SUMMER IN THE SOUTH JUNE/JULY 2022 www.living-magazine.com
Celebrating 10 Years in Ellis County! Terry Wooten 214.949.9285 MORTGAGE CENTER MANAGER NMLS 224831 Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com
Tom Ker 972.365.7022 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 356892 Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com
Matt Authier 903.654.0145 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1527367 Matt.Authier@GatewayLoan.com
Adrian Sanchez 469.628.3868 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 643358 Adrian.Sanchez@GatewayLoan.com
Danny Gildea 972.921.5569 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1903297 Danny.Gildea@GatewayLoan.com
Matt Helms 903.641.9838 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1696114 Matt.Helms@GatewayLoan.com
Lance Wallace 903.571.9869 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1146461 Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com
Jeff Schmidt 817.681.7897 REGIONAL VP – NORTH TX NMLS 91368 Jeff.Schmidt@GatewayLoan.com
Office: 972.937.2200 1332 W. Hwy 287 Bypass, Suites 1 & 4 | Waxahachie, TX 75165 www.gatewayloan.com/waxahachie-tx
Gateway Mortgage, a division of Gateway First Bank. NMLS 7233.
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BOYCE FEED & GRAIN 441 S. COLLEGE | WAXAHACHIE 972-937-1541 WWW.BOYCEFEED.COM | FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
“ Contents June-July 2022 |
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volume 18
|
SUMMER IN THE SOUTH. There are so many things to enjoy about summer in the South. This issue is giving you a peek into some of our favorites. From outdoor gatherings such as a porch party, family get-together’s, hometown parades, or the one nearest and dearest to our Texan hearts - a BBQ cookout with all the right fixings.. the good memories to be made sift through our minds like a Texas heat wave. These are the things that make us wish summers in the South could last forever.
- Cindy
issue 3
12
14
LIFE + STYLE EVENTS • 10 Downtown Summer Fun COVER STORY • 12 Summer BBQ Season is Here By Meat Therapy MEAT THERAPY • 14 St. Louis Style Pork Ribs Recipe BITTERSWEET • 16 Thank You Brad Pitt TRAVEL • 18 The Frenchie... Oh la la! THE OILY BAR • 26 Downtown’s First Soapary
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18
28
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HOME + GARDEN WALKER DESIGN & CO • 28 Personalize Your New Construction Home This Summer
MEDICAL DR. VALERIE GORMAN• 38 Here’s What Could Show Up on Your Screening Mammogram
DUCKWORTH INTERIORS • 32 5 Home Office Style Secrets
LA FIN CINDY BURCH • 40 Greetings From 30A
JUNE/JULY TIPS • 36 Planting/Growing Guide for the Season
”
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ECLM Contributors 2 4 2
7 6 6
3 1 5
Mallory Walker (1) is the founder of Walker Design & Co LLC. A full service interior design firm specializing in new construction homes. Serving Ellis County home builders by staging model homes & designing true custom homes from dirt. Follow along @walkerdesignandcompany or walkerdesignandcompany. com. Kalee Hume (2) Kalee Hume is a Ellis County native and the owner of The Oily Bar, an all natural soapery that focuses on plant based bath & body care. Her business ventures that started with just a box of essential oils and a diffuser has now turned into a full time business with a store opening on the downtown square in March 2022. When not serving up soaps & sugar scrubs, you can find her spending time with family, cooking or enjoying some sunshine. Follow along @oilybar or www.theoilybar.com. Kate Duckworth (3) is the President & Principal Designer of Duckworth Interiors, a full-service interior design firm located in Ennis, TX. With over a decade of design experience in high-end residential, new construction selections, model homes & remodels, she finds joy in creating spaces her clients love. Kate specializes in designing interiors that look magazine-worthy & feel like home. Follow her at www.duckworthinteriors.com or @duckworthinteriors.
