December January 2023 Ellis County Living Magazine

Vitamin D BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Has your mood shifted since summer ended? This is a common phenomenon during the winter months as sunshine disappears and Americans retreat indoors. Millions of adults experience a difference in their temperaments between fall and spring, when a condition termed Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) sets in. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, lethargy, and isolation become increasingly difficult for people, especially those living in northern, snowy climates, to manage. While SAD symptoms can be progressive and challenging, it is important to know you are not alone and that you can take simple steps toward achieving personal wellness all year long.

What is Seasonal Depression?

Simply put, as the weather shifts away from sunny and warm to overcast and cold, so do your feelings. Unfortunately, Seasonal Affective Disorder is not an academically accepted medical disorder and has not been heavily researched. Commonly, it is what we call “the winter blues.” Socially, we retreat away from each other during the winter which can lead to seasonally depressing symptoms like:

• Eating too much • Less energy • Sleep disruptions

• Social Isolation

• Depression

• Hopelessness

• Anxiety

Nearly anyone can suffer from the winter blues, including children. Shorter days and longer nights can decrease motivation, increase boredom, and prevent loved ones from gathering on a regular basis. Logically speaking, being cooped up inside without fresh air and sunlight will naturally take a serious toll on emotional functions.

The Winter Blues’ Impact on Vitamin D Levels

Researchers have linked sunlight exposure to healthy vitamin D levels. This explains why being indoors reduces our exposure to sunlight and therefore decreases vitamin D levels during the winter months. Maintaining a healthy amount of vitamin D in your system keeps bones healthy and strong, improves immune responses, and increases cell

BY JACQUELINE MILES, FNP-C

production. Research continues to suggest that a vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of depression, with future studies geared towards proving a direct link.

How Can I Get More Vitamin D?

The good news is that getting enough vitamin D daily is pretty easy. For most people, a healthy diet plus going outside and enjoying the sunshine is all it takes. Vitamin D occurs naturally in fish, milk, and some grains. Also, your body absorbs the sun’s rays and produces vitamin D on its own. However, during the winter months, it is difficult for people in cold climates to get outside and expose their skin to the elements. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement may be necessary to compensate for the lack of sunshine.

Should I Have My Vitamin D Levels Checked?

Having your blood tested annually during your routine physical makes total sense. During that visit, your provider will more than likely look at your vitamin D levels. Sufficient levels of vitamin D continue to prove critical for bone health but many studies suggest vitamin D also protects against diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Midtowne Wellness and

Don’t let the winter blues get you down! Turn to Midtowne Wellness & Aesthetics for a holistic approach to care. Led by Jackie Miles, FNP-C, and her team, we are committed to helping our patients feel like their best self. Offering full lab panels for overall thyroid hormone optimization and Biote hormone therapy for men and women, we focus on personalized treatments that meet your wellness goals.

ECLM Contributors

Mallory Walker (1) is the founder of Walker Design & Co in Ellis County. Known for our ability to create beautiful, true custom homes! Wishing all of our readers the best holiday season this year! I’ll be prioritizing family and friends, celebrating what we have accomplished, and planning for the new season waiting for us in 2023! Cheers! Follow along @walkerdesignandco

Kalee Hume (2)

Kalee Hume is a Ellis County native and the owner of The Oily Bar, an all natural soapery that focuses on plant based bath & body care. Her business ventures that started with just a box of essential oils and a diffuser has now turned into a full time business with a store opening on the downtown square in March 2022. When not serving up soaps & sugar scrubs, you can find her spending time with family, cooking or enjoying some sunshine. Follow along @oilybar or www.theoilybar.com.

Kate Duckworth (3) is the President & Principal Designer of Duckworth Interiors, a full-service interior design firm located in Ennis, TX. With over a decade of design experience in high-end residential, new construction selections, model homes & remodels, she finds joy in creating spaces her clients love. Kate specializes in designing interiors that look magazine-worthy & feel like home. Follow her at www.duckworthinteriors.com or @duckworthinteriors.

