October November 2022 Ellis County Living Magazine

Terry Wooten

214.949.9285

MORTGAGE CENTER MANAGER

NMLS 224831

Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Authier 903.654.0145

LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1527367

Matt.Authier@GatewayLoan.com

Danny Gildea 972.921.5569

LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1903297

Danny.Gildea@GatewayLoan.com

Tom Ker 972.365.7022

LOAN ORIGINATOR

NMLS 356892

Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Adrian Sanchez 469.628.3868

LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 643358

Adrian.Sanchez@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace

903.571.9869

LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1146461

Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

platinum sponsors diamond sponsors

sponsors

As difficult as it is to say goodbye to summers by the pool, I welcome and embrace the spice-a-licious coziness of fall. Ready for cooler temps and layers, nesting in preparation for the holidays, tantalizing treats for the tastebuds, and possibly a spontaneous road trip?! This issue is rich with ideas and inspiration. Ahhhh... Autumn... bring it!

”

CONTENTS

LIFE + STYLE EVENTS

Ellis County

MEAT THERAPY

Not So

BITTERSWEET •

Pumpkin Spice, Is Everything Nice?

THE OILY BAR •

Caffeine in Skincare: Is It The Real Deal?

COVER STORY • 22 Relatable Design With Unexpected Flare

TRAVEL • 24 By George, Let’s Head To Brazos Valley!

Cindy

HOME + GARDEN WALKER DESIGN & CO

Nesting At

DUCKWORTH INTERIORS

Mixing Old &

OCT/NOV TIPS

Planting/Growing Guide For The Season

MEDICAL DR. MAZEN ISKANDAR, DR. TIMOTHY KELLY, AND DR. WATSON ROY • 38 Why Weight-Loss Surgery Is Not The Easy Way Out

FIN CINDY BURCH

Santa

ECLM Contributors

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.

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.

COUNTY

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

Cover Design By: Jaclyn Wilson, @thewaxahachiewhitehouse Floral & Photography By: Lauren Cohoon, Owner of White Brick Floral @whitebrickfloral

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

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

A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

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

Follow us on Instagram: @EllisCountyLiving facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/ECLivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving

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

Staff photos by Grant Duckworth Photography

MAGAZINE

Y’ALL COME ON DOWN AND VISIT,

HEAR!

so

JASON WILSON,

With the heat Texans have endured this Summer, I think we are all hoping Fall is right around the corner. While some commemorate the changing of the season with all things pumpkin, I try not to be so basic. I’m more focused on football and dreaming of all the seasonal foods (and spirits) I can throw on the smoker. If you’re anything like me, I start planning our Thanksgiving spread early. There may even be a test cook (or two) in there before the big day. I am always looking for ways to elevate the typical holiday meal; Smoked Turkey and Smoked Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie are two of our family’s non-negotiables. Smoked turkeys can be intimidating, but they don’t have to be with this simple spatchcock method. I start off with an overnight brine. I like using the Traeger Turkey Blend and Brine for my birds. The next morning rinse the turkey really well with cold water and pat dry. Next, you’ll want to spatchcock the turkey by removing the backbone and making a cut down from the middle of the wishbone to the breastbone. Flip the turkey over and press down firmly like providing high quality chest compressions, to break open the membrane from the breastbone. Slowly separate the skin from the breast meat and peel the skin back. Season with your favorite rub directly on the meat to help get a deeper level of taste. Place pats of butter over the breast and pull the skin back over the breast meat. Spray the outside of the turkey with Duck Fat Spray and season with your go-to rub. I use Meat Church Holy Voodoo for the entire bird. Get your Traeger Grill or favorite cooker rolling at 225 degrees and place the turkey on for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, get the heat up to 325 degrees until you reach 158 degrees in the breast (about 2-2.5 hours). Pull and tent with foil, and let that glorious bird rest for 20-30 minutes.

CARVE up, GIVE thanks, and ENJOY!