Melissa McBride (4) keeps a bag packed and is “road trip ready” at all times! In addition to being a wanderlust, free-lance writer, artist, photo journalist, visionary & interior stylist, Melissa is also the owner of Wild Grace, a faith based pop up boutique. This curated collection of clothing, accessories, art & home goods is located inside The Doves Nest, downtown Waxahachie. Angel Schiffer (5) is owner & creator of Bittersweet Bakery in Waxahachie, Texas. An Ellis County native & 3rd generation business owner, she lives Bittersweet. Most days you can find her in her shop sporting pink crocs & wearing baking ingredients as an accessory. She is a hands on business owner who puts her touches & artistry into every delicacy that comes out of the oven. When she’s not at the shop she enjoys spending time with her family & handsome young Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Leo. Jason Wilson (6) Meat Therapy was created as a platform to share my love of barbeque, bourbon, & beer. As a husband, father of three, Army Veteran, Respiratory Therapist, & average backyard BBQ’r...my cooks are my “therapy.” It is an incredible feeling to be able to take a piece of meat & create something beautiful & delicious for friends & family to enjoy. Follow along @meat.therapy or www.meattherapybbq.com and follow along during my “therapy sessions.” Cindy Burch (7) and her husband, Andrew, own and operate The Doves Nest in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy is also a freelance writer, caterer and consultant. Her awardwinning cookbook, “The Doves Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From A Historic Texas Town,” is in its fifth printing. LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JUNE/JULY 2022
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YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR ELLIS COUNTY LIFESTYLE, HOME AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2005
Cindy Camp | Publisher | Publisher@living-magazine.com is a wife, mom & boss who brings to fruition all types of endeavors (she is a true Queen). A fierce, natural leader who enjoys all sides of business while also loves relaxing by the pool, taking a trip or simply having her fur-baby by her side. Lindsey Keeney | Creative Director | Lindsey@living-magazine.com is an Aggie who was lucky enough to move back to her hometown and start her dream job here at ECLM which she has been an amazing asset to for 9 years! With a big love for family, concerts, traveling & the outdoors it’s easy to see where her creativity comes from. Mary Crook | Art Director | Mary@living-magazine.com is a mom to her fun & fiesty daughter, designer + owner of a small business, a loyal local with strong Texas roots & a deep love for her hometown, Waxahachie.
Living
ELLIS COUNTY
Cover Photo By Tara Fry Photography Created and Styled By Jason & Jaclyn Wilson of Meat Therapy https://linktr.ee/meat.therapy IG @meat.therapy Staff photos by Grant Duckworth Photography A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.
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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JUNE/JULY 2022
MAGAZINE
We are proud members of the Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian and Red Oak Chambers of Commerce.
Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by ECL Media, Inc.© using only environmentally-friendly ink. Copyright 2022, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved. 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: @EllisCountyLiving facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/ECLivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.
Y’ALL COME ON DOWNTOWN AND VISIT, YA HEAR! WAXHACHIE, TX | ENNIS, TX
WAXAHACHIE EVENTS JUNE 4TH & 5TH GINGERBREAD TRAIL TOUR OF HOMES AND ANTIQUES & BOUTIQUES MARKET june 14th-16th all-star week with community concert by jake worthington JUNE 18TH RAILPORT FATHERS DAY BEER STROLL ON THE DOWNTOWN SQUARE july 2nd liberty and lemonade on the downtown square july 3rd crape myrtle festival & fireworks july 4th july 4th parade july 22nd & 23rd christmas in july DOWNTOWN
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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JUNE/JULY 2022
SUMMER 2022
ENNIS EVENTS JUNE 11TH & 12TH BLUES ON MAIN june 17th & 18th texas truck jam at texas motorplex JUNE 22ND - 26TH MAIN STREET MIDWAY june 25th red, white & bike parade JUNE 25TH FREEDOM FEST
FIND MORE INFORMATION & EVENT DETAILS VISIT: WWW.WAXAHACHIECVB.COM WWW.VISITENNIS.ORG
SUMMER e u q e b barSEASON is here!
STORY & RECIPES BY JASON WILSON, MEAT THERAPY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA FRY PHOTOGRAPHY
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What comes to mind when you think about a true Texas backyard barbeque? If you ask my wife, she will say red checkered tablecloths and sweet tea in mason jars, but let’s focus on meat here, it’s called Meat Therapy for a reason. You will find various styles of barbeque across the country, but there is no place like Texas when it comes to barbeque. It can vary from state to state and region to region. Texas has four regions that define barbeque a little differently, I personally tend to lean more towards the Central and Eastern regions. I am a simple man that appreciates a simple technique, Central Texas focuses on a dry rub (usually just salt and pepper) and smoke, lots of smoke. The Eastern region uses more pork, especially pork ribs, and has a heavier focus on sauces and sides. Here in Ellis County, there is no shortage of finger licking good barbeque, but my favorite kind is made at home and shared with the people I love. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what you are cooking or how you are cooking it, I encourage you to get outside and enjoy some good food and fellowship with family and friends this summer. Meat Therapy, Waxahachie TX
Growing up in Texas, summers were typically spent at the lake with the smell of barbeque in the air. Whether it was hamburgers and hotdogs, a brisket or a rack of ribs, these cookouts were the foundation of our friend and family gatherings. Good food (especially barbeque) has a way of bringing people together. In fact, years ago my father ran for City Council. I remember his campaign headquarters being at Angelo’s, a true old school Texas barbeque joint…a little seasoning, a little smoke and nothing crafty about it. He may not have won a position on the City Council, but the good food, cold beer, and relationships built made him a winner in my eyes.
