infinitieplus JANUARY 2021
Jim Bartlett
VOL. 11 NO. 1 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Plus CORPORATE GIFTS
A Community GEM
Alumni Committee holds special event
Wellness POINTE and Hobbies promote personal growth Benefit of making New Year’s resolutions
and more...
Chase the chill away with
hot soup FLIP THIS MAGAZINE
Leadership Longview
NONPROFIT ROUNDTABLE Leadership Longview Alumni Committee holds special event
T
By JUSTIN LUNDRUM
he Longview Chamber of Commerce Leadership Longview Alumni has approximately three hundred graduates. The Longview Leadership (LL) Event Committee is making strides to engage LL graduates with community development. Community development debuts with coming together, knowledge of organizations and infrastructure; taking collective action and generating solutions for communal problems. Hence, LL Event Committee engaged in a progressive tour of the City. Most recently, held its first Non-Profit Round Table Discussion at the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines. Eleven different non-profits attended. Contd. on Page 7
LL Alums: April Barker of KSA Engineer; Lee’ah Joseph of Southside Bank and Linda Martin of Conterra Networks for setting up the venue.
Recognizing the significant contributions of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
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than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being. This This This isiswhy why is why we wewe provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such as asprivate as private private rooms, rooms, rooms, spacious spacious spacious
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2901 2901 2901 N. N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • • Longview, Longview, • Longview, TX TX75605 TX 75605 75605 • • 903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • • LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine
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Editor's Note
Table of Contents The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One… LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs Contributing Writers Dr. Michael Guido Justin Lundrum
For advertising: contact Joycelyne Fadojutimi at joy@iplusmag.com OUR MISSION
Wishing you fortuitous times ahead, as we ring in a new year lled with hope, promise and possibility.
To enrich the local-global community with the “just in time knowledge,” to assure future successes.
We’d like to thank this community for supporting local businesses like ours through the pandemic, and for your continued patience and understanding as we work safely to deliver the magazines.
Submission Deadline: The first of every month prior to month of issue. infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed. The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine is copyrighted 2021. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.
OUR VISION
To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities.
We feel fortunate to be surrounded by such loyal ADVERTISERS and SUPPPORTERS. We’re touched by your kindness and generosity. THANK YOU! LONGVIEW, TEXAS.
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LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE
911 NW Loop 281 211 Suite 24 Longview, Texas 75604 www.iplusmag.com Phone: 903.236.0406
From our entire team, best wishes to each of you for health, happiness and success in 2021 and beyond!
Cover Story Since Jim Bartlett opened his jewelry store in 1979, it has become a glittering local icon. Its merchandises are an endless selection of beautiful gifts for everybody's special someone. Jim and his staff offer such acclaimed brands as Hearts on Fire, Tacori, Simon G. Spark, Robert Procup, and others. Such a selection coupled with untouched customer service make Jim Bartlett's Fine Jewelry a sure-fire choice as one's jeweler. There are also unique services such as: Bartlett specializes in corporate and appreciation J F im gifts, sales awards, participant recognition of oun Ba Jim de rtle pieces, and employee appreciation solutions. r Ba , CE tt: rtl O Increasingly, companies are realizing that by et an tF d rewarding dedicated, competent employees in Pr e J es who make said businesses successful ew ide el nt ry Increases morale and hence improve profits. Read all about it from page 10.
911 NW Loop 281 211 Suite 24 Longview, Texas 75604 www.iplusmag.com Phone: 903.236.0406
VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 1
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DAVID AND KIM CLINE
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TONYA STOKES, BUCKY DUKE AND BRAIDI RATHKE
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CHRISTY AND JASON STONE
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Leadership Longview
Exec. Dir. Heartsway Hospice Polly Maines wins grand price at event.
Contd. from Page 5
Many thanks to Chad Patterson, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines for providing space for the discussion forum.
Justin Lundrum, April Barker and Tracy Vincent at the LL Progressive Tour.
They include: Education by Design, Longview, Texas; Longview Community Ministries, Greater Longview United Way, Family Promise, Thrive 360, Heartisans Marketplace, Silver Paws, The Asbury House, Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines, Arts Longview! Wiseman Ministries and Heartsway Hospice. Justin Lundrum, a Longview Leadership (LL) alumni facilitated the forum. Among other things, the panel discussed the following: • How to join a Board • Board expectations • Differences between Board members and volunteers. Finally, Lundrum gave each panel member the opportunity to answer this crucial question, “What does your non-profit do and how is different from others.”
