TexAppeal May 2013

Ma y 2 0 1 3

Women Mean Business Central Texas

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

Raise the Bar and Burn Fat

The Ballet-Inspired Barre Workout

Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop

Photo by Sachiko Suzuki courtesy Ennis CVB

c o n t e nts feature 25 C entral Tex as Wo me n Mean B u s ines s

style

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59 Dr i v ing Su c c es s

home 62 Cre ative C los et S o l utio ns: Get Organized

travel 69 N ew Or lean s : So uthe rn Cha rm a n d C aju n F u n

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health & fitness 73 S leep Lik e a B a by: Catch Mo re zzz for Better He a l th 77 R ais e the Bar and Burn Fat: T he B a l let- in s p ired Ba rre Wo rko ut

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calendar scene spotlight Precisous Memories Florist & Gift Shop well fed head neighbor

in every issue

6 e d i tor ’s letter 82 b a rb w ired 4

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Spend more time living, and less time Banking.

INVESTMENTS INSURANCE BANKING LOANS

KILLEEN 1 2 0 N . G r ay S t .

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SOUTH KILLEEN 2 2 0 1 - B E S t a n S c h l u e te r 254-554-8181

ROUND ROCK

G E O R G E TO W N

H A R K E R H E I G H TS 3 4 5 E . FM 2 4 1 0 254-953-8181 LIBERT Y HILL

TEMPLE 3 9 5 7 R a l e i g h D r.

254-899-8181 F LO R E N C E

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editor’s letter

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here are women who make things better...simply by showing up. There are women who make things happen. There are women who make their way. There are women who make a difference.

And women who make us smile.

There are women of wit and wisdom who - through strength and courage - make it through.

There are women who change the world everyday...Women like you.”

—Ashley Rice

pril showers did bring us the beautiful May flowers and warm Texas sunshine as promised, so it’s the perfect month to celebrate our mothers and women in business. I’d like to invite the women of Central Texas to embrace their accomplishments; acknowledge their talents; recognize their strengths; and more importantly, to never lose sight of their goals.

At some point in our lives, we have all met a woman who makes us feel like a dehydrated explorer--left lost and wandering in a desert. Like a mirage, we see the perfect, ice-cold glass of homemade lemonade and we catch ourselves drooling over her. She is so cool and refreshing! Clearly not one of those fake syrupy imitation fruit drinks. She has all of the right ingredients. A dash of all-natural organic, fresh, lemon juice--slightly tart with the perfect combination of sugar and water. Right away you know, she’s the real deal.

Authentic, sweet, full of natural substance, exhilarating, and inspiring.

Well, this month I have had the opportunity to meet six tall glasses of lemonade, all of whom, left me inspired by their incredible drive, passion, smarts and success. Read all about them in Drama Queen on page22, and Women Mean Business on page 25.

Speaking of drooling, the travel article on New Orleans—Southern Charm & Cajun Fun on page 69 left me dreaming (thanks to Sleep Like a Baby on page 73) about Rhett Butler and big bowls of spicy gumbo, Cajun jambalaya, and shrimp Creole! However, those ideas were Gone with the Wind once I started working on Raise the Bar and Burn Fat on page 77.

Celebrate the most important women in your life on Mother’s Day, and be sure to find yourself a tall glass of homemade lemonade!

your voice I enjoyed the April issue of your magazine and was delighted to see the cover photo entitled “Boots and Bluebonnets.” The boots pictured are from the Macie Bean line (named for my grandmother, Macie Bean Evans), which is part of Anderson Bean Boots and Rios of Mercedes Boot Company, owned and managed by my brother, his partners and family. It is the last family-owned Western boot company in America. I’m sending my copy of Tex Appeal to them!

Sincerely, ­­—Brigid McIntyre Evans After reading each month’s issue, I am looking forward to receiving next month’s issue. I love the magazine! Every part of it is first class: the quality of the paper, the advertisements, the photos, the features. It is so exciting to open an issue and find articles on one of our friends, acquaintances, local citizens and personalities. It seems so intimate! I especially appreciate all the families who share their stories and open their beautiful homes for our enjoyment. Thank you for producing such a quality publication and for keeping print journalism alive in today’s online world. There is nothing like holding a book or a magazine as you read it, especially one as interesting as yours.

Thank you, —Gloria Markle, Temple I love reading your magazine. Many interesting ideas and we never have a boring weekend with all of the event information covered in your magazine. How can I get it delivered to my home address? Thank you very much for a wonderful magazine.

Sincerely, —Maria Mireles, Killeen I enjoy your magazine! It is cheerful in its colorful presentation. The articles are informative and reading about people is so interesting. I have learned things about some of my friends that I did not know. The advertisements are good too.

—Sharon M Wilson

Enjoy rea di ngTex Appe al ?

Tel l u s a b out i t.

Cheers!

Teresa K. Hernandez | Editor thernandez@thernandez@texappealmag.com

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MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Tex Appeal Magazine. Please let us know what you think about our monthly publications by sending your comments to tkhernandez@texappealmag.com.

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/texappealmagazine

Tex Appeal Life & Style in Central Texas

Published by Frank Mayborn Enterprises, Inc. Killeen Daily Herald 1809 Florence Road, Killeen, TX 76540 Temple Daily Telegram 10 S. Third Street, Temple, TX 76504 Publisher SUE MAYBORN Magazine Director TERESA L O’BRIEN 254.774.5264 tobrien@texappealmag.com Editor TERESA K HERNANDEZ thernandez@texappealmag.com Copy Editor LEE JAMES Graphic Designer CHRISTEEN CLARK 216.407.2777 christeen@maccrisdesigns.com Photographers THE MASTER’S IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY PRISCILLA Z PHOTOGRAPHY

Cover Design by Ryan Duty

Tex Appeal Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like to have each month’s edition delivered to your home, please mail a check with your address and contact information to: Tex Appeal Magazine, PO Box 6114 Temple, TX 76503-6114.

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alk ex TT S P OT L I G H T:

Precious Memories pg 16

M AY C A L E N DA R pg 11

D R A M A QU E E N

pg 22

C A L E N DA R S C E N E S P OT L I G H T W E L L F E D H E A D N E I G H B O R

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National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month Arthritis Awareness Month National Barbeque Month National Bike Month National Physical Fitness and Sports Women’s Health Care Month

2013

Mother’s Day

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National Teacher Day

Armed 18 Forces Day

27 Memorial Day

National Family Month, May 12-June 16 P O RT R A I T S F RO M T H E G O L D E N AG E O F J A Z Z E X H I B I T May 1-June 9

The Bell County Museum is pleased to present PORTRAITS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF JAZZ: Photographs by William Gottlieb, a fascinating exhibition of approximately seventy-five photographs on display from April 13 through June 9, 2013. During the 1930s and 1940s, William Gottlieb photographed the contemporary jazz scene to illustrate his columns in The Washington Post, Down Beat magazine, and other publications. The photographic negatives were stored for more than thirty years until Gottlieb’s retirement in 1979, when he began printing the negatives. The rest, literally, became history. Gottlieb is now one of the most honored jazz photographers.

Gottlieb’s images of these jazz artists from the era considered by many to be the “golden age of jazz” have become the standard icons of jazz history.

201 N. Main St., Belton

“CZECH MUZIKA, TEXAS STYLE” May 1-De ce mbe r 31

Exhibit, book signing, and lecture by Czech immigrant Charles Ota Heller, author of Prague: My Long Journey Home. The true story of a man who shot a Nazi when he was 9 years old, will be held on May 2, 5:30pm www.czechmuseum.com 520 N. Main Street (SPJST), Temple

R E L AY F O R L I F E K il l e e n/Fo rt Ho o d/Ha rker Hei g h t s May 3

The journey to end cancer starts with a single step.

The American Cancer Society invites you to take that step with us by joining the global Relay for Life movement. When you walk to end cancer at a Relay event, you not only honor cancer survivors, but remember those loved ones lost.

Shoemaker High School 3302 S. Clear Creek Rd., Killeen

E D U C AT I O N S U M M I T “ E N C O U R AG E , E D U C AT E & E M P OW E R ” May 4

Topics will include education, immigration, health, and veterans. Sponsored by the Texas State Conference of NAACP and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Open to the public, 9am-4pm.

Temple College Pavilion 2600 South 1st Street, Temple 10

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T E X A S H E R I TAG E C O M M I T T E E S P R I N G F E S T I VA L M ay 1 1

Live music, food, arts & crafts vendors, 1pm-7pm.

Killeen Community Center

2 7 T H C E N T R A L T E X A S A I R S H OW “ H E RO E S & L E G E N D S ” M ay 3 -5

This year’s show is sure to be a big one! Sponsored by the Georgetown Pilots’ Association Georgetown

N AT I O N A L TO U R I S M & T R AV E L W E E K M ay 4-1 2

Exhibit at Temple Cultural Activities Center. www. cacarts.org.

3011 N. Third Street, Temple

L E M O N A D E DAY M ay 5

Lemonade Day introduces children to entrepreneurship!

Children are encouraged to start, own, and operate a lemonade stand in their community to learn valuable lessons in business, budgeting, and character. For more information visit www.lemondaeday.org or call 254.953.5493. The Harker Heights Carl Levin Park, Community Park, Goode/Connell Park and Purser Park will be open for registered children to sell lemonade on May 5, 2013.

Harker Heights

B L O O M I N ’ T E M P L E F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 3 M ay 10-1 1

Music includes Lee Roy Parnell and the Randy Rogers Band, carnival rides and much more!

Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketfly.com.

7 North 4th Street, Temple

J AC K R A B B I T RU N 4 H O P E 5 K & 1 0 K C E N T E X R AC E S E R I E S M ay 1 1

Race through the scenic hill country of the Ogletree Gap residential area. Proceeds will be contributed to the Hope Pregnancy Center (HPC), a Christ-centered ministry, which offers help and hope to couples and women facing unplanned pregnancies. 5k run/walk starts at 8am, 10k starts at 8am. Register at www.rabbitrun4hope.com.

Ogletree Gap, Copperas Cove

L I V I N G H I S TO RY D E M O N S T R AT I O N S B L O O M I N ’ T E M P L E F E S T I VA L May 1 1, 1 1am - 3p m

Lace making, noodle making, sauerkraut making, spinning wheel demo, quilting demo, Beseda dancers, and live Czech music. www. czechmuseum.com

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Come “celebrate your heritage” with us. Every year the SPJST (Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas-Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas), sponsors the annual car show and awards trophies for first, second and third place. Awards in 36 independently judged classes and popular awards include People’s Choice, SPJST King’s Choice, SPJST Queen’s Choice, Club Participation, Distance, Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Graphics, and Best Interior. Registration begins at 9am and awards will be announced at 4pm. www.spjst. org/f/2013_Bloomin_Temple_Entry_Form_ web.pdf Central Avenue and Avenue A, between 4th and 6th Streets, Temple

S H O OT I N G S TA R May 17 - 19, 23- 26

Snowed-in overnight at an airport in middle America, college lovers have an unexpected and life-altering reunion in Shooting Star, a smart and sweet comedy from Steven Dietz, one of American theatre’s most-produced contemporary playwrights. For more inform-ation please visit www.ArtsTemple.com or call 254.778.4751.

Temple C ivic Theatre 2413 S. 13th St., Temple

B I C Y C L E S A F E T Y RO D E O May 18

Bicycle safety education for kids. Learn and demonstrate safe riding skills. Children must bring bicycle to participate. Helmet fittings will be available. Event 8am-11am, sponsored by the Temple Police Department and Safe Kids Mid-Texas. Contact Safekids.sw.org or call 254.724.1431.

Miller Park, 1919 N. 1st St., Temple

RO D N E Y C ROW E L L May 1 9

Rodney Crowell has been on the scene for three decades with more hits and credits than we could list. Bottom line is he’s still got what put him on top as a prodigious songwritershowman!

Cultural Activities Center 3011 N. Third Street, Temple TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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May

C A L E N DA R

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month National Mental Health Month Healthy Vision Month Better Sleep Month Ultraviolet Awareness Month Latino Books Month

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M E M O R I A L PA R A D E & C E R E M O N Y May 25

Bring the whole family out for a ceremony and parade to honor those who gave their lives. For more information, parade entry forms, and route information contact 254.953.5465. Parade begins at 9:30am and ceremony follows.

305 Miller’s Crossing, Harker Heights

E R A M DA M E M O R I A L DAY 5 K C E N T E X R AC E S E R I E S May 25

Register at the Harker Heights Recreation Center.

Early registration $20/late or day of run $25.

Contact 254.953.5657.

Harker Heights Parks & Recreation

M OT H E R DAU G H T E R S L E E P OV E R May 17-18

An evening of fabulous Mother Daughter Fun! Sleepover will take place at the Lions Club Park Senior Center. Check-in 5:30 - 6pm on May 17 and check-out 8-9am on May 18. No early check-outs will be allowed. All meals will be provided. Please bring your own sleeping bags, pillows, etc. There will be a PJ Pageant the evening of the event. To download a form in advance visit the Parks and Recreation page on the city’s website www.killeentexas.gov.

1700-B E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen

2013 CENTRAL TEXAS A RT H R I T I S WA L K May 18

The signature fundraising event for the Arthritis Foundation. More than just an event, Arthritis Walk is a celebration of year-round movement. It is building awareness for this debilitating disease and raising necessary funds to drive arthritis research, education and life improvement programs; it also continues the Arthritis Foundation’s search to find a cure to the nation’s leading cause of disability.

Registration at 9am, walk at 10am. For more help or information, contact Rachel Martinez at rmartinez@ arthritis.org or call 254.315.8509.

Carl Levin Park, Harker Heights

S PA RTA N S P R I N T May 18

Spartan Sprints are muddy 3+ Miles / 15+ Obstacles course races. Beginners to hardcore warriors, and marathon runners alike come out to test themselves on the insane obstacles! This 5k race is comprised of mud runs, obstacles, trail racing, physical challenges and mental challenges all in a 3+ race. 99.9% of all people who try this event will finish, and 100% will have their thirst for mud fully satisfied! Top 3 Males and top 3 Females at each Spartan Sprint qualify for a free entry into a Super Spartan of his or her

choice. Email us@spartanrace.com; race website and registration at http://hub.am/XVGLq4.

Burnet, Texas

2 N D A N N UA L M E M O R I A L DAY FA R M E R S M A R K E T M ay 2 7, 8a m - 2 pm

Come enjoy what Central Texas has to offer: Local Farmers, Live Music, Local Food Vendors, Wine Tastings, Crafts, Snow Cones, Family Fun and more!

Encouraging Central Texas to Eat, Drink, & Shop Local. Event Sponsored by Texas Land Band and In Hog Heaven.

Walker Honey Farm Store

K I L L E E N P RC A RO D E O M ay 2 3 -2 5

Military Appreciation Night is on May 23 at 6pm for all military and their family members, includes FREE admission and meal for all active duty and dependents with military ID.7:15pm 1stCAV Horse Detachment Demonstration, 8pm Mounted Colors-Opening. For more information visit: www.rodeokilleen.com.

L O C A L FA R M E R S M A R K E T B E LTO N

Saturdays, 8am-1pm Downtown on Water Street in front of The Gin

C O P P E R A S C OV E

Mondays, 3-6pm & Saturdays 10am-2pm VFW 1506 Veterans, Ave.

KILLEEN

Tuesdays, 2-6pm; Fridays, 3-6pm; Saturdays, 3-6pm 717 N. 2nd Street, downtown Killeen

TEMPLE

Tuesdays/Thursday; 7am-1pm 212 S. Main St.

T ROY

Saturdays, 9am-1pm Troy Community Center 201 E. Main St.