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ST. LOUIS STYLE PORK RIBS SOME THINGS IN LIFE ARE WORTH GETTING MESSY FOR... RECIPE & PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON WILSON, MEAT THERAPY
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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JUNE/JULY 2022
Square up rack for even cooking (remove 1 - 2 ribs from each side) Remove membrane from bone side *Studs do a one swipe pull… Season bone side first – I use Meat Church Honey Hog & Honey Hog Hot Let seasoning adhere for 15-30 minutes Get smoker going at 250° with Hickory or lighter smoking wood/ pellet Place ribs bone side down on grate for 2-2.5hrs (looking for a nice mahogany color) Spritz every 30 – 45 minutes with your liquid of choice, I use 50/50 apple cider vinegar & apple juice
Square up rack for even cooking (remove 1 - 2 ribs from each side) Remove membrane from bone side *Studs do a one swipe pull…sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, add a handful Wrap in two Season bone side first – I use Meat Church Honey Honeysugar, Hog Hot. of Hog light&brown 5 pats of butter (I use European style cream Let seasoning adhere for 15-30 minutes.
butter) and a few runs of honey (you can add more seasoning here or anything else you’d like)
Get smoker going at 250° with Hickory or lighter smoking Place ribs wood/pellet. meat side down into wrap, close up foil tightly, and put Place ribs bone side down on grate for 2-2.5hrsback (looking for a nice mahogany color) Spritzfor every 30 –pull 45 back on on smoker for 1.5hrs at 250° (looking 1/4inch minutes with your liquid of choice, I use 50/50 apple bone)cider vinegar & apple juice. Wrap- In two sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil a handful of light sugar, 5 pats of butter (I use If add saucing, add sauce andbrown back on for 30 minutesyou are looking for European style cream butter) and a few runs of honey (you can add up more seasoning here orsauce anything you’d the sauce to tack (I reduce a regular withelse honey and some like). Texas Pepper Jelly rib candy, I like a glaze instead of full sauce) Place ribs meat side down into wrap, close up foilIftightly, and put back for 1.5hrs 250° (looking for not saucing, let siton forsmoker a 20 minute rest,atthen enjoy! 1/4inch pull back on bone). If saucing, add sauce and back on for 30 minutes, you are looking for the sauce to tack up (I reduce a regular sauce with honey and some Texas Pepper Jelly rib candy, I like a glaze instead of full sauce). If not saucing, let sit for a 20 minute rest, then enjoy!
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THANK YOU
Brad Pitt
FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CAKE WORLD STORY & PHOTOS BY ANGEL SCHIFFER, BITTERSWEET BAKERY
I’m going to take you back to 2014. Remember with me if you will… it was the year Frozen came out and not a single one of us could let it go, let it go, let it go. Mona died #stillnotoverit. Ariana Grande got smacked in the face with a Victoria’s Secret angel wing. Delena broke up. But Brangelina? Brangelina was everything. And 2014 just so happened to be their fated year of ‘I do’s’. Which obviously meant the world needed to know every single detail of their wedding… including the cake.
WHICH WAS, GASP, NAKED. I distinctly remember receiving my first request for a naked cake. So I, like anyone in 2014, simply googled “naked + wedding + cake”. Let me tell you, there wasn’t a single picture of a naked, ahem, cake.Of course brangelina was cutting edge. Being that the trend is much more popular in 2022 I doubt your Google search will result in the same nightmares, but for those of you still in the dark allow me to spare you any potential distressing chance and break down for you what exactly a naked cake is. A naked cake is essentially a crumb coated cake. Which for those of you that are avid bakers you know it’s that initial thin layer of frosting when structuring a layered cake. Traditionally, you would apply your crumb coat and then add the exterior coat and any additional frosting flourishes after a quick chill in-between. With a naked cake, however, you let the cake layers shine through in all of their unabashed glory. Queen Tosi, founder of Milk Bar, was one of the first bakers to spearhead this trend (as well as soaks, taking an elevated spin on nostalgic desserts, and single-handedly got the world addicted to a dessert named crack pie but that’s another discussion for another time) but it wasn’t long before the cake community took this style and made it what it is today. Initially, it was almost always used in a rustic setting. If you’re having trouble envisioning this think mason jars and burlap. Are you with me? Now you’ll find it at the most elegant of events with towering tiers of crisp edges adorned with stunning blooms and often edible gold if you wanna be boujie... heck, its 2022 we all wanna be boujie. Holding its own with the most elaborately decorated cakes. As for all of the summer brides out there, naked cakes, or nekkid cakes as my mom calls them, are my favorite go to for hot summer wedding days. They hold their own beautifully compared to the more intricately piped cakes in this Texas heat. This style of cake isn’t just limited to weddings as it will also do wonderfully as a single tiered cake taken to a backyard bbq birthday celebration easily dressed up with fresh fruits, or as a shower cake to take to brunch on the patio adorned with an array of edible blooms. Naked cakes are versatile in the best way possible so thank yous are in order for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Although, I’ll forever stan our original King and Queen Brad and Jen, as one should.
