Love of Dixie - Winter 2018-2019

T H E

M A G A Z I N E

F O R

T E X A S

W O M E N

9102-8102 BEF-CED

EUSSI Â RETNIW EHT

SUSAN RAMIREZ FOUNDER OF AUSTIN ANGELS Behind-the-scenes with national foster care champion and nonprofit CEO

FIVE FAVORITE FINDS FOR WINTER

DECLUTTER WITH A GARAGE SALE

A CENTRAL TEXAS ADOPTION STORY

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 winter issue.

We invite you to grab a cup of coffee or hot tea and a warm, fuzzy blanket before you cozy up with our second installment.

This issue of Love of Dixie magazine is all about stepping out in faith as we approach 2019.

It's about getting rid of excess and finding beauty in the simplicity of starting fresh. It's about figuring out what's really important and setting goals to get there. It's about figuring out where you truly belong and letting go of where you don't.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

CONTRIBUTORS Cheyenne Bell, Alyssa De Los Santos, Michelle Discavage, Jordan Harrell, Terri Jackson, Hollie Kaszynski, KariAnn Lessner, Carly Levingston, Melinda Mattson, Claire Mummert, Kaylynn Schrandt, Andrea Stunz Cover photo by Enid Jones Photography Floral design by Melony Rodwell at Crush Events All content © 2018 For the Love of Dixie, LLC, unless otherwise stated.

ADVERTISING FI ND US ONLI NE

We hope your holiday season and new year are as sparkly and magical as you are.

LAUREN FLAKE Founder

loveofdixie.com/ magazine CONTACT lauren@loveofdixie.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 Texas Strong Woman: Susan Ramirez 05 Road Trippin': Boerne 08 Lone Star Lifestyle: Picks for Winter 09 Simplify: How to Have the Easiest Garage Sale Ever

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11 Gardening: Holiday Wreath 15 Devotional: Weaving Together Joy and Sorrow 17 Let's Brunch: Tasty Traditions 20 Décor: 5 Tips for After Christmas 22 Entertainment: Spice Up Your Holidays with a Little...Extra

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23 Beauty and Wellness: Winter Skincare with Essential Oils 24 Featured Article: Heartgrown Adoption 26 Family: New Year's Resolutions 29 Travel: Planning Your 2019 Adventures

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FALL 2018

SUSAN RAMIREZ AUSTIN ANGELS FOUNDER

Buda, Texas WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TITLES FOR YOURSELF AND WHY?

I like to be called Mom, Wife, and Leader. Leading Austin Angels and watching it expand into National Angels has been both thrilling and rewarding.

However, the greatest joy of my life is raising my two boys with my best friend. Being their mom is the greatest privilege I have ever had, and it brings me true joy.

WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS OR MENTORS?

My mom is so selfless, and her love for children has translated into how I live my life. She inspires me to love unconditionally and extend that love to those who need it most. Also, the late Dr. Karen Pervis created Trust-Based Relational Intervention, without which we would not have the foundation of the Austin Angels mission. She gives me hope that what I am doing with National and Austin Angels matters to the success of foster care children as

Photo by Enid Jones Photography

contributors to society and

Model home by Ashton Woods

sustainable foster placements.

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FALL 2018

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR OR CHALLENGE?

At Austin Angels, our goal is to reach every child in foster care, nationwide. My biggest fear is not having the capacity to positively impact each and every foster child’s life. I know that the potential is there, but the challenge is having the support and time needed to accomplish this enormous goal.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

I have had the honor of watching Austin Angels grow from just a small, citywide operation to a national organization, made up of ten chapters. I am proud to say that we are now able to serve 682 children. By uniting our communities, we have been able to positively impact the foster care system in so many ways.

HOW ARE YOU BUILDING COMMUNITY RIGHT NOW?

Austin Angels builds community intentionally, through our Love Box program.

By wrapping community around children and families, we believe that we can strengthen sustainable foster placements and empower our youth to reach their fullest potential. We know how hard it can be to do it alone, so we provide the tools and the community support needed to create these successful foster placements.

WHAT IS A FAVORITE QUOTE OR VERSE YOU LIVE BY?

I keep one verse in my mind every day: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CENTRAL TEXAS IN THE WINTER?

Nothing, I hate winter! I love the heat. I love spending the holidays with my family and enjoying the fun festivities that come along with them. I just wish it stayed over 75 degrees!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TEXAS-BASED NONPROFITS TO SUPPORT?

My favorite organizations are Austin Angels, of course, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and Glimmer of Hope Austin. I believe in Mobile Loaves and Fishes, whose mission is to serve the homeless and working poor in Austin by providing these individuals with life-sustaining items.

Glimmer of Hope Austin ensures donors’ funds go directly to the areas that will have the greatest impact, by investing seed capital to startup nonprofits. They have helped many groups take their organizations to the next level, which allows them to impact more lives, in turn.

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WINTER 2018-2019

Photo by Boerne Soup Kitchen

Road Trippin': Boerne ALYSSA DE LOS SANTOS & MELINDA MATTSON

The area now known as Boerne, Texas was first settled in 1848 and called Tusculum. This land, just thirty minutes northwest of San Antonio, was originally named after Cicero’s home in ancient Rome. In 1852, German colonists renamed it in honor of German author Karl Ludwig Börne. The Anglicized spelling of Boerne was adopted, and then Texans did what Texans do and said it in their own cowboy way. Today, this beautiful Hill Country town is pronounced, Bur-nee, but don’t let the folksy name fool you, this town is a prize worth exploring.

Boerne’s rolling hills and wide-open space lend easily to a feeling of getting away. Nestled amidst the knolls is the charming downtown’s Main Street,

Top photo by Ye Kendall Inn Bottom photo by Snap Chic Photography

referred to as the Hill Country Mile, lined with art galleries, trendy boutiques, antique stores, and quaint restaurants. The Old World charm is present even in new buildings, but the past shines through the architecture of over 140 historic structures throughout the area.