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The event aimed to develop informed, necessary, and significant deliberations on how to best serve Longview. LL alumni are qualified and experienced civic leaders coming together for the common purpose of making Longview a superior place for all ages to attend school, work, worship and retire. Moreover, ensuring that local leaders remain informed of significant issues is a major LL objective. The phrase "Giving Back" is key. Developing the skills needed to overcome personal shortcomings in the city's infrastructure management teams and enacting positive structural change are also significant goals. Many thanks to Chad Patterson, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines for providing space for the discussion forum. A round of applause for LL Alums: April Barker of KSA Engineer; Lee’ah Joseph of Southside Bank and Linda Martin of Conterra Networks for setting up the venue.
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Inspiration
Body. Mind. Soul
Preparing for
the New Year “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:40 NIV
T
he start of a new year is an ideal time for quiet and prayerful reflection about our lives. What have we experienced in the previous year, and what have we accomplished? What were our successes, and how might we build on them in the year to come? Conversely, where did we fail, and how might we repair those failures, or at least avoid them in the new year?
Surely all of us would benefit from a more faithful prayer life and a commitment to treat our fellow man with more kindness. New Year’s resolutions are notoriously short-lived, despite good intentions. The gyms which are full of eager exercisers in January are often half empty in February.
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personal growth
H
obbies can help people escape the daily grind. Though it’s easy to view hobbies as enjoyable ways to pass the time, they also can be vehicles that enrich your life. Hobbies are especially good at helping people learn new skills, boost professional and personal development. Hobbies are beneficial for life
One way to improve the odds that we will follow through on our resolutions is to ask God for help in keeping them. As the psalmist advises, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1 NIV) Ask God for help in keeping your resolutions, and consider offering them up to God. It may also help to track your progress in a diary, a notebook, or on your phone or computer. Keep your resolutions simple and realistic and realize that you’re probably going to slip up occasionally on
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Hobbies promote
things like dieting and saving money, so don’t fret about occasional slip-ups. Finally, if there are things you want to do but dread doing, such as exercise, try to pair them with something you enjoy, like listening to music, or give yourself a reward, such as allowing yourself to watch your favorite show after exercising. – Christopher Simon
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Hobbies may help to relieve stress by keeping you engaged with something you enjoy. Reducing stress may help you remain calm and be more productive at home, at work and in school. Reduced stress also translates into improved mental and physical health. who engage in hobbies experience new things and may interact with different people through their interests. Hobbies can be creative outlets that take your mind off of other things. For people who have trouble with meditation and other mindful www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine
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ways to shut off their brains, hobbies can be a form of escapism that leaves you alone with your thoughts. Hobbies can improve your social life and foster creative bonds with others, providing great ways to meet and get closer to people who share your interests. ¥ Hobbies can help stave off boredom, providing productive outlets when there is nothing else available to fill the time. Hobbies can be more beneficial ways to spend your time than playing games on a phone or watching television. Hobbies also may be educational and enrich knowledge through skill building. People who start with one hobby may find connections to other ones, further developing their knowledge and skill sets. If embracing new hobbies is on your list of resolutions for the upcoming year, individuals can rest assured that engaging in hobbies promotes personal growth in various ways.
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Cover Story
Cover Story
Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry: A Community Gem Bartlett’s Fine Jewelry specializes in corporate and appreciative items such as pendants, watches, knives, plaques, trophies, and rings. By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI
S
ince Jim Bartlett opened his jewelry store in 1979, it has become a glittering local icon. Its merchandises are an endless selection of beautiful gifts for everybody's special someone. Jim and his staff offer such acclaimed brands as Hearts on Fire, Tacori, Simon G. Spark, Robert Procup, and others. Such a selection coupled with untouched customer service make Jim Bartlett's Fine Jewelry a sure-fire choice as one's jeweler. There are also unique services such as: CORPORATE GIFTS Bartlett specializes in corporate and appreciation gifts, sales awards, participant recognition pieces, and employee appreciation solutions. Increasingly, companies are realizing that by rewarding dedicated, competent employees who make said businesses successful Increases morale and hence improve profits. "Among the corporate incentive items, we offer are rings, pendants, watches, knives, plaques and trophies," says. Bartlett. "Many of the items can be customized with the corporate logo and your employee's name."