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Presents the 18th Annual
Bridal Extravaganza Market Sunday, September 18, 2022 12pm - 4pm Admission $5
Waxahachie Civic Center 2000 Civic Center Lane
Now Accepting Vendor Applications For more details: 469-309-4040 or visit waxahachieciviccenter.org
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IF YOU CAN’T SAY SOMETHING NICE...
Say it inFrench!
STORY & PHOTOS BY MELISSA MCBRIDE
Playfully printed on the cocktail napkins at The Frenchie, a fabulous luxe boutique hotel in Round Top, Texas, is their polite reminder! I actually have nothing but nice things to say about this hotel with its unexpected design twists and impeccable hospitality. Nestled behind a painted wooden fence on a sprawling piece of property, a group of white farmhouses and a little blue Fiat 500 await your arrival. The Frenchie is also conveniently located within walking distance of the oh-so-charming downtown area. Sauntering up the steps of the main house to check in, the Southern elegance of the expansive front porch, massive concrete urns and ornate Victorian turquoise blue door set the stage of laid-back ambiance. However, as you grab hold of the round crystal doorknob and enter...the visual dichotomy of vintage versus contemporary begins! Ooh la la...the color pops! The interior decor has been carefully curated with an arrangement of dynamic elements. In the main house, there are conversation areas filled with art, buttery soft sofas, button tufted chairs and glass coffee tables. A pastel pink Smeg fridge loaded with honor system refreshments is paired with an unexpected touch of Texan…a small but elegant wet bar area. There are tasteful splashes of brightly painted walls and bold print wallpapers. Melinda Buie's whimsical cow paintings and a variety of colorful crushed velvet macaron shaped pillows are strategically placed throughout the hotel…all touches of happy! The objects are important enough to stand alone, yet they’re layered and fashionably grouped. You’ll discover photo worthy vignettes at every turn. Even with all of this visual stimulation going on, there is a sense of tranquility…a welcoming kindness from the staff and an air of peace and relaxation. Hotel entrepreneur, Katy Bader, brought innovative and longtime friend Kristin Light on board to meticulously gather and handpick the furnishings and design details. There are fourteen guest rooms and suites plus numerous gathering areas at the The Frenchie. No two rooms are alike and they are all so intriguing. Choosing was trés difficile! I arrived in a rare window of time midweek to be able to sneak peek inside each one before guests arrived. This hotel is pure eye candy! I was on inspiration overload after viewing dozens of chandeliers, vintage mirrors, decorative tiles and all types of tubs and showers. After touring, I have a new affinity for mid- century glass dishes and vases! Katy wanted the tone to feel "unexpected" and Kristin pushed the envelope with a "rulebreaking" vibe. The atmosphere is a mix & mingling of eclectic excitement. Kristin has pulled this off like a successfully diverse dinner party. Imagine an enchanting conversation of stories amongst a cast of characters where there’s a wide variety of ages and distinct personal styles. This illustrates how the variety of design elements seem to richly flow together at The Frenchie.
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The result is hip, fun, fresh, and interesting! The furnishings, like the buildings and guest rooms at the property, range from 1800’s farmhouse to mid- century modern to highly contemporary in style. Each piece seems to tease about a fascinating back story. After much deliberation, I decided to stay in Room 11, one of the three bungalows. Love the ornate mirror! The over-sized round tub crowned by an antique coral crystal light fixture is also an alluring focal point. Simple canvas drapes, the width of the room, open to a calming view of the pool. The bed and linens are amazingly comfy and The Frenchie is so confident you’ll love their pillows, they’ve made them available for purchase along with their super soft cotton robes. The outside areas are just as staged and impressive as the interior. Green leafy tropicals, swanky pool umbrellas, cacti, succulents, white lounge furniture and strings of party lights highlight the grassy areas around the ultra-glam pool and hot tub. Refreshingly crisp! The 150-year-old potting shed has recently been remodeled as the latest guest house. Grazing horses, the rose bordered herb garden, a manicured lawn and looming trees all add to a peaceful pastoral experience. The hotel property is layered with amazing photo ops and perfect for a special event. You’ll want to pay attention to the handful of local restaurant schedules ahead of time. Most are only open during the latter part of the week. Possibly plan to utilize the community gourmet dream kitchen in the main house. It is gorgeous! There are large farm tables inside and out and a quiet breakfast nook to enjoy moments and meals. A private chef is on site over the weekends and will prepare a delicious brunch, charcuterie trays, or three to five course dinners with adult beverages. An informative list of where to go eat/what to do in Round Top is available at the “killer coffee bar” in each room. You’ll also find the hotel’s signature coffee, Moccamaster coffee makers, a variety of pitchers, crown emblem drinking cups (love The Frenchie’s logo!) and a cute mini fridge.