B U R N E T ( M AY 1 1 - N OV E M B E R )

Saturdays, 9am-1pm Master Gardeners and specialists on hand for gardening tips.

On Burnet’s Historic Square

FA I RY FA R M S

The Market at 35 (Opens May 11) Open daily 7068 S. General Bruce, Temple

Raise Your Glass

to Creativity!

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®

Regularly Scheduled Classes (see our schedule online) 2-Hour Classes $35/Person 3-Hour Classes $45/Person

716 Indian Trail Suite 220 Harker Heights 254.393.0182 paintingwithatwist.com/harker-heights

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TexTalk SCENE

T h e s e wo m e n h ave

Tex Appeal

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”

—Dolly Parton

“A girl knows her limits, but a wise girl knows she has none.” —­Marilyn Monroe 14

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Photos by The Master’s Image Photography

A dame that knows the ropes isn’t likely to get tied up.

—Mae West

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Precious Memories EMBER ABOUT US

Make Mother’s Day or any occasion unforgettable when you give a gift from Precious Memories Florist and Gift Shop. Gifts from the heart are our specialty. We offer more than just spectacular arrangements and traditional florist services. At Precious Memories, you’ll discover a large array of beautiful and unique gift collections in our large 5,300 square foot showroom.

Allow our friendly and knowledgeable staff to assist you with creating a beautiful, customized gift basket—guaranteed to leave your family, friends or clients breathless. We feature a full line of Tyler Candle Company’s candles and Glamour Wash, inspirational figurines, crosses and wind chimes, elegant handcrafted jewelry collections and gifts created by artisans, plus a full line of gourmet foods, candies, chocolates, fudge, and other delicious and unique Texas-made treats. Precious Memories can also help you create the ultimate gift basket by including your choice of champagne, wine, or your favorite spirits.

We invite you to let us create the perfect corporate gift basket, filled with a combination of our products and your personalized logo products.

Seleese Thompson-Mann, celebrating ten years of owning Precious Memories which has proudly served Central Texas for 30 years, is pictured with her Design Manager, Norman Northen, TMF, and Malissa Baugh who founded Precious Memories.

Precious Memories is proud to sponsor a number of events in our community.

Including, United Way: “Chrome & Carols,” McLane Children’s Hospital Scott and White: “Boots and Bandanas,” American Heart Association: “Paint The Ranch Red,” and Children’s Advocacy Center: “Divine Desserts.” In addition to sponsorships, Precious Memories hosts “Good Neighbor Day” every September, promoting good will in our community, including the Scott and White Blood Bank and the Ronald McDonald House.

Voted the #1 Florist for five consecutive years, Precious Memories was also nationally recognized when it was chosen from over 26,000 florists from across the United States as the “2007 Retail Florist of the Year,”

by Florist Review Magazine; making it the first florist in Texas to receive this impressive floral industry award.

The “Bouquet Card” program has been a very well received School Fund Raiser program allowing students to sell the cards for a monthly bouquet.

Stop in and shop, pickup a daily made fresh arrangement from our full stocked display cooler or give us a call. Precious Memories is always ready to serve you. We are open seven days a week, MonFri 8am-6pm, Saturdays 8am-4pm, and Sundays 12-4pm.

Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop is your one-stop, gift-giving headquarters for all occasions. Remember: “We Turn Your Feelings Into Flowers.”

Precious Memories 1404 S. 31st Street Temple, TX 76504 254.778.2242 Photos by The Master’s Image Photography

www.preciousmemoriesflorist.com TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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E XPLORE the ELEGANCE OF HANDCRAFTED JEWLERY

Exclusively at

Precious Memories Florist and Gift Shop Starfire Designs creator and owner, Charlie Wharton, is a traveling man. For 25 years, he worked on the road as a clothing wholesaler.

He was accompanied by his wife, Jean, and while on a sales trip, he proposed the idea of adding jewelry to his repertoire as a way to increase clothing sales. Having no experience in designing jewelry, he originally planned to select pieces at wholesale market to resell. Jean, however, suggested that they create their own. Charlie was an art major in college, so he immersed himself in every facet of jewelry design and production. He is now recognized as one of the top jewelry designers in the United States.

Charlie hand selects his stones and designs every piece in order to ensure that his customers and collectors receive nothing less than the very best jewelry imaginable. The individual settings are works of art, showcasing the intrinsic qualities of each precious and semiprecious gemstone used. His hand crafted fine jewelry includes pendants, collar necklaces, bracelets, rings and beads. Inspired by the ancient Egyptian art of wire wrapping, he uses only the finest gold and silver to enhance the exquisite characteristics of each piece. To mark his work, Charlie completes each piece by adorning the top with a crown, his artistic signature.

During his twenty years as a jewelry designer, Charlie is still a traveling man. Starfire Designs does not have a flagship store bearing its name.

Instead, he and Jean still ply the highways, visiting specific retailers with whom he has forged relationships, staging exclusive trunk shows around the country. Through this business model, he is able to build relationships with customers and in communities around the country.

Traveling to stores offers him variety and the opportunity to meet interesting people from all over. It also allows him to dedicate more time 18

MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

to focus his energy and creativity in his studio, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains for inspiration.

Charlie falls in love with the cities and towns he visits, and is a repeat visitor to Central Texas, having done multiple shows here over the years. His retail partners have included “The RoseBud” and now Betty Thrasher and Seleese ThompsonMann welcome Starfire Designs to Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop on May 2, 3, and 4, 2013, with a stunning and color-filled display of truly inspired new designs sure to delight loyal and new customers.

You’re invited...

Starfire Designs Trunk Show featuring new collections and pieces by renown artisan, Charlie Wharton.

WHEN: Thursday, May 2, 1 pm – 6 pm Friday, May 3, 10 am – 6 pm Saturday, May 4, 10 am – 4 pm

WHERE: 1404 S. 31st Street, Temple, TX 254.778.2242

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WELL FED HEAD

(So you can buy more for her!)

BOOKS

G E T CAU G H T R E A D I N G M O N T H L AT I N O B O O K S M O N T H R E A D I N G I S F U N W E E K , M AY 1 4 - 2 0

Mom & Me & Mom

By Maya Angelou

M�� 1 - M�� 12 50% Off Dining, Massages, Spas, Salons, Jewelry & more!

BuyTexasDeals.com is the daily deals site of the Killeen Daily Herald. See site for details.

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The story of Maya Angelou’s extraordinary life has been chronicled in her multiple bestselling autobiographies. But now, at last, the legendary author shares the deepest personal story of her life: her relationship with her mother.

For the first time, Angelou reveals the triumphs and struggles of being the daughter of Vivian Baxter, an indomitable spirit whose petite size belied her larger-than-life presence—a presence absent during much of Angelou’s early life. When her marriage began to crumble, Vivian famously sent three-year-old Maya and her older brother away from their California home to live with their grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. The subsequent feelings of abandonment stayed with Angelou for years, but their reunion, a decade later, began a story that has never before been told.

In Mom & Me & Mom, Angelou dramatizes her years reconciling with the mother she preferred to simply call “Lady,” revealing the profound moments that shifted the balance of love and respect between them.

Delving into one of her life’s most rich, rewarding, and fraught relationships, Mom & Me & Mom explores the healing and love that evolved between the two women over the course of their lives, the love that fostered Maya Angelou’s rise from immeasurable depths to reach impossible heights.

Hardcover, 224 pages Published April 2, 2013 by Random House

The Spark: A Mother’s Story of Nurturing Genius

By Kristine Barnett The extraordinary memoir of a mother’s love, commitment, and nurturing, which allowed her son, originally diagnosed with autism, to flourish into a universally recognized genius-and how any parent can help their child find their spark.

Today, at thirteen, Jacob is working on extending Einstein’s theory of relativity, and is a paid researcher in quantum physics. Yet at three, after an autism diagnosis, Jacob was assigned to life-skills classes, his parents told to adjust their expectations.

The goalpost was to be tying his own shoes at sixteen. Kristine’s belief in the power of hope and the dazzling possibilities that can occur when we keep our minds open and learn to fuel a child’s true potential changed everything.

Hardcover, 272 pages Published April 9, 2013 by Random House

What Can You Do with a Rebozo?

By Carmen Tafolla, Amy Cordova What can you use to dress up, play hide-andseek, carry baby brother, and DANCE with?

A rebozo! In a playful celebration of a vibrant culture, a young girl and her family show all the things they do in their daily lives with a rebozo, a traditional Mexican woven shawl.

Lively prose and rich illustrations honor a warm and colorful cultural icon. You can do almost anything with a rebozo–and a little imagination.

Hardcover, 30 pages Published April 1, 2008 by Tricycle Press

TexTalk

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

WELL FED HEAD

By Sheryl Sandberg Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root causes, and offers compelling, common sense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential.

Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TEDTalk in which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which became a phenomenon and has been viewed more than two million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto.

In Lean In, Sandberg digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions, mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.” She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home.

Written with both humor and wisdom, Sandberg’s book is an inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth. Lean In is destined to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can Hardcover, 240 pages Published March 11, 2013 by Knopf

BLOGS AND WEBSITES Discover a wealth of resources to help promote reading for teachers, parents, professional development, and community stories at ReadWriteThink by the International Reading Association.

readwritethink.org

Celebrate National Barbeque Month by trying some new BBQ recipes!

Bbqpitboys.com

Learn all about the 7 secrets for growing a high-yield vegetable garden.

organicgardening.com

Comprehensive advice and tips for helping women gain confidence when dealing with careers and money.

Gogirlfinance.com

Caramelo

By Sandra Cisneros Every year, Ceyala “Lala” Reyes’ family-aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, and Lala’s six older brothers--packs up three cars and, in a wild ride, drive from Chicago to the little grandfather and awful grandmother’s house in Mexico City for the summer. Struggling to find a voice above the boom of her brothers and to understand her place on this side of the border and that, Lala is a shrewd observer of family life. But when she starts telling the awful grandmother’s life story, seeking clues to how she got to be so awful, grandmother accuses Lala of exaggerating. Soon, a multigenerational family narrative turns into a whirlwind exploration of storytelling, lies and life. Like the cherished rebozo, or shawl, that has been passed down through generations of Reyes women, Caramelo is alive with the vibrations of history, family, and love.

Paperback, 441 pages Published September 9, 2003 by Vintage (first published 2002) TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Drama Queen

“Movies will make you famous; Television will make you rich; But theatre will make you good.”

By Teresa K. Hernandez Photos by Priscilla Z Photography

S

–Terrence Mann

hakespeare once proclaimed that “all the world’s a stage,” and that is exactly what Natasha Tolleson is teaching her students at Temple High School. Natasha is the director of the award-winning Theatre Arts Department at THS, where she has been teaching for the last 22 years.

The Theatre Arts Department definitely knows how to “break a leg.” It produces three to four major productions a school year and has one of the most advanced auditoriums and stages in the nation for a high school. It features a Meyer Constellation Electroacoustic Architecture system, which is computer-controlled to provide a quality acoustic sound to every seat in the auditorium.

Natasha has spent a lifetime in the arts. In fact, she starred in her very first production when she was six years old and in the first grade. Natasha surprised her mother by playing the lead role of the teeny lady in The Teeny-Tiny Lady. She admits her appreciation for stage may have stemmed from the fact that she grew up watching the multi-talented actors on popular variety show comedies such as The Carol Burnett Show, Sonny & Cher and others like them.

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NEIGHBOR

“A

side from acting, it is important for the students to study architecture, history, social issues and customs, and fashion and hairstyles so that costumes, sets, and even hair and make-up are all accurately portrayed for the period of the production,” says Natasha.

Temple high school students can take different tracks within the theatre department, including acting, stage craft, dramatic design, costume design and technology for lighting and sound. “We stay very busy. There are sets that have to be designed and built, costumes to be made for every production, and we compete in UIL competitions,” says Natasha. “We make all of our own costumes and we also rent our costumes to other theatres across the state.”

Recent highlights (2011-2012) include: • International Thespian Champion, Costume Design • Texas Top 12, UIL 5A One-Act Play Competition (out of 254 schools) • 10 Students advance to State Finals in UIL Theatrical Design (highest number in Texas) Texas Thespians, All –Star Thespian Troupe • 1st Place in the State, Thespian Mask Making • Four students selected for the All-State Play Aside from teaching, traveling the state for UIL contests and producing multiple shows a year, Natasha spends her summers teaching at one of the premiere summer theatre training programs in Texas, the Tal Lostracco’s Summer Theater Camp at Southwestern University.

This two-week theatre camp works to strengthen high school students’ skills relating to theatre, acting and technical theater. Natasha also has three children, ages 14, 18, and 22 with her husband Richard Tolleson, who is the director of the media and journalism department at Temple High School.

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feature

Central Texas Women MEAN BUSINESS “I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one.”

—Calamity Jane Central Texas is one of the fast-growing areas in the nation and that is great news for our local businesses and communities. Much of this success can be attributed to plenty of good ole fashion gumption, substance, and unwavering drive—all of which, just happens to be traits of strong Texas women.

With big boots to fill, we found five local women who are truly passionate about their professions and communities. Dedicated and committed to success and towards making a difference, these women aren’t the type to shy away from big challenges, in fact they embrace them. Hard work doesn’t scare them, and neither does the idea of working along side the big boys in business. Any day of the week, you’ll find these go-getters with their sleeves rolled-up and working hard. I tell you, these WOMEN… MEAN BUSINESS! TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

BRENDA Coley

“Every day, I have the opportunity to make a difference and to do my best,” says Brenda Coley. And throughout her 20 year career at Metroplex Health System, that is exactly what she has done—her best.

An advocate for employees, Brenda has witnessed her organization grow from less than 500 employees to over 1200. “Metroplex is such a great organization. I have a wonderful relationship with my administrators and they have respect for me, my ideas, and my direction. It is an organization that values people. We work diligently to take care of our patients and to extend the healing ministry of Christ,” says Brenda.

Brenda not only works diligently at Metroplex, but in the community as well. She has actively volunteered with numerous organizations, including serving as President of the Board of Trustees for the Killeen Independent School District board for 11 years, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance, the Texas Workforce Solutions, and the Central Texas University Task Force. “I grew up in a family that believes the most important things in life are God, family, love, education, and assisting others. Giving back has always been important to my family-it was expected; like the Nike commercial, you ‘just do it.’ My family prepared me for success.”

Courage, convictions, generousity, and incredible integrity are all words you hear when Brenda’s peers describe her. Brad Buckley stated, “She makes you better. Being around Brenda made me a better board member and a better person…” As a result of her tireless Continued on page 31

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Executive Director of Human Services Metroplex Health System

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

CYNTHIA Hernandez

Exective Director Belton Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) Creating new jobs in Belton and having the opportunity to change lives is what drives Cynthia Hernandez to work at the Belton Economic Development Corporation. “Of course it is great to recruit a new business and bring them into the Belton Market, because it generates more tax revenue for our community. However, it is the jobs that the new businesses bring in that are what’s important. A job can have such a powerful effect on a local family; it can literally transform their lives. And that’s what excites me,” says Cynthia.

A recent success was landing CGI Group, a Canadianbased information technology management and business process services company that employs more than 31,000 workers in 125 offices in 16 countries. CGI will bring in 350 new jobs to Belton, which will have a significant impact on local families.

The Belton market is one Cynthia knows very well. She was raised just down the road in Holland and growing up, she spent a lot of her time at the Bell County Expo Center Continued on page 31

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Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

JENNIFER Graham Executive Director of the Temple College Foundation

As the executive director of the Temple College Foundation Jennifer Graham’s main goal is to support programs at the college and to keep the community connected to the college. Jennifer has been with the Foundation since 2010. A former educator herself, Jennifer spent 21 years as a teacher and administrator.