A Place to Stay Ye Kendall Inn, just off the town square, is one of the city’s historic treasures. Just one glimpse of this 1859 beauty’s limestone walls and wraparound balcony show you the accommodations are anything but crusty. Recent renovations have raised this stately hotel to Pinterest-worthy proportions.

Boutique style luxury runs deep in their guest rooms, suites, and cottages, offering an experience not found in a typical chain hotel. Sliding barn doors, gleaming wood floors, vintage credenzas, and glistening fixtures give you an idea of their attention to modern rustic design. But the heart of the place is a dreamy Antebellum Courtyard, which sits in the center of the property. Lights in the trees and an outdoor fireplace offer the ideal spot for conversation.

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WINTER 2018-2019

Something to Do You won’t have to go far to find an adventure, as the Boerne trail system begins on the Inn’s grounds on the banks of Cibolo Creek. At just under two miles, The Cibolo Trail follows the town’s Main Street and includes a 150-foot pedestrian bridge cozied amongst trees, offering a beautiful view of a waterfall and stream. Don't forget to watch out for ducks! Locals tell us duck crossing is a legitimate traffic issue in the tiny town. As you take in the charm of historic Boerne, you can enjoy a walkable art exhibit through Art Al Fresco. This outdoor display features large scale sculptures along the trail and across the city’s historic district.

A Place to Eat When you’re hungry, head on over to Boerne Soup Top photo by Alyssa De Los Santos Bottom photo by Boerne Soup Kitchen

Kitchen (BSK). Located just off the north end of Main Street, this hidden gem offers more than a cup of soup. Created to offer nutritious, vegetableforward food, nurture community, and foster engagement, BSK is equal parts unique and satisfying. They boast a gluten-free kitchen, a menu with options to satisfy the carnivore and vegetarian alike, and a shaded, pet-friendly patio.

Owner Kathleen Wright’s vision is for BSK to be a gathering spot for family and friends. Board games are available, and patrons are encouraged to linger after their meal. Her hospitable heart reaches beyond the customer and into the community.

Kathleen implemented a program called “Community Soup.” Guests can make a $2 donation that pays for a bowl of soup for someone in need and pin an accompanying note of encouragement to a board near the register. These handwritten notes are then exchanged as payment for anyone in need — no questions asked.

ALYSSA DE LOS SANTOS

MELINDA MATTSON

Alyssa De Los Santos is a hope hunter, speaker, and English teacher. She resides in Boerne, Texas with her husband, three children, and dog. Alyssa is the creator of the #sowkind movement and believes everyone is capable of making an impact one word at a time. You can find her at AlyssaDeLosSantos.com.

LOVE OF DIXIE MAGAZINE

Melinda Mattson is a speaker and writer who seeks what's lovely and savors the present. She lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, where she raises girls, hopes, and hands. You can find Melinda at MelindaMattson.com.

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WINTER 2018-2019

Blushing Owl Stitchery Hand Embroidered Art Austin, Texas etsy.com/shop/BlushingOwlStitchery

Lone Star Lifestyle: Picks for Winter Hello George Frasier Fir Natural Soy Candle Austin, Texas etsy.com/shop/HelloGeorge or The Stitch Shoppe Buda, Texas

Summer Moon Coffee Velvet Blaze Blend Austin, Texas woodfiredcoffee.com Lavishly Little by Lavish Leathers Leather Jewelry and Accessories Buda, Texas lavishleathers.com

Heart Crossed Designs Hand Painted Ornaments Houston, Texas facebook.com/HeartCrossedDesigns LOVE OF DIXIE MAGAZINE

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WINTER 2018-2019

Simplify: How to Have the Easiest Garage Sale Ever JORDAN HARRELL I recently started doing the grand summer-to-

Fill boxes in the garage for a couple of weeks.

winter clothes transition in my kids’ closets. We are fortunate to have older cousins and a couple of

You don’t have to do this huge cleaning out. We

neighbors who pass things down to us, but

just pulled out a few of our biggest boxes and set

because it’s free, I always feel like I have to take it

them to the side in the garage. For a few weeks, if

all. I mean, who turns down free clothes? So during

we saw something we didn’t love, we would just

my sorting of all the things, I began to realize just

throw it in there. I would take my time going

how much we’d accumulated in the previous three

through a closet here, a bookshelf there. A few

seasons, not to mention the things they’d

things that seem to really accumulate are toys,

outgrown.

books (especially children’s books), and décor. It’s also great motivation for your kids to clean up their

That week also happened to coincide with our

messes, because they know if it’s out too long,

yearly dental appointments. As Chandler Bing

Mom’s gonna throw it in The Pile.

would say: “Could the dentist BE any more expensive?” Clearly, we needed to come up with

Don't price anything.

some extra cash.

If you want, you can price the big stuff, like It seemed to be the perfect time for a garage sale. I

furniture. But don’t go through all the knick knacks

was pretty sure we wouldn’t have much to put in,

and take an entire evening sticking price stickers

as we’d just moved here a little over a year ago and

on every little thing. You can easily make $1, $2, and

had a garage sale before we moved. “We got rid of

$5 tables, or you can just let people ask, “How

EVERYTHING at that sale. Surely, we won’t have

much for this?,” which is what we did. The only

anything left to sell.” Wrong. Even if I don’t shop

prices we displayed were for clothing, which we

much, grandmas do. One walk through the house

hung on the bottom of the garage door with a big

left me with three boxes full of stuff that hadn’t

sign that said, “All clothes 50 cents each.”

been touched in months.

Announce the sale on buy, sell, trade pages.

