Charm Magazine - January / February 2018

A P R I L L B R A N D O N | P I C T U R E T H I S ! | FA S H I O N JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

COVER STORY

HOMETOWN

spirit ALSO INSIDE

women in business:

ALICIA NOLTE beauty

SKIN PEN

microneedling treatment

FLIP-the-ISSUE

Less waiting for emergency care (and a lot more care, if you need it).

In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at Longview Regional Medical Center, you’ll find faster care in the emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less. And, with a team of dedicated medical specialists, we can provide a lot more care, if you need it.

The 30-Minutes-Or-Less E.R. Service Pledge – only at Longview Regional Medical Center.

LongviewRegional.com *Medical professionals may include physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

Home

is where your story begins.

Home is not a place, it’s a feeling. Home is where love resides and memories are created.

Let us help you find the place to live your story.

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s t n e t n o C JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Beauty: SkinPen

Feature: Alicia Nolte, Cherry Hill Med Spa

8

Beauty 8

10

Cover Story: Hometown Spirit

15

Women in Business: Alicia Nolte, Cherry Hill Med Spa

17

In Every Issue Shop This!

Picture This!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

PRODUC

TS BY MIC AT LO UIS MO HAEL ARAM RGAN NO. 4

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CHEER! Holiday Gift Giving

ALSO INSIDE

women in business:

LINDA FULLMAN school:

MERRY BAKING making your own holiday cookies

PRODUC TS AT LO BY LAURA ZINDEL UIS MO RGAN NO. 4 12 CH

ARM

| NO VE

MBE

R/DE

On the Cover

Winterize your Workout

A P R I L L B R A N D O N | P I C T U R E T H I S ! | FA S H I O N

spread

20

SkinPen

14 24

COVER STORY

School: Tis the Season For...Love!

Fashion

Aprill Brandon: Get Over Your Selfie

FLIP-the-ISSUE

17

15

Features

22

Fashion: Winterize Your Workout

CEM

BER

4 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

Giving back to the community is ingrained in Melanie Northcutt Crocker’s core. Her parents and grandmothers were involved in their communities and their churches, giving back in their own ways. They encouraged that same spirit in her.

Spot the Charm Our November/December Spot the Charm winner was Mike Cassin and he received a $100 Visa gift card. He spotted the Charm on Page 12 in our last issue!

We invite you to spot a special Charm logo in this edition. If you locate it, sign on to mycharmonline.com and click the Spot the Charm link on the homepage.

The

List

Winter weather brings us inside - let’s

de-stress after the holidays & relax. Here are some essentials & luxuries for body, mind and spirit.

~Julia

Lacy Barron searched out the BEST exfoliating sugar cubes. She found them from a small-batch apothecary where they are carefully crafted by hand. Use a single cube in the shower or bath, massage over wet skin twice a week to leave your skin feeling ultra soft, moisturized and radiant. $10-$22

ThisThe Shower Burst has become my “best friend” at bathtime! These hydra therapy bombs transform a shower or tub into an at-home spa. Place one on a dish or in a sachet, wet brieey to activate the highest grade, concentrated essential oils and BAM! You’ll enjoy a great aroma therapy experience. $4.99 Featured in the December Oprah’s Favorite Things list, this ultra-soft Snuggle Lounger offers elegant versatility. The lightweight stretchy velour is the same inside & out. Perfectly warm & cozy for snuggling on the couch or pop on some leggings for going out & about! We stock 3 colors sized from S/M to 2x/3x. $96-$100 No one does luxurious body & bath better than Niven Morgan, and his offerings have grown with his success. My 2 absolute favorites are: Jean Baptiste 1717 Bath Soak, a wonderfully scented eoral infusion with traces of vanilla, rich woods & patchouli! $28 ...and Gold Melting Body Butter, a rich, silky blend of ... shea butter, organic oils & vitamin E that softens & absorbs for deep moisturization.

The scent is an amazing eoral amber - his original signature fragrance. $38

In the winter time nothing seems to hydrate my skin better than a vitamin-rich body oil. When we met the family who developed Farm House Fresh we found a treasure of ne organic products proudly made right here in Texas. My FAVES are their body oils. The Citrus Cilantro offers the light herbal scent of freshly cut greens. The Agave Nectar oil is a powerful mix of extracts that improve skin’s rate of water loss. I massage it in immediately after showering for even more softness and sheen. $18

When it needs to be

special, you’ll find it here!