Jim Bartlett: Founder, CEO and President of Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry
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Jim Bartlett and Sales Lady Chastity Lett attend to a customer
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Cover Story
Cover Story JEWELRY INSURANCE Furthermore, he offers insurance to his customers. The long-established Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group works with Bartlett, offering his customers coverage against theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance, often exceeding standard homeowners’ insurance and warranties. This provides: • Flexibility to work with the jeweler of your choice in the event of a claim. • Repair or replacement with same kind and quality should your piece ever need it. • Protection against loose stones while they are set by your jeweler. • Affordable rates and flexible deductible rates. • Certified (GIA) gemologists on staff whose passion and specialty are jewelry.
CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGN Along with corporate wares, Bartlett offers customized design jewelry to announce, represent and commemorate. Such custom-made material involves significant concept, design, and execution. The results are a delight. "Imagine owning a high-quality, finely crafted design made just for you," says Bartlett. "It's a composite of your desires and your ideas along with our advice, design abilities and technical execution." Personalized jewelry such as wedding/ engagement rings or any other item made to honor a significant event/occasion is a blessed reminder for many, many years to come. Bartlett even can take such pieces that are older and re-design/remake them to be something their owners will be proud to wear. Bartlett is also keen on affordability. FINANCING In-house financing ensures Bartlett's customers can pay for their treasures over an extended period. He will gladly discuss financing options before customers make their final decisions. He also buys as well as sells. GOLD AND DIAMOND BUYING plus APPRAISALS "With gold prices on the rise, your old jewelry box may be holding thousands of dollars’ worth of treasure," he says. "Now is the best time to turn your old, broken and unwanted jewelry into cash." He will gladly purchase gold, silver, platinum, and diamond jewelry along with gold and silver coins, flatware, and tea sets. He will appraise the value of such incoming merchandise and will write a check on the spot to those wishing to sell. During his four decades in business, he has earned a reputation for uncompromising competence and honesty. Jim Bartlett flanked by his marketing team L-R: Luisa Hernandez, Chastity Lett, Amy Canton, Holly Kotulla, and Wendy McGee.
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Cover Story
Cover Story
JEWLERY REPAIR Many own jewelry that has seen better days. Hence, Bartlett offers cleaning, polishing, resizing and restoration. Jim and his expert jewelers are masters at making old pieces look brand-new. After a quick, on-site examination of worn pieces, customers receive a free and precise estimate on the cost of repairs. In addition, the latest technology assures that repairs and restorations are fast and expert in providing the following services: *Ring sizing *Cleaning and polishing *Ring shank replacement *Stone tightening *Stone replacement *Prong tightening and retipping *Soldering *Chain shortening or lengthening *Chain repairs and clasp replacement *Rhodium plating
"Among the corporate incentive items, we offer are rings, pendants, watches, knives, plaques and trophies. Many of the items can be customized with the corporate logo and your employee's name." - Jim Bartlett, CEO/President Bartlett Fine Jewelry
PEARLS AND BEAD RESTRINGING Pearl jewelry is another kind of personal adornment that Bartlett cares for tenderly. Pearl necklaces, clasps, brooches, rings, and earrings are all items Bartlett's customers take to him as they comply with security and durability recommendations to have their pearl jewelry restrung about every five years. Cultured pearls are typically strung along silk threads with a knot between each pearl. "This prevents the pearls from rubbing against each other and prevents all the pearls from cascading to the floor if the necklace was to break," says Bartlett. Silk thread can stretch and weaken, so if there appears to be extra space between individual pearls it is usually a sign the necklace needs restringing. Again...free estimates.
Jim Bartlett and marketing associate Chastity Lett
Customer Chelsea Davis looks on
Amy Canton, Marketing Manager
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PHILANTROPIST Bartlett is truly a local institution as he eagerly gives back to his beloved community through civicminded non-profits. He sponsors: • Neal McCoy's Angel Network • Junior Achievement • American Heart Association • United Way • CASA to name a few. Moreover, he is a member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and AMBUCS. Longview would be much less sparkling and prosperous without Jim Bartlett.
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Out Out with with the the old, old, in in with with the new, and andvery very best best wishes wishes to to each each one of you!