We’ve also got the perfect after dinner seasonal spirit to impress your guests. My go-to drink these days is a classic Old Fashioned, but in the Fall, I kick it up a notch with a Smoked Pecan Old Fashioned… again, not so basic. Smoke 1/2 cup of pecans and an orange at 225 degrees for 1.5 hours. I like to use pecan pellets on my Traeger grill. Bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil and combine 1 cup of brown sugar with the smoked pecans. Reduce to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside and let it cool, then strain the syrup from the pecans. Combine 2oz of TX Whiskey Straight Bourbon and .5oz of the homemade smoked pecan simple syrup over ice and stir. In a separate rocks glass, place a big block ice cube, pour bourbon mix over the ice, and add two dashes of aromatic bitters.

Cut a slice of the rind off the smoked orange and hand express (twist) the rind to release the natural oils. Add the rind and a smoked pecan to the drink, mix together, and...

CHEERS to surviving yet another dysfunctional not so basic family gathering.

I hope you save room for dessert because our Smoked Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie is not only delicious, it’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp TX Straight Bourbon

3 large eggs

2 cups whole pecans

2/3 cup light corn syrup

3/4 cup dark brown sugar

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp melted unsalted butter

Pie Crust: You do you boo, want to go homemade? Go for it! I go frozen premade (okay, it’s a little bit basic)

Get your smoker up to 350-375 degrees with pecan or a lighter smoking wood/pellet like apple or cherry. Put pecans on foil and throw on the smoker for 8-10 minutes. Pull pecans and chop into course pieces. Keep the smoker going at the same temperature. Whisk together TX Bourbon, eggs, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla, and brown sugar until all mixed up. Add in chocolate chips and pecans. Pour filling into pie crust and put on the smoker until the center of the pie is set. If the crust is browning too fast, you can tent the rim with foil. When the center of the pie is set; pull, and let sit for an hour.

ChangeintoSTRETCHYpants,servealamode, and drift slooowly into that afternoon coma.

CRAVING MORE? @MEAT.THERAPY

Pumpkin Spice,

IS EVERYTHING NICE?

The Infamous Pumpkin Tart

BY BITTERSWEET BAKERY

Instructions:

Set oven to 350 and then prepare your crust.

Gingersnap Crust:

2 and 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup pecans, optional

In a food processor pulse together gingersnap cookies (50-60 cookies depending on size), melted butter, and pecans, if using, until combined.

Pour into a 9” tart pan and bake for 5-8 minutes. Let cool while you prepare the pumpkin filling.

Pumpkin Filling:

1 and 1/2 cups 100% pure pumpkin purée

3/4 cup dark brown sugar

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon clove

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Zest of one orange

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and combined, pour into your tart shell and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tart is firm and golden.

Let cool to room temperature and then chill in the fridge for at minimum one hour (I know this part sucks).

Top with whipped cream, light those fall candles and savor in the deliciousness that you created. Cackling like a witch optional, selfies for insta are not. All of the above preferred but you absolutely must tag us.

While the Hobby Lobby signs tell us it’s the crisp in the air and the changing of the leaves that mark the coming of fall in Texas, where our leaves are only brown because they’re burnt, we look to our green goddess to release the infamous PSL before we break out our summer scarves (paired with shorts, obvi) and sweater weather candles.

In the tone of the great Carrie Bradshaw, every year I can’t help but wonder... does loving pumpkin spice make me a basic witch? And if it does - how much do I actually care? Answer: I don’t.

#bittersweetbasicwitchesunite

As someone that thrives on breaking the rules and going against the norm, I simply cannot support the recent hate towards all things pumpkin. Somehow comfy yoga pants, warm mugs of magical coffee and messy buns have become un-cool but to me that’s goals. While maybe the emblazoned t-shirt stating as such might be overkill but the actual act is not.

So this recipe is for you, my 100 degree sweater wearing, tarot reading, and hocus pocus binging ghouls and boys. Because ‘tis the damn season.

DREAMING OF BUTTERCREAM?

@BITTERSWEETWAXAHACHIE

CAFFEINE INskincare: IS IT THE REAL DEAL?

