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LivingShopping Music Home Travel Law Health Medical

Backyards2010

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

24 GRAB YOUR

BEACH READS

10 CHECK OUT THE LATEST

IN LOCAL FASHION

2010

JULY AUGUST

36 SEE THE BEST BACKYARDS

IN ELLIS COUNTY

FashionTrend Overload 10

Flirty Fashion Fits 12

Down to Earth 14

WeddingWedding Planning Checklist 17

DIY Wedding 20

Wedding Announcement 21

Life & StyleChampagne Cocktails 23

Books for the Beach 24

Planning a Bridal Shower Menu 26

Start Something...It Starts with Me 28

Backyard Party Music 30

Creating Your Own Backyard Haven 32

F

L+S

P

Home & GardenBackyards of 2010 36

8 Steps to Great Outdoor Living 42

July & August Plants 44

ProfessionalPaying It Forward 47

A Trust Designed with Special Needs in Mind 48

New Health Care Legislation and You 50

Attitude! Does It Make a Difference? 52

529 Lesson Plan 54

MedicalVolunteering for Hospice 58

Time to Flip-Flop on Flip-Flops? 60

Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted 62

Dealing with Addiction 64

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea 66

H&G

M


Volume 6 Issue 4

Cindy Camp

Publisher

Jennifer Kemp

Art Director

Kate McClendon

Executive Editor

Lauren Borders

Deborah Tilson

Advertising

Meagan Camp

Online Editor

Contributing Writers

Melinda Hines

Diane Johnson Collard

Melinda Kocian

Jacob A. Hale

Mark Singleton

Dr. Katherine Donaldson, Psy. D.

Cindy Burch

Special Thanks to

Marie Q Photography

Cindy Burch

Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly

by Ellis County Living Publications, Inc. using

only environmentally friendly ink.

Copyright 2010, Ellis County Living Publications

All rights reserved.

For advertising information, please contact

Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938

or [email protected].

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

www.facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving

twitter.com/ECLiving

Deborah is working in advertising, focusing on Cedar Hill, Red Oak,

Ovilla, Midlothian, Ennis and corporate accounts in the Metroplex. Her

passion for relationship building and selling a quality product has led

her to a career with Living Magazine. When not working at the maga-

zine, Deborah works as a professional organizer. She loves football and

is an avid Redskins fan. She enjoys spending time with her family and

supporting her daughter, Kelsey, in her many activities. Contact her at

[email protected].

Jennifer is the art director for Ellis Co. Living Magazine. A graduate of

the University of Texas, she has a love for all things Longhorn! She has

a perfectionist work ethic and works around the clock to make sure the

magazine maintains its high design standard. While ad design and page

design are two very different worlds, her charming and positive nature

keeps the two sides of magazine production working well together. You

can send questions or comments to [email protected].

LivingELLIS COUNTY

M A G A Z I N E

Guarantee you’ll receive Ellis County Living Magazine by subscribing today!

Go to www.living-magazine.com and click on “subscriptions.”No portion of Ellis County Living Magazine shall be reprinted

in any other publication without permission.

The views expressed herein should not be construed as medical

advice. Please consult your physician.

Staff photos by Marie Q Photography

Cover photo provided by Chris Smith at Ivey Photography • www.iveystudio.com

Lauren serves as our advertising director. A go-getter, Lauren builds a

rapport between our clients and readers. Lauren graduated from Texas

A&M University in 2002. When not working hard on upcoming is-

sues of Living, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and

watching football. Lauren works with our customers to ensure that they

receive the best marketing strategy in Ellis County. Contact her about

advertising in upcoming issues: [email protected].

Kate is the editor of Living Magazine. She grew up in Waxahachie and

graduated from Baylor University in 2006 as a journalism major and

studio art minor. Kate loves all aspects of the writing and editing process

and also enjoys being with her friends and family. If you have any story

ideas, comments, questions or concerns, send her an e-mail at Kate@

living-magazine.com.

Outdoor living can’t get much better that this! I love this time of the year. Each season does bring out the best in me but I like the summertime the most. The response from our readers about their backyards has been overwhelming. The home on the cover says it all. We want to be outside—but with amenities, please!

Our fi rst newsletter went out in June. It’s intended to fi ll in the gap when news and events happen between the time Living Magazine is published. It will also help Ellis County residents stay in touch with their friends and keep readers informed. And it’s a place where everyone can submit drink recipes, party ideas and event news. If you aren’t receiving it in your e-mail in-box, visit living-magazine.com and sign up by clicking on the “newsletter” button.

-Cindy Camp, publisher

We are proud members of the Waxahachie,

Ennis, Midlothian, Red Oak, DeSoto and

Cedar Hill Chambers of Commerce.


AROUND TOWN

For all local events and updates on what is happening in our area, visit www.living-magazine.com/blog.

Do you have an event that you want everyone to know about? Send an e-mail to:

[email protected]

WAXAHACHIE

www.waxahachiechamber.com

CRAPE MYRTLE FESTIVAL

This year’s “Pink Petals and Patrio-

tism” Crape Myrtle Festival will begin

on Saturday, July 3, at 10 a.m. with a

parade starting on College Street.

The gates at Lumpkins Stadium will

open at 5 p.m. for tailgating and mu-

sical performances by the three Bat-

tle of the Bands fi nalists. At 9 p.m., the

H-E-B fi reworks display will begin.

DAIRY QUEEN OPENS

On August 1, it’ll be time to get your

Blizzard®! Dairy Queen will offi cial-

ly open at 1226 Hwy. 287 Bypass,

just west of Logan’s Roadhouse on

the 287 service road.

DANCE CLASS ENROLLMENT

Tammy’s Dance Center just celebrat-

ed their 35th year. Be a part of their

36th by signing up for classes at their

open houses on Aug. 14 from 10 a.m.

to 3 p.m., Aug. 15 from noon to 4 p.m.

and Aug. 29 from noon to 4 p.m.

MIDLOTHIAN

www.midlothianchamber.org

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

The Midlothian Parks & Recreation

Department and Advisory Board

are putting on the Annual Indepen-

dence Day Parade on Saturday, July

3, beginning at 10 a.m. and starting at

Ridgeview Park. Later that evening,

Citizens National Bank of Texas is

sponsoring the fi reworks display at

dusk (around 9:30 p.m.). The fi re-

works will be launched from the

Midlothian ISD Multi-Purpose Sta-

dium, located at 1800 S. 14th Street,

at the corner of Hwy. 287 Bypass. For

more information on these events, visit

the Midlothian Chamber Web site.

STITCHES AROUND THE WORLD

Sponsored by the Creative Quilters

Guild of Ellis County, the annual quilt

show will take place July 16 and 17 at

the Midlothian Conference Center.

Come out to see more than 100 hand-

made quilts and participate in a silent

auction. For more information, visit

www.elliscountyquilters.com.

BIKE AROUND MIDLOTHIAN

Come out on July 24 and ride a 10-,

24-, 45- or 65-mile course around

Midlothian and through newer and

historic neighborhoods. For more in-

formation and to register or sign up to

volunteer, visit www.bamride.com.

ENNIS

www.visitennis.org

CHAMBER AUCTION

The Chamber of Commerce 27th

Annual Dinner and Auction will take

place on August 26 at the Knights of

Columbus Hall. The silent auction will

last from 5 to 9 p.m., and the live auc-

tion will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are

$35 per person. For more information,

please contact the Ennis Chamber at

972.878.2626.

RED OAK

wwwredoakareachamber.org

BRIDAL SHOW

Red Oak’s second annual bridal show

will take place on August 22 from noon

to 5 p.m. at the Red Oak Municipal

Center. Come out to see the latest in

bridal trends!

Editor’s Note :

Here in Texas we have a good Here in Texas we have a good

nine months out of the year where nine months out of the year where

we can enjoy the comfort of our we can enjoy the comfort of our

backyard. From the perfect springs backyard. From the perfect springs

to the hot summers and the tem-to the hot summers and the tem-

perate falls, we really can take full perate falls, we really can take full

advantage of outdoor life. So this advantage of outdoor life. So this

issue, our annual backyard issue, is issue, our annual backyard issue, is

all about the great outdoors. Just all about the great outdoors. Just

turn the pages to fi nd out what turn the pages to fi nd out what

you need to know about taking it you need to know about taking it

outside. From great Champagne outside. From great Champagne

cocktail recipes to beach reads to cocktail recipes to beach reads to

creating a family friendly backyard creating a family friendly backyard

haven, we have it all. And be sure haven, we have it all. And be sure

to dive into the best backyards of to dive into the best backyards of

2010, starting on page 36.2010, starting on page 36.

We had so much fun going all We had so much fun going all

around Ellis County (and slightly around Ellis County (and slightly

out of the county) to photograph out of the county) to photograph

some amazing backyards. The some amazing backyards. The

pools and lounges looked so invit-pools and lounges looked so invit-

ing during the hot photo shoots ing during the hot photo shoots

and we’re sure you’ll feel the same and we’re sure you’ll feel the same

way once you see the pictures. If way once you see the pictures. If

you’re thinking about transforming you’re thinking about transforming

your own backyard, we have the your own backyard, we have the

tips, tricks and people to help you tips, tricks and people to help you

do so.do so.

Our next issue will be our big wed-Our next issue will be our big wed-

ding issue leading up to the Waxa-ding issue leading up to the Waxa-

hachie Bridal Extravaganza on hachie Bridal Extravaganza on

Oct. 31. We’ve started to feature a Oct. 31. We’ve started to feature a

little bit of wedding-related articles little bit of wedding-related articles

in this issue, but much more will be in this issue, but much more will be

coming in September.coming in September.

Happy reading!Happy reading!

The Rogersat

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TOP ROW: Long multi-colored bead necklace by New Directions at Belk, $24 • Pearl, ribbon and chain necklace and earring set

by Rodeo Royalty Road Show at the Doves Nest, $25 • Red bead necklace and earrings by Fashion Jewelry at FloAnn’s, $8.75

• Brown and blue bead necklace by New Directions at Belk, $34 • Long green knot necklace by AMI at FloAnn’s, $7.50 • Silver

necklace with side fl ower by Target at Target, $14.99 • Green bead necklace by Target at Target, $12.99; MIDDLE ROW: Turquoise

tank top with fl owers by MM Couture at Briarpatch, $62 • Purple button tank by Madison at Belk, $36 • Dandelion tank by

Madison at Belk, $50 • Pink button-down shirt with belt by Maurice’s at Maurice’s, $26 • Green, black and yellow shirt by mac &

jac at Briarpatch, $49 • Pink tank with knotted neckline by Buffalo David Bitton at Briarpatch, $58 • Pink fl oral button-down shirt

with waist tie by Jones New York at Belk, $64 • Green ruffl e shirt by A. Byer at Belk, $36 • Purple and green racerback tank by

Jack at Briarpatch, $25.95; BOTTOM ROW: Khaki v-neck dress with pink band by Jessica Howard at Belk, $42.99 • Brown and red

fl oral dress by Maurice’s at Maurice’s, $39 • Pink sweetheart dress by Maurice’s at Maurice’s, $39 • Colorful sleeveless dress by

Ash & Sara at Buffalo Creek Cowgirls, $54.99 • Green and black dress by Mossimo at Target, $24.99 • Black dress with metallic

accents by kische at Belk, $78 • Fuchsia ikat dress by Mossimo Supply Co. at Target, $19.99 • Purple and black diamond-back

dress by MM Couture at Briarpatch, $61

TREND OVERLOAD

JULY-AUGUST 2010 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM 11JULY AUGUUG ST 2010 LIVING MAGM AZINE COM


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Silver leaf earrings at Merle Norman, $9.95 • Pink tank with ruffl e neckline by

ya at Briarpatch, $26 • Big cream-colored purse with studs by Big Buddha at

Merle Norman, $85.95 • Jeans by Miss Me at Briarpatch, $88 • White and

silver bead and link long necklace by Erica Lyons at Belk, $28

Red ruffl e tank by Mossimo at Target, $17.99 • Gold leaf chandelier earrings by Its

Sense at FloAnn’s, $6.25 • Brown and white skirt with belt by Maurice’s at Mau-

rice’s, $32 • Yellow purse by New Directions at Belk, $39.99 • Brown sandals

with gold studs by New Directions at Belk, $45

Flirty Fashion Fits


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Gold bracelet set by Dorothy at FloAnn’s, $8.75 • Turquoise tank by Mossimo Supply

Co. at Target, $12.99 • Gold triangles necklace by New Directions at Belk, $24 • Red

purse by Miztique at FloAnn’s, $47.50 • Multi-colored bead necklace by New Direc-

tions at Belk, $28 • Yellow sleeveless dress with belt by Maurice’s at Maurice’s, $44 •

Spaghetti-strap dress by fi re at Belk, $50 • Cork sandals by Madison at Belk, $59 •

Jeans by Miss Me at Briarpatch, $88 • Chain ring at Merle Norman, $15.95 • Black

and white tiered skirt by …….trinity at Buffalo Creek Cowgirls, $55.99

Down to Earth



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WWEDDING SECTION

Welcome to the beginning of our wedding season! In this issue, Teresa

Choaté gives us what all brides need—a complete checklist of everything

that needs to be done leading up to the big day. If you’re looking to save a

little bit of money, there are also many things you (and your bridesmaids)

can do yourself to make your wedding extra special.

Our September/October issue will be the big wedding issue and we have

so many things in the works. People always love to get a glimpse into an-

other person’s wedding, so we’ll defi nitely have a few featured weddings,

along with other articles all focused around the day you say your vows.

In Th is Section:Wedding Planning Checklist 17by Teresa Choaté DIY Wedding 20by Kate McClendon

Wedding Announcement 21Matthew Quinn & Katie Hoffman



W

In this issue we would like to ease the

task of planning by providing a plan-

ning checklist. Each bride and groom’s

timeline will be different depending on

the length of your engagement. The

timeline can be adjusted.

Remember, vendors book on a fi rst-

come basis. If you have certain ven-

dors in mind for your event, contact

these vendors as soon as your date is

confi rmed.

ONCE YOU ARE ENGAGED/NINE

MONTHS AND EARLIER

Announce your engagement to

family and friends

Purchase a wedding calendar

Determine the type of wedding

you will be planning, the loca-

tion, the formality and the guest

count

Decide on your budget

Choose a wedding date and an

alternate date (dates can be deter-

mined by availability of venues and

wedding party)

Hire a professional wedding con-

sultant/planner

Combine guest lists from bride,

groom, bride’s family and groom’s

family

Determine if children will be invited

Start looking at venues that will ac-

commodate your guest count

Select your wedding party

Start interviewing vendors

Start looking for a wedding gown

and bridesmaids’ dresses

Order passport if you need it for

the honeymoon

Book engagement photo session

SIX TO NINE MONTHS PRIOR

TO WEDDING

Continue the booking process of

vendor selections. Determine your

vendor priority, fl oral designer,

photographer, cake designer, etc.