I know, I know. The thought of a garage sale is daunting. It feels like a huge undertaking, and

Most areas will have a Facebook group where you

when we did ours last year, my husband really drug

can post pictures of what you’ll be selling a night or

his heels. “I don’t want to price stuff.” “It seems like

two before the sale. Craigslist is also a great place

too much work.” “Let’s just take it all to Goodwill.”

to advertise. Write a description of all the stuff that’s going to be out and include a time and your

But we needed the extra cash to offset the cost of

address. Be aware that you will probably get

moving, and we really didn’t want to pack more

messages from people asking you to hold items.

than was absolutely necessary, so we set out to

This is totally up to you, but it might be a pain to

have the easiest garage sale ever. This is what we

keep up with your messages the day of the sale

did then, and this is what we’re doing again this

wondering if they’re actually going to show up.

year.

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WINTER 2018-2019

Facebook is great for selling one or two things at a

Let people fill up a $5 bag.

time, but if you need to do a big clean out, don’t When the shoppers are starting to thin out and your “give a craps” are really starting to run out, bring out some paper bags and let people fill an entire bag for $5. This gets rid of all those little things that you really don’t want to have to take

get anxiety about doing a garage sale.

It’s actually pretty fun: you meet interesting people, have great conversations, get to know your neighbors, and make a few bucks.

back into your house but also really don’t want to have to haul to a thrift shop.

Do NOT bring it back into your home!

You made the decision to let it go. Don’t change your mind if it doesn’t sell. As soon as the sale is over, just load everything into the back of a vehicle and take it somewhere, anywhere but the inside of your home.

Garage sales are not nearly as complicated as some people make them, or perhaps what you expect.

LOVE OF DIXIE MAGAZINE

JORDAN HARRELL Jordan Harrell lives in Sealy, Texas with her husband and three young children. She is the founder of Friday Night Wives, a thriving community for coaches' wives, and a frequent contributor at Her View from Home. You can find Jordan at JordanHarrell.com.

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Gardening: Holiday Wreath

Photos by Hilary Roberts Photography TERRI JACKSON Winter brings so many wonderful ways to enjoy the outdoors in the South. Cooler temperatures and less mosquitoes make this a great time to get outside and prepare garden beds for the winter and those pesky freezes. Additionally, any clean-up of your beds now only helps you kick start your gardening in the spring. As I clean up my flower beds, I like to trim back some bushes to help with covering for freezes. It is a great opportunity to use those clippings along with bunches of fresh greenery from your florist to make a wreath you can enjoy throughout the winter.

For my wreath I am using rosemary, magnolia leaves, and lavender from my garden, along with seeded eucalyptus, olive branches, bay laurel, and red hypericum berries from my flower supplier. At the time of writing this article, evergreen trees are not available yet, so I am using my magnolia leaves as a base. Most places that sell fresh Christmas trees will gladly give you the clippings that are left over from where they bundle them. Those branches are perfect for wreath making.

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WINTER 2018-2019

Fresh winter wreath

Step 3: Start making bundles with your greenery, relative in size to your wreath form. I used a smaller form, so I made smaller bundles,

Supplies:

roughly 12” long and 6” wide. As your bundles

14” Wire wreath form

should be attractive, be selective in choosing

22-gauge Paddle wire

greenery, and add accent berries or stems on

Floral clippers

top.

Wire cutters Variety of greenery and accents

Step 4: Lay your bundle on top of where your wire is connected to the wreath form. Wrap the

Step 1: Assemble all of your supplies, making

wire around your bundle three times, pulling it

piles of each type of greenery. Pick apart the

tight.

bunches, cutting your stems into neat sections.

Step 5: Lay your second bundle to overlap the Step 2: Take your paddle wire and wrap it

first bundle (hiding the wire where you tied the

around the wreath form at least three times,

bundle to the form). Place this bundle slightly

leaving the end towards the outside. You will

towards the outside of the wreath form, and

not cut the wire until the wreath is finished.

wrap three times tightly with the wire.

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Step 6: The third bundle should overlap the

Now that you have a fresh wreath base, you can

mechanics of the second and be placed slightly

leave it as is, or you can embellish it with ribbon,

towards the inside of the wreath form. Wrap this

bows, and even craft store accents such as floral

bundle three times tightly with the wire.

picks, artificial berry picks, or ornaments.

Step 7: Continue going back and forth with your

Have fun making this piece fit in with your holiday décor.

bundles until you complete the wreath.

Step 8: Use an additional smaller bundle at the end to fill the meeting spot between your first bundle and your last bundle. You can add a bow

You can always remove the artificial accents after

here or fill the gap with one to two smaller

Christmas, and continue enjoying your greenery

bundles. Make the bundles smaller than your

wreath into the New Year.

others, lifting up the first bundle you placed and inserting the smaller bundle underneath. Take the wire and proceed slowly to secure this bundle, so that you don’t pinch up your greenery.

You may have to do another one to fill out the look, or you might accomplish this with only one.

Care Instructions: Every few days, spritz your wreath with water. If it hasn’t cooled off where you are, you may consider making this an indoor wreath until temperatures drop. Fresh wreaths will not do well in extreme heat or direct sun.

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 .

Weaving Together Joy and Sorrow MICHELLE DISCAVAGE

Tears softly kissed my cheek. Were you to ask me why, no answer would have been spoken.

Emotion laid heavy as my breath was lost somewhere in between the rapid rhythms of my heart's beat.

Thoughts wove in and out from those I miss and those I embrace. My heart beat heavy as joy and sorrow danced together.

There are days, moments my feet want to turn and run. Away, away from all of this. Away from myself. They want to run and not turn back to this life littered with heartache and sorrow. As my feet plot their journey, a laugh pierces through their plans. That laugh. Oh, that laugh. The laugh of the little girl bounding into the room. The laugh of the little girl and her father delighting in the mere presence of the other. The laugh that crawls into my lap and swirls around me. My feet remain still.

This is where I most belong.

How is it that I can be so lost and yet, so found? How is it that my heart can beat with both sorrow's weight and joy's freedom? How is it that this life so beautiful can be marred by such anguish? One moment I am breathless from the laughter, but the next I struggle to find my breath at all.

It is in this season especially that I see joy and sorrow woven tightly together.

