GoodLife Magazine | Coastal Bend | Dec 2016

GoodLife M A G A Z I N E

Live. Life. Well.

December 2016

FREE!

Denny Bales

The End of An Era

COVER

The end of an era:

Denny Bales retires after 35 years in business.

PHOTOS BY CTM PHOTOGRAPHY

F

or over 35 years, DENNY BALES has provided the community of Corpus Christi with stunning diamonds, precious jewelry, and fine timepieces.

Although bittersweet, Denny says the time has come for him to retire and redirect his passion.

Denny’s introduction to the jewelry business began in college in Des Moines, Iowa when one of his mother’s clients gave him an opportunity to work as a salesman in her jewelry store during the summer, and the rest is history.

Denny fell in love with the jewelry business, and so began his journey. For the past 35 years, Denny Bales name has been synonymous

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with fine jewelry in the Coastal Bend. He has consistently been voted “Best of the Best” Fine Jewelry Store by the readers of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.

Denny feels his store’s philosophy is quite different than that of the national chain jewelry stores. Denny Bales primary objective is “Quality” and their secondary objective is “Price”, and he says their

quality and price are unbeatable. find a loving forever home.

Denny also says he has been The Gulf Coast Humane Society blessed with a great staff. One that is the largest no-kill animal shelter goes out of their way to ensure that in South Texas and is a 501(c)(3) their customers feel comfortable nonprofit shelter that houses and and have a great experience while cares for hundreds of adoptable shopping with them. dogs and cats. It was founded on It is not hard January 15th, 1945 For the past 35 years, by a group of local to imagine what Denny might animal lovers.

Denny Bales name do with his time In April of 1998, has been synonymous once he retires. the GCHS began with fine jewelry in the operating out of its He has been the number one supcurrent facility at Coastal Bend. porter of the Gulf 3118 Cabaniss ParkCoast Humane Society for over 18 way, Corpus Christi, TX 78415. years and has served as president Since its beginning, the GCHS for 17 of those years. You rarely has been dedicated to providing see Denny or a Denny Bales ad the best care possible to the anior commercial without one of his mals under its roof. More information beloved pets. Denny has a passion is available at www.gchscc.org. for helping homeless animals at Denny is also an avid supporter The Gulf Coast Humane Society of Tom Armstrong’s Fallen Horse www.goodlife-mag.com | 3

Rescue in Mathis, Texas. Fallen to spend his time, we know it will be Horse Rescue is an organization in selfless service to others. Just as it that rehabilhas always been, Denny has a passion itates horses and we wish him that have been all the best. for helping homeless abandoned Stop by Denny animals at The Gulf Coast Bales and or neDiamonds Humane Society find a glected. More today and take information is advantage of loving forever home. available on the great Going Facebook @fallenhorserescue.

Out Of Business prices before No matter how Denny decides they’re gone.

DENNY BALES DIAMONDS 7009 S. Staples Street, Ste. 101 | Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 | (361) 991-0300 www.dennybalesdiamonds.com | @DennyBalesDiamonds

GOING OUT OF BUSINESS

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GOODLIFE

GoodLife M A G A Z I N E

ADVERTISE WITH US, AND WATCH YOUR BUSINESS GROW!

Contact Margie Castillo for more information.

D’Lyn Suggs, Publisher | dlyn@goodlife-mag.com Margie Castillo, Sales | margie@goodlife-mag.com Fran Sherman, Graphic Design | designer@goodlife-mag.com To advertise call: (361) 239-8259 ext. 2 Website: www.goodlife-mag.com General: (361) 239-8259 ext. 1 Follow us on PO Box 782, Portland, Texas 78374 www.goodlife-mag.com | 5

SHOPPING

ly l a c o ng L

The Benefits of

i p p o h S

1

2 3

This Hol Sea iday son

MORE OF YOUR MONEY WILL BE KEPT IN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.

YOU EMBRACE WHAT MAKES YOUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?

