Love of Dixie - Summer 2019

T H E

M A G A Z I N E

F O R

T E X A S

W O M E N

9102 TSUGUA-ENUJ

EUSSI REMMUS EHT

MELANIE MEEKS FOUNDER OF MEEKS MARKETING

FIVE FAVORITE FINDS FOR SUMMER

FAITH AND FREEDOM

THE GRIEF GIRL

CONTACT US LOVE OF DI XI E 512.295.0091 lauren@loveofdixie.com loveofdixie.com Photo by Hilary Roberts Photography

EDITORIAL LAUREN FLAKE Editor-in-Chief

HOWDY!

Welcome to the summer issue.

CONTRIBUTORS Cheyenne Bell, Michelle Discavage, Terri Fullerton, Terri Jackson, Hollie Kaszynski, KariAnn Lessner, Cheryl Moses, Claire Mummert, Andrea Stunz

'Tis the season for refreshment, y'all.

We hope you'll pour yourself a tall glass of lemonade and join us in a rocking chair on the front porch (or maybe even poolside) for our first summer installment.

In this issue of Love of Dixie magazine, you'll find pristine Texas watering holes, (nearly) foolproof indoor plants, simple ways to find Sabbath, and a recipe for buttermilk pie. It doesn't get much sweeter than that, friends.

Thanks for being here, and please don't forget to hydrate in the hot months ahead. May you find plenty of fireflies, lots of adventure, and enough rest and relaxation to last throughout the year.

Cheers to summer!

LAUREN FLAKE Founder

Cover photo by Red's Photography All content Š 2019 For the Love of Dixie, LLC, unless otherwise stated.

ADVERTISING FI ND US ONLI NE loveofdixie.com/ magazine CONTACT lauren@loveofdixie.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 Texas Strong Woman: Melanie Meeks 08 Lone Star Lifestyle: Picks for Summer 09 Entertainment: A Summer Full of Memories

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11 Opt Outside: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Texas Summer 14 Gardening: Growing Indoors 17 Devotional: Are You Ready to Let Go? 18 Let's Just Eat: Coming Home 23 Décor: 7 Easy Ways to Decorate for Summer

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25 Featured Article: I Never Wanted to Be the Grief Girl 27 Family: Freedom in Chaos 29 Travel: Souvenirs - It's the Thought that Counts

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SUMMER 2019

MELANIE MEEKS FOUNDER OF MEEKS MARKETING

Houston, Texas

Interviewed by Cheryl Moses WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TITLES FOR YOURSELF AND WHY?

As somebody that wears a lot of hats, I like the variety of relationships in my life.

Wife. I’ve been married almost 16 years now, and my husband, Tim, is such a great encourager.

Mom. I’m a mom of three. Our oldest is almost 11 and getting into that middle school age.

Yet, all the kids still call me Mommy. That name is sweet and nostalgic, and whenever Maddie, my oldest, calls me that, I flash back to the day she was born when I had zero clue of what I was doing. (I still have zero clue what I’m doing!)

I don’t use the titles Boss or Owner, or anything like that. I prefer Team Member or Colleague. I am really proud of our team and the intentionality we put forth. I look at us as cocreators working side by side.

Photo by Red's Photography

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WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS OR MENTORS?

My parents are the type of people that make you believe you are the best at everything! We knew that they were going to pull for us no matter what. We could’ve chosen the most obscure career paths, and they would’ve thought it was the most exceptional thing they’d ever heard of in their entire life! I learned a lot from them. My dad has an incredible work ethic that he modeled for us as kids. Now my brother and I are both really hard workers. We definitely got that from him.

My husband, Tim, is a role model. I don’t think I've ever known anyone that is as positive as he is. He always pulls out the very best in everybody. I’ve always admired that about him. That’s just what Tim’s known for - being the nicest person ever.

Another mentor is my former boss at Kirksey. He modeled to me what it looked like to be a Christian in the corporate world. Wes loves the Lord, as well as his wife and four kids, and he showed me what it looks like to run a business, to be a man of integrity in the business world and to do it all with faith.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR OR CHALLENGE?

Right now, I'm afraid of something happening to someone close to me like my husband or kids. As parents, we are always trying to protect them from so many things, but there is so much we can’t control. I give them over to the Lord, over and over again. He gives them to me, and I have to continually give them back to Him because I have no control.

My challenge is juggling it all. I have three really different kids and a wonderful husband, but we’re really busy. We have to consider what each child needs. What does my husband need? What do I need?

So, not to anyone else's fault, but I do get lost a little bit wondering what I want to do when I have spare time. There are just so many decisions to be made.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

I am proud of the leader I’ve become. (I don’t mean that just in the work setting.)

In high school, the Lord showed me that I was going to be a leader, and it was something I resisted, big time! I wanted to be quiet and anonymous. I did not want to be at the forefront. However, I was in the dance and drill team world. I did the officer thing and all of that, so I got a little taste of leadership then.

Now, I just love people and pouring into them. I love having that kind of relationship where you develop trust with others. I always thought, I’m not a leader, but through the years the Lord has often put me in different leadership roles, including the company and leading in that way along with my team.

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HOW ARE YOU BUILDING COMMUNITY RIGHT NOW?

Currently, we are building community with families that are friends of our kids. That’s what makes the most sense for us right now.

My 10-year-old, Maddie, does acting at a nonprofit theater, called Playhouse 1960. It is all volunteerbased. When your child auditions and accepts a role, you also accept a role as their parent to volunteer.