Joy and sorrow have once again woven their arms around one another. This Servant King gently calls out, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest." Come to him with shouts of joy and cries of sorrow.

In the moment of his greatest sorrow, you and I were his greatest joy.

With a heart heavy with love, tears kissed his face, "Father, forgive them." One sentence, spoken with outstretched arms, ushered joy into the lives of all who believed. And so it is, in our deepest sorrow also comes our greatest joy.

When our hearts race and we grasp for breath, fearing we will crumble from the weight of sorrow's burdens, joy enters in, strong and triumphant.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:3-9 NIV)

There is a child in a lonely manger, a star brightly shining overhead. His mother brought forth this life, witnessed only by her betrothed and the lingering animals. A child's cry pierces the air, the Savior has arrived.

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.

The Messiah is here. Emmanuel, God with us, has burst forth. He has come to heal, to forgive, to mend, to love, to save. He has come to take hold of a cross weighed down, too heavy for anyone but this Godman.

Joy shouts his coming while sorrow whispers what is to come.

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WINTER 2018-2019

LET'S BRUNCH: TASTY TRADITIONS

Photos by Elizabeth Bernhardt

My older sister, brother, and I each have the same memory of the plate. Individually, and at separate times, Aunt Ella would serve us a meal on the plate

HOLLIE KAZSYNKSI

and then tell each one of us, “This is your special plate.”

In the midst of what can feel like holiday chaos,

The plate became precious to each of us because we

I cling tightly to the traditions I can call my own.

knew it was special to Aunt Ella. We knew it was an

They are a constant source of comfort.

honor and a privilege to get to eat from it, when it was clearly one of her most valued possessions. We were

One of my most cherished traditions centers

each creating our own memories with it each time we

around Christmas and a plate. The old enamel

got to visit Aunt Ella. Naturally, when Aunt Ella passed

plate you see in some of my recipe photos

away, my siblings and I had trouble agreeing on the

belonged to my great, great Aunt Ella. She was

matter of who actually got to keep the plate. There

born in 1902 and ate her meals from that plate

were words exchanged. Real arguments. Over a plate.

every day of her childhood. She took the plate with her when she was grown and left home,

I see now that it was never really about the plate. The

and it remained with her for the rest of her

three of us were trying to cling to something that

life. The plate was an item of value to her, so

couldn’t really be touched. It was that special sense of

when she allowed each of my siblings and me

belonging Aunt Ella gave to each one of us each time

to eat from it, we knew it was no small thing.

we got to eat from the plate.

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Well into our adulthood, and by the grace of God, my siblings and I agreed to share the plate by starting a tradition.

Each Christmas, the plate gets placed in a box and wrapped in fancy paper and shiny ribbon. Each year, it’s someone else’s turn to keep the plate for a full year until it gets passed on again the next Christmas.

Oddly, when it’s my turn to have the plate, I’m always surprised to see it after I unwrap the pretty paper. I almost forget what it looks like and how it feels in my hands until I pick it up and remember Aunt Ella’s words, “This is your special plate.” It turns out she was right, after all.

kale casserole INGREDIENTS 1 bunch kale, tough stems removed and cut into thin ribbons 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons olive oil 12 eggs 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream 2 cups shredded cheese of choice, such as mozzarella or Monterrey Jack 1 teaspoon salt

Sauté the kale and garlic in the olive oil until kale is wilted. Whisk the eggs, cream, and salt together. Spread the kale in the bottom of a 9”x13” glass baking pan.

Sprinkle cheese evenly on top of kale. Pour egg mixture on top of kale and cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until eggs are set.

Allow casserole to cool for about 10 minutes, and serve warm.

A few years ago, my husband and I decided to invite a “few” people over for Christmas Eve brunch. It was his suggestion, and because my reasoning ability leaves my brain sometime before Thanksgiving, I agreed.

We didn’t send out fancy invitations, nor were we organized in any way about who was going to bring what food. People came, mixed and mingled, ate, sang songs around the piano, clinked mimosa glasses, and relished the last bit of anticipation before Christmas Day arrived. It was perfect. It was something to savor. A tradition was born.

We have continued this tradition in the simplest way possible. Nothing fancy allowed. Invitations are extended by word of mouth or text message. There’s no stressing about activities to plan to keep people entertained. I tell everyone to bring something edible, and we let the rest fall into place.

“Just come over,” I say, “Let’s brunch.”

Grandma Eschberger's Date Loaf Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. In a large bowl, cream egg yolks, butter, and sugar. Add dry ingredients, and mix well. Batter will be very stiff.

In another medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter until well incorporated.

(Mixing for a few seconds on the lowest setting with a hand or stand mixer will help get this process started.

Don’t over mix, though!) Fold in dates and pecan halves.

Line two loaf pans with parchment paper. Pour batter evenly into the two pans, and bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. After baking, leave loaves in pans for 10 minutes. Then remove to place on cooling rack until cool.

Loaves will freeze well wrapped in foil and placed in a large plastic storage bag.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 4 eggs, separated 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon butter 1 pound (4 cups) dates, pitted and chopped 1 pound (4 cups) pecans, halved

This is my great grandmother’s recipe. Every year, my mom asks me what she should bring for brunch, and every year my reply is, “Bring the date loaf, Ma!”

Sweet Potato Pancakes INGREDIENTS 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon nutmeg 2 tablespoons sugar ¼ cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 cup baked sweet potato 1 stick butter 1 ½ cups milk 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients.

Heat the sweet potato, and place it in a second mixing bowl. Allow butter to melt with it, and then puree until very smooth. (I use a hand mixer.) Whisk in remaining ingredients. Gently mix sweet potato mixture with flour mixture, and stir until well combined.

Do not over mix.

Heat a griddle over medium-high heat, and lightly coat with vegetable oil.

Ladle about ¼ cup batter onto griddle.

Cook until bubbles appear on the surface of the cakes. Gently flip, and cook until light brown.

Serve with butter and maple syrup!