YOU CREATE LOCAL JOBS Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professions.

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YOU NURTURE COMMUNITY Local business owners know you, and you know them.

Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.

SHOPPING

4

YOU HELP THE ENVIRONMENT Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.

YOU CONSERVE YOUR TAX DOLLARS Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify your community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong— in your community!

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YOU CREATE MORE CHOICE Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want.

Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.

YOU TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THEIR EXPERTISE You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it?

YOU INVESTED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business ensures a strong community.

YOU MADE YOUR COMMUNITY A DESTINATION The more interesting and unique you community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone!

SOURCE: Independent We Stand & Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics.

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GOOD EATS 8 | www.goodlife-mag.com

GOOD EATS

FREE Bundtlet when you present this coupon

Corpus Christi 5425 South Padre Island Drive, Ste. 167 • Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 980-1000 Expires 12/31/16. Limit one offer per guest. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at bakery listed. Must be claimed in-store during normal business hours. No cash value.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Sweet Tips for BALANCING BLOOD SUGAR During the Holidays

T

he joy of the holidays is almost upon us. We will be gathering with family and friends, celebrating the season and enjoying LOTS of food.

For those with diabetes, staying on track during this festive time of year can be a challenge. This can make an enjoyable time of year, stressful.

Once we become stressed, we tend to throw our hands up and give ourselves permission to overeat. We eat foods that we know are not good for us. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels can be very challenging over the holidays.

One in every three adults in the U.S. has diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or other forms of insulin resistance. Even those who are not currently diabetic can quickly become diabetic if they maintain elevated blood sugar for an extended period of time. If blood sugar is not managed, we may start to experience weight gain, fatigue, increased sugar cravings, poor vision, and pain due to nerve damage.

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Here are some ways to help maintain normal blood sugar levels, not just over the holidays, but also for a lifetime.

• MAKE A PLAN – Do not go to parties hungry. Bring healthier dishes with you to ensure you have healthy options.

• WHOLE FOODS - Eat whole foods that naturally keep the body more alkaline than acidic, especially green, purple, red vegetables.

Be sure to incorporate adequate amounts of healthy proteins, fats and fiber - ancient grains, artichokes, avocados, blueberries, celery, unrefined coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, free-range eggs, ghee, grass-fed beef, leafy greens, nuts and seeds (almonds, chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin, walnuts), pasture-raised poultry, sweet potatoes, and wild salmon.

Avoid processed foods and simple carbohydrates (cake, cookies, pie, candy, brownies, cupcakes, chips, bread, bagels, rice, white potatoes, pasta, and cereal).

• HEALING SPICES - Incorporate spices that are known to reduce inflammation and support blood sugar balance, especially cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.

• NATURAL SWEETENERS – Artificial sweeteners are 100 times sweeter than regular sugar. The sweeter something is the more insulin is produced. Choose natural sweeteners, such as raw honey, natural stevia, xylitol, blackstrap molasses, or coconut palm sugar.

• WATER - Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol. These can lead to increased cravings. Alcohol both contributes to increases in blood sugar and lessens our inhibitions often sending us straight to the dessert table. Use filtered water to satisfy your thirst

HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES

Make sure to add exercise to your holiday schedule. Exercising 3-5 days a week is a great way to use up insulin, balance hormones, reduce stress, and lower inflammation.

and support your body.

• STAY ACTIVE – Make sure to add exercise to your holiday schedule.

Exercising 3-5 days a week is a great way to use up insulin, balance hormones, reduce stress, and lower inflammation.

• MANAGE CORTISOL & STRESS LEVELS – We can become very stressed over the holidays. Whether it is good stress (the family is coming to visit) or bad stress (credit card bills), stress is stress. Stress causes your body to release cortisol, which can cause your blood sugar to rise and increase your cravings for sweets.

Incorporate deep breathing, yoga, walks in nature, essential oils, and meditation to help manage stress.

• GET PLENTY OF SLEEP – The holiday festivities can lead to late nights.