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You may have already experienced the phenomenon of the bustling and internationally famous antique shows in Round Top and neighboring areas. People from all over the world gather to browse, buy or sell their wares. I’ve attended many times, but this visit was special. I thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace between shows to leisurely soak up the soulfulness of Round Top. The tiny Texas town that claims to only have a population of about 90 still has plenty to offer! In addition to The Frenchie, there are so many lovely accommodations, flourishing businesses, wineries, amazing shops and galleries, fantastic restaurants, bars and gathering venues. You’ll enjoy meeting great folks and seeing some spectacular creativity. Don’t miss the simple pleasures of country roads lined with wildflowers, beautiful homes, barns, livestock, and incredible sunsets. With fourteen rooms (thefrenchieguesthouses.com) to choose from…which one best suits your getaway personality?
T
he diverse Parisienne
style, the array of colors, the professionalism of the staff,
and the easy-going tranquility
will have you saying “Oui Oui” to staying at The Frenchie!
Vivez la meilleure experience de votre vie! (Live the best experience of your life!) Au revoir…until next time!
-Melissa FOLLOW ALONG @THE_WANDER_EDIT
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Discover Downtown Waxahachie & Ennis
Vita Coffee House
Gingerbread Antiques At Gingerbread Antiques we live by the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. And they’ve never looked or smelled better than our new line of repurposed antique glassware candles by Otra Vida! The perfect addition to vintage decor, these beautiful pieces of glassware date as far back as the depression era and have been fabulously repurposed into unique pieces of art that glow.
Wholesome coffee, curated home goods & boho event space Tues-Fri 8am - 6pm & Sat 9am - 3pm 210 N. Monroe St. | Waxahachie | Instagram: @vitacoffeehouse
VitaCoffeeHouse.com
Voted “Best Antique Store in Waxahachie,” come see why! Stroll 7,000 square feet of hand-picked, always authentic, antique and vintage treasures for everyday living and special occasions. Open 7 days a week so stop by and see what’s new for you at Gingerbread Antiques! 972.937.0968 | 310 S. College St. | Waxahachie
Facebook.com/GingerbreadAntiquesTX
Bluebonnet Spirit Shop The Bluebonnet Spirit Shop offers a wide assortment of Ennis Bluebonnet memorabilia, including clothing, accessories, and home décor. Sponsored by Ennis Main Street, proceeds from all sales go back into downtown to expand and increase programming. 204 W. Knox St. | Ennis | Instagram: @bluebonnetspiritshop
BluebonnetSpiritShop.com
Diamond E Interiors Diamond E Interiors offers vintage treasures and specialty home goods as well as interior decorating, curated furnishings, and event styling. Shop our hand picked vintage collections at Atelier Antiques & Old Town Village Antiques located in historic downtown Waxahachie - South Rogers St. Check out our portfolio of more than 400+ pictures on Facebook & Instagram @DiamondEInteriors Call or Text (469)853-3424 for any questions about interior decorating, event styling or if you’re just looking for that one of a kind piece.
! e m o c l e W DOWNTOWN WAXAHACHIE’S WE ARE FINALLY OPEN ON THE SQUARE! STROLL ON BY TO SEE WHAT WE HAVE COOKING IN STORE!
FIRST SOAPARY & BOUTIQUE
We are the first soapery & boutique combo that we have seen on the square, bringing the added little touch that you needed to come shop downtown. We offer all natural bath and beauty needs including sugar scrubs, body butter, all natural soap and more! On Kick Rocks Cowboy side you will find boutique clothing, jewelry, shoes, freshies, kids clothes and more! Stop by 200 W. Main Street on the Waxahachie Square to see what we’re all about! Summer has finally arrived and the heat is here! That means a change in your skincare and bath regimen. Changing our skincare in the summer is just as important as changing it in the winter! With summer we see hot, sticky and humid weather and we want our skin to combat that. You won’t need those intensive night creams, but some minor changes can help prevent an oily or dry complexion. Our biggest concern in the summer sunshine is SPF! Having a good quality SPF is so important to minimize sun damage, especially while being in the sun often. Dermatologists recommend a SPF of at least 30. One big complaint with some is that some skin-
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care can feel too oily. I like to use a water based hydration in the summer to have maximum and quick absorption. To make it even better, a water based moisturizer paired with an SPF would be perfect! Don’t forget to exfoliate; but don’t over do it! With spray tans, shaving and all the jazz that summertime brings, exfoliating is super important! But over-exfoliating with a harsh exfoliant can have opposite effects, that is why I love our gentle foaming sugar scrub that is perfect for daily use! Get comfy in the shade! While 15 minutes of direct sunlight is recommended for vitamin C and serotonin production, too much exposure to sunlight can lead to intense skin damage.
LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // JUNE/JULY 2022
STORY BY KALEE HUME, OWNER OF THE OILY BAR
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PERSONALIZE YOUR NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME THIS SUMMER
STORY BY MALLORY WALKER WITH WALKER DESIGN PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN ZOUCHA PHOTOGRAPHY
With summer time just around the corner and the Texas housing market being hotter than ever, I’m sure if you’re not buying or selling this summer, you know someone who is! Ellis County offers lots of options for new construction. This is how we took this new construction home and made it feel like home! All the Upgrades! I will say during the building process is usually when you want to add as much from your wish list as possible! We removed the tile flooring from the kitchen and continued the wood flooring which made an incredible impact for the space but let’s be honest; living in a construction zone does come with its challenges! The appliances needed a major upgrade and we selected a matte white finish with gold hardware from the GE Café Series. Before we could add these new appliances, the cabinet layout required a couple of modifications and we decided to add a rolling trash can which is on the left-hand side of the sink and cased all sides of the fridge. My favorite addition to this kitchen is most definitely the work station sink! Its an oversized apron sink with holds a cutting board and strainer to make chopping your veggies a breeze! Staying in Budget! To stay in budget with this project, we kept the existing layout of the kitchen! I don’t mind a corner pantry but in a perfect world an L-shaped cabinet plan was on the
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INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE
Arabella
is where I
LIVE! Arabella of 469-225-1900 Red Oak RedOakSeniorLiving.com PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE!
SENIOR LIVING
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top of my wish list for this space! Upgrading the appliances, lighting and a fresh coat of paint made the improvements we wanted for the space while staying in budget! One of my favorite trends right now is matching our trim and wall paint selections in a warm white like the Benjamin Moore selection here Simply White. We also used Sherman William’s Color of the Year, Evergreen Fog, for the lower cabinets as well as the island. Paint and trim work and two of my favorite additions to upgrade a space on a budget! Taking on a Project of Your Own? If you’re planning on adding improvements to your new construction home; start with a plan! Start with the end in mind and plan from there! What’s your budget and who’s part of your professional team such as designers and contractors. Also, in today’s market, expect delays and backordered items are the norms these days. Some appliances are taking up to ten months to receive so the more you can plan ahead the better! Also, the process of making your house a home takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight, so be patience with yourself! Sometimes a space is more about how it makes you feel rather than how it looks. Functionality sometimes takes precedence over design. Follow Walker Design on Instagram @walkerdesignandco for design inspiration for your home!
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WORKIN’
9-5
home office style secrets
STORY BY KATE DUCKWORTH PHOTOS BY GRANT DUCKWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY PAINTING BY CHRISSY MANTZURANIS OF DALLAS
In the wake of the pandemic, more and more people are working from home. Early on, companies and employees alike were forced to adapt to work-from-home models. Now, 2 years in, people have realized they enjoy working from home and neverdesire to go back to being chained to a desk. Companies that previously required employees to report to an office realized that employees could be more productive working from home and that could become a long-term work structure that they embrace as well as an incentive to attract good and quality job candidates. In the interior design industry, I’ve seen a steady rise in the demand for highly productive and attractive home offices. As I’ve been creating such spaces for my clients, I’ve learned some great solutions that I hope are helpful if you’re working from home yourself. 1. Overall Style: Your home office is your chance to express yourself. Don’t be afraid to go with a style that’s different from the rest of your home. I think it’s good to create the illusion for yourself that, when entering your office, you’ve left your home and are now in a different environment. We want our homes to be comforting and relaxing but we need our work spaces to be conducive to productivity. This client lives in a classic farmhouse but wanted her home office to feel bright, feminine and glamorous. 2. Furniture Placement & Flexible Seating: I highly recommend floating your desk in the room, if large enough. It has a completely different feel than having your desk up against a wall or shoved in a corner. Also, aim to orient your desk where you have a good line of sight to a window or door. Staying connected to the outdoors is important when we’re spending loads of our time indoors. Make sure you’re also choosing a desk location where you won’t have natural light reflecting on your computer screen. Lastly, remember you’re no longer
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chained to your desk! So, don’t chain yourself to your desk at home either. Try to incorporate some additional seating options for yourself. In this office we gave our client a lounge chair for times when she needs to read through long presentations. Incorporate a standing desk, a stationary bike with a laptop tray or some cozy seating. 3. The ZOOM background: If you’re like me, pre-pandemic I’d never been on a zoom meeting, never had a virtual doctor’s visit, or a parent-teacher conference that didn’t include crouching in font of the teacher in a tiny chair in my child’s classroom. Today, virtual is becoming commonplace, and because of that, one of the first things my clients are asking for is an interesting backdrop for all of their virtual meetings. For this client, I wallpapered an accent wall and layered it with bright lamps and a bright abstract painting. For interesting backgrounds, I recommend wallpaper- peel and stick is a great option and renter friendly; a well-styled bookcase, architectural salvage such as antique doors, windows and paneling, and large scale art. 4. Bar carts: We’ve found that bar carts are incredibly versatile for home offices. You can keep an