HOLLIE KAZSYNKSI

Hollie Kaszynski is a native Texan and has lived in Austin, with her husband and three kids, for 13 years. 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.

5 tips for afterChristmas décor Photo by Emil Vilsek on Unsplash

We’re all coming down off the high of the sparkle and swirl of the Christmas season, and the house can seem pretty bleak after all the shiny, festive decorations are put away. Luckily, there are a few ways you can add a bit of winter charm back into your home décor after the Christmas season has come and gone.

1. Neutralize the color palette.

Put away all the décor that looks too Christmas-y.

Usually this will be anything red or gold. Instead, start adding in more neutral tones like winter white, muted greens, or soft grays and blues. Don’t be afraid to keep a bit of the bling where it seems to work: pretty silver candlesticks or a gold mirror doesn’t scream Christmas and works well with the fresh, crisp palette of winter décor.

CHEYENNE BELL

One of the hardest times of year to decorate for is the months after Christmas and before spring.

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 Buda, Texas with her two young children. Find her at SenseandSerendipityblog.com.

2. Add simple, natural elements.

Once the Christmas tree and garlands are put away, the house can seem pretty lifeless. You can fix this by adding more life with fresh green houseplants and other natural elements like pine cones in a glass vase, birch logs stacked by the fireplace, or sprigs of pine or baby’s breath in a simple white pitcher.

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3. Hygge it up.

5. Declutter.

If you haven’t started practicing Hygge in your home yet, now is the perfect time to do it! Add a bunch of fluffy textured pillows to the sofa, fold some soft knit blankets or faux fur throws and stack them by your favorite spot, or toss a cozy plaid throw to the back of a chair. Create a relaxing reading corner in the living room and add some fluffy duvets to the foot of the beds. Anything to up the cozy factor in your home is a must!

The beginning of the new year is the best time to declutter your home. While you’re putting away your Christmas décor, start going through the closets, cabinets, and other nooks and crannies of your home, and give it a good purge. Toss what’s broken and can’t be fixed, donate what’s no longer useful or loved, and reorganize what’s left.

Minimizing the clutter in your home will give you a clean slate, as well as a better idea of what you already have and can use in your winter décor versus what you may need.

4. Add more light.

Winter can be a dark time of year for much of the country and when the twinkling of Christmas lights fades, it can feel even more dreary. Light up your home with more candlelight and maybe an extra lamp or two. Invest in programmable light bulbs that you can schedule to come on half an hour before you get up in the morning so you wake up to a cheerfully lit home instead of stumbling around in the cold and dark room trying to find a switch! And don’t forget to utilize your fireplace if you’re lucky enough to have one. There’s nothing more cozy on a chilly winter night than a snuggle-fest by the fire.

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After-Christmas décor doesn’t have to be sparse and cheerless!

The real goal is creating a space that incorporates all the best things about winter: clean starts, cozy comfort, and sparkling newness. Find beauty in the simplicity of the season, and embrace the quiet comforts of winter before the chaos of color starts afresh in the spring. Happy winter, y’all!

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Spice Up Your Holidays with a Little...Extra KARIANN LESSNER In Texas, we like things with a little something extra. Call it southern charm or hospitality.

Call it whatever your Memaw would have you say. You’ll find it in our tamales at Las Posadas, a little jalapeño cornbread in the stuffing at Thanksgiving, a twist of lime in your G&T (Gin and Topo Chico), or a side of sass from the songbird for Valentine’s Day. In Texas, we like life spicy. Our holidays are no exception. We bring it with flavor, attitude, and sparkle. And so we wish you much SPICE in three books, two podcasts, a blog, and a little music this holiday season.

In her book, Imperfect Courage, {Jessica Honegger}, founder of fair-trade fashion brand Noonday Collection, invites you to look at the things that are keeping you trapped, challenging you to embrace vulnerability and collaboration and finally bring that imperfect courage to a world that deeply needs you. In her most recent venture, Jessica’s The Going Scared podcast walks you through what it looks like to move through your fears toward a life of impact and meaning.

Jessica and her husband Joe are parents to three middle schoolers and live in Austin.

[JessicaHonegger.com]

BOOKS

PODCAST

Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors from {Jami Amerine}, of north Houston, is a blog chalk full of true grace, real grit, and misadventures in motherhood.

Jami invites you to take a glimpse into the life of her family, where she and husband Justin parent six children and are active in foster care. Theirs is a “spicy family,” to steal a phrase from Jen Hatmaker.

Best selling author, {Jen Hatmaker}, star of HGTV’s “My Big Family Renovation," records her For the Love podcast from her beautifully restored home in Buda. Often, you can hear the train whistle in the background as Jen visits with everyone from Bob Goff and Jodi Picoult to comedian John Crist and her very own parents.

There is an honesty in Jami’s writing that honors both the moms we wish we were and the moms God is growing us to be.

But you don’t have to be a mom to get covered in the blessings that fill the pages of her book by the same title, Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors. [sacredgroundstickyfloors.com]

MUSIC {Kari Jobe}, a native of Dallas, recorded a Christmas album entitled Bethlehem, and it is every bit as beautiful today as when it was released in 2007.

Kari’s jazzy/bluesy voice covers traditional favorites with a conviction that comes from a deep-seated faith.

[KariJobe.com] {Christy Nockels}, who hails from Fort Worth, recorded a Christmas album called The Thrill of Hope that has something for those who are Christmas carol purists and those who love original Christmas music. This album was released in 2016, and “Wrap This One Up” is quite possibly one of the most beautiful original pieces we have heard.

[ChristyNockels.com]

Never one to shy away from difficult conversations, Jen’s interviews feel part seasoned older sister pep talk, part best gal pal heart-to-heart, and full on love without limits from an honest friend. Jen and husband Brandon, pastor of Austin New Church, are parents to five kids who range in age from college to middle school.

[JenHatmaker.com/podcast]

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WINTER 2018-2019

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.