Vendors needed: professional

wedding consultant/planner, offi ci-

ant, photographer, fl oral designer,

cake designer, caterer, ceremony

musicians, reception musicians/DJ,

videographer, transportation, rent-

als, hairstylist, makeup artist

Select ceremony music

Finalize bride’s, bridesmaids’ and

fl ower girl’s gown orders

Select accessories: veil, jewelry and

shoes

Select groom’s, groomsmens’, ush-

er’s, ring bearer’s and fathers’ attire

Finalize rings for the bride and

groom

Finalize guest list

Select save the dates and wedding

invitations

Have your engagement photo

session

FOUR TO SIX MONTHS PRIOR

TO WEDDING

Determine time for rehearsal

dinner

Determine rehearsal dinner guest

list and rehearsal dinner venue

Select invitations for rehearsal dinner

Book accommodations for guests

Complete planning for honey-

moon

Select calligrapher or address invi-

tations

Register for gifts

Purchase accessories and shoes

for wedding gown

Book date with photographer for

bridal shoot

Book fi nal alterations to wedding

gown if necessary

Determine hair and makeup for

portrait shoot and wedding day

Put engagement announcement in

local paper

Select registry attendants and cake

cutters (if necessary)

TWO TO FOUR MONTHS PRIOR

TO WEDDING

Select and book wedding day

transportation

Determine order of service and

vows with offi ciant

Select and order guest favors

Purchase honeymoon luggage and

attire

Purchase gifts for wedding party

Start pre-wedding counseling

Do bridal portrait shoot

Select reception music

Plan bridesmaid luncheon or

spa day

SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS PRIOR

TO WEDDING

Mail Invitations

Maintain record of RSVPs

Make payments to vendors

Schedule hair and makeup ap-

pointments for wedding party and

mothers if necessary

Purchase bridal essentials—registry

book/pen, toasting fl utes, garter,

fl ower girl basket, ring bearer pil-

low, unity candle or sand, cake and

knife server sets, tossing bouquet

and garter

Wedding Planning Checklist BY TERESA CHOATÉ, Certifi ed Wedding Planner


W Finalize honeymoon plans

Get documentation ready to change

name on driver’s license, Social Se-

curity card, insurance policies, sub-

scriptions, bank accounts, member-

ships, etc.

Mail invitations for rehearsal dinner

Select your “something old, some-

thing new, something borrowed,

something blue”

Finalize menu and beverage selec-

tions, including alcohol

Determine fi nal reception fl oor plan

Purchase wedding party gifts

Order printed napkins

TWO TO SIX WEEKS PRIOR

TO WEDDING

Finalize details with offi ciant

Print programs

Confi rm special photos you want

with photographer/videographer

Make any fi nal alterations to brides-

maids’ gowns

Contact guests that have not re-

sponded (four weeks prior to date)

Finalize guest count with caterer,

cake designer, fl oral designer and

rental vendors

Have rings completed

Print reserved, escort and place cards

Confi rm timeline with wedding

consultant

Complete thank you notes for

shower gifts

Get your marriage license 30 days

prior to date

Confi rm music for reception

Start packing for honeymoon

Complete addressing and stamp-

ing of wedding announcements

Complete forms for wedding an-

nouncements

Discuss appropriate toasting with

best man and maid of honor

Select fi nal seating arrangements

for rehearsal dinner and for wed-

ding party and family at reception

THE WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR

WEDDING DAY

Make any fi nal changes to neces-

sary vendors

Gather and sort any items to take

to the church or reception site

Confi rm all honeymoon arrange-

ments

Complete packing for honeymoon

Have post offi ce and paper hold

mail and stop delivery while on

honeymoon

Send wedding announcement to

paper with print date

Arrange for someone to return tuxedos

Have gratuity envelopes prepared

and sealed

Make any fi nal payments

REHEARSAL DAY

Have all wedding day attire laid out

and ready

Make any possible deliveries to re-

ception site

Bring any items to church at rehearsal

Arrange for someone to mail the

announcements the day after the

wedding

Determine where luggage will

need to be after the ceremony and

reception

THE WEDDING DAY

Review items to bring to church

Give rings to maid of honor and

best man

Relax, stay in the moment and have

a fabulous time!


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PHO

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IDED

BY

AO P

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TOG

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W

We all know it—weddings are expensive.

But you can still have a beautiful day with-

out breaking the bank by doing some things

yourself. Here are a few projects you can

tackle, whether you’re a DIY novice or an

expert.

DIY NEWBIEPrograms. These are easy to print on

your home computer on nice paper that

complements your décor. If you’re having

an outdoor wedding, try printing the cer-

emony program on the back of thick pat-

terned cardstock, cut it out in a rectangular

shape and attach a popsicle stick to create

an informative fan for guests.

Table Décor and Centerpieces. Get

creative and use fl owers, candles, branches,

fabric, water in vases with fl oating fl owers

and much more to put together something

easy in your color scheme.

Favors. Make your own simple favors to

give out to your guests. Try something ed-

ible like monogrammed cookies or candy,

or long lasting like plant seeds or buds in

decorative bags. Or you can easily make a

mix CD of songs you two love with person-

alized labels and sleeves.

Bridesmaid Cards. Ask your brides-

maids to join you in your special day with

a one-of-a-kind hand-made card. Person-

alize it for each one with a sentimental note

about why they are important to you.

Seating Cards and Table Numbers. Using simple cardstock and a printer, cre-

ate individual cards for each guest, directing

them to their table while incorporating your

theme and colors. Create a similar design

for the table numbers that sit on each table.

Fans. For an outdoor ceremony or recep-

tion, create easy, colorful paper fans for

each guest. Loop a piece of ribbon around

the end and hang it on each chair. Your

guests will appreciate the breeze!

Candy Bar. Find clear vases in multiple

sizes and bulk order candy in your wedding

colors. Fill the vases with different candies

and label each vase with a ribbon and sticker

or a stand with a piece of paper—be creative!

DIY DABBLERDecorations. Get creative with paper,

fl owers, fans, pennants, ribbon, streamers,

etc. There are so many ideas online, you’re

sure to fi nd something easy and affordable

that suits your theme.

Flowers. Pick up seasonal fl owers from

Sam’s or Costco (or have them order the

fl owers) and put your bouquet together

yourself. Get your bridesmaids together for

a fl ower party and have them create each of

their bouquets and the boutonnieres for the

groomsmen.

Makeup and Hair. Maybe you’re already

a pro at doing your own hair and makeup,

so why not do it for your big day? Add a

little more makeup than normal so all the

photos don’t wash you out, and be sure to

have enough hairspray and bobby pins on

hand to keep your ‘do in place.

Welcome Basket. Make your out-of-

town guests feel at home by preparing a lo-

cation-themed package to give them when

they arrive. Include a map, a list of things to

do, a postcard and a souvenir of some sort—

all things you can create and fi nd yourself!

Headpieces. Here’s another excuse to

get your bridesmaids together before the

big event. Pick up some supplies like head-

bands, clips, ribbon, feathers and fabric in

your color scheme and create matching or

similar headpieces.

Guestbook or Wish Tree. Buy a photo

album you like and measure the page in-

serts. Pick out cardstock in a design that

matches your theme or colors and add pic-

tures of you and your fi ancée to the pages.

Let guests write special notes on each page

and insert them into the photo album after

the wedding. You can also make a simple

wish tree with cheap (or free!) branches that

welcomes guests as they enter into your re-

ception site. Guests write well wishes on

pieces of paper with ribbon attached and

hang them on the branches.

Signs. Direct guests to different parts of the

ceremony or reception—the guestbook, a

bucket with complimentary umbrellas, food,

drinks, etc.—with hand-painted signs. Add

in a little personality with signs that don’t re-

ally serve a purpose but are there for fun,

like “put on your dancin’ shoes” or “thanks

for being a part of our big day!”

DIY PROInvitations. Learn how to do easy letter-

press techniques by watching videos online.

You can buy paper in so many different

colors and styles at some of the bigger craft

stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s.

Food. If you and your family members are

especially gifted in the kitchen, why not try

making food for your reception? This will

take a lot of planning and time, but it could

cut down one big cost from your budget.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses. Maybe you, or

someone in your family, are really good with

sewing machines and patterns? Try creating

simple dresses for your bridesmaids. That

way you can pick out exactly what you want

and tailor the dresses to fi t every different

body type!

Ring Pillow. If you’re handy with a sewing

machine or a pair of knitting needles, try

making your own ring pillow. You can fi nd

lots of patterns and ideas on the Internet.

Cake Toppers. To make something very

personal that you won’t fi nd in stores, sew

or carve out of Styrofoam little fi gurines to

put atop your cake. These can be specially

made to fi t your theme—like birds or your

initials.

DIY WEDDING BY KATE MCCLENDON(DO IT YOURSELF)


Loma Linda EventsA Private Wedding VenueTim Choaté 972-935-3479

to schedule your private tour

www.LomaLindaEvents.com

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hoffman of Ovilla, Texas an-

nounce the engagement of their daughter, Katie

Michelle, to Matthew Joshua Quinn, son of Dr.

and Mrs. Mark Quinn of Melissa, Texas. Katie is the

granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Hoffman of

Garland, Texas and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles

J. Anderson of Duncanville, Texas. Matthew is the

grandson of Mrs. Mary R. Kasmiersky and the late

Mr. Robert L. Kasmiersky, Sr. of Fayetteville, Texas

and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Quinn of LaGrange,

Texas. The couple will exchange vows on Septem-

ber 18 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas. Ka-

tie is a 2002 graduate of Red Oak High School

and a 2006 graduate of Texas State University in

San Marcos. She is a teacher with the Red Oak ISD.

Matthew is a 2000 graduate of Waxahachie High

School, 2004 graduate of Texas A&M Univer-

sity, received a master’s degree from Kansas State

University in 2007 and will complete his doctorate

studies at Texas Tech University in August 2010.

If you would like to announce your engagement or

wedding in Living Magazine, please contact Kate at

[email protected] or 972.935.0938.

HOFFMAN-QUINNWedding Announcement

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L+SLIFE + STYLE

Since this is our backyard issue, we tried to bring the outdoors to a few

other parts of the magazine as well. You’ll fi nd the best beach books based

on what you want to read, music for your outdoor party and how to have

a family friendly backyard. We’re also tying some things in to the wedding

theme, too—you’ll fi nd recipes for Champagne cocktails and fi nger foods for

a bridal shower. Enjoy your time outside!

In Th is Section:Champagne Cocktails 23by Kate McClendon

Books for the Beach 24by Kate McClendon Bridal Shower Menu 26by Beverly Hennessy

Start Something...It Starts with Me 28by Kathryn Kemp Backyard Party Music 30by Kate McClendon Creating Your Own Backyard Haven 32by Melinda Hines



FROZEN BIKINI1 oz. Champagne

1 oz. peach schnapps

2 oz. vodka

1 splash lemon juice

2 oz. orange juice

3 oz. peach nectar

1 cup ice

Blend everything except Champagne until smooth.

Transfer to glass and top with Champagne.

Courtesy of www.drinksmixer.com.

MORNING GLORY2 oz. orange juice

1/2 oz. triple sec

Champagne

Put the orange juice and triple sec into a Champagne

fl ute. Add in Champagne to fi ll and garnish with an

orange wheel. Enjoy!

Courtesy of www.wineintro.com.

Champagne Cocktails

BY KATE MCCLENDON

COSMOPOLITAN CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILThis recipe makes about 10 glasses—perfect for

your afternoon bridal shower!

1 1/4 cups Cointreau or Grand Marnier

1 1/4 cups cranberry juice cocktail

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons superfi ne granulated sugar

4 cups chilled Champagne

Stir together Cointreau, juices and sugar and chill,

covered, for two to six hours. Just before serving,

divide among 10 Champagne fl utes and top off with

Champagne.

Courtesy of www.epicurious.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

BLUSHING BRIDE1 oz. peach schnapps

1 oz. grenadine

4 oz. Champagne

Pour the peach schnapps and grenadine into a

Champagne fl ute and top with Champagne.

Courtesy of www.cocktails.about.com.

HOTEL CALIFORNIA4 oz. Champagne

1 oz. gold tequila

2 oz. mandarin juice

2 oz. pineapple juice

Shake and strain into an ice-fi lled piña colada glass.

Add champagne, straws and serve.

Courtesy of www.drinksmixer.com.

FLIRTINI2 pieces fresh pineapple

1/2 oz. Cointreau

1/2 oz. vodka

1 oz. pineapple juice

3 oz. Champagne

Maraschino cherry for garnish

Muddle the pineapple pieces and Cointreau in the bottom

of a mixing glass. Add the vodka and pineapple juice and

stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with

Champagne. Garnish with the maraschino cherry.

Courtesy of www.cocktails.about.com.

Sparkling wine is often used in summer drinks because of its light fl avor

and bubbly texture. If you’re planning a bridal shower, or just a girly get-

together, try some of these bubbly beverages.

When making these drinks, remember to always pour the Champagne

last so it doesn’t overfl ow.

L+S


If you’re wanting to laugh along with some chick lit…Dune Road

Jane Green

Plume

Green’s other books are huge hits in the female fi ction world,

and this one is no exception. It was released in paperback in

May, so now you don’t have to try to squeeze a hardback

into your beach bag. Set in seaside Connecticut, “Dune

Road” tells the story of Kit Hargrove, a recent divorcee

who is fi nding a new lifestyle of her own. She takes a job

assisting a famous novelist and enjoys an ideal life until a few

challenges, mysteries and setbacks arise.

If you’d like to brush up on some history…Winston’s War: Churchill,

1940-1945

Max Hastings

Knopf

This book details Churchill’s experiences and the

decisions he made during the crucial years of World War

II. Winston’s War is also fi lled with maps and diagrams to

explain battle and confrontation strategies and outcomes.

If you’re a World War II buff, this book is a must-have for

your collection, even though it is 576 pages. Hastings is a

British historian who has written several military histories,

many of them centering around the Second World War, so

he knows his stuff.

If you missed it…

Water for

Elephants

Sara Gruen

Algonquin Books

This book came out a few years

ago and was an instant success.

It’s about to be made into a

movie, so be sure to read it now

if you missed it. The book starts

out focusing on main character

Jacob Jankowski in a nursing

home in his nineties. He begins

to backtrack through life, telling

the dramatic story of his time

as a veterinarian for the Benzini

Brothers Circus, comprised of

a sad group of performers and

animals, and a psychotic animal

trainer. The book will keep you

hooked until the end as you

watch Jacob mature in an

unconventional environment.

If you’re looking for mystery, action and adventure…The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

By Stieg Larsson

Knopf

“The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” is destined to live up to the high standards set by the two

previous books in Larsson’s Millennium trilogy. This fi nal book in the series continues the action-fi lled

tale of Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker with a photographic memory who has helped journalist

Mikael Blomkvist solve mysteries in the past. “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” provides a

satisfying conclusion to a thrilling series.

BY KATE MCCLENDON, staff book-a-holic

BOOKS FOR THE BEACHL+S


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HAM AND CHEESE MINI TARTLETS1 package (8 oz.) crescent rolls

3/4 cup chopped pre-cooked ham (fi nely

chopped in food processor)

1 egg, whisked

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Mix together the chopped ham, egg, shredded

cheddar cheese, mustard and pepper. Roll out

the sheet of crescent rolls, cut into 24 squares.

Lightly spray muffi n cups with any kind of oil

spray or use non-stick muffi n pans. Press cres-

cent roll squares into mini muffi n cups (edges

will hang over). Place ham and cheese mixture

into each cup and fold over edges of dough to

form a little package. Bake in a 350-degree

oven for about 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden

brown.

