In 2019 while I was pregnant with my son Remington, postpartum depression hit me hard while also trying to come to terms that I was going to be a single mom. After having my son, my PPD was just getting worse while he was in the NICU, that I found myself eating so many things that just wasn’t healthy. Trying to juggle a newborn whi le also taking care of myself was impossible, that I developed the worst eating habits. I was beyond over trying to hide the 30 pounds I gained while pregnant. Feeling beyond miserable trying to love my “new body”. I tried so many diet plans, but nothing ever seemed to work, that I found myself getting frustrated. I didn’t want to hate the way I looked anym ore, or judge or even point out everything I disliked about my body.
Finding Diet Solutions Center in 2021 was the best thing! Their affordable plans, how encouraging their staff is! They helped me shed off the 30 pounds in just a few months! It’s an amazing feeling going from who i was 2 year ago to loving who I am now! I can’t thank Diet Solution Centers enough for helping me love who I am again!"
Twenty-eight weeks into her pregnancy with fraternal twins, Ashley Donnell awoke to cramping. After coming in for a checkup, her doctors diagnosed her condition and acted fast. Ashley trusted her medical team at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, and seven hours later her twins were born, 12 weeks early and safely in the care of our advanced neonatal intensive care unit. Today, Ashley and her twins are standing in front of a mural in downtown Mansfield, commissioned by the same women’s and children’s services team that cared for them. That’s community, and why so many people Trust. Methodist.
Scan to watch the labor and delivery mural being created at Main & Broad streets in Mansfield, TX.
Find out more about our Labor and Delivery services and amenities at MethodistHealthSystem.org/Mansfield
Weekend warriors, competitive athletes and everyone in between, meet your dream team for comprehensive sports medicine care: the sports medicine specialists at Sideline Orthopedics and Sports. We’ve got you covered from sprains and strains to concussion management. With surgical and nonsurgical approaches, our patient-centered care is designed to get you back out there. And we’re on top of our game. Schedule a visit today.
Lindsey Dietrich, M.D.; Sarah Kennedy, D.O.
letter from the publisher
We are in the middle of our summer break and many of our kids are already saying “I’m bored”! Trying to manage summer homelife, careers and keep our sanity can be overwhelming at times.
While life can seem like a whirlwind, may we always remember where our strength comes from. Psalm 29:11 tells us that our strength comes from the Lord. That He gives strength to his people and He blesses His people with peace.
Whatever you may be facing todaypeace for your home, healing for a parent, security in your finances, or deliverance for a friend - know that God already knows your request before you make it. Yet, He longs to hear it from you. He invites us to come boldly into His throne room.
For we are the sons and daughters of the Most High King and nothing is impossible for Him.
Summertime fun has arrived in the City of Mansfield, and we are ready to go! Our city will host the ever-popular Mansfield Rocks Fourth of July celebration in a big way on July 3. Residents and visitors will be treated to fun and games throughout the city. The event will culminate with our "Fireworks Spectacular" later that night. For tickets, go to www.mansfieldrocks.com.
This month come and enjoy our city parks. Parks and Recreation is challenging families to spend 100 hours of quality time playing outside. We know that summertime in North Texas is hot. We have plenty of trees and pavilions available for you to find some good ol’ shade and enjoy the outdoors. The 100-hours challenge is a part of a citywide campaign to encourage screen-free family and friend time together. Families can track their hours through a coloring sheet that can be downloaded
Via Grand Prairie, a new on-demand, shared public transportation service, is now operating in Grand Prairie for $3 a ride. A minibus comes when you want and takes you where you want. To book a ride, riders can use the Via Grand Prairie mobile app or call 214-253-0874. Once a ride is entered with pickup and drop-off locations, the system will provide ride options. Once an option is selected, riders are directed to a nearby “virtual bus stop” within a short walking distance, and a driver is dispatched to meet them at that location.
Other passengers may be picked up and dropped off along the way. To keep things running smoothly, riders will be asked to meet the van at a nearby corner (or “virtual bus stop”) instead of exactly at the address entered — that way, the driver can get everyone to their destination without making detours.
I hope you’ve left a lot of room on your July calendar for family fun around The American Dream City. There certainly is a lot to do.
For one thing, nowhere else celebrates Independence Day quite like Arlington. You won’t want to miss the Red, White, and Blue Parade on Sunday, July 3rd starting at 6:00 p.m. at The Parks and Recreation Center. There will be live music on four stages, face painting, food trucks, the bubble bus, and more all culminating in a spectacular fireworks display beginning at 9:50.
I want to offer a heartfelt welcome to UTA’s new athletic director, Jon Fagg. We’re expecting big things from you, sir.
