January 2016 Ellis County Living Magazine by Ellis County Living Magazine

FASHION BEAUTY SHOPPING HOME GARDEN MEDICAL

Living

Home of the Year 2016

Start Looking for Your Dream Home on Page 38

Your GATEWAY to HOMETOWN service and expertise

Voted “Best Mortgage Company” In Ellis County 2013, 2014 & 2015

www.TheSchmidtGrp.com Your Award-Winning Team Jeff Schmidt - 817.681.7897

When you are looking for hometown service backed by expert, local professionals, turn to The Schmidt Group at Gateway Mortgage. Their Waxahachie office has over 90 years’ experience in the mortgage industry and best of all, they live and work right here in ELLIS COUNTY. Whether you are purchasing a new home, considering refinancing or even seeking access to your home’s equity, they have the right solution to meet nearly any mortgage need.

The Schmidt Group promises you: • A community - first approach • Local underwriting and reliable closings • Service for a lifetime

REGIONAL MANAGER

Licensed Residential Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS 91368

Jeff.Schmidt@GatewayLoan.com

Tom Ker - 972.365.7022 SENIOR LOAN OFFICER

Licensed Residential Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS 356892

Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Nick Hester - 469.855.9262 SENIOR LOAN OFFICER

Licensed Residential Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS 338108

Nick.Hester@GatewayLoan.com

Terry Wooten - 214.949.9285 SENIOR LOAN OFFICER

Licensed Residential Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS 224831

Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace - 903.571.9869

LOAN OFFICER/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MGR Licensed Residential Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS 1146461

Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

Office: 972.937.2200 | 1332 W. Hwy 287 Bypass, Suite-1 | Waxahachie, TX 75165 Gateway Mortgage Group is a registered service mark of Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC. NMLS 7233

WINDOWS | SIDING | DOORS

all Siding Made Locally in Ennis ®

“Not only do we stand behind our windows, we stand on them.”

Jack & Wanda Terry | Window World of Ellis County 401 N. Hwy. 77, Suite 11-A | Waxahachie (972) 584-1811 | www.windowworldelliscounty.com INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY WINDOW WORLD OF WACO

Creating a Beautiful Smile is Easier Than you Think

Dentistry can be Pain Free and Affordable! CALL US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 972-298-8515

Friend ly Staff Beautiful Smiles Welcoming Environment

WILLIAM A. BROWN, D.D.S. F.A.G.D. General Dentistry 226 N. Cedar Ridge Rd. Duncanville, Tx 75116 williamabrowndds@gmail.com

www.WilliamBrownDDS.com

The Ultimate in Outdoor Living Design & plan now & Save today!

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

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

Lazy River Pool Company

Unique One-of-a-Kind Pools Our website will show you our custom-designed pools. No two pools are alike. We customize a pool to your home, style and budget. You can have a nice quality pool by planning now & save before summer rush.

We Win with Winn

Wess Winn FOR

Ellis County Sheriff

Experienced • Accountable • Dedicated

aTrusted Fiscal Conservative aTwelve year veteran of the Waxahachie Police Department aWaxahachie ISD Board Trustee responsible for $70 million annual budget serving

8100 students and 1200 employees

First Baptist Church

aDedicated to faith and family, married 18 years with three children and member of aInvolved in building future leaders through youth athletic programs and the

Police Explorer Program.

Let’s support Republican Wess Winn EARLY VOTING: FEBRUARY 16 - 26, 2016

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY March 1, 2016 www.wesswinn4elliscosheriff.org Political Ad Paid for Wess Winn For Ellis Co. Sheriff, Waxahachie, TX Joe Langley - Treasurer

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1 PUBLISHER CINDY CAMP CFO SUSAN KOSORIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR LINDSEY KEENEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEAGAN CAMP

Happy New Year! This is going to be a great year. As I reflect on 2015, I think of the progress our community has made and the many people that make Ellis County a wonderful place to call “home.” Our staff had so much fun putting our 12th anniversary issue together for you! We hope you enjoy this edition of ECLM.

- Cindy Camp, Publisher Lindsey is the creative director for EC Living

Magazine. She grew up in Ennis and graduated from Texas A&M University. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, concerts, shopping and traveling, especially to her favorite destination, Las Vegas. Contact Lindsey at lindsey@living-magazine.com.

ASSISTANT EDITOR TYLER-MARIE EVANS ADVERTISING CHRIS BENNETT INTERN KAITLIN KING A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by ECL Media, Inc.© using only environmentally-friendly ink. Copyright 2016, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved. For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@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.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest & Twitter! Instagram: @ECLiving facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/eclivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving

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

Go to www.living-magazine.com and click on “subscriptions.” STAFF PHOTOS BY MARIE Q PHOTOGRAPHY COVER PHOTO BY BRENT HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Meagan is the editor-in-chief for EC Living

Magazine. She is a Waxahachie native and graduate of the University of Missouri and Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Writing and cooking are her favorite hobbies as well as traveling with her husband Chris, a diplomat with the State Department currently serving overseas. Contact Meagan at editor@living-magazine.com.

Chris handles business development for

Ennis, Waxahachie and Midlothian for EC Living Magazine. He grew up in Red Oak and volunteers with the SPCA in his spare time. Chris is an avid collector of movie memorabilia and autographs from his favorite actors and musicians. Contact him at chris@living-magazine.com.

Susan is the chief financial officer of EC Living Magazine. A University of Texas business school graduate, Susan has 25 years of experience in business management, marketing and accounting. She has three sons and enjoys volunteering, cooking, reading and traveling. Contact her at accounting@ eclmedia.com.

Tyler-Marie (future Mrs. Hartmann as of

January 3rd) is the new assistant editor for EC Living Magazine. Tyler-Marie oversees all of our social media and contributes stories to the print edition of the magazine. She grew up in Southern California and is graduating from SAGU this spring. By her own accord, she admits to spending too much time watching French films and reading ancient authors. Contact Tyler-Marie at social@living-magazine.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOME OF THE YEAR 2016 IS HERE!

2016

46 14

YOUR WEEKEND OUTFITS FROM YOUR FAVORITE STORES

2016: THE YEAR OF “FARMHOUSE”

BRENT HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY FASHION

WINTER LOOKBOOK 14-18

LIFE & STYLE

GET THE SKINNY, A BEAUTY COLUMN 20 VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT IDEAS 22 BOOKS: NEW MEMOIRS 24 GUY TALK: WHAT IS HOME? 26

POLITICS

CAROL BUSH: STATE OF THE COUNTY 30 PATRICK WILSON 36 JOHN WRAY 40

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

HOME OF THE YEAR

MARKETPLACE 36 HOME OF THE YEAR 2016 38 INTERVIEW WITH MANDY JOHNSON 46 THE FIREMAN’S WIFE DESIGNS A NURSERY 48 DIY WITH COURTNEY WARREN 50 JANUARY/FEBRUARY GARDENING 52

MEDICAL

ASK DR DONALDSON 58 NEW YEARS WELLNESS TIPS FOR 2016 60 KEEPING CERVICAL CANCER AT BAY 62

CINDY BURCH: SANTA FE, LAND OF ENCHANTMENT 64

Ellis County Women’s Expo Business, Health & Wellness

PHOTO BY SCOTT DORSETT

WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER

Saturday, March 5, 2016 9 am - 4 pm

Health Screening • Door Prizes • Fashion & Shopping Over 100 Vendors • Products Galore 40,000 SQUARE FEET OF ENTERTAINMENT, SHOPPING AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

TICKETS: ADULTS $5 AND CHILDREN UNDER 10 FREE

972.937.2390 • www.waxahachiechamber.com

A LOT IS HAPPENING IN ELLIS COUNTY...

AROUND TOWN

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! MARCH 1, 2016

EDITOR’S NOTE

It’s Our 12th Anniversary Issue! In the fall of 2004, the idea came together to start a magazine that truly encapsulated the wonderful people, businesses and philanthropy that makes up the landscape of Ellis County. No other magazine existed then to show off the many facets of life here. Twelve years later, our county is thriving, and the progress is all around us in new construction, new schools and more new faces at the grocery store. We are so proud to be in your mailbox this month and will keep working to discover the best of Ellis County for each issue. The January/February issue is always the Home of the Year and 2016 doesn’t disappoint. Diane Johnson Collard and photographer Brent Hughes worked together to capture one of the most unique custom homes we have ever seen for this year’s Home of the Year. Flip to page 38 to see the entire HOTY section. As the editor, I am always on the hunt for new writers and creatives who can share some of their experience and ideas with you. Our newest columnist Courtney Warren is an accomplished designer who will be giving you a new weekend project every issue. See her first DIY on page 50. If you have an ideas for a feature story, send me a note: editor@ living-magazine.com.

WAXAHACHIE 2ND THURSDAY LADIES NIGHT OUT

JANUARY 14, 5 - 8 P.M. Every month the Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association sponsors this shopping event.

SIDEWALK SALE

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE

MIDLOTHIAN:

JANUARY 18 DOWNTOWN WAXAHACHIE

JAZZ CAFÉ

FEBRUARY 6, 6:00 P.M. WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER Listen to music from the Waxahachie Jazz Orchestra. For more information, email jazzcafe@spiritofwaxahachie. com.

2ND THURSDAY LADIES NIGHT OUT

FEBRUARY 11, 5 - 8 P.M. Every month the Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association sponsors this shopping event.

KBEC WINTER AUCTION

FEBRUARY 13 For more information, contact info@kbec.com.

C.A.S.A. FUNDRAISING GALA

FEBRUARY 13 WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER Visit www.casaofelliscounty.com for more information.

THE GREENERY’S AUCTION FEBRUARY 13 Email info@thegreenerytx.com if you have questions.

15TH ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF

FEBRUARY 19-21 At the Ellis County Youth Expo

Meagan Camp EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Center. For more information: 972-937-1870 or www.elliscountycac.org.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

FEBRUARY 20 www.DowntownWaxahachie. com for more information.

CUPID SHUFFLE 5K & 15K

FEBRUARY 13 15K BEGINS AT 7:50AM & 5K AT 8:00AM You can register online at www. reachcouncil.org/events. Wear your tutu and your valentine’s socks and come RUN in the name of LOVE! For more info, email nisa.hurd@reachcouncil.org.