CUCUMBER MINT TEA SANDWICHES1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves,

rinsed, dried and fi nely chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons cream cheese

Seedless cucumber, thinly sliced

6 slices of Pepperidge Farm whole wheat

bread

Combine mint, butter and cream cheese and

stir until well combined. Spread all bread slices

with butter mixture, top three of them with cu-

cumber slices, distributed evenly, and season

with salt. Top the cucumbers with the three re-

maining buttered bread slices. Trim crust and

cut each sandwich diagonally into quarters.

BANANA BREAD TEA SANDWICHESSmall loaf banana bread (mini loaf size would

be best)

1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1 – 2 teaspoons milk

1/2 cup shaved pecans

Slice banana bread very thinly. Have cream

cheese at room temperature until

softened or place in microwave

for a few seconds until workable.

Combine cream cheese, milk and

pecans. Mix until well combined.

Spread the cream cheese mix-

ture between two slices of banana

bread. Cut into fi ngers, squares or leave if using

the mini loaf size.

CHICKEN SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES AND NUTS3 – 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped

1 cup lightly toasted walnuts or pecans,

chopped (almost minced)

1 cup dried cranberries*

1 – 2 ribs celery, diced

2/3 cup mayonnaise (I always use Miracle

Whip Salad Dressing—it makes a difference!)

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix well, add or subtract the mayo to get just

the right consistency. Serve on wheat, dark

bread or fresh croissants.

*I also make this same recipe using red, seed-

less grapes instead of the cranberries. When

using the grapes, I also add 2 to 3 chopped,

hard-boiled eggs to the mixture! Both recipes

are equally tasty!

CRAB SANDWICH SPREAD OR DIP6 oz. canned crab meat

1 8-oz. package cream cheese

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup sour cream

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1/4 cup scallion, minced

1/4 cup green pepper, minced

1 tablespoon cream

Combine all ingredients and blend well in a

food processor. Chill for at least two hours.

Serve as a dip for vegetables or crackers. Make

tea sandwiches by spreading on bread rounds

and garnishing with a bit of fresh dill.

BEVERAGES While fresh, iced tea or lemonade is always

welcome, don’t forget a sparkling punch and

remember to always have plenty of iced water!

There are some lovely punch recipes out there

but we fi nd that the old tried and true Sherbet

Punch has become very popular at both bridal

showers and weddings. My favorite is Pine-

apple Sherbet with Ginger Ale. The fun thing

about this punch is being able to color coor-

dinate with the bride’s colors by using different

fl avors of sherbet!

CITRUS PUNCH2 cans frozen orange juice

2 cans frozen lemonade

8 cups water

2 cups grenadine

3 quarts of ginger ale

Mix ingredients thoroughly. Garnish with fresh

lemon and orange slices.

MOCK MIMOSAS1 tube Crystal Light Pineapple Orange Flavor

Drink Mix

1 bottle (2 liter) club soda, chilled

2 cups cold orange juice

1 orange, cut into 10 slices

Combine Crystal Light mix with the club soda

in large pitcher. Stir in orange juice and pour

evenly into 10 glasses. Garnish each glass with

a fresh orange slice.

Beverly Hennessy is the event coordinator at

The Greenery Gardens and Old Bison Ranch.

Contact her at 972.217.9427.

Planning a Bridal Shower Menu BY BEVERLY HENNESSY

A bridal shower is a lovely way for family members, friends and attendants to show the

bride-to-be how much they love and support her. The bridal shower can be formal, infor-

mal, themed, fun or anything the bride will fi nd enjoyable and memorable. For a daytime

party, choose a few sandwiches, some other recipes and a couple of dessert options. For

an evening bridal shower, offer a beautiful dessert table featuring several different kinds

of creamy cheesecakes. Pair with a lovely dessert wine, sparkling juices or champagne.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes to whet your appetite and help you have the perfect party!

L+S


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“My experience with BBBS has been extremely rewarding and fun. It has pro-vided me with the opportunity to develop a long-term relationship with my little brother and I feel that it has been mutually beneficial for both of us.”

– Pat Merrill, Big Brother in Ellis County since 2006

Camodric loves to tell stories; Jim loves to listen. Cam-

odric knows everything about computers; Jim needs

to learn. Camodric loves to talk about history. So does

Jim.

Camodric met his friend, Jim Kauffman, two years ago,

about halfway through his eighth grade year. At fi rst, neither

probably knew how much he could learn from the other.

Now, as Camodric prepares for his tenth grade year at

Waxahachie High School, the two have found that this un-

likely friendship has taught each of them much more than

they could have imagined.

The pair was fi rst introduced at Howard Eighth Grade

Center by Big Brothers Big Sisters, a donor-supported

volunteer organization that changes the lives of children

through one-to-one mentoring relationships. Once they

were enrolled, the Matching team at Big Brothers Big Sis-

ters matched Camodric and Jim, and both agree that the

team did a great job.

“I think we pretty much hit it off from the beginning, but it’s

like any developing friendship,” said Jim. From the start, the

two found that they had much to talk about. They became

great friends as they learned about ocean liners, trains and

various pieces of history during the 45 minutes a week they

spent together at school.

“I was thinking my Big Brother was just going to be strict

about my schoolwork, but he’s not,” Camodric said. Though

Jim discussed his Little Brother’s grades, especially in math,

the pair mostly focused on other things, giving Camodric an

outlet to talk about the topics in which he’s most interested.

Camodric said Jim has helped him fi nish this school year

with passing grades, adding with a huge grin, “I am now a

sophomore.”

When they weren’t talking about important events from the

past, Camodric said Jim would bring up current events he’d

seen or heard in the news. “Now I’m always watching or

reading the news just so that I can beat him to it and know

it fi rst,” he said.

With his newfound desire to be “in-the-know,” and a passion

for storytelling, Camodric tried out for the WHS newspaper

staff and made it. The sophomore is excited to start school

next year with more confi dence and new ways to share

what he knows.

In March of this year, Camodric was also excited to receive

an e-mail from someone who works in London for the tele-

vision series, “Thomas the Tank Engine.” A few months be-

forehand, the teen had found an interest in writing story lines

for the show and, after much encouragement and help from

his Big Brother, Camodric submitted them to the show’s

producers, who responded saying they may want to use

some of his work on the show.

While Jim and many other volunteers have helped to

strengthen the youth, not only in Ellis County but the entire

country, many Little Brothers and Little Sisters still anxiously

await the day they, too, will have a mentor. As of May 31, 89

children are waiting for a mentor in Ellis County.

With just a few hours a month, volunteers for Big Brothers

Big Sisters have managed to change so many lives for the

better and continue to do so every day. But what makes a

great volunteer? Simply being a consistent friend.

start somethingStarts with Me BY KATHRYN KEMP

Volunteers, who span from 16 to 90-years-old, come from

many different cultural, economic and educational back-

grounds. They have different values, political views and

ambitions. One thing they do have in common is that they

want to help change a life.

Responses from many Little Brothers and Little Sisters

show that the most important thing is having an adult who

is willing to make time for them and show an interest in their

lives. For these kids, what really matters is having a mentor

there with an open heart and an open mind.

When a child or volunteer is enrolled, a group of match-

ing specialists work to fi nd the best possible combinations

of children and mentors. Once a match is chosen, the two

parties are introduced by a Match Support Specialist, who

is there to help and support volunteers throughout the en-

tire length of the match.

Most volunteers meet with their Littles at school during

lunch or an elective period, but other programs are avail-

able outside of school for those with a schedule that does

not allow for daytime meetings.

Anita Barnes has been a counselor at Northside Elemen-

tary in Waxahachie for 14 years and has witnessed the posi-

tive effects these mentor relationships have on the mentees.

“No money or material possession can replace the quality

attention an adult can give a child,” Barnes said. She also

notes that this one-on-one time has given way to, “more

positive interaction from those students with their peers

and teachers,” and has helped to improve grades by offer-

ing children an emotional outlet and allowing them to focus

more on schoolwork in the classroom.

While volunteers are at the core of the program, matches

would not be possible without the generous support from

donors and grants. Many fundraisers take place through-

out the year as well, like the upcoming Bowl For Kids Sake,

which will be held on October 23 at Hilltop Lanes in Waxa-

hachie. If time constraints prevent someone with a desire

to help by becoming a Big, these fundraisers offer another

great opportunity to make a change in the community.

In the words of the 2010 Teen Big of the Year, Angelica

Ononobi, “you can’t change a bad past, but you can make

a good future.” Start something…it starts with you.

If you are interested in becoming a Big, the time to act is

now! Please contact Diana Phillips, at [email protected]

or (972) 765-4163 if you would like to volunteer as a Big

Brother or Big Sister, participate in Bowl for Kids’ Sake or

make a donation.

“The support and encouragement that the bigs give to our littles will affect them in a positive way for the rest of their lives.” – Martha Cunningham, Counselor

at Howard Eigth Grade Center

Coming soon to Ellis County: Bowl for Kids Sake!

WHEN: October 23rd, 2010

WHERE: Hilltop Lanes

2010 West Highway 287 Business

Waxahachie, TX 75165

WHAT: A great time and a great way to help!

HOW: Gather a team of 5-6, raise $100 dollars each

and come to Hilltop Lanes for bowling, food, drinks,

prizes and fun!

For more information, contact Diana Phillips, at dphil-

[email protected] or (972) 765-4163, or Kathryn Kemp,

at [email protected] or (972) 572-2350 ext. 770.

You can also check us out online at www.bbbstx.org.

LITTLE BROTHER CAMODRIC EDWARDS & BIG BROTHER JIM KAUFFMAN



So you’ve relaxed earlier in the day with your beach reads, pre-

pared your Champagne cocktails and gotten your backyard

ready, but you feel like you’re forgetting one thing. Music. Here

are a few songs that will put your guests in the mood to relax

around the pool or dance in the yard with their drinks and hors

d’oeuvres at your summer party.

MUSIC FOR A LAID-BACK OUTDOOR PARTY“Time of the Season” by The Zombies“Dreamworld” by Rilo Kiley“Crystalised” by The xx“Playground Love” by Air“Where Are We Now?” by The Burned“Wash Away” by Joe Purdy“Silver Soul” by Beach House“New Theory” by Washed Out“Is This Love?” by Bob Marley and the Wailers“Wooden Ships” by Crosby, Stills & Nash“One Evening” by Feist

“Hotel” by Broken Social Scene“It Beats 4 U” by My Morning Jacket“In the Colors” by Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals “Jesus, Etc.” by Wilco

MUSIC FOR A FUN-FILLED BACKYARD PARTY

“The High Road” by Broken Bells

“Again & Again” by The Bird and the Bee

“You and Your Heart” by Jack Johnson

“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys

“Tighten Up” by The Black Keys

“Do You Realize??” by The Flaming Lips

“Three More Days” by Ray LaMontagne

“Firecracker” by Ryan Adams

“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

“I’m a Wheel” by Wilco

“Shuffl e Your Feet” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

“I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley

“Freetime” by Kenna

“I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” by Scissor Sisters

“I Turn My Camera On” by Spoon

BACKYARD PARTY MUSIC

To purchase our playlists, visit our Web site:WWW.LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM.

Our pick for the must-buy album of the year

(so far) is “HIGH VIOLET” BY THE NATIONAL.

WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO...

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE TEXAS THEATER...

Gary P. Nunn & The Bunkhouse Band - July 9, 8 p.m., $20

Glass Apple—McCartney Tribute Band - July 10, 8 p.m., $10

Herd’N Cats - July 15, 7 p.m., $10

Soul Sacrifi ce—Santana Tribute Band - July 16, 8 p.m., $10

Walkin’ the Line—Johnny Cash Tribute Band - July 17, 8 p.m., $10

Susan Gibson - July 23, 8 p.m., $10

All Jacked Up - July 24, 8 pm., $10

Southern Rains - July 30, 8 p.m., $10

Tim’s Birthday Bash featuring Charla Corn, C.C. Cross, Rachel Stacy and Kimberly

Kelly, July 31, 8 p.m., no cover

For August shows and more information, visit www.texasmusictheater.com.

BY KATE MCCLENDON

L+S

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There isn’t anything quite as relaxing as get-

ting away from it all in the comfort of your very

own backyard haven. So recently I asked a few

friends, including interior designer and co-

owner of Clear Fork Designs, Sacha White-

head, if she could tell me how to turn any back-

yard space into a retreat for one or the entire

family. “It’s all about creating something warm

and cozy,” Sacha said.

Whether your backyard is small and partially

covered in concrete, like ours, or all grass, you

can make it a haven from the rest of the world.

Sacha suggests that you start by dividing

the space into sections and attacking it from

there. “You want to think about the usage of

the area and whether you intend it to be for

lounging, eating or just play before you do

anything else.” Sacha shared. Depending on

the size of your back yard you may have two

to 10 sections. Waxahachie resident, Brenda

Hudson agrees, “Get graph paper and map it

all out fi rst, then conquer in sections! We did it

ourselves at our house and loved the results!”

The possibilities are only limited by your imag-

ination and, OK, maybe your wallet.

Perhaps you want to add a pond or fl owers to

attract birds. The soothing sounds of water or

nature may be just what your family needs to

escape from their fast-paced lives. Maybe a

pool and deck or hot tub is just what the doc-

tor ordered. Whether starting from scratch or

working with an established yard, a theme is

also helpful and it doesn’t have to be expen-

sive either. Check Craigslist for bargains you

might be able to barter for, construction sites

for leftovers, like rocks, or local nurseries for

clearance items and inspiration.

Another way to save money and make the

actual task easier to manage is to simply do

a section of the yard at a time, such as the

fl owers or hedges one year and the patio the

next year. When choosing any plants or fl ow-

ers be sure to read up or ask the experts so

that you don’t waste money and time plant-

ing the wrong things in the wrong places.

Long-time Waxahachie resident, Sheila Mc-

Glothen, suggests using portable plants in

different kinds of containers because it’s easy

to change the look.

It’s all relative I guess. For our family, our back-

yard, much like our home, has to serve many

purposes. My children, Mackenzie, 8, and

Caleb, 5, insist the backyard is all about hav-

ing a good time. They are satisfi ed with a tire

swing on the tree, a soccer goal, a slide and,

of course, a few toys. However, mom needs

organization for all the balls, bats, sidewalk

chalk and all the other paraphernalia that ac-

cumulate over time. I also like a chair to read

in and a small table to set a cool drink on so

I can keep a watchful eye on them while they

play. My husband loves his grill and added a

fun fi re pit last year that we have used to grill

s’mores on more times than I can count. I also

love our large table that we have used for a

big family dinner on Mother’s Day and for ev-

eryday dinners when the weather is just right

outside. Of course there are always things

we would love to change about our outdoor

room, including adding a canopy and ledge of

some sort to keep the leaves and heat out, but

that’s a dream for another day.

Creating Your Own Backyard Haven

BY MELINDA HINES

Sacha also has some great suggestions when you have a

limited budget and want to spruce up your backyard. Think

more in the lines of ambiance and the steps below are both

cost effective and easy and would apply when throwing any

last-minute party or having an impromptu get together. Plus,

a quick run to any grocery store can provide everything nec-

essary to pull a makeover together. “There are three main

steps to creating that outdoor haven that will leave you feel-

ing great about your backyard space,” Sacha said.