Via Grand Prairie operates Monday-Saturday, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. For $3 per one-way trip, Via Grand Prairie will pick you up in Grand Prairie and take you to your desti nation in Grand Prairie. Add additional passengers for just $1. Seniors (65+) ride for $2 per trip. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available Via Grand Prairie serves four college campuses:
• Tarrant County Community College $3/trip
• University of Texas at Arlington $3/trip
• Dallas Baptist University $4/trip
• Mountain View Community College $4/trip
Riders can book an on-demand ride by app, or by phone.
Just another way we Live Life Grand,
Super Smash Brit 2022. Just another reason to be a proud Maverick fan!
I also want to congratulate the UTA Esports team for taking first in Electronic Gaming Federations and submitted through our website at www.mansfieldtexas.gov/1900/100-Hours-of-Play. To add to the fun, Parks and Recreation is hosting "play dates” at different parks every Friday morning with free family activities. I hope you take advantage of this opportunity. Participants will be entered into our weekly drawing for a prize and will become eligible for a grand prize at the end of the summer. Also, the Mansfield Library is hosting a free Summer Reading Club. Prizes are available for those who participate up through July 28. For more information, go to www.mansfieldtexas.gov/src. I hope to see you soon!
JULY 3
MANSFIELD ROCKS
Mansfield
Independence Day Rocks when you spend it in Mansfield. Live music, games, fireworks and more! Tickets are $20 and covers parking and admission for everyone in your party.
6-10pm. Big League Dreams, 500 Heritage Pkwy S.
JULY 3 AND JULY 4
LIGHT UP ARLINGTON/ 4TH OF JULY PARADE
Arlington
Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display on July 3. 6pm10:30pm with fireworks to begin at 9:50pm. Downtown Arlington. On July 4 enjoy one of the largest parades in Texas. This years theme is “E Pluribus Unum, Out of Many, One.” Day of festive family fun begins at 9am. 600 S. Center St.
JULY 7
MOVIES ON THE LAWN
Grand Prairie
Grab your chairs or blanket and enjoy watching a movie outdoors on a huge inflatable screen. Free admission. Movie begins at sunset. Additional activities will be available before the movie begins. No coolers allowed. Food and beverages will be available for sale. Feature is Sing 2. GrandLawn at Epic Central, 2960 Epic Pl.
JULY 9
SENSORY SWIM
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Children with special needs, their caregivers
july
25 - 29
CHEERLEADING CAMP
Arlington Parks and Recreation
READY-OK! This new camp is for prospective cheerleaders or those just wanting to have fun. Campers learn jumps, cheers, yells, chants and dances. Tumbling and gymnastics will be emphasized. Ages 6-12. Cost $65. 1pm-4pm. Elzie Odom Athletic Center, 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd. To register visit our website.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
and families are invited. Free to season pass holders or $5/per person. 10am12pm. Randol Mill Family Aquatics Center, 1924 Randol Mill Park Rd .To register visit our website.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
JULY 9 AND 23
MOBILE PET ADOPTION EVENT
Arlington
Adorable adoptable pets looking for new homes will be available at the mobile adoption unit for immediate adoption! Visit with adoptable cats available inside PetSmart! Adoptions will be at the Petsmart® in South Arlington, 203 E. I-20 (Arlington Highlands) 10:00am-3:30pm. Scheduled events are subject to cancellation without notice due to weather conditions (heat, cold, storms, etc.) for the safety and protection of adoptable pets, volunteers, and staff.
JULY 15
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Hey parents, you need a night out! Drop off your children where they will be busy playing awesome recreational activities throughout the night while you get to sit back and relax. Ages 5-12. 6pm-9pm. Cliff Nelson Rec Center, 4600 W. Bardin. Visit our site to register.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
JULY 18-22
GREAT OUTDOORS MINI CAMP
Arlington Parks and Recreation
In this minicamp spend some time getting out near the pond for some fishing, feeding the ducks and other cool outdoor activities. We will also make crafts, learn about wildlife and pick up some survival skills. 9am-12pm.
Ages 5-12. Cost $75. Cliff Nelson Rec Center. To register visit our website.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
JULY 21
CYCLIN’S WITH THE MAYORLOYD PARK “BACK THE BLUE” RIDE
Grand Prairie
Join Mayor Ron Jensen for a 5-mile bike ride. Riders of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to join the casual ride. Meet at 6pm, ride begins at 6:30pm. Loyd Park, 3401 Ragland Rd.
JULY 25-AUGUST 5
BACK TO SCHOOL SPLASH
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Bring a new school supply and received ½ off admission at any City of Arlington Pool. For supplies needed, visit site.
MISSIONARLINGTON.ORG
JULY 28
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Arlington Parks and Recreation
We will have a white elephant gift exchange along with some games and food. Dress up in your flip flops and Santa Hat and bring a wrapped gift to exchange. FREE! 1pm-3pm. East Center, 1817 New York Ave. Register at our site.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
see more events in your area on LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET
JULY 15 // MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS IN THEATERS
In this new adaptation of Paul Gallico’s much-loved novel, a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with an haute couture Dior dress and decides that she must have one of her own. After she gambles everything to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris which will change not only her outlook but the very future of the House of Dior.