Every year the Foundation host several large events to raise funds for various programs and scholarships. The largest event of the year is the Annual Johnson Bros. Ford Lincoln Golf Classic held every September. Other events include the Kings of Cuisine, and now the Queens of Cuisine, and the Cruise for the College.

The Foundation’s scholarship for Proven Scholars-Encouraging Exceptional Students is a great way to invest in the community. This program takes care of students who have a 4.0 GPA so they can Continued on page 31

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

EDY Rodriques All Tune and Lube Harker Heights Striving to build trust with her customers, Edy Rodriguez believes it is important to take the time to explain the services they offer to her customers and to show them why they may or may not need them. “We don’t want to intimidate them by standing behind the counter and just telling them they need certain services. It’s better to take them out to their car and show them the differences between a new set of brake pads and the pads on their car that are worn down to the metal. Trust is very important,” explains Edy. She is proud of her family’s automotive business in Harker Heights.

“We were the first automotive service business built here on the expressway in Harker Heights and this area has really grown up around us,” says Edy. Although Edy didn’t have a background in the automotive industry, she did have experience in business fundamentals. “I spent 27 years working within the financial industry and so when I stepped in, I already understood the challenges that face small family-owned businesses. I worked for the Small Business Administration and use to work with small business owners. A lot of people are very knowledgeable about their industry and services; yet they have little experience in running a business and are clueless when it comes to understanding how advertising works and how to properly manage the financial end of the business,” says Edy. Encouraging and empowering women to learn more about their

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography Continued on page 31

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

JUDY Morales

Councilmember & Director of Social Services Temple H.E.L.P. Center Raised in Temple, Judy Morales graduated from Temple High School and is a product of the community she now serves. She has been the director of Social Services for the Temple H.E.L.P. Center for over 40 years and works in administration, planning, and implementing community-based outreach services; and for the last 20 years, has also managed her own business as a distributor for Amway Products.

Judy is the only woman on the Temple City Council and the first Hispanic to be elected to the council. “We have a great council and staff, I am so proud to have the opportunity to work with them,” says Judy.

She is an active member of LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, Council 4971 of Temple, where she also is the State LULAC education chair. Through LULAC, Judy has been active in programs to help reduce the drop-out rate and to raise scholarship funds for students. “Latinos have the largest drop-out rate. Three years ago we received a $20,000 national grant ($10k for two years) sponsored by the Ford Motor Company and we have used the money to create tutoring and mentoring programs and to provide private instrument lessons for students. On Sundays, the students get together to perform Mariachi music. The goal is to keep these students engaged in school so that they will graduate. Many are going to college and we are also working to help provide scholarships for them,” says Judy.

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Brenda Coley (cont. from page 26)

leadership and work within the community, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce presented Brenda with the Roy J. Smith Award for Outstanding Community Leadership at the 79th annual membership banquet this past September (2012).

Brenda credits her husband and family as being the keys to her success. “I couldn’t have accomplished all of the things I have, without having a good support network.

My 37 year marriage is one of my greatest accomplishments. We are a great team. God was taking care of me when he gave me my husband,” says Brenda.

Working women need a strong support network, if they do not have one at home, Brenda recommends they search for a mentor.

To succeed in the workplace, Brenda says you must be committed, prepared, confident, and willing to work hard. She also believes that leaders have a responsibility to take care of people. “Leaders must set the standard.

They have a responsibility to teach others and to demonstrate and hold themselves accountable. Based on research by The Gallup Poll, we know that employees do not leave organizations, they leave leaders who are ineffective and unavailable to them, and treat them poorly.”

Brenda embodies true leadership and prides herself on having a reputation for integrity. “Success means that I have made this world just a little bit better than it was when I arrived, even if validated only after I leave this earth.”

Cynthia Hernandez

(cont. from page 27) where her father worked. “I was always hanging around there and doing things around the office and helping out,” she says.

After college, Cynthia began working for the City of Belton and worked in several positions and departments before eventually joining the BEDC. “It was a great transition for me. I enjoy building new partnerships and developing new programs and collaborations that will help Central Texas attract new businesses and opportunities.

Working together we can create an attractive package to offer potential new employers and really maximize and emphasize all of the great resources we have to offer for living and working in Bell County. It is also important for us to plan for the future and to prepare for expansions, because it is critical that we can

retain these industries in our community,” says Cynthia.

Landing large companies is always great, but the BEDC also works to assist small businesses and local entrepreneurs.

Through collaborations with The Central Texas Business Resource Center, the BEDC offers trainings, workshops, and business counseling services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a new business.

Cynthia actively participates on several boards and committees, including the Belton Chamber of Commerce, Holland’s Planning and Zoning Committee, Texas Economic Development Council, and the Development District of Central Texas.

Cynthia cites partnerships and networking as important aspects of any business.

“Staying active in your community and establishing a good support network is important for success.”

Jennifer Graham (cont. from page 28)

complete their associate’s degree and beyond.

This programs offers full tuition and book reimbursement as well as housing during the student’s studies at Temple College. Upon graduation, if the student chooses a Texas independent or public College or University, the scholarship will continue.

Another program the Foundation sponsors is The Central Texas Entrepreneur Center (CTEC), formerly the Temple Business Incubator . This non-profit community project assists new business and strives to attract new entrepreneurs to Temple. The CTEC can assist businesses by providing them with fully equipped office spaces at low cost, business counseling, and a collaborative and supportive business environment.

“Ultimately, we want to become the regional hub for entrepreneurship in Central Texas. We want to attract new entrepreneurs and help them to build their businesses and create new jobs right here in Temple ,” says Jennifer.

When it comes to business, Jennifer recognizes the trials and tribulations women face. “There are several things that are important for women—one is to have a good family support system in place at home to help maintain the balance of juggling a career, family, and home; two-- have a strong work ethic; and three, always be prepared to work harder and prove yourself,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer is very active within the Temple community and participates in several

organizations and numerous boards. Originally from California, Jennifer has lived in Temple for the last 12 years. “Although Temple is very different from Northern California, I have really enjoyed the small town lifestyle here.

Everyone in Temple is so friendly. In fact, I’ve made more friendships here…and closer friendships than anywhere I’ve ever lived.

Guess you just have to bloom where you’re planted,” Jennifer says with a big smile.

Edy Rodriques (cont. from page 29)

automobiles’ services and care is important to Edy. “We offer car care clinics to women and invite women’s groups, Girl Scouts, and teenagers just learning to drive in to learn more about their automobiles and how to take care of them. They don’t have to learn how to do the work themselves, but they should be able to know how to check their own oil and learn the very basics of routine car care, ” says Edy. With over 37 years of experience in business, Edy says it is important for women to learn to trust themselves and to follow their dreams. “There is a lot of great resource out there available to women and small business owners. If you find yourself needing help, don’t be afraid to seek help–ask for it,” she says.

Judy Morales (cont. from page 30) Other positive outreach community partnerships and programs that Judy is involved in is Embrace, a program that partners Temple College with the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for all languages, and workshops for citizenship; a revitalization project for East Temple with the Citizens for Progress, aimed to improve that area by renovating homes and assisting residents with making improvements within their neighborhoods.

“As a business leader it is important to figure out ways to maximize our resources, reduce wasteful spending and find creative ways and partnerships that will help improve our community and assist residents in need with programs that will help them to become self sufficient,” says Judy.

Judy recommends that women find a career in which they are passionate about.

“When you are passionate about your business and can provide a service or benefit that fulfills a real need and purpose, success is bound to follow, ” says Judy.

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Women Mean Business

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Leading successful lives with vigorous roles in the workforce, today’s women are powerful, motivating and inspiring. On the pages that follow, Tex Appeal is proud to introduce you to these influential ladies of Central Texas. These ladies mean business!

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Women Mean Business

Sue Lockett, Owner, Realtor; Carolyn Copeland, Realtor; Debra Minzak, Realtor; Margaret Pleasant, Realtor RE/MAX Temple-Belton 4016 S. 31st Street, Temple 254.771.3633 | templeremax.com

Five years ago, Sue and Terry Lockett bought the Temple-Belton RE/MAX office, the local real estate leader in Central Texas for the past 26 years.

“Our goal is to build lifetime customer relationships and fulfill our client’s needs,” Sue Lockett, said.

The professionals in the RE/MAX Temple-Belton office have been so successful because they are there for their clients. “We love our jobs and enjoy meeting and getting to know people, we become part of their lives and it is a blessing to share our experience with them,” said Sue. I work for you! That is Carolyn Copeland’s motto. “I work hard to provide my clients with the most positive real estate experience possible,” Carolyn says. With technology being a vital part of today’s real estate industry, Carolyn provides her clients with state-of-the art web tools and marketing which is just one of the many things that has made her one of the most respected real estate agents in the neighborhoods she works.

Whether you are buying or selling your primary residence, a second home, or relocating to a new neighborhood, Carolyn can help make your home ownership dreams come true.

Debra Minzak is a native of Texas, a graduate of New Mexico State University, a former high school English teacher, and a devoted green chile fan!

Active in real estate for almost 10 years, Debra has become a leading realtor and producer in the Central Texas area. She is a Graduate of Real Estate Institute, as well as a top performer in RE/MAX. Debra works hard to provide a high level of knowledge, experience and service to her clients and believes that real estate is a business based upon personal relationships and trust, and she works hard to maintain that level of professionalism.

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Margaret Pleasant has been in real estate for over 9 years. A member of the Temple-Belton Board of Realtors, where she has held the position of a Director, officer, served on numerous committees, and was Realtor of the year in 2005. She is also a member of the Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and Temple Chamber of Commerce.

Margaret’s goal as a Realtor is to give excellent customer service so her clients will feel confident in knowing that they are working with a pleasant, honest, professional, hardworking, enthusiastic, and well organized agent. “I thank God for my business and the friends He’s blessed me with,” said Margaret. “I love people, and if I can help someone along the way, then my living will not be in vain.”

Great things happen when driven and passionate individuals come together and share real estate as a profession. That in a nutshell is RE/MAX.

“ Customer Service — built on a foundation

of drive, experience, and education- is the cornerstone of RE/MAX success. ” – Sue Lockett, Owner RE/MAX Temple-Belton

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Sue Mayborn, President/Editor/Publisher: Temple Daily Telegram, Killeen Daily Herald,

Tex Appeal Magazine

Frank Mayborn Enterprises, Inc. 10 S. 3rd Street, Temple 254.778.4444

Good journalism, good business practices and community service are Sue Mayborn’s priorities.

Herald and the Harker Heights Herald. Both newspaper companies have commercial printing operations.

Mrs. Mayborn is the leader of Frank Mayborn Enterprises Inc. and the Editor and Publisher of the Temple Daily Telegram, the Killeen Daily Herald and Tex Appeal Magazine. The company’s operations include daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, websites, digital media services and commercial printing.

Digital media gives the company another way to deliver information to readers and audiences to advertisers. The newspaper flagship websites - KDHNews.com and TDTNews.com – are among the most visited online sites in Central Texas. BuyTexasDeals.com, CenTexWheels.com and sites dedicated to real estate extend the company’s online presence and give local businesses another way to reach potential customers. KDH Digital Services develops websites and helps local companies manage their digital marketing.

Mrs. Mayborn has made it a priority to maintain the high business and journalism standards set by her late husband, communications pioneer Frank W. Mayborn. “We strive to be fair and accurate,” she said. “Our readers expect and deserve that.”

While the Temple Daily Telegram and the Killeen Daily Herald are among the oldest businesses in Central Texas, the company continues to develop new products and services that meet the needs of readers and advertisers. Tex Appeal Magazine is one example. The monthly lifestyle magazine was launched in May 2012. It is delivered to the newspapers’ subscribers and is available at single copy locations.

“Tex Appeal has been well received by readers and advertisers across the region,” Mrs. Mayborn said. “It is a high quality publication that gives us another way to showcase the people and places that make Central Texas special.”

The Temple Daily Telegram produces the Fort Hood Sentinel, the official newspaper for Fort Hood, by arrangement with the U.S. Army. The Killeen Daily Herald publishes the Fort Hood Herald, Copperas Cove

The Telegram and the Herald are two of only five locally-owned newspapers in Texas with circulations of more than 10,000. Mrs. Mayborn – a former board member of the Texas Daily Newspaper Association and the Associated Press – is the only woman serving as publisher among the five publications.

Mrs. Mayborn is also president of the Frank W. and Sue Mayborn Foundation, which supports various programs and projects that benefit the Central Texas community. “It is important to give something back to the communities we serve,” she said.

“

We strive to be fair and accurate.

Our readers expect and deserve that. ” – Sue Mayborn, Editor/Publisher

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Women Mean Business

Amanda Reese and Jenny Reavis, Co-Owners Thumbs Up Compliance

5 Meadowbrook, Suite C, Temple 254.231.0023 | thumbsupcompliance.com At Thumbs Up Compliance you will always be welcomed with sunshine and you will know it! Co-owners Jenny Reavis and Amanda Reese, understand that every employer depends on Thumbs Up Compliance to treat their applicants with dignity and respect, regardless of the outcome.

With honesty and integrity, professionally trained staff will use advanced technologies and education to provide confidential, cost-effective, secured, high-quality physicals, as well as drug and alcohol screenings.

Thumbs Up Compliance staff members are certified by the DOT and maintain constant compliance as regulatory requirements are updated.

Amanda and Jenny have surprised a lot of employers in this community.

With a sincere desire to help businesses get what they need, the way they need it, when they need it, and with a smile, is the reputation these two have earned and will continue to maintain. Employers often say, “You knew what I needed before I did!” That kind of confidence is rare, and Thumbs Up Compliance intends to keep it that way!

The business, which opened in January, is completely electronic, from the appointment system to reports. Businesses can make appointments online, choosing available appointment times straight from their desktop. All reporting is electronic; all forms, signatures, and exam results are entered into an Ipad, processed using sophisticated drug-testing software, and results are immediately transmitted to the employer. The same electronic system is used for Department of Transportation physicals. With digital processing, the software will not allow the omission of essential data, and errors are minimized.

All of the staff members at Thumbs Up Compliance are licensed medical professionals, with a combined 65 years of experience in medical services. “We take great pride in putting everyone we meet at ease,” says Amanda. “We are skilled, accurate, ethical and professional,” adds Jenny.

Accurate and timely reporting is where the bar is set for this dynamic duo, who always strives to exceed that expectation at every opportunity. “We proactively identify customer needs, and meet those needs, frequently before we are asked to do so.” Department of Transportation standards, drug-testing guidelines and regulations change frequently.

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“

An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises. ” – Mae West

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Anna D. Rinehart, CIDESCO Diplomat, Licensed Facial Aesthetics Instructor, Texas CEU Provider

and internationally recognized Skin Care Specialist.

Anna D. Rinehart

800 W. Central Texas Expwy., Ste. 200, Harker Heights 888.769.3223 | medicalaesthetics.com Anna D. Rinehart is a contributing editor to Skin Inc., Dermascope magazine, Skin Deep professional journal, as well as Les Nouvelle Esthetique International skin magazine.

She is committed to her clients by developing a highly effective, clinically oriented skin care line, Acaraya® Clinical Skin Care. Anna D. Rinehart is a business owner, philanthropist, and community activist establishing, “Mothers Teach Your Daughters Community Program”® Building stronger women for the community tomorrow”™, a 501-C3 corporation.

Anna D. and her husband Steven E. Rinehart established an educational endowment for the single mother Job Corps graduate seeking to obtain a college education, but could not obtain those dreams without the nursing scholarships established at Austin Community College. They established an endowment at Central Texas College in Killeen for an aesthetician seeking to become a licensed vocational or registered nurse or a nurse to become an aesthetician and advance to become certified in the practice of Medical Aesthetics.