STORY BY KALEE HUME, OWNER OF THE OILY BAR SOAPERY

Fall has arrived! So that means all things cozy, pumpkins & lattes...but have you ever considered getting that caffeine fix via your skincare? We’re here to talk about all the science and whether this popular skincare trend is faux or facts!

Those coffee addicts may be on to something when it comes to the benefits of caffeine in skincare. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor which means it makes blood vessels smaller and tighter. When it comes to skincare, this means caffeine infused products have the ability to make skin look brighter and tighter. This could be beneficial for under-eye bags, cellulite, and to reduce puffiness. One August 2020 study done by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that caffeine had the ability to pass through the top layers of skin and really dig in intradermally to do their job. While these benefits of caffeine may be proven, that doesn’t mean every skincare product that claims to be caffeine infused will do justice. The product must contain highly concentrated doses of caffeine to really make a difference. This is where our brand new product here at The Oily Bar Soapery comes into play! Our new Skin Tightening Coffee Scrub is the real deal! Sourced from purely fresh ground dark roast coffee beans and a finely milled espresso blend, it’s a product you can trust! We compact our coffee blend which is mixed with coconut oil & sweet almond oil for the perfect exfoliation and moisturizing experience.

Some other benefits of caffeine infused skincare include things like protection against oxidative stress and being an anti-inflammatory for the skin. There is also some research that shows that caffeine may help with protecting against photo damage, like fine lines and wrinkles from sun damage. To supercharge these benefits of caffeine in skincare, pairing it with things like shea butter, jojoba oil and Vitamin C can up the skincare benefits.

So, with all these benefits of caffeine infused skincare, there must be some downsides right? One of the main downsides of caffeine is that it has a time crunch! Most tightening and brightening effects of caffeine will only last for a limited time, and then wear off. While it is not a permanent fix, it

can provide some temporary benefits, but it would be wise to invest in some items that target those skin issues long term. There is also a small chance that caffeine may cause some redness or irritation from the increased blood flow. We suggest doing a skin test with a small dime size amount behind the ear or on the jawline to test for any irritation.

In summary, adding a caffeine infused skincare product like our Skin Tightening Coffee Scrub can help boost brightening and skin tightening while temporarily aiding in under-eye and face puffiness. Adding caffeine into your skincare routine is perfect for some temporary benefits, but not a cure all.

WANT TO GLOW? @OILYBARSOAPERY

RELATABLE DESIGN WITH UNEXPECTED FLAIR

STORY & DESIGN BY JACLYN WILSON, PHOTOS BY LAUREN COHOON PHOTOGRAPHY

Decorating for a cozy fall season doesn’t have to be hard, or expensive. A lot of times you can shop your own home to curate something special that speaks to your style or use it as an excuse to shop local for some oneof-a-kind finds that your friends and family will be asking you about. It’s no secret that Waxahachie has some of the best antique shops and estate sales. Who doesn’t like the thrill of the hunt and a good bargain? This modern, yet classy take on fall introduces new colors and textures one may not normally associate with autumn...

hello blue!

Some of my favorite holiday décor items come in the form of paper. The paper ‘thankful’ table runner and colorful wheat placemats found at The Dove’s Nest anchor the place settings and make for an easy cleanup. Mismatched, yet coordinating tableware from Old Town Village Antiques, Farmhouse, & Gran’s Antiques compliment the beautifully curated fresh garland by local florist Lauren Cohoon, owner of White Brick Floral. Lauren effortlessly created a modern twist on a classic autumn palette. Her design feels relatable as we are transitioning to fall, but adds a flair of the unexpected with the dried materials, hints of dusty blue, and roses sprayed gold. Creating a low-lying garland or arrangement keeps the sightline open for conversations and hopefully lots of laughter. Whether you are cutting branches from your home or purchasing blooms from a store or florist, fresh flowers are always a wonderful addition to your tablescape.

Ultimately, no matter the design, your effort is what’s most endearing. Your guests will no doubt feel the love that you’ve shown by welcoming them to a seat at your table. I hope you enjoy the process and soak in the memories. Happy decorating!