Body.and Mind. Soul Business Finance
Benefit of making
New Year’s resolutions
A
t the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is customary to sip a glass of champagne and toast to the new year. Many people use the dawn of a new year as a time to create a list of resolutions that reflect positive changes, they hope to make in the year ahead. Between 40 and 45 percent of American adults make resolutions each year, according to the health and wellness group Proactive Mindfulness. Resolutions may seem silly to some, but there are several positive reasons to make them.
Resolutions provide practice setting goals.
With our our thanks thanks for for your your With kind consideration consideration and and support, support, kind
4523Judson Judson Road, Road, Longview, Longview, Texas Texas 75605 75605 4523 (903) 663-3344 663-3344 (903) www.stone-works.net www.stone-works.net
Flooring・Lighting・Appliances・Granite・Quartz・Marble・ Flooring・Lighting・Appliances・Granite・Quartz・Marble・ Mattresses・OutdoorKitchen・BBQ Kitchen・BBQGrills・Pools・Spas・Firepits・Iron Grills・Pools・Spas・Firepits・Iron Doors Doors Mattresses・Outdoor ・PlumbingFixtures・Hardware・Bathtubs・Cabinets・and Fixtures・Hardware・Bathtubs・Cabinets・and more! more! ・Plumbing
Goal setting is an important component of life. Goals are key because they provide general direction in life. A goal is a map that can give you an idea of where you are heading and what path you need to take to get there, according to the selfimprovement guide Success Consciousness. Resolutions can be fun, low-pressure goals. Think of them as dress rehearsals for bigger life changes.
Resolutions offer time for reflection.
Too often people are rushing through daily life without stopping or slowing down to truly assess the impact of their actions. Resolutions help you reflect www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine
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on the past, present and future, figuring out what has been working and what may need to be changed to provide a boost, according to the wellness resource Alternative Daily.
Resolutions can serve as a catalyst for positive change.
When something isn’t working with your routine, personal health or relationships, resolutions can serve as the catalyst that ultimately rights the ship.
Resolutions can promote self-esteem and empowerment.
Making resolutions and keeping them can provide a sense of accomplishment that comes with goal setting and following through. Resolving to lose five pounds and then seeing the proof on a scale can be a powerful motivator that compels you to make other self-improvements. Accomplishing small goals also can boost self-esteem. Resolutions are often made at the dawn of a new year. These efforts can provide the motivation and direction people need to make positive changes in their lives. out what has been working and what may need to be changed to provide a boost, according to the wellness resource Alternative Daily.
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Body. Mind. Soul
Body. Mind. Soul
CEO Chad Jones
appreciates Board Members
A
By IP STAFF REPORTS/IPLUSMAG.COM
t the December Board meeting, Wellness Pointe Chief Executive Officer Chad Jones thanked two of his Board members, Matt Tooker and Mary Ann Miller who are rotating off the Board for their service. They served 8 years. In addition, he presented them with plaques as a token of his organization’s gratitude. According to Jones, Tooker and Miller have served on the Wellness Pointe Board of Directors for eight years with each having served in various officer positions. Their work alongside the rest of the Board of Directors has led to numerous clinic expansions and new service lines. During their tenure, Wellness Pointe has grown from 14,477 patients in 2013 to approximately 30,000 patients in this very challenging 2020.
903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com
Assisted Living and Memory Care Community
CEO Chad Jones presents Mary Ann Miller with a plaque.
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Miller who greatly cares about people said, “Wellness Pointe serves such an important role in our community by providing excellent health and social services to those who are uninsured or underinsured. I was honored to be a part of the organization for the last 8 years. So much has changed for the better in the organization during that time. Wellness Pointe continues to grow and provide even more lines of service to those in our community who need it the most, I am confident in saying that the best is yet to come!” Tooker is no different when he stated, “It has been a profound privilege to serve on the Board of an organization such as Wellness Pointe for the last 8 years. The organization is so immeasurably valuable to the medically underserved in not only our local Longview community but in numerous east Texas counties. All my love and appreciation to the leadership, staff, and Board members for all you have done and continue to do to bless our community. It has been my privilege to have played a small part in what makes you all so special to the citizens of east Texas.” “Their support and guidance in helping us fulfill our mission of providing high quality medical, vision, dental, and behavioral health services as well as a wide range of social services has had and will continue to have an immeasurable impact on our community,” Jones said. Some highlights during their time on the Board of Directors include: • Opening a new clinic in Pine Tree providing Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatric, and Functional Medicine services • Opening a new clinic in South Longview providing Pediatrics and Family Medicine services • Opening a new clinic at Medical Plaza
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CEO Chad Jones presents Matt Tooker with a plaque.