MAYOR’S WINTER WALK

FEBRUARY 27, 10 A.M. 1-mile trail walk with nature activities hosted by the Indian Trail Master Naturalists. Fantastic raffles prizes, giveaways and post-event snacks! Online registration opens on January 27 at www.midlothian.tx.us.

ENNIS: UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY, CITY-WIDE ORATORICAL AND ART CONTEST

JANUARY 14 7:00 PM Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. poetry, art and essay competition sponsored by Unity in the Community of Ennis. The theme is “It’s not over.” The event will be at the San Jacinto Auditorium, 501 N. Gaines St.

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY, COUNTY-WIDE HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR JANUARY 16 This healthy living event is centered on showing participants

where they need to improve their health. The event offers FREE health screenings (mammogram, prostate, cholesterol, blood sugar, dental testing, and more). At Ennis Jr. High School, 3101 Ensign Rd.

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY, COMMUNITY-WIDE MEMORIAL SERVICE

JANUARY 17 3:00 PM At San Jacinto Auditorium 501 N. Gaines St.

BLITHE SPIRIT AT ENNIS PUBLIC THEATRE

JANUARY 29— FEBRUARY 14 Researching for his new novel, Charles Condomine invites the implausible medium Madame Arcati to his house for a seance and chaos ensues! At the Ennis Public Theatre. For more information, visit www.ennispublictheatre.com 972-878-7529.

THE SUNSHINE BOYS AT THEATRE ROCKS

FEBRUARY 12—28 This play is a Neil Simon original that deals with two old vaudeville comics, who have been apart for years and come out of retirement for a lucrative TV special. The show performs on Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees. For more information, call 972-878-5126 or check out www.theatrerocks. com.

ENNIS CZECH MUSIC FESTIVAL

FEBRUARY 13 This festival extends support and appreciation for Czech music and heritage. There will be 5 polka bands to listen and dance to at the Sokol Activity Center. The event will be hosted at 2622 E. Hwy 34, Ennis, Texas 75119. www.ennisczechmusicfestival.com.

For updates and chances to win free stuff, be sure to “like” us on Facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving. Do you have an event you want everyone to know about? Send an email to: EDITOR@LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Turning

12!

Thanks for all your love & support over the years.

FASHION

it’s chilly out there

WEEKEND LOOKS Break the cycle of sweaters over tights! Here are some fresh looks for your weekend.

Brighton at Briarpatch $20

Briarpatch $26.95

Pistols & Pearls $15

Pistols & Pearls $75 Luanna’s $28.95

Old Town Village Antiques & Uniques $24

LOOK BY THE BRIARPATCH TOP $27.95 NECKLACE Brighton $72 BRACELET, Brighton $52 PANTS $37.95

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

LOOK BY MULTITUDES TUNIC $134 CARDIGAN $188 NECKLACE $24 PANTS $58

Be bold and rock a hat like this oxblood floppy hat from The Briarpatch!

It’s our intern, Kaitlin!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

FASHION

2016 winter

TREND

Pistols & Pearls Lace Top $59

REPORT 2016 is already full of glitz, floppy hats and minimalism. Choose what your look is going to be for the new year!

Flip to page 21 to learn more about T-Kay’s makeup

TEASE WITH TURQUOISE Let your jewelry be that pop of color in your outfit. Warm colors like turquoise do wonders with deeper colors, like this maroon top from Pistols & Pearls!

LOOK BY PISTOLS & PEARLS TOP $47 JEANS $119 NECKLACES & EARRINGS Prices Upon Request

LACEY COMFORT It’s not the 1800s, so you don’t have to be decked head to toe with lace. Instead, add a little charm to your knits with a little touch of lace.

Chunky Acessories

LOOK BY CHIC BOUTIQUE TOP $36.95 NECKLACE $12.95 LEGGINGS $19.95 BOOTS $69.95

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Pistols & Pearls $30 Luanna’s $24

Pistols & Pearls $32

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

FASHION

Minimalism is in!

WORKING GIRL

Classic combinations of gray, white and black work from home to office.

LOOK BY BRIARPATCH TOP $28 OUTER VEST $49.95 NECKLACE BY BRIGHTON $108

LOOK BY MULTITUDES TOP $41 CARDIGAN $120 FLARED SLACKS $48

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget a pop of color!

Pistols & Pearls $75

Pistols & Pearls $345 This spread was shot by our photography intern, SAGU student Kaitlin King (right). Thanks to our fantastic local models, T-Kay Timmerman (left) and Maja Starner(center). Special thanks to Summer Miller of Merle Norman Waxahachie for 18 LIVING-MAGAZINE. COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 makeup.

Coach $195 Courtesy of Coach

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

FASHION BEAUTY

Getting the Skinny

Advice from Tiffany Miner, your DermOne skin care expert ut aging? Have questions abo The start of a new year often means the opportunity for us to revamp our lives -- commit to a healthy lifestyle, refocus our goals, and, of course, take steps to look our very best. As a provider of both medical and cosmetic dermatology, I often get questions on how my patients can use the latest techniques to look and feel younger and more energized. I get many questions about how Botox and fillers can help. First, a little background: Botox® Cosmetic is a medication that can be injected to help certain muscular conditions and also cosmetically soften wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscle that contracts and produces the wrinkle in the skin.

Filler injections are a cosmetic treatment used to smooth wrinkles or scarring on the skin. They can also be used to make the lips fuller. When injected under the skin, a filler raises or puffs up that area. There are many different kinds of fillers, including Voluma®, Restylane® Silk, Belotero Balance® Juvederm® or Radiesse®. Whether it’s Botox or a type of filler that you may be interested in, the main thing to know is that these are tools that your licensed skincare professional can use to help achieve the look you desire. Listen to their recommendations on the best way to achieve your desired outcome. I asked my friends at Ellis County Living Magazine to submit their most pressing cosmetics questions. Surely, these are things that you might have wondered about yourself!

Question: How do I know which cosmetic procedure is best for mature skin to decrease the signs of aging?

Answer: Tiffany Miner, PA-C

DermOne Waxahachie • 972-937-0200

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

This is a great question - one that I get frequently. The answer

is that there is no onesize-fits-all solution for everyone; it’s customized according to your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle. Which procedures used would really depend on the look that is desired -- and I always recommend a strategic plan for each of my patients. Here are some options we could consider: • Chemical Peels are selected based on signs of aging, fine lines, dilated pores, textural change and sun spots. Laser treatments depend on the degree of aging. Some lasers require no down time and are superficial. Other lasers produce new collagen production and require 1-2 weeks of down time. • Micro needling produces new collagen, helps with fine lines, textural change and acne scarring. • Fillers restore lost volume in the cheeks and temple and support skin structure. Fillers also help iron out fine lines and volume loss around the mouth which create frown lines and puppet lines. • Botox is mainly for your upper face, forehead lines, between the eyebrows and around the eyes. Botox can also be used to relax prominent banding of the neck.

Question: Do you need to alter your skin care routine once you begin fillers? Does it require any maintenance outside of the dermatologist’s office?

Answer: Yes! The work doesn’t begin and end in your dermatologist’s office! The patient is responsible for using a daily sunblock with titanium, zinc, or both. This is something that I recommend for all of my patients, whether you have received fillers or not, but is particularly important for those who have. The power and necessity of sunscreen -- yes, even during the winter months! -- can not be ignored. Use it, and use it every single day! Also I recommend a nighttime retinol and anti-

oxidants, as recommended by your skincare professional, to help prevent further sun damage and repair existing damage. Whether you have had cosmetic procedures or not, these are basics that are recommended for my patients.

Question: My hands and my chest give away my age. Are there any cosmetic procedures that can make them look younger?

Answer: Chemical peels and certain laser treatments can rejuvenate the skin and correct some pigment changes, otherwise known as the brown spots or freckles you begin seeing on your skin as you age. Certain fillers can also be used to add volume to the backs of the hand. Again, one of the

most important things you can do is use daily sun protection on these areas. It is essential! Most women forget their chest and hands, but these are exposed to the sun just as your face is! Simple solutions, like Protex UV sun gloves and sleeves with built-in UV protection from SPF clothing, can also be used as physical barriers while driving or riding in the car, a time when many of us in this area experience sun damage. I recommend these for my patients who have had cosmetic procedures, as well. Have a question you would like to ask Tiffany? Send it to editor@living-magazine.com and you may be featured in a future issue!

PHOTOS BY KAITLIN KING

BEAUTY

The Look:

T-Kay Timmerman Summer Miller of Merle Norman Waxahachie breaks down the look she created for T-Kay in this issue’s fashion spread:

Tip 1) For mature skin, I recommend a good daily skin care routine.

Good exfoliation and a good moisturizer are the keys to every regimen. Makeup will look better and go on more smoothly if the skin is moisturized before you begin applying.

Tip 2) Using concealer under the eye and down the center of the

face gives a highlighted and youthful appearance, and a touch of bronzer under the cheekbone for a light contour will create a soft sculpted look. Keeping eye shadows light helps open the eyes and keep them bright. MERLE NORMAN WAXAHACHIE • 972.937.9696

“I kept the eyes light with golds, browns and a hint of plum.” - Summer

tool kit: 1) FAT LASH

MASCARA

2) ANTI-REDNESS PRIMER

3) PERFECTING

FOUNDATION

4) ULTRA POWDER FOUNDATION

5) DUAL ACTION CONCEALER

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

VALENTINE’S DAY Gift Ideas For Your Sweetheart

u v

w x

y 1. TEXAS PEARLS & CO Place a sweet message where your loved one will see it everyday. Stop by the store and choose your own letters and make it personal.

z 2. LUANNA’S

3. THE SHOP

Few things are as special as a piece of handmade jewelry. Luanna herself designs these oneof-a-kind pieces in the latest trends and colors.

A good pair of leather boots never goes out of style. Pick up this pair of Milwaukee Leather Company‘s boots for that special rider in your life.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

4. BLESS YOUR HEART

5. BOYCE FEED & GRAIN

Give your valentine your heart this February. This charming wall hanging will remind them everyday that they have your heart!

Cast iron pieces by Lodge are everyone’s favorite way to cook. Give a new cast iron grill pan to the chef in your life. Lodge cast irons are gifts to keep for life.