SACHA’S AMBIANCE TIPS:THE TABLEWARE:

Always consider the season or event you are hosting, wheth-

er it is an evening backyard barbecue or an afternoon show-

er. You can pick between paper and plastic; just remember

the pattern and colors are going to be the jumping-off point

to pulling it all together.

THE FLOWERS:

Flowers always brighten up any space. When picking fl ow-

ers, you should follow the same color palette set by the table-

ware. You may even want to invest in a book about fl ower

arrangements. To add some texture, you can tie ribbon to the

neck of a vase, or put some fruit in the water for a little touch

of whimsy. Place the fl ower arrangements around the area,

making sure that you have an odd number of them so as not

to make the space look too cluttered.

THE LIGHTING:

Candles are often the last thing people think of. When putting

your candles together, you should keep all your candles the

same color to keep it looking elegant and simple. However,

you can choose to have all the same size candles and candle

holders, or have all different sizes in all different casings. The

main thing here is that you cluster the candles in groupings

and in various places. A fi nal great benefi t of candles is the

aroma—never a bad thing.

Melinda Hines is a wife, mom, author,

speaker, teacher and proud Waxahachie

resident. Her book, “Operation Mom:

Winning the Mommy Wars,” is available

on her Web site, www.melindahines.net,

and at Hastings and Amazon.com. To

get Melinda’s daily devotional, send her

an e-mail at [email protected].

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H&GHOME & GARDEN

Get ready to go outside! We have scoured the county and found the

best backyards, thanks to our loyal readers and their suggestions. There

was actually so much that we couldn’t feature everything in this issue.

Keep reading to fi nd the latest trends in outdoor living, fi ve things you

need to have the ultimate backyard and some easy things you can do

for a quick yard update.

In Diane Johnson’s column, you’ll fi nd even more ways to enjoy the

great outdoors. From screened-in porches to grills, she’s covered all

the details. Melinda Kocian touches on the plants that are perfect for

the hot months of July and August. When it comes to outdoor living,

we’ve got you covered!

In Th is Section:Backyards of 2010 36by Kate McClendon

8 Steps to Great Outdoor Living 42by Diane Johnson

July and August Plants 44by Melinda Kocian

Back-to-School Time 45by Deborah Tilson

BACKYARDS OF 2010It’s time to get outside and enjoy the weather our Texas summers have to offer. In the

next few pages, we’re featuring elements from some of the best backyards we’ve

found in and around Ellis County. If you’re planning to update your backyard soon,

this is the best place to get ideas and fi nd sources.


H&G


Since the summer temperature averages well above 100 degrees, the fi rst

thing people often think of putting in a backyard is a pool. But these large

water features have come a long way since the days of plain white con-

crete forming an oval-shaped pit. Pools can be lined with stained concrete

or dark pebbles, giving the water a deeper turquoise shade. We also see

many different shapes of pools, complete with features like fountains, slides,

tanning ledges and even an infi nity, or negative, edge.

A backyard can’t be too enjoyable without a place to sit and relax. Try cre-

ating different outdoor “rooms” to bring the comfort of the inside to the

outside. Separate seating areas with weatherproof rugs and furniture set

in a way to infl uence conversation. Add even more comfort with outdoor

throw pillows in complementary patterns and colors.

Outdoor kitchens are still very popular, but they’ve gone from just the ba-

sics to a full-blown area with all the amenities of an indoor kitchen. Con-

sider what you would need to make an entire meal outside. If other people

are helping you, you’ll need plenty of work space for chopping and prep

work, a sink, refrigerator and, of course, the grill. You may even want to

build cabinets to conveniently keep all of your outdoor dishes separate

from the indoor dishes.

If you want to add a little shade to your yard, consider building an arbor or

pergola. You can also place some crawling plants that will fi ll in the arbor

or pergola. Once they’ve grown, you’ll have even more shade and a pretty

place to enjoy.

Though the days are sweltering, some of our Texas nights can get a little

chilly. Outdoor fi replaces and fi re pits can help warm you and your guests

BACKYARD BLISS

Close your eyes and imagine the per-

fect spot to relax and enjoy family,

friends and nature. Now, how can you

get that image in your own backyard?

Here are the fi ve must-haves for a

beautiful backyard retreat.

POOL

No perfect spot would be complete

without a pool. Consider different

shapes—you could even create a lazy-

river style and add bridges and walk-

ways around and over the water. For

a more ocean-like feel, use saltwater

instead of the typical chlorinated water.

To create the ultimate in relaxation and

convenience, add a swim-up bar with

stools and a stone countertop.

FIREPLACE

Add ambience and heat with an out-

door fi replace. Having an outdoor light-

ing and heat source will let your family

and friends enjoy your backyard in the

chilly spring and fall and at night. Also, if

you’re using wood in the fi replace, you

can use it as a great s’mores-making

location.

SEATING AREAS

Make sure you have ample places for

guests to sit. From lounging by the pool

to relaxing under a covered patio, you’ll

need spots where people can gather to

talk and enjoy your beautiful yard. Make

sure you include side tables and throw

pillows to bring all the comfort of the

indoors out.

OUTDOOR KITCHENS

Who wants to keep running back and

forth between the indoor kitchen and

your guests outside? Cut down on that

running time by bringing everything

you need to prepare a great summer

meal out to your backyard. Also, if your

guests are already outside, they’ll be

more likely to help out as you cook their

lunch or dinner in the backyard kitchen!

LANDSCAPING

Add beauty and interest by bringing in

different colors and shapes with plants.

Consider planting native plants in your

fl ower beds and keep grass nice and

healthy to bring more attention to your

beautiful beds.

up as you enjoy the ambience they provide. Many people

are adding full-size fi replaces to their backyards, but a

simple fi re pit or chiminea can serve the same purpose.

One of the easier and cheaper ways to add life to your

backyard is to add plants. But make sure you research

your plants and your location fi rst. “Use the right plants

in the right places, like full-sun or partial-sun plants. Make

sure they don’t get burned,” Scott Melichar, a landscape

designer at Earth Tones Greenery in Midlothian, said. He

also said that having both deciduous and evergreen plants

gives a nice mix throughout the year in planting beds.

Once you add plants, you have to keep in mind watering

and irrigation. Try to place plants with the same watering

needs together so you don’t have to trek all over your yard

when watering. Also, think about drainage. You can fi nd

drainage liners at any greenery store.

Elevation changes create interest, according to Melichar,

so think about adding different-level terraces throughout

your yard. If you have a sloped yard, adding terracing will

be easier. Be sure to build stairs throughout so you can

walk by all the different elevations. Landscaping stairs are

usually around six inches tall whereas indoor stairs are

more like seven or eight inches tall.

QUICK &EASY UPDATES

Touch up. If the trim on your house has seen better days,

make sure you touch up worn spots with the same color

paint. Fix any broken window panes or torn screens and

repair anything else that may need attention.

Clean up. Get rid of the weeds in your yard and keep it

maintained. Scott Melichar with Earth Tones Greenery

suggests keeping a nice layer of mulch down to keep

weeds out and water in your fl ower beds. Also, making

sure your grass is healthy and maintained is an easy way

to give your yard a perfect look.

Re-do. If you have a rusty, old piece of furniture sitting

outside that you’ve been avoiding, why not give it a face

lift? Remove all of the old paint from the piece, paint it

a bright new color and treat it with a sealant to give it a

longer life.

Plant. There are many easy-to-care-for plants to choose

from, like begonias, moss roses, periwinkles, Dusty mill-

ers, snapdragons and many more. Ask someone at your

local outdoor store for help in choosing easy plants.

Also, add some color by placing plants in brightly col-

ored and complementary planters.

Light. Adding lighting is an inexpensive way to help

spruce up a yard and extends the time you can spend

outdoors. You can choose from a number of differ-

ent types of lighting, from high or low voltage to solar

options.


H&G

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2010 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM 39

HIGHLY DEED RESTRICTED

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MIDLOTHIAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

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HOMESITES FOR SALESHILOH FOREST ESTATES

FOR LOT SALES CALL BOBBY GLASS 972.935.2738

Allan McKeeverCUSTOM HOMES

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Everyone likes the relaxing sound that running water

creates, so why not add that sound to your backyard?

You can go high-end with a custom fountain, or create

your own water feature with some pottery and a foun-

tain kit, available at most garden stores.

When thinking about fl ooring, you’ll fi nd so many differ-

ent options from which to choose. “Stained concrete is

an inexpensive way to get a good look without spend-

ing the money on fl agstone,” Melichar said. There are

also many options when it comes to concrete now. You

can have patterns created in the concrete to make it

look like stone, or choose from different colored stains

so you can match your house and landscaping.

Think about the different levels in your yard and deck-

ing. Get creative with the wood fl oor of the decks and

use different types or stains of wood to create patterns

and interest. Instead of the standard rail around the

edge of the deck, try adding built-in benches framed

with matching planters for fl owers.

Before you do anything with your backyard, sketch out

what you want on paper fi rst. If you’re hiring a profes-

sional to do it, ask them to show you rendered plans of

what it’s going to look like when it’s fi nished. Melichar

has a degree in landscape architecture and shows all of

his clients three different fi nal-product plans: black and

white plans, rendered plans and perspective plans.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you get outside

and enjoy your backyard this summer!

Page 36, 40

Earth Tones Greenery - 972.723.0702

www.earthtonesgreenery.com

Page 39

1 - River Mist Pools & Spas, 972.723.1441

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2 - B.R. Ferguson Homes, 972.617.0003

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3 - The Backyard Store, 817.461.9273

www.thebackyardstore.cc

4 - Texsun Pools, 469.688.3465

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5 - King Custom Pools, 972.723.2800

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SOURCE LIST


H&G


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Hot dogs, hamburgers and brisket on the grill—that

is what summer is all about. There is no better way

to spend time with your family and friends than out-

doors on a summer night with the aroma of dinner

fi lling the air. Here are some steps you can take to

create the perfect outdoor space.

1. The roof can be an awning or a structural

shingled roof. Either will serve the purpose

of protecting you from the sun and summer

showers, which will allow you to use your pa-

tio more often.

2. Bugs are always an issue when entertaining

outdoors. Screening in your covered patio is

another relatively inexpensive project. You can

get a lot of bang for your buck with this ad-

dition. You are literally creating a fi nished out-

door room that is usable rain or shine.

3. If you have an awning roof, roll-up screening

is the perfect answer. It is lightweight and easy

to install. It does not require any extra support

or construction. It attaches to the metal frame

of the awning and is installed by the awning

manufacturer.

4. A permanent structural roof allows you to

install screen panels for walls. These panels

become part of the structure as the wood-

framed screens are attached to the roof and

support posts. Of course, you will need to

include a screen door for access.

5. We all can’t have gazebos and poolside kitch-

ens, but we can fi nd a spot to call our own

when cooking outdoors. Something as simple

as taking a small portion of the backyard to in-

stall paving stones can create the perfect spot

for outdoor entertaining.

The easiest procedure is to scrape off the

grass in your allotted spot, spray weed killer

on the area and inset the paver blocks as

closely as possible. Hose it all off and you are

done.

If you want to go a step further, add landscape

timbers or metal edging to create a border

around the patio. Add some potted plants to

the corners and you are ready to grill.

Now lets go just one step further. Put match-

ing stone border about two feet out from the

pavers and you have landscape beds to en-

hance your outdoor living area. Round the

corners and give your beds some interesting

shapes. Plant dwarf evergreens and fl owering

shrubs that bloom all summer long. Keep fresh

mulch in the beds for a crisp, clean look.

6. Adding a walkway from the back door or

porch to the patio creates a direct connection

from the house to the outdoor living space.

Brick-size pavers installed exactly like the

patio fl oor is your best bet. No concrete, no

professional labor to pay for, minimal expense

and you are ready to go.

7. After a period of time, you might consider a

serious addition to the stone paver patio that

has evolved into an outdoor room. Adding

a built-in grill with a counter or work area

sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

Basically, the work island is a rectangular box

made out of exterior plywood. Obviously, the

plywood has to be covered with something to

protect it from the elements and give it a fi n-

ished look.

The top can be a granite slab or a plywood top

with ceramic tile on it. Any waterproof product

will work. Solid surface products are perfect

for this application. If the budget is tight, use

waterproof wood. If you stain and seal it well,

you will get years of use out of it.

Laminate products will work well, too, but

make sure you use an outdoor plywood for

the base. Indoor products might buckle over

time with the constant humidity issues.

8. Installing the grill is probably the easiest part

of the project. You can purchase a drop-in

grill that sits into the countertop, like a stove

in the kitchen. Instructions for cutting out the

appropriate opening in the countertop will be

included with the grill.

If you have a grill unit with legs, you can cut

out a section of the cabinet and countertop

the size of the grill. Slide the grill into place and

you are ready to cook.

Start with an idea, then take it to the next step. That

is where we all have to start. Find the perfect spot

and start scraping off that grass. Before you know

it, doing one step at a time, you will have a perfect

outdoor living area ready for summer parties and

hamburgers galore.

H&G

DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD

has been decorating Ellis

County for more than 20 years.

Contact Diane Johnson Interiors

at 972.935.8899 or

[email protected].

8 OUTDOOR LIVINGSteps to Great


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JULY

Pomegranates (Punica granatum)

There’s nothing like harvesting fruit from your own trees. Research fi ndings

concerning the health-related benefi ts of pomegranates may prompt you

to add them to your list. Pomegranates originated in southern Asia and

were brought to America by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century. The

red-orange fl owers, attractive fruit and dense, bushy growth habit make

this fruit tree desirable. They are well adapted to practically any soil with

good drainage and require full sun.

PLANTING AND SOWING• Set out fall tomatoes and peppers from four-inch pots or tomatoes

planted from seed in June.

• Plant crape myrtles while in bloom from nursery stock. They would

rather be in the ground than in containers; keep them well watered.

• Plant lawn grass sod. It should look fresh and recently dug. It will

need water twice a day.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING• Deadhead all blooming plants and fertilize sparingly. Clean up container

plantings by removing dead leaves and fl owers.

• Pinch off fl owers, including herbs that are going to seed to encourage

re-blooming and additional foliage.

• Keep fall fl owering plants compact by pinching tips of new growth.

For example: Mexican bush sage, Mexican mint marigold, asters and

chrysanthemums.

THIS AND THAT• Keep berried plants well hydrated.

• On a hot afternoon, wilting is a sign of stress. It may be from lack of

moisture or that a plant cannot take up available moisture in the soil

through its roots. Wait until morning. If the plant is still wilting, it needs water.

GARDEN WATCH• Spot spray Bermuda lawns with the herbicide MSMA to kill grassy

weeds such as dallisgrass and crabgrass.

• Dead turf that does not respond to irrigation may have cinch bugs.

Check by parting the blades and look for small black bugs with

white diamonds on their back. Check for grub worms by grasping a

handful of turf and pulling. If grass easily comes up you may need to

treat, especially if you had them last season.

• Weed nut sedge by hand in mulched areas. It has underground

rhizomes with nutlets. Get them all or it comes back. It can be

controlled in lawn areas by applying Image or Manage. It will usually

require two applications. Best to apply two to three days after

mowing. FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS.

TIPS FOR AUGUSTAwareness of light pollution has increased recently. Some municipalities

have introduced measures to reduce light trespass, reduce glare

and promote energy effi ciency. Solar lighting is typically dimmer and

requires no consumable energy.