I get to utilize my marketing skills there and help create marketing materials for the shows including the playbills, posters, and t-shirts. For others, that looks like building the set, cleaning the theater, or working on costumes. We are working alongside all of these other families that have kids our daughter’s age and developing relationships with them.

The same is true with our son, Bennett, who plays baseball. His team plays in tournaments, so we’re with those families quite a bit. In an environment like that you definitely form relationships, figure out what each family might be going through, and support all of the kids together. It becomes an extended family, especially when all of the parents are constantly helping me chase my three-year-old around!

Our youngest son, Jayden, was our foster son before we adopted him. When you’re getting your license to foster you are with other families in trainings for many hours! Any time I get to meet other foster families, we find an instant connection. This boy builds our community even more so because he talks to strangers all the time. That’s been fun but not at all expected.

I didn’t know we would have a team when I first started my business, but as things grew, we began adding team members. We’ve built a great team of friends, moms who are able to work and stay at home with their kids. We make it a point to communicate with each other and to gather when we can, sometimes for business but also for community building.

I’ve also stayed involved in the Society for Marketing Professional Services. I’ve served as the Houston chapter president and worked on many of the different committees.

WHAT IS A FAVORITE QUOTE OR VERSE YOU LIVE BY?

From our fostering journey: “To whom much is given, much is required.” (Luke 12:48) The word we keep going back to in every decision we make, that I feel like the Lord has spoken to us throughout our marriage and our lives together is, "capacity." We have the capacity for more. We know that we were made for such a time as this. The Lord has given us everything we need, and we’ve been blessed with a lot.

With fostering, specifically, we really felt the calling of, if not us, then who? We’ve said yes, to fostering in so many different ways before we actually started fostering. We babysat for others, gave donations for adoptions, and bought car seats, but we hadn’t said the big "yes" to it yet.

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Photo by YG&Co. Lifestyle Photography

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT TEXAS IN THE SUMMER?

I love that my kids are home. It’s a difficult season of the year, but it’s also my favorite. It’s such a sweet time for them to be home and have a relaxed schedule. This was especially true last year after we’d had Jayden as a foster for an entire year. Once school let out, we had some transition happening at Tim’s previous work, so he was home a lot. We’re a summer kind of family! We love the slower pace, and it’s the time where we dream the most as a family. I thrive on structure, but when summer comes around, it’s time for the structure to go away. And when August rolls around, it is time for the structure to return.

The wheels are falling off! Things are not good anymore. Everything for a season.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TEXAS-BASED NONPROFITS TO SUPPORT?

Casa de Esparanza de Los Niños (House of Hope for Children), the agency we worked with to foster and adopt Jayden, is doing amazing work, not just in the fostering and adoption realm, but also in caring for birth parents. That was really important to us. They still send us updates on Jayden’s mom. They are still walking alongside her and helping her meet very tangible needs. Casa continues to love birth families long after they’ve surrendered their parental rights. They are taking people off the street. They love Houston and this community, and they are making an impact on our city. They are empowering people and putting them in a position to better themselves. I am really proud to be a part of it.

We also love being able to volunteer and give to our church, Calvary Community Church. The way that Calvary distributes funds is a privilege for us as members. When I listen to different nonprofits and missionaries come in and share how they were supported by Calvary, I’m honored by their stories.

Calvary’s model of tithing, or giving away ten percent of its yearly income to others, is special to us.

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SUMMER 2019

Handmade Turquoise Jewelry Leddy & Co. George West, Texas facebook.com/LeddyandCo

Lone Star Lifestyle: Picks for Summer Texas Honeycomb Tee Queen Bee Designs Buda, Texas qbeedesigns.com

Virginia Leather Tote Arloom Boutique Wimberley, Texas arloom.com Hill Country Soy Candle The Wild Susan Company Austin, Texas wildsusan.com Custom Embroidered House Portrait Jess Stitched It Buda, Texas etsy.com/shop/JessStitchedIt

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SUMMER 2019

A Summer Full of Memories KARIANN LESSNER Some gals you want to share your memories, your time, your kids, and your Netflix password with.

Laurel Copeland Brown is that girl for me. She is the daughter of my dear friend, Sherry Brown, who lost her battle with cancer in the early summer of 2008.

Ten summers have come and gone since she went home, and there aren’t many days that pass by that I don’t remember some little thing that Sherry taught me or something that would have made her tip her head back, open her mouth, and laugh.

And while I will never assume to fill the flip flops of that amazing lady, I do love connecting with the love line that she left me in Laurel.

MUSIC Over the years, Laurel and I have related through movies, musicals, favorite teas, and stories. So it was to Laurel that I reached when trying to find a Texas band with a sound that encapsulated summer.

Their newest album, “Hellbent,” is heaven-sent for your summer playlist. Laurel would tell you to pair it with a good Texas wine - Old Man Scary Cellars Sangiovese. (Yes, y’all… she’s twenty-one!)

BOOK Because Laurel and I love to connect through words, too, I’m making some suggestions for her summer reading stack. It’s pretty much one stop shopping here. {Sarah Bird} was born in Michigan, went to college at the University of New Mexico, and followed her college sweetheart to Austin, Texas.

If you can get your hands on Bird’s A Love Letter to Texas Women, do it!