6. SWFA Yeti products are on everyone’s must-have list. This assortment of gifts are perfect for the casual fan and die-hard accessory collector.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

LIFE & STYLE

Find Your Muse

new fiction

Pick up one of these memoirs to inspire you in 2016.

WHY NOT ME?

WILDFLOWER

MY KITCHEN YEAR

A DICTIONARY OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

BY MINDY KALING

BY DREW BARRYMORE

BY RUTH REICHL

BY JACKIE COPLETON

If you don’t know Mindy Kaling through her wonderful Instagram account, her witty sitcom on Hulu or her 8 years on “The Office,” you are missing out.

Drew Barrymore has a face we have been admiring since the early 1980s as a child actor. Now she is giving us her perspective from the other side of the camera with this collection of stories.

Reichl is a formidable figure in the world of food and the magazine industry. In 2009, Condé Nast shuttered Gourmet magazine where Reichl served as editor since 1999. Finding herself without an office or an assignment, Reichl went home and started cooking in her kitchen again.

Amaterasu Takahashi encounters someone who holds the key to her secret past she left behind in Japan to start a new life in the U.S. Ama’s story shows the power memories have over us and the devastating history of Japan post-WWII.

“Why Not Me” is her third book and reflects on life in Hollywood as an atypical superstar. She writes about the foibles of dating, beauty and the people who have mentored her. Pick it up if you want to jump start your work life. Kaling is a modern working girl.

Barrymore shares many of her personal and professional highs and lows in this anecdotallydriven memoir. Plan a Barrymore marathon of “Never Been Kissed” and “Ever After” to go along with your reading!

Making Waxahachie HistoryVisible New sidewalk signs approved by Historic Waxahachie Inc.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HWI

More than a cookbook or memoir, it’s a self-portrait of a great writer and chef moving into a new phase of her life.

“How old is that house?” is a question visitors and residents alike often ask as they drive down Waxahachie’s historic streets. While Historic Waxahachie (HWI) has recognized more than 200 historic structures in town, information is not always easily accessible to the casual passerby, but that is about to change. HWI recently approved an addition to its historic marker program that will bring history front-andcenter. A new HWI Sidewalk Sign is available for all structures recognized by HWI. A complement to the HWI Historical Markers, the Sidewalk Signs will enhance the historic marker program by bringing history to the streetscape and informing the public about the age

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

of a structure and its historic recognition. “Waxahachie contains one of the finest concentrations of turn-ofthe-century residential architecture in Texas,” said HWI President Nancy Post. “The hope is that these Sidewalk Signs will showcase the history of Waxahachie and garner these structures and their owners the recognition they so richly deserve.” The new Sidewalk Signs are designed to be readable by those passing by on foot or in a car. The double-sided metal signs measure 8” high by 16” wide, and are hung on a steel arm. Each sign is printed with the HWI logo and the year the structure was originally built.

Copleton’s debut novel begins in Nagasaki in 1945 and spans across decades and places from Japan to Philadelphia weaving the story of post-WWII life with a family’s exodus from their homeland. A perfect weekend read!

Similar to the standardization of the Rotary Flag program, the Sidewalk Signs will be placed by HWI at each home in consistent positions by the sidewalk. The signs cost $100. Only structures recognized by HWI with a Historical Marker are eligible for a HWI Sidewalk Sign. Those interested in purchasing a HWI Sidewalk Sign, or applying for HWI recognition, may submit an application to HWI Marker Committee Chairman Melissa Chapman. Program guidelines, and detailed information on how to apply for an HWI Historic Marker or Sidewalk Sign are available at historicwaxahachie.com. BY MELISSA BALLARD, HISTORIC WAXAHACHIE INC.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

LIFE & STYLE GUY TALK

WHAT IS

HOME?

ELLIS COUN

TY MUSEUM

BY JUDD MCCUTCHEN

Have you ever met someone who asked, “Where do you call home?” I have many times. My answer is always a very proud… ‘Waxahachie’. This community is home to many of us. So how can I sum up what it means to everyone? The answer is, I can’t. For that reason I took a different approach to my article this year, and asked for submissions straight from the residents themselves. And the response was amazing. I wish we could have used them all. Here is your Ellis County…

JUDD MCCUTCHEN 36 YEAR RESIDENT BANKER AT CNB

TY HALL 11 YEAR RESIDENT LET’S BE KOI & ELLIS COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION

T-KAY TIMMERMAN 21 YEAR RESIDENT LIBRARIAN, MIDLOTHIAN ISD

STEPHANIE WILLEY 5 YEAR RESIDENT DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION

ENNIS NIGHT

NOT JUST A NUMBER

TAKING PART

HOME AT FIRST SIGHT

Ennis Night meant loading up a truck full of buddies the Thursday night before the football game, and driving to Ennis to seek and destroy.

A CLEAN SHAVE

As a boy, I would go with my dad every Saturday to Andrew Tennery’s Barber Shop for a $3 haircut and shave. His shop was on Franklin Street just west of where El Mexicano Grill is now.

I use to live in a bigger city, and it sounds cliché, but we were just a number. Here in Ellis County, people go the extra mile. From city crews that replace less than sitely plants in containers, to strangers on the street. It’s a county-wide community.

COMING TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS

My favorite community event has been the tree lighting. When everyone gathers around the tree and sing Christmas carols.

TO READ MORE RESPONSES, VISIT FACEBOOK.COM/ ELLISCOUNTYLIVING

My family and I moved to Midlothian twenty years ago. In that time, we have come to know and love our community. We have pastored in the area, taught school, raised our two daughters, taken part in community plays and projects and been blessed tremendously through many friendships.

LASTING RELATIONSHIPS

My favorite memories are centered around relationships through the years. Celebrating God’s gift of Christmas in community parades with wonderful friends, creating floats, leading children in songs and caroling at Kimmel Park. Endless soccer games and our bleacher friends who are now our Facebook friends!

My daughters and I have lived in Waxahachie for 5 years. [Now] I work for an RV Inspection company as the Director of Administration. We moved here because we visited a couple of times to shop at HEB and fell in love with the small town atmosphere that was similar to where I grew up. We always enjoy the community events such as the parades, festivals and, of course, our church, The Avenue. Even though we have no blood relatives in the area, we have formed plenty of relationships with wonderful people who are our family here. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

GUY TALK CONTINUED

OUR FAMOUS COURTHOUSE

HISTORY

JOSEPH SOHM

/ SHUTTERSTO

CK.COM

WHERE WE C ALL HOME!

THOSE COU

NTRY ROADS

The idea for this article came to me after the Waxahachie Athletic Hall of Fame induction in October. The stories that you hear from the athletes are what make that event so special. That’s what people remember, and talk about afterward. The same goes with this. We have a unique community; there is no doubt about that. The WISD theme for this year is…”Waxahachie is Home”. It’s that simple.

ERIKA LOPEZ 14 YEAR RESIDENT FERRIS ISD TEACHER INSPIRING EDUCATORS

My mother worked for the Red Oak ISD, which allowed my to meet a lot of awesome teachers, one which has stood out amongst all the teachers I’ve met, Mrs. Shelly Wickersham. The way she taught, as well as, her outlook on life made me strive to be a teacher like her.

REASONS TO STAY

As an adult, I can say I chose to continue living here because this is where my parents are, where my brother is buried and I like the sense of community. I also love the small town feel, and the fact there’s still open land. I bought my house with 2 acres that are attached to about forty plus more and how it’s just overall...comfortable.

28 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

MEAGAN CAMP 31 YEAR RESIDENT EDITOR, ELLIS COUNTY LIVING MAGAZINE

ROY MARCHBANKS LIFETIME RESIDENT FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

LIONS PARK

OPTIMIST CARNIVAL

Most of my spring and summer nights were spent on the dusty softball fields at Lions Park. Enjoying a snow cone after sliding into home were the best nights of my childhood.

GINGERBREAD TRAIL

I have lots of great memories of when my mother, Cindy Camp, was co-chair of Gingerbread Trail in 1996. The amount of planning and organization it takes to put on this kind of event every year in astounding. It made me grateful for all of the parades, festivals and concerts that are put on every year in Ellis County. We have a wonderful group of people who give their time to make these special events happen.

// JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

I have a lot of good memories of Waxahachie because it was a great place to grow up. One of my favorite things to do every year was to go to the Optimist Carnival. It was around the square, and we all had a blast doing the cake walk and the water dunk.

FARM LAND

Hanging out with friends at the root beer stand was a favorite. It was located about where HEB is. There wasn’t anything past that. Just farm land.

THE TEXAS THEATER

My brother was 10 years older, but he let me hang out with him some. Seems like I always got in trouble with him and his friends. He did teach me how to sneak into the Texas Theater by walking backward through the exit as other people were leaving.

DR. JEREMY GLENN 2 YEAR RESIDENT WAXAHACHIE ISD SUPERINTENDENT NEW TO TOWN

Waxahachie has excellent schools, low crime rates, a thriving historic culture, and is located conveniently to the Dallas metroplex. We chose Waxahachie because it is a great community to raise children. It is a festival town, and there is always something to look forward to on the weekends downtown.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

POLITICS 2016 BY CAROL BUSH, ELLIS COUNTY JUDGE

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW supporting tax rate that remained the same as the previous year.