Winter Skincare with Essential Oils KAYLYNN SCHRANDT

Winter tends to bring out the ugly in our skin.

Cold, windy weather can leave our skin dry, cracked, and irritated. Essential oils can help alleviate some of the darkest, gloomiest days of the year and bring sunshine back into your day! Not only are they wonderful for our skin, but oils also have the added benefit of being healthy for our mind and emotions.

There are many essential oils that are beneficial to skin. Lavender is a super versatile oil that helps to regenerate skin cells but also aids in stress reduction and relaxation. Myrrh can assist with chapped skin and has anti-inflammatory properties that help improve skin tone and elasticity. It is also used to support emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Finally, frankincense, the king of oils, not only has immune-enhancing abilities, but also has a soothing effect on irritated skin. Frankincense supports a balanced mood while promoting feelings of peace and relaxation.

Carrier oils make a great alternative to lotions that can actually dry out skin with artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals. Coconut, jojoba, almond, and olive are a few carrier oils that can be used to moisturize your skin. Add one or two drops of the essential oils mentioned above, and enjoy a beautiful combination that will promote healthy, glowing, and renewed skin. Check out this fun bronzing body balm from the doTERRA blog: doterra.com/US/en/blog/diy-bronzing-lotion-stick

Neroli essential oil has antiseptic properties that help balance oil production and shrink pores without drying skin. Neroli also supports healthy hormones, lower stress, and circulation. Rose oil is emotionally uplifting and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that support our body’s natural defense against aging and dryness.

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KAYLYNN SCHRANDT Kaylynn Schrandt is a clinical social worker, wife, mother of three, and essential oils aficionado in Buda, Texas. Find Kaylynn at TheAromaGirls.com.

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- FEATURED ARTICLE -

Heartgrown Adoption CARLY LEVINGSTON

My story begins like so many

But the first round of IUI failed.

others: I married my husband,

And then the second. And the

David, we bought our first place

third. And with each failure, our

(we were actually in an episode

hopes faded and our frustration

of "My First Place" on HGTV, but

grew. Still, we decided to try one

that’s another story for another

more round of IUI. This time, to

day!). We doted on our three

our surprise, we conceived, but

beloved dogs and traveled a

sadly, it was an ectopic

bit. Both of us had always known

pregnancy, which led to an

that we wanted children, so it

emergency surgery and a

wasn’t too long before we felt

whirlwind of emotions.

ready to start a family. As a young, healthy couple, we figured

Eventually, we moved forward

that starting a family would

with IVF (in vitro fertilization). Not

happen quickly and naturally,

once, but twice. Our first IVF

just like it had for our family

failed badly — we had no

and friends.

surviving embryos to transfer or freeze.

However, it was neither quick nor natural as it turned out. The

We reluctantly decided to give

simple and casual trying became

IVF one more shot. But, toward

struggling, and months

the end of this round, I felt my

eventually became years.

heart start to slowly open to the idea of adoption. I began to

After the first year of trying to

quietly research agencies and

conceive with no luck, we found

follow different families created

out I had stage 4 endometriosis,

by adoption on Instagram. It

which was likely causing our

was so beautiful and eye

fertility issues, so I had surgery to

opening. I simply needed to

CARLY LEVINGSTON

both help our chances and

know more, but I didn’t want

alleviate some of my symptoms.

to discuss this with my husband

But alas, still no pregnancy.

yet for fear that he would not be

We decided that IUI (intrauterine

ready to switch gears. In fact, I

Carly is a wife, mother, adoption advocate, infertility warrior, and entrepreneur in San Marcos, Texas. You can find Carly at HeartgrownBox.com.

insemination) was the logical

wasn’t sure I was ready to give up

next step for year two.

on my body and our ability to conceive.

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Top photo by Cheyenne Bell Photography

WINTER 2018-2019

One average Monday, a friend reached out and asked if we were going to attend Hope in Shiloh, a group created by our then church, for couples struggling with infertility. We didn’t attend this group regularly, as we lived 45 minutes away, and the demands of our full time jobs, plus the hassle of Austin traffic, made these drives a rare occurrence. I had no idea what the topic was for the evening, or who the speaker was, but I felt the need to

I got the name of the agency and stored it in my back pocket for later research. I still wasn’t fully ready to take the plunge, but I

do with every ounce of my being. I

Several days later, we were able to transfer one embryo. As we waited and prayed for this tiny life to take hold, all the other Again. I remember lying in bed about 5 days after our transfer. I

So I asked my husband to meet

into this child — to allow it to

and fertility medication, which I had packed in a cooler. Because when you’re in the middle of a round of IVF, timing is everything, even if it elicits funny looks from strangers in parking lots. We quickly did our evening shot and headed upstairs to join the group.

The topic that night was

thrive. Meanwhile, I had a sinking feeling in my gut. I already knew that this baby had not survived.

With my eyes closed, I saw a glimpse of a baby boy who looked like my husband. I felt like it was a sign of what was to come — a promise of sorts — but I didn’t fully understand it yet.

Uganda. While I listened, fully consuming her beautiful story, in the back of my mind I was

came out of my mouth.

2015, we attended an orientation at a pregnancy outreach — the one we had learned about while attending Hope in Shiloh that headed home feeling great about moving forward with this small, nonprofit, Christian agency.

In May of 2016, we welcomed our son, Cason James, into our family.

He was conceived when we attended that orientation! It was

Our precious little embryo didn't make it.

the only summer orientation offered by the agency, and we were accepted as a waiting family at just the right time, before they closed the door to other families

something so invasive and so

adopted her children from

board just as quickly as the words

pivotal night. Afterwards, we

It was heartbreaking to do

adoption. The speaker had

told my husband, and he was on

The following month, in August of

embryos in the lab perished.

was asking God to breathe life

fumbled around with our needles

two, we were going to adopt a life I woke up and knew what to

brought here for a reason.

be there.

work. Before leaving the car, we

time to part time at work, and child. This is the first time in my

definitely felt like we were

had my hand on my belly and I

me in the church parking lot after

One, I was going to go from full

controlled, and yet have doctors scratching their heads as if you’re an anomaly. I didn’t want to be an

for about a year. And that caseworker we met at Hope in Shiloh? She ended up being our caseworker, too.

thinking, “Okay, God…what is this

anomaly anymore.

all about? I’m not sure I’m ready.