Monarch Butterfl yThe Monarch Butterfl y became the Texas state insect by a 1995

resolution of the state legislature. The Monarch is unique among

butterfl ies in that it is the only species of butterfl y that does not hibernate,

but migrates in changing seasons. It undergoes four changes in form

(metamorphoses) during its lifetime: tiny egg, caterpillar/larva, chrysalis

or pupa and in the fi nal state, the monarch emerges!

PLANTING AND SOWING• Sow seeds in fl ats of plants that may be hard to fi nd later in the

fall, such as calendulas. You can, if you like, sow seeds of fall and

winter annuals like snapdragons, dianthus and pansies or purchase

nursery stock when these become available.

• Plant seeds of bluebonnets and other wildfl owers directly in ground

about 1/2 an inch deep. The soil should be free of weeds and grass

and the surface should be lightly cultivated. Water well as these

plants must germinate in the late summer or fall. Bluebonnet seeds

have hard coats and should be acid treated to facilitate germination.

• Fall-blooming perennials such as Salvia Leucantha, Mexican

marigold, mums and asters if their buds have not already set. Fall-

fl owering bulbs can also be planted (spider lilies and crocus).

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING• Prune most roses by cutting out dead canes and weak spindly

growth. Cut back, depending on the variety, to about 30 inches.

Fertilize and water well for beautiful fall blooms.

• Salvia greggi (autumn sage) can be cut back at least by one third.

Do not fl at top any blooming shrub; always leave the tops in a

rounded, natural shape. If pruned now, it should display great fall

and early winter color.

•

THIS AND THAT• Select and order spring-fl owering bulbs that will grow in our area.

• By the end of the month you will know the winners and losers in

the landscape.

• Plan next year to plant Texas natives and adapted plants like salvias,

turkscap, pink skullcap, lantana, Texas betony butterfl y bush, fl ame

acanthus, ornamental grasses and many others.

GARDEN WATCH• Continue to follow the “Home Owners Fruit and Nut Spray

Schedule” to protect pecan trees against pecan weevils and hickory

shuck worms, which can destroy the crop.

• The same schedule also applies to peach and plum trees to protect

from peach tree borers.

AUGUSTBY MELINDA KOCIAN of Ellis County Master Gardeners

TIPS FOR JULY“Wherever I go in America, I like it when the land speaks its own

language in its own regional accent.” - Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, “Wildfl owers across America,” 1993

Photo by Linda Moxley and Nancy Prikryl

Photo by Linda Moxley

H&G


It is that time of year again. . . back-to-school time. In

order to help transition your kids from summer may-

hem to organized school time, I have some helpful

tips that can save you time and money.

First, clean out the closets. Go through any school

clothes from last year that no longer fi t or that are

worn or otherwise damaged. If the items are still in

good condition, I suggest getting them to a resale

shop to offset the costs of the new school clothes.

Encore Resale in Waxahachie takes children’s clothes

from newborn to size 14 in girls and boys. Plato’s

Closet in Arlington can take both men’s and women’s

clothes. They typically take more recent, name-brand

items in the teen to mid-20s fashions. They do not

take children’s clothing. Plato’s Closet also pays cash

on the spot. It is also a great place to let your kids

shop and get designer clothing at less than half of

retail.

Second, get their workspace ready. When children

have a designated space that is already prepared for

them to do their homework, they tend to stay focused

on their tasks until they are completed. Make sure

that the workspace is stocked with all the supplies

that they will need to work on homework and school

projects throughout the school year. If you have more

than one child sharing the same space, be sure and

buy storage containers with lids for each child to

store their own supplies. Let the child pick out their

own container so that it is personal and meaningful to

them. Put their names on each container so that there

is no confusion.

Third, organize old school supplies. Go through your

home and locate any and all unused items from previ-

ous years. Many times we ending buying things we al-

ready have simply because we did not take inventory

before we went shopping. Stick to the lists of supplies

provided on your school’s Web site. In order to avoid

over-spending, don’t take your children with you, go

alone and get only what is needed. I have learned

over the years not to wait until a week or two before

school starts to get all the great sales. In smaller com-

munities there are fewer places to shop and the stores

often sell out of items on school lists. Print off the list

in early August and avoid the crowds and keep from

wasting your time and fuel by having to drive to mul-

tiple locations to get all of the items on your list.

We still have a few weeks left, but summer will fl y

by and before you know it school will be in session.

Good luck and have a great summer!

Back-to-School Time

By Deborah Tilson, Professional Organizer

Deborah Tilson is the newest member of the Living Maga-

zine staff. She spends her time outside the magazine as a

professional organizer. If you need help getting organized,

contact her at [email protected].

PPROFESSIONAL GUIDE

Keep Your Backyard Pool SafeBY TIM TOBEY, State Farm® agent

Taking a dip in your backyard pool can be a great way to beat the heat during the dog days of summer.

It can be an excellent way to relax with family and friends or be a part of a regular exercise routine.

As much fun as a pool can be, it can also be a source of danger. Unsupervised or poorly protected

swimming pools and hot tubs can be very inviting to young children. A curious child can enter a pool

area before an adult realizes he or she is missing.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an estimated 350 children under age

fi ve drown in swimming pools each year. Another 2,600 are treated in hospital emergency rooms.

Nationally, drowning is listed as the leading cause of death to children under fi ve.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a pool in your backyard. There are a number of preventive

measures you can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable backyard. With available self-latching gates,

safety covers and underwater alarms, you can prevent young children from having access to the pool

without appropriate supervision. Visit www.cpsc.gov for more information.

When the weather heats up, a backyard pool can be a great way to cool down. Make sure yours is

safe as well as enjoyable.

In Th is Section:

Paying It Forward 47by Mark Singleton A Trust Designed with Special Needs in Mind 48by Jacob A. Hale

New Health Care Legislation and You 50by Kevin McDonnell

Attitude! Does It Make a Diff erence? 52by Mary White

529 Lesson Plan 54by Michael Hill


JULY-AUGUST 2010 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM 47 JULJULJULJULJU Y AAAY-AY-AY-AY-AUGUUGUUGUUGUUGUSTSTSTST S 20120120120120120101000000 LLLL LIVVIVIVIVINGNG-NGG MAGMAGMAGAGAAZIAZINNE.COMCOM 44447777

For the past two years, this

column has featured how current

banking legislation and trends

affect those of us living in Ellis

County. In those articles I have

differentiated between the huge,

nationwide fi nancial institutions

and locally owned and operated

independent banks.

The core of that difference is that

local banks have the mandate of

reinvesting their funds back into

the communities they serve. That

responsibility to return revenues

through business and personal

loans, and also the support of

civic programs and charitable

donations, establishes a cycle

of reciprocations: businesses,

families, schools and churches

all benefi t from an independent

bank’s lending and benevolence.

When they prosper and grow,

so does the bank who, in turn,

makes more revenue to reinvest

in the community. For Citizens

National Bank of Texas, that

commitment has worked well for

142 years.

I feel independent banks have a

higher responsibility than making

money and giving it back. Our

imperative to reinvest in the

communities we serve should not

be defi ned only by bankrolling

and benevolence. We need to

not only set the example, but also

establish a public attitude where

everyone is dedicated to paying

it forward.

Possibly it has been the

recessionary times in the past 24

months, but people seem to be

more willing these days to help

their neighbors and community.

Whereas only a few people

would run for public offi ce in the

past, there were recently eight

candidates for the Waxahachie

City Council, seven for the

Waxahachie ISD trustee race and

almost 2,000 people voted in the

WISD bond proposition initiative.

But we can’t stop there.

There are more church, civic and

social groups that desperately

need volunteers than there are

people to fi ll those appeals.

Now, more than ever, we need

to empower people to contribute

their time and efforts in helping

others.

What bothers me is that we have

to ask. All of us, even those that

are less fortunate, are so blessed

to live in a country and community

that has such a wide safety net to

keep us from a total economic and

social catastrophe. All we need

to do is look at the hunger and

medical strife in Africa, the social

upheaval in so many totalitarian

countries, the lawlessness of drug

traffi cking nations, the repression

of people’s rights or the religious

upheaval experienced by so

many in the world. The worst

of conditions in Ellis County is

diametrically better than the great

majority of living conditions on

our planet.

So, if we are so extraordinarily

blessed, why do so many folks

reject the commitment to pay

it forward? I think it is because

the What About Me attitude is

pervasive; a feeling that somehow,

as Americans, we are entitled to

have what we want, when we want

it, with the least amount of effort.

The recession has changed that

attitude with many people. With

unemployment still hovering

at 9+ percent, cutbacks being

experienced from city government

to the housing market, and the

reality of having to save rather

than spend affecting us all, the

realization that we should count

the blessings we have is becoming

more prevalent.

It is when times get tough that the

What About Me mindset often

changes to understanding that

others are also victims of hard

times. History clearly shows that

when times get tough, Americans

tend to bond and work collectively

for solutions.

If that is truly the case, that the Pay

It Forward mentality becomes

powerful as more people share

in hardships, then I hope as times

get better we do not forget the

lessons we have learned.

I am blessed to be surrounded

by friends who put others fi rst.

If the Golden Rule is also part

of your moral compass, your

contributions are part of the

mosaic of why many of us love to

live in Ellis County. Thank you to all

of you who see paying it forward

not as an obligation, but simply the

right thing to do.

BY MARK SINGLETON - PRESIDENT & CEOCITIZENS NATIONAL BANK OF TEXASPaying It Forward

P


The word “trust,” when used in an estate

planning context, typically conjures im-

ages of boarding schools, BMWs, ex-

pensive vacations and an extravagantly

wealthy aunt somewhere upstream.

Somehow, a husband with early onset

Alzheimer’s, a child with autism or a

sister with Down syndrome isn’t the or-

dinary trust-fund benefi ciary we envi-

sion. But these, and the approximately

50 million other Americans with some

form of disability, are precisely the ben-

efi ciaries contemplated by a special

kind of trust—the special needs trust.

Of course, there are hundreds of dif-

ferent kinds of trusts, all with different

goals and with different benefi ciaries

in mind. A trust is simply an agreement

under which money or other assets

are held and managed by one person

for the benefi t of another. The goals of

the special needs trust are simple: to

improve the quality of life of a disabled

individual, without disqualifying them

from the public assistance programs

they rely on for basic care.

Advances in modern medicine and

rehabilitation techniques allow people

with disabilities a higher standard of

living and longer life expectancies than

ever before. That means it is quite pos-

sible for these individuals to outlive the

devoted parents, spouses and even

children who care for them. Fortunate-

ly, the law has kept pace with medicine.

The special needs trust, long a creature

of American case law, was recognized

and approved by Congress in 1993.

This trust enables a person with a dis-

ability to have an unlimited amount of

assets held for his benefi t. But pub-

lic programs such as Medicaid and

Supplemental Security Income (SSI),

which are often necessary to meet

daily needs, impose strict income and

resource restrictions ($2,000 in assets

in 2010). Because the funds held in a

special needs trust are not considered

to be owned by the benefi ciary, as long

as the trust includes certain important

provisions and is managed according

to those provisions, it will not disqualify

the individual from public benefi ts, re-

gardless of its size.

Special needs trusts are often called

“supplemental needs trusts” because

they are intended to provide funds to

pay for certain expenses above and

beyond what Medicaid or SSI cover—

haircuts, vacations, movies, iPods,

hobby supplies, daytime companion-

ship, etc.

A special needs trust is often included

within a will to take effect if the caregiv-

er should pass away fi rst. It is impera-

tive that any gift of property made to a

disabled benefi ciary be made in trust

because even a modest inheritance,

if received outright, could exceed the

tight fi nancial boundaries public pro-

grams set for eligibility.

A practical example: Charlotte cares

for her husband, Edgar, who suffers

from Parkinson’s disease. She visits him

every day in the nursing home across

town and knows all his idiosyncrasies

by heart. Meanwhile, Medicaid picks

up the $4,000-per-month nursing

home bill. After years of caring for Ed-

gar, Charlotte passes away, fi rst leav-

ing all of her property—$50,000—to

her husband. Unless left to a special

needs trust for his benefi t, the gift will

disqualify Edgar from Medicaid, which

only allows Edgar $2,000 to be held

in his name.

Leaving the gift in a special needs trust

would ensure that Medicaid continues

paying the nursing home bill, while the

funds in trust are used to increase his

quality of life. Further, Charlotte can

leave behind detailed instructions in

the trust explaining all of Edgar’s likes

and dislikes and how these trust dollars

should be spent.

It is also important for other friends

and relatives to revisit their own es-

tate plans to make sure any gifts left to

the disabled benefi ciary are left to the

special needs trust as well. Benefi ciary

designations on life insurance policies

and retirement accounts should also

be directed to the trust.

Avoid the temptation to simply leave

property to a non-disabled benefi ciary

in the hopes that person will provide for

the disabled loved one. This can create

extraordinary complications that are

beyond the scope of this article. Using

a special needs trust will ensure that

property intended for a disabled ben-

efi ciary will be used for his or her ben-

efi t only and will be beyond the reach

of creditors, divorcing spouses or other

unforeseen catastrophes.

There may be no better insight into

the heart of a family than the way they

respond to an unexpected disability.

There is nothing more important, more

spiritually rewarding or more challeng-

ing than caring for a son, daughter,

husband, wife, mother or father with

a disability. A special needs trust will

allow the lifestyle you create for your

loved one to carry forward even when

you’re gone.

A Trust Designed with Special Needs in Mind

BY JACOB A. HALE

Jacob A. Hale is an elder law and estate planning attorney at The Hale Law

Firm in Waxahachie.

P


NG

LivingELLIS COUNTY

M A G A Z I N E

THE P

REMI

ERE M

AGAZ

INE O

F ELL

IS CO

UNTY

WWW.L IV I NG-MAGAZ I N E .COMPh: 972.935.0938 • Fax: 972.937.7326

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Business EssentialsThree Reasons for E-mail Marketing

54% of small businesses surveyed

rated e-mail as the top online promo-

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President Barack Obama in March signed

into law the largest piece of health care leg-

islation since Medicare was implemented

in the 1960s. With $400 billion of revenue

raisers and new taxes, signifi cant tax impli-

cations will affect you as early as this year.

Starting in 2010From 2010 through 2013, eligible small

business employers (with less than 25

employees and average annual wages of

less than $50,000) will receive a 35% tax

credit on the contribution to their employ-

ees' health insurance premiums.

Parents can cover adult children up to age

26 under their tax-qualifi ed employer-pro-

vided health plans.

Starting in 2011 States will receive funding to establish the

Web-based state insurance exchanges,

which will be called Small Business Health

Options Programs (SHOP). These ex-

changes will allow small businesses to form

alliances and purchase insurance policies

together at reduced rates.

Small business employers will be eligible to

receive federal funding from 2011 to 2015

for providing their employees with wellness

programs.

The defi nition of qualifi ed medical expenses

regarding distributions from Health Savings

Accounts (HSAs), Archer Medical Savings

Accounts (MSAs) and reimbursements

through Health Flexible Spending Ar-

rangements (Health FSAs) and Health Re-

imbursement Arrangements (HRAs) has

been modifi ed to exclude over-the-counter

medicines.

A $2,500 annual cap on expenses will be

applied to fl exible spending accounts.