Laugh-out-loud humor that takes on the tempest in a teacup that even transplant Texas women can be, this book will wet your whistle for her Texas quartet where Bird takes you from the Texas college experience, through the boyfriend years, the Mommy Club, and a stint as a rodeo announcer.

All I can say is, you’re welcome.

{Randy Rogers Band} has fullbodied music that sparks daydreaming and beckons the listener to dance down memory lane.

So slather on the sunscreen sister, because natives and newcomers alike need to take precaution. And then choose the memories that you want to stand out for 2019: a Texas author that joins your funny bone to your heart, music that makes your feet itch to dance, and a glass of red.

Cleburn, Texas-native Randy Rogers' musicality was taught by his grandmother, and that right there hits me in the feels!

And if you think of it, raise a glass to my friend Sherry’s memory and to the daughter that she left behind that I get to make memories with.

“What sounds like summer to you?”

Without hesitation she responded, “Randy Rogers Band.”

Sherry and Laurel Brown

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KARIANN LESSNER

KariAnn Lessner is a wife, mother, fairy godmother, children’s minister, podcast host, speaker, native Houstonian, and seeker of excellent chips and salsa. Find Kari at YouBrewYouPodcast.com.

SUMMER 2019

at The Little House on Main 569 Main Street, Buda, Texas 512.295.7818 Fashion, home dĂŠcor, & vintage Model: Marisol James

Opt Outside: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Texas Summer TERRI FULLERTON Our first summer in Texas scorched my desire

The hiking trails meander up and down

to hike and camp in the Lone Star State. I

rugged terrain with juniper, desert grass, and

know this is harsh to Texans but we moved

fragrant shrubs. You will need lots of water,

from Colorado, so let’s just call it summer

sunscreen, snacks, and good hiking shoes.

shock.

In addition to hiking, we love the stargazing.

But our love for the outdoors, summers off,

Since it is remote, there is very little light

and desire to discover treasures in our new

pollution. On Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday

state was a rewarding challenge. Looking

evenings, the McDonald Observatory (12 miles

back, I see the value of enjoying the outdoors

away) opens for Twilight and Star Parties.

together. It builds respect for our natural

Tickets sell out in advance, so plan to buy

world, stimulates curiosity, and helps us

them ahead of time. Telescopes are available

reconnect with one another.

to view constellations and planets. You can even see the rings around Saturn.

Opting outside empowers us as we choose to unplug from our fast-paced, technology-

If you need to recapture childlike wonder of

packed lifestyle. It refreshes us as we jump in

creation, I recommend going during a meteor

a swimming hole after a hike in the Texas

shower. The Southern Delta Aquarids shower

heat. It captures our wonder as we look up at

peaks July 29 to 30. The Perseids meteor

the countless pinholes of light coming

shower is July 17 to August 24, peaking around

through the indigo canopy of night.

the 12th and 13th. The best time for viewing is after midnight, but I promise you will not be

Davis Mountains State Park

sleepy when you are sitting at the outdoor

This remote park in west Texas offers

zoom across the sky.

amphitheater watching emerald meteors

camping, hiking, mountain biking, birding, and stargazing. The campsites are well

If you want a refreshing way to cool off, drive

maintained and some come with water and

25 miles north to the oasis of Balmorhea State

electricity. For the non-tent tribe, there is

Park. It has one of the largest spring-fed pools

Indian Lodge, a full service hotel, including a

in the world where 15 million gallons of water

swimming pool. I recommend the Skyline

gush from the springs. The pool is open daily

Drive for scenic views and spotting wildlife.

for swimming and scuba diving and reaches a

The area is known for its variety of birds, and

depth of 25 feet. The temperature is 72 to 76

the park has several places to enjoy avian

°F year-round.

behavior.

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Colorado Bend State Park

In addition to 35 miles of hiking and biking trails, this park in the Texas Hill Country offers kayaking, camping, and cave exploration. If you like to explore, sign up for a cave tour.

There are over 400 caves beneath your feet at this state park. Reservations must be made in advance for your speleo-adventure and campsites.

Our extended family met here for a few years and we always make the trek to Gorman Falls.

It’s a 3-mile roundtrip hike on rough terrain with a steep descent at the end. There is an observation deck and benches so you can take a break, enjoy the mist from the 70-foot waterfalls, and look at the lush emerald vegetation and travertine rock formations. It’s a beautiful reprieve from the heat.

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Gorman Falls

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Another option for cooling off is Barton

Barton Creek Greenbelt One thing I appreciate about Austin is the combination of city life with public outdoor spaces. The Greenbelt, popular with locals, is one of its fine examples. You see wildflowers, abundant vegetation, and stunning limestone walls.

Springs Pool within Zilker Park. It’s fed from underground springs and maintains a temperature of 68-70 °F year-round. It will definitely cool you down.

No matter which part of Texas you live in, there are abundant swimming holes, trails,

It offers hiking, biking, rock climbing, and swimming. The 7-mile trail follows Barton Creek with easy access points and several swimming holes to cool off from the searing summer heat. Many people start at Zilker

lakes, and state parks to explore. The key in the summer is to start early, take lots of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Enjoy the beauty around you, and anticipate some lovely surprises.

TERRI FULLERTON

Park. If you plan to enter the trail here, go

Terri lives in Abilene with her husband. She is a writer who encourages you to step into adventure, find freedom, and deepen your faith. Terri is working on her Masters in New Testament at Northern Seminary. She loves good questions, hiking, kayaking, exploring new places, and reading. You can find Terri at terrifullerton.com.

early as parking is sometimes a problem. If you start or end at the Spyglass Access, stop at Taco Deli. The breakfast tacos are amazing.