providing Obstetrics/Gynecology services • Opening two new clinics in Mount Pleasant – one providing Obstetrics/Gynecology services and one providing Family Medicine services • Adding vision care services including both optometry and optical dispensary • Expanding Behavioral Health services with additional counselors and social workers as well as adding Psychology, play therapy, and Psychiatric services. Wellness Pointe is a Federally Qualified Health Center offering Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Family Medicine, Counseling and more. Wellness Pointe accepts Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and most private insurance. For more information about Wellness Pointe visit www.wellnesspointe.org or call 903-758-2610.
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Business and Finance
SIMPLE BARE N E C E S S I T I E S
Dagnabbit Band rocks
Stone Works Christmas Bash
J
By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI/IPLUSMAG.COM
ason Stone owner of Stone Works invited his customers to a Christmas party for the sole purpose of saying “THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS.” The event took place at Leon’s Steak House on Eastman Road. The Dagnabbit Band played while steak, chicken, shrimp, all kinds of scrumptious delicacies and drinks flowed freely. Each company took precautions and sat at their table without moving around as in prior times. The party lasted for a few hours unlike last years’ when no-one had ever heard of COVID-19. Stone Works is a dealer in Flooring, Lighting, Appliances, Granite, Quartz, Marble, Mattresses, Outdoor Kitchen, BBQ Grills, Pools, Spas, Firepits, Iron Doors, Plumbing Fixtures, Hardware, Bathtubs, Cabinets and more. For more information call 903-663-3344 or visit them on-line at www.stone-works.net
We provide hygie n e n ecessities to yout h in ou r commu nity to e nsu re dignity th rough self-care.
Kelley Thompson and Tyson Beaver
Joe Garner and Bobby Martinez
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WHAT WE DO
OUR WHY
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We provide essential hygiene items to elementary school children.
74% of children at LISD are economically disadvantaged in our community.
SBN will create a care package of items to be delivered to the LISD Elementary schools for distribution.
The school district counselors coordinate distribution of the care packages.
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Cori Childress and Ginger Malone
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. H O W YO U C A N H E L P + M A K E A M O N E TA R Y D O N AT I O N + M A K E A P R O D U C T D O N AT I O N + BECOME A SPONSOR
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s i m p l e b a r e n e c e s s i t i e s i s a r e g i s t e r e d 5 0 1 ( c ) 3 n o n p r o f i t o r g a n i z at i o n .
Brain Teasers
Chase the chill away
with
H
Grubs Up
hot soup
amburgers Few things beat a hot meal on a cold day. Stews and casseroles can fit the bill in such situations, but soup is a go-to solution when looking to warm up. This recipe for can be served as an appetizer or light meal. The crispy tortilla strips included in the recipe add extra texture to a delicious dish.
Tortilla Soup SERVES 4
• 4 corn tortillas, freshly made or a few days old • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus extra for frying • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 14-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained • 4 cups chicken stock • Small bunch cilantro • Salt and ground black pepper Using a sharp knife, cut each tortilla into 4 or 5 strips, each measuring about 3Ú4 inches wide. Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 3Ú4 inch into a heavy frying pan. Heat until a small piece of tortilla, added to the oil, floats on the top and bubbles at the edges. Add a few tortilla strips to the hot oil and fry for a few minutes, until crisp and golden brown all over, turning them occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a double layer of paper towels. Cook the remaining tortilla strips in the same way.
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Heat the 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large, heavy pan. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula, until the onion is soft and translucent. Do not let the garlic turn brown or it will give the soup a bitter taste. Chop the tomatoes using a large, sharp knife and add them to the onion mixture in the pan. Pour in the chicken stock and stir well. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until the liquid has reduced slightly. Chop the cilantro. Add to the soup, reserving a little to use as a garnish. Season to taste. Place a few of the crisp tortilla pieces in the bottom of four warmed soup bowls. Ladle the soup on top. Sprinkle each portion with the reserved chopped cilantro and serve.