LOOP 281 @ MCCANN • 903.663.2060 • MON-SAT 10-6 /BARRONSLONGVIEW

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LOL&M

Lots of Laughs and Music

CHARM / VIEW JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 PUBLISHER Stephen McHaney EDITOR Ric Brack • 903.237.7759 • rbrack@news-journal.com MANAGING EDITOR Christina Lane • 903.237.7724 • clane@news-journal.com ART DIRECTOR Katie Case • 903.237.7715 • kcase@news-journal.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Cavazos • 903.237.7748 • mcavazos@news-journal.com Les Hassell • 903.237.7764 • lhassell@news-journal.com

Manhattan Transfer & Take 6 Feb. 3, 2018

DESIGNER Sara Bryan ILLUSTRATOR Michelle Laverell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS April Barbe • Aprill Brandon • Jo Lee Ferguson • Christina Lane Clare McCarthy • Amy McHaney • Dawn-Renée Rice CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Courtney Case

Cameron Carpenter International Touring Organ

March 3, 2018

2017-2018 Discounted Packages:

3 Shows Left, Buy All 3 Get 15% discount, discounted fees & parking pass good for all 3 shows.

Not available online. Call the Box Office.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Darla Walker • 903.237.7727 • dwalker@news-journal.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Thomas Bonner • 361.574.1249 • tbonner@vicad.com Sylvia Darden • 903.237.7721 • sdarden@news-journal.com Chris Dean • 903.237.7719 • cdean@news-journal.com Kerri Esposito • 903.232.7276 • kesposito@news-journal.com Ginger Lovelady • 903.232.7287 • glovelady@news-journal.com Jeff Martin • 903.232.7221 • jmartin@news-journal.com Tracy Stopani • 903.237.7726 • tstopani@news-journal.com CIRCULATION Josh Hart • 903.237.7765 • jhart@news-journal.com PRODUCED BY TCM PRINTING Sherri Goodwin • 903.232.7245 • sgoodwin@tcmprinting.com SPECIAL THANK YOU TO Models: Allyssa Dodd and Ben Stoddard

Season Sponsors: Martin Midstream Partners, KLTV Marquee Sponsors: Joy Global Foundation, Carol and Richard Manley, Transet Co. 6 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

mycharmonline.com • news-journal.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT

favorite aestheticians, Mandy Faughn at Cherry Hill Med Spa. I was intrigued, but didn’t act – four kids, too busy, blah blah blah.

Last spring while at a local fundraiser I came across a SkinPen treatment package while perusing the silent auction offerings – the next thing I knew I’d won! I did a little research and scheduled the first of my three treatments – here’s how it went …

Words by AMY MCHANEY

I

WHAT IS SKINPEN? Although Jennifer had given me the basics of what SkinPen

seem to have a recurring theme in my beauty columns –

entailed, I wanted to read more about it before I actually signed

the search for the Fountain of Youth. Maybe it’s because

up for the procedure. I learned that Dallas-based Bellus Medical

as of December, I’m halfway to 90. Maybe it’s because

created the SkinPen, the name of the microneedling device that

I wish I’d enjoyed my wrinkle-free skin when I had it. Whatever the

features 12 fine, surgical-grade needles that produce microscopic

reason, I am certainly on a quest for the elixir that will turn back the

punctures in your skin. The minor injury to your skin stimulates the

hands of time.

production of collagen and elastin – two key ingredients to younger

In 2016 I did a six-month Rodan and Fields trial that yielded

looking skin. If you’re familiar with fractional laser treatments like

impressive results and I still use the products today. One of my

Fraxel, SkinPen mimics that procedure but with very little downtime

favorite aspects of the Rodan and Fields regimen is the super-cool

– and SkinPen does not risk burning or hypo/hyper-pigmentation

microneedling roller that pricks teeny holes in your face to make

since no heat is used. The difference between SkinPen and the

products absorb more completely. This is great for everyday use,

Rodan and Fields roller is the length of the needles.

but if you’d like a little more punch, SkinPen takes microneedling

WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM SKINPEN?

to a whole different level.

SkinPen is effective in treating acne scars, deep wrinkles and

My friend Jennifer first told me about SkinPen several years ago

sun damage; multiple sessions are recommended at a frequency of

– she has raved about the results from the procedure by one of our

about once a month. I had three sessions and scheduled them four

8 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

weeks apart. SkinPen can be used to treat the face, neck, upper

as necessary to soothe my skin. By the time I woke up the next

chest or décolleté, arms, legs, hands, stomach and back, and it

morning, nearly all the redness had subsided, and what was left was

works well in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

not noticeable.