Popular swimming areas in the Greenbelt include Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls, and Gus Fruh. Always check austintexas.gov for closures from heavy rains.

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SUMMER 2019

Gardening: Growing Indoors

Photos by Terri Jackson TERRI JACKSON Gardening indoors is a wonderful alternative to being in the Texas summer heat. With so many houseplants to choose from, you can easily bring the outdoors inside. There are numerous benefits to having plants in your home from air purification to uplifting your mood. With that being said, the thing I hear most from people is: “I kill every plant. Is there ACTUALLY a plant that can survive me?” My answer is "YES, Pothos, or ivy as I like to call it." I promise you there is not a better houseplant out there to start with. Or if you are already an avid houseplant guru, this is a good one you may have overlooked that is easy to add into your fold.

When we purchased our first home in 2002, my grandmother potted some of her pothos for me as a housewarming present. This shames me to tell you, but I have not always been the best keeper of that sweet plant, and it has held on strong through every life challenge, every period of neglect, every move, and even a period of being forgotten about outside in the winter. Sadly, my amazing grandmother is no longer with me, but I still have her pothos by my front door to welcome every guest to my home in 2019.

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Houseplant care Basic care is extremely easy, as pothos do well in bright, indirect light or low light, dry soil or a container of water, and they can handle nutrient-rich or poor soil. My friends, this is the plant for you! This plant reminds you when you forget about it by not growing as much or by dropping leaves and turning brown.

Water, add soil, change the light, and. voilà. a happy plant again. Find a spot in your home that you frequent daily - your bathroom, office, or living room and plop down a pothos. Find a sweet vase of water, and take a piece of pothos with a leaf or two and around 6” of stem, and place it into the water. Put the vase on your bathroom windowsill or counter top.

Keep the water filled in the vase, and watch the roots come in over the coming weeks. I have an ordinary vase my father gave me flowers in, and I couldn’t find it in my heart to part with since his passing.

A year ago, my mother gave me a section of pothos from my high school science fair sponsor's home.

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I placed it in water in a vase and have it in my kitchen window. It has been fun to watch it root and grow.

This simple thing not only provided me sentimental value, but it has also been a fun lesson to share with my boys how plants grow, which I know Mrs. Boelter would appreciate. It has grown so big that I have shared cuttings from it with others.

Not only can plant propagation be easy and fun, it can also be very inexpensive to help show others they do have a green thumb.

My Houseplant Mantras: 1. Easy Peasy Lemon “Squeezey” - Pick only easy plants. Low maintenance is the way to go if you are getting started or starting in summer. There is so much going on in summer that you don’t want to add a laundry list of plant care to bummer out your summer.

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2. Weekly H2O Day - Pick one day a week at a

5. Try, Try Again - Some plants won't like the spot

certain time to water your house plants. I have a

you picked, the humidity of your home, or how

weekly alarm that goes off, and, if for some reason

much or little you water them. Move them, or try

I can’t when the alarm goes off, I stop and set the

different spots in your home. Maybe they like the

alarm for later in the day when I can. Never miss a

window in your living room more than the one in

water day!

your kitchen. Change how you water (in summer, I go to a twice a week since it's hot, and our A/C is

3. Plants with Friends - Propagate plants to share

running nonstop). Most importantly, don’t give up!

with friends. Work together to care for your plant babies. Or shop for plants with friends, and split

6. The More You Know - Read up on any plants

up a larger plant into two pots. Buy one plant (a

you bring into your home. Be aware of toxicity if

fern can easily be cut into two, and some plants

you have small children or pets. FYI, you can even

have multiple sets within one pot), and divide it

get houseplants from Amazon. It's that easy!

into pretty pots with fresh soil.

TERRI JACKSON

Terri Jackson is a wife, mom of two boys, professional florist, Disney World trip enthusiast, coconut sparkling water junkie, backyard party hostess extraordinaire, and all-around craft genius in Buda, Texas.

You can find her at TheInspiredHaus.com

4. Sharing is Caring - Use plants as an opportunity to carry on legacies and memories. Get a pot from your grandmother or vase from your aunt and, instead of letting it catch dust, house a plant in it.

Think outside the pot, and plant in teapots, vintage crates, or baskets. Some containers require a pot liner, but what better way to honor a loved one then to display a piece of theirs in your home with a beautiful living plant.

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SUMMER 2019

Are you willing to let go?

MICHELLE DISCAVAGE Six years ago, I never could have fathomed how many lessons and profound moments would occur during the summer months. I certainly never considered how often those things would take place while escaping the heat at a local pool.

I will cringe when danger comes near, but I will have to release her and watch her go. I will delight in her return and soak in each syllable as she tells the story, her story, of how life has unfolded.

Back and forth my daughter and I swam. I in a slow motion breaststroke, and she kicking while holding on to a small inner tube. We dodged other swimmers, and a multitude of splashing children, and continued making our way from one side to another.

Independence, yes. But not alone. You have a place, and you belong.

We were sitting on the steps when she looked at me and stated, "I am going to swim to the other side and back, but you stay here. Do not come with me. I am going by myself."

Independence.

She kicked and bobbed and weaved across the pool. Upon her arrival to the other side, she did what I can only refer to as a happy dance. Or, a happy bob. Whatever you call it, she rejoiced in her accomplishment. I smiled. Back she would come, weaving her way through crowds, and happily swimming alone.