Quite honestly, when I ran into Cindy Camp a few weeks ago and she asked if I was ready to submit the annual State of the County article for the magazine, I was dumbfounded. It simply wasn’t possible that it was time to recap the year. Of course it was, but with all the projects I had in motion, and trying to beat 2015 to the finish line, acknowledging it would have been tantamount to admitting that the calendar was pulling ahead. If I were to slap a label on 2015, it would read: A complex year, weighted with the consistency of routine, layered with intense issues …boldly making themselves known, combined for a silky finish of success. Roughly translated, that means that our everyday operations continued as expected; we had unforeseen challenges along the way; and we finished the year having achieved several goals. 2015 started with leadership changes as 2 new Commissioners took their seats on the Court and began familiarizing themselves with County operations. Also in January, the County Auditor and I sat for our annual interview with Fitch Ratings, one of the 3 nationally recognized credit rating agencies, and subsequently received confirmation of the County’s impressive AA bond rating. Additionally, the County’s financial health was reflected in a $57 million balanced budget that was adopted with a

30 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

// JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Just about every article I have written in the past several years has addressed growth. New growth is evident everywhere in the community. Our Department of Development reports 19 active subdivisions within the County alone. More and more people are discovering Ellis County. That fast-paced growth is stressing our infrastructure. In response, I’ve challenged the Commissioners to explore long term solutions and funding mechanisms for our roads. New growth has also increased the demand for other County services. Fortunately, the Tax Office, Clerks’ Offices, Courts, etc… have been able to respond to the daunting increase. 2015 was also memorable for 2 notable and unforeseen challenges by man and Mother Nature. First, our County subsidized ambulance service assigned their duties to another company and abruptly withdrew from the County. This posed both a problem and an opportunity. While it was a situation that caused concern, it received immediate attention. The County and participating cities collaborated to identify and address previous issues with ambulance service and to procure a new provider. American Medical Response (AMR) was selected and begins operations this month. The second challenge hit with a fury in May. After months of no rain, Mother Nature unleashed flooding and prompted State Disaster Declarations for Ellis County and many others. Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator, Stephanie Parker, facilitated assistance where necessary, working with DPS through the immediate safety concerns and subsequently working with FEMA on Disaster Recovery

Assistance. But despite the random interruptions, I am pleased that the County remained on track to realize some of the goals I had asked the Commissioners Court to prioritize in 2012. Former Commissioners Ron Brown, Bill Dodson, Heath Sims and Commissioner Dennis Robinson agreed that County facilities should be a priority. With the expert help of the County Engineer, Joe White, this year we achieved completion of a new District Courtroom, Multi-Purpose Room, Emergency Management and Fire Marshal’s Office. Additionally, a new County Records and Storage Building has been added to the County complex alleviating space issues and the need for leased storage. And perhaps one of my personal favorites (outside the realm of transportation projects benefitting our cities, county and interstate) is the construction of a new Ellis County Elections Office which stands on the site of Waxahachie’s old blacksmith’s shop. The design incorporates elements of the look and feel of its historic predecessor. The County Elections Office has seen remarkable progress in efficiency due to the leadership of Elections Administrator Bruce Sherbet. Now, the public will benefit not only from improved operations but from the use of a more functional, modern facility. These are the highlights of 2015. Subtract politics, varied levels of cooperation, and random obstacles, and all in all, it was a good year in terms of results. Our community continues to flourish because of the people who live here and support the character of Ellis County. Someone said that arriving at one goal is the starting point of another. Here we go 2016!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

POLITICS 2016 BY JOHN WRAY, STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 10

MY FIRST TERM Before entering office, I was given some great advice by a friend: “Vote your district and vote your conscience.” With all the competing interests and complex issues surrounding the political process, staying true to yourself and your constituency is the only way to admirably fulfill your duty. So during my first term as State Representative, I kept that at the forefront of my mind and outside of adhering to that tenet, I had two goals: learn the process and build good relationships. Those who understand their field and build goodwill among their colleagues often find success, no matter what industry they work in. Many folks know you do not move mountains as a freshmen legislator, so I set my sights on building a good foundation for future successes while building a reputation as a hardworking, principled, and honest member - a reputation befitting of Ellis County. The 140 days of session are physically, mentally, and emotionally trying and demand much from everyone involved. Despite the tough environment, and with the help of the engaged constituents and my staff, we were able to pass six pieces of legislation- the most of any first term

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

member this session. In addition to my own bill package, I was able to contribute to two very important committees, the House Ways and Means Committee and the Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee, as well as take nearly two thousand record votes. I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. If you look at those bills I filed, you’ll see I stayed true to my values and to the best interests of the district, but you’ll also see a mixture of legislation, some with local impact and others with statewide implications. In this new role as State Representative, I have thoroughly enjoyed the dual nature of the position as both a policy maker and as a resource for the individuals in my district. My professional background is in law, which has equipped me to understand the substantive policy and enabled me to think critically about solutions to the complex problems facing our state. While policy gives legislators the opportunity to enact positive change on a large scale, the second aspect, advocating for constituents, fulfills my lifelong passion for direct service and

helping others. Being able to help my neighbors with problems that affect their quality of life and having the privilege to recognize the outstanding people who live in our community has been the most rewarding part of the job. This special combination of intellectual challenge and personal service makes me excited to get up every day and work for the people of Ellis and Henderson Counties. I would be remiss if I didn’t end with the most important part of my first term, and my life, which is my family. While I spent the better part of five months in Austin, working long nights, early mornings and weekends, my wife Michele was there every step of the way. Although I’ve been blessed in many respects, Michele and my kids, Morgan and Patrick, are by far my biggest blessings and I couldn’t do this without them. It’s been a pleasure to represent all the folks of House District 10 and I look forward to continuing my service for as long as the good people of our community give me the honor. May God continue to bless you and the great state of Texas!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

POLITICS 2016 BY PATRICK WILSON, ELLIS COUNTY & DISTRICT ATTORNEY RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION

A STRONG AND SAFE COMMUNITY CANNOT BE BUILT ALONE I have served as the Ellis County & District Attorney since 2011. Ellis County has been my family’s home for six generations. I can think of no greater honor than having the job of seeing that justice is done on behalf of the citizens of this state and this county.

I have personally prosecuted the full range of crimes, from drug possession to murder. I have looked in the eyes of dangerous criminals as sentences were passed upon them. I have witnessed our state’s ultimate punishment. I have held the hand of innocent child victims as they entered a courtroom to face their abuser. I have seen the tears of joy as victims begin to piece their lives together. I have seen the agony of disappointment in a jury’s verdict.

professionals on a variety of topics, from technology to ethics. I am a member of the training committee for the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, developing curriculum for prosecutors across the state. I also serve on the North Central Texas Council of Governments Criminal Justice Policy Development Committee. On several occasions I have testified before the State Legislature in support of efforts to improve Texas laws. I am much more than a prosecutor, because my office does much more than prosecute crimes. With more than 40 employees and a budget that tops three million dollars, I am also a skilled manager. Since taking office I modernized the office’s software system, and even reduced the operating budget in the process. I streamlined the office’s collection of hot checks, reducing taxpayer costs for arresting hot check writers. Through efficient use of part-time employees and a student intern program I have maximized human resources while minimizing taxpayer expenses. Our county’s population is booming. In the face of a rapidly growing workload I have efficiently allocated manpower to maximize the taxpayers’ resources.

I am a statewide leader in the field of criminal justice, frequently lecturing to legal

A strong and safe community cannot be built alone. Since taking office I have ac-

My experience with the Texas criminal justice system goes back 20 years. After graduating from Texas A&M University and the Texas Tech University School of Law I began my career as a professional prosecutor with the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. While pursuing my education I also gained valuable work experience in both the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office and the Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

tively developed partnerships to help educate citizens on my office and the criminal justice system. I routinely communicate with the public to keep them informed on my office. I also meet regularly with the county’s sheriff and chiefs of police, fostering communication that improves the service we provide to all. To help police understand their role in the larger criminal justice picture I developed a program for new officers to spend time in my office as part of their field training. Everyone I employ is also encouraged to be an active member of his or her own community. They give back through a number of charitable activities, such as Meals On Wheels and The Salvation Army. My wife, Becky, and I are raising our family’s newest generation of proud Ellis County citizens. Through our church and many civic and charitable organizations we work to improve our community. With your vote in the upcoming election I look forward to continuing my success in keeping Ellis County a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. To learn more about me, as well as my achievements in the courtroom and our community, please visit my website at www.VoteForWilson.com.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Shopping Guide

MARKETPLACE

x y

1. MOSAIC MADNESS

Adorn your home with your own special handmade mosaic item. Vases, frames, crosses… the possibilities are endless with mosaics! Custom work is also available. Find us on Facebook & Instagram 211 S. College Street WAXAHACHIE 972.937.5797 MosaicMadness.net

2. THE RUST SHACK

Tired of the same old decor? Freshen up your home with our rustic finds and unique pieces. 106 N. College Street WAXAHACHIE Facebook.com/ therustshack

3. TEXAS PEARLS & CO.

We have magnolia leaf and cotton wreaths! Spruce up your space with this unique touch to your home. 213 S. College St. WAXAHACHIE facebook.com/ texaspearls

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

4. BRIARPATCH #2 With lots of great home decor, Vera Bradley gifts and baby gear, there’s something for everyone! 405 Water St. WAXAHACHIE 972.937.1441

5. THE STUDIO

This sterling silver and copper cuff signed by Douglas Etsitty is the perfect accessory for your winter look. Come see our large selection. Always 20% off! 3671 N. Highway 77 WAXAHACHIE 972.617.7740

6. THE DOVE’S NEST

Pick up a copy of our awardwinning cookbook, “The Dove’s Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From A Historic Texas Town,” in its fifth printing. 105 W. Jefferson Street WAXAHACHIE 972.938.DOVE (3683) thedovesnestrestaurant.com

}

{ ~

} 7. SOCO DEPOT

Keep your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 in a S’well bottle. These are perfect for gifting or treating yourself. 501 S. Rogers WAXAHACHIE

(IN THE HISTORIC MKT TRAIN DEPOT)

972.351.0086

8. THE RUST SHACK

Be festive all winter long with this en-deeringing sweater! 106 N. College Street WAXAHACHIE Facebook.com/ therustshack

9. OLD TOWN VILLAGE ANTIQUES & UNIQUES

Old, new and artistically created, you will find something special in every aisle. Search for antiques, collectibles, shabby chic, decor, vintage finds, artisan jewelry, re-purposed creations and much more. Shop our three levels. 307 S. Rogers Street WAXAHACHIE 972.938.9515 oldtownvillageantiques.com

} 10. ARK COUNTRY STORE

Frame your precious memories with our country style frames. 502 W. Main St. MIDLOTHIAN 469-612-5050 209 S. Highway 77 WAXAHACHIE 972.937.8860 arkcountrystore.com

11. THE SHOP

You’re sure to fit in at your next motorcyle rally with this charming earing and bracelet set. 315 W. Main St. Suite 13 WAXAHACHIE 972.937.9777

12. BLESS YOUR HEART This Valentine’s Day, find something sweet for your sweetheart at Bless Your Heart! 315 W. Main Suite 16 WAXAHACHIE Find us on Facebook!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Finding your dream home starts here. We bring excellence to the home buying experience. Meet Brian and Tiffany Stevens

Because of this, we strive to glorify Him in every aspect of our business.