A simplifi ed "cafeteria plan," where employ-

ees can choose specifi c benefi ts to suit their

needs, will be tailored to small businesses

starting in 2011. The cafeteria plan will also

include those who are self-employed.

Starting in 2013

Estates and trusts will owe a 3.8% un-

earned income Medicare contribution

tax (formerly called Medicare tax) on the

lesser of their undistributed net investment

income or any adjusted gross income over

the highest tax bracket threshold (currently

$11,200). So a trust with AGI of $20,000

would owe $334.40. ($20,000 minus

$11,200 equals $8,800, which is then mul-

tiplied by .038.)

Limits on tax-subsidized medical expenses

will be imposed by raising the itemized

medical expense deduction fl oor from

7.5% to 10%.

An additional 0.9% tax will be imposed on

earned income over $200,000 for indi-

viduals and $250,000 for families.

Individuals with AGI above $200,000 (or

families with AGI over $250,000) will pay

a 3.8% unearned income Medicare contri-

bution tax on the lesser of:

• Their net investment income* for the

tax year or

• Any excess of their AGI over

$200,000 for individuals/$250,000

for families.

Starting in 2014Small business owners with more than 100

employees will be able to purchase em-

ployee health insurance through state-run

insurance exchanges called SHOP.

Taxpayers with household

income between 100%

and 400% of the Fed-

eral Poverty Line (FPL)

can qualify for a refundable

health insurance premium

assistance credit. (The cur-

rent FPL, which is based

on family size, is $10,830

for one person; $3,740 for

each additional person and

$22,050 for a four-person

family.)

Companies with at least

50 employees will have

to pay a $2,000 penalty

($166.67 per month) for

each employee they don't

cover who ends up on a government-sub-

sidized plan.

Most individuals not eligible for Medicaid

or Medicare or other government-spon-

sored coverage must maintain minimum

essential coverage beginning in 2014 or

pay a penalty. (Employer-provided insur-

ance will satisfy this coverage requirement.)

From 2014 to 2015, eligible small business

employers will receive a 50% tax credit

on the contribution on plans purchased

through SHOP, the state-run insurance

exchanges.

The required estimated tax payments of

corporations with assets of at least $1 billion

for payments due in July, August and Sep-

tember of 2014 will be increased to 15.75

percentage points.

*Net investment income includes interest,

dividend, royalties, rent, income earned

from a trade or business, self-employment,

estates, trusts and gain from disposing of

property. Distributions from retirement

plans, pensions and retirement accounts

are exempt from the additional tax.

Kevin McDonnell is an attorney and Certi-

fi ed Public Accountant. To contact him, call

McDonnell Legal at 972.923.2881 or visit

www.thewaxahachielawyer.com.

New Health Care Legislation and YOU BY KEVIN MCDONNELL

P


Kevin McDonnell has his B.S. in accounting from the University of New Orleans. He received Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law. Kevin is an ac-complished Attorney and Certifi ed Public Accountant practicing in Ellis County. His goal is to provide effi -cient and eff ective management for all individuals at all stages of their lives. He provides reasonable rates for full accounting and legal services concentrating on as-set protection, wealth preservation, all aspects of busi-ness, tax, and elder care law. Kevin will examine each individual’s needs regarding preserving wealth and as-sets for the future, fi nancial security and wealth trans-fer. He is a founding board member of CASA helping abused and neglected children. Kevin is never to busy to take your call.

Kevin McDonnell, JD, CPAAttorney at Law and Certifi ed Public Accountant

714 Ferris Ave. • Waxahachie • 972.923.2881

Building a Trusting Relationship One Client at a Time

*Not Board Certifi ed by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

We’re here to answer your call personally and solve your legal, accounting and IRS needs.

We want to be your hometown realtor!

Serving the Metroplex since 1980, Nickel Property has a proven track record for getting our clients results.

Micah MooreCommercial/Residential Real Estate

Cell (469) 877-2246Offi ce (972) 955-8822

Fax (972) 875-8686

307 N. Sherman I Ennis, TX [email protected]

W W W. M I C A H M O O R E . C O M


Does a person’s attitude make a differ-

ence? Yes! Attitude makes a signifi cant

difference in so many facets of a person’s

life. Zig Zigler’s quote, “It’s a person’s at-

titude not their aptitude that determines

their altitude,” captures the importance

of attitude. A person can have educa-

tion and skills but if their attitude isn’t

one of positivity, then it directly impacts

the altitude–the successes in their life.

Worldwide, our clients talk about the im-

portance of hiring people with a positive

attitude. Clients say, “Give me someone

with a positive attitude and I’ll teach ‘em

the rest!”

Unfortunately when we talk about “atti-

tude” we’re frequently not referring to a

person’s positive attitude but instead to

a negative attitude. Attitude is really a set

of behaviors. A good attitude is demon-

strated by positive thinking, positive body

language and thinking of the glass as be-

ing “half-full.” A negative attitude is just the

opposite. The glass is “half-empty” and

individuals bring others down with their

overall negativity.

Too often we shy away from holding oth-

ers accountable for their actions and at-

titudes. Why would we do this? Because

typically we want to avoid confl ict; we

think, “why bother?” because that’s the

way the person is and no matter what is

said they won’t change. How do we know

if we don’t try?

What are the costs of allowing even one person with a negative attitude to continue being in your organization?

• Customer dissatisfaction

• Lower morale

• Employee turnover

• Decreased fundraising, produc-

tivity, safety and quality

• Diffi culty in recruiting others with

a positive attitude

• Lack of respect for an organiza-

tion that “allows” this kind of be-

havior

What are the benefi ts of having an organization of positive thinkers?

Exactly the opposite of all

those negatives.

How should we address the

issue of negative attitudes?

First, we need to realize that

an attitude is a set of behav-

iors. We need to be very

specifi c with the behaviors

that we expect to be dem-

onstrated. Desired behaviors

are documented in job de-

scriptions, performance evaluations and

performance management or coaching

sessions. We can’t assume a person

knows exactly what we expect unless we

spell it out for them, and then hold them

accountable for those behaviors. Once

a person knows exactly what’s expect-

ed and the gap between that and what

they’re demonstrating, then we can col-

laboratively work to eliminate that “gap.”

The graphic here shows the gap.

It’s essential to acknowledge and reward

those employees who consistently dem-

onstrate a positive, can-do attitude! Too

often we spend too much of our orga-

nizational time focused on the negative

instead of enhancing the positive.

Start today! Acknowledge those with

positive attitudes and coach those with

negative attitudes to meet your expecta-

tions. Your organization’s future depends

on it!

Mary White is a partner, along with Jerry White, in WTC Performance Group. WTC has focused on helping organiza-tions worldwide reduce the gap between performance (what is happening) and expectation (what they wish was happen-ing) since 1991. Learn more about us at www.wtcperformancegroup.com or by calling Mary at 972.291.1140.

ATTITUDE! Does It Make A Difference?

BY MARY WHITE

“IT’S A PERSON’S

ATTITUDE NOT

THEIR APTITUDE

THAT DETERMINES

THEIR ALTITUDE”

DESIRED

Expected Behavior (Attitude)

COMMUNICATION/COACHING NEEDED

=

BEHAVIOR (ATTITUDE)

Person is Demonstrating

P


Michael W. Hartley has been practicing law for 30 years. He is proud to call him-self a trial lawyer. He believes that power in America should remain with the people through the exercise of individual freedoms. Trial lawyers give the voice with which to respond to big business, government and the judiciary.

AWARDS: The Brown and Judge award for Academic Achievement in the area of Products Liability. He was a member of the Board of Barristers and Phi Alpha Delta Le-gal Fraternity while in law school.

Represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants: Family, Probate, Contract, Corporate, Real Estate, Product Liability, Commercial Col-lections, Appeals to the Court of Appeals & Supreme Court of Texas., Trial of civil cases including misdemeanor & felony charge, in-cluding Capital Murder and appeals to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Michael W. Hartley

Attorney & Counselor at Law

• B.S. degree in 1975, Texas

Tech University

• J.D. degree in 1979, Texas

Tech School of Law

• Practiced in El Paso, Texas

for 11 years

• 1991, Practice relocated to

Waxahachie

216 Franklin Street • Waxahachie

972.938.0088

www.elliscountylawyer.com

201 East Main Street • Suite 207 • Waxahachie

972.937.8655

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Looking for a tax-advantaged college sav-

ings plan that has no age restrictions, no

income phaseout limits, no residency re-

quirements—and one you can use to pay for

more than just tuition?

Consider the 529 savings plan, an increas-

ingly popular way to save for higher-educa-

tion expenses, which have more than tripled

over the past two decades—with annual costs

of more than $30,000 per year for the aver-

age private four-year college.1 Named after

the section of the tax code that authorized

them, 529 plans (also known as qualifi ed state

tuition programs) are now offered in almost

every state.

Most people have heard about the original

form of 529, the state-operated prepaid tu-

ition plan, which allows you to purchase units

of future tuition at today’s rates, with the plan

assuming the responsibility of investing the

funds to keep pace with infl ation. It’s practically

guaranteed that the cost of an equal number

of units of education in the sponsoring state

will be covered, regardless of investment

performance or the rate of tuition increase.

Of course, each state plan has a different mix

of rules and restrictions. Pre-paid tuition pro-

grams typically will pay future college tuition at

any of the sponsoring state’s eligible colleges

and universities (and some will pay an equal

amount to private and out-of-state institu-

tions).

The newer variety of 529 is the savings plan.

It’s similar to an investment account, but the

funds accumulate tax deferred. Withdraw-

als from state-sponsored 529 plans are

free of federal income tax as long as they

are used for qualified college expenses.

Unlike the case with pre-paid tuition plans,

contributions can be used for all qualified

higher-education expenses (tuition, fees,

books, equipment and supplies, room and

board), and the funds usually can be used

at all accredited post-secondary schools in

the United States. The risk with these plans

is that investments may lose money or may

not perform well enough to cover college

costs as anticipated.

In most cases, 529 savings plans place in-

vestment dollars in a mix of funds based on

the age of the benefi ciary, with account allo-

cations becoming more conservative as the

time for college draws closer. But recently,

more states have contracted professional

money managers—many well-known invest-

ment fi rms—to actively manage and market

their plans, so a growing number of investors

can customize their asset allocations. Some

states enable account owners to qualify for a

deduction on their state tax returns or receive

a small match on the money invested. In 48

states, earnings are exempt from taxes.2 And

there are even new consumer-friendly reward

programs popping up that allow people who

purchase certain products and services to

receive rebate dollars that go into state-spon-

sored college savings accounts.

Funds contributed to a 529 plan are con-

sidered to be gifts to the benefi ciary, so any-

one—even non-relatives—can contribute up to

$13,000 per year (in 2009) per benefi ciary

without incurring gift tax consequences. Con-

tributions can be made in one lump sum or in

monthly installments. And assets contributed

to a 529 plan are not considered part of the

account owner’s estate, therefore avoiding es-

tate taxes upon the owner’s death.

MAJOR BENEFITSThese savings plans generally allow people

of any income level to contribute, and there

are no age limits for the student. The account

owner can maintain control of the account

until funds are withdrawn—and, if desired, can

even change the benefi ciary as long as he or

she is within the immediate family of the origi-

nal benefi ciary. A 529 plan is also extremely

simple when it comes to tax reporting—the

sponsoring state, not you, is responsible for all

income tax record keeping. At the end of the

year when the withdrawal is made for college,

you will receive Form 1099 from the state,

and there is only one fi gure to enter on it: the

amount of income to report on the student’s

tax return.

BENEFITS FOR GRANDPARENTSThe 529 plan is a great way for grandparents

to shelter inheritance money from estate taxes

and contribute substantial amounts to a stu-

dent’s college fund. At the same time, they also

control the assets and can retain the power to

control withdrawals from the account. By ac-

celerating use of the annual gift tax exclusion,

a grandparent—as well as anyone, for that

matter—could elect to use fi ve years’ worth

of annual exclusions by making a single con-

tribution of as much as $65,000 per benefi -

ciary in 2009 (or a couple could contribute

$130,000 in 2009), as long as no other

contributions are made for that benefi ciary for

fi ve years.3 If the account owner dies, the 529

plan balance is not considered part of his or

her estate for tax purposes.

As with other investments, there are generally

fees and expenses associated with participa-

tion in a Section 529 savings plan. In addi-

tion, there are no guarantees regarding the

performance of the underlying investments

in Section 529 plans. The tax implications of

a Section 529 savings plan should be dis-

cussed with your legal and/or tax advisors

because they can vary signifi cantly from state

to state. Also note that most states offer their

own Section 529 plans, which may provide

advantages and benefi ts exclusively for their

residents and taxpayers.

Before investing in a 529 savings plan,

please consider the investment expenses,

risks, charges and expenses carefully. The

offi cial disclosure statements and applicable

prospectuses, which contain this and other

information about the investment options and

underlying investments, can be obtained by

contacting your fi nancial professional. You

should read this material carefully before in-

vesting.

By comparing different plans, you can deter-

mine which might be available for your situa-

tion. You may fi nd that 529 programs make

saving for college easier than before.

The information in this article is not intended to

be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied

on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax

penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or

legal advice from an independent professional

advisor.

Sources:

1. The College Board, 2008

2. SavingForCollege.com

3. If the donor makes the fi ve-year election

and dies during the fi ve-year calendar period,

part of the contribution could revert back to

the donor’s estate.

Michael Hill is owner and Branch Man-

ager of Hill & Associates, Wealth Advisory

Group. Hill & Associates have offi ces in both

Midlothian and Plano. They have been serving

investors in the DFW area since 1982. He can

be reached by calling 800.333.3030.

529 LESSON PLAN: HIGH SCORES FOR 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM

BY MICHAEL HILL

P

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MMEDICAL DIRECTORY

August is back-to-school time! Whether your child is eight months old or

18 years old, they need to be caught up on the recommended vaccinations.

These vaccinations can prevent diseases like hepatitis B, tetanus, polio, ru-

bella, chickenpox, measles, mumps, diphtheria and others. Your pediatri-

cian will have a schedule of all the recommended vaccinations and when

they are needed. If your child is going to college in the fall, make sure they

have the meningitis vaccine, especially if they are planning to live in a dorm.

In Th is Section:Volunteering For Hospice 58by Paul Colwell Time to Flip-Flop on Flip-Flops? 60Baylor Update

Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted 62by Dr. Davis W. Morgan

Dealing with Addiction 64by Katherine Donaldson, Psy.D.

Th e Dangers of Sleep Apnea 66by Dr. Ed Charnock


For many, volunteering for a local hospice program would not

sound like the sort of thing you would choose to spend your

free time doing. But for some local Ellis County residents, they

found it much different than what they expected.

Last year Sue Brown began volunteering to deliver care pack-

ages to caregivers, the spouse or family member who delivers

direct care to the hospice patient. After Brown lost her hus-

band while on hospice she realized how much stress taking

care of a loved one can be. She was more than willing to help

deliver the packages, containing items that help the loved one

focus attention on themselves during a time when most of the

attention is on the patient. “Helping to alleviate the stress of the

primary caregivers, most typically the patient’s spouse, in turn

directly helps the hospice patient,” states Jim Colwell, RN BSN

CHPN and owner of Lighted Pathways Hospice. “Hospice

care is just as focused on the family and primary caregivers as

it is on the patients themselves.”