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Wedding flowers becoming larger
YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE
www.stone-works.net (903) 663-3344 SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS
M
than life
ove over bouquets and centerpieces. Flowers are taking over weddings in a big way. While wedding trends come and go, flowers will always have a place at the wedding table. Many modern couples are opting for statement pieces with their flowers to rival the big and bold ideas they’re incorporating elsewhere into their occasions, such as in cakes and clothing.
Floral chandeliers
There’s no need to worry about seeing over table centerpieces or flowers getting in the way of photo moments. Florists can hang flowers from beams over tabletops to increase visual impact, whether as individual baskets, single stems, or floral swags. Think about a large installation that forces guests to look up into a sea of greenery and flowers. The smell and the sight can be breathtaking.
Welcome wreaths
Why should wreaths only be reserved for front doors and holiday decor? A welcome floral wreath can be placed by the entryway to a chapel or reception hall with a heartfelt sentiment that shows guests how much they’re appreciated.
Fairy-tale flowers
A floral curtain of hanging flowers can line a chuppah or drape the altar in beautiful blooms. Couples who would like a fairy-tale entrance also can make their debut as a couple by coming through a flower curtain at the reception.
Dance floor blooms
Who says flowers have to be overhead or on a table? With a plexiglass dance floor, or one made from some other transparent material, flowers can be underfoot, creating a magical floral carpet. Floral necklaces Brides needn’t carry their bouquets, they can wear ethereal and whimsical floral pieces around their necks or on their waists instead. Couples are urged to speak with their florists about the innovative ways they can make flowers an even more awe-inspiring component of their weddings.
www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding January 2021
9
QUESTIONS to ask before booking a
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
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arious components combine to make weddings beautiful and memorable. Couples rely on photographers to capture the smiles and moments that helped make their events unique and to ensure the big day is remembered for years to come. The trusted wedding resource The Knot notes that an internal study found that, among 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, an average of $2,400 was spent on a wedding photographer to document their big day. Couples who want to find the best photographer for their wedding day can ask several questions before making their final decision.
Will photos be color balanced and retouched?
Skilled photographers are capable of capturing winning photos. But photos can be enhanced further in the studio with retouching software to bring out specific effects. Some photographers will polish all proofs, while others only will work on the images ultimately ordered. Confirm retouching details before signing the contract.
What’s included in the photo packages?
A detailed price list helps you compare one photographer to another and decide which elements are covered. Additional prints, having a photographer’s assistant, ordering albums for the parents, or ordering a large framed print can alter costs significantly. Explore all prices to ensure you’re getting the best value. In addition, consider how many hours of event coverage are included in the price.
What style do you specialize in?
Photographers may be able to shoot various styles of photos but may specialize in a specific type. For example, some photographers specialize in photojournalism, while others may excel at portraiture. Going with a photographer who has the most expertise shooting the style you prefer will help produce the desired results.
Who will be shooting my wedding?
Certain photography studios have several photographers working under one roof. Just because you meet with one does not necessarily mean that photographer will be on site unless it is specified in the contract.
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What is the payment timeline?
Have you ever worked at my venue before? Photographers may be familiar with several local wedding venues and houses of worship. A photographer who has experience working in the locations where couples will tie the knot and subsequently celebrate might produce the best results, but lack of experience with particular venues need not exclude other professionals.
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Can we see a full gallery of a recent wedding?
According to Brides magazine, unlike an album or a highlight gallery, a full gallery provides a better sense of a photographer’s style and attention to detail.
Photographers may accept deposits for their services but expect a different timeline of payment. Some may require payment in full before the wedding, while others may offer a payment plan that includes a final payment when picking up proofs or albums. Wedding photography is one of the essential elements of a wedding and helps tell the story of couples’ special day. Asking key questions can help couples find a photographer who will produce the desired results.
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Savings strategies for weddings
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he question was popped; the engagement ring presented. What’s the next step on the road to the wedding? Saving should definitely be on couples’ minds. A wedding is likely the most-costly party couples will ever throw. According to The Knot’s 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2019 was $33,900. There are many different costs associated with weddings. Some are predictable, while others are unexpected. Investopedia says the vast majority of couples’ budget too little for their weddings and also end up spending more than they had planned. Various strategies can make it easier to save for a wedding and avoid a post-wedding financial hangover.