Independence. Natural, good, proof of growing.

I remember watching her begin her journey across the pool, and desperately wanting to go with her. Nothing in me wanted to stay on the steps, I wanted to swim alongside of her. I didn’t want to merely ensure her safety, no, it was more than that. I liked the sound of her laugh, the sight of her smile, and the running commentary she kept along the way.

Awaiting my daughter’s return, I remember thinking there would be more occasions throughout the years that she would ask me to stay behind. All too soon, my name will not be the one she calls to, and I will not be her choice to walk beside. While I may keep her in eyesight, I will not be able to prevent her from being bumped and splashed and having to redirect her course.

In a moment I saw my child growing and becoming a young woman, one who is unafraid to strike out on her own. A young woman who speaks up for herself, believes in herself, and delights in her accomplishments.

A young woman who will never be alone because the God who created her will forever be by her side.

My heart swelled as I saw her excitement of having reached the other side, and it ached as I realized that the road ahead will be a continual cycle of releasing her and watching her go.

Maybe God feels this way, too. He is preparing us, teaching us, guiding us, and releasing us. God created us to go into all the world. Yes, I believe he understands the simultaneous joy and heartache of releasing. Thankfully, we are never alone, not really.

“And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” (Mark 16:15 NASB) How has God taught you the concept of releasing? Is there something you are holding onto that he is asking you to release? Ask God to show you areas you need to release control.

MICHELLE DISCAVAGE Michelle Discavage is the author of "Unnamed Women of the Bible," a speaker, and a certified Life Purpose Coach. She lives in Lubbock, Texas with her husband and daughter, where they are often found laughing together. You can find Michelle at SparkedLiving.net.

I will have to watch her swim while I stand on land. Yes, I will rejoice and happy dance along with her.

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SUMMER 2019

Photos by Elizabeth Bernhardt

COMING HOME HOLLIE KAZSYNKSI A sweet season in my life came to an end not long ago. I had been at home with my kids for nine full years, and I decided to go back to teaching full time when my youngest started kindergarten last fall. All three of my kids are enrolled in the school where I teach, and I consider it a huge blessing to have them near me all day. However, I can’t lie and say that going back to work has been without its challenges. I may or may not have been found weeping, even sobbing in the morning while trying to put on mascara. My husband has tried to console me while I shrug my shoulders and say, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. But, now I have to redo my makeup!”

I’ve found myself longing for little things that are simply no longer part of my life. There are no midmorning snuggles while watching Curious George.

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I’m no longer scooting gloppy finger paintings to the end of the table so we can eat lunch. We’re no longer visiting the park in the afternoon for play dates and picnics. My best mom friends can no longer come over for coffee while our kids chatter and play together. I absolutely love my job that allows me to exercise my passion for teaching again. The people I work with are stellar, and I am so thankful for my school. But, how I have missed my sweet community of friends with little ones who walked alongside me as we tried to figure out this portion of life together.

I heard a soft whisper the other day that said, “Summer is almost here,” and my spirit immediately lifted. While summer has its own busy agenda with travel, camps, and events, there are also days when no one knows what to do with their time. It’s sweltering hot, and we need a break from the pool. My natural instinct is to think of who I can invite to come over so I can feed them. I know a few mamas I can call.

Summer is coming, and it feels like I’m coming home. I’ll watch Curious George with the kids, make room on the table for finger painting, and make a fabulous lunch for dear friends that we can eat while catching up on life.

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SUMMER 2019

WHIPPED CREAM

1 cup whipping cream 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract* Place all ingredients in a small metal bowl.

Beat on high with a hand mixer until the cream forms stiff peaks.

The recipes I’m sharing this time go perfectly together for simplicity and goodness. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for hot summer days with your family or your best girls. Enjoy!

Buttermilk pie INGREDIENTS

2 sticks butter, melted 3 cups sugar 2 cups buttermilk 6 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract* 6 tablespoons flour 2 prepared refrigerated pie crusts Use a stand mixer, if you have one. If not, a handheld electric mixer will work.

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOUÂ NEED IN LIFE.

Place butter and sugar in a mixing bowl, and mix on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add buttermilk, and continue to mix until ingredients are blended. Add eggs one at a time, and mix well. Add vanilla and flour, and mix well. Mixture should look light and somewhat foamy.

Unroll pie crusts into two pie pans, and flute the edges. Pour buttermilk mixture evenly into the two pans.

Bake pies at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes. When pies are finished baking, they should be golden brown and set in the middle.

Once the pies are cooled completely, store them in the refrigerator. This pie is best served cold.

If desired, top each slice with whipped cream and mixed berries before serving. *Substitute lemon juice for vanilla in the pie and whipped cream, and add lemon zest to the whipped cream for a light flavor perfect for summer!

Mixed greens salad with honey mustard dressing SALAD INGREDIENTS

½ large tub of mixed salad greens ½ cup blueberries ½ cup strawberries, sliced 1 avocado, sliced ½ cup red onion, sliced very thin Crumbled feta or goat cheese Toasted nuts (I like using pecans!)* Place greens in a large serving bowl. Add all ingredients except cheese. Drizzle with dressing right before serving, and sprinkle with cheese. *To toast nuts, place them in a small pan, and heat to medium-high. Stir nuts constantly for a few minutes, until they have a slight aroma and are lightly browned. They will burn easily, so don’t walk away! Let cool before topping your salad.