“It’s no secret that Waxahachie has some of the best antique shops and estate sales. Who doesn’t like the thrill of the hunt and a good bargain?!”

BY GEORGE, let’s head to BRAZOS VALLEY!

estled in the heart of College Station and in the center of Century Square, a fabulous 60 acre mixeduse destination... you’ll find The George ™…a luxury four-star boutique hotel. “Rustic meets refined” describes its architecture and tactile design elements, and ordinary found objects have made their way into fascinating gallery worthy art installations. Contemporary hipness is well-blended with Texas history (and beyond) throughout the 162-room hotel. Midway Co and Valencia Hotel Group ventures are well-branded, and yet they keep you guessing with layers of themes.

They are not into the obvious, but rather a magical mix of design gorgeousness and a touch of mystery. Their concepts have been self-described as “more stylish/less sameish,” and I fully concur. The hotel was beautifully curated by the design force of Houston’s MaRS Culture, a firm well-known for visual storytelling. The hotel name? According to The George ™ website, it is named after “the notable Georges in the area and throughout history” and a name that has an “English elegance after Southern Connotation.” The themes? After a relaxing stay and some research, I’ve unravelled stories and my best guess is playfully categorized as “Texans, trains, trouble, and texture”.

TEXANS

With the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum just minutes away, the 41st President of the United States, who transplanted to Texas around 1948, is most definitely one of the honored and notable “Georges”! His beloved wife is also recognized just inside The George ™. Enter the front doors and you’ll immediately be in awe of an incredible floor-to-ceiling art installation. Approximately ten thousand books with red, white, and blue spines are meticulously stacked and arranged to form an artistic rendition of the Texas state flag. The books were not only collected by the artist Thedra Cullar-Leford for spine color, but they all somehow relate to Texas. The Texas Book Wall has been dedicated to former first lady Barbara Bush, also known as The First Lady & Champion of Literacy. On the opposite wall, don’t miss the design details inspired by the hands-on lifestyles of hardworking Texans. Six thousand linear feet of rope was dipped in Texas sweet tea (is that cool, or what??) for that workin’ cowboy patina, then woven and installed as a wall treatment opposite of the book wall. One hardworking “George” was petroleum engineer George Mitchell, Texas A&M Class of 1940, a native Texan and successful pioneer in shale gas.

TRAINS

The name College Station was designated by the postal service in 1877 and derived from the train station in the Brazos Valley. Paying homage to those early railway days of College Station, The George ™ has included a train theme. Classic shoe-shine seating with hand-painted aqua letters greet guests with a happy thought reminder (tops of soles and souls?) to SHINE. Another celebrated “George” is industrialist George Pullman, legendary for inventing the clean and comfortable Pullman sleeping car. I believe he’d give a nod to the train theme and the overall ambiance of the hotel and guest rooms. You’ll find comfy beds, crisp linens, fabric headboards with a “luggage strap” detail, leather throw pillows…and a black & white tile message in your shower! Look for tile messages, quotes, and quips all around the property. Guest room bars are fashioned as open steamer trunks. Vintage movie clips of railroad days gone by entertain guests while waiting for the elevator. Even the custom carpet carries out the theme. The hallway flooring has “handwritten” train schedules for various Texas stations and the carpet in the rooms are woven as railroad switch patterns.