We were tired.

And broken.

We met our soon-to-be-son’s

Adoption quickly found its way

hospital waiting to hold him.

We’re just days away from retrieval! My eggs are literally all in one basket!”

At the end of the night, we met a caseworker who happened to be attending this particular meeting on this particular night, because she just so happened to be at another friend’s home doing their adoption home study!

back on the table, and we began discussing it openly and July 4, 2015, I woke up certain of about.

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weeks pregnant! Six days later, they chose us to be his parents.

Two days later, we were at the

Every year, every failure, every tear,

prayerfully. On the morning of two things I had been praying

incredible birth parents at 33

and every prayer pointed us to our son. He was wanted, chosen, and reserved just for us, although he grew in another mother’s womb.

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New Year's resolutions CLAIRE MUMMERT

New Year's resolutions always feel like a game that you

My husband and I were sitting at a cozy breakfast,

know in advance you will fail. You make a list of

watching snow come down on the field outside, while

promises you have almost no intention of keeping and

on vacation in Vermont. We wanted this year to be

then, surprise, you don't keep them. Now that I have

different. We wanted our lives to be changed. We

three children, multiple jobs, and almost no time to

wanted the feeling we had in Vermont to pervade our

myself, I have to be realistic. I think most people go on

day-to-day. I mean who doesn't go to Vermont on

a sort of resolutions journey, and the first step seems to

vacation and feel inspired to change your life? I get

be “the word.”

that way just watching White Christmas each year.

You decide to ditch your resolutions altogether and

So our words (because we could not decide on one)

pick a word that will define your year. You spend weeks

were “brave adventure.” We were parenting two kids

deciding on the perfect word, and you know that it is

we loved, in the process of adopting, and camping

going to encompass your everything, changing you so

frequently. This was a truly great year. It was a year

that the montage of your year plays indie rock and has

where we focused on building relationships even

nights full of laughter and twinkle lights. Unfortunately,

when it was hard, we got outside more than ever

there is so much more to my life, and one word, while

before, and difficulties were mitigated by seasons of

helpful, is not always an end all. I wind up Saturday at 2

beauty.

p.m. wondering why this day has not been “grace” or “joy” or whatever my word is at the time.

But it still wasn't perfect. Our youngest went through a patch where his word for the season was

My first attempt at making this stick was the closest I

“destruction,” and homeschooling was not the tiptoe

ever came to success, and even then, it was not all

through the tulips I envisioned. I just kept telling

perfect.

myself that I was “brave” for sticking it out and that this was just another definition for “adventure.”

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WINTER 2018-2019

I am one of those people that likes to make lists and

I needed less. After I decided what I wanted the focus

cross things off. I like the big picture and the details.

to be, I set about making a list of how I would

So when the next year we chose “heal” because we

achieve it. First things first, we decided to go

had hit a rough patch, we were all of a sudden in

camping once a month. This was the biggest stretch

June, and I was crying in the car because the year

for us, and I was worried I had made another

had not magically felt healing. I felt no different. Life

unattainable goal. We gave ourselves the hottest

was hard, marriage was hard, parenting was hard,

months off, but the rest of the year we would camp.

and I was so tired of all of it. How had choosing “heal”

And goodness, we have done it. Because one thing

and praying for it daily not changed anything at all?

that we have learned together over our marriage is

We tried over and over to pick a word only to find

that when we get outside, when we get our kids

that the magic was lost on me.

outside, there is something that connects us to our Creator and slows us down. It helps us to calm down,

So we changed. I think for some people regular

to see what is important, and to regulate. The first

resolutions are fine and for others they need a

time we went camping, we had no tantrums. We

word or phrase or idea to help them focus. I need

tromped through trees, played in the dirt, hiked up

both. Starting the year before last, we decided to pick

hills, and looked at plants. Everything was less but

a word or phrase to help focus our thoughts and

also so much more.

goals, but we also chose specific, achievable goals.

We skipped the wishes for weight loss or the

My next resolution was to read 50 books, 15 of which

promises for weekly date nights because...well I did

are new to me. This seemed like such a big ask, but it

say they had to be achievable goals. No more shame

went along with our next resolution to use less

and heartbreak when things inevitably don't work

media. We want to be less phone dependent and less

out, we had to really think about where to focus and

T.V. addicted. Our kids are screen-free which means

what we could do to change. It would be easy to

they have never seen a movie, T.V. show, or anything.

decide just to skip any kind of resolving all together,

And they are happy! They play outside, they dress up,

most families do. But there is something about a new

they imagine, they build, they read, and sometimes

year, a clean slate, that begs us to start fresh.

they just take a break to hang out. As their parents, we wanted to be more like this. Instead of watching

January's cold weather seems to cleanse the world —

T.V. during nap time, I decided to read more books.

the air is cleaner, the bugs are gone, and there is an

And the crazy thing is that I have already read 50

occasional band-aid of snow that makes everything

books, and I still have time to watch the occasional

look new. The whole Earth seems to reset and start

show if I wanted. I have read books on books on

fresh, so why shouldn't we? I think that when we miss

books, and it has been such fun. I don't miss the T.V.

the opportunity for resolutions, we miss a chance for

at all.

intentional growth. We miss a chance to say, in the words of Jen Hatmaker, “You don't have to be who

I am not sitting around reading Kierkegaard or Kafka

you once were."

all the time. Goodness, life is too hard to only read serious things. There has been the occasional

Most recently, my word for the year was “less.” This

grownup read, but mostly I am reading fun books

does not sound like the optimal word for starting

from the Percy Jackson series to Crazy Rich Asians.

over and renewing, but for me it is exactly what I

My brain feels less foggy, I am able to be more

needed. I wanted less noise, less stress, less clutter,

present with my children, and I have time to truly

less everything. But also more. More relationships,

relax because I am not flitting from tab to tab or

more intentional downtime, more love, more calm,

show to show in my browser. I feel less chaotic when

more space. I set out to make this year “less” of what

I am not attached to my phone, too. There's no rush

it had been. Last year was one of difficulty. It began

to check my text messages, see who liked my

with us being matched with a little boy from another

Instagram post, or endlessly scroll through Facebook.

country and ended with us moving to a new house to

I'm not falling down a YouTube hole, and I am not

find more racial mirrors for him. Everything in

eyes down on my phone instead of eyes up on my

between was...chaos.

world.