THIS MONTH’S MUSIC
JULY 22 // SHE & HIM
MELT AWAY: A TRIBUTE TO BRIAN WILSON
JULY 1 // MAX POPE COUNTING SHEEP
JULY 29 // FLORIST FLORIST
WHAT TO READ
JULY 13, 1984 // THE LAST STARFIGHTER LANCE GUEST, CATHERINE MARY STEWART
NICK CASTLE (THE BOY WHO COULD FLY)
A bored high school student named Alex, who has no real chance of pursuing his dreams, repeatedly plays a video game in the hopes of winning the whole thing. After achieving the final level, he finds out it was only a test to recruit the best starfighters to defend another world. Eighties special effects aside, this sci-fi cult classic is a nostalgic gem worth watching.
JULY 19 // BAKE: MY BEST EVER RECIPES FOR THE CLASSICS
BY PAUL HOLLYWOOD
In BAKE, Paul Hollywood shares his best recipes for classic bakes and showstopping desserts. With many years as a professional baker and over 10 years judging The Great British Bake Off, Paul has created, tested, and tasted a multitude of baked goods. He has also traveled widely and learned so much about the craft he loves. Paul combines every tip and trick with his incredible technical know-how to create the ultimate collection of amazing bakes.
THIS MONTH IN MOVIE HISTORY
THE MORNING I HEARD the Voice of God
BY JOHN PIPER
Let me tell you about a most wonderful experience I had early Monday morning, March 19, 2007, a little after six o’clock. God actually spoke to me. There is no doubt that it was God. I heard the words in my head just as clearly as when a memory of a conversation passes across your consciousness. The words were in English, but they had about them an absolutely self-authenticating ring of truth. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God still speaks today.
I couldn’t sleep for some reason. I was at Shalom House in northern Minnesota on a staff couples’ retreat. It was about five-thirty in the morning. I lay there wondering if I should get up or wait till, I got sleepy again. In his mercy, God moved me out of bed. It was mostly dark, but I managed to find my clothing, got dressed, grabbed my briefcase, and
slipped out of the room without waking up Noël. In the main room below, it was totally quiet. No one else seemed to be up. So, I sat down on a couch in the corner to pray.
“COME
AND SEE”
As I prayed and mused, suddenly it happened. God said, “Come and see what I have done.” There was not the slightest doubt in my mind that these were the very words of God. In this very moment. At this very place in the twentyfirst century, 2007, God was speaking to me with absolute authority and selfevidencing reality. I paused to let this sink in. There was a sweetness about it. Time seemed to matter little. God was near. He had me in his sights. He had something to say to me. When God draws near, hurry ceases. Time slows down.
I wondered what he meant by “come and see.” Would he take me somewhere, like he did Paul into heaven to see what can’t be spoken (2 Corinthians 12:3–4)? Did “see” mean that I would have a vision of some great deed of God that no one has seen?
I am not sure how much time elapsed between God’s initial word, “Come and see what I have done,” and his next words. It doesn’t matter. I was being enveloped in the love of his personal communication. The God of the universe was speaking to me.
Then he said, as clearly as any words have ever come into my mind, “I am awesome in my deeds toward the children of man.” My heart leaped up, “Yes, Lord! You are awesome in your deeds. Yes, to all men, whether they see it or not. Yes! Now, what will you show me?”
The words came again. Just as clear as before, but increasingly specific: “I turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There they rejoiced in me — who rules by my might forever.” Suddenly I realized God was taking me back several thousand years to the time when he dried up the Red Sea and the Jordan River. I was being transported by his word back into history to those great deeds. This is what he meant by “come and see.” He was transporting me back by his words to those two glorious deeds before the children of men. These were the “awesome deeds” he referred to. God himself was narrating the mighty works
of God. He was doing it for me. He was doing it with words that were resounding in my own mind.
A HOLY MOMENT
There settled over me a wonderful reverence. A palpable peace came down. This was a holy moment and a holy corner of the world in northern Minnesota. God Almighty had come down and was giving me the stillness and the openness and the willingness to hear his very voice. As I marveled at his power to dry the sea and the river, he spoke again: “I keep watch over the nations — let not the rebellious exalt themselves.”
It was almost a rebuke. At least a warning. He may as well have taken me by the collar of my shirt, lifted me off the ground with one hand, and said, with an incomparable mixture of fierceness and love, “Never, never, never exalt yourself. Never rebel against me.”
I sat staring at nothing. My mind was full of the global glory of God. “I keep watch over the nations.” He had said this to me. It was not just that he had said it. Yes, that is glorious. But he had said this to me. The very words of God were in my head. They were there in my head just as much as the words that I am writing at this moment are in my head. They were heard as clearly as if at this moment I recalled that my wife said, “Come down for supper whenever you are ready.” I know those are the words of my wife. And I know these are the words of God.