Get informed
It’s impossible to budget for a wedding
and ultimately save without knowledge of what services and items cost in the region where you live. A wedding in New York City will be expensive, while a wedding in Mississippi will cost a lot less, indicates SuperMoney’s guide to wedding costs. Conduct some research and find out what photographers, florists, transportation providers, reception halls, and wedding wardrobe vendors charge for common services. This will paint a vivid picture of what a wedding may cost in your area.
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F lesh out the budget
Once you have gathered estimates, you can then figure out a financial goal. This also is when you can determine where to rein in spending and where you might want to splurge. If having a video memory of the wedding is not a top priority, you can skip videography services. If you have a special flower that you like, you may want to budget more for that bloom even if it isn’t in season.
Set up a dedicated savings account
One of the easiest ways to save for big-ticket items like a wedding, home purchase or other financial goals is to use an automatic savings account that may be available through your bank or employer. An automatic savings plan will pull a set amount from a personal checking account into a savings account through auto-draft. The bride and groom can link individual checking accounts to one savings account to contribute jointly.
Avoid overspending
An analysis of your spending habits will likely reveal areas where you can scale back so you can devote more funds to wedding savings. Do you need a takeout coffee in the morning or can you brew a pot at home? Might you be able to scale back on streaming services? Do you feel comfortable buying less expensive store brand groceries over name brands? Small cost savings can quickly add up.
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Add up gifts
Factor in deduction of expenses that other people will commit to covering for wedding expenses, but only if you have concrete confirmation. A parent may host the rehearsal dinner. One’s relative may offer to pass down an antique wedding gown to wear. But rather than
simply removing these gifts from your savings calculations, keep them as a safety net to put toward unforeseen expenses. Saving for a wedding can be challenging. But various strategies can help couples plan their dream weddings without breaking the bank.
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WHY DIAMOND RINGS?
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iamond engagement rings are presented as tokens of love and affection during wedding proposals. The majority of first-time brides will receive a diamond ring, with surveys indicating only 13 percent opt for another gemstone. Jim Bartlett of Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry said, “The qualities of diamonds is what makes it the number choice for engagements rings. Diamonds and love go together. They last forever. Come and check out the array of diamonds in our store. We will be happy to serve you in any way we can.” Researchers from Emory University determined that the average price for a diamond ring is roughly $2,500. However, grooms can spend much more. Diamonds have symbolized eternal love for centuries, perhaps since they were first discovered in India more than 2,000 years ago. The ancient Greeks actually thought diamonds were tears of
Taking a hands-on invitation approach
I the gods, while ancient Romans believed diamonds were splinters from heavenly stars. The hardness of diamond contributes to its suitability as a gemstone. Because it can only be scratched by other diamonds, it maintains its polish extremely well. Unlike many other gems, it is well-suited to daily wear because of its resistance to scratching—perhaps contributing to its popularity as the preferred gem in engagement or wedding rings, which are often worn every day.
nvitations are a key component of wedding planning. It sets the tone for a wedding, gives guests an idea of whether it is formal or casual, offers clues to the theme and conveys important information about the festivities. While it was once common to work with a specialized printing couples tying the knot now have more options. Due to computer and internet access, and user-friendly design applications, it’s easier than ever to design high-quality wedding invitations. According to the wedding industry survey site TheWeddingReport.com, the average price for 150 invitations and response cards is $245. To maximize efficiency and come away with wedding stationery they will love, couples can employ the following tips and techniques. Start with the paper The heavier the stock, the more luxurious the invitations will feel. Quality stock also costs more. Engraving and letter-
Couples have many options to design and produce their wedding invites. press Engraving and letterpress techniques are an art form and create unique wedding invitations. Printing companies Options abound in regard to in-store and online printing companies. At-home printing One of the more accessible invitation production methods is at-home printing. Couples have many different options when designing their wedding invitations, and some may even be able to design and produce their own.
From precious stones to brilliant new creations, our exquisite jewelry collections are truly stunning. JEWELRY
BartlettFineJewelry.com The Village Shopping Center 2002 Judson Road, Suite 101 Longview, Texas 75605 (903) 758 . 4367
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January 2021
2021 INSIDE: Savings strategies for weddings
Happy New Year
Questions to ask before booking a Wedding Photographer
Why Diamond Rings?
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