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard ½ cup honey ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder Salt and pepper to taste Place all ingredients in a dressing bottle or Mason jar, and shake well! If you prepare a large salad for several people, pour all the dressing on at once right before serving. If you're making a smaller salad for one, drizzle a little dressing on at a time.

The dressing will keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks.

Parmesan crusted chicken INGREDIENTS

1 ½ to 2 lbs. chicken breast tenderloins 12 oz. parmesan cheese, grated 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning 2 teaspoons garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper

Mix cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Rinse chicken tenderloins with water, pat slightly with a paper towel, and coat both sides in the cheese mixture.

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

Place pieces close together in a tight row in a 13"x9” glass pan, and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

You can serve this warm, but leftovers can also be cut into bite-sized pieces and served on a salad or in a lunchbox!

HOLLIE KAZSYNKSI

Hollie Kaszynski is a native Texan and lives in Austin, with her husband and three kids. She posesses a deep passion for teaching and service, which she pours into her children, church family, and local community. She loves adventure, traveling, writing, and being creative in the kitchen.

7 easy ways to decorate for summer Photo by Cheyenne Bell

I love to change up my décor for the seasons, but I was always a bit hard-pressed to welcome summer into my house until recently.

You see, I am a winter girl through and through, and these long, hot Texas summers have never been my cup of tea.

Since having kids, however, I am starting to appreciate summers a little more, as we tend to spend our days by the pool and our evenings playing outside. Honestly, what’s not fun about that?

CHEYENNE BELL

Prepping your house for summer fun and entertaining can be easy and painless if you follow these basic tips.

CHEYENNE BELL Cheyenne Bell is a writer and blogger with a slight obsession for old homes and good coffee.

Her blog, Sense & Serendipity, focuses on inspiring others to create a home well-loved and a life well-lived. Cheyenne lives in San Marcos, Texas with her two young children. Find her at SenseandSerendipityblog.com.

Now when summer charges into our year in one fell swoop (what happened to spring?!), I try to welcome it into my house with a bit more enthusiasm!

Here are some of the ways that I try to get my house (and my mindset) summer ready.

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SUMMER 2019

Lighten your linens.

Add pops of color.

Swap out heavy comforters and throw blankets with lighter, airier linens. Add a simple coverlet to the bed and a cotton knit throw on the couch.

Indulge in fresh, white linen sheets or new towels.

Bright pops of color are a fun touch for summer!

Add a few bright blue or vibrant coral pillows to the couch, or toss a fun multicolored blanket on the back of a chair. Add bright summer florals to your tablescapes. If you’re hosting a dinner party, use fun, summer-inspired dishes and drinkware.

Add a beach-y feel.

Add a few nautical décor pieces to your mantel, buy sea-inspired candles, and add beach-y throw pillows to the chairs. Incorporate natural elements, such as seashells, driftwood, natural woven baskets, or palm fronds, into your décor.

Prep your outdoor spaces.

Outdoor entertaining is at its peak during the summer. Make sure your outdoor gathering spaces are up to the challenge. Invest in a few new chairs, or at least replace the cushions if they are worn out or weathered. String up vintage-style bulb lights along your patio overhang. If you have the space, add a fire pit, and host a s’more’s party!

Add houseplants.

Bring life into the house with plants. Add a succulent planter that hangs on the wall for an instant conversation piece during your cookout!

LOVE OF DIXIE MAGAZINE

Display the flag.

Displaying our country’s flag is always a good idea, but summertime is one of the best times to hang it proudly. With Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day peppering our summers, the flag is an essential décor staple.

Add summer scents.

Finally, create a summertime environment with your favorite summer-scented candles. Anything tropical, such as coconut or pineapple, is a fantastic addition to the kitchen and living area.

Subtle scents, such as fresh linen or sea-inspired scents, are lovely in the bathroom or bedroom.

When I get my house decorated for summer, I have an easier time accepting the long, hot days that will be upon us before we know it. Have an amazing Texas summer, and try to stay cool!

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SUMMER 2019

- FEATURED ARTICLE -

I Never Wanted to Be the Grief Girl LAUREN FLAKE I’ve been a writer since I was 9 years old. In fourth grace language arts class, I soaked up sentence diagramming and essay structure like it was manna from heaven.

Words and language became my currency, and crafting fictional short stories and nonfiction family newsletters became my favorite escape.

As a former high school English teacher, my mother encouraged my passion and fostered my talent throughout my childhood. She taught me to be selective and discerning, engaging but authoritative, and concise instead of flowery in my writing. She taught me to say what I meant in an honest and transparent way. She taught me to proofread and edit for content accuracy and language clarity.

She taught me to communicate.

She taught me to write, and, in essence, she taught me to communicate.

Then, as I moved away from home, graduated from college, and got married, I watched my mother’s once beautiful verbal skills gradually deteriorate back to the level of childhood and then infancy, in the throes of early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

She lost her ability to communicate by the time she became a grandmother, but in her true, selfless parenting form, she gave me something to talk about in her absence.

There's nothing quite as isolating as grief.

While there’s nothing quite as isolating and unglamorous as grief, writing about the experience helped to bridge the gap from my soul to the disconnected outside world.

Writing helped me begin to feel whole again.

LAUREN FLAKE

It helped me to feel understood when I lost the one person who had known and understood me best.