Lack of sleep can cause an imbalance of hormones, increase appetite, cause weight gain, produce cortisol, and possibly increase www.goodlife-mag.com | 11

PHOTO BY DECARLO PHOTOGRAPHY

HEALTH & WELLNESS blood sugar. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. • TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH – Conflicting information is in the news on a daily basis. How do you know what to follow? As Holistic Health Coaches and the authors of Simply BALi, A Complete Guide to a Healthy, Whole Foods Lifestyle, we aim to make being healthy simple.

BALi stands for Basic (Alkaline), Anti-

oxidant/Antifungal, and Low insulin.

We provide information on getting started, basic pantry staples, setting up your kitchen, dining out tips, time savers, eating healthy on a budget, how to stay on track during the holidays, and supplements. In addition, Simply BALi provides you with over 175 delicious, nourishing recipes to satisfy your taste buds and support your body.

The holidays are all about being grateful and celebrating with family and friends. Take charge of your health this holiday season. Your body will thank you in January!

Dawn Corridore and Jen Harris are AADP-Certified Holistic Health Coaches, Food Educators, Speakers and the authors of Simply BALi, A Complete Guide to a Healthy, Whole Foods Lifestyle. For more information, visit www.InnerRenovo.com.

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• 8 week course • 2 hour class one day a week • Morning or evening classes • Hands on learning • Meal or snack served in class • Free A1C testing • Exercise • Free of Charge

HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES

Starting in January: Diabetes Classes

Classes held at the Garcia Arts and Education Center 2021 Agnes Street For more information and to be added to our waiting list please call: 361-887-7979 TOPICS COVERED Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8

Diabetes Overview & Into to Nutrition Nutrition Management/ Carb Counting High, Lows, and Sick Days Exercise Oral Medications & Insulin Preventing Complications Coping and Stress Management Review and Goal Setting www.goodlife-mag.com | 13

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Create a healthy life for your family the doTERRA way.

Our pure essential oils are revolutionizing the way families manage their health. We harness nature’s most powerful elements and share these gifts through our global community of Wellness Advocates.

Audra Chester Wellness Advocate www.mydoterra.com/mack Audra McClain Chester (361) 215-3387

More information available at www.sourcetoyou.com You and your family deserve only the most pure, potent, and effective oils on earth. doTERRA takes great pride in sourcing them to you.

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STEPS TO OPEN A WHOLESALE ACCOUNT: > visit www.mydoterra.com/mack > click join and save > click join doTERRA > select Wellness Advocate or Wholesale Customer > enter personal info > create password > pick a kit Join as a Wellness Advocate or a Wholesale Customer by December 31st and receive a FREE Resource Book and Fractionated Coconut Oil. Once complete, email your information to Audra at audra@mcloba.com to receive your FREE gifts.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES

Giving up is simply not an option.

Fuel Your Workouts with RIPSTIX FITNESS SUPPLEMENTS BENEFITS:

Marva Aycock

Zija Independent Distributor www.aycock.myzija.com (254) 742-8792

Contact Marva for a FREE sample

• Increases blood flow naturally • Heightens thermogenic response • Maximizes metabolic rate • All-natural flavoring, all-natural coloring • Fuels and gives the body energy to work harder • Replenishes essential electrolytes • Supports muscle and organ function • Promotes healthy joint function with glucosamine • Removes lactic acid buildup from muscles • Muscles respond positively to workout by utilizing compounds like Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Quality healthcare closer to home.

Now welcoming new patients!

Call 361.814.2001 for more info or to schedule an appointment

Affordable Primary & Pediatric Health Care • Behavioral Health Sexual Health & Testing • Case Management • Youth Programs The Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation provides comprehensive health and wellness services through our office location & Mobile Health Center!

Medicaid, Medicare, and several private insurance plans accepted.

For uninsured patients we offer services using a sliding scale fee.

Visit cbwellness.org to learn more about our in-house services, view our Mobile Health Center location calendar or download a New Patient Intake Packet.