TROUBLE

The historical Whiskey Rebellion was one of the first signs of major opposition to the authority of government when our great nation was first formed. In 1791, President George Washington was put to the test of peaceable diplomacy when an excise tax on whiskey became law, which caused a bit of “trouble” with farmers, and led to an all out rebellion. He didn’t consume much whiskey himself, but in 1796, our first president started a successful distillery in Mt. Vernon. Alas, I’m presuming that another remarkable “George”, President George Washington and his association with whiskey, must be linked to the 1791 Whiskey Bar. You’ll find it anchored at the far end of the expansive lobby. Enjoy a craft cocktail under a glowing custom light fixture. About 1,200 whiskey bottles from Yellow Rose Distilling of Houston were used to warmly illuminate the bar area. The front of the bar is cleverly covered with all styles of vintage black leather belts. Peek around the corner for another touch of Texas. Well-loved cowboy boots are perched against a patchwork denim wall covering. Ohhhh…if only those boots and belts could talk! Common areas with mismatched sofas and chairs easily accommodate larger groups. Intimate settings…like a cozy pair of wooden rocking chairs with a chess table, seem to invite long, rich conversations. Southern design features include a wide variety of cowhide rugs, denim throw pillows and ottomans intermixed with “English elegance”…carved wooden sofas covered in linen with touches of blue and maroon plaid. Live music fills the open bar and lobby area on weekends. Passing through, I was drawn in by Rahim Quazi…a singer-songwriter whose talented hands interchanged guitar and piano with a playlist that danced back and forth between meaningful covers and poetic originals. Check the hotel website for their event calendar!

TEXTURE

Boutique hotels speak my design love language! The George ™ finish out is full of texture! Architectural elements, interesting building materials, and planned pops of color play into the vibe. Reclaimed wood, steel, concrete, velvet, linen, belts, boots, denim, rope, paper, ceiling tin, leather, cowhide, brick, a collection of mirrors, and tile are all artfully combined for the “wow factor.” Pantone perfect Texasflag-red double rockers overlook the sunken pool where you can sit and sip, or play a game of giant Jenga. In the center of the open lobby, you’ll find a quaint boutique with craftsman made fixtures full of trending merchandise, including the hotel’s Oak & Ember (mmmm) signature scent products. Watch for the sheep sculptures which mysteriously move around the property daily. Dine next door at the The Canteen Bar & Grill, or choose from one of the other wonderful dining establishments in Century Square.

Go big or go home type? Book the Presidential Suite! Open the door to find a full length wall of bottle openers leading to great outdoor views and Georgina, the cash cow sculpture. The 1,900 sq ft room (!!!) is complete with luxe seating areas, a conference table, an extensive bar, a giant bedroom, and a plush bathroom with…yes…a message on the tile! No matter which room you choose (thegeorgetexas. com), you will enjoy the multi-layered theme and the commitment to excellence at this property. You will love chatting with the staff, because they love their jobs… which speaks volumes about management. Keepwandering… don’tsquatwithspurson… and forever SHINE! -Melissa

Follow along @the_wander_edit

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 inside Old Town Village Antiques located in Historic Downtown Waxahachie.

Check out our portfolio of more than 500+ pictures on Facebook & Instagram. Call or text for any questions about interior decorating, event styling or if you’re just looking for that one of a kind piece.

469.853.3424 | 307 S. Rogers St. | Waxahachie

Instagram: @DiamondEInteriors

Facebook.com/DiamondEInteriors

Bluebonnet Spirit Shop Diamond E Interiors

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

Gingerbread Antiques

It’s hard to say, but we just might love fall most of all at Gingerbread Antiques! A new season is the perfect time of year for a change and we have just what you need to revamp your home in time for the holidays.

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. We’re open seven days a week so stop by and see what’s new for you at Gingerbread Antiques! 972.937.0968 | 310 S. College St. | Waxahachie

Instagram: @gingerbreadantiquestx

Facebook.com/GingerbreadAntiquesTX

NESTING AT HOME

Declutter

It feels like the longer we live in our homes, the more items we accumulate. Fall is a great time to organize and donate items that are no longer being used. It can easily feel overwhelming when considering all the tasks at hand, so I like to put something on paper. A quick game plan for me includes closets, cabinets and the exterior which usually means we’re cleaning out the garage!

Update Textiles

Rugs, window treatments and pillows are my first picks when I’m looking to update textiles! The down feather pillow inserts are my go-to for accent pillows. These inserts help create a full look and master that perfect karate chop in the center to style it just right. IKEA actually has a good affordable option.

Fall is a great time to organize and donate items that are no longer being used. GIVE

5 TIPS TO REFRESH YOUR SPACE THIS FALL BY MALLORY WALKER WITH WALKER DESIGN

Add an Accent Color

Paint is one of my favorite ways to transform a space! An accent wall is an option but adding a coat of paint to cabinets or a fireplace can really create a big impact. Sherman Williams’ Tricorn Black is one of the selections I use to achieve a look similar to this home I’m sharing today. We selected black cabinet lowers in the kitchen and kept the space light and bright with white uppers.