Brian and Tiffany chose Waxahachie as their hometown 16 years ago and have fallen in love with Ellis County. All three of their beautiful daughters Hannah, 14, Emma, 12 and Ava, 6 were born in Waxahachie. The Stevens family truly has a passion for the people and progress of Ellis County and are excited about our future. This passion translates into their career with RE/MAX Realty Group.

A real estate transaction, whether it is a purchase or a sale, is one of the most important and possibly most stressful periods of your life. Our job is to help you make sound real estate decisions, whether or not they lead to a sale or purchase.

Who We Are We’re a full-time husband and wife duo who are passionate about helping others find a “home” not just a “house”. We are from here and we are raising our three beautiful daughters here. We LOVE and KNOW Ellis County well. We are continually excited that every family we help contributes to the growth of our amazing community. Being a part of this growth process is humbling. As parents, we strive to lead by example to show the importance of being a part of the community by serving. We serve through our church, The Avenue Church, lead an annual food giveaway for those in need and take yearly mission trips to Honduras. Tiffany has been involved with Women’s Junior Service League and is currently serving on the Education Foundation board. Giving back to Ellis County means a lot to us because this is our home.

Our Philosophy We know that real estate is a God directed career for our family.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

We pride ourselves in assisting every family find a home that perfectly fits their needs. Whether it is working with builders or new construction, a growing or downsizing family, we’re honored to be there to help you find your DREAM home.

“Brian and I are having the time of our lives. I really feel working together gives our clients a smoother buying/ selling process.” #TwoStevensAreBetterThanOne -Tiffany

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

“Our family after giving away a week’s worth of groceries in Midlothian to 500 families with our church.” -Brian

“Made for real estate, agent Tiffany Stevens, impressed even seasoned agents finishing 2014 as the top producing individual agent with RE/ MAX Realty Group. Not wasting any time she added the newest member of her team, her husband, Brian Stevens. He joined RE/MAX, and it is no surprise that they have doubled in sales producing over $9.5 million in sales volume. They will close out the year as Platinum Club award winners, an award most realtors never achieve! They truly are outstanding agents who strive to be the best.” -Kim Jansonius Broker/Owner RE/MAX Realty Group

Searching for a home online can be a chore. What site is the best? Is a home still available? What’s new to the market today? How can I schedule a showing? There is no need for you do the work! Let us know what you are looking for and we will actively search for the perfect home for you!

Our three daughters, Hannah, Emma and Ava are all active members of the youth and children’s groups at our church. Hannah loves playing tennis and cheerleading for Howard Jr. High. Emma enjoys playing for a local select soccer club (Storm FC). Ava loves NOT sweating and kitties.

Stevens Team

Serving Ellis County & Surrounding Areas

www.TheStevensTeam.net Brian Stevens | REALTOR 214-463-9555 | bstevens@remax.net Tiffany Stevens | REALTOR 214-463-9551 | tiffanystevens@remax.net

RE/MAX Realty Group

103 Executive Court, Suite 2 | Waxahachie Broker License #9000586 Each office independently owned & operated.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

HOME OF THE YEAR 2016

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

HOME OF THE YEAR 2016 BY DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD PHOTOS BY BRENT HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY

Finding a jewel nestled quietly in a nicely tucked away gated community is sometimes a challenge, but we, once again, uncovered a home worthy of being distinguished as our “Home of the Year.” This 4500 square foot home, located in rural Midlothian, is captivating from the front door to the smallest hallway. Builder Troy Priddy worked in conjunction with the original owners to incorporate their personal taste and unique style. They had obviously searched the world far and wide to find architectural features, unlike any others we have seen. Current homeowners, James and Iryna Pruitt, moved into their new home with their two sons, who are eight and eleven, last spring. James, a civil engineer, had discovered what locals like to call, “DFW’s best hidden secret,” being Ellis County. He quickly fell in love with the area, the wide-open spaces, and his new found home. Iryna, who moved to America from the Ukraine fourteen years ago, was not as fond of the unusual architectural details as her husband, but she has learned to appreciate them over time. Iryna is quick to say that this home is far from anything she has seen in her country. Although she loves Dallas, Iryna has come to realize that it is a much calmer atmosphere that she truly enjoys. LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

It is evident that the previous owners left many of the treasures they had added to create this unusual, but amazing home. Massive wall hangings that are carved of teakwood and other ancient woods and metals line the immensely tall walls. These pieces of art add a somewhat mid-evil to old world Mediterranean feel that intrigues your interest as soon as you enter the house. Hand carved wood panels lean to the Asian theme but melt perfectly with the more Mediterranean pieces scattered throughout the house. Rustic wood columns, which are evi-

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

dently very old and weathered, grace the entry and living spaces to distinguish the separate areas. There are several columns in various sizes and heights that offer a unique balance to the height of the rooms. The enormous winding staircase flows down the wall like an elegant ribbon gracefully falling from the sky. The openness of the iron and wood combination requires no more than the heavily textured wall as a perfect backdrop. An arched iron balcony overlooks the living area from the second floor. It express-

es the image of a worn old villa in Italy. Shutters and windows of various styles and colors are scattered throughout the main entry and open hallway adorning the walls to perfection. Bold iron and wood sconces of all shapes and sizes line the hallways and frame the doorways throughout the main floor. The wine room, with an antique iron gated entrance, houses a large collection of beer steins gathered from all over the world.

Across from the wine room is an 8-foot wide arched entrance to the dining room, which the previous owners chose to block with a rusty, worn wall of iron fencing. Oddly enough, it is very striking, especially in conjunction with the iron gates of the wine room. Sitting across from the massive stone fireplace in the living area is a unique coffee table made from an ancient wood door with huge metal brags and enough weight to require several strong men to move. Thus, the former homeowners, to the Pruitt’s delight, left it behind. The kitchen is a cook’s dream with the functional island and abundant cabinets. The natural stone hood surround adds enough girth to balance the weight of the dark stained cabinets, carved Asian accent pieces and stone floors. The floors in the kitchen and hallways are autumn colored natural stone. This stone has the look of giant boulders sliced into slabs and set into concrete. The entry and breakfast areas are the same stone, but the slabs have been broken into many jagged, irregular pieces and set randomly in place. This creates a perfectly matched companion floor but a totally different texture. This is a very unique technique that I will remember to use. In the kitchen hallway to the dining area, there is a stone wet bar nestled quietly into a niche’. The iron grate accents coincide perfectly with the iron used in the dining and wine room areas. The Jack and Jill baths and the powder baths have unique teakwood antique vanity cabinets made from furniture pieces. The unusual characteristics of the furniture blend perfectly with the bold, gold leaf mirrors and wall sconces used to accent the walls. LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

The children’s rooms are typically designed to suit the personalities of each of the boys. They are roomy and very functional for growing young men, yet they display their personal tastes and interests. The master bedroom overlooks the gorgeous wooded lot that seems to reach deep into the woods. It is the perfect retreat after a long day, especially in conjunction with the columned regal jetted tub that appears to have enough room for two. The ornate furniture vanities and gold leaf mirrors dress the walls of the bath to perfection. Extremely tall ceilings seem to reach to the sky and create a romantic ambiance with soft accent lighting. The second floor of this lovely home graces the guest suite and connecting bath. This area serves as a retreat for visiting grandparents. Just down the hallway is the media room filled with old movie posters and comfy leather furniture and blankets to wrap up in while the family enjoys their favorite movies. It takes very little imagination to see why this house has become a beloved home for the Pruitt family. Inside and out, this dwelling is both lovely and inviting. The exterior architecture is regal, but pleasant and warm. The terraced backyard is a retreat in itself with stone patios and walkways meandering through the trees. A perfect home in a perfect place for a family who has discovered their dream, that is what I see in this union. I feel sure this family will be here for a very long time. Welcome to our lovely Ellis County. DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD HAS BEEN DECORATING ELLIS COUNTY FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS. CONTACT DIANE JOHNSON INTERIORS AT 972.935.8899 OR DJOHNSONINTERIORS@HOTMAIL.COM. BRENT HUGHES IS A LIFESTYLE, WEDDING AND ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN WAXAHACHIE. HE COMBINES CUTTING-EDGE LIGHTING TECHNIQUES, TECHNOLOGY AND A UNIQUELY CREATIVE EYE TO PRODUCE STUNNING IMAGES FOR HIS CLIENTS. BRENT’S WORK TAKES HIM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, AND DEMAND FOR HIS EXPERTISE CONTINUES TO GROW. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BRENT AND HIS WORK, VISIT BRENTHUGHESPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE YOU TRUST

$450,000 TRULY UNIQUE INSIDE & OUT 230 Brookbend Drive | Waxahachie Check out this unique home in the sought after Brookbend Grove neighborhood! The custom features greet you as soon as you walk in the solid, wood front door. »» Two or three bedrooms (home office) await you in this beautiful home.

3,162 Sq. Ft.

»» Open & spacious family room with gas fireplace & stone details from floor to ceiling. »» Kitchen offers tons of custom cabinetry with lighting, island, granite counters, & commercial grade DSC cooktop & double oven with griddle.

MEET MELISSA. Melissa is a fourth generation Ellis County resident and her roots are planted deep. Her main goal in real estate is to treat her clients the way she would want to be treated. Melissa is committed to providing each customer with a fully personalized real estate experience throughout the entire process. She will assist in finalizing all the details until your transaction is complete. Melissa’s experience can keep you up-to-date in the ever-changing real estate market. She is an agressive agent, proven by her results, and believes her listings should be marketed with the heavy online presence Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage provides. Melissa McClain-Lewis

»» Large utility room has storage cabinets, hanging rod, and useful sink. »» The master suite is spacious and has a tray ceiling and crown molding. En suite bathroom has dual sinks, separate tub & shower, the large walk-in closet has built in drawers, too. »» The Second bedroom upstairs is an amazing suite with a full bath & living/hangout space-which is perfect for a boomerang child or teenager. »» Fully-equipped media room with recently updated media equipment and kitchenette. »» Outside beauty abounds amongst the play pool & koi pond. Imagine the summer memories to be made in the play pool & winter memories that can be made in the hot tub!