Melissa McBride (4) keeps a bag packed and is “road trip ready” at all times! In addition to being a wanderlust, free-lance writer, artist, photo journalist, visionary & interior stylist, Melissa is also the owner of Wild Grace, a faith-based boutique. This curated collection of clothing, accessories, art & home goods is located inside The Doves Nest, downtown Waxahachie. Wishing all of you a peaceful season of joy and blessings as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, enjoy holiday traditions, and bring in a fabulous new year!

Jason Wilson (5)

The foundation of Meat Therapy is built around relationships, sharing good food and fellowship with family and friends. During the holidays this becomes especially evident as we focus on what we are thankful for and seek out what brings us and others JOY. This season, we challenge you to find what brings you JOY and share it with others. We all could use a little ‘therapy’ in our lives! Follow along @meat.therapy or www.meattherapybbq.com.

Cindy Burch (6) and her husband, Andrew, own and operate The Doves Nest in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy is also a freelance writer, caterer and consultant. Her awardwinning cookbook, “The Doves Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From A Historic Texas Town,” is in its fifth printing.

Cindy Camp | Publisher | Publisher@living-magazine.com is a wife, mom & boss who brings to fruition all types of endeavors (she is a true Queen). A fierce, natural leader who enjoys all sides of business while also loves relaxing by the pool, taking a trip or simply having her fur-baby by her side.

Lindsey Keeney | Creative Director | Lindsey@living-magazine.com is an Aggie who was lucky enough to move back to her hometown and start her dream job here at ECLM which she has been an amazing asset to for 10 years! With a big love for family, concerts, traveling & the outdoors it’s easy to see where her creativity comes from.

Melissa McBride | Curator | Editor@living-magazine.com is multi-faceted as an artist, a small business owner, and the visionary for ECLM. Curating content, style and stories in an effort to uplift and promote all areas of our community and beyond has become her passion. She’s intentional and an encourager whose faith, family, and friends are paramount!

Mary Crook | Art Director | Mary@living-magazine.com is a mom to her fun & fiesty daughter, designer + owner of a small business, a loyal local with strong Texas roots & a deep love for her hometown, Waxahachie.

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

Cover Photo Location: Tru Love Salons

Photographed By: Stephanie Reyna | Chase Life Tree Design: Randa Richardson

photos by Grant Duckworth Photography

A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

EllisCountyLivingMagazine is published bi-monthly by ECL Media, Inc.© using only environmentally-friendly ink.

Copyright 2022, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved.

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

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For advertising information, please contact EllisCountyLivingMagazineat 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.

Staff

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

MIDLOTHIAN

IT’S

PRIME TIME

&

STORY, PHOTOS

RECIPES BY JASON WILSON, MEAT THERAPY

Special occasions and celebrations in the meat world often call for the “Cadillac” of proteins...prime rib. Also known as rib roast, prime rib roast, standing rib roast, bone-in ribeye rib roast…okay you get the picture. So...what makes prime rib so special? Besides the fact that it’s a pricey cut of meat, the prime rib is not a hard-working muscle, therefore it’s well-marbled which makes it more tender and flavorful. I can totally relate. Maybe this Christmas you are looking to wow your in-laws or are wanting to bring in the New Year with a culinary bang. Well...it’s PRIME time.

Our local HEB is my go-to spot for prime rib, and I typically get a 3 Bone. Start the process by separating the ribs out. Check out my Instagram @meat.therapy for a “how to” on this process. I like to dry brine by covering the roast with coarse kosher salt. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour up to overnight if desired. Remove from the refrigerator, rinse the roast thoroughly and pat dry. Now it’s time to hit it with your favorite rub. I LOVE the Meat Church Holy Gospel with Garlic and Herb rub combo. Tie the ribs back on with butcher’s twine and let sit for 30 minutes to let the rubs adhere.