5633 S. Staples St., Suite 700 | Corpus Christi, TX 78411 | cbwellness.org |

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81 days

HEALTH & WELLNESS

W W W. A LT U S H O S P I C E C A R E . C O M

How many

MEMORIES

can be made in 81 days?

Investigators found that patients with certain diseases may survive longer on average if they receive hospice care. For instance, congestive heart failure patients lived an average of 321 days without hospice care, and an average of 402 days with hospice care. This is an average increase of 81 days.

Other diseases included in the study were: LUNG CANCER: Patients survived an average of 39 days longer with hospice care than without hospice care.

PANCREATIC CANCER: Survival rate increased by an average of 21 days with hospice care.

COLON CANCER: Patients survived an average of 33 days longer when cared for by hospice.

What can you or your loved one do with 81 days?

Enjoy more sunrises & sunsets Greet a newborn family member Resolve relationship difficulties Experience a bucket list event Share more stories of a life well lived Spend treasured time with family and friends

Altus Hospice of Austin Phone: 512.614.2851 Fax: 512.614.2932 Toll Free: 1.844.249.6269

Altus Hospice of Beaumont Phone: 409.832.4582 Fax: 409.832.6345 Toll Free: 1.800.550.7476

Altus Hospice of Corpus Christi Phone: 361.723.1049 Fax: 361.723.1056 Toll Free: 1.888.777.3921

Altus Hospice of Dallas Phone: 972.761.9140 Fax: 214.221.8891 Toll Free: 1.877.863.9140

Altus Hospice of North Houston Phone: 281.583.5455 Fax: 281.583.5578 Toll Free: 1.855.583.5455

Altus Hospice of South Houston Phone:281.493.9744 Fax: 281.493.9792 Toll Free: 1.855.718.3007

Altus Hospice of South Texas (Laredo and San Antonio) Phone: 1.855.718.3007 Fax: 956.722.3006

Altus Hospice of Las Vegas Phone: 702.821.1120 Fax: 702.209.2389

---“NHPCO Facts and Figures: Hospice Care in America,” October 2008 ---“Comparing Hospice and Non-hospice Patient Survival among Patients Who Die within a Three-Month Window,” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management March 2007.

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BEAUTY

Best

Look Your

This Holiday Season

Gift Certifica tes Availabl e!

www.thestrandinstitute.com @thestrandinstitute Partner schools with:

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CHEMICAL SERVICES Service: Chemical Waves Spiral Perms Chemical Relaxer Virgin Application Chemical Relaxer - Retouch COLOR SERVICES Service: Full Color Color Retouch Demi-Permanent Color Lowlights Foil Highlights Balyage Partial Highlights Individual Foils Virgin Lightener Toner Oleplex or B3 added to any color service

Price: $7 $3 $8 $10 & up $15 & up $10 $25 $15 $25 & up $25 $75 & up Price: $25 & up $35 & up $35 & up $25 & up Price: $35 & up $25 & up $25 & up $25 $50 & up $50 & up $35 & up $5 each $30 & up $6 $15

ESTHETICS (DERMALOGICA PRODUCTS) Service: Price Mini Facial $20 Basic Facial $25 European Facial $30 With Extraction $35 Acne Facial With Extraction $40 Age Smart Facial $40 Facials with Machines $45 Microdermabrasion $60 pk of 5 $240 BioActive Peel $35 Waxing - Eyebrow, Lip, Chin $7 each Waxing - Underarms $12 Waxing - Legs/Arms $15 each Eyelashes - Strip $10 Eyelashes - Individual $15 Makeup Application - client must provide own makeup. $10 & up Lash/Brow Tint $7 each Back Treatment $30 NAILS Service: Basic Manicure Deluxe Manicure (Paraffin) Spa Manicure Nail Art Polish Change Nail Wrap Acrylic Set Fill Basic Pedicure Deluxe Pedicure Spa Pedicure Shellac added to Pedi Shellac Manicure Nail Repair UV gel topcoat Acrylic Removal