THE PROCEDURE

THE RESULT

I arrived at my first appointment with the silent auction item donor, Gina Archer, the proprietor of Platinum Beauty, who had me lie back in a treatment chair similar to what you would recline in at the dentist. She told me the needles would be good long enough to treat my entire face, neck and the backs of my hands. I was

I have now completed all three treatments – the result? I think it’s pretty fantastic. I noticed the biggest difference after the third procedure – a fairly dramatic difference in the crepey-ness of the skin on the backs of my hands and my neck. Fine lines around my

especially excited about working on my neck, which is looking more

eyes are reduced and my pores are noticeably smaller. The photos

and more like chicken skin, unfortunately.

tell the story of my progress, although I will have to show you the

The first step in the procedure is numbing cream; once on, Gina set the timer for 30 minutes to let the cream do its work. I found

final photo in the next issue – the best results are five weeks post procedure, which was after my deadline.

this to be an excellent time for a power nap. After the 30 minutes

Aside from noticeable improvement in skin tone, one of the

elapsed, Gina wiped my face clean of the cream, then applied a

things I liked best about the SkinPen procedure is that I was in

serum to help the SkinPen glide smoothly over my skin.

and out in under 60 minutes, so it was easily doable on a lunch

The SkinPen itself makes a buzzing noise as the tiny needles pulsate. The cream did a good job numbing my skin – although I could feel a few pricks here and there and the facial was not really relaxing, I did not find it painful. She worked quickly over my face, neck and hands.

After the SkinPen portion of the treatment was complete, Gina wiped the serum off my face then applied SkInfuse Rescue Calming Complex, which is basically a cooling gel. From start to finish the

hour. And although my skin felt hot and appeared sunburned immediately after, it was not so uncomfortable or unsightly that I felt like I needed to go hide at home; it did not slow me down at all.

Costs for the procedure vary, but around $300 per session is a good guideline – and is way less expensive than a face lift.

Overall I was very pleased with SkinPen – I say give it a try if you’re looking for great results with minimal discomfort and downtime. C

procedure was just under an hour.

The SkinPen definitely left my face, neck and hands flushed – it looked as if I had sunburn. Plus there were a few distinct needle

LOCAL SKINPEN PROVIDERS

marks here and there. My face felt tight and hot for the remainder

Gina Archer - Platinum Beauty | 903.407.3335 Mandy Faughn - Cherry Hill Med Spa | 903.757.2955

of the day – I was instructed to apply the Calming Complex

This serum-like foundation primer features suspended 24-Karat Gold Flakes designed to help energize skin and restore its youthful appearance and natural radiance.

Located in: Longview Mall 3500 McCann Rd, Longview, TX 75605

903-753-0041 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-9 Sun 12-6 Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931

mycharmonline.com 9

COVER STORY

Hometown Spirit Melanie Northcutt Crocker & Her Passion for Longview Words by CHRISTINA LANE | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

10 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

G

iving back to the community is ingrained in Melanie Northcutt Crocker’s core. Her parents and grandmothers were involved in their communities and

their churches, giving back in their own ways. They encouraged that same spirit in her.

When she returned to her native Longview a few years after graduating from college, she became involved in Junior League of Longview and is serving as its president this year coinciding with the league’s 70th anniversary. A few years ago, recognizing an overlooked niche in the community, she established Young Professionals of Longview. That organization, which now has about 190 members, is aimed at bringing young business professionals together to help them connect, form relationships and – together – give back to the community.

In February 2017, she also opened her own real estate agency, Sugar Magnolia Properties, in downtown Longview. Downtown had become near and dear to her heart through her work with Young Professionals, Junior League, Keep Longview Beautiful and other civic organizations in which Melanie is involved.

“We are so excited to call downtown Longview home and can’t wait to aid in the process of the Main Street revitalization,” Melanie said. “It is an exciting time for me, our incredible agents and Sugar Magnolia Properties.”

Melanie is the daughter of Mike Northcutt, a teacher at Kilgore High School, and Glenda and Jim Hughes. Her mother, Glenda, is a long-time real estate agent in East Texas who joined Melanie as an agent at Sugar Magnolia Properties. Jim Hughes is a Longview attorney.

Melanie graduated in 2002 from Pine Tree High School and went on to attend Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. She graduated in 2006 from SFA and began continued on pg. 12  Melanie Northcutt Crocker celebrates the opening of her real estate firm, Sugar Magnolia Properties, on Oct. 24 with a ribbon cutting and reception. Photo by LLS Photography.

mycharmonline.com 11

Left: Melanie Northcutt Crocker and Chelsea Cace, both members of Young Professionals of Longview, volunteer during Longview Green and Clean. Right: Julia Abrams, Dan Droege, Elizabeth Baumgardner and Melanie Northcutt Crocker volunteer during Longview Green and Clean. Members of Young Professionals of Longview, which Melanie founded in 2013, and the community volunteer during the annual Green and Clean to help beautify streets and neighborhoods in Longview.

working in sales and marketing. Melanie moved back to Longview

seven agents at her firm now and she is hopeful for continued

in 2010 and, shortly after, decided to transition into real estate.

growth in the years to come.