Get your smoker rolling at 225 degrees using a hickory, oak, or pecan wood/pellet. Place rib roast directly on the grate, bone down, and smoke until the internal temperature hits 120 degrees. Get a cast iron skillet or outdoor griddle piping hot for the sear. Hit all sides of the rib roast on super heat to build that beautiful crust for about a minute on each side. Once seared, top with a good compound butter and loosely tent with foil for 30 minutes to rest. Cut the twine and toss the ribs back on the smoker. Carve up that bad boy, top with this homemade horseradish cream sauce, and reap the benefits of your cook.

Horseradish Cream Sauce

1/2 C heavy cream

1/2 C sour cream

4 Tbsp horseradish

1/2 lemon squeezed

Meat Church Holy Cow season to taste

Start with whisking your heavy cream until it thickens up a little. Add in your sour cream, horseradish, and seasoning. Fold into the cream. Squeeze in lemon and mix up well. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, but the longer the better. Serve on your favorite steak or atop a steak sandwich.

TX-Nog

2 oz TX Whiskey Straight Bourbon

1/2 C granulated sugar 6 large egg yolks 2 cups milk

1 C heavy whipping cream 1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ground cinnamon (optional for topping)

Combine egg yolk and sugar. Whisk until it becomes a creamy mixture. In the sauce pan, combine milk, whipping cream, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Spoon in the hot milk mixture to creamy whisked egg, whipping continuously. Once most of the milk mixture has been added, pour back into sauce pan and whisk until it begins to thicken up. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, pour into pitcher and place into fridge to chill. Once chilled, pour 2 oz TX Whiskey into a glass, fill with nog, stir and sprinkle with ground cinnamon and... ENJOY! Happy holidays, y’all!

CRAVING MORE? @MEAT.THERAPY

Be of Good Cheer!

The Holiday Issue

Pages of Tradition, Celebration, and JOY

Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, traditions and flavors of this beautiful holiday season! We truly appreciate our beloved community and beyond! As you plan gatherings, shop, wine, dine, or seek professionals and services, remember to show “local love” and support Ellis County! Each and every reader, business, supporter, and contributor makes a meaningful difference to us.

Looking forward to 2023!

The ECLM Staff

Cindy,Lindsey,Mary&Melissa

TURN YOURStockings INTO ASPA DAY

STORY BY KALEE HUME, OWNER OF THE OILY BAR

1. Foaming Sugar Scrub

First let’s talk about our most popular item all year round...our foaming sugar scrub! This product flies off the shelf during the holidays (and hello holiday scents... we see you!). It foams like a soap and exfoliates like a sugar scrub, leaving your skin soft and without being too abrasive and irritating. You know when you think you have someone’s Christmas shopping juuusstt about done, but you need those few extra items that will wrap up your gift giving like a nice little bow? Well, THIS is that perfect little add-on gift and stocking stuffer!

2. Handmade All Natural Soap

You can’t go wrong with a hand-made Christmas gift! When it is filled with nothing but goodness for your skin, it’s a win-win! If you want to personalize your gift even more, you can place a custom soap loaf order with us and create a special personalized bar for someone you love!

3. Bath Bombs

What stocking is complete without a bath bomb?! These great stocking stuffers are inexpensive and promote self-care! GoGo Avocado, a fun avocado shape that’s scented with green tea and lemongrass, is one of my new favorites.

4. Body Butter

What better way to say you love someone (in the nicest way possible) by sharing with them how to fix dry skin. With an ultra rich blend of shea butter, mango butter and grapeseed oil, your giftee will be set with the most luxe moisturizer!

5. Luxury Body Wash

Need a gift for someone who could use a bubble bath? Here’s your sign! Our body wash can doubleup! It’s made with a moisture-rich, bubbly blend of aloe vera and calming roman chamomile extract. May I recommend a warm Cashmere bubble bath?

6. Body Milk

We all know that one person who is ALWAYS putting onhand lotion at their desk! This is their dream gift! Vitamin E oil and aloe vera and packaged together in a convenient pump bottle, this makes the best “thanks for always letting me steal your pen” gift for a coworker.

finding joy in FREDERICKSBURG

STORY & PHOTOS BY MELISSA MCBRIDE

‘Tis the most wonderful time of the year...and I love everything about it! Road-trip ready with a full moon on the horizon, I was in search of that perfect “Christmas movie backdrop” type of getaway. I made a “Holiday Wish List” to curate a travel experience in a delightfully bustling, small Texas town. A town brimming with the joys of Christmas and the anticipation of a blessed new year!

