to soak in the incredible views of the Carson National Forest and visit small towns like Las Trampas, where one of the best preserved Spanish colonial churches has stood for over 200 years. We took time to walk around the Taos Pueblo where their multistoried adobe homes are now a World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. I remember as a child getting corn necklaces and moccasins there. On our drive back to Santa Fe we took the Low Road and stopped at the Puye Cliff Dwellings along the Santa Clara Canyon. Established in 1550, Santa Clara is famous for its polished black pottery and magnificent cave like structures that served as homes to the ancient tribe.

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

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2018