Sue Brown and co-volunteer Gayann Merchant visit new hos-

pice caregivers each week to let them know that others have

been through the same experiences they are going through

now and to offer ongoing support. “The reward is just being

there for them and to talk to the caregiver and to see their ex-

pression of relief when they realize someone else understands

what they are going through.” Merchant said

Josh McDonald, Volunteer Coordinator for Lighted Pathways

Hospice, explains that it can be diffi cult to recruit the right indi-

viduals for a hospice volunteer program. “We try to fi rst identify

the need of the hospice patient and their family, then recruit

the right individual who has the appropriate background and

interests to fulfi ll that need.” It was exactly this kind of approach

that brought about the current initiatives of the Lighted Path-

ways Hospice volunteer program. In addition to the caregiver

program, volunteers also work with other family members to

document a life review of the patient’s most memorable events.

The volunteer will visit with the patient and family members to

gather information, collect facts, hear stories and copy pictures.

This information is then used to create a hardcover book that

will help bring closure to the person’s life and remind them of

the value and meaning that their life held. “Reviewing a patient’s

life is just as vital to those left behind as it is to the patient,” says

McDonald. Recruiting volunteers that have computer skills in

graphic design is not something most people would associate

with a need in hospice.

Another initiative at Lighted Pathways focuses on those pa-

tients who have served in the armed forces. Volunteers identify

patients who are U.S. military veterans and visit each to present

a gift and to thank them for their service. “It’s about acknowl-

edging what they did for our country, listening to their stories

and just showing them some gratitude,” states Don Merchant,

a Lighted Pathways volunteer and a U.S. Army veteran. While

some of the patients are veterans of combat action, such as

WWII, Korean or Vietnam wars, many have served during

peace time, but all are honored by the volunteer program for

their service. “Having volunteer veterans honor hospice pa-

tient veterans has been very rewarding for our program,” says

McDonald.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organi-

zation, more than 550,000 volunteers provided more than 25

million hours of service to families and patients in 2009.

Paul Colwell is a volunteer at Lighted Pathways Hospice. If you

would like more information about hospice care, or becom-

ing a hospice volunteer, contact Lighted Pathways Hospice at

972.923.2436.

Hospice patient Norman Carter accepts a caregiver stress relief package from volunteers Sue Brown and Gayann Merchant.

VOLUNTEERING FOR HOSPICE:

MATCHING NEEDS WITH EXPERIENCES

BY PAUL COLWELL

M


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Once simple, cheap rubber thongs you

bought at the drugstore, today’s fl ip-

fl ops have gone high-fashion and can be

bought at most major department stores.

Frequently adorned with jewels and

stones, they have made their way from

practical poolside shoes to wardrobe

staples.

While they may seem cool, comfortable

and stylish, keep in mind that wearing fl ip-

fl ops can come with a price. Those fl at san-

dals can lead to a number of injuries and

painful foot conditions, including:

• Increased insect bites and exposure

to poison ivy due to the sandal’s lack

of coverage.

• Aggravation of knee, hip or back

problems.

• Increased blunt trauma injuries from

stepping on something sharp, which

could go through the thin soles of fl ip-

fl ops, or knocking your foot and toes

against hard objects.

• Sprained ankles and broken bones

from tripping in fl imsy fl ip-fl ops.

• Cuts and injuries from wearing them

while doing yardwork.

• Arch and heel pain due to fl ip-fl ops’

lack of arch support.

Some fl ip-fl op injuries can be quite seri-

ous—a British study in 2002 found that

55,100 men and women went to hospitals

with fl ip-fl op related complaints.

FLAT-OUT PAINArch and heel pain experienced by fl ip-fl op

wearers may be a sign of an aggravating

condition known as plantar fasciitis. The

plantar fascia is a thick band of connective

tissue that runs along the bottom of your

foot, from the heel to each of the bones that

form the ball of your foot. When the plan-

tar fascia gets infl amed, the result is often

sharp, shooting pain at the base of your

heel and the bottom of your foot.

“If you wear fl at shoes, such as fl ip-fl ops,

consistently, you can irritate your plantar

fascia, which can become a chronic prob-

lem,” said Deacon Staggs, M.D., physical

medicine and rehabilitation physician on

the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center

at Waxahachie.

In addition to wearing shoes without arch

support, running, obesity, sudden weight

gain and a tight Achilles tendon are risk

factors for plantar fasciitis, according to

the National Institutes of Health. Jobs that

require long periods of standing or work-

ing on concrete surfaces can also lead to

plantar fasciitis.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis may include

shoe inserts, aggressive Achilles stretch-

ing, anti-infl ammatory medications and, of

course, no fl ip-fl ops or other unsupportive

shoes.

“If you’re having any kind of foot pain, fl ip-

fl ops are not your best option,” said Dr.

Staggs.

A GLITCH IN YOUR GAITAccording to a 2008 study from the

American College of Sports Medicine, fl ip-

fl ops may also be responsible for lower leg

pain. Turns out that fl ip-fl ops not only don’t

provide enough support, they also cause

us to change the way we walk.

The study compared fl ip-fl ops to sneak-

ers to assess the angles at which they im-

pact the fl oor and the force at contact with

the ground during walking. Researchers

analyzed the gait of fl ip-fl op wearers com-

pared to their gait while wearing sneakers.

They discovered a statistically signifi cant

decrease in the vertical (straight-down)

force in fl ip-fl op wearers. This decreased

force may explain why people who wear

fl ip-fl ops alter their normal gait and may

shed light on why some experience lower

leg pain.

WALK THIS WAYSo what’s a hot-footed, fashion-forward

person supposed to do? Wearing fl ip-fl ops

in moderation is the key, according to the

American Podiatric Medical Association

(APMA). Plus, you can look for fl ip-fl ops

with the APMA’s “Seal of Acceptance”

which signifi es that the sandals have dem-

onstrated proper support.

If you will be wearing fl ip-fl ops—in modera-

tion!—this summer, keep the following tips

from the APMA in mind:

• Gently bend your fl ip-fl ops from end

to end, ensuring they bend at the ball

of the foot.

• Don’t wear flip-flops year after year.

Inspect older pairs for wear, and

throw them out if they show severe

signs of wear.

• Make sure your feet don’t hang off the

edges of your fl ip-fl ops.

• Be sure to wear sunscreen on the tops

of your feet.

Ultimately, Dr. Staggs recommends a

sturdier shoe for keeping your feet healthy

and safe.

“Your best option for shoes that will most

likely keep your feet comfortable and pain-

free any time of year are running shoes with

good arch support and a soft insole,” said Dr. Staggs. Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care Sys-tem’s subsidiary, community or affi liated medical centers and are neither employ-ees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie or Baylor Health Care System.

TIME TO FLIP-FLOP ON FLIP-FLOPS?THOSE COMFY SUMMER SANDALS MAY NOT BE SO COMFORTABLE AFTER ALL

M


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Ellis County is no different than the rest of the Dallas area. People like to

have their smiles look good, and in order to make this happen, you need

a skilled dentist with a commitment to creating beautiful smiles. There are

many topics that you have heard before and are familiar with, such as den-

tures, veneers, crowns and teeth whitening…the list goes on. All of these top-

ics fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry.

What is cosmetic dentistry? It is basically the practice of altering your teeth

or smile to enhance the way your mouth presents itself. Cosmetic dental

restorations are not only functional, but beautiful. A good cosmetic dentist

will create a smile that imitates what a natural smile looks like. This means

the teeth will be a mixture of shades with proper light refl ection and each will

have the right amount of translucency feathered into the edges.

Dr. Davis W. Morgan of Aesthetic and Implant Dentistry answers some

common questions concerning cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Morgan graduated

from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1989 and in most years he completes

50-100 hours of advanced dental training. The state requirement is only 12

hours per year. While traditional dentistry focuses on prevention, diagnosis

and treatment of disease, cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry focuses on im-

proving the beauty of your smile.

What is a porcelain veneer? Dental veneers are custom-designed shells

of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth,

can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips

or cracks.

Is it different than a crown? The fundamental difference between porcelain

veneers and crowns is the amount of tooth structure that the restoration

covers. Crowns generally cover the entire tooth, whereas veneers only

cover the front and sides of a tooth.

Can I choose which one I get? There are characteristics associated with

each that make one or the other more suitable for certain situations. Crowns

are a good choice for teeth that are broken or decayed or for misaligned

teeth that require reshaping to appear in line.

I am missing a front tooth. Can I still have cosmetic dentistry done to

improve my smile? Absolutely! There are several options for tooth replace-

ment, but if you are only missing one front tooth, placement of a single im-

plant is an excellent option. The implant can then be restored with a crown

and the adjacent teeth might have crowns or veneers.

I hate my denture. It is ugly and doesn’t fi t well. What can be done?

Dentures today do not need to look like dentures! Advances in dentistry

have made dentures much more life-like and comfortable than ever before.

There are also options to consider if you would like the added benefi t of an

implant-retained denture. How many implants and where to place them can

only be determined by a qualifi ed dentist.

Can I have bright, white teeth? Yes. Whatever cosmetic option you

choose, your teeth can be whiter. Bleaching will lighten your teeth several

shades, but the degree of whitening is determined by several factors includ-

ing age, eating habits, smoking and medications. Veneers, crowns and den-

tures can be designed to your specifi cations. While some patients request

“Hollywood white,” others opt for a more a more subtle change. An experi-

enced cosmetic dentist will work closely with the patient and the laboratory

to achieve the desired result.

How much will this cost? There is no pat answer for this. Every patient is dif-

ferent. Bleaching is simple and affordable, however, full-mouth reconstruc-

tion can cost several thousand dollars. When looking for a cosmetic dentist,

you don’t necessarily want the least expensive. Today, many dental labora-

tories are located outside of the U.S., in countries such as China and the

Philippines. Much of this work is clinically acceptable, but not aesthetically

pleasing. There is also little information relative to what metals and ceramics

are used. By dentists using these laboratories, their fees may be lower; how-

ever, the result is likely to be less than desirable. A good cosmetic dentist will

have a lab that he works closely with. He will know the technician by name

and speak to him directly about your care.

How do I fi nd a good cosmetic dentist? Legally, any general dentist can

announce him or herself as a cosmetic dentist. As a consumer it can be

hard to tell who’s good and who is not until it’s too late. Search online, ask

your friends, call the dental offi ce. You need to trust that your dentist knows

and understands what you want, and you need to believe that he or she can

deliver that result. Ask to see photos. A good dentist that cares about the

aesthetic result will be happy, even excited, to show you his work.

Visit Dr. Davis W. Morgan, DDS, at Aes-

thetic and Implant Dentistry in Midlothian.

Dr. Morgan is a member of the American

Dental Association, the Texas Dental As-

sociation, the Academy of General Den-

tistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic

Dentistry and is a fellow in the International

Congress of Oral Implantologists. To fi nd

out more or to schedule an appointment,

call 972.723.5544 or visit www.dfws-

miledesign.com.

Get the Smile

You’ve Always

WantedBY DR. DAVIS W. MORGAN

M


Dr. Sullivan arrived in Ennis in 2003 after complet-

ing his residency in General Surgery and Fellowship

in Laparoscopic Surgery at the University of Texas

Health Science Center in San Antonio. Since then he

married Meg, who is a cardiologist, and had two boys

John Michael and William Henry. Dr. Sullivan has kept

at the forefront of medicine in Ennis and performs out-

patient procedures now at both Southwest Surgery

Center in Ennis and Waxahachie Surgery Center.

He routinely performs outpatient gallbladder, hernia,

intestine and anti-refl ux procedures laparoscopically,

allowing patients to be at home the day of their op-

eration. He also performs diagnostic and therapeutic

endoscopy and colonoscopy with minimally invasive

techniques for treating hemorrhoids and ulcers. He

continues to care for hospitalized patients, perform-

ing inpatient and higher risk outpatient surgeries at

Ennis Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Sullivan’s passion is minimally invasive surgery

with less pain and faster recovery times while avoid-

ing costly stays in a hospital. With the expansions

in the department of surgery, Dr. Sullivan no longer

takes call 24/7 at the hospital and has found time to

hunt, fi sh and enjoy his growing family.

John Sullivan, M. D. General Surgery

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Dealing with Addiction

I have worked with many good people who

have unintentionally become addicted to pre-

scribed pain medication. These kinds of medi-

cation are excellent tools for managing pain but,

as you know all too well, can become addictive.

The better they work, the more their potential for

addiction.

Addiction to anything, whether it is alcohol, pre-

scription medication or illicit drugs, is a chronic

disease. His addiction did not happen overnight.

If your husband is drug dependent, he has lost all

control over his use of the drug.

ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORPeople who suffer from an addictive disease en-

gage in compulsive behavior and gradually lose

control of their lives. Even though your husband

is experiencing negative consequences from us-

ing the drug, he feels he cannot stop. This is likely

having a negative impact on his self-esteem,

which further impairs his ability to quit. It is also

possible that his addiction is causing him to feel

anxious and depressed.

He has probably experienced some extremes

in his behavior. You mentioned his dishonesty

and the negative impact his use is having on

your marriage and family life. He has frequently

disappointed you and his children. These are

hallmark behaviors of a person who suffers with

an addiction.

Denial is a common component of addiction.

You may have heard him say that he can quit any

time or deny that he has a problem.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY ADDICTIVE DISEASEWe have all heard about celebrities with addic-

tion problems, but addiction can affect anyone

from any part of society, from stay-at-home

moms to corporate executives.

Studies have shown that there is a genetic pre-

disposition for addiction. For example, about half

of all alcoholics had an alcoholic parent. Men

seem to be more vulnerable than women to the

alcoholic traits of their parents. Women appear

to be more affected by environmental stressors.

THE PHYSICAL SIDE OF ADDICTIONChronic abuse produces long-lasting damage

in many areas of brain function. It can damage

memory, problem-solving ability, the capacity

for abstract thinking and even physical dexterity.

It may also impair verbal, visual and spatial ability.

The extent of damage to brain tissue depends

on the extent of the abuse. When the abuse

stops, some healing is possible.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGSYou say that your husband is no longer the same.

This is because prescription (and illegal) drugs

with psychoactive side effects target the brain

and can change a person’s mood. This is part of

what causes these drugs to be potentially addic-

tive. Some people think that if a doctor has pre-

scribed a drug, it is not addictive. This is not true.

It is important for your husband to talk with his

doctor about his situation. Addictive disease is

often progressive and in some instances can be

fatal. Thankfully, with proper treatment, recovery

is possible.

TREATMENTThe fi rst phase of treating addiction focuses on

the physical effects of drug (or alcohol) use. This

phase can include detoxifi cation or treating life-

threatening disorders such as liver failure.

Since addiction is primarily a brain disease that

results in behavioral symptoms, the main treat-

ment is psychosocial therapy. Treatment usually

focuses on the irrational feelings and distorted

thinking that accompany chronic drug abuse.

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires a

lifetime recovery plan. Many fi nd success with

a 12-step treatment program and/or participa-

tion in individual therapy. There are also therapy

groups available to provide support for those in

recovery. Some patients require hospitalization

for treatment and seek group and individual psy-

chotherapy after they leave the hospital.

If your husband is still plagued with pain, a pain

management program is also recommended.