Anna D. is known for her compassionate, personalized, cost-effective skin care management procedures offered at the Medical Aesthetics FACE® program housed and parternered with Mark Lobaugh, MD, Board Certified Obstetrics and Gynecologist within the Medical Pavilion at Seton Hospital in Harker Heights.

Medical Aesthetics FACE® Clinical Skin Care provides training that leads to greater job opportunities for the nurse and aesthetician. She developed the concept and vision for the practice of medical aesthetics, described the role for the licensed cosmetologist and aesthetician, and de-

scribed the foundation of practice through the 5 pillars: beauty, health, medicine, maintenance and prevention. Anna D. Rinehart prepares the physician, nurse and aesthetician to work within a hospital environment, women’s center or medical practice.

Medical Aesthetics is a specialty that encourages the client to become educated in caring for their skin through “early prevention”, rather than spending money on pampering facials, injecting paralytic toxins and using high priced under achieving products.

Anna D. Rinehart, Director of Clinical Skin Care Services at Seton Medical Pavilion, has garnered 30 years of business experience combined with credentialed teaching and clinical skin care practice to a client base that extends from Lampasas to Temple and Austin to Dallas. She provides the most comprehensive, personalized and individualized clinical skin care treatment plans for each of her clients with prayer being a part of the program. She is an active member of the Killeen Seventh Day Adventist Church. She hopes to complete her degree in Biblical Studies receiving her Divinity degree and continuing her mission work with mothers and daughters wherever God places her.

My highest hope is that Our Sovereign Lord, Our “Almighty God will keep his right hand on each of his sons and daughters leading us to seek his face with a greater knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

”

– Anna D. Rinehart

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Women Mean Business

Melinda Bulls, Senior Marketing Director Capital Choice Financial Services 803 S 33rd Street Suite A & Ave H, Temple 254.899.9944 | mbullscapitalchoice.com

It is hard to miss all the trophies that line the walls at Melinda Bulls’ office located at 803 South 33rd in Temple. As an Investment Representative working with CapitalChoice Financial Services, Inc.and an Endorsed Local Provider for Investments with the Dave Ramsey program, she is clearly a well accomplished woman---a woman that means business.

Melinda began her investment business in 1999. Melinda’s drive has made her successful in this highly competitive field. Since 1999, she has flourished both in the Central Texas community as well as with Capital Choice Financial Services by earning the #2 Security Producer Award nationwide for 2012. She has received numerous recognitions to include: Winners Circle Member, President’s Choice awards, and Chairmen’s Council Member. She has been instrumental in conducting training seminars as well as a speaker at National and Regional meetings. Melinda was also chosen to be a keynote speaker at UMHB’s 2003 Women in Business Seminar which was a great honor. She holds Securities and Life and Health Licenses. She is a firm believer that you should never fear failure and works diligently to make her business one that thrives on values and good business principles. She is also a member of Altrusa, the Temple and Belton Chambers of Commerce, ABWA, Central Texas Photography Club as well as a choir and soccer booster club member.

Melinda was handpicked by the Dave Ramsey program to represent him as a local Investment Representative for the Central Texas area. She helps countless clients achieve financial peace. She was chosen because she has the heart of a teacher and provides top-notch customer service.

In addition to investments, she also offers wealth preservation strategies for financial and retirement planning, financial analysis, educational seminars, and educational funding. Life insurance, disability, and long 38

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term care are also services that are available. Three promises are offered when working with Melinda. She promises to help you save money, keep it simple and do what’s right for you and your family. Anyone who comes into contact with Melinda can see her passion about her career and the fact that she changes lives by helping families get their financial households in order.

Melinda has successfully built her own business and raised a family.

She quickly gives accolades to her loving and supportive family because without them, she feels that her successes would not have been accomplished. She has been married for over 28 years and has two sons. Her oldest son, Ethan deemed her “Supermom” when he was just a young boy. She was born and raised in Bell County and completed two Associate Degrees at Temple College and her Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

can have unbelievable intelligence, you can “haveYouconnections, you can have opportunities fall out of the sky. But in the end, hard work is the true, enduring characteristic of successful people.

”

– Marsha Evans

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Larrissa Cali, DMD, MSD; Julie E. Sieh, DDS West Temple Orthodontics

207 Westfield Boulevard, Temple 254.899.2500 | westtempleorthodontics.com Julie E. Sieh DDS, and Larrissa Cali DMD, MSD invite you to experience state of the art orthodontic care at their practice, West Temple Orthodontics. As their patients know, properly aligned teeth can make for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

West Temple Orthodontics offers orthodontics to children, teens, and adults. They recognize that adults and children each have different needs and require different levels of attention and care. The staff at West Temple Orthodontics loves to educate their patients and encourage their questions. Parents and caregivers are invited to accompany their children into the treatment area. They do this so that family may be more involved in the care process.

Dr. Sieh, the practice owner, has been affiliated with West Temple Orthodontics since 2003. She is a general dentist who has limited her practice to Orthodontics for the past 10 years. Early this year Dr. Sieh was joined by Dr. Larrissa Cali, an orthodontic specialist, who received her dental degree from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Cali completed her orthodontic residency at the University of St. Louis one of the largest and most comprehensive orthodontic residencies in the United States.

While in St. Louis Dr. Cali also completed a fellowship in cleft lip and palate at Cardinal Glennon Hospital. Dr. Cali practiced orthodontics in Houston, Texas, prior to her relocation to Central Texas.

Founded in 1972 as Central Texas Orthodontics, by Dr. Gerald McConnell, the practice has grown and last year relocated from the Market Place shopping center to a new location just off Highway 2305 in the Westfield development. Situated just west of the Scott and White Westfield Clinic, the new location provides individualized treatment areas in-

stead of the large communal treatment area found in many orthodontic clinics. State of the art care includes low dose digital x-ray equipment and electronic dental records.

The doctors at West Temple Orthodontics regularly work with a variety of patients and cases. These include: fixed and removable appliances, surgical cases, early treatment, extraction or non-extraction cases, cleft palate cases and other complex or comprehensive interdisciplinary cases. From simple to complex care, the staff at West Temple Orthodontics will work to bring you the change you desire.

If you would like to see what orthodontics might provide for you or one of your loved ones please make an appointment. Your first visit is free and there is no obligation. Your visit will include digital x-rays, diagnosis, and a treatment plan designed by one of our doctors. West Temple Orthodontics offer traditional metal braces, tooth colored (ceramic) braces and clear braces (Invisalign). Call today to smile more!

“ We shall never know all the good a simple smile can do. ” – Mother Teresa

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Women Mean Business

Sandra Skinner, Owner (pictured center), with her “Women Mean Business” staff Ashley Furniture

1101 South W S Young Drive, Killeen 254.634.5900 | KilleenFurniture.com You know you’re in good hands when shopping at Ashley Furniture HomeStore or Furniture Zone & Sleep Shop in Killeen. The owner, Sandra Skinner, has been in the business literally all of her life. Her parents owned a furniture store, and Sandra worked at the store every opportunity she got. The experience was invaluable, as she learned every aspect of the business.

In 1985, before Sandra was even 30, she made the biggest decision of her life- to open her own furniture store. She believed she could run a successful business of her own that would include challenges and hard work, but these were the things Sandra enjoyed the most.

Beginning with only 7 employees, Sandra’s first store opened in downtown Killeen. A few short years later, she met one of her toughest challenges when Desert Storm began, and to say the least, the economy was tough. Sandra developed creative methods such as in-house financing and advertising with the well known “Three Amigos”. She definitely used this creativity to hold on for the better times.

By 1999, Sandra’s business had outgrown its location and she was ready for a move. She opened a new store on W S Young called Furniture Zone, and received immediate success. Old customers found the new location and new customers were plentiful.

As business continually increased, she was offered a wonderful opportunity in 2006. Furniture Zone transformed into Ashley Furniture HomeStore. The name recognition alone brought more business, the growth was enormous.

With a huge heart for the military, Sandra continually donates to various programs on Fort Hood. Seeing the need for families in crisis who were without anything to eat, sleep, or relax on, she started a 501 (c) called Furniture for Families, which to this date, has donated gently used furniture to hundreds of needy recipients.

A short time later in this military community, Sandra saw the need for a separate storefront primarily just for children’s furniture and she opened Ashley Kids, the first of its kind. In 2011, Furniture Zone was brought back to life, now located at two prime locations off Highway 190, one in Killeen and one in Copperas Cove.

The most recent addition to her enterprise is a retail store located within the Clear Creek PX. Sandra has finally met the success she had worked so hard for since her life-changing decision in 1985. Sandra always gives thanks to God and to her employees (now close to 100) and always gives back to the community at large.

person is successful on their own. There will “alwaysNot beonesomeone to thank for your success. However,

within yourself, you must be brave, hard working, and determined to fight through all life’s challenges. You must choose to accept the challenge and find a way to make it work. That’s the key to success- choosing and doing.

”

– Sandra Skinner, Owner 40

MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Elaine Shepperd, Senior Vice President; Susan Wentz, Senior Loan Officer/Production Partner Cornerstone Mortgage 3820 W. Adams Avenue, Temple 254.791.3400 | elaineshepperd.com

Having been a Real Estate Broker before becoming a Mortgage Banker, Elaine Shepperd has more than four decades of experience encompassing real estate, underwriting and residential lending. She understands every facet of the home-buying process and has implemented a system of procedures to ensure quality service. Number one on Elaine’s list is “always returning my phone calls.” For her, the importance of keeping her clients informed every step of the way and making sure their questions are answered cannot be overemphasized.

Because Elaine’s approach to business has always been “customer service first,” she chose to join Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc. A wide array of investors to choose from, state-of-the-art technology and in-house underwriting are only a few of the many benefits Elaine provides for her clients. Her professionalism, coupled with the premier level of service she provides, have earned her a strong referral base among her customers.

A native Texan, Elaine lived in the Austin/Dripping Springs area for more than 35 years before returning to the Salado area to be closer to her family. Described by those who know her as “outgoing, hard-working and trustworthy,” Elaine also has a wonderful sense of humor that immediately makes her clients feel at ease. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Susan Wentz, Senior Loan Officer for Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc. has built her career based on a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. With 30 years of mortgage lending experience, she knows exactly what it takes to help her clients find the best loan program for their individual needs.

Having worked in many different areas of the industry, Susan has found her niche in mortgage banking and loves the challenge of developing financing strategies for her customers. She also uses her natural penchant for organization to make sure that every detail is covered from start to finish and that her clients are always well-informed throughout the entire process. Quite simply, they know that they can count on “extra mile” service from Susan.

She states without hesitation, “Helping families achieve their home-buying dreams is the most rewarding thing I do.” Her can-do attitude has also earned Susan a tremendous referral base within the Central Texas Real Estate industry.

Susan was born in Germany, and has lived in central Texas for 30 years. Susan loves to spend time outdoors in her garden and is dedicated to her faith and church. Her favorite pastime by far is being with her family, spending time with her miniature schnauzer, Bowzer, and grandbaby Brady.

At Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc., you will find “an atmosphere of enthusiasm, a spirit of dedication and a great desire to build quality relationships. ” – Elaine Shepperd

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Women Mean Business

Crystal Naramore, Owner Glamour Shots

2100 South W S Young Drive, Killeen 254.690.0699 | glamourshots.com Creating memories that their clients can look at years from now and get that same feeling of happiness and excitement they felt on the day of their photo session is what it is all about for Crystal Naramore, Owner of Glamour Shots in Killeen.

“We love family sessions, couples, maternity, boudoir, children, business, and pets,” said Crystal. “No matter what type of session a client has in mind, we strive to personalize it and offer them an incredible experience.”

At Glamour Shots, clients are encouraged to bring in 3-4 different wardrobe changes, to really give variety and fun to their shoot! Clients can be photographed in any attire from lingerie to business attire. Portraits can range from magazine style photography to casual/candid shots, or traditionally posed portraits. No client will ever get the same poses.

“We differ from other portrait studios mainly because of our professional makeup consultation and our airbrush foundation makeovers,” Crystal said. “We style hair and can do makeovers ranging from natural to full blown glamour.”

Being so close to Ft. Hood, Crystal, who has been a professional photographer for the past nine years, and her team have a special relationship with the military and their families. “We have grown so close to so many families over the years, through marriages, pregnancies and deployments,” said Crystal. “We have an understanding of their needs and are proud to be there to serve them and their families by helping them turn these moments into lasting memories.”

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MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

Glamour Shots has helped women in the Central Texas Community gain self esteem. Showing countless women, both young and old just how beautiful they are is a thrill for Crystal. “We had one client bring in his 13 year old daughter that was teased at school and had no idea how truly beautiful she was,” Crystal remembers. “We used her clothing, dolled her up and let her be herself in the camera room. Years later that girl came in just to tell us what an impact that photo shoot had on her.”

From beginning to end clients receive the highest customer service possible at Glamour Shots. Makeup artists will stay with their clients during their entire session, changing up hair and makeup to match each wardrobe change. They also sit down with their clients when they arrive to pick up their portraits. “We want to make sure our clients are 100% satisfied with our product,” said Crystal. “It is just as exciting for us to see the finished product as it is for the client to receive them and take them home!”

“

We bring out your best in portraits.

”

– Crystal Naramore

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Maria Soto, Cook; DeAnn Martin, Owner/VicePresident; Beulah Spragg, Owner/General Manager; Alice Sobiech, Front of House Supervisor B-Dell’s Fire & Ice

221 SWHK Dodgen Loop, Temple 254.791.3473 | BDellsFireandIceGrill.com Eight months ago Central Texas was given the good fortune to welcome the opening of B-Dell’s Fire and Ice Grill in Temple.

The “B” represents Beulah Spragg, the heart beat of the restaurant, and Dell is in honor of co-owner Kenneth Martin’s father. Kenny, an exquisite designer has always desired to open a restaurant. This dream would never have come true if Beulah had not been searching for “more than just a job” at the same time a restaurant building became available.

The “Fire” in the restaurant’s name was inspired by the mesquite grill where the cook grills mouth-watering steak or fresh seafood. Meals are always served on tables adorned with linen cloths and soft candlelight.

The “Ice” in the name describes the full bar, lined with ice designed to keep your beverage cold. A red fire hydrant tapper holds six different types of beer and the wine cellar is filled with a superb variety of reds and whites to fit all types of palates. Happy hour with complimentary appetizers and eight television screens to watch your favorite sporting events always prove to be enjoying and fun!

There is nothing Beulah cannot, or will not do at B-Dell’s Fire & Ice Grill. Her motto is to give personalized service. You will find this to be true as she answers the phone; welcomes you at the door; knowing your name (or quickly learning it); chatting with you while seating you at your special table; and she is also often spotted carrying those “to go” boxes to her guest’s automobiles for them. In the private “Star Room” which holds up to 60 people, Beulah will customize menus to fit any particular needs or budget.

Beulah, who still finds work to be a vacation, describes her team as “like no other”. It is members like Alice and Marie, as well as the rest of her staff that give the restaurant a reputation of excellence. DeAnn Martin, is known for encouraging the staff through her words and actions, often leaving notes and “gifts” around the restaurant!

You are always welcome at B-Dell’s Fire & Ice where the tantalizing aromas will engage your senses from the minute you walk through the door.

And you will never leave hungry or a stranger! Beulah and her team are waiting to make your dining experience a memorable one!