ABR, GRI, REALTOR INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S PREMIER

»» Park-like setting with towering trees & gorgeous gardens in the back yard. A koi pond or water feature is found in the side yard amongst a trail of crushed granite.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 1585-C Highway 77 North Waxahachie, TX 75165-5147

»» Entertain or relax in the courtyard where you will find a detached storage room, game room or home office, along with a built-in grill & custom built fire pit.

Cell: 469.235.0486

»» Three car garage, energy efficient spray foam insulation, smart home features, surround sound, security system, & sprinkler system.

»» HOA $120/year. BEST REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN DALLAS 2 0 1 5 TOP PRODUCERS IN DALLAS 2 0 1 4

WWW.MELISSAMCCLAINLEWIS.COM

HOME & GARDEN

2016 Design Trends

Mandy Johnson, owner of Texas Pearls & Co. in Waxahachie, talks tables, community and what you’ll be having made in 2016.

snapshots from the store

BY MEAGAN CAMP

ON ‘TEXAS PEARLS & CO.’ STYLE Q: Do you have a particular palette that you work from or does it change with what you see when you’re out and about or with customers? Mandy: Well I love, personally, the distressed look. I really can do all the finishes, but my specialty would be the distressed, antique, aged look. Our style is like the distressed white, that aged look. I like to layer the paint and add texture to create that depth. I’d say right now [for popular colors], that it’s a lot of the whites and greys.

WHAT’S “IN” FOR 2016 Mandy: People are in here every weekend, “We’re looking to move to Waxahachie, we’re looking to build!” A lot of it [working with clients] is working without a space, [and I have to think] “How big of a table can I get in this space?” I think we’re just beginning the whole farmhouse look, it is in high demand! We make benches with table tops. That’s real ly popular too, to do a bench on one side, family style around the other side.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Another idea is using dressers for media centers. That’s a big trend. Also, doing more and more of small dressers for nightstands. We do the farmhouse headboards as well. That way we can build the headboard around how your mattress is.

THE COMMUNITY Mandy: You know, I didn’t know I needed more friends, but it has been one of the benefits! This community is so supportive. You know the other businesses [in downtown Waxahachie]? We work together. It definitely takes a village here. Being apart of a small town community like this, we have customers who want to come down here, come to these shops and say “I bought this there and I bought that at that store,” and then build their home based on all these little finds that they find in all these neat little shops. On all of our tables, we stamp the bottom of it with a Texas brand, showing that we build them with love. Clients want to have this table to last them all throughout having kids. We have a lot of younger families in here buying tables. They’ve bought a

“There are nights when I’m up here at twelve o’ clock in the morning trying to finish a piece and get it just right. I’m not going to let it go until it’s the way it needs to be.” home, they’re trying to establish themselves with furniture and they want something made of good quality so that that it will be with them for many future generations. There are nights when I’m up here at twelve o’ clock in the morning trying to finish a piece and get it just right because I’m not going to let it go until it’s the way it needs to be. Texas Pearls & Co. is located on the square in downtown Waxahachie at 213 S. College Street.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

HOME & GARDEN

The Fireman’s Wife

on Designing a Nursery BY CHRISTINA DRISKELL

I’ve always loved decorating. All through college, my favorite thing every summer was decorating my new home. Whether it be a dorm, apartment, or house, it was always done up to the tee. My husband and I found out in May that we are expecting our first child. Then, back in August, we found out that our first child would be a baby boy, whom we named Brooks. The second we got home from that gender revealing appointment, I knew just what had to be done. “We need to clear out this room for the nursery!” I excitedly told Danny. So we moved all of our guest room furniture into the office and just like that, we had a blank slate to create whatever we wanted for our little man’s space. In designing a nursery of our own, I came up with a few steps to make it easy to create your room. Obviously, this was written for a nursery, but these same steps can be applied to design any room in your home!

1. What Do You Already Have? When Danny and I got married, we had some décor that simply didn’t get used anywhere in the house but that we didn’t want to get rid of. Most of it had a ranchlike, western feel. While there were so many directions I could’ve gone in for the nursery, it was best for me to utilize all of the decorations we had and not spend money on a whole bunch of new items.

2. Get Ideas Online

All you have to do is search your theme and tons of pictures, and products pop up ready

to inspire you! The three websites I used the most were Pinterest.com, Etsy.com, and Houzz.com.

3. Draw It Out

It may sound silly, but I sketched out and colored every single wall of the nursery before I bought a single thing. This helped me get a vision for what the room would look like and helped me know exactly what I needed before I racked up a huge bill at Target purchasing items I didn’t really need.

5. Time to Purchase

4. What Can You Make?

6. Put It All Together

There are so many things in our nursery that I decided to make on my own. Doing this saved us tons of money. If you aren’t crafty yourself, surely you know someone

meet christina Otherwise known as The Fireman’s Wife. I have a blog all about family, food and life with my fireman! I recreate old family recipes, create new ones and write about our life here in Ellis County.

Visit Christina’s Blog: thefiremanswifefood.com

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

that would be willing to help you. If you don’t, call me! A DIY project is fun, relatively inexpensive, and it makes your room unique. After I had gone through all the steps above, I made a list of the items that we needed to purchase. We ended up having to buy furniture and a few décor items. All in all, we had most everything we needed to complete the room! The final step I think is the most fun, putting it all together. You get to see your vision come to life when it comes together perfectly. I had so much fun creating this space for baby Brooks. I’m very proud of us for saving money by utilizing the steps above. It’s so easy to go crazy spending a ton of money on items you think you’ll need, when in reality, you don’t have to do that! With a little planning and organization, you can have a cozy and adorable nursery for your little one, too.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

HOME & GARDEN

DIY: Bookshelves

BY COURTNEY WARREN OF COURTNEY WARREN HOME

Shelf Me? Shelf Me Not? Do you know what your favorite HGTV show or decorating magazine has in common? I bet you a chocolate donut that the bookcases aren’t filled to the brim, overflowing with books. Bookcases can be magnets for clutter and mess. In fact, the most well-liked bookcases on Pinterest hold very little books! While that fact might have some literal people rolling their eyes, (it is, after all, called a BOOKcase), there is a science to making a bookcase look clean, simple and interesting. In reimagining your bookcase, we need imitate the von Trapp singers in “The Sound of Music” and start at the very beginning (which is a very good place to start). What that means to us is that we need to empty out the bookcase so we may choose the very best things to highlight. I am going to explain these in steps to make it easy for even the most remedial design-wannabe out there.

Any of these items will vary in height and add interest to a bookshelf:

STEP 1

First take everything out. Take several stacks of 3-4 books, and put some upright, some on the side facing out and others on another shelf. Do not fill the whole shelf with books. There should be big spaces with nothing. To achieve a cleaner look remove the book jacket of any hard copy books you have and the books instantly look more classic!

STEP 2

Second, add some frames. I love decorating with family photos, and pictures of happy memories and lovely people are what book cases are made for! In this example, I am using the term frames as anything with an easel. Those items are not frames with photos in them, but they have stands and are the size of a frame, so they are included in this step.

STEP 3

Next, don’t forget to add some green! Small plants are a classic way to make the bookshelf seem fresh and alive. There are many options for real looking houseplants for those of us with black thumbs, so find a bit of greenery and instantly give color to your space. Add plants in odd numbers- ones and threes— to make the best impact.

If you follow these suggestions and get stuck, I am just a question away! Post your before and after photos via Instagram with the hashtag #elliscountylivingdecor and I will share my favorites. I would love to see your progress. In the meantime, I will be watching “The Sound of Music” and eating my chocolate donuts.

meet courtney I am an Interior Decorator and am passionate about assisting stuck families love their home. I live in my 3rd renovated historic home in Waxahachie with my 2 boys and married to a pastor.

MARIE Q PHOTOGRAPHY

My mild addiction to Diet Dr. Pepper has led me to become best friends with all the local Sonic carhops, and I would rather be wearing flip flops than heels. I’m on Instagram at @courtneywarrenhome where I post daily photos of my latest projects, see more at www.courtneywarren.com.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

STEP 4

Finally, vary the height of the items on the shelves. The best way to make a grouping look boring is to keep items of the same height all in a row. Your eye just skips over the whole grouping! Instead, vary the heights of the items, so the eye has to travel up and down to look at everything.

Need ideas for what to use?

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Tray, Plate or Saucer Bottles or Vases Vintage Sign Clock An Initial Silhouette Artwork Lamp Doll Shell Special Memento Framed Love Note Hand Painted Quote Mirror

ta-da!

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

HOME & GARDEN GARDEN TIPS

BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! PLANTING »» Seed for warm-weather annuals can

»»

be planted in flats in a temperaturecontrolled environment. Tomatoes and peppers, especially those hard to find varieties in the spring, can be started from seed mid-month. All require bright light and warm temperatures (6070ºF). Use grow lights for best results. Transplant small trees and shrubs while they are dormant. It is best if they were root pruned in the fall so that roots will be established before the heat and drought of summer. Water the plant well before digging. Plant shade trees, shrubs and woody ornamentals from nursery containers. Stake newly planted trees to keep them upright for the first year or two. Plant blackberries, fruit and nut trees. Cultivar or variety selection is critical. For this reason, you should contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Ellis County at 972-825-5175 for recommended varieties. Buy quality plants from reliable Texas-based nurseries when possible. Tulip and hyacinth bulbs which have been chilled for 8 weeks should be planted immediately after removing from refrigerator. Plant cold-tolerant herbs such as chives, cilantro, garlic and parsley. Onions from transplants can be planted late month.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

Ann’s Heath Food

»» Prune trees, including live oaks and red

»»

GARDEN WATCH

oaks, to remove dead, broken and unwanted branches, or to raise the canopy to allow more light underneath. Keep a spray can of pruning paint handy to immediately paint any wound on your oak trees. To help prevent oak wilt we no longer say there are windows of safety because of cold weather or hot weather. Paint every wound all year long. Water newly planted trees and shrubs as needed; and apply a liquid root stimulator monthly. Peach and plum trees should be pruned to stimulate lateral branches and keep their “bowl” shape. Thin the trees to open the center to allow more sunlight resulting in fruit production over the entire tree. Apply a balanced fertilizer to iris and asparagus. Feed pansies with blood meal. Maintain your free-form crape myrtles by removing “root sprouts” growing from the base—but please, never cut the tops out of crape myrtles. It produces unsightly knots. However, removing spent seed pods are okay.