Top photo (pictured, left to right): Lauren Flake with her late mother, Dixie Stucky, in 2006

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Lauren Flake was born in Austin and raised in Dripping Springs, Texas.

She and her husband, Travis, live in Buda with their two daughters.

Read more at LaurenFlake.com.

SUMMER 2019

I didn’t envision myself writing about dementia and caregiving and feelings as a career. As a child, I thought I would do something fun like write fiction.

Maybe I still will.

Yet, everything I communicate to the world will always be touched by the grief of losing my mom – the one who gave me a life and a passion and a voice, the one who taught me to write.

I never wanted to be the grief girl, but here I am. I will eagerly and diligently serve as a voice for the broken-hearted, even if it’s not what I imagined.

When I lean into the place and plan God has for me, instead of fighting who and where I am, magic happens.

Flood relief fundraisers happen.

Children’s books happen. School and church speaking invitations happen.

Will I be a New York Times bestselling author? Will I be a viral mommy blogger sensation?

Probably not.

Will I be right where I’m supposed to be, loving others well and meeting them where they’re at in their struggles with a healthy dose of hope? With God’s help, I believe I will.

He doesn’t ask us to do the glamorous thing, he asks us to do the right thing, and, as it turns out, that’s our highest and most fulfilling privilege.

[A version of this article originally appeared at LaurenFlake.com. Lauren's books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.]

He asks us to do the right thing.

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SUMMER 2019

Freedom in chaos

Photo by Claire Mummert CLAIRE MUMMERT Sometimes, as a mother, I feel bogged down by the day to day.

I can't seem to get the house consistently clean (because let's be real that our little people are far less concerned with its cleanliness), which gives me a chaotic brain space that starts each day.

Then, I have to get the kids ready for school. I always thought this would be an easy thing but I was deeply mistaken. My kids typically sleep later than our school schedule allows, and waking up kiddos does not start our day off right. There are multiple tantrums about not wanting to go to school (especially this late in the year), not wanting to get dressed, and how brushing their teeth is the worst. Then, when they finally arrive at the breakfast table, no one is hungry and one of my kiddos frequently decides they are no longer consuming whatever food has been prepared.

We get to school in the final moments of drop-off, and I breathe a sigh of relief that we made it. I take my smaller kiddos to preschool a few days a week, which is a forty-five minute drive. The one day a week that all the kids are in school and I have no weekly commitments, I am supposed to get three hours to myself. But that, oftentimes, is when I can do errands or go to the doctor or see my counselor.

LOVE OF DIXIE MAGAZINE

Life is chaos.

I begin to think that what I really need is some time away. This is always the logical step for me. I need a vacation, I need to be alone, I need adult time, I want out of this house, I need to travel, I am restless. In fact, this weekend I get to stay overnight alone for my birthday, and I am deeply looking forward to it. But what if this isn't the answer?

While these times of relaxed space really give us time to recharge, they aren't the only ways for us to feel freedom from this crazy pace. I have begun to wonder how to grab onto freedom during the school year and how to reduce the frenetic pace of life. The first thing we did was address Saturdays.

Why are we going and doing all day Saturday after a crazy week? Do we really need to go to every birthday party we are invited to? The answer is no.

We started instituting Sabbath Saturday. This is a day where we are not allowed to plan anything.

We do not leave the house typically (or, at least, not by car), we put all phones and electronics away, and we stay together. We set no alarms, but we also don't ask our kids to go back to bed when they wake up. We cook meals together, and we stay in the same room most of the time.

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SUMMER 2019

The very first Saturday we did this, we read books for over an hour just my husband, me, and our three kids. It was incredible! I had no idea that my youngest, especially, could enjoy reading for that span of time.

We played outside in our backyard with no time limit or agenda. We said "yes" to mud, chalk, and pushing them on the swing for the 1000th time.

We slowed life down. And, can I just tell you? It was the first time in months that we had zero tantrums all day. Zero. Every kiddo even took a nap! That day lives in infamy in my mind.

It felt like freedom.

It felt like magic.

This idea that we could make ourselves slow down, that we could choose a different path felt so simple and yet revolutionary. My husband and I now plan out our time two months in advance to make sure we grab at least two Saturdays a month as Sabbath. They are not always as perfect as that first one by any means, but we are definitely on to something. We are finding space to reduce chaos.

We are grabbing that summer feeling in the middle of the school year.

But Saturdays are not enough.

Once I tasted this level of freedom, I needed more.

I couldn't go back. The next step was changing our after-school routine. We used to go to the store or go home and do homework right away. I would do some dishes, get everyone a snack, and then start working. I work remotely, and finding enough time to get it all done can be a challenge. There were tears over homework, kids wanting my attention, which always led to tantrums, and my husband coming home to chaos and a desperate need to have started making dinner ten minutes ago.

My oldest is curating a newspaper that is expected to circulate the neighborhood in the next few weeks.

I leave out art supplies on folding tables and allow for muddy children, even if I feel like I'm having to bathe them way too often these days. But, as it turns out, they think that's fun, too.

There still have to be moments of homework, and I still occasionally have to work during those hours, but my family is more able to tolerate these moments when they are surrounded by more freedom.

When my kids get to be kids for hours, they can be patient and more grown-up for a little bit. They can wait on dinner because their day has not been full of “just be patient” or “we can do that later.” Of course, they need to learn patience, but a lot of that comes in play as well.

Dr. Purvis taught us a long time ago in an Empowered to Connect conference that kids learn so much better through play. If you role-play your problem areas, they can access that learning in hard times.