Fredericksburg had all of my top wish list items for the “script”: A community founded on faith. Majestic, historical churches. Charming downtown with sprawling areas of locally owned shops and unique businesses. Magical storefronts loaded with decorations. Fantastic window displays that stir child-like wonders of the season. Extraordinary one-of-a-kind restaurants, a nightlife vibe, and live music options. Streets lined with architecturally interesting homes and buildings. Museums, galleries, and antique shops. A large community gathering area for festivities. Over 50 wineries with character, vast vineyards, and strands of cozy string lights. Spectacular sunsets. All types of warm, welcoming accommodations. Friendly people...and a town of traditions.

There are so many fabulous choices in accommodations, but I wanted to rent an inspirational and inviting home with a lot of personality and style. PoplarPlaceTX.com was all of that and had yet another wish list item...a vintage red truck on the property. Booked! My most festive red truck-patterned pajamas were added into my duffel bag and I headed out towards the Texas Hill Country on my holiday adventure!

What inspired owners Jennifer and Heath Hill to choose a path of developing an oh-so-interesting group of rentals at 807 Poplar Street? They wanted to do a big project together with Jenn as creative director for each house. Heath knew she would pour her heart and soul into each home. Conversations with Jenn are filled with a contagious excitement about Fredericksburg. “With over 1.5 million visitors annually, the houses would most likely be filled with JOY year-round. I don’t have many gifts, but I do love hospitality. I believe being able to open your home to people and host them is one of the closest ways we can act as the hands and feet of Jesus.” The couple got busy designing and building in 2021. They currently have 11 meticulously decorated houses, each with its own personality. This property is a wonderful option for those flying solo, for couples, friend trips, or family events up to 30 people. I stayed in the three bedroom, two bath “MOD” house, but was elated to be able to peek inside all of them. Jenn’s designer choices...all the various tiles, luxe lighting, furnishings (loved my blue velvet sofa!), art, bedding...every little detail...all gorgeous! Peruse their website and find your fav home!

A heavily-flocked tree loaded with dazzling ornaments, lights, and yards of colorful ribbon awaited my arrival. Appropriately nestled in the center of the tree was an over-sized word ornament that beautifully sums up this season for me...JOY! Flocked wreaths, bowls of ornaments, wine glasses paired with charcuterie trays decorate the table tops. From my front porch I had a view of their vintage red truck lit by a full moon. Perfection.

Jenn has written a book with her friend, Mary Walker, called The Best Birthday Cake in the History of Ever (HistoryofEver.com) as a mission to bring wholesomeness back to the family table at Christmas. It’s a story with a project that inspires togetherness. My personal copy is autographed with an inspirational sentiment....

“Always let your light shine!”

Fredericksburg was founded around 1846 when settlers from Germany arrived in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Many lasting German traditions, along with those of other rich cultures, are celebrated in this town of approximately 11,000. The Marktplatz (Market Square) is a sprawling park area and gathering grounds for the community and tourists. Located on Main Street and in the heart of Fredericksburg, you’ll find open air pavilions (used for Oktoberfest, art shows, and wine festivals), the Vereins Kirche Museum, and the “Lasting Peace” statue. A metal Maypole depicts the history of Fredericksburg as you visually “read” it from bottom to top. A 26-foot carousel-type structure called a Weihnachtspyramide (try saying that after a local winery tour!) or wooden Christmas pyramid, spins in the center of Marktplatz, telling the story of Christmas with detailed carvings. The illumination of this beautiful piece of history, along with the giant community tree, kicks off the holiday season. Vintage street lamps are well-dressed with wreaths and big red bows.