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electric kettle or single cup coffee maker there for tea or coffee breaks. Ultra tiny refrigerators are widely available and can be used to keep some cold drinks on hand to help keep you hydrated, and also very convenient if your office is not close in proximity to your kitchen. I’m also seeing a huge trend of virtual happy hours so it can also be nice to keep adult beverages on hand for such occasions. 5. Organization: Set yourself up for success! Let’s be honest, nobody wants to go sit in a room all day that is full of papers, wires running everywhere and cluttered. If you have a closet in your office, consider setting it up with practical items you need such as a printer, shredder, office supplies and other organizational items. Yesterday I visited a prospective client’s home and there were tons of papers all over their office. I noticed that the only filing solution was an accordion file box on the ground. Think practically. What do you need to set yourself up for success? Do you need a file drawer built into your desk to actually file papers away? Think practically! I hope you’re now motivated to create an inspiring office space for yourself!
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Ellis County Master GardenErs
Monthly Tips
BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION
tips for
tips for PLANTING + GARDEN
JUNE
PLANTING + GARDEN
• Buy and plant crape myrtles in bloom to be sure you are getting the • desired color. Know the variety’s mature size to avoid future pruning. Ask for varieties that are resistant to powdery mildew. • • This is the best time to plant vinca (periwinkle) in full sun. Look for • the variety ‘Cora’ since it is resistant to soil-borne diseases. Water with drip irrigation or soaker hose to keep water off foliage. • Plant these tropical annuals for their flowers: tropical hibiscus, ‘Gold • Star’ esperanza, mandevilla and Mexican heather. Use croton, bougainvillea and variegated tapioca for their foliage color. • June is the time to select day lily varieties as they reach peak bloom. • • Take a critical look at your landscape while at the height of summer. Make notes on how the landscape can be better arranged; plants that need replacement, overgrown plants that need to be removed; • or possibly, areas that can be converted to more family-friendly activities.
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Plant tomatoes and peppers from 4-inch pots. Visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu. edu/vegetable for recommended varieties. Early July is the time to plant small and medium pumpkins for a Halloween harvest Plant heat-tolerant annuals that have been acclimated to hot, sunny conditions. This includes moss rose, purslane, trailing lantana, purple fountain grass, firebush and copper plants. Lawn grasses can be planted this month, but you will need to water twice daily for short intervals to keep soil surface moist until the grass has established good roots, usually in two to three weeks. Fertilize plants that bloom on new growth, such as crape myrtles, tropical hibiscus and roses, with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote late-summer growth and fall blooms. Apply same fertilizer to boost summer annuals and fall-flowering perennials. Be a “plant health” detective! Plants respond in various ways to heat and drought stress. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as an insect or disease problem. Correctly identify the problem before turning to a pesticide.
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Here’s What Could Show Up on Your Screening Mammogram These are some situations where your doctor might recommend additional tests
BY VALERIE GORMAN, MD, BREAST SURGEON AT BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE TEXAS SURGICAL SPECIALISTS
When you have your routine screening mammogram, you’re hoping to hear that you don’t have any signs of breast cancer. And that’s usually the case. For 88 to 93 percent of women, no further testing is required. But that leaves 7 to 12 percent of women who need additional screening. If you get a callback for more screening, try not to be too anxious. Most of the time, it doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. Here are a few things that could show up on a screening mammogram. Calcifications It’s common for calcifications to appear on mammograms, especially in women older than 50. Calcifications are calcium deposits in the breast that look like little white spots on a mammogram. They are almost always noncancerous, but sometimes the way they appear can be a sign of cancer. So, if your mammograms show calcifications, your doctor may want to have a closer look at that area. Lumps or masses Some lumps are so small you can’t feel them, but they show up on a mammogram. If you learn you have a lump on your breast, you may be worried, but most lumps are not cancerous. Your doctor may request another mammogram, an ultrasound, or a breast MRI to evaluate a lump. If those tests don’t rule out cancer, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. Asymmetries Breast asymmetry means your breasts don’t look the same as each other. While it’s common for breasts to look slightly different on the outside, they tend to look similar on mammograms. Your breasts should also look roughly the same as they did on your previous mammograms. So, if one of your breasts looks denser or different than the other on your mammograms or different than it did in the past, you may need a follow-up mammogram. Sometimes, that additional mammogram makes it clear that there’s no sign of problems. If not, your doctor might recommend an ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy. Architectural distortion Architectural distortion can appear when something pulls on your breast tissue. So, the way your breast was positioned during the mammogram may cause architectural distortion. It could also show up if your breast has been injured or if you’ve had a procedure performed on it. But since architectural distortion could be a sign of breast cancer, your doctor may request another mammogram for clarification. Dense breasts About 50 percent of women have dense breasts, which means your breasts are made up of more glandular and connective tissue and less fatty tissue. You can’t tell if your breasts are dense yourself, but dense breasts look different on a mammogram—the dense areas on a mammogram appear white. Calcifications and tumors also look white, so it can be harder to spot them in dense breasts. If you have dense breasts, you might be called back for follow-up testing more often. Valerie Gorman, MD, is an employee of HealthTexas Provider Network, a member of Baylor Scott & White Health.