BEAUTY

HAIR SERVICES Service: Cuts (include shampoo only) Bang Trim Shampoo Roller Set Blow Dry Shampoo, Blow Dry Thermal Set/Flat Iron Clarifying Treatment Deep Conditioning/ Reconstructive Treatment Awapuhi Keratriplex Treatment/Olaplex Updo Braids (Without extensions) Brazilian Blowout

Price: $7 $10 $20 $1 per nail $5 $2 $15 $10 $10 $15 $25 + $10 $15 $3 $3 $3

1018 US Hwy. 181 | Portland. Texas 78374 | (361) 643-2373 www.goodlife-mag.com | 19

SHOPPING

K2S for Men 14015 Ranch Rd.12 # 2B Wimberley, Tx 78676 512.722.3318 20 | www.goodlife-mag.com

SHOPPING Fashion jewelry, accessories, clothing, and shoes. Check out our weekly calendar on Facebook for some fun events!

Alma Ann Boutique 1302 Wildcat Dr., Ste. A, Portland, Texas (361) 229-5832 Alma-Ann-Boutique

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SHOPPING Serendipity Monogram Boutique specializes in monogramming and embroidering your personal items, along with our specialty gift items. Need a baby shower or hostess gift? We have a great selection of baby, wedding, birthday, and Christmas gift items. Also, bring us your company logo for personalized business shirts and hats. We are a one stop monogram shop!

Ask us about our gift delivery services.

1302 Wildcat Dr | Portland, Texas @serendipitymonogramboutique (361) 643-2333 | www.serendipitymonogramboutique.com 22 | www.goodlife-mag.com

SHOPPING

Artistic Flowers Artistic Flowers provides flower and gift delivery. Send flowers for any occasion. We offer a large variety of fresh flowers and gifts. Enjoy the convenience of safe and secure ordering online 24 hours a day. Our goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations with quality, value and professional service.

1302 Wildcat Dr, Portland, TX 78374 | 361-643-6311

www.artisticflowers.net @artisticflowersllc www.goodlife-mag.com | 23

SHOPPING

Dressy & Casual Outfits FIND YOUR FAVORITE LOOKS AT LOW PRICES!

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SHOPPING

5845 Weber Rd. | Corpus Christi, TX 78413

361.986.0259 Instagram.com/closet_moderno facebook.com/closetmodernocorpus www.goodlife-mag.com | 25

SHOPPING

DOUBLE D RANCH FALL 2016 TOSKI LEATHER JACKET $1,298.00 Mention Promo Code: GOODLIFE to receive 20% off on your first order

www.cowgirlkim.com 281.703.5814

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Alex & Ani Historic Collection - A Bit of Lady Liberty

SHOPPING

Holiday Wish List

Pandora Christmas Bracelet with Charms

Consuela Valentina Handbag Collection

Circle E Candles Christmas Spirit Candle

Antiques, Gifts, and So Much More!

Jennifer Lopez Collection Reptile Leather Bracelets by Endless

(361) 225-3744 3744 South Alameda Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Open Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 6:00 Nov - Dec, Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 www.goodlife-mag.com | 27

INSPIRATION

7

quick tips to help produce GENEROUS AND GRATEFUL KIDS this Christmas

H

ow many times have you assured your kids that you didn’t need a gift from them?

Or, how often do you do all the planning, shopping and giving for them?

Have you ever stopped to think about the importance of passing on the feeling of giving and gratitude to your children? Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to do just that!

And it’s so exciting to watch them!

I’m sure you’ll agree that we all desire to encourage our children to be generous individuals. Yes? Well, If we don’t teach them how to set goals, take steps to make them happen, and then how to persevere to achieve their goal; they won’t know how to take over and do it automatically later in life.

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It’s not an instinct. Generosity and gratitude must be developed.