I enjoyed breakfast at Sunset Grill (a short walk from Poplar Place!) and also at Emma & Ollie. The seafood was amazingly fresh at Martini’s. Don’t miss dining at Hill & Vine. I absolutely loved the interior design, the layout of the property, and seeing Texas artist Jon Flaming’s bold cowboy art strategically placed throughout. Shopping in Fredericksburg is an incredible experience. Start at the outskirts of town and work your way in so you don’t miss a gem. Also, make sure you hit all of the side streets. I can’t even begin to list my favorite shops, as there is such a wide variety of merchandising talent and artistry everywhere.

Charming Fredericksburg had all the merry and bright ingredients...a recipe of an uplifting holiday movie script for this solo gal! Well...almost. Everything minus a meet-cute with a single guy in a buffalo plaid flannel shirt (or Christmas sweater) at some quaint little hardware store that his grandpa owns and he has given up his corporate big city suit job to move there to breathe new life into the family business. Perhaps next time. With so much more to see, I can’t wait to return!

Joy, peace, and always let your light shine!

STORY BY MALLORY WALKER WITH WALKER DESIGN

MY TOP FIVE FAVORITE TRENDS this season

Understand Mantels

I really feel like less is more when it comes to adding décor for the holidays, so I love the look of an understated holiday mantel. Just a couple of stands of garland and stockings are a good place to start!We stepped up this mantel by adding battery-operated sconces for lighting and the wall art was most definitely a must for the space!

Flocked Trees

Something about a flocked tree is really beautiful to me and small details can make a big impact! If you’re wanting the look without purchasing a new tree, try powder snow. For my tree, I spray the branches with water using a mister, and then add the powder snow with a kitchen colander. It can be a messy process, but worth it in my opinion!

“From family traditions to Hallmark movies, there are so many things I love about this time of year!”

Hot Cocoa Bars

Why are these so fun to me? Coffee bars feel like an everyday thing, so a hot cocoa bar seems right for this time of year! I kept this space neutral and added lots of storage to add treats over the holiday season. To create this area, I started with vertical trim work to elevate the space and furnished it with a buffet that was 60 inches wide, which works well with floating shelves.

Break Out Your Tree

Turns out the earlier the better for some! Has anyone else noticed the trend of breaking out the holiday décor around early November? Being more traditional, I had always felt like the time to decorate was after Thanksgiving; but if it makes you happy, I feel like you should go for it! After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year!

Mini Wreaths

From place settings to the back of counter stools, there are endless opportunities to include one of these smaller versions of this traditional holiday classic! I used flocked mini wreaths on the back of the dining room chairs and secured them with ornament hooks to add a little bit of color!

I love mini wreaths styled on the back of a barstool or even on a cabinet door.

SEASONAL STYLE TIP

DESIGNER Q&A

A: Paint the interior white! Add architectural interest where there is none, such as, adding some beams or block paneling. Upgrade your lighting and hardware. Small changes like these can have a big visual impact, and remember the lighting and hardware is the “jewelry for the outfit”!

A: Making every single selection in a room a “wow”. If everything in a room is demanding attention, it’s hard to decide where to look first and can feel overwhelming. Instead, it’s better to have a high impact selection or two and then let the rest of the room just be supporting elements. Not every piece has to be the star of the show. Also, going with what is trendy instead of classic. We might see patterned tile is everywhere and decide to use it only to find out a few years later, it’s no longer popular. Ask yourself if you’re still going to love it years later. Sometimes it’s a difficult question to answer, so it’s always a good idea to look at selections that were popular decades ago. If they are still popular today, they’ve stood the test of time.

A:

A: Art!! It’s always a good idea to splurge on a piece of art that speaks to you, and it’s often a good investment as well.

A: Accessorizing with lots of small items is a common mistake. Instead, use fewer accessories that are larger and more impactful. Also, bookcases without books, but full of photo frames and accessories, feels like something is missing. Adding books will make them look finished!

Q: What are some things that people can do to instantly make their home look more expensive?

Q: What are some splurges that are always worth it?

Q: What are some common mistakes that people make when they are building a new home?

Q: What are some common mistakes that people make in their interiors?

Q: What are some design risks you would encourage our readers to take?