She had watched her mother growing up and knew that real

“My outlook for Sugar Magnolia Properties is to become

estate would allow flexibility in her schedule for family time; her

the finest, respected hometown real estate brokerage providing

income potential would be dependent upon her own work ethic; and, she would get to work with the public.

She earned her real estate license in 2013 and began working in the business, learning under other realtors but always with a dream of establishing her own company. She knew she wanted her real estate firm to office in downtown Longview as it is the hub of the community. She also wanted it to be a boutique-style

unrivaled service and down-home southern hospitality. We are so honored and blessed to have the trust and support of so many in our community,” she said.

“We hope to continue to grow our client base of home buyers and sellers through referrals from our friends, families and past clients. We hope to add agents who believe in striving to be a Peak Producer through the golden rule of taking care of our clients and they will in turn take care of us. We hope to continue serving

real estate agency that, as she describes, not only takes care of its

our community through our volunteer efforts and leadership in

clients but also offers old-fashioned hospitality.

various organizations represented throughout our brokerage.”

In partnership with her husband, Matt Crocker, she opened Sugar Magnolia Properties in February 2017, first operating it out of her home as she renovated a downtown building. Now, Sugar Magnolia is conveniently located downtown on Fredonia Street.

Fun fact about Sugar Magnolia: Its name derives from a Grateful Dead song.

“The name came about six months before the rest,” Melanie said. “I knew I didn’t want to use my name or a catchphrase; I wanted a name that was warm and inviting. My husband is a Deadhead. One day, we were listening to ‘Sugaree’ and then the next song that came on was ‘Sugar Magnolia.’ I knew that would be the name – it sounds southern, warm and approachable.”

Today, Sugar Magnolia offers all types of real estate services – from residential to commercial to farm and ranch. Melanie has 12 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

Her community involvement over the years has gone hand in hand with her business motto.

Melanie has been involved with Junior League of Longview since 2010, when she returned home.

“The league touches the community in so many ways,” she said.

Indeed, Junior League’s service has a multitude of ways in which it impacts the community. Its annual School Supply Train distributes backpacks filled with school supplies to children of families in need. Melanie said Junior League distributed 2,500 backpacks in 2017. But the School Supply Train is about much more than school supplies. It also offers health screenings for children and free haircuts.

Through the Skills for Success mentoring program, Melanie shared that Junior Leaguers mentor middle school-aged girls and help them with everything from etiquette to resume writing.

The league’s Poverty Conference, which celebrated its third

and I had to meet people,” she said. “Young Professionals of

anniversary in 2017, has become a convocation of sorts for East

Longview is an avenue for people who want to be plugged in and

Texas school districts. The conference features speakers and a

who want to get connected.”

community panel discussion, and is aimed at providing education about poverty and related issues.

She didn’t know how many people would attend the first meeting, and while it was just a handful, those people invited

This year, Melanie said, Junior League is bringing back a

others to the next meeting. The organization steadily grew and

charity ball that it last offered years ago. The Black Tie fundraiser

now has about 190 members. Its monthly mixers allow young

will be Jan. 20 at the Summit Club. A formal event, the ball is

business professionals to network and build relationships.

open to the public. Cost is $100. For information about it, visit the league’s website at www.jllongview.org.

“For me, personally, it has really helped with business.

Business is often driven by referrals. This is a way to casually meet

In addition to Junior League, Melanie also has been involved

people and the more you meet up with them, you become friends

with Keep Longview Beautiful serving on its Board of Directors,

and then your friends might become clients or they might refer

the city’s Main Street Advisory Council, Longview 20/20, the

people to you,” she said. “It’s all about building relationships.”

LeTourneau University President’s Advisory Council, Longview

But Young Professionals of Longview, or YPL, is also about

Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Advisory Council and

giving back to the community. The organization has a variety

Leadership Longview.

of service projects. Each holiday season, it collects toys for the

It was, in a way, through Leadership Longview that Melanie

Longview Fire Department’s toy drive. Through Keep Longview

came up with the idea for Young Professionals of Longview, an

Beautiful’s Adopt-A-Street program, YPL volunteers maintain a

organization she founded in 2013.

portion of Cotton Street. And throughout the year, YPL maintains

“I had gone through Leadership Longview, and there were people I still talked to all the time. We wanted to stay connected,” she said.