“ It is not what you gather but

what you scatter that will tell what kind of life you have lived. ” – Author Unknown

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Women Mean Business

Meredith Viguers, Owner

Kerry King, President

Let Us Do The Cooking

YOUphoria Day Spa LLC

203 West Jasper Dr., Killeen 254.554.COOK (2665) | letusdothecooking.com In the summer of 2006, Meredith Viguers began her journey to make family life a little easier in Central Texas when she opened Let Us Do The Cooking.

The company started as a home based business designed to give busy families a home cooked meal that they could order in the morning and pick up for dinner. With no previous background in the restaurant or catering industry, Meredith converted her garage into a commercial kitchen and opened her doors to the public. As word got out about the quality of food, the catering business took off, and Let Us Do The Cooking was finding a new direction as the area’s premier caterer.

In the spring of 2009, a unique opportunity presented itself. While going to purchase a refrigerator from another company who was going out of business, the suggestion was made that the location would be the perfect spot for a small restaurant. Three days later the lease was signed and Let Us Do The Cooking Cafe was born. This gave the opportunity for clients to get their favorite “catered” meals every day, and prepared meals for dinner.

With both the Cafe and Catering sides of the business growing at such a fast pace, more room became a necessity. In the summer of 2012 Let Us Do The Cooking moved to its new location at 203 W Jasper Dr in Killeen, and with more space, onsite meeting rooms and a larger client base, Meredith accepted the challenge again in March of 2013 by expanding the restaurant hours to include weekend and dinner services.

2150 N. Main Street, Belton 254.939.7722 | youphoriadayspa.com

YOUphoria is the only full service spa and salon in Belton and Salado.

“Two locations allow us to provide a choice of atmosphere to our clients,” said YOUphoria’s President, Kerry King. The Belton location provides a relaxing spa and salon feel, with three massage rooms, an esthetics room, private manicure & pedicure area and a six station salon. The Salado location offers an escape close to home with themed treatment rooms, manicure & pedicure area overlooking Salado creek, and a separate three chair salon. You will also enjoy a multi-level deck that provides a space for solitary relaxation or more social events such as baby showers, birthdays, and bridal showers.

“Our clients enjoy many aspects of our business such as our variety of scheduling options, and our wide array of services,” Kerry said. “Clients are able to schedule appointments with our spa coordinators in both locations, in person, or by phone.” YOUphoria offers online booking options through their website and Facebook page.

“The success of our business is due largely to our exceptional staff and their genuine care for our clients,” Kerry said. “All of our technicians are encouraged to be individuals and bring their own touch to every service that is a key part of YOUphoria’s success because every client is unique, too.” More than eighty percent of the talented and dedicated staff has been a part of the YOUphoria family for a year or more and participate in volunteer and contribution opportunities in their community.

Salado Location: 556 Pace Park Road, 254-947-3772

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MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Amy Thomas, Owner

Katie Staton-Willcox, Manager; Rhea Brown, Artist; Kirstin Gervia, Artist; Karin Wilson, Owner; April White, Artist; Jane Connor, Artist

Zooty’s

Painting with a Twist

1407 S 31st St, Temple 254.770.0904 | zootystemple.com

716 Indian Trail, Suite 220, Harker Heights 254.393.0182 | Paintingwithatwist.com

Being born and raised in Temple is something that Amy Thomas has always been proud of. “I absolutely love Temple and there is no place I would rather be!”

A little bit of paint, a little bit of wine, and a whole lot of fun!

That is exactly what owner Karin Wilson was able to bring to Central Texas, opening Painting with a Twist in Harker Heights in the spring of 2012.

Amy was born at the old Scott and White Hospital on West Avenue G and graduated from Temple High School and Baylor University.

After experiencing Painting with a Twist in Austin, Karin decided to bring it closer to home. “People are attracted to the relaxed atmosphere and ability to socialize with their friends and be creative without being subject to the typical environment of a bar or restaurant,” says Karin! Karin is excited to bring such a unique and exciting new activity that mixes fun, creativity and relaxation all in one place to the area!

Working at her parent’s real estate office, as soon as she was old enough to write down phone numbers, Amy learned to always go the extra mile for their customers.

Amy feels blessed that she and her sister were raised by such wonderful parents who instilled a vision in them of what they could do to make their community the best place it can be.

Carrying that vision, Amy opened Zooty’s nearly four years ago. Zooty’s offers custom monogramming and embroidery, as well as special gifts for all ages. “Our goal is for our community to shop locally and for travelers to shop in Temple,” Amy said. The Chamber of Commerce had a campaign years ago, Shop Temple, You will be glad you did!”

Amy and her husband Lloyd have been married for 37 years. They have two daughters, Lauren and Meg; and two grandsons, Aaron and John. She is a seventh generation Texan.

Amy is past president of the Junior League of Temple, (now Junior League of Bell County), Central Texas Orchestral Society, Cultural Activities Center, Wildflower Guild (for two terms), Temple High School PTO, and is on the Bell County Museum Board. She is a lifetime member of First Baptist Church of Temple.

Painting with a Twist provides classes for couples, family, friends, and strangers who become friends! Two or three hour sessions and private parties are available. Being a unique experience in Central Texas, Painting with a Twist has been extremely successful. “We provide a relaxing environment for customers, plus, it is much cheaper than therapy”, Karin jokes.

Paintings are chosen from a gallery ranging from famous paintings to paintings that attract the local market. The PWAT staff of instructors are all local, professional artists. Each brings a different style to every painting they teach.

So if you are ready for a new experience, then let your inner artist loose, bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage and come have a great time! It may not be fine art, but it sure is FUN ART!!

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Jessica Gonzalez, President/Co-Founder

Nancy Romfh, Vice President

Democrats of Copperas Cove

First State Bank

P. O. Box 1107, Copperas Cove 254.245.0101 | DemocratsOfCopperasCove.org

For more than 80 years, the Democratic Party has led the fight for civil rights, health care, Social Security, workers’ rights, and women’s rights.

For the past 10 years, Jessica Gonzalez has been making sure that she is an active and productive part of the movement!

From early in America’s history, to the present, people have turned to Democrats to meet our country’s most pressing challenges. They are the party of Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the countless everyday Americans who work hard to build a more perfect union.

Democrats of Copperas Cove are greater together than they are on their own. This country succeeds when everyone has a fair shot, when everyone does their fair share, and most importantly when everyone plays by the same rules.

“I am here to help MOVE TEXAS FORWARD and raise awareness about unintentional Servitude- Slavery/Bondage to an ineffective governmental process. The political system has become so convoluted that most people do not understand how it operates, or who has the power and responsibility to handle certain elements,” Jessica says. “Most importantly I do not think the majority of the people even know what RIGHTS they have or understand that they have the REAL power to invoke or demand (ACTUAL) changes to be made”, Jessica adds.

“Knowledge is not power, applied knowledge is power. Please trust that I do not underestimate our society. My desire is to cultivate a spirit of enlightenment, and involvement, followed by action”.

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Women Mean Business

MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

of Mortgage Lending

661 W Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights 254.953.3800 | nancyromfh.com Born in Taylor, Nancy Romfh is a native to the Central Texas Region and was raised with her younger sister, Kendra, in the small farm and ranch community of Cameron. Nancy’s parents, T. J. and Sharon Mikulec, have maintained their living in the same line of work for 20+ years. Nancy concedes, “I watched my parents work hard and earn an honest living. They took pride in their work and were loyal. I try to employ these principles in my professional life daily. I am thankful for the example they set for my sister and I.” Nancy began her mortgage lending career in November, 2005 with First State Home Loan in Harker Heights. Nancy admits, “My experience was limited and the decision to jump out there was a bit risky, but I knew in my heart I could do the job and do it well.” Diane McLeod, retired mortgage professional and mentor, expresses that “Nancy has a unique passion for helping people. I knew whatever obstacles Nancy would face early on, that any lack of experience would not prevail over her genuine passion to help people achieve the dream of home ownership.”

And so is the case - almost 8 years later, Nancy is Vice President of Mortgage Lending with First State Bank Central Texas. She services all 31 branches within this Billion Dollar organization along with the entire Greater Central Texas Region. According to Nancy, “I had good role models in my parents and great mentors starting out. Each day that I show up to work is a blessing, and I am thankful.”

Above: Nancy visits candidly with Dr. Roy Smythe, Sr. VP, Institute Development & Medical Director, Innovation for S&W Healthcare

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Claire Hartman, President (Right)

Robin Wheeler, Franchise Owner

First Community Title

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Central Texas

4613 S. 31st Street, Temple 254-773-7750 | fcttx.com

(bottom right)

1027 W. US Highway 190, Belton 254.541.3343 | centraltexas.sitmeanssit.com

Claire Hartman, President of First Community Title simply puts it, “real people, real service”. “We are real people who care about others and those things that matter to them. We want their experience to be a positive one.”

“Just about anyone can claim to be a dog trainer, but at Sit Means Sit, we show our training in action at a free initial visit,” said Robin Wheeler, Franchise Owner. “We can train any dog, any age, breed, and temperament.”

Providing reliable and accurate title services to individuals, businesses, and government entities is important to Claire. “Title insurance protects the owner’s investment from events that have happened to the property prior to their purchase such as someone claiming ownership, improperly recorded documents, fraud, forgery, and unpaid debts and liens,” Claire said. Some transactions are complex and stressful but they don’t back away from a difficult transaction. “Our escrow team is knowledgeable, and responsive, keeping all parties of the transaction informed throughout the process,” Claire said. “We work hard to find a way to close every transaction, using all the tools at hand to make it happen.”

Joining the Sit Means Sit community it is like joining a family. They want everyone to understand what it is like to have a well rounded dog. At Sit Means Sit their goal is to not only have your dog listen and behave better, but actually be a complete joy to spend time with and actually want to take them places with the family. Their commitment is to their customers and their dogs.

At First Community Title, where the offices are comfortable and inviting, clients are put at ease. Buyers and sellers often come to closings with their vehicles packed with their personal treasures. A pet friendly business, furry family members are always welcome in their doors. Don’t be surprised if you meet, Gabriel, the company’s Great Dane gentle giant mascot.

While the Temple location serves as the company’s home office, First Community Title has locations across Central Texas including Salado, Harker Heights and Gatesville. Embedded in each community, officers and staff are active in a number of service organizations related to children, families, and pets.

Sit Means Sit is revolutionizing the world of dog training through technology. There are many proven methods of dog training that exist and are highly effective, however, Sit Means Sit has a unique method of combining many of these methods to fit and work for your dog’s personality.

“We are unique in the fact that we have a proven system that works, not just locally, but internationally,” Robin said. “If you move to an area where there is another Sit Means Sit, you can be confident in participating with another group of like minded and like trained individuals focused on results and time enjoyed with our dogs.”

It is the mission of Sit Means Sit to provide training programs that result in a happy, confident, and obedient dog, as well as happy, confident and satisfied owners.

Also pictured: Top left, Grace Jackson, Dog Trainer; top right, Karen Thorn, Dog Trainer; bottom left, Candice Waugh, Office Manager.

Also pictured above are: Brigitte Allen, Vice President (Left) and Krissy Whittington, Vice President of Business Development (center).

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Melanie McCarthy, CPA Partner; Debra Hicks, CPA Manager; Connie Matthews, CPA

Amy Jeffreys, Photographer

Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LLP

The Master’s Image Photography Studio

2209 Birdcreek Terrace, Temple 254.791.3460 | pbhcpa.com

2013 marks the 90th Anniversary for Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. Established in 1923, the firm continues to be one of the oldest and most respected accounting firms in the Southwest. With over 120 professionals and offices located in Temple, Waco, Hillsboro, Brownsville, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico, the staff takes pride in building client partnerships to establish goals and dreams. The experienced staff will put their expertise to work in providing a clear, comprehensive plan toward one’s financial success.

The Temple office opened in 2000 and is staffed by CPA’s: Melanie McCarthy, CPA, Partner, Debra Hicks, CPA, Manager, and Connie Matthews, CPA. This trio brings 73 years of accounting experience to their clients in Temple, Belton, Harker Heights and Salado areas. The staff’s expertise with tax preparation and certification as QuickBooks® Pro Advisors, along with community leadership roles, offers clients the added touch to meet all of their Accounting and Business Consulting needs.

PB&H, a full service firm, offers EXTRAORDINARY SOLUTIONS for EXTRAORDINARY CLIENTS. The unyielding commitment to client service has resulted in the diversification and growth of their client base, positioning them between the very large national accounting firms and the smaller local firms. This growth has allowed the firm to develop resources and personnel to be in a position to resolve even the most complex issues, without compromising the commitment to give each client the personalized service they deserve. The firm recently received the Wacoan “Best Accounting Firm in Waco” vote, for the 6th straight year.

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Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Women Mean Business

MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

815 Main Street, Belton 254.933.0033 | themastersimage.com Along with her partner, Lanell Thompson, Amy Jeffreys has brought a new level of custom portraiture to Belton, TX. In a world that seems full of photographers, here’s why The Master’s Image Photography Studio continues to stand out as an industry leader.

TRULY CUSTOMIZED CLIENT EXPERIENCE. Before the first click of the shutter, Amy and Lanell have gotten to know each client, from their tastes and style to the décor in their home. Long after their clients have left the studio, they are still planning, scouting locations, making arrangements, and building custom sets to ensure that each session is a one-of-a-kind experience. They continually work with professional photographic labs to create new and unique products previously unavailable in the market.

HEIRLOOM PRODUCTS. Only the best will do for The Master’s Image Photography’s cherished clients. Amy meticulously pores over each image before it is sent to professional photographic laboratory artisans to be created. From mounted wall portraits to albums hand-made in Italy, every piece of art is archivally treated to ensure its protection for generations as an heirloom.

QUALITY. This third generation professional photographer has been well trained in classic photographic techniques, and uses this strong foundation mixed with a fresh perspective to create art that is both creative and timeless. As a member of Professional Photographers of America, Amy makes ongoing education a priority, and is currently working towards her Master’s Degree. Her work is currently hanging in the gallery of one the most prestigious professional labs in the country.

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Misty Dollar, Owner

Marvina Drozd, Owner

Lyndi Sanders, Loan Officer

Callie’s Boutique

Marvina’s Optical Boutique

Texas Land Bank

1401 S. 31st Street, Ste I, Temple 254.770.0511 | Calliesboutiquetemple.com You don’t need to leave Central Texas to find a variety of unique gifts for women; or clothing and accessories for babies and children, Misty Dollar, owner of Callie’s Boutique has brought them to you!

Callie’s is a true small town specialty boutique with small town hospitality that offers specialty items you don’t find everywhere else. “Our atmosphere is personal and relaxed and we treat everyone like family,” says Misty. “Our goal is to adapt to the needs of our customers and still do things with a personal touch, like placing special orders and providing free gift wrap!”

Misty and her husband Brad have lived in the area with their three girls for the past 10 years and enjoy being involved in the community both professionally and personally.

Misty is also grateful for her staff. “I could not have this business without the wonderful employees (all ladies) that keep things running smoothly.”

1408 S. 31st Street, Ste. B, Temple 254.771.2522 | Marvinasoptical.com Marvina Drozd has her hands and her eyes on every aspect of everything that comes out of her store.

After serving the Central Texas area for over 15 years with Family Vision, Marvina opened her own practice in late 2010 offering great service and very competitive prices. “Marvina’s gives people a choice to walk away from the chain stores where they are treated like a number and come into a store where we’re not on commission….we just want to make you a great pair of glasses!”

2552 Blue Meadow Drive, Temple 254.778.8111 | texaslandbank.com As a customer owned cooperative, Texas Land Bank provides financing to rural landowners, country homeowners, agricultural operators and agribusiness firms throughout Central Texas. As part of the Farm Credit system of lenders, Texas Land Bank takes a community centered approach to lending.