Don’t be afraid to paint a whole room a bold color, don’t be scared of wallpaper,and have fun mixing patterns and prints.

Ellis County Master GardenErs MONTHLY TIPS

BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

DECEMBER tips for

• Plant berry-producing trees and shrubs to add winter color to your landscape. Choices include possumhaw and yaupon holly, Carolina buckthorn, rusty blackhaw viburnum and American beautyberry..

• Plant pre-chilled tulip and hyacinth bulbs mid to late month. Plant bulbs in masses for best effect.

• Considering a living Christmas tree? Choose an adapted plant. Junipers, Arizona cypress and pyramidal hollies are good options. While indoors, place the tree in the brightest natural light and keep soil moist. Do not leave indoors for more than two weeks.

• Remove mistletoe from trees as soon as it becomes visible.

tips for

JANUARY

• Transplant small trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Water the plant well before digging it.

• Plant cold-tolerant herbs such as chives, cilantro, garlic and parsley; onion transplants late month.

• Seed for warm-weather annuals can be planted in flats in a temperaturecontrolled environment. Tomatoes and peppers can be started from seed mid-month.

• Prune trees, including live oaks and red oaks, to remove dead, broken and unwanted branches.

• Peach and plum trees should be pruned to stimulate lateral branches and keep their “bowl” shape. Thin out branches to open the center to allow more sunlight, resulting in fruit production over the entire tree.

What’s the Difference Between Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms?

These tests are similar, but there’s a reason your doctor might recommend one over the other

BY VALERIE GORMAN, MD, BREAST SURGEON AT TEXAS SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM?

While the recommendations from different organizations aren’t exactly the same, the American Cancer Society recommends this schedule for women at average risk:

SCREENING OR DIAGNOSTIC?

“Both types look for signs of breast cancer, but they aren’t the same.”

• Age 40 to 44: Women have the option to start annual mammograms

• Age 45 to 54: Women should have yearly mammograms

• Age 55 and older: Women should have mammograms every year or every other year, and should continue to have the screening tests as long as they are in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years

DOES INSURANCE COVER SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS?

As part of the Affordable Care Act, most insurance companies are required to fully cover screening mammograms. That means you shouldn’t have to pay any deductibles or copays as long as you are getting your mammograms on schedule. Medicare also covers screening mammograms.

WHAT IS A DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM?

A diagnostic mammogram looks for breast cancer when you’ve had some sign or symptom of the disease. Your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram if you feel a lump or notice a discharge, or if they need a closer look at something they spotted on your screening mammogram.

WHAT CAN A DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM TELL YOU?

When you hear the word “mammogram,” you might not give much thought to what, exactly, is happening during the test. But mammograms fall into two main categories: screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. Both types use x-rays to look for signs of breast cancer, but they aren’t the same. Here’s how I explain the difference to my patients.

WHAT IS A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM?

Screening mammograms are tests that look for breast cancer when you don’t have any signs or symptoms of the disease. These are the mammograms most women have as part of their general preventive care.

WHAT CAN A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM TELL YOU?

A screening mammogram can look for possible early signs of breast cancer. For example, it could detect lumps that are too small for you to feel, or small calcium deposits, called microcalcifications, that could be signs of breast cancer.

In a diagnostic mammogram, the technician may take more images of your breast and may magnify concerning areas. Diagnostic mammograms provide more detail so your doctor can make a more accurate diagnosis.

WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM?

Your doctor will help you decide if you need a diagnostic mammogram based on your symptoms or findings on your screening mammogram. You may also need diagnostic mammograms if you’ve had breast cancer in the past.

DOES INSURANCE COVER DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAMS?

Private insurance typically covers diagnostic mammograms the same way it would cover any other test. That means you may be responsible for the costs of your deductible or copay. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to find out what your cost will be and whether costs vary based on the location of your mammography provider. For example, costs could be different at an in-network facility compared to an out-ofnetwork location. Medicare covers diagnostic mammograms similarly—you need to meet the deductible and then you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount.