HE STILL SPEAKS
Think of it. Marvel at this. Stand in awe of this. The God who keeps watch over the nations — like some people keep watch over cattle or stock markets or construction sites — this God still speaks in the twentyfirst century. I heard his very words. He spoke personally to me.
What effect did this have on me? It filled me with a fresh sense of God’s reality. It assured me more deeply that he acts in history and in our time. It strengthened my faith that he is for me and cares about me and will use his global power to watch over me. Why else would he come and tell me these things?
It has increased my love for the Bible as God’s very word because it was through the Bible that I heard these divine words,
and through the Bible, I have experiences like this almost every day. The very God of the universe speaks on every page in my mind — and your mind. We hear his very words. God himself has multiplied his wondrous deeds and thoughts toward us; none can compare with him! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told (Psalm 40:5).
And best of all, they are available to all. If you would like to hear the very same words I heard on the couch in northern Minnesota, read Psalm 66:5–7. That is where I heard them. Oh, how precious is the Bible. It is the very word of God. In it, God speaks in the twenty-first century. This is the very voice of God. By this voice, he speaks with absolute truth and personal force. By this voice, he reveals his all-surpassing beauty. By this voice, he reveals the deepest secrets of our hearts. No voice anywhere, anytime, can reach as deep or lift as high or carry as far as the voice of God that we hear in the Bible.
It is a great wonder that God still speaks today through the Bible with greater force and greater glory and greater assurance and greater sweetness and greater hope and greater guidance and greater transforming power and greater Christ-exalting truth than can be heard through any voice in any human soul on the planet from outside the Bible.
John Piper is the founder and teacher of desiringGod. org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the author of more than 50 books, including Desiring God:MeditationsofaChristian Hedonistand, most recently, What Is Saving Faith?
If you do not have Bible please email tladd@livingmagazine.net and LivingMagazine will gladly send you one.
THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL AESTHETICS
United Dermatology Associates now offers an elevated spa experience featuring popular treatments and procedures in a beautiful, comfortable setting with the expertise of medical and aesthetic professionals.
United Dermatology has served patients in Arlington and surrounding areas since 2007. With locations in north and
offers a full range of skin health services including cosmetic and aesthetic care, medical dermatology and dermatological surgery. The practice’s founder, Dr. Jeannine Hoang, has built a thriving team focused on unparalleled care and innovation.
Dr. Hoang’s aesthetic philosophy focuses on preventative treatments. She favors early, simple interventions that prevent and stall the signs of aging. She has curated a collection of treatment options that address all aspects of aging skin. Many of her patients come when the signs of aging are already evident. Dr. Hoang and her team focus on delivering the most natural-looking results with minimally invasive procedures
that are personalized to each individual’s issues and concerns. Prevention is better than treatment. Getting to someone earlier rather than later in the course of aging is a powerful tool in maintaining a youthful appearance.
“I don’t believe in overdoing. Beauty looks natural. It’s harmonious. I believe in producing subtle, natural looking results in a safe manner,” Dr. Hoang says.
She also believes in treating the total patient and takes a holistic approach to beauty. Her knowledge of anti-aging and longevity goes beyond dermatological treatments, addressing a range of health aspects including nutrition, exercise, mental health, sleep and hormones – as all of these have an effect on a patient’s appearance.
Can do any color. Uptaquidem. Nem ut et atur ad ut ma dolorem porat Istias et mo qui sequi ad ut illaborpor magnit alignis is doluptatur, untem BY LINE HERE
patients. We have a wide variety of devices, injectables and procedural offerings so that all individual needs and budgets can be addressed,” she adds.
Mimi Phan, Board Certified Physician Associate, is known as one of the nation’s best injectors, earning a nomination for 2021’s Top 100 Best Aesthetic Injectors in America. This honor recognizes her skill and success in non-surgical facial and body rejuvenation. Her signature natural full facial rejuvenation with Botox and filler treatments are well recognized by many in the aesthetic industry and on various social media platforms. Her Instagram page (@PhantasticDerm) has more than 13,000 followers. Mimi is also a GAIN aesthetic trainer, which is a prestigious role for aesthetic injectors to represent the injectable company to teach and train other physicians, NPs, PAs and RNs on aesthetic injections.
In addition to facial injectables, she also specializes in body contouring with Kybella, Sculptra butt lift, and Qwo cellulite removal treatments. Mimi has been with UDA for more than seven years and currently sees patients in UDA’s North Arlington location.
NONINVASIVE INJECTABLE TREATMENTS
Botox and Dysport injectables are powerful tools to improve the look of wrinkles. The procedures are FDA approved to treat the frown line between the brow (glabella), and are also effective on forehead lines, crow’s feet, lip lines, and neck lines. These quick and painless treatments have the ability to prevent the early signs of aging in addition to treating deeper wrinkles. Patients typically see results within a few days, which last an average of 3-4 months.