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s g n i t e e Gr rom 30 A F 30A For several years I have been hearing wonderful things about the beach towns in the Florida panhandle along what is known as scenic Highway 30A. Many of our friends make it a regular destination and a few even own homes there, saying it is a great place to make wonderful family memories season after season. We recently visited this special area and now understand why it has become a favorite place to vacation. We flew into the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City. It is small and easy to get in and out of without a hassle. We rented a car right outside baggage claim and in just 25 minutes found ourselves driving along 30A admiring each picturesque town we passed through. From west to east, you will find the beach towns of Dune Allen, Santa Rosa, Blue Mountain, Grayton, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove, WaterSound, Seacrest, Alys, Rosemary, and Inlet Beach. Each of them sharing the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the world. The 30A name comes from an actual road in South Walton County (County Road 30A) that spans roughly 20 miles along the Florida Panhandle coastline between the much busier areas of Panama City and Destin. What we noticed first was the absence of big chain hotels, massive condo units and high rises. Instead, there is a much calmer approach to beach life with colorful cottages similar to Key West or Nantucket. Local boutiques and privately owned restaurants are on every corner. Kids are busy riding bikes and folks are walking their dogs and running about in golf carts with a carefree friendly attitude. It immediately felt safe and comfortable. We rented a townhome in Prominence, a local community between Seagrove and Alys Beach. This master-planned community has a golf course, a lake, and multiple pools with a main ‘hub’ called The Big Chill that has pop-up restaurants, food trucks, shops, and an outdoor stage for live music. Many of the rental homes come with
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a golf cart, bicycles and beach chairs. We arrived and settled in with just enough time to drive down to the WaterColor community and watch a beautiful sunset on the deck at F.O.O.W. (Fish Out of Water) Restaurant where we devoured the best fried oysters any of us had ever had. The next morning we made our way down to Seaside, one of the most picturesque areas along 30A. The Seaside town center is a beautiful and popular place to shop and dine. We enjoyed Great Southern Café so much that we ate there twice in three days. I am still dreaming about their Sunday brunch eggs benedict with crabcake, fried green tomatoes and a Cajun hollandaise. Seaside also has a wonderful little gourmet grocery called Modica Market and several food trucks. A perfect spot to grab some picnic goodies before heading off to the beach for the day. Each little beach town has its own vibe and architecture, but Alys Beach (pronounced Alice) is truly unique. Everything is white and all of the structures have a very Bermudan architecture with courtyards reminiscent of Antiqua and Guatemala mixed with a bit of Greek, Spanish and Moorish influence. You will find some of the most expensive homes
STORY BY CINDY BURCH PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
in this area along with George’s, another popular restaurant on Alys main drag. One of my favorite areas was Rosemary Beach. Its main town center is reminiscent of New Orleans’ French Quarter with a West Indies flair and lots of boutiques and restaurants. The Pearl Hotel is a beautiful place to stay or rent a beach chair that they will set out early in the morning for you with an umbrella and pick up at the end of the day. Golf carts are not allowed in Rosemary, but you can walk or ride bikes everywhere you need to go. Our reservations at Paradis, in the town center of Rosemary, unfortunately was reserved for the wrong day, but we heard it is an excellent place for dinner. Instead, we enjoyed a wonderful upscale meal at Café Thirty-A in Santa Rosa Beach. It was a great ending to a lovely vacation. 30A is truly a place for a laid-back getaway and as the regulars already know, once you visit this Emerald Coast, you are definitely coming back. I wholeheartedly agree.
Cindy Burch