Aside from connecting on their own, Melanie realized there

flower pots that adorn downtown Longview street corners, sprucing up the city.

“Most members of YPL have a passion for downtown,” Melanie shared.

wasn’t an organization outside of Leadership Longview – a

While she isn’t certain what the future holds, Melanie said she

year-long program – that offered a chance for young business

hopes to see growth both in organizations in which she is involved

professionals to meet up regularly to network.

and at Sugar Magnolia Properties.

“I was like a lot of people who moved off to Dallas or Austin and then move back. When we moved back, I didn’t know everyone

“We can’t wait to see what the future holds, but we know it will be bright,” she said. C

Melanie Northcutt Crocker celebrates the opening of her real estate firm, Sugar Magnolia Properties, on Oct. 24 with a ribbon cutting and reception. Photo by LLS Photography.

mycharmonline.com 13

Shop this!

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14 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

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F EATURE

WOMEN in business: ALICIA NOLTE Cherry Hill Med Spa

Words by DAWN-RENÉE RICE | Photo by LES HASSELL

F

or more than 20 years, Alicia Nolte

we’ve tried to do here is make it as medical as

has offered the women in East Texas a

possible,” Alicia said.

“It’s the No. 1 machine in the world right now and it’s kind of hard to market here in Longview.

high-end shopping experience through

To do that, Alicia seeks out the newest lasers

But this is something for women that is life

her boutique, Cherry Hill. However, Alicia found

and technology and her goal is to bring only the

changing,” Alicia said. “What’s nice about (it) is

it difficult to compete with the internet so she

best to Longview. There’s also a medical director

there’s no down time.”

looked at the needs within the community and

who is not only a practicing doctor (plastic

Cherry Hill also offers, among other

decided it was time to reinvent herself.

surgeon) but someone who is also onsite two days

products and services, a 3D personal facial

a week. The medspa staffs two registered nurses, a

analyzer and a gift shop that carries high-end

Earlier this year, she switched her business concept to a luxurious medical spa.

“Fashion goes with beauty,” Alicia said. “I’m getting older, I like to take care of myself and I find that my clients’ needs are the same (as mine).”

She went from wanting to meet the fashion needs of women in East Texas to meeting their beauty needs on a different level.

laser technician, two estheticians and a permanent makeup artist.

Cherry Hill now has more of a “getaway” feel with the right touch of luxury and seclusion, even though it’s located off of busy Judson Road.

“We have privacy, back door entrances and exits and everything is ran as professional and

“That’s what I’ve always done is try to make

locked down as you would at the doctor’s office,”

women be beautiful, feel beautiful, feel good

Alicia said. “Sometimes people feel that they’re

about themselves and be proud. And teaching

doing a procedure they don’t want someone to

them, too, like all the experiences and skills that

know about (so) they have that option of privacy,

I’ve learned. I’m still doing the same thing but it’s

especially with CoolSculpting and FemTouch.”

just with a different product,” Alicia said.

She wanted to continue the Cherry Hill value and bring only the best to Longview, making

CoolSculpting is a 35-minute treatment for

Aside from running a successful business, Alicia is also known for her love of animals, especially with her nonprofit organization Fete for Pets.

Years ago, Alicia became part of an effort to bring a larger animal shelter to Longview.

Through Fete for Pets, she started doing fundraisers at her ranch, Flyin’ Feathers Ranch.

Money raised from the fundraisers has gone toward the city’s new shelter.

Alicia also volunteers her time with First Tee

almost every part of the body, such as the knees,

of Pineywoods, Teen Court and various other

stomach and chin.

animal related programs, and teaches golf part of

it stand out on the map. Since reopening as a

“It’s remarkable and it does work,” Alicia said.

medspa, she’s seen clients coming from as far

FemTouch through Lumenis offers vaginal

away as Dallas.

clothing and accessories.

rejuvenation with “innovative state-of-the-art

the school year at Trinity School of Texas.

Her love for animals shines through when she’s asked about them.

“I knew that Cherry Hill always had that

CO2 laser technology that addresses common

“I just share their compassion with them and

recognition. And I knew I didn’t want to be just a

vaginal health related aspects,” according to the

it’s given me a love I’ve never found before,” Alicia

spa, a pop up store or anything like that. So, what

company’s website.

said. “They just bring such joy to your life.” C mycharmonline.com 15

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16 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

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FASHION

WINTERIZE

YOUR WORKOUT Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. BUT ON YOUR NEXT OUTDOOR WORKOUT, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE.