Dr. Hoang and team introduced the Spa at UDA to focus on aesthetic treatments. The Spa is located at UDA’s Mansfield location and offers a full menu of typical spa services delivered by medically trained professionals in a luxury setting. Services include:
• HydraFacials
• EmSculpt – builds muscle and burns fat
• CoolSculpting
• Ultherapy
• Radiofrequency
• Vampire Facials (microneedling with PRP)
• PDO Thread Lifts
• Premier Chemical Peels
• Laser Hair Removal
EXPERTS WITH A PASSION FOR SKIN HEALTH
The greatest benefit offered by the Spa at UDA is its staff of licensed aestheticians, laser technicians and medical assistants who are passionate about providing the highest quality care available. All are certified and trained in the latest, bestin-class technologies designed to achieve the most beneficial results. Because all clients are unique, the staff provides customized treatment solutions to best meet patients’ needs.
DeAnne Johnson, Sr. Licensed Aesthetician, Laser Technician and Registered Medical Assistant: Dee joined UDA in 2010 and is the practice’s longesttenured cosmetic team member. She is passionate about educating patients on skin care practices and helping them look their best. Dee specializes in various laser treatments and is trained in advanced chemical peels, HydraFacials, various types of microneedling and dermaplanning. She also has certifications in body contouring treatments such as CoolSculpting, EmSculpt, and body tightening radiofrequency.
Tram Nguyen, Liscensed Aesthetician and Laser Technician: Tram is passionate about helping patients transform their skin by implementing an effective skin care regimen. Tram specializes in body contouring services including CoolSculpting, EmSculpt, and radiofrequency. She is also licensed and trained for HydraFacials, customized facials, microneedling, various laser treatments and advanced chemical peels.
Jasmine Burt, Aesthetician: Jasmine joined UDA in 2020 and specializes in HydraFacials, SkinPen, microneedling, VI Peels, advanced chemical peels, laser treatments, body tightening radiofrequency and dermaplanning. Jasmine is passionate about helping her patients find confidence by achieving the results they want in a comfortable setting.
Estara Garcia, Licensed Aesthetician and Laser Technician: Estara is UDA’s newest team member, joining the Spa in October 2021. She’s trained in HydraFacial, chemical peels, SkinPen, laser hair removal, dermaplanning, microneedling and Derma-V. Estara values her patient relationships and the opportunity to educate them about how best to care for their skin.
The Spa at UDA team is ready to help you transform your skin – or simply enjoy some pampering and relaxation. If you’re ready for a spa day or have skin health care needs, please visit UDA at unitedderm. com to learn more about the practice or request a consultation.
LOCATIONS: Mansfield 130 Regency Parkway
Mansfield, Texas 76063 (817) 539-0959
North Arlington 723 North Fielder Road, Suite C Arlington, Texas 76012 (817) 539-0959
South Arlington 3132 Matlock Rd, Suite 307 Arlington, Texas 76015 (817) 468-3131
Burleson 780 NE Alsbury Boulevard, Suite B Burleson, Texas 76028 (817) 529-1753
Flower Mound
2560 Central Park Avenue, Suite 395
Flower Mound, Texas 75028 (469) 635-5990
TEXAS COUNTRY HITMAKER MORGAN ASHLEY SHOWCASES SUPERB SONGWRITING AND POWERHOUSE VOCALS IN NEW SONG, “WARNING LABEL”
When it comes to songwriting, Morgan Ashley, the reigning Texas Country Female Artist of the Year, draws from real-life experiences –good or bad – to connect with her fans. Her new single, “Warning Label,” holds nothing back as it addresses the anxiety we often feel when in a troubled relationship. “Warning Label” is now on Texas country radio and all streaming platforms.
“I wrote this song with a friend of mine after she discovered some toxic
things about the guy she was dating. She said, ‘I wish I would have seen the signs. If he would have come with a warning label, I could have avoided all of this,’” said Ashley.
Ashley knew it was a great idea for a song, because so many people have thought – “If I had only known.”
When she sings, “I’d take you in small doses, avoid the explosives” – we know exactly who she is talking about. We’ve met him or her before and wish we could turn back time and stay away.
Texas Country Music Association’s Female Artist of the Year Morgan Ashley releases powerful new song, “Warning Label.”
“One of my favorite lines is the bridge,” said Ashley. “I would have followed the precautions. I would have taken care of my heart, too. But now I’m dealing with the side effects of you.”
High-powered instrumentals complement the honest lyrics and Morgan’s powerhouse vocals. Country music fans and Texas radio are loving it.
“My goal with any song is to write about things my fans can relate to,” said Ashley. “To receive such a great response as soon as the song was released is a huge compliment; and it makes me think we got it right.”