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WINTER 2018-2019

I am here. My heart is calmer, there is more space,

But it could have never been this year of growth (not

and when I relax it feels still.

perfection or indie rock music) if we had not continued to adapt and find what worked for us.

My last goal for the year has been to unpack

Here's my challenge for you — keep trying. Don't give

(remember, we moved in December) and minimize.

up on the New Year's thing because it feels played

This will be an ongoing project, but it turns out that

out or like a list of lies you'll never keep. Don't make

space gives space. Did you know that if you give

promises for abs or 365 days at the gym or a book a

yourself space in your room that there is space in

week or something insane.

your brain? I'm not saying my house will be spotless because creativity is found in a little mess here and

Find a new way. Pursue growth, pursue new life,

there, but it will be less cluttered, and it will not

pursue change. Find a way to let the newness of the

contain trinkets that I never really wanted. I do not

weather seep into your heart and make a newness in

want clutter because I can't get rid of things or

you. You won't regret it.

because I am keeping them out of guilt.

CLAIRE MUMMERT

I am tired of all the junk in my house. Even when I

Claire Mummert is a wife and mom of three. She is an adventure lover, Harry Potter aficionado, polyglot, baker, reader, traveler, and condoner of awkwardness. 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.

am sitting and trying to relax, seeing clutter all over makes my heart and mind feel cluttered as well. So we are going to minimize and wouldn't you know that every time I take a car full of boxes to Cypress Area Ministries, my house feels safer, calmer, and kinder. That sounds silly, but I dare you to try it.

So all told, this year has been a year of less but also more.

Located at The Little House on Main Nelda Montemayor & Liz Keitz [Models: Cara Vidales & Arianna Martinez] 512.295.7818

569 Main Street, Buda, Texas LOVE OF DIXIE MAGAZINE

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WINTER 2018-2019

Facebook & Instagram @BudasRedDoor

Planning Your 2019 Adventures ANDREA STUNZ Where are you headed this year? While many of us are reflecting on last year’s achievements and adventures and setting goals and resolutions for our lives for the coming year, are we including travel in our plans? What goals do you have for adventuring this coming year?

I have set two travel goals for myself in 2019. One, which I set a couple of years ago, is to take a writing getaway once each quarter. This year, I have included plans for two international trips. Hong Kong is already booked, and I’ll be making plans for a trip to Tel Aviv later this year.

As I plan my excursions, I find myself thinking through when would be the best time to go, what is my budget, am I going alone or do I want to take someone with me, and other key factors that would help make it a good trip or rather, ensure it doesn’t become a bad one.

There are several share-worthy factors that I’ve considered. As you plan, asking yourself these questions will help you decide what adventures are right for you and how you can make traveling a realistic part of your 2019 goals.

Before you go, here’s what you need to know.

Where do I want to go?

What is my budget? What are some destination options? Do I want to travel international or domestic?

Do I want to visit friends? Do I want to travel with someone or would I rather go alone?

Am I feeling drawn to city lights or open skies? Do I want to fly, cruise, or am I more of a road trip girl?

What do I need to know?

Do I have the medications I need for my trip? (Check TSA for medication guidelines.)

Climate: Will I get snowed in? Is it hurricane season?

Monsoon season? What are the road conditions like

Did I notify my credit card company/bank of my

during my trip?

travels?

For my children and children where I’m headed, what

Do I have a plan for getting local cash if travelling

school holidays do I need to consider? (International

overseas?

school schedules differ from ours in the U.S.) Will I need to check with my cell provider for How far out do I need to book in order to get the best

international calling and data plans?

flight and hotel/Airbnb prices?

Did I read the travel article in the previous edition of What local events/holidays/festivals should I plan for

Love of Dixie magazine for great travel tips?

or want to stay away from? (I’m headed to Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year holiday. This was

What am I forgetting?

purposeful for me, but much of Asia shuts down during this holiday, so it could hinder your excursions.

Oh, I’m sure I’m leaving out plenty, but my last tip for

Likewise, there may be something you’d like to

you is to:

experience that might not be offered during off-peak travel times.)

Be flexible.

It is always wise, especially for international travel, to

In all my travels, I’ve found that being flexible often

check the local Travel Advisory information for your

reaps some pretty fantastic and unexpected rewards.

planned destination(s). For domestic travel, check

It makes us friendlier travelers, as well.

Homeland Security Travel Alerts.

I hope this gets you excited about planning your If traveling stateside, you may need to know the gun

adventures for this year. While planning might seem

laws for where you’re traveling. (This is a Texas

to suck some of the fun out of your life in the short

women’s magazine, after all).

term, it will enable you to have so much more fun on your trip.

What do I need to do?

Do I need to purchase advance tickets for tours, events, or outings? (A great resource for tours and excursions is Viator.com.)

Happy traveling!

Do I have ample space on my smart phone to capture all the pictures and videos? (Storing pics on Google Photos is a good option but will need to be done in advance.)

If I’m traveling overseas, do I have at least 6 months on my passport before expiration for my trip date? Do I have ample blank passport pages?

Will I need to apply for an entry visa? If so, how long will the process take? Will I need to send my passport off? And if so, will that affect other trips I might be taking?

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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.

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