Under Armour Elements Headband, $24.99; Racquet and Jog RJX Activ Core Runner 1/4 Zip, $39.99; Racquet and Jog Under Armour Black Leggings, $99.99; Racquet and Jog Hoka Stinson ATR4, $160; Racquet and Jog

mycharmonline.com 17

RX Active Core Packable Jacket, $59.99; Racquet and Jog Patagonia Short Sleeve Nine Trails Shirt, $45; Racquet and Jog Adidas Long Tight, $65; Racquet and Jog Under Armour Gloves, $24.99; Racquet and Jog New Balance M880GY7, $124.99; Racquet and Jog

Arc'Teryx Atom Vest, $175; Racquet and Jog The North Face Reaxion Amp Tee, $30; Racquet and Jog Maaji Sailing Impulse, $74; Racquet and Jog Asics Gel Kayano 24, $160; Racquet and Jog

18 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

Patagonia Re-Tool Headband, $25; Racquet and Jog Mountain Hard Wear Ratio Down Vest, $125; Racquet and Jog Arc'Teryx Long-Sleeve Sirrus Shirt, $59; Racquet and Jog Lucy Powermax Power Train Pocket Legging, $89; Racquet and Jog Brooks Revel, $100; Racquet and Jog

mycharmonline.com 19

S CHOOL

WHAT TO DO: Buy or repurpose a picture frame with glass. Find a romantic background to print out and cut to size or use something you might already have on hand, like fabric, wrapping paper or a paper gift bag with a pretty pattern.

You can also find a ready-made printable at www.thinkingcloset. com/2014/02/09/30-last-minute-diy-gifts-for-your-valentine.

Insert

the paper into the frame as you would do a photograph and secure the back. On the front, use a dry erase marker to write love notes to your special someone. The coolest part? You can leave love notes year-round, not just for Valentine’s Day.

SEED STARTER MASON JAR Does your special someone have a green thumb or want to try their hand at gardening? Gift them a cute seed starter jar!

‘TIS THE SEASON

FOR... LOVE! Words by DAWN-RENÉE RICE

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Mini Mason jar • Glass paint • Rubbing alcohol • Stiff bristle paint brush • Small piece of cardstock • Potting soil • Seeds

T

he holidays are over but that doesn’t get you off the hook for presents. Valentine’s Day is upon us and that means the typical gifts of chocolates and flowers for

your special someone. Or does it?

Instead of a mad dash to the store, why not try making your own gift? A handmade gift means so much more because of the thought and time put into it.

• Coffee beans or small pebbles • Thread • Scissors • Glass adhesive, heart-shaped stencil • Hole punch • Spoon WHAT TO DO:

And it doesn’t have to stop at gifts. You can make your own

Clean the jar with the rubbing alcohol and once dry, place

decorations to showcase your love around your home. If you’re not

your adhesive stencil. Dab the paint over the stencil until it’s filled

sure where to start, we’ve rounded up some ideas for you to consider.

completely. Let the paint dry before removing the stencil. Place the coffee beans or pebbles in the bottom of the jar (this allows for

“I LOVE YOU BECAUSE …” PICTURE FRAME

drainage for seeds and plants). Add the potting soil to the jar, leaving

If your loved one’s love language is words of affirmation, this is the

enough room for coverage depending on the type of seed you’re

perfect gift to make.

using. Plant the seed depending on the depth required according to

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

the seed packet. Water according to packet instructions.

• Picture frame (new or repurposed)

Next, cut a little card out of the cardstock, punch a hole in the

• Patterned paper or fabric

corner and write your love note on the card. Then, thread some

• Scissors

ribbon or twine through the hole and tie the note around the jar.

• Dry Erase Marker

Secure the lid and you’re finished!

20 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

PICTURE PERFECT PULL-OUT PHOTO ALBUM If your special someone is the sentimental type a handmade photo album is a great option.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Five images (small enough to be cut into 2-inch squares) • Heavy card stock (8.5 inches x 14 inches)

Let them dry for at least 10 minutes. You can also hot glue the last square to the bottom of the lidded box, allowing at least 10 minutes to dry. Then hot glue a loop of ribbon to the back of the first photo to make it easier for your loved one to enjoy their mini “scrapbook” of memories.

Whether you’re handy with crafts, there are plenty of DIY ideas to make this Valentine’s Day unforgettably unique and easy to do.