Loan officer Lyndi Sanders strives to form strong ties with her borrowers that last long beyond the closing table.

Marvina’s offers a wide range of styles to fit any lifestyle. From high end fashion to work oriented safety glasses, Marvina’s can accommodate any particular need. They carry an extensive collection of most major brands.

“If we don’t have what you’re looking for we can get it!”

A native of Central Texas, Lyndi’s background in agriculture includes growing up on a stocker calf ranch, a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University and years of working in the agricultural industry in the fields of sales, marketing and finance. “Agriculture is my passion. I love that I get to help people get the financing they need to buy, operate and enjoy their own piece of rural America.”

Marvina prides herself on personalized service and dedication. “I really enjoy and love my job, and I think it shows through my work.”

For more information, contact Lyndi Sanders and let Texas Land Bank help find your place in the country.

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Phyllis Ball, Owner

Barbara A. Weaver

Debra Kirwan, Owner

Invisions Day Spa

Weaver & Williamson Law Office

Lone Star Window Cleaning

There is a tall sign on the Highway 190 access road in Killeen that identifies the Weaver and Williamson Law Offices. A sign like this was a preposterous dream for Barbara Weaver, who at 18 years of age married a Texas Aggie 2LT. She then had three kids, traveled the world, and took college courses wherever she could, earning degrees from Central Texas College and University of Central Texas.

Lonestar Window Cleaning specializes in residential and commercial window cleaning and has been servicing Central Texas for 32 years. Owner Debra Kirwan is an Army Veteran who began cleaning windows while attending college. Her part time job evolved into a full-time business that is family owned and operated from Belton, Texas.

3411 Market Loop, Temple 254.290.7010 | Visionsdayspa.com With a goal in life to do what she can to make this world a better place, Phyllis Ball purchased Invisions Day Spa two years ago. “I feel like my business is a gift that gives me the opportunity to add a little bit of happiness to my clients lives.”

At Invisions Day Spa, every client is treated as if they were family, providing “a little piece of Heaven” to their clients, right here in Temple, TX. Their services not only provide an oasis of pure bliss and relaxation, but also improve overall health and well being!

With exceptional knowledge and attention to detail, Phyllis and her staff at Invisions Day Spa are known for their outstanding customer service. The special care and concern they take with each individual client, is unrivaled.

Invisions Day Spa was voted the best day spa in Central Texas by the Temple Daily Telegram’s Reader’s Choice.

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Women Mean Business

MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

Attorney/Certified Mediator 202 W. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen 254.634.4455 | bweaverlaw.com

Before retiring, Barbara’s husband took an adventurous assignment to Beirut – which spurred her to run away from home at 47 and enroll in Texas Tech Law School. After 3 years in law school, she decided to come back home to Central Texas.

Barbara practices family law, but doesn’t advocate divorce. She selects her clients and passionately fights for a fair and equitable decision regarding their property and what is in the best interest of any children involved.

Barbara could retire, but she greatly enjoys the hugs that come from clients at the end of a bitter court battle.

7009 Palisades Point, Belton 254.760.0204 | lonestarwindowcleaning.com

Lonestar Window Cleaning has hundreds of repeat customers and provides free estimates to new clientele. They carry a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and strive to restore windows to pristine condition. They use a biodegradable cleaning solution that deflects dust and provides a long lasting shine. They specialize in cleaning windows of all types and are local BBB members.

In addition to military and senior discounts, Lonestar Window Cleaning is offering a “Spring Cleaning” special. Gift certificates are also available. Call 254-760-0204 or go to LonestarWindowCleaning.com to brighten your home or business today!

Cindy Southerland, Branch Manager; Courtney Hunt, Assistant Network Funding, LP

Diana Brown,

Bringing customers quality service through the home loan purchase and refinance process is the goal of Cindy Southerland, Branch Manager of Network Funding, LP. “Making the home loan process as smooth as possible with each and every customer is always my personal mission,” says Cindy.

Women have been a driving force at Monteith Abstract & Title Company for decades.

9700 Richmond Avenue, #320, Houston 254.629.7078 | NMLS#286251

Great team work, attention to detail and amazing care for her clients is what makes Cindy successful in getting her clients from prequalification to closing in a swift, stressfree environment. “I understand what the borrower is going through in all aspects of the transaction, from getting paperwork to us, to setting up moving help and turning on the utilities,” Cindy said.

Cindy prides herself on making people feel comfortable during the loan process. She treats them with respect and patience, and stands by them to the end…attending all closings with her customers.

Network Funding, LP NMLS#2297 Equal housing lender.

Branch Manager, CESA

Monteith Abstract & Title Company

PO Box 178, Belton 254.939.5791 | monteithtitle.com

Killeen Branch Manager, Diana Brown, has been one of the women that have helped lead the company. Diana moved to the Killeen area in 1978 and began working at Monteith in 1987 all the while running her roots deep into West Bell County. An employee of Monteith for over 26 years, Diana’s professional work ethic and desire to provide quality service has led her to become the face of Monteith in the Killeen/ Harker Heights market.

Monteith issues title insurance and handles all types of real estate transactions. Like Diana, all four branch managers at Monteith are women with a combined 71 years of service to the company. With this amount of experience and the flexibility to issue on multiple underwriters, they are able to handle the most complex transactions both residential and commercial. Monteith’s customers can take comfort in knowing that their piece of the American Dream is protected because at Monteith they never sacrifice integrity to grow their business.

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Jo Weaver, Owner/Broker Marnelle Ruby, REALTOR® Sunburst Realty

101 S. 25th Street, Temple 254.791.5555 | sunburstrealtors.com The real estate industry is ever-changing and ever-evolving. The basic traits of connecting and maintaining stellar communication and building relationships with clients are a must. That fits Sunburst Realty to a tee!

Jo Weaver, GRI, Broker-Owner of Sunburst Realty has been in Real Estate for 26 + yrs.

Texas Real Estate Commission Certified Instructor, Professional Standards Committee at State Level for the Texas Assoc. of REALTORS and she is also a Director on the Temple-Belton Board of REALTORS®.

Marnelle Ruby has been in marketing, banking, and international sales for over three decades, with almost 20 years in Real Estate.

It is Marnelle’s undeniable diligence and professionalism to handle complexities in an ever changing market that keeps her on top.

Besides Real Estate, Marnelle’s other passion is growing fresh herbs and vegetables which she satisfies by being co-owner of Fairy Farms.

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Brooke Elmore, DDS,

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

FAGD, General Dentist

Sonja Peterson & Jennifer Anderson,

Lisa Jay, REALTOR®

Richard F. Fossum, DDS

The Salons at Tuscan Square

Vista Real Estate

Fossum Dental Group exists to significantly improve the dental health in the communities they serve, which include Temple, Harker Heights and Copperas Cove.

“Healing from the inside out” is the mission of Sonja Peterson and Jennifer Anderson.

Both licensed massage therapists, Jen and Son know that body maintenance is the secret to overall well being – physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Lisa Jay is a Texas REALTOR® working in the real estate world for over 12 years, starting from the bottom up, learning from the best in the business.

2534 Blue Meadow Drive, Temple 254.778.3900 | richardfossumdds.com

Brooke Elmore, General Dentist is part of that team. “We deliver the highest quality dental care experience with the use of state of the art equipment that helps provide quick turnaround for patients,” says Brooke.

A well planned business model and staying ahead of the game with their marketing strategies has made Fossum Dental Group successful. “We are able to offer IV sedation dentistry for the most comfortable patient experience,” Brooke said. “We also treat implant patients from start to finish by placing and restoring old implants here in the office.”

Fossum Dental Group serves their communities by participating in local events like, Food for Families, Toys for Tots and the MDA Lock-Up. Most recently hosting the first Community Dental Day and giving free oral cancer screenings.

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Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Women Mean Business

MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

Licensed Massage Therapists 5293 S. 31st Street, Ste 117-C, Temple 254.624.6455 | 254.319.7164

Providing massage for clients interested in understanding why they are in pain and ways they can prevent injuries, Jen and Son both use a variety of tools, stretching techniques, hydrotherapy and stone therapy.

Focusing on the needs of each client makes every massage different. Sometimes focusing on the muscles that really need to be worked on to help alleviate any pinched nerves or pain the client is experiencing at the time, or a less intrusive Swedish massage.

Customer service has been the key to the success for both Jen and Son. The privacy and personal touch you will receive before, during, and after your massage will make you feel better and well enough to continue your daily routines of (Life) living.

7348 W Adams, #700, Temple 254.493.2101 | JayRealtors.com

“When Results Matter!” Lisa strives to give each of her clients the individualized service that they deserve. Watching out for their best interests, she will do everything in her power as a Texas REALTOR® to make their home sale or purchase go as smoothly as possible.

She believes in moving and changing with the market, thinking outside the box, and aggressive marketing that is sure to get one’s home noticed! Also, as a military wife, she understands the needs and challenges of the military family. She is here for you!

Lisa Jay is a proud member of the Ft Hood, Temple/Belton and the Austin Board of Realtors, e-PRO, RCC, Certified New Home Specialist and Accredited Luxury Home Specialist.

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Influential Ladies of Central Texas

Fran Mitchell,

Cyd West,

Dr. Tracy Teaff,

Victory Homes

First Community Mortgage

Texas A&M University Central Texas

Builder/Owner

P. O. Box 690085, Killeen 254.721.7831 | victoryhomesbuilder.com Your home is a major investment, and it should be built with quality. At Victory Homes, Fran Mitchell makes it her mission to provide a house that is constructed soundly and one that you are proud to call your home.

Fran is a second generation builder. “Over 20 years ago, my father-in-law started the company and is my mentor,” Fran says. “I joined Victory Homes in 2004 and one thing you can count on is seeing me on the job site daily. I offer different types, styles and sizes of homes. From first time home owners, to custom homes, even downsizing for retirement. No home is too large or too small,” she adds.

A lot of Fran’s customers comment on their home having a woman’s touch and take comfort in knowing that Fran was involved in all aspects of the construction process and also in the decorating and finishing of the home. “I will let you decide if that’s a woman’s touch!”

Senior Vice President 100 W. Central Texas Expressway, Ste 300, Harker Heights 254.690.3765 | 1stnb.com Cyd West gets things done. She’s the top originator at First Community Mortgage and she’s active in many community organizations and her church. Cyd loves Central Texas and believes it’s a privilege to live and work in her hometown. She strives to make newcomers feel welcome and to make the Fort Hood area a better place for everyone.

When Cyd went to work for a local bank over 30 years ago she never dreamed it would be her life long career or how much she’d love it. Her knowledge and experience in the mortgage industry combined with her commitment to provide excellent customer service to every client have made her an industry leader. Cyd believes that when you give others what they want success will follow. In today’s highly regulated mortgage environment that often means doing the leg work and going the extra mile to make each transaction seamless and hassle free.

Chief Liason Officer

1001 Leadership Place, Killeen 254.519.5400 | ct.tamus.edu

As Chief Liaison Officer at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Dr. Tracy Teaff is responsible for legislative affairs, community engagement, accreditation, and A&M System relations.

Before joining the Warrior family at A&MCentral Texas, Dr. Teaff spent seven years at the University of North Texas-Dallas in the capacities of Interim Deputy Vice Provost, Assistant Professor, and adjunct instructor. Her career has spanned 31 years serving in Texas public schools as a teacher, counselor, coordinator, and consultant within special education.

Dr. Teaff holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Baylor University, a master’s degree in counseling and special education from Texas A&M Commerce, formerly East Texas State University, and a Ph.D. through the Leadership Program in behavioral disorders from UNT. Dr. Teaff’s passionate commitment to lifelong learning is evident through her professional involvement with the CentroPlex P-20 Council; Avid; Military Child Education Coalition Public Engagement Project; A&M System Task Force on Learning Outcomes; and as member of the Executive Committee for the Texas Council for Exceptional Children.

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Loan Proc o

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union

Jazzercise Killeen Fitness Center

Like so many other women in banking, Chintel Waller and Lisa Powell began working as entry level tellers at GCTFCU. Wanting to help make a difference in the lives of the credit union’s members resulted in their lending careers as well as identifying areas of personal growth and opportunity in their community.

I struggled with weight all of life,” says Jazzercise Killeen Fitness Center Owner, Michelle Fry. She took her first Jazzercise class and was hooked. Losing 30 pounds in the first year, she was encouraged to become a certified Jazzercise instructor and purchased the Killeen location in May, 2000. In that time, her business has grown from two instructors teaching six classes in the community center to the current studio, where thirteen instructors teach 32 classes weekly.

3305 E Elms Road, Killeen 254.690.2274 | gctfcu.net

Not only do Chintel and Lisa want to assist members with quality service, they also enjoy being a part of the credit union’s increasing growth; a growth in large part due to the Killeen/Fort Hood area’s growing economy, one of the fastest growing economies in Texas.

The lending department at GCTFCU is already very busy assisting members with consumer loans; but, with the help and support of new President/CEO, Bobby Whitson, the loan department is stepping into the commercial real estate lending arena.

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Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Women Mean Business

1900 Elms Road, Suite 200-B, Killeen 254.526.5598 | jazzercise.com

Michelle believes the customers make Jazzercise so successful. “Most of our customers and instructors are affiliated with the military, myself included,” says Michelle. “Jazzercise has been a healthy outlet to stay fit, form friendships and relieve the strain related to deployments, jobs and day-to-day stressors.”

Jazzercise recently honored Michelle and her team with the prestigious President’s Club Platinum Award. At Platinum status, Killeen is one of the top money earners in the franchise operation, ranking in the top three percent of all Jazzercise franchisees during the past year.

The Blind & Shutter Gallery 2314 W. Adams, Temple 254.773.9890 | tbsgallery.com

Brenda Esparza has owned and operated The Blind & Shutter Gallery with her husband Jesse since 1998. Together they’ve established a strong presence in the local window treatment business by developing relationships with home owners, area businesses and builders alike. Brenda’s professionalism and organization has contributed substantially to the success of the company.

Hunter Douglas certified, Brenda has extensive product knowledge in the latest innovative designs. With her eye for style and design, she can help you choose products that will revitalize your décor and give your home a fresh new look! Her friendly personality and attention to detail from presenting products to assisting with color and style choices, gives our customers confidence in knowing they’re getting quality products that will meet their needs while adding beauty to their home.

Visit our showroom today to let Brenda help you with all of your window covering and interior decorating needs!

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Rich’s Antiques

Sweet Eats Bakery

When she opened Rich’s Antiques in 2009, owner Janet Maywood knew she wanted it to be unique. She has been able make her vision of a “homemakers” shop in Cove into a reality. “Response from customers has been great and the relationships we have built with patrons goes far beyond just shopping,” Janet says.

Most people think of baking as the “Sweet Science,” but Tamara Freeman knows otherwise. As the owner of Sweet Eats Bakery in Killeen, Tamara uses her scientific background and baking experience to create cakes, cookies and pastries that truly stand out from the crowd.

306 N. 1st Street, Copperas Cove 254.547.7424

Antiques and vintage pieces only begin to tell the story. Janet’s husband, Richard, makes custom specialty furniture from antique woods. Other local artisans are on display as well – including handmade items, paintings, metals art, and woodcarvings. “I wanted Rich’s to be the first little shop to come to mind for that unique gift idea, as well as decorating your home.”

Janet’s goal is to inspire, excite, and ignite your creativity. Rich’s Antique’s variety is amazing – lamps; solar lighting; Tyler Candle melts and warmers; unique seasonal table linens; Tumbleweed Pottery kitchenware; and food products from places like Wind & Willow, Plentiful Pantry and Fredericksburg Farms.