You might not be aware but many children feel depression during and after the holidays, as well as anxiety. Did you know that the pressure of not knowing how to give gifts to the people that give them gifts is a major contributor?

Parents feel unappreciated by their children, but what if you could empower them to give out as much or more as is given to them?

It’s time to get involved with your children’s gift giving!

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Empower your children by teaching them: If it is to be, it is up to me. Things don’t just happen by osmosis. They need to know the true story of what it takes for gifts to appear on that beautiful morning.

Mom and Dad go to work. They get paid. They pay bills and then whatever is left goes to presents.

Sometimes parents have to work extra hours and even another job to make it happen. Right? We owe it to our children, as they get older, to explain how life really works.

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I’m sure you’ll agree that many parents will spend hundreds of dollars for their children every year at Christmas. This year, take a portion of that and allow your child to earn money specifically for gifts to give other people.

Here is an example: How to wash the dishes: 1. Scrape off plates.

2. Scrub with soapy water.

3. Rinse well so your fingers squeak when you rub the dish.

4. Dry off and put away.

INSPIRATION

Here are 7 quick tips to help produce generous and grateful kids this Christmas:

“See, Tammy! You are so smart!

You are going to earn a great deal because I know you are capable of excellence.”

Don’t assume your child knows how to do a job because they did it once before. Today is a new day.

Praise every effort! And pay them what they earned. If they do a little, they earn a little. If they do a lot, they earn a lot. Makes sense, yes?

Make a list of jobs that you know your child is capable of doing and can do in a timely fashion. Be very clear about your expectations and praise any effort. It’s also important to walk them through the steps to do the job. Remember, they’re kids and don’t have the life experience you and I do.

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INSPIRATION

4 5 6 7

Encourage your child to make a list of the people they are choosing to give gifts to. Make sure they take the person into consideration and take the time to think about what they would enjoy. We don’t want to give a gift just to give a gift, do we?

Many craft stores have free classes on weekends. People love homemade gifts - especially grandparents.

You can teach them to recycle and re-purpose household items to make unique and thoughtful handmade gifts. Check Pinterest and Youtube for ideas and instructions.

Volunteer your time as a family to help make other people’s holiday more cheerful.

The less fortunate need our time and effort as well. This lesson teaches our children to appreciate the things they already have.

Make sure to visit our website for your free gift - 5 phrases to help gain more immediate cooperation with kids - complete with video instructions! http://www.learntospeakkid.com/copy-of-5-phrases-offer.

Bonnie and Tom Liotta are available for coaching and parent training.

Please contact bonnie@creatingchampionsforlife.com for more information and to schedule a phone consultation.

This article has been inspired by the Creating Champions for Life methodology. We believe that every child should know their great potential before the age of 12 by empowering them to earn their own privileges by engaging in the learning of imperative life skills. Bonnie Liotta @learntospeakkid 30 | www.goodlife-mag.com

COMMUNITY www.goodlife-mag.com | 31

COMMUNITY

You are invited to join us at

Christmas Service at 1pm December 25th Christmas music and a Christmas message The Lord’s Light Within Lord, we reflect with thankful hearts On the wonder of your birth The love you expressed when you left Your glory to come to earth For your life was like a beacon, Lord Shining brightly in the night Filling the world with the radiance of The Father’s glorious light And we, too, long to have inside Your light for others to see

The beautiful reflection of your grace And the wonder of your majesty For as your life indwells our hearts, We can shine wherever we are And arise to take hold of each new day With your light ablaze in our hearts So rekindle the flame within us, Lord So it will not flicker nor dim Ignite us with the light of your love, So you will shine brightly within

The vision of Family First Church is to be a dynamic body of believers proclaiming the Word of God as we share the love of Christ to our community.