• Ruler • Pencil • Hot glue

DIY HOME DECOR Planning to entertain for Valentine’s Day or decorate for the

• Small lidded wooden box

special occasion? We talked with Dylan Palmer, head designer at

• Spray mount adhesive

Ellis Pottery, for some ideas on how to dress up your home with love.

WHAT TO DO: Cut the card stock to a width of 2-13/16 inches. Measure and mark the card stock crosswise with a ruler and pencil every 2-13/16

“You can put together grapevine wreaths with mesh, add materials and embellish it,” Dylan said. “Or you can do a mesh garland and put it around your front door.”

inches. Fold the card stock at the first mark, creasing it, then fold the

He also suggested using the mesh to make table pieces for your

opposite direction at the next mark and so on to create an accordion

table if you’re entertaining for the special day. It can be something

fold. Erase the marks after folding the card stock. Place the folded

as simple as “fastening the mesh into small wreaths and putting

card stock on a flat surface with the topmost fold facing you. Cut your five images into 2-inch squares, center them onto each card stock square and adhere with spray mount.

a candle in the middle.” Or, you can embellish plaques that say Happy Valentine’s Day with bows, ribbons, glitter and hearts to hang in your home. C

1515 Judson Longview www.CherryHillMedSpa.co mycharmonline.com 21

F EATURE

get over your

SELFIE

Words by APRILL BRANDON | Illustrations by MICHELLE LAVERELL

M

y son has spent about 1,277 days on Earth. My daughter,

Now, if those three above sentences don’t seem like a revelation to you,

roughly 455. Counting the ones I took today, I have exactly

congratulations, you are likely a man or a well-adjusted, confident woman.

18 billion photos of them.

However, if you’ve ever taken 100 almost identical photos of yourself and

Oops. Sorry. 18 billion and one. They just did the cutest thing, you guys.

then agonized for an hour and a half about which one to post and then spent

And they look amazing in every single one of these photos, including

another 33 minutes trying out different Instagram filters to find the one that

the newborn “Benjamin Button” ones.

thins out your face the most, then you understand how huge this is.

By contrast, I have been alive on this planet for about 13,200 days.

I have wasted so much of my life either trying to micromanage every

Thanks to the invention of the selfie, there are now probably 18 billion

single photo I appear in or avoiding cameras all together. Because all

photos of me floating around, too. The only difference is I only like about

I saw in every photo of me was every flaw a single human body could

seven of them. Actually, more like six (in that one photo, my eyes are doing

possibly house. I’m too fat in this one. My nose is all wonky in this one.

that weird thing).

I’m too pale. Greasy hair. No makeup. Arm flab. Dumb smile. Double

Yes, I know. Female hates how she looks in photos! Shocker!

chin. Triple chin. Everywhere a chin, chin. Crow’s feet (or, in some

This revelation is right up there with me admitting my feet are always

lighting, the whole crow). Forehead pimple. Bad posture. Crooked teeth.

cold and that I don’t understand the appeal of “Entourage.” But I bring

I can go on…

this up for a very good reason, because I have recently come to terms with

Dark circles under my eyes. Cellulite. Sausage fingers. Flat hair. Dull

some vital facts and it has made a huge difference.

I’m 36. This is my face. I need to get over it.

22 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

hair. Frizzy hair. Freckles. Acne. Acne scars. Thin lips. Fat thighs. That weird flub that hangs out around the side of your bra.

I’m 36. This is my face.

I need to get over it.

Yeah. It’s exhausting hating how you look in photos, especially in

another one,” followed by “let me see it,” followed by “let’s take another

this social media era where photos are taken and shared roughly every

one,” followed by “let me see it,” followed by nothing because we are dead

2.3 seconds.

because we got caught in this stupid loop and couldn’t get out because no

And so, I decided to let go. Just...let it all go. Unfurl my fists and let go of the iron grip I was using to control the face that got shared in public.

Because, technically, it’s all the same face.

This is my face. This is my body. And in every photo, that is how I look at that particular moment.

Guys, the freedom that comes with this revelation ... such a weight has been lifted.

I’m now more than willing to let my husband take a picture of me playing with the kids when I’m in my pajamas and sporting my best Swamp Witch hair because I want to remember that moment. And because, yes, some days I look like a Swamp Witch.

Now when a parent wants a photo of me, I don’t say “how about later, when I have makeup on?” I shut up and pose.

And now when my friends whip out that cellphone, I smile and BOOM. That’s it. Done. No more “let me see it” followed immediately by “let’s take

matter how many photos we took, we magically never ended up looking like Jennifer Lawrence.