TREATMENT OF THE FAMILYAddiction affects every member of the patient’s

family. As the disease progresses and the patient

continues to use, it causes a range of emotional,

spiritual and fi nancial problems for almost ev-

eryone involved, including family, friends and

co-workers. When the family is ready to begin

the recovery process, there are many resources

available to them. Many fi nd help through par-

ticipation in Al-Anon and Alateen. Some families

benefi t from work with a qualifi ed family therapist

who understands addiction and recovery.

It is possible that your husband is in such denial

about his problem that he will not want to stop

using. If so, then you may want to consider an

intervention. This involves having a professional

interventionist organize a meeting of your hus-

band’s family and friends. Each person involved

would prepare a statement regarding how his

drug use has impacted them. The intervention-

ist would then meet with family, friends and your

husband to facilitate a meeting during which

each person shares their statements with him.

Hopefully after the intervention, your husband

would be willing to enter a treatment facility.

These interventions are often successful.

Be prepared for your husband to be defensive

and even angry when approached about his

drug use. You probably already know that re-

covery is a diffi cult process, but with the resourc-

es provided there is an opportunity for healing.

For more information about addiction, visit:

www.casacolumbia.org, www.health.org,

www.niaaa.nih.gov

Dr. Donaldson is a clinical psychologist prac-

ticing in Waxahachie. She can be contacted at

[email protected] or visit her Web site

at donaldsonwellnesscenter.com.

DEAR DR. DONALDSON,

A couple years ago my husband hurt his back in an accident.

Even though he has recovered, he is still taking pain pills. I

know he is addicted. He has lied to me about how many he

takes. I know he has gotten pills from friends and more than

one doctor. I am worried because he is not the same man

anymore. He has missed our kids’ games and school activi-

ties. This is ruining our relationship. What can I do?

M


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Don’t you hate waking up in the morning

just as tired as you were when you went to

bed? If you’re trying to get along on fi ve

hours of sleep a night, feeling bad shouldn’t

be a surprise. But if you are sleeping a rea-

sonable number of hours and still feel tired,

something defi nitely needs to change. The

most common cause of daytime sleepiness

in adults is sleep apnea, and if you snore and

feel tired in the day, sleep apnea may well be

the cause.

Sleep apnea means to quit breathing during

sleep. It occurs when your tongue or the soft

part of the back of the throat gradually col-

lapses and narrows the airway, either reduc-

ing the amount of air going to the lungs or

blocking it altogether. Your brain thinks you

are suffocating and pours out adrenaline

in an effort to get you breathing again. This

interrupts your sleep, which can leave you

feeling sleepy the next day, which hurts job

performance and increases work and auto

accident risk. The snoring doesn’t really make

your spouse happy either—there’s nothing like

cross looks from across the breakfast table to

start your day. Worse, it increases your risk of

high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke,

but how much is the risk?

UNTREATED SLEEP APNEA:

• Is the cause of 30% of the cases of

high blood pressure

• Doubles or triples the risk of a heart

attack or a stroke

• Doubles the risk of an auto accident

If you think texting while driving is danger-

ous, imagine the risk of sleeping while driv-

ing. Driving while drowsy is a tremendous

risk for accidents, even if you don’t fall asleep,

because a little inattention goes a long way

toward an accident. Drivers with untreated

sleep apnea have at least twice the risk of an

accident compared to those whose sleep

apnea is successfully treated. This is such

a risk that the Department of Transporta-

tion and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration have rules that restrict those

with a commercial driving license from driv-

ing with untreated moderate to severe sleep

apnea.

EVERY YEAR SLEEPINESS IN

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS CAUSES:

• 31 to 41% of crashes of commercial

vehicles

• 1,500 to 2,000 fatalities

• For every fatality, there are about 25

injuries

• For every injury accident, there are

3.7 crashes with property damage

THIS COSTS:

• $91,112 per crash

• $3,450,000 per fatality crash

• $12.5 billion in monetary loss per year

If sleep apnea is treated, this risk goes

away, as does the driving restriction.

You don’t have to suffer with sleep apnea be-

cause it is quite treatable but, like the solving

of most problems, the key is asking the right

questions. What questions? Do you snore

louder than talking most nights? Do you gasp

or choke in your sleep most nights? Do you

quit breathing in your sleep most nights? If the

answer to two of the three is “yes,” you most

likely have sleep apnea.

What is the next step? See a sleep specialist.

Over the years our knowledge of sleep ap-

nea and the numbers and types of treatments

available have increased dramatically, such

that it requires a team of dedicated sleep spe-

cialists to diagnose, treat and appropriately

manage sleep apnea. Where there was once

only one kind of positive airway pressure, or

PAP, machine there are now at least half a

dozen more. All are different and all must be

appropriately matched to the patient. In ad-

dition, many patients with sleep apnea have

other sleep disorders as well that must be

addressed.

What is a sleep study? It is a way to examine

your sleep and breathing pattern overnight

to determine if you do quit breathing in your

sleep, which is the hallmark of sleep apnea,

how often you do so, and how low your oxy-

gen falls. Typically this is done in a sleep center

with a home-like setting.

If sleep apnea is mild, a dentist can make and

fi t a mouthpiece to be worn at night to reduce

sleep apnea, but there are some minor sur-

gical procedures that are effective as well.

For moderate to severe apnea, PAP therapy

is best. What kind of PAP depends on the

characteristics of the sleep apnea, the pres-

sure needed, what other diseases are pres-

ent, etc., which is why a sleep specialist is best

equipped to make this decision and provide

follow-up care.

Of course sleep apnea is not the only sleep

diffi culty people have. Insomnia is prob-

ably the most common. It is normal to have

the occasional diffi cult night but when that

becomes the rule rather than the exception,

something must be done. Many of us know

that just before a big test, work presentation

or even exciting vacation, we won’t sleep well

but we will soon return to a normal sleep pat-

tern. Longer-term stress like the loss of a job

or diffi culties in a relationship can be more of

a problem and treatment should be consid-

ered. If you have had diffi culty sleeping most

nights for more than three months, it is time to

see your doctor.

Go to www.sleepfoundation.org for more

good sleep tips for improving insomnia and

information on other sleep disorders.

Dr. Ed Charnock is the medical director at

the Sleep Center at Baylor Waxahachie and

is board certifi ed in both neurology and sleep

medicine. Contact the Sleep Center by call-

ing 1.800.4BAYLOR.

THE DANGERS OF SLEEP APNEABY DR. ED CHARNOCK

M


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Restaurant RantSo you think you make an awesome ri-So you think you make an awesome ri-

sotto and all your friends say you should sotto and all your friends say you should

open a restaurant? My advice is usually open a restaurant? My advice is usually

run fast, run far. I think owning a res-run fast, run far. I think owning a res-

taurant is more of a calling rather than taurant is more of a calling rather than

a job. Even those who think they are a job. Even those who think they are

called to it are often completely unpre-called to it are often completely unpre-

pared for the amount of work and stress pared for the amount of work and stress

that comes with operating a restaurant. that comes with operating a restaurant.

I think my calling came in 1969 when I think my calling came in 1969 when

I set up my fi rst lemonade stand in our I set up my fi rst lemonade stand in our

North Dallas neighborhood, selling out North Dallas neighborhood, selling out

my homemade brew in just one hour. my homemade brew in just one hour.

If only it were that easy today. Accord-If only it were that easy today. Accord-

ing to a study by Cornell University and ing to a study by Cornell University and

Michigan State, a quarter of all new res-Michigan State, a quarter of all new res-

taurants in the United States will fl op in taurants in the United States will fl op in

the fi rst year. That rises to 50 percent the fi rst year. That rises to 50 percent

after three years, and 70 percent after after three years, and 70 percent after

10 years. 10 years.

Almost two decades in the business has Almost two decades in the business has

taught me many things about myself and taught me many things about myself and

people in general. My mother paved people in general. My mother paved

the way with Marilyn’s Art & Tearoom the way with Marilyn’s Art & Tearoom

when she opened on Waxahachie’s when she opened on Waxahachie’s

town square in 1986 and I am proud of town square in 1986 and I am proud of

what my husband, Andrew, and I have what my husband, Andrew, and I have

built since that time. The Dove’s Nest is built since that time. The Dove’s Nest is

a social gathering spot, and that sense a social gathering spot, and that sense

of community is very rewarding. As a lo-of community is very rewarding. As a lo-

cal business owner, I get to meet a lot cal business owner, I get to meet a lot

of people and my days are fi lled with of people and my days are fi lled with

customers who love our food and ap-customers who love our food and ap-

preciate our presence in Waxahachie’s preciate our presence in Waxahachie’s

historic downtown. historic downtown.

Most days I love what I do. However, Most days I love what I do. However,

when a customer sends you a hand-when a customer sends you a hand-

written letter complaining that she only written letter complaining that she only

counted one apricot in her serving of counted one apricot in her serving of

Chicken Apricot Salad, you feel frus-Chicken Apricot Salad, you feel frus-

trated with your job. When you are trated with your job. When you are

trying to show a customer to their seat trying to show a customer to their seat

and a woman at table six stops you to and a woman at table six stops you to

say her daughter just peed in her chair, say her daughter just peed in her chair,

you think about other careers you you think about other careers you

could’ve chosen. And when you try to could’ve chosen. And when you try to

lend a sympathetic ear to a lady who lend a sympathetic ear to a lady who

is complaining her tomato basil soup is complaining her tomato basil soup

is too “tomato-y,” you begin to ques-is too “tomato-y,” you begin to ques-

tion your calling. When people tell me tion your calling. When people tell me

how fun they think owning a restaurant how fun they think owning a restaurant

must be, I just smile thinking fun is obvi-must be, I just smile thinking fun is obvi-

ously a relative term. It can be fun and ously a relative term. It can be fun and

having good food anytime you want is having good food anytime you want is

great, but long, hard hours, working great, but long, hard hours, working

weekends and juggling the stress of weekends and juggling the stress of

being in the service industry can take being in the service industry can take

its toll on you. You must be fluent in the its toll on you. You must be fluent in the

menu and the food, calm in the face of menu and the food, calm in the face of

chaos, patient in the presence of rude-chaos, patient in the presence of rude-

ness, available when diners want you, ness, available when diners want you,

invisible when they don't. Unless you invisible when they don't. Unless you

have numerous resources and a lot have numerous resources and a lot

of money, you will also need to be a of money, you will also need to be a

chef, plumber, human resources man-chef, plumber, human resources man-

ager, accountant, marketer, graphic ager, accountant, marketer, graphic

designer, interior decorator, visionary, designer, interior decorator, visionary,

spokesperson and mentor, all rolled in spokesperson and mentor, all rolled in

to one. to one.

I wish schools made it mandatory that I wish schools made it mandatory that

all students wait tables for one semes-all students wait tables for one semes-

ter. It would make people more aware of ter. It would make people more aware of

how a restaurant operates and how hard how a restaurant operates and how hard

wait staff work for their tips. They would wait staff work for their tips. They would

learn why two people can’t always sit at learn why two people can’t always sit at

a table for four. If a restaurant isn’t really a table for four. If a restaurant isn’t really

busy, it’s fi ne, but if the place fi lls up, it’s busy, it’s fi ne, but if the place fi lls up, it’s

a mismanagement of resources to give a mismanagement of resources to give

a customer a larger table when a party a customer a larger table when a party

of four may walk in. It is also frustrating of four may walk in. It is also frustrating

when customers get angry that a res-when customers get angry that a res-

taurant won’t seat you until your party is taurant won’t seat you until your party is

complete. People who want to sit down complete. People who want to sit down

before their group has all arrived are before their group has all arrived are

keeping others who are ready to order, keeping others who are ready to order,

eat their lunch and get back to work, eat their lunch and get back to work,

from doing so in a timely manner. Jug-from doing so in a timely manner. Jug-

gling those scenarios in a tactful way is gling those scenarios in a tactful way is

challenging. You want your customers challenging. You want your customers

to have a nice dining experience, but at to have a nice dining experience, but at

the same time you need to seat people in the same time you need to seat people in

a way that maximizes the largest amount a way that maximizes the largest amount

of seating for your establishment. of seating for your establishment.

Over the years it has been fun to watch Over the years it has been fun to watch

customers raise their kids and then see customers raise their kids and then see

them graduate, cater their weddings them graduate, cater their weddings

and watch them bring their own kids and watch them bring their own kids

in to eat with us. It has been reward-in to eat with us. It has been reward-

ing to prepare food for so many Ellis ing to prepare food for so many Ellis

County events, and cater for people like County events, and cater for people like

Mrs. Laura Bush, Governor Rick Perry, Mrs. Laura Bush, Governor Rick Perry,

State Representative Jim Pitts, Brooks State Representative Jim Pitts, Brooks

& Dunn and many others. I'll never for-& Dunn and many others. I'll never for-

get the time we catered a wedding for get the time we catered a wedding for

a New York producer at ABC. When I a New York producer at ABC. When I

arrived at the reception site, the tables arrived at the reception site, the tables

were already set up so I didn’t think to were already set up so I didn’t think to

make sure the legs were securely locked make sure the legs were securely locked

in position. We loaded the Champagne in position. We loaded the Champagne

table with more than one hundred table with more than one hundred

crystal fl utes and right as the bride and crystal fl utes and right as the bride and

groom were making their fi rst toast, the groom were making their fi rst toast, the

table collapsed with glasses crashing to table collapsed with glasses crashing to

the ground. Fortunately, the quick-witted the ground. Fortunately, the quick-witted

bride yelled “mazal tov!” and turned a di-bride yelled “mazal tov!” and turned a di-

saster into a round of laughter amongst saster into a round of laughter amongst

the guests. She even sent us a thank you the guests. She even sent us a thank you

note and two crystal goblets from Tif-note and two crystal goblets from Tif-

fany’s a few days later. fany’s a few days later.

So there it is…the pros and cons of own-So there it is…the pros and cons of own-

ing your own restaurant. Chef Thierry ing your own restaurant. Chef Thierry

Rautureau of the famous Rover’s Res-Rautureau of the famous Rover’s Res-

taurant in Seattle was asked his advice. taurant in Seattle was asked his advice.

He replied in a heavy French accent: He replied in a heavy French accent:

“Only if your compulsion is so great, so “Only if your compulsion is so great, so

irresistible, so frankly neurotic that noth-irresistible, so frankly neurotic that noth-

ing else will satisfy, only then should you ing else will satisfy, only then should you

actually start a restaurant. That way you actually start a restaurant. That way you

will either prevail, or the physical and will either prevail, or the physical and

economic punishment of the restaurant economic punishment of the restaurant

business will eventually eliminate the business will eventually eliminate the

bug.” Thankfully, The Dove’s Nest has bug.” Thankfully, The Dove’s Nest has

prevailed. If you think your calling is to prevailed. If you think your calling is to

open a restaurant it’s up to you to de-open a restaurant it’s up to you to de-

cide, but I won’t blame you if you choose cide, but I won’t blame you if you choose

to just have your friends over for dinner to just have your friends over for dinner

more often.more often.

Cindy Burch and her husband, Andrew, own and operate The Dove’s Nest Restaurant and Gifts in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy’s own

cookbook, “The Dove’s Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From a Historic Texas Town,” has sold more than 20,000 copies.

Cindy Burch

july 2010 ellis county living magazine

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