3202 Rodd Field Road Corpus Christi, TX 78414 familyfirstchurch.org 361-522-2856 familyfirstchurch@hotmail.com SERVICES: Sundays at 1:00 pm Thursdays at 6:30 pm 32 | www.goodlife-mag.com

PASTOR ELY PEREZ

COMMUNITY

GRACEPOINT C

H

U

R

C

H

GP Junior High Auditorium 4600 Wildcat Dr. • Portland, TX

361.643.2000 • www.gracepointportland.org www.goodlife-mag.com | 33

COMMUNITY

by Visit Corpus Christi Texas

W

e all know the song, but do you know the 12 Days of Christmas in Corpus Christi? Visit Corpus Christi challenges you to a coastal-style scavenger hunt! Do as the locals do and make Corpus Christi a part of your favorite holiday memories

A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE

While Corpus Christi may not have the partridge, it sure does have the tree...and a big tree, at that! Get your cameras out and admire the bright Harbor Lights tree on the Corpus Christi Municipal Marina Peoples & Lawrence St. T-heads!

TWO TURTLE DOVES

Get lovey-dovey with a romantic getaway in Corpus Christi. There’s many romantic ways to enjoy your stay such as riding horses on the beach followed by a lovely dinner for two at the Republic of Texas.

Cheers!

THREE FRENCH HENS

Hens? Why stop there when Corpus Christi is known as the America’s Birdiest City! Corpus Christi was declared Americas Birdiest City with more individual species counted than any other city. Experience it for yourself and get a fantastic view at the Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge. The sun will set behind you on the boardwalk, perfectly illuminating the shallow waters of Oso Bay. 34 | www.goodlife-mag.com

FOUR CALLING BIRDS

Since there are thousands of species of calling birds all year long in Corpus Christi, we like to switch out bird calling for Christmas caroling! See the traditional musical A Christmas Carol at the Harbor Playhouse. Carol your way into the Christmas spirit with this fun classic!

FIVE GOLDEN RINGS

Get her all the bling and dazzle by combining your vacation experience with local Corpus Christi shopping at these perfect must stop shops in the Coastal Bend. Bleu Frog Mercantile, Hamlin Pharmacy & Fountain, Tree House Art Collective, Gatherings, Red Crow Mall and more…

SIX GEESE-A-LAYING

Let’s cut the geese. Coastal cuisine is our forté. Experience the unique flavors of the Gulf Coast at Water Street Seafood Company with a unique and upscale culinary flare!

Walk along the bright and merry Water Street Market to experience locally-owned shops, art, the Texas Surf Museum and the South Texas Music Walk of Fame.

Swimming and ready to see you over the holidays is our beloved dolphins Kai, Shadow, Liko and Schooner at the Texas State Aquarium! Check out the many animals and exhibits; and make sure to take a peek at the construction progress for the new Caribbean wing!

EIGHT MAIDS-A-MILKING

And where did that fresh milk go?

To Eleanor’s Coffee Bar + Market, of course! This spot specializes in Driftwood coffee and local pastries, including its amazing in-house cashew and walnut milk. Make it part of a warm and cozy afternoon spent in Corpus Christi.

NINE LADIES DANCING

Corpus Christi’s Abyss will have much more than nine ladies on the dance floor! This nightlife hot-spot is always kept at high energy and will keep the party going all night! (Well, until 2 a.m.).

TEN LORDS-A-LEAPING

Watch as the Islanders Basketball team leap towards victory all month long at the American Bank Center.

Cheer on Corpus Christi’s home team and show your Islander spirit.

Go ‘Ders!

ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING

The beautiful sounds of the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra means the holidays are finally here! Check the calendar for the sweet sounds of the symphony!

COMMUNITY

SEVEN SWANS-A-SWIMMING

TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING

Instead of talking about actual drumming, try fishing! Drum are usually available in large numbers by December, and they feed heavily during the months before spawning.

On Indian Point Pier, the best fishing usually takes place toward the end of the pier where anglers can reach deeper water, though black drum may move toward the shallows during high tide. Get out there, experience the beauty of Corpus Christi and go fishing.

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau office: 361.561.2000 www.visitcorpuschristitx.org

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SERVICES

AG

O OD For Design

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