Market

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ARK Country Store

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Boyce Feed & Grain

Midlothian Conference

Central Kubota

Center

Carlisle GM

Roland’s Nursery

Coal City Cob

Tex-Scapes Greenery

CNB

The Cowboy Bank of

College Street Pub

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Creative Quilters of

The Dove’s Nest

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The Greenery

EarthTones Greenery

Travis Equipment

ECIA (Ellis Co. Ins.)

Silverado Lawn &

Ennis Chamber of

Landscaping

Commerce

Waxahachie Civic

Farmer’s Market

Center

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Waxahachie Daily Light

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Waxahachie Chamber

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of Commerce

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Get your copy today from our sponsors!

»» Remove by hand, broadleaf weeds

such as clover, dandelions, henbit and chickweed in lawns and beds. If necessary, spot spray turf with a broadleaf herbicide when temperatures are above 70 degrees. Be careful when using herbicides in flower beds to prevent the drift from harming desirable plants. »» This is a good time to have the soil tested in the lawn, vegetable and flower gardens. Contact the Ellis County Master Gardeners or the Texas AgriLife Extension Service – Ellis County at 972-825-5175 for a soil sample test kit and mailing instructions.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Larken Farms Orchard

RAIN LILY (COOPERIA DRUMMONDII)

BLOOMS JUNE TO OCTOBER AFTER A RAIN Rain lilies pop up and bloom one to two days after a rain. Flowers are trumpet-shaped for a few hours after opening, then spread wide. This very fragrant white blossom is at the top of the single unbranched stem, 5-9 inches tall.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

HOME & GARDEN GARDEN TIPS

PLANTING »» Cool-season vegetables such as broccoli,

cabbage, cauliflower, kale and potatoes should be planted mid-month or about 4 weeks prior to the last average freeze date (March 15 in Ellis County). Beets, carrots, lettuce, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard and “greens” (collard, mustard and turnip) should be planted 2 to 4 weeks prior to the last average freeze date. »» Plant asparagus crowns in 10-12 inches of soil. When buying crowns, look for 2-year old root systems that have a healthy, vigorous and well developed mass of roots. Since asparagus is a perennial crop, consideration should be given to its location in the garden. »» Container and bare-root roses can be planted this month. When planting from a container, use a two gallon or larger size. Texas A&M Earth-Kind® varieties are easy to maintain and will need less water, fertilizer and pesticides. Prepare the planting beds by adding a layer of 3 inches of organic matter and 3 inches of expanded shale and tilling into the top 6 to 10 inches of existing soil. »» Dig and divide warm-season perennials, such as cannas, coneflowers, perennial salvia, mums and fall asters before they break dormancy.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING »» Prune bush roses around Valentine’s Day,

February 14th. Prune old, dead and weak

Learn more from Ellis County Master Gardeners Association at

/ECMGA

canes back to the ground. Leave 4 to 8 vigorous canes, removing one-half of their growth above an outward-facing bud. It is okay to prune errant canes at any time to maintain desired shape. Feed roses with a balanced fertilizer, compost or aged manure. Wait to prune climbing or leaning roses until after they bloom. »» Dead tops of ornamental grasses can be pruned to 6 inches above the ground. Mexican feather grass should be cut back only if needed. »» Dig and divide large clumps of warm-season ornamental grasses especially if the center plant has died. »» Cut back the tops of herbaceous perennials to the ground or to basal foliage. If the plants are hardy, new growth will emerge from the roots in the spring. »» Cut or mow liriope before new growth

emerges from the ground. Asian jasmine may be trimmed back to 4 or 5 inches at this time.

GARDEN WATCH »» Begin controlling insects and diseases on fruit

and nut trees. Spraying is essential for a successful harvest. Contact an Ellis County Master Gardener or the Texas AgriLife Extension Service – Ellis County for a copy of the “Homeowners Fruit and Nut Spray Schedule.” »» Watch for aphids and caterpillars on vegetables. Control aphids with insecticidal soap and caterpillars with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). »» Check for scale insects adhering to the trunk, branches and leaves of hollies, euonymus, shade trees, pecans, fruit trees and other woody plants. Apply horticultural oil (often referred to as “dormant” oil) to control these and other over-wintering insects.

FLEABANE DAISY (ERIGERON PHILADELPHICUS) BLOOMS APRIL TO SEPTEMBER

The fleabane daisy is a perennial that grows 1-3 feet high. It has more than 150 threadlike, white ray flowers. The center disk flowers are 5-toothed and yellow, and there are many flower heads to each much-branched stem. The yellow center with the large number of very fine ray flowers is the best identification. Flower heads are 1/23/4 inch across.

54 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Sudoku is a logic-based number placement puzzle where the objective is to fill the 9x9 grid. Do you have to use arithmetic? No! Nothing has to add up to anything else. Instead, you solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. Each column, each row and each of the nine 3x3 boxes should contain the digits from 1 to 9, only one time each (that is, exclusively). Find the answers at www.living-magazine.com and click on the Sudoku link.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

VAULT

Where has the Time Gone? Approved Home Health Care Turns 10! Approved Home Health Care is celebrating its 10 year anniversary! AHHC began as an idea in early 2005. Louis Ponder and Kathy Ponder have been Ellis County residents for about 40 years. They realized that Midlothian, in particular, didn’t have a hometown agency to care for its’ residents. To this date, Approved Home Health Care is the only successful medical home care agency in Midlothian and is considered the shining star of Ellis County. While AHHC’s base is in Midlothian, they also see patients

from Dallas to Corsicana, Fort Worth to Grandview and all points in between. AHHC can do this efficiently because they try to have staff that live near the patients in their service area. The less they have to drive, the more time they have to give good quality care to their patients and the more time they have to spend with their own families. The Ponders hold true to the underlying goals and mission that make AHHC such a great company. The focus is on quality senior care and keeping happy employees. At no time does profit margin come into play when planning patient care. AHHC also prides themselves with supporting various charities. Louis is the current VP for the Board of Directors for the Ellis County SPCA, is a member of the Knights of Columbus in Waxahachie and AHHC is a proud sponsor of Meals on Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties. AHHC works with seniors that are homebound and have a particular skilled need whether it be nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy. Their professional staff is highly skilled and educated. This makes them an integral part of promoting a positive

Louis and Kathy Ponder, Owners

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

“

AHHC prides themselves on supporting various charities. Louis is the current VP for the Board of Directors for the Ellis County SPCA, is a member of the Knights of Columbus in Waxahachie and AHHC is a proud sponsor of Meals on Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties.

“

experience for patients and in many cases the first choice for physicians when choosing a home health care agency. Even though the staff is in the top of their field, on-going training and education are conducted on a weekly basis to provide the best care to patients. Home is where we all want to be to get better! Many people are not aware that you do have a choice when it comes to hiring a quality home health care agency. Often, people are told by their doctor or upon discharge from the hospital that “someone” is going to come out to do home health. The doctor or hospital sometimes chooses the home health care

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TESTIMONIAL company for you without giving you the option. You DO have an option! Patient’s rights dictate that you have the choice to use who you want. You also have the right to change companies, if you are not happy with the services being provided. There are many home health agencies in the metroplex. Choose the company that’s right for you. AHHC is a member of TAHC&H (Texas Association of Home Care and Hospice) and is CHAP accredited. CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Partner) holds its members to a higher standard, above and beyond what DADs or Medicare requires. To find a CHAP accredited provider you can go to http://chapapps.org/search/. AHHC coordinates care with related companies like hospice, durable medical equipment companies and personal assistance services. These various vendors, as well as therapy providers and doctors, work with many home health agencies. Time and time again they choose Approved Home Health Care when their family members are in need of care.

This was and still is a major goal in the mission plan. Happy employees make for happy patients and promote continuity of care. Also, as a part of this philosophy in the mission plan is to try to use the same nurse, therapist or home health aide when caring for each patient. Because of this, and their extreme compassion for their patients, the employees often find themselves considered part of the patient’s family. AHHC prides itself in having an extremely loving, competent and professional staff. Many of the employees have lived in the area all their lives. They love what they do, and it shows. This is what makes Approved the “Best Little Home Care Agency in Texas”!

Industry members with TAHC&H Accredited with CHAP program

“Approved Home Health Care provided exceptional service to our family. When we needed home care after leaving the hospital, they answered every question and took great care of us. I’m pleased that this group is professional, caring and wellmanaged. The professional nurses and therapists come to our home and are caring when my husband needs encouragement or sympathy after having a tiring day. Thank you, Louis, and to your wonderful staff especially the Director of Nursing, Leean Leverette RN, and the Director of Therapy, Doug Merrell PT.” - Howard and Gloria Hobbs Waxahachie, TX

Approved Home Health Care has a very low employee turnover rate.

Proudly Serving: Dallas County, Tarrant County, Johnson County, Ellis County, Kaufman County, Navarro County, Hill County

Approved Home Health Care The Best Little Home Care Agency in Texas! 200 Silken Crossing, Ste. 202 • Midlothian

972.723.2933 www.ApprovedHHC.com LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

MEDICAL

THE NEW OVERLOAD BY DR. KATHERINE DONALDSON

DEAR DR. DONALDSON, EVERY TIME I TURN ON THE TV I SEE SOMETHING TO BE UPSET ABOUT. THE NEWS IS JUST FULL OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION AND I CAN’T CONTROL ANY OF THIS. MY ANXIETY IS GOING THROUGH THE ROOF.