1010 W. Jasper Drive, Suite #12, Killeen 254.628-0497 | Sweateatstexas.com

After getting a degree in biology from Southern Illinois University, Tamara became a certified pastry chef through Houston Community College. She opened Sweet Eats in 2005.

“I just wanted to bake and it took off,” Freeman said. Her goal is to build Sweet Eats into a full-service walk-in bakery. She currently does most of her business on the commercial side. “I will continue to work hard to keep my commercial clients satisfied, and I am always working to add more clients on that side,” she said. “But I intend to have a retail establishment where people can come in and purchase a variety of pastries.”

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LOVE BEADS Beaded work that comes from the heart, customize mom something that she will cherish forever at D&G Designs Store.

Peach Satin handS® PamPering Set This peach formula cleanses, exfoliates and provides up to 24-hour moisturization. $34 (plus tax)

She’S Got It Why fit in when you’re made to stand out? Mom will make a statement wherever she goes.

Stunning Bridal made to fit Amazing carved pearls and turquoise jewelry.

Floating dancing diamond earrings and pendants.

Sparkle her “Brighton” Mother’s Day at the best consignment boutique in Temple. Name-brand jewerly, clothing, shoes and accessories.

Skin Deeper Red and tan purse with tan shoulder strap and matching wallet. Black and gray purse with silver studded front, shoulder strap and matching wallet. $50 set

LOVE IS AN HEIRLOOM This is its symbol. Personalized Family Jewelry from “Celebrations of Life.”

Styling ServiceS Let her natural beauty come out at Stella’s Styling Salon. Gift certificates available.

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D&G Designs Store 501 W. Elm Road Ste. 12, Killeen 254.200.9449 | dgdesignstore.com

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Mary Kay Shermain Y. Simpson, Killeen 254.338.2598 | marykay.com/ssimpson254

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Salado Vintage Cakery 102 North Main Street, Salado 254.247.9358 | saladovintagecakery.com

4 Twinkle Toes Swarovski Bling Toe Converse, BareFoot Sandal.

GEMS Make Mothers Day unforgettable, treat her to delicious colored gemstones set in genuine sterling silver.

Priced from $99.95

Kiki’s Creations 106 North Main Street, Salado 254.855.5538

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Park Lane Jewelry Theresa Reese, Belton 254.718.2870 | myparklane.com/treese

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Bill French Jewelers 2126 E Hwy 190 Suite B, Copperas Cove 254.547.3828 | bfjewelers.com

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Rags to Riches Consignment Boutique 2002 C South 57th Street, Temple 254.771.2401

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Killeen Sew & Quilt 2201 South W.S.Young Dr., Killeen 254.616.2200 | killeen@sewandquiltstore.com

Ellisimo Gold EmbroidEry sEwinG machinE Smart, user-friendly, and more IQ powered technology than any other Baby Lock embroidery machine.

9 ROCK GODDESS 20” coral and turquoise natural stone necklace with matching earrings and bracelet (sold separately). $39

My Giving Tree 121 N. East Street, Belton 254.939.8733 | mygivingtree.net

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Chisholm Trail 202 E. 1st Ave, Belton 254.933.2252 | chisholmtrailaccents.com

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Pagel & Sons Jewelers 2102 South W.S. Young Dr., Killeen 254.699.4653

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Stella’s Styling Salon 1017 S. 31st Street, Temple 254.773.3799 | stellasstylingsalon.com

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Miche Bags Theresa Reese, Belton 254.718.2870 | theresareese.miche.com

14 MICHE BAGS No more emptying your purse. Just change the outside shell.

Miche Bags, a purse for every occasion and every outfit.

Dream a little Dream Fall in love on Mothers Day with Night Magic Evening Musk. Be her favorite by becoming a consultant for Avon.

Avon Paula Daughtry, Killeen 254.526.6006 | youravon.com/pdaughtry

Photos by: The Master’s Image Photography

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Driving style

SUCCESS

Photos by The Master’s Image Photography TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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FIRST PAGE Jennifer Richardson of Belton drives success in rusched black leggings paired with a black, jade, and lime v-neck blouse and side rusched by Joseph Ribkoff. Jewelry by local Waco designer, Marla Kutzer.

Available at Collage Boutique in Waco ABOVE: A Gianni Bini white pant suit with a bright Karen Kane tank. BCBG white parade shoes step up the suit and bold jewerly accents the cool, crisp white.

Available at Dillard’s in Temple and Killeen RIGHT: Antonio Melani Tolly Dress with BCBG Lin Shoe in nude blush and black and bold jewerly accessories. Available at Dillard’s in Temple and Killeen Shot on location at Mercedes of Waco. Photos by The Master’s Image Photography 60

MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

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home

Creative Closet

SOLUTIONS

By Teresa K. Hernandez

Get Organized 62

MAY 2013 TEX APPEAL

Don’t let a messy closet hang you up — get organized and save money! You’d be surprised at how much money you waste when your closet s are in a mess. In fact, experts claim that messy, unorganized closets lead to duplicate buying when things get buried, lost, or just forgotten about.

Hey, guys, wanna know what us women really fantasize about? Huge, spacious, well-organized closets! And you can help us make our dreams come true. You may not be able to fix the size issue, but you can definitely help us with the organizational issues.

For the ultimate Mother’s Day gift this month, head over to your local Wal-Mart or home hardware store and pick up some simple inexpensive components that can be added in to any size closet to maximize your storage space. Not a handy man? No problem. There are plenty of options available for components that require very little assembly and you won’t even have to break out the power tools!

Bookshelves.

Your local Wal-Mart and home stores all sell prefabricated bookshelves that come in various sizes -- short, medium and tall; as well as various colors such as oak, white or black. These bookcases can be put together in mere minutes and inserted right into the closet. Not only does this increase your shelf space, but it provides more floor space since all of the stuff that generally winds up on the closet floor now has a place. Bookshelves are ideal for storing folded jeans,t-shirts, sweaters, shoes, boots, purses, and hats. *It is always a good idea to use “L” hooks to secure the bookshelf to the wall so it won’t move or fall forward, especially in children’s rooms.

Clear plastic containers.

Find these at your local dollar store and use them to store seasonal items like sweaters, scarves, gloves and hats. They come in a variety of sizes and you can even find a shoebox size, which is perfect for storing those seldom worn, special-occasion shoes. Belts and other accessories also fit nicely in these boxes. Lids on or off, they create nice container for organizing purses or other items you need to keep together. For the supply closet, use them to organize household cleaners, small tools for handiwork such as picture hanging, crafts, or even laundry and bath supplies. The next time you’re ready to begin a new project, all you have to do is grab the box and go. Everything you need is together!

Plastic utility boxes.

Hands-down the best way to organize your small accessories by color, season, or outfit—or household items such as small nails, super glue, thumbtacks, staples, etc.. You can find these clear plastic utility boxes in the fishing department at Wal-Mart. They offer a variety of sizes from small to large and come with little spacers that you can adjust to fit the size of your accessories. Perfect for storing all of the small stuff, these clear boxes also stack neatly on a shelf.

Space bags.

Don’t laugh; these bags work great for storing all of those thick bulky items that consume closet space. Multiple sweaters and other thick seasonal items will fit inside a large space bag, and using a vacuum cleaner to suck the air out of the bag, you can shrink it down to the thickness of a book. They are perfect for storing winter blankets, comforter sets, and even heavy coats. Blankets stored in a closet all year tend to get a dusty, musky smell; but not when sealed in a space bag. These bags will keep your items fresh and clean, and dust-free all year.

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Metroplex Clinic Physicians

Rory H. Lewis, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon • Sports Injuries • Carpal Tunnel Surgery • Joint Replacement • Shoulder Pain • Knee Pain • Fractures • Hip Pain • Arthroscopy

For an appointment, call 254-634-2857 512-564-0722 2301 S. Clear Creek Drive, Suite 204, Killeen, TX

Accepts most insurances to include Scott & White Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Firstcare & Tricare

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608 N Key Ave Lampasas, TX

Add a second

closet rod. Two rods are better than one!

Hang your slacks and skirts on the top rack and your shirts, blouses, and jackets on the bottom. This keeps your outfits spaced out nice and neat and wrinkle free.

Plus, it makes it easier to organize your wardrobe by color, fabric, or season. *They also sell closet organizers that are essentially a prefabricated bookshelf without the shelving that has two bars already mounted in place, so all you do is insert the entire unit into the closet.

Racks for hanging

belts, hats, brooms, etc.. Never crawl around on your closet floor again searching for a belt! These adjustable racks are easy to mount inside a closet. A system hangs your items on the inside wall will be make it super easy to find things in a hurry.

ry Farms i a F

New Roots are being taken up!

THE MARKET @ 35

7068 S. General Bruce Drive Temple 254-645-8576

• Fresh Herbs • Fresh Vegetables • Flowers No Pesticides - No Chemicals

Come by and see us!

Melissa Paschall and Marnelle Ruby, owners

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Drawers.

Put traditional dresser storage inside the closet. This is a great way to maximize the floor space in a small room. The drawers are ideal for organizing all of your smaller items like underwear, socks, lingerie, etc. Small cabinets with drawers are available at Wal-Mart and the home stores and can be purchased in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can create that custom built look. On the other hand, if you’re into recycling, find a nice chest of drawers at a thrift shop or garage sale and use it!

Hangers.

Lose your wire hang-up! Not only do they ruin your expensive clothing, they are just plain U-G-L-Y. Wood hangers are nice and last forever, but so do the nice heavy-duty plastic hangers from department stores.

The next time a store clerk asks if you’d like to keep the hangers, say YES! You gotta love FREE and especially the nice ones with the built-in grooves that will hold even your smallest, most delicate blouses and camisoles. And until you can build up enough of the heavy-duty hangers for all of your closets, use large plastic hangers from Walmart or the dollar store. *Be sure to ask your dry cleaners if they recycle wire hangers and if they do—give them back!

So what are you waiting for? Come on out of that messy closet and get yourself organized.

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6803 Woodway Dr. • Waco, TX 76712

(254) 751-0008 windowworldwaco.com

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trave l

New Orleans Southern Charm & Cajun Fun

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W

hat city offers amazing architecture, tons of family attractions, cultural arts, incredible food and cuisine, museums, historical sites, recreation, great shopping, festivals and parades, and phenomenal live music? That’s right, The Big Easy!

The first thing most people think of when they hear “New Orleans” is Mardi Gras. Naturally, images of outrageous behavior and parties quickly come to mind. As a result, many people may not consider New Orleans when they are planning a kid-friendly vacation. However, New Orleans offers a wealth of great family-oriented attractions and kid-friendly activities; plus everyone will enjoy its many lessons in enlightening history and unique cultural arts.

Originally home to Native Americans for thousands of years before the first French explorers, fur trappers and traders arrived in the 1690’s, this region on the mouth of the Mississippi bayou became an important port on the colonial trade route. New Orleans was founded in 1718 by the French, but quickly became a melting pot of different cultures--French, Spanish, African, European, and Native Americans due to the huge influx of traders. When these cultures merged, they influenced the food, music, and architecture; creating the unique Cajun heritage and Southern lifestyle.

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Attractions

From museums, historical sites, cultural arts and music, and a world-class zoo and aquarium, families will enjoy visiting New Orleans. In fact, there is so much to see and do in New Orleans, one trip will simply not suffice. There are always several fun festivals going on in the city and visitors can experience these great Cajun celebrations of New Orleans Southern culture and traditions.

New Orleans City Tours

Photo By Alex Demyan

Photo Courtesy NewOrleansOnline.com

Cajun Encounters provides an overview of the life, architecture and history of one of America’s oldest, greatest and most beautiful cities – New Orleans Crescent City. Take a closer look at things like historic cemeteries, cultural centers and more. Pickup and drop-off service is included directly from your downtown hotel, and with tours departing several times a day, what could be easier?

The French Quarter. Learn the history of the city, our tour guides point out many locally known and loved highlights along the way including Jackson Square, the Saint Louis Cathedral and our famous French Quarter balconies.

Leaving the French Quarter, we’ll take you down creole Esplanade Avenue to the City of the Dead. See the graves of St. Louis Cemetery up close as we walk you through the well-known and highly visited New Orleans landmark.

City Park and its dueling oaks. Along the way we will also show some of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the rebuilding efforts that have taken place since this time. From there we head to the “American Sector,” the New Orleans Garden District. Alive and well with its live-oak tree lined St. Charles Avenue, you will get a great sense of the luxury and extravagance of old New Orleans. This is a true step back into the antebellum era, with highlights including the former homes of author Anne Rice.

Warehouse & Arts District. Includes the D-Day Museum, now known as the National World War II Museum, the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center and sites from the movie “JFK” and other box office hits.

For more information contact Cajun Encounters toll Free: 1-866-92-TOURS (1-866-928-6877) or visit them online at: www.cajunencounters.com. Be sure to ask them about their custom and multi-language tours, available in French, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, as well as many others.

A Culinary Experience

The best way to experience any new culture is through its cuisine and in New Orleans, you’re definitely in for a tasty lesson. Start your journey with your taste buds and taste your way through the city as you learn about the diverse history and ethnic influences that have contributed to the unique flavors of New Orleans cuisine. Discover authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine and don’t miss the opportunity to dine in two of New Orleans most historic and famous restaurants—Antonine’s, established circa 1840 and Tujague’s ,established circa 1856.

For a true culinary treat, try one of the culinary tasting tours or cooking schools, where expert guides and chefs will share the cultural heritage and social history of the unique foods and drinks with you as they provide cooking demonstrations.

The New Orleans Culinary History Tours company provide three great tours and prides itself on historical accuracy and professionalism and is owned by a professional historian.

New Orleans Culinary Experience Tour

Start your adventure with a cooking demonstration and learn the basics of Louisiana cooking while enjoying a tasty lunch. Lunch is followed by a culinary tour of the French Quarter that will immerse you in the history of New Orleans and how it’s unique cuisine has evolved. Participants will learn to appreciate the differences between Creole and Cajun cuisine.

For more information on the New Orleans Culinary History Tours visit them online at www.noculinarytours.com or call 800.979.3370.

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Photo Courtesy NewOrleansOnline.com

French Quarter Culinary History & Tasting Tour

Tasting Tour of the French Quarter will immerse you in the history of New Orleans while learning how its unique cuisine evolved. We tour select historic restaurants while discussing their culinary contributions – including the two oldest Antoine’s and Tujague’s. Visitors will learn to appreciate the differences between Creole and Cajun cuisine, and will hear of the varied ethnic influences that contribute to New Orleans cuisine. Also, enjoy a Roux cooking demonstration by a Creole chef.

Swamp and Historical Tours

But you can’t truly experience New Orleans without taking a tour of the swamp or its historical landmarks! Be sure to check out Cajun Encounters, a company locally owned and operated for 14 years by a native New Orleans’s family. With Cajun Encounters you’ll enjoy experiencing true authentic Southern culture and heritage—up-close and personal .

Photo Courtesy Cajun Encounter Tours

Honey Island Swamp Tour Photo Courtesy Cajun Encounter Tours

Travel Back in Time on a Plantation Tour

Spend the day along the old Mississippi River Road visiting two of Louisiana’s most famous plantations. With Cajun Encounters you will journey down the historic River Road Region as you make your way to these historic landmarks. On this tour, you will see the grandeur and diversity of New Orleans by visiting Oak Alley and Laura Plantations.

Laura Plantation, a Creole Plantation, has a rich and unique history, from the home itself to the stories of the four women that ran it, one of which it was named for. Tour this 200+ year old sugarcane plantation. Tour includes a walk-through of the “Big House” as well as slave quarters. Much of the plantation was destroyed in 2003, but has since been rebuilt and restored to it’s original glory, going as far as to repurpose materials from.