So give yourself permission to let your kids play!

Give yourself permission to have some freedom.

Give yourself permission to grab some of that summer feeling from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every day.

You don't have to go on vacation to find space from the daily chaos. You can find it right here, right now.

CLAIRE MUMMERT

Claire Mummert is a wife and mom of three. She is an adventure lover, Harry Potter aficionado, polyglot, baker, reader, traveler, and condoner of awkardness. She is passionate about racial justice, adoptee rights, and theology.

Currently, she works as a children's/youth minister in Katy, Texas and camps in her free time. Find Claire at OutsidetheExtraneous.com.

We needed a change.

I try to give us little moments of Sabbath after school as well. I strive to get all of my work done before I need to pick up the kiddos, and I save the small bits I might have left to do until after bedtime. We only get two to three hours as a family after school, and I want to enjoy them.

When we get home, we go straight to free play.

They go outside and swing, they play with play dough, they draw to their hearts' content.

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SUMMER 2019

Souvenirs - It's the Thought that Counts ANDREA STUNZ It’s not happenstance that many of the tourist attractions we visit take us on the exit path by way of the gift shop. It feels like a trip, and I’ve been suckered more than a few times; usually buying for my grandchildren.

Because what up-to-snuff grandmother could pass up a Nerf-like Knight’s sword and shield from Warwick Castle? Seriously.

In my traveling days of yore, my souvenir shopping list consisted of who to buy for and what my budget was. I also needed to consider how much packing space I had. It’s a true travesty to end up paying for extra weight on your luggage for trinkets of little value. Sadly, I didn’t put much thought into what I bought, I just needed to buy something for each person. It felt more like a duty than a joy.

Nowadays, I limit my shopping. Having traveled a lot and purchased countless souvenirs, some junk and some not, I have a whole new perspective on my shopping list. I simply don’t make one. I don’t make a budget, and I never (okay, almost never) exceed the weight limit for my checked bag(s). I say “almost never,” because if I do go over, it’s because I got something nice for me.

I’ve now concluded that if other adults want something from England, Italy, or Scotland, they are free to book their own trip and purchase what they’d like for themselves. This may sound harsh, but it comes from years of buying cheap trinkets for everyone that likely end up in the garbage within a few years. If I must do something, sending a postcard is a wonderful option.

What are some good souvenir options? Here is a list of

Consumables

my favorites.

"Chokit!" My grandson always asks me to bring him

Books

back “some chockit” (a.k.a. chocolate). His face lights up

These can get weighty, so only buy books that are

or ones with Paddington Bear on the wrappers.

when he opens up a package of gold coin chocolates

meaningful. Consider ones that have been written by authors who lived and/or wrote them where you are

I enjoy bringing back tea from Asia, chocolate from

visiting. Purchasing a copy of Beatrix Potter’s Peter

Switzerland, coffee from Africa, and my favorite skin

Rabbit in the Lake District is a beautiful idea!

care items from England, just to name a few. If traveling abroad, staying within what TSA will allow,

Mugs/Tea Cups

consumables that have meaning can bring a literal

These are heavier items but I do love my Starbucks

trip for just a bit longer.

taste back to share with your loved ones, extending the

mug collection! Sipping from a special mug, a tea cup, or a whisky glass, if that’s your preference, is a smart

Photos

way to keep the adventure alive and relive the story with every sip.

This is hands down my absolute favorite choice of souvenirs. A friend once pointed out to me that I had

Magnets

shared over 17,000 photos on Facebook. I said, “Yeah,

Magnets are small, cheap, lightweight, and a fun way to

unashamedly take pictures of my food, the sunrise,

capture a special memory. Even if you prefer a clean

and...??” I’m sure that number has tripled since then. I clouds, shoes, cars, flowers, trees, buildings; really

fridge (and most are not even magnetic these days), put a magnet board somewhere in your home office or family room to display your memories.

anything that I find interesting and captures the story.

On your next adventure, I encourage you to consider buying souvenirs that hold meaning to you and/or the

Clothing

recipient, rather than ticking off the list of obligatory

I like to leave a little room in my bags for an article of

cheap trinkets that only serves to add weight to your luggage and line the landfills. It truly is the thought that

clothing. I enjoy sleeping in oversized trip t-shirts. And

counts.

often, the weather can change on you. Two of my favorite clothing purchases are a hoodie from Oxford,

Buying special gifts for yourself and that include a loved

England and a gorgeously warm wrap from Mont

one in your travels is a true gift, a token of

Blanc, France.

remembrance, a real souvenir.

Jewelry Jewelry is small and lightweight, making it a wise souvenir choice. A special charm for your travel bracelet or a piece with a special stone from the region you are visiting will be a treasure to enjoy for years to come. At the corner of our hotel in Nepal, there happened to be a small “made to order” jewelry shop.

While there, I designed a sterling silver and onyx threepiece set, and it was finished before we left. That, along with a gorgeous koru necklace made from pounamu greenstone (New Zealand jade), are among my favored travel keepsakes.

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ANDREA STUNZ

Andrea Stunz is a welltraveled Texan currently living near San Antonio, having previously lived in Brazil, Asia, and the U.K. She finds joy in her family, grace in her friends, beauty in a story, purpose in the sunrise, wonder in her travels, and hope in Colossians 1:17. Find Andrea at AndreaStunz.com.

SUMMER 2019

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