Bring Fall Indoors

Create a warm color scheme and bring all your favorite autumn colors indoors! My first pick this year is most definitely neutrals; a warm taupe would be on the top of my list. I also love to bring the smell of fall inside. Apple and pumpkin are a couple of my favorite go-to scents! Take the opportunityto design an interesting tablescape and refresh your front porch... the more pumpkins the better!

Update Landscape

Fall is also a perfect time to upgrade your exterior landscape. Some fresh mulch and flowers can make all the difference. Updating items like your house numbers or mailbox can also add to your curb appeal. If you’re really feeling ambitious, power washing the drive or renovating the walk way can make a big impact to the exterior.

Featured Home built by Elmwood Custom Homes.

MIXING old AND NEW

STORY BY KATE DUCKWORTH PHOTOS BY GRANT DUCKWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY

When I walk into a room and every piece of furniture looks new and mass-produced, it really leaves me wanting more. It’s not near as interesting and dynamic as a room that has a few pieces with some history, a story, or some patina. I love incorporating antiques and vintage pieces into many of my interior projects; however, there’s an art to doing it well. If you don’t want your house to feel old, stuffy, or like you’re visiting your grandmother (no offense, Grandma) read on!

Before we dive in, let’s make sure we’re on the same page on our terms. In general, an antique is defined by anything 100 years old or more. Vintage means 20 years or older, and a reproduction is a new piece that was made to look old either by the style of the piece, the finish or both.

I was working with a client to help her build and furnish a new home, but she already had many antiques and vintage furnishings. She asked if we could incorporate as many pieces as possible into the new design. She wanted a study that was feminine and had a Parisian feel. To add some architectural interest where there was none, we added molding to the walls and painted the room a French blue. An antique desk, passed down for generations, floats in the middle of the room. Her desk chair, settee, and end table were all existing vintage pieces. I reupholstered the settee in a leopard print fabric and added a gold bullion fringe along the bottom and also reupholstered the desk chair in a rose velvet. I had the end table painted a pale pink. Now to balance out all of the traditional pieces, we added lucite visitors chairs, a modern lamp, and a new pearlized rug.

In the living room, I pulled a bold and colorful fabric for the drapes. I then built the whole room around this fabric. I pulled the purple and yellow out of the fabric by using a solid purple window shade, reupholstering her vintage wingback chair in a purple velvet and by painting a vintage console table yellow. Now to balance out those traditional pieces (yes, they were very much updated but vintage nonetheless), I used a white, tufted leather sofa, chrome coffee table, and a new rug. A stone fireplace with an antique mirror above makes for some interesting art and reflects the vintage treasures displayed on the mantle. A key element here is also the crisp white walls and ceilings that acts as our blank canvas and really brings in a fresh modern feel to the space.

In the primary bedroom, I selected a floral wallpaper and matching fabric that’s a modern take on a floral print. I built a neutral and metallic color scheme from the floral print. I took the client’s vintage settee and upholstered it in gold vegan leather, her vintage bench in a silver metallic chenille, and her wingback chairs in a charcoal grey velvet. The bed and nightstands are reproduction pieces; however, the cream leather on the bed and the silver paint on the nightstands make them feel more current. Then, to balance those traditional pieces, I added a new rug and some modern art.

It’s really hard to make a space feel stuffy when it’s painted a bright color. I highly recommend painting your walls, ceiling, and trim white. If that scares you too much, then use a white with a hint of beige or grey. Don’t be afraid to give new life to those old pieces! Changing a fabric on a well-made frame is always a good investment. Grab a brush and some chalk paint, unless it’s a beautiful hardwood! Pair these aged pieces with some fresh upholstery, new lighting and accessories. I promise you’ll end up with a space that feels good, sparks a conversation or story, and looks much more interesting.