24 hour news channels with frequent replays of all the recent tragedies keep the horror in front of us. You spoke of feeling anxious and helpless. Other typical responses to the bombardment of traumatic images include fearfulness, feeling hopeless, trouble sleeping, depression, irritability, feeling emotionally numb, and nightmares. While you cannot control what is happening in the world, you can control how you respond to it. • •

•

Take a break from the news, or at least reduce the amount of news you watch. To combat feelings of helplessness, take action by volunteering. You will feel so much better helping someone else. There are plenty of community groups or charitable organizations that can use your help. Find someone with whom you can share your feelings. Talking about it will help reduce the tension you are feeling. In addition to family and friends, there are support groups available, both online and offered

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

• • •

•

locally. However, be careful to limit the amount of time you focus on the negative as talking about it excessively will make you more anxious. Find enjoyable activities to take your mind off all the negative events. Get moving. Exercise helps reduce feelings of stress and worry. Find things to appreciate. When we feel gratitude for the people and things in our life we feel better. Don’t forget to let family and friends know how much you care. Avoid self-medicating your anxiety with alcohol or drugs which only worsen anxiety and depression over the long run. If you find you cannot cope on your own, find a therapist with whom you can address your concerns.

Yes, there have been lots of tragedies in the world, but don’t forget the world is still full of good people. Giving a smile or a hug to those you care about will not only make them feel better, but you will feel better too. I hope these suggestions help.

While you cannot control what is happening in the world, you can control how you respond to it.

DR. DONALDSON is a clinical psychologist practicing in Waxahachie. She can be contacted at 972.923.0730 or by visiting donaldsonwellnesscenter.com.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

MEDICAL

Happy & Healthy New Year’s Resolutions BY TRISHA SIMS BAYLOR, SCOTT AND WHITE

“Eat healthier” is often at the top of the list for New Year’s resolutions, but what exactly does it mean and where do you start? Here are a few tips to set you up for success in the New Year.

1) Set Realistic Goals •

•

Make small, gradual improvements. If your goals are too big, you may become discouraged. A healthy lifestyle is not achieved overnight. It is a daily decision that takes dedication. Write down your goals and show someone. Having an accountability partner may help you stick with your plan.

2) Eat More Vegetables •

•

Vegetables are packed with vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and most are low calorie. Vegetables are a must for a healthy diet. Start where you are. If you never eat vegetables, you may start by adding one each day. Then you can increase to 2 and so forth. It is recommended to eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.

3) Increase Fiber • •

Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that is found in fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and whole grains. Fiber helps keep blood sugars stable and helps you stay satisfied longer.

5) Get Enough Sleep • •

Sleep deprivation leads to an imbalance of appetite regulating hormones. Studies have shown that those who consistently get 7-8 hours of sleep have lower BMI’s than those with shorter sleep times.

6) Eat Out Less • •

Eating at restaurants should be a treat rather than a regular occurrence. If you eat out frequently, try setting a goal to cook at home 1-2 nights a week and gradually increase so that you are only eating out 1-2 nights a week.

7) Work Out • •

Find an inspiring workout book that breaks down your fitness style. Fitness after 40 is an exercise book that includes a 6-week, day-by-day, total body workout program. This is the kind of book that acts as your personal trainer. Invest in a workout book that matches you! This staff recommended book will be one of our upcoming giveaways! Check our Facebook page to see if you could take this book home!

4) Drink More Water • •

Add an additional 8 oz. glass each day. If you drink a lot of soda, try replacing one a day with water. Crystal Light, sparkling water, or flavored water without calories are good options for variety

Tyler-Marie’s Pick!

Baylor Scott and White in Waxahachie offers outpatient nutrition counseling with a focus on medical nutrition therapy. If you feel you may benefit from meeting with a Registered Dietitian, please call 469-8437235 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Strategies for dealing with food cravings: • Occasionally allow small portions of the foods you really love, rather than offering yourself an inferior alternative. • Don’t keep “trigger” foods in the house. If there are foods that you struggle with overeating, try to not to keep those foods on hand. • When you buy snack foods, preportion them into plastic bags and only eat one serving at a time. • Drink a caloriefree beverage before eating • Go for a walk • Chew gum. • Keep up on regular visits to the doctor. Some cravings can be a sign of an issue that requires medical attention.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

MEDICAL

KEEPING

CERVICAL CANCER AT BAY

BY BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER - WAXAHACHIE

Most women are likely aware of the tremendous strides that have been made in the fight against breast cancer over the past 25 years. But many women may not know of similar success when it comes to cervical cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 30 years ago cervical cancer was one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in women. However, the death rate from this form of cancer has declined more than 50 percent since then. While treatment advances have helped, the main reason is an increase in screening – specifically Pap tests. “Pap smears are an excellent screening tool for precancerous and cancerous changes of the cervix. By catching abnormalities early, the rate of cervical cancer has been significantly reduced,” says Kristin Williams, MD, OB/GYN on the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie medical staff.

Stopping it Before it starts

The biggest risk factor for cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV). While many women have heard of HPV before, they may not realize that it represents a family of more than 150 virus types. A handful of HPV types can cause warts called papillomas, which are believed to be responsible for the development of most cases of cervical cancer later in life. HPV is spread primarily through intimate contact.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

“HPV is quite common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost all sexually active women and men will have HPV at some point in their lives,” says Dr. Williams. Besides HPV, smoking is another big risk factor for cervical cancer. In fact, the ACS says that women who smoke are twice as likely to have cervical cancer. Other than avoiding intimate contact and not smoking, one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer is through vaccination. There are several vaccines available, each with various guidelines for use. However, typically vaccination is recommended for girls and teens between the ages of 11 and 19. Some health care professionals may recommend the vaccine for young women up to age 26. Vaccination is most effective prior to a young woman engaging in any intimate contact for the first time. However, even if a young woman has already been exposed to HPV, she can still receive the vaccine as there can be protective benefits against other strains of HPV to which she has not been exposed. “The HPV vaccine can help to protect against some strains of HPV that cause cancer of the cervix,” explains Dr. Williams. “It does not protect against all strains of HPV, so it’s still important to get a regular Pap smear from your doctor.”

Make it Routine

As a woman’s body changes over the course of her life, so do cervical cancer screening recommendations. The ACS recommends women between the ages of 21 and 29 have a Pap test every three years. Between the ages of 30 and 65, women should have a Pap test and HPV test every five years. After age 65, women who have been screened in the last 10 years and who have not had an abnormal screening indicating a precancerous condition in the last 20 years can stop. Dr. Williams believes that most women can significantly reduce their risk of cervical cancer by prevention and early detection of precancerous changes. “Pap smears are not something that women look forward to,” says Dr. Williams. “The good news is that most women do not have to have a Pap smear every year. But keep in mind that it is still important to see your doctor every year and talk to your doctor about what is right for you.”

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, Baylor Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

LA FIN

DOUG MERRIAM

CHRIS CORRIE

DOUG MERRIAM

DANIEL NADELBACH

Land

Is there a place in the world that where you arrive you feel you are home, even though you’ve never lived there? Santa Fe is that place for me. Nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is the country’s second-oldest city. It’s a land all of its own with thousands of luminaries that line stucco walls at Christmastime while the smell of piñon smoke from kiva fireplaces fill the air. Referring to itself as “The City Different”, Santa Fe’s eclectic style is rich in culture and characterized by its thriving art community and the Pueblo Revival architecture. Santa Fe is also the epicenter of spice. “Red or green?” is the official state question, referring to the type of chile you want served over enchiladas, or pretty much any New Mexican dish. Answering “Christmas” will get you both. My favorite place to order the colorful sauces is Café Pasqual’s, a must for a quintessential Santa Fe breakfast. Don’t let the wait deter you, it’s worth every minute. Order a cup of their Mexican hot chocolate on a snowy day and enjoy the mountain sun as it beams in on the restaurant’s window boxes always filled with blooming red geraniums. After breakfast, walk to the Loretto Chapel two blocks east of the plaza on Old Santa Fe Trail. This Gothic Revival is famous for its spiral staircase, with two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support. Summer is traditionally the high season when the arts scene explodes with gallery openings along Canyon Road. I can spend hours strolling

DOUG MERRIAM JACK PARSONS

Enchantment through each one. Some of the prices are shocking, but it’s fun to look. Take a break towards the end of the road and enjoy a glass of wine and tapas at El Farol. Next door is Geronimo’s, my favorite Santa Fe restaurant for an upscale dinner. Nearby is the impressive Museum of International Folk Art, which exhibits around 130,000 works from over 100 countries. Make your way back towards Old Santa Fe Trail and enjoy a drink at the Pink Adobe’s Dragon Room Bar while you decide on casual dinner plans at La Boca, The Shed, or Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen. Another big draw in the summer is Santa Fe’s spectacular open-air opera theater attracting famous performers from around the world. A variety of other festivals also take place in July and August, including the Indian Market that draws visitors to the historical plaza where more than 1,000 Native American artists feature their work. If you miss the festival, you can still shop for authentic Native American jewelry and crafts every day of the year where various pueblos and tribes set up in front of the Palace of the Governors, on the plaza’s north side. As for where to stay, booking a luxury vacation rental through Casas de Santa Fe is the only way we go. Owner Todd Davis offers top notch accommodations, from one bedroom condos to multi-compound estates. Most of their properties are traditional adobe structures filled with kiva fireplaces, four-poster beds, plush

linens, antiques and original artwork. All are beautifully, if not professionally, decorated and fully equipped with all the amenities. The price of renting an authentic casita is usually the same, if not better, than a nice hotel, especially if you are sharing it with family or friends. (www.casasdesantafe.com) No Santa Fe trip would be complete without venturing up towards the ski resort to Ten Thousand Waves, the world renowned Japanese spa. After making your way through the lantern-lined path of piñon and cedar trees you enter a serene retreat with trickling waterfalls and koi-filled ponds. Between treatments, you can book a private teak hot tub for just $40 for an hour, or enjoy their sauna and steam rooms at no charge. The Waves, as it’s called, offers lodging as well as spa services. (tenthousandwaves.com) For years flying to Albuquerque and driving an hour to Santa Fe was the only option by plane, but multiple airlines from Love Field and DFW now offer direct flights to Santa Fe Municipal Airport. I promise you there is so much to do in this cool, dry land of enchantment that it will be hard for you to leave. I guess it’s true; home is where the heart is. For me, leaving “The City Different” is like saying goodbye to an old friend, but we’ll pick back up where we left off on the next visit.

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.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Cindy Burch