“Warning Label” checks all the boxes, so download it today and crank it up.
Visit morganashleyofficial.com to find out when Morgan Ashley will be playing a show in a town near you.
ABOUT MORGAN ASHLEY
Hailing from College Station, Morgan Ashley grew up raising show cattle and barrel racing. She decided
at age 17 to finally pick up the guitar that sat in the corner of her room for years and hasn’t put it down since! The Texas Music bug bit hard, and she knew she belonged on a stage somewhere in Texas. Morgan currently plays over 150 dates a year at venues across Texas and beyond, introducing her unique brand of country music to fans at each stop. She has had six songs chart in the Top 40 or higher on Texas Radio, and her all-time Spotify streams are over 100,000! She won the 2021 New Female Vocalist of the Year award at the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards and the 2021 Female Artist of the Year award at the Texas Country Music Awards
Contact Amy Barnett/Barnett Branding & PR for interviews with Morgan Ashley: amy@barnettbranding. com 409.782.6112.
PET CLUB
PET CLUB MEMBERS
To join the club, visit LivingMagazine.net/pet-club Send your pet’s name, your name, your address, and a clear photo of your pet. They might just turn up in a future issue of Living!
Graham // Meilina S.
Buddy // Megan F.
Oscar // Aimee M.
Jovie // Michelle C.
Toby - Melissa M.
Fuzzy Wuzzy - Cynthia L.
Tinker Bell // Lindsay C.
Three Dog Bakery opened the world’s first bakery for dogs in 1989 and has been making tails wag ever since! We’re excited to share the same over-the-top experience with you in Mansfield. Bring your dogs and come see what all the fuss is about!
PERFECTION
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING A FAMILY FRIEND
BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
Whenever my husband and I reminisce with our grown kids, it’s just a matter of time before the subject turns to family pets. There was McFly, the border collie who perfected an internal clock and knew precisely when “his kids” were due home each school day. Evangeline, the cat, left love offerings on the back stoop of headless moles and field mice. There was Mr. P the hedgehog, Princess Leia the duck-who-thought-shewas-a-dog, and Tyrone the Turkey, who chased no one in the family but me.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, U.S. households are home to nearly 90 million dogs, 94 million cats, and plenty of lesstraditional pets such as fish, birds, rodents, and reptiles. But how do you know which pet will be the perfect match for your family?
TIME AND SPACE
Consider how much time you can devote to a pet. Dogs require a minimum of 30 minutes of care each day (an hour is better) for feeding, walking, and exercising. Cats only need about five minutes of feeding and cleaning their litter box, but plan to spend around 20 minutes a day playing with a kitty. And while a cat or small dog will usually be content in a small space, a large, athletic dog will be happier with a big yard and lots of space to run. You’ll also want to consider time for grooming requirements.
TEMPERAMENT
Look for a pet that enjoys human interaction. If your family is active, you’ll want an active pet to join in the fun. If your house tends to be chaotic, you’ll want
one that isn’t stressed by noise and commotion. If you have small children, opt for a patient, gentle pet. If a family member is allergic, look for a hypoallergenic pet. Do your research to find a pet whose personality complements your family’s personality.
BEST AGE
Children can learn invaluable lessons by caring for and loving a pet and receiving unconditional love in return. But if you don’t already have a pet, experts recommend waiting until your child is five or six before bringing a pet into the home. At that age, they can understand the boundaries of pet ownership. Explain that we don’t touch a dog or cat above their collar (eyes, nose, mouth), don’t tease them, and that they probably won’t want to be carried by a young child.
THE COST
Any pet comes with a price tag. A good estimate for a healthy cat is about $150 per year in veterinary care, and for a healthy dog, between $300 and $400. Expect the cost to increase as they age, so consider pet health insurance to help defray medical expenses. Depending on their size, a dog will eat between $250 to $700 a year in high-quality dog food, while it will run around $326 annually per cat. Add to that boarding and grooming fees, if applicable.
Pets teach children valuable life lessons about responsibility, trust, compassion, respect, loyalty, empathy, patience, and eventually bereavement. They create opportunities for exercise and socialization and can bring a family closer together. Now, get out there and find your family’s new best friend.
women’s HEALTH & WELLNESS
HORMONE THERAPY
DID YOU KNOW?
• Around 75% of menopausal women experience symptoms, with one-third reporting that they negatively affect their lives.
• Some supplements and herbal/botanical treatments may disrupt your endocrine system. Always check with your physician before taking anything new.
• Avoiding foods that reduce estrogen levels while increasing intake of phytoestrogen-rich foods may help lessen menopause symptoms.