Ellis County Master GardenErs MONTHLY TIPS

BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

tips for

OCTOBER

• Plant cool-season annuals such as pinks, snapdragons and ornamental cabbages and kale early in the month. Wait until temperatures have cooled to plant pansies and violas.

• Complete planting these fall vegetables early in the month: radishes, spinach and turnips.

• Last chance to sow wildflowers in order to have blooms next spring. Always purchase “fresh” seed.

• Purchase spring-flowering bulbs while selection is good.

• Fall is a great time to set out perennial herbs, including thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, lemon balm, pineapple sage and Mexican mint marigold.

tips for

NOVEMBER

• Now through February is the perfect time to plant container-grown trees and shrubs. Dig a hole two times the diameter and one inch shallower than the root ball. Make sure the root ball and the hole are thoroughly wet before planting. Backfill with existing soil and water well.

• Plant pansies and violas now. Bluebonnets can still be planted from transplants.

• Daffodils and grape hyacinth may be planted once soil temperature drops below 55° F. Plant 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is tall.

• It’s time to winterize! Disconnect hoses from faucets and drain all hoseend sprinklers. Drain fuel from gasoline-powered engines and run the carburetor dry. Greenhouse owners should check the heating and ventilation systems to ensure proper operation.

Why Weight-Loss Surgery Is Not the Easy Way Out

You need to be mentally prepared for weight-loss surgery as well. You’ll need motivation to stick with your healthy lifestyle and patience and perseverance—it can take 18 to 24 months to reach your goals, and the rest of your life to maintain that weight.

And weight-loss surgery doesn’t give you the all-clear to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and as much as you want. “After weight-loss surgery, you need to be especially careful to eat foods that are high in nutrients, so you don’t develop any deficiencies,” said weight-loss surgeon Watson Roye, MD.

BEFORE SURGERY

You’ll need to start shifting your diet toward the foods you’ll be eating after surgery. Plus, your doctor may want you to lose some weight before surgery. So, you may need to cut back on full-fat dairy, fatty meat, fried food, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. You may also need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Your healthcare team may get you started on an exercise plan, and you may need mental health support to help you develop coping skills or address body image issues.

RIGHT AFTER SURGERY

As you heal from weight-loss surgery, you’ll need to follow a clear liquid diet for a few days. Gradually, you can add in other liquids like decaf coffee and tea, skim milk, broth, and unsweetened juice. The next step is a pureed diet, where you can eat certain liquified fruits, veggies, and proteins for a few weeks. From there, you can move on to soft foods such as white fish, canned fruits, and softboiled eggs. About two months after your surgery, you can slowly start eating solid foods again.

You may be encouraged to walk, stretch or practice some easy yoga poses as you recover.

GOING FORWARD

Some people have the mindset that weight-loss surgery is “cheating,” and that if they tried hard enough with diet and exercise, they would be able to lose weight and keep it off. The truth is, weight-loss surgery can be very effective in helping you lose weight and keep it off. But it’s not easy.

To start, it’s a surgical procedure. “Minimally invasive techniques and laparoscopic tools can make it less invasive, with less risk of complications and a faster recovery. But it’s still an operation that changes your anatomy, and you’ll need time to heal,” said weight-loss surgeon Timothy Kelly, MD.

“About four months after surgery, you should be able to eat normally. But your way of eating will be a ‘new normal’,” said weight-loss surgeon Mazen Iskandar, MD. You’ll have to eat small portions and stick mostly to produce, lean protein, and healthy carbohydrates. You’ll want to eat without drinking at the same time, so you don’t take in too much volume. And it’s a good idea to take 30 minutes to eat your meals, so the food enters your stomach slowly.

You’ll also want to add exercise into your routine once you heal from surgery. As you get stronger, you may want to walk faster and for longer distances, and you might want to include other types of cardio or strength-training activities.

You can get great results with weight-loss surgery, but you’ll need to do the work

BY DR. MAZEN ISKANDAR, DR. TIMOTHY KELLY, AND DR. WATSON ROYE, WEIGHT-LOSS SURGEONS AT TEXAS SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

“Eat small portions. Stick mostly to produce, lean protein & healthy carbohydrates.”