My Love Affair WITH LIBSON

STORY BY CINDY BURCH

Known as the San Francisco of Europe, Lisbon is built on seven hills. The sun shines most every day across acres of red-tiled rooftops sitting on steep cobblestone streets with their facades covered in hand-painted azulejo (tiles). On one of the hills sits the Moorish ruins of São Jorge Castle, a fortress which has dominated the city for more than 1,000 years. Lisbon is also home to some of the best restaurants in Europe, and arguably the world.

We arrived from Madrid on a beautiful morning and checked into the lovely Alma Lusa boutique hotel in the Baixa-Chiado district. The location is one of the best in the city’s historic center, just one block from the majestic Praça do Comércial waterfront square and train station.

Walking is often an uphill climb in Lisbon, but taxis and trams are readily available and there are funiculars and even a huge street elevator providing quick and easy access to the hillier districts. We love exploring the maze of alleyways and the unexpected squares filled with palm trees. The Chiado neighborhood is full of trendy restaurants. On our first afternoon we found the popular Barrio do Arillez market where fresh baked breads, olives, cheese and cured smoked meats are served with red wine or crisp vinho verde (green wine) for a perfect snack. Later in the evening we dined at a wonderful little neighborhood gem called Canto da Vila...a small authentic café with terrific food

and great service. I ordered the bacalhau, a cod fish that is the most popular dish in Portuguese cooking.

Day two led us to Belém, a picturesque district west of Lisbon on the banks of the Tagus River and famous for the sinfully delicious custard tart called pastel de nata at Pasteis de Belém bakery. However, the star attraction is Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a 16th century monastery that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there we walked through the grounds to the harbor and enjoyed lunch at the marina.

One of my favorite places for shopping is called A Vida Portuguesa, specializing in local products ranging from hand-milled soaps to stationery, embroidered linens, and gourmet food and wines. Around the corner is the famousCervejaria Ramiro, the 60 year old family-owned restaurant focusing exclusively on shellfish, most of which are swimming in massive tanks that line the restaurant's walls. We peeled and ate delicious scarlet shrimp, clams in garlic sauce, and tried goose barnacles until we were so full we couldn’t eat the traditional steak sandwiches they serve for “dessert”. If you are looking for more options than just seafood, try the Time Out Food Market in the Bairro Alto district where over 40 of the best bars and restaurants in the city pop up daily in artisan stalls and serving amazing bites.

Not far from Lisbon is the picturesque town of Sintra, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Set amidst pine-covered hills, it was a clear and crisp morning as we drove up the forested mountain to the beautiful Pena Palace while catching glimpses of its twin conical chimneys through the trees. Back in the town of Sintra we shopped for beautiful handmade linens and pottery before enjoying a long al fresco lunch on the grounds of the Tivoli Palace Hotel and then drove through Cascais, a Portuguese fishing town situated on the western edge of the beautiful Lisbon coastline.

We spent our final night in the city’s oldest hilltop quarter where you will find numerous bars playing Lisbon’s version of folk music called Fado, a mixture of soulful vocals and a Portuguese 12-string guitar. We chose the well-known Casa de Linhares. Built into the ruins of an aristocratic house that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, crowds fill the vaulted stone cellars and enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner while being entertained by the melancholic Fado music that literally means “fate” or “destiny”.

There are dozens of reasons to love Lisbon. On top of what I have already shared, it is Western Europe’s least expensive capital full of friendly people who are proud of their country and enjoy sharing it with tourists.

Cindy Burch

Spend a few days with no agenda. Get lost in the time warp of the historic neighborhoods, eating fresh seafood, and enjoying the sunset views from a rooftop terrace. You will fall in love... just like I did.

Introducing Dr. Emily Nitta

Dr. Emily Nitta was raised in Denton, TX. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Human Biology. She then earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. Dr. Nitta knew from an early age that she was interested in dentistry, but her passion for working with kids

inspired her to specialize as a pediatric dentist. She completed her pediatric dental residency at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Dr. Nitta loves all things outdoors and enjoys working out, cycling, hiking, trying new recipes, and traveling.