Combats Symptoms, Restores Quality of Life
BY ANNETTE BROOKS
HORMONES ARE POWERFUL CHEMICAL MESSENGERS PRODUCED BY OUR ENDOCRINE SYSTEM. TRAVELING THROUGH THE BLOODSTREAM TO TISSUES AND ORGANS, THEY HELP REGULATE MANY BODY FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING METABOLISM, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY PRODUCTION, AND REPRODUCTION.
Endocrine glands in women include the ovaries. They produce female estrogen hormones (estradiol, estrone, and estriol), as well as progesterone and to a lesser amount, testosterone. Important for regulating the menstrual cycle and for childbearing, estrogen also helps keep cardiovascular tissue healthy and cholesterol in control. It protects the brain with proper blood flow and affects mood, muscle mass, and bone density. With all this and more, it’s easy to understand why depleted estrogen levels can wreak havoc with women’s health and sense of well-being.
Significant changes due to decreasing estrogen levels occur during perimenopause which generally starts between ages 40 to 45, menopause (the average age for menopause is 51 in the U.S.), and continue through post-menopause. Symptoms include hot fl ashes, night sweats, chills, chronic insomnia, mood swings, low libido,
vaginal dryness, weight gain, thinning hair, dry skin, loss of breast fullness, feelings of depression and anxiety, and cognitive changes, including brain fog. Complications such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and urinary incontinence may also occur.
Laboratory tests measure hormone levels in blood, urine, or saliva samples, and your provider may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on the results and your health history. HRT treatment options include prescription pharmaceutical medications that deliver estrogens via pills or tablets, creams or gels, sprays, and patches. There’s even a vaginal ring. Combination estrogen/ progesterone drugs are also available.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is an alternative to pharmaceuticalbased HRT. Bioidentical means hormones that are chemically identical to those your body produces. Derived from plant-based
sources such as soy and wild yams, BHRT is considered a natural treatment Keep in mind, however, that processing is performed to create BHRT products and their delivery system into the body, including customized, compounded creams, gels, patches, injections, pills, and small pellets placed inserted subcutaneously in the skin.
Usually, BHRT includes regular hormone level tests that are analyzed to determine whether your treatment plan includes the correct hormones in the appropriate dosages for your individual needs, or if changes need to be made.
Fortunately, women are no longer relegated to silently suffering with “the change of life.” Today, we have more treatment options today than ever before to help combat the symptoms of female hormone depletion and imbalance and restore quality of life.
COMMON S Y MPTOMS OF HO R MONE IM B AL A NC E
• R edu c ed me n tal fo c us & memor y
• Fa ti g u e, l ac k of ene rg y
• D i ffi cu lt y sl ee pi n g
• Irrit ab l e, a nx io u s or de p re ss e d
• De c rea s ed m us cl e st re n g th , joi n t p a i n
• R edu c ed s e x ua l de si re a nd p erfo r m a nc e
• Periodontal disease is a risk factor for preterm and low birth weight babies
• Gum disease risk increases with age, but can start at any age
• You’re missing over 40% of tooth surfaces when you don’t floss
• Gingivitis is preventable and reversible. Periodontitis isn’t, but can be improved and managed so it doesn’t progress.
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR ORAL HEALTH AND OVERALL HEALTH ARE INTERTWINED? RESEARCH INDICATES THAT GUM DISEASE HAS BEEN LINKED TO CARDIOVASCULAR AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES, STROKE, DIABETES, ALZHEIMER’S, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, SOME CANCERS, AND MORE. WOMEN ARE ESPECIALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO ORAL HEALTH ISSUES RESULTING FROM HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS WHICH OCCUR DURING PUBERTY, PREGNANCY, AND PRE-, PERI-, AND POST MENOPAUSE. USING HORMONE-BASED BIRTH CONTROL AND EVEN MENSTRUATION, WHICH INVOLVES HORMONAL SHIFTS, HAS BEEN CONNECTED TO GUM DISEASE.
Symptoms of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, include irritation, redness, and swollen gums around the base of the teeth. Left untreated or undertreated, gingivitis may progress to a more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis, signified by an infection that can spread to underlying tissues, the jawbone, and systemically to different bodily organs. In addition to causing or worsening certain chronic diseases, periodontal disease can cause receding gums, tooth loss, and jawbone damage.
The development of periodontitis starts with plaque in most cases. Treatments include deep cleaning teeth below the gum line with a laser to remove plaque and topical antibiotics to help control the
bacteria and shrink periodontal pockets. Periodontal pockets are spaces or openings surrounding the teeth under the gum line fi lled with infection-causing bacteria.
Flap surgery may be required in severe cases. This involves a periodontist cutting the gums and lifting them back to remove plaque deposits in pockets around the teeth. When done, the gums are sutured closely around the teeth.