S A N T A F E SEASONS for all

If you have read my articles over the years you know Santa Fe is one of my favorite destinations, and this time of year is no exception. The fall season is also a perfect time for getting off the beaten path and venturing outside New Mexico’s famous city. If you fly into Albuquerque, take the 60 mile scenic route along the Turquoise Trail towards Santa Fe. You will quickly see why the landscape has inspired so many artists over the years. The old coal mining town of Madrid is the main attraction along the trail with an array of small shops and galleries now nestled into the bygone old buildings. We love to stop for lunch at the Mine Shaft Tavern, where you will find the best green chili burger you have ever eaten.

Renting a private casita is our favorite way to stay in Santa Fe. It allows you to experience it like a local. We love to wake up and brew our own coffee and just enjoy the beautiful architecture of a true adobe home with a full kitchen and outdoor living space. We venture to the farmers market on Saturday mornings at the Railyard and gather up beautiful vegetables, home baked breads, and fresh herbs to grill back at the casita. The two rental companies we like to use are Casas de Santa Fe (casasdesantafe. com) and Two Casitas (twocasitas.com).

On our most recent trip we were guests at a beautiful private compound and shared some spectacular outdoor dinners with dear friends while meeting several other Texans who have second homes there.

If you prefer a hotel, the famous La Fonda is a great historic property to hang your hat. Another option is Auberge Resort which has recently undergone an extensive restoration of the landmark Bishop’s Lodge. Situated on over 300 acres, it borders the Santa Fe National Forest. Travel & Leisure has awarded Bishop’s Lodge the #1 resort in the West and Conde Nast rated it as one the best new hotels in the world for 2022. Only minutes from the downtown plaza, it is well worth stopping for a drink or dining at the resort’s restaurant, Skyfire, one evening. People ask me what all we do in Santa Fe and

I tell them we never get tired of strolling the famous plaza. We grab Huevos Motulenos at Café Pasqual’s for breakfast or a big bowl of green chili stew for lunch at The Shed. We always visit Shiprock, a Native American art and textiles gallery owned by Waxahachie native Samantha Hamilton and her husband, Jed Foutz. On the north side of the plaza is the Palace of the Governors where Native American artisans set up everyday selling handmade jewelry and other crafts. We also enjoy strolling down Canyon Road where you will find some of the best art galleries in the country. There are also wonderful consignment and antique stores in Santa Fe.

On days we want some scenery, we drive the high road to Taos and wind through the mountains soaking up the incredible views of the Carson National Forest and stop for lunch at Rancho de Chimayo. Other days we venture up towards the Santa Fe ski resort and stop at Ten Thousand Waves, the famous Japanese spa. The property is beautiful with lantern lined paths of piñon trees, trickling waterfalls and koi-filled ponds. Wrapped in a kimono, you can relax with a warm foot bath, book a private teak hot tub, or enjoy their sauna and steam rooms between massage treatments. There is also a wonderful Japanese restaurant there called Izanami.

If you choose to visit Santa Fe at Christmastime it is nothing short of ‘magical’. I love walking through the snow smelling the waft of pinon wood in the crisp air and seeing the huge Christmas tree beautifully lit in the plaza. Attending the AspenSanta Fe Ballet’s annual The Nutcracker or participating in the Canyon Road Christmas Eve Farolito Walk is always among many holiday events and Midnight Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi is a beautiful experience.

No trip would ever be complete in Santa Fe without dinner at Geronimo’s. The beautiful old adobe structure is quite literally one of my favorite restaurants in the world. We have enjoyed many celebrations there for over 20 years. Other favorite eateries include Sazon, La Choza, Arroyo Vino and Paloma.

Santa Fe’s unique style is rich in culture, characterized by its thriving art community and its Pueblo Revival architecture, but all the surrounding areas are just as breathtaking, interesting, and worth experiencing. No matter the season, it is always a Land of Enchantment.

STORY & PHOTOS BY CINDY BURCH

Cindy Burch