(Which is so dumb, because even if we did look like Jennifer Lawrence, we still can’t afford Jennifer Lawrence’s stylist, meaning we still wouldn’t look like Jennifer Lawrence.)

Of course, every road that leads to brilliant revelations is full of potholes. I mean, do I still want people to only post photos of me where I look good? Of course. I’m still embarrassingly vain. But now, if they don’t, it no longer bothers me because I’ve realized it’s more important to me to be part of the picture — to be part of that memory.

This is my face. And now that I’ve stopped ripping it to shreds in every single photograph, it turns out that I actually kind of like it.

Oh man ... guys ... is this what being well-adjusted feels like? C

asa CF lora FLOWER SHOP

Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5pm Saturday: 8am - Noon 314 Magnolia Lane, Longview

www.casafloraflowers.com 903.753.4492 mycharmonline.com 23

PICTURE

This!

CHARM/VIEW

COVER REVEAL PARTY

JOHNNY, JOHN & REBECCA STONE

LONGVIEW | HEALTHCARE EXPRESS | 10/12/2017 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

There was a great turnout at the Charm/View Cover Reveal Party on Oct. 12 at HealthCare Express in Longview. ExcelER sponsored the cover reveal

SHELBY MCNEESE, CASEY MCKNIGHT

party. Guests enjoyed socializing and food provided by Perfect Catering.

The next Cover Reveal Party is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, located inside Longview Mall at 3500 McCann Road.

Heritage Wine and Spirits is sponsoring the event and Perfect Catering will provide food.

Businesses

interested

in

either

hosting

or

sponsoring a future cover reveal party may contact

REBEKAH MCCLENNY, PHYLLIS RIEVES, RACHAEL HACKER

Event Coordinator Gai Bennett at (903) 232-7206 or gbennett@news-journal.com.

SHARLAN WARDLOW, BONNIE BEADLES

24 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

MISTY & MATTHEW HAMILTON, KAREN WRIGHT

P ICTURE THIS

YAMBOREE QUEEN

CORONATION

CEREMONY GILMER | GILMER CIVIC CENTER | 10/18/2017

CASSIE HUTTON, KACHELL VARNADO

Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

Hundreds of people eagerly filled seats in Gilmer on Oct. 18 awaiting the coronation of 80th East Texas Yambore Queen Madison Dean. Madison, a senior at Gilmer High School, presided over Yamboree festivities in Upshur County throughout the week.

LINDSEY MCFAUL, KIM JACKSON

PAT BYNUM, JOYCE RAABE, DIANA SEAHORN

HANNAH IRVIN, BEN JAEGER

DEBORAH & RICK MERITT

PAULA DAVIDSON, MABLE ODOM, JO SMITH

mycharmonline.com 25

P ICTURE THIS

SCRABBLE WITH FRIENDS LONGVIEW | FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | 10/24/2017 Photos by LES HASSELL

Letter tiles flew Oct. 24 during a Scrabble with Friends tournament. The event – attended by dozens – served as a fundraiser for the East Texas Literacy

JANA FRIEDEL, PAM IBEH, JERRY AND IRIS STANKORB

Council, which provides such services as instruction on literacy skills in reading, math, writing and the GED as well as English as a Second Language.

JESICA ALLEN, SETH HILLMAN, MARY COLLIER, JANICE CRANE

ALYSSA SHOBERT, ALEXIS FREEMAN, JESSICA MENA

DEBBIE NIEHAUS, DIANA HUDMAN, DR. PATRICK BRISCO, NITA FUDGE, SONIA COLE

26 CHARM | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y

LINDA ADLER, TRACEY HENDERSON

EVA LEGARDA, LINDA LEBLANC, JULIE NOBLE, CATHIE PORTER

SALLY LEJEUNE, LINDA CUNNINGHAM, REGINA FENDERSON

P ICTURE THIS

HOLIDAY TEA ROOM

& MARKET BLANCHE BRUYERE, WINNIE TAYLOR

LONGVIEW | LONGVIEW MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS | 12/5/2017 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

Longview Museum of Fine Arts welcomed guests to dine on delicious catered lunches and to browse goods from a variety of vendors at its annual Holiday Tea Room and Market, held Dec. 5-9 at the museum. An annual Christmastime tradition, the theme of the 2017 event was “Holiday Magic.”

DEBBIE ANDERSON, BARBARA SCOTT

MOLLIE MAE MCKINNEY, KARRIE TRAYLOR

DEBBIE CONNER, TERRY HOLMAN

MARGARET PARTIN, BARBARA HAWKINS, PHYLLIS SKOLNICK, KAY RAY, NATALIE RABICOFF

mycharmonline.com 27