Periodontitis is typically a result of poor oral hygiene, yet sometimes, other culprits are involved. Changes in eating habits can lead to an increased risk of gum disease during pregnancy. An ill-fitting or damaged bridge can lead to bacteria build-up along the gumline. Either a bridge replacement or getting dental implants to replace missing
teeth provides a solution. A misaligned bite and crowded, crooked, diffi cult-toclean teeth can contribute to periodontal disease. Getting your teeth straightened with traditional braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign will not only create a beautiful smile but also help you avoid getting gum disease.
Fortunately, good oral health is usually achieved and maintained with proper oral hygiene — flossing, brushing, and using a rinse as directed by your dentist — and regular dental check-ups with professional cleaning. Don’t wait until you have a problem before seeing your dentist. Preventive, proactive care can boost your oral health and reduce your risk of gum disease.
COSMETIC SURGERY
Procedure Possibilites
BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
DID YOU KNOW?
• Surgery for correcting facial injuries is believed to date back more than 4,000 years.
• In India, physicians employed skin grafts in reconstructive surgery as early as 800 B.C.
• During the Greco-Roman period, medical writer Aulus Cornelius Celsus detailed surgical methods for recon structing ears, lips, and noses.
• Early Byzantine writing chronicled reconstructive techniques for repairing facial defects.
COSMETIC SURGERY WON’T TURN YOU INTO SOMEONE ELSE AND WON’T SOLVE YOUR PERSONAL OR RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS, BUT IT SURE CAN BOLSTER YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE AND ADD TO YOUR OVERALL WELLBEING. THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS LISTS THE FOLLOWING AS SOME COMMON WAYS WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES ARE DOING JUST THAT.
FACELIFT
Facelifts are a great way to repair sagging, loose, droopy, or wrinkled skin on the lower face and turn back the clock. During this procedure, facial tissues are lifted, excess skin removed, and skin replaced over repositioned contours. Facelifts are often performed with neck, forehead, or eyelid surgery and range from mini lifts to extended deep plane facelifts.
LIPOSUCTION
This is not intended as a weight-loss technique but as a way to improve the body’s shape by strategically removing localized fat deposits using a vacuumsuction technique. Liposuction can be performed on most parts of your body to reduce fat, often more than one at a time, and can also be used to remove fat tumors (lipomas) and address male gynecomastia.
TUMMY TUCK
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck can improve the shape of your abdomen and your abdominal profile, removing excess fat and loose, sagging skin and restoring weakened or separated muscles. While it’s not a replacement for exercise and eating right and can’t eliminate stretch marks aside from those in the excess skin that’s removed, if you maintain your weight, tummy tuck results can be dramatic and permanent.
BREAST AUGMENTATION
This procedure is an ideal way for many women to increase the size or change the shape of their breasts with implants or their own fat. Breast augmentation isn’t the same as a breast lift or reduction, although it’s not uncommon for augmentations and lifts or reductions to be performed together.
HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
Both men and women can suffer from hair loss. Fortunately, hair transplantation surgery can improve the appearance of baldness. Different techniques are used to transplant hair, including follicular unit extraction (FUE) and the strip method. Ask your provider to explain the differences to decide which procedure suits you.
RHINOPLASTY
Also known as a “nose job,” this refers to any surgery that repairs or reshapes the nose. It may be performed for cosmetic or medical reasons, used to reduce the nose size, correct problems following an injury, address congenital disorders, relieve, or improve breathing problems, narrow the shape of the nostrils, or change the shape or angle of the nose.
HEARING HEALTH
How to Diagnose and Treat
BY ANNETTE BROOKS
DID YOU KNOW?
• Women are more likely to talk about their hearing loss and seek help than men.
• Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes than in those without.
• Cardiovascular disease that affects circulation can affect your hearing.
• Current smokers are more likely to suffer from hearing loss than nonsmokers.
ALTHOUGH MEN ARE ALMOST TWICE AS LIKELY AS WOMEN TO SUFFER FROM HEARING LOSS, DON’T BE TEMPTED TO BRUSH IT OFF AS A MALE-ONLY ISSUE. UP TO ONE-THIRD OF WOMEN IN THEIR 50S AND ALMOST TWO-THIRDS IN THEIR 60S HAVE SOME DEGREE OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT.
HEARING AND HORMONES
Hearing loss can be due to hereditary factors, aging, trauma, lifestyle, recreational, and occupational choices. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease also affect hearing. Further supporting the total body connection, studies indicate that female hormones may contribute to hearing problems, suggesting that estrogen may protect the inner ear. Even hormonal and circulatory changes during pregnancy can create temporary hearing impairment.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL EFFECTS
Untreated hearing loss can have a serious psychological and social impact. Unable to hear clearly, people become less likely to interact with others and participate in social activities. This can lead to depression, anxiety, isolation, diffi culty maintaining relationships, and feelings of anger and loneliness. Equally troubling is
the mounting evidence that hearing loss is a major risk factor for cognitive decline, contributing to dementia.
These issues and more highlight the importance of early intervention, although according to the