Oak Alley Plantation gets its name from the spectacular quarter mile tunnel of 28 oak trees that frame the plantation as you approach.

Built in 1839 and facing the Mississippi River, Oak Alley’s magnificent appearance makes it a MUST SEE destination on everyone’s list of historic Louisiana sites.

Photo Courtesy Cajun Encounter Tours

Voted the #1 Cajun Swamp Tour by the locals! Experience a real swamp at one of the only remaining preserved wetlands in Louisiana. Our scouts are some of the best experts in the field and will give you an authentic, safe, personal and hands-on tour of the swamp. Our mission is to give visitors a REALISTIC swamp experience.

Get upclose to the wildlife and see alligators, raccoons, owls, wild boars, nutria, snakes, turtles, bald eagles, black bears, and birds… all just mere feet away. Plus, visit an authentic Cajun village that’s only accessible by a boat. There has even been talk of a sighting of an ivorybilled woodpecker, previously believed to be extinct. Guided by some of the best in the business, our guides have lived in New Orleans for generations--most of them have lived off of the water their entire life and have field degrees. To preserve the protected swamp, we don’t use airboats. Our tours are on smaller, custom-made 22 passenger boats that have both covered or uncovered options.

Special night swamp tours and custom packages available!

Experience a tour recommended by the locals and celebrities alike – even showcased by Kelly Ripa and American Idol.

Photo Courtesy Cajun Encounter Tours TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Upcoming Events & Festivals MAY

JUNE

8-9

17-19

Bayou Boogaloo—FREE Event!

Live music, food, arts and handicrafts. www.thebayouboogaloo.com

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival—FREE Event!

Two stages, huge crafts fair, cooking

demonstrations, and great food.

www.jazzand heritage.org/cajunzydeco/

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience– 22-25

FREE Event!

27th Annual French Market Creole

Tomato Festival—FREE Event!

Celebrate the arrival of tomato crops

and Creole tomato dishes with live music,

cooking demonstrations, Creole Tomato

Parade and more. www.frenchmarket.org

Named a “Perennial ‘Top Ten’ Wine and

Food Festival” in Wine Enthusiast Magazine. www.nowfe.com

8-9

40th Annual Greek Festival 24-26

Commemorates Greek heritage on the

grounds of the Holy Trinity Greek

Orthodox Cathedral. www.greekfestnola.com

3rd Annual FestiGals 20-23

A festival created by women for women—a

weekend dedicated to empowering women

and celebrating fashion, food, friendship

and FUN! www.festigals.org

Photo by GNOTCC, Ron Calamia

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Risk Free Test Drive!

Robert Dunlop, Ph.D Audiologist

p e e l S like a baby

Catch more ZZZZ Z Z Z

health

ZZZ

for better health

By Teresa K. Hernandez

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April showers bring May flowers, but the Better Sleep Council brings us “Better Sleep Month” in May in an effort to raise awareness about the important benefits of sleep and to encourage people to establish better sleeping routines.

Sleep is critical for maintaining good physical and mental health and is just as important as following a healthy diet and exercise regimen. While many experts believe 7.5 to 8.5 hours is the optimal amount of sleep, recent studies conclude that it is “quality” over quantity that matters most. The National Sleep Council reports that people who sleep between 6 and 7 hours a night actually live longer than those who sleep for 8 hours.

Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, a weakened immune system and the production of stress hormones, which causes the body to become stressed. Stress hormones also contribute to unhealthy sleep patterns because they can make it harder to sleep. Mood swings, reduced concentration, and irritability are also symptoms of insufficient sleep.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic, and individuals who experience insufficient sleep are more likely to suffer from weight gain and chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, depression and obesity, as well as cancer, increased mortality and a reduced quality of life and productivity.

Lack of sleep is also a contributing factor in automobile accidents, industrial disasters, and occupational errors. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safely reports that nearly one in six fatal auto accidents are a result of “driving while drowsy.” Sleep deprivation can be as impairing as alcohol, even equivalent to six alcoholic beverages or a blood alcohol level of 0.1.

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There are many things that can affect our sleep, and stress is one of the leading factors. Worrying about work, finances, family, and relationships can cause anxieties that will interrupt healthy sleep patterns. Finding healthy ways to control your stress can help to reduce your sleep issues.

Michael Breus, Ph.D, the author of Beauty Sleep: Look Younger, Lose Weight and Feel Great Through Better Sleep believes gender also plays a role in sleep disturbance. Breus believes women are generally more sleep-deprived than men. Other factors include alcohol, nicotine, depression, caffeine usage, humidity, bedding, room temperature and noise distractions.

12 BETTER SLEEP TIPS

1 3

FOR

Establish a relaxing pre-bedtime routine. Take a hot bath, listen to soft and soothing music, enjoy warm milk or non-caffeinated herbal tea, read a book, meditate to allow the mind to unwind and relax.

5

2

Create a comfortable, dark, restful bedroom. The bedroom should be a quiet, comfortable sanctuary, free from all distractions. Keep televisions, computers, and other distractions out of the bedroom.

4

Set your thermostat between 60-68 for the optimal sleeping temperature. Maintaining a constant temperature in the house that is neither too hot nor too cool will help you sleep comfortably.

Mattress and pillows. A firm mattress and pillow can provide vital support to the body and back.

7

8 10

6

Lights out. Keep your bedroom dark. It helps to reinforce your body’s natural rhythms, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Catch some rays. Exposure to bright light, especially morning sunlight, helps your body regulate its circadian clock and stimulates your body to produce melatonin, which makes you feel sleepy at night.

Avoid eating 2-3 hours before your bedtime. Eating too close to bedtime will not only make you uncomfortable, but it can cause heartburn.

12

Maintain a regular bed and wake time. Staying on a schedule for going to bed at night and waking in the morning helps the body and mind create a “circadian clock,” which will help with the onset of sleep at night.

9

Avoid caffeine 6 hours before bedtime.

All caffeinated beverages should be avoided if you are sensitive to caffeine.

11

Exercise daily. Physical activities can help you fall asleep quickly and help you to sleep deeply. Do not exercise within three hours before your bedtime or you may have difficulty falling asleep.

Avoid nicotine. Nicotine (cigarettes and all tobacco products) is a stimulant and will keep you awake. Also, causing nicotine withdrawal causes the body to wake.

Avoid alcohol. Although alcohol is a depressant, a small glass of wine can make it more difficult to stay asleep once it begins to metabolize and causes your blood sugar to rebound.

If you change your sleep habits and it still takes you 30 minutes or longer to fall asleep each night, and you feel sluggish or tired during the day, you may have a sleep disorder and need to seek assistance from a sleep clinic or doctor.

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Sleep Disorders

Chronic insomnia can be associated to poor sleep habits, medical conditions, and medications as well as other causes. Some of the more common sleep disorders are: • Narcolepsy causes excessive daytime sleepiness and symptoms include sleep paralysis, cataplexy, and vivid dreams.

• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) causes pain and prickling and tingling sensations in the legs, which causes someone with RLS to move their legs often during sleep to relieve the pain.

• Sleep apnea causes frequent breathing interruptions during sleep, which not only can cause serious health issues, but it decreases the quality of one’s sleep.

• Nocturia is waking up one or more times a night to urinate.

• Snoring is a sign that you may have some underlying medical issues. People who snore are often at risk for heart disease, diabetes and other health conditions.

Chart from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Raise and theburnbar fat

fitne ss

The ballet-inspired barre workout

By Teresa K. Hernandez

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

77

Labout a dancer’s body?

ong, lean, and sculpted -- what’s not to love Can’t dance? Don’t worry, you don’t have to wear a tutu to burn fat and tone up. The ballet-inspired barre workout is a nonimpact workout that combines fat burning with interval training and muscle-shaping isometrics. Bar none, this is one workout that really “raises the bar” for big results.

The ballet barre workout became popular after the movie Black Swan with Natalie Portman and since then, celebrities have been bragging about the benefits of barre workouts. However, the ballet barre is not new. In fact, the workout actually began back in the 1950s by Lotte Berk, a German dancer who fled the Nazis in the late 1930s. Berk created her workout after she injured her back and started incorporating her ballet bar routines in her rehabilitative therapy, ultimately designing The Bar Method. Since Berk, the program has evolved through her students and has been reworked by a physical therapist who recreated some of the sculpting exercises to target muscles without impacting the joints.

The exercises are suitable for all ages and fitness levels because they are low-impact. The flow of motion is one of the reasons the barre workout is so effective. All of the exercises are performed one after another and with little rest in between each set, which increases the heart rate and improves the cardiovascular system. The exercises also work every major muscle group and burn calories simultaneously.

The barre workout works a little differently than Pilates and yoga. While Pilates works the smaller muscles that strengthen and stabilize the core, the barre workout focuses on the majority of 78

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the muscles, both small and large, and uses body weight to isolate these muscles. Yoga incorporates physical and mental benefits, but the barre workout is more fitness-focused and through strengthening and stretching the muscles, it increases power, grace and stamina.

The barre workout is a total body workout and the benefits include: • Improved posture • High calorie burn rate • Lean muscle mass • Firm and elongated muscles • Weight loss • Strong and flat abdominals • Sculpted muscles in the chest, upper arms and upper legs • Long, narrow thighs • Defined hamstrings and lift in the tush • Sculpting and toning • Increases mental focus, stamina, and energy Each exercise requires the body to hold a position for a certain length of time, which can be difficult and even painful. Each repetition isolates a muscle and works it hard.

The barre workout requires muscular ability, coordination, focus and strength. Both men and women can achieve great results with the barre workout and its one of the few workouts that can provide total body results. Because the barre workout uses so many stretching exercises, the core is strengthened and stabilized, and the muscles become more limber. As a result, many users report that the workout ends their problems with chronic lower back pain.

Ballet Barre classes have taken off across the country, mainly in larger cities where studios have popped up and teach various styles and techniques of the barre workout. However, you don’t have to attend a high-dollar class to get great results. Try it at home with a DVD barre workout program and use a sturdy high back chair or table in lieu of a bar.

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Feel the burn with two sample moves of the barre workout Plié/Relevé Combination Stand behind the chair and rest your hands on the back of the chair, keeping elbows slightly bent. Stand with your legs turned out and keep your heels touching. Rise up onto the balls of your feet, this technique is called the “Relevé.” Keeping your hips above your knees, bend your knees into a squatting position, this technique is the Plié.”

Repeat this 8-10 times and do two sets.

Follow this position by moving your heels a little wider than hip width. Do a Relevé—rise up onto the balls of your feet and bend the knees for a Plié.

Repeat 8-10 times and do two sets.

To review more photos and directions for seven ballet-inspired moves for an at-home barre workout visit: www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/homebarre-workout.

There are many DVDs on the market that offer home barre workouts, but according to reviewers, The Bar Method remains one of the best DVD programs on the market. The Bar Method offers a variety of workouts, and reviewers’ favorites include the Beginner’s Workout and the Dancer’s Body Advanced Workout. Individuals who have some joint limitations will be glad to learn that The Bar Method system is one of the only workout programs to be researched and approved by physical therapists as safe for joints and all ages. You can get these great workouts in your own home for $20. Visit www.shop. barmethod.com.

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Lose Weight Now! Texas Bariatric Specialists offer a range of Life changing WEIGHT-LOSS Programs to help you

Provide Insurance at registration for benefits verification at seminar Before

After

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BARB WIRED

Slightly Sharp & Twisted

By Kactus Kate Illustration by Teresa K. Hernandez

The Fashion FLIP FLOP

Even in Texas, they aren’t business casual

Would you believe that grown adults have to be reminded where they should and shouldn’t wear flip flops?

D

on’t get me wrong, I love my flip flops. They are the first things I slip on every morning after I brush my teeth.

Easy on, easy off, and so darn comfy. I don’t wear those cheap, thin, rubber ones either. They hurt my feet. Too darn flat.

Mine are much more stylish; they have a thick wedge heel and plenty of bling-bling on the straps.

I have a nice pair and I have a not-sonice pair. The not-so-nice pair are the ones I wear to the lake or river, and to water the yard and mow the grass. I know, I know…a lawn mower and a pair of flip flops are a major OSHA safety violation. But I push forward—not backwards. Besides, I hate how that fresh, wet green grass stains up my tennis shoes. And I look at it this way, if you’re going to do a dumb thing like pull the lawnmower backward and roll over your foot, you might as well say “adios!” to your toes no matter what kind of shoes you’re wearing. Because I can assure you those thin canvas uppers on a pair of tennis shoes are not going to slow down a metal blade that is rotating at 100 mph, not even for a second. So if my toes are going to be toast anyway—I might as well keep the green off my tennis shoes and just mow in my flip flops, which are so much easier to hose down and clean afterward.

Now my nice pair, I save for going to backyard barbecues, pool parties, the grocery store, etc. And even though they

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have all that shiny bling on them and the straps are made of leather, it never crosses my mind -- not even for a split second --that “Hey, maybe I should wear these to the office today,” or to a wedding, or a funeral.

I was reading about summer fashions the other day in a national fashion magazine and I could not believe it, they felt the need to provide a list of all the places and events you shouldn’t wear flip flops--church, court, weddings, funerals, the office, etc. Now, I know flip flops are very popular, but I find it rather odd that people would actually need this sort of fashion advice. Surely everyone knows that there is a time and place for everything, and that this rule applies to flip flops too. Right? Well, apparently not. I Googled “flip flop no-no’s” and discovered that a couple years back, the Northwestern University’s champion women’s lacrosse team received a lot of slack for wearing flips flops to the White House when they were invited there to meet the President. Duh!? Who wears flip flops to meet the President? I don’t’ care how much bling is on your flip flops—a meeting with the President at the White House is not flip flop appropriate. Don’t even think about it! And I don’t care if you are wearing a cute sundress—the answer is still NO! I also find it amusing that it’s not just women who have to be reminded where they can and can’t wear flip flops, but men too.

David Zinczenko, the editor-in-chief of Men’s Health magazine reported that in a poll they

conducted, 55% of women don’t want to see men in open toe sandals. (And dad, this does not mean, wear socks with your sandals either!) Zinczenko also went as far as to advise men, “The more digits you show, the fewer digits your paycheck is probably going to be.” Amen! Who wants to see those big hairy toes with jacked up nails and calluses that look like fried cracklings? Ughhh… so G-R-O-S-S! Which leads me to my next point.

If you do insist on wearing your flip flops in public—and this goes for both men and women, please, please, do us all a favor: get a pedicure. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to maintain pretty feet. Even the dollar store sells clippers, files, cuticle nippers and nail polish remover. So while I love things that have a vintage look with chipped and peeling paint— toes should NEVER look vintage. For Pete’s sake, take it all off. No polish is better than last summer’s residue.

Perhaps we are going to have to incorporate a “common sense dress code class” into our public schools and college curriculums. But then again, I am afraid it may be hard to find qualified individuals to teach these classes. According to the Baltimore Sun, “In Howard County, teachers are being told to ditch their inappropriate duds at the workplace. Thursday, the system held a fashion show for new teachers that showed them appropriate -- and inappropriate -- ways to dress in the classroom. The expectations frown upon garments that expose underwear, sheer clothes, torn, tattered or disheveled clothes, flip-flops, hats, clothing with obscene, vulgar or profane language or illustrations, clothing with sexual overtones, and shorts for employees who do not teach physical education.” Now, the scariest thing about this, folks, is not only the fact that educators have to be told they cannot wear these things in the classroom, but that the district couldn’t just pass out a written dress code policy for the educators to read.

The district had to SHOW them what they could and couldn’t wear.

Maybe this means we should be flipping out over bigger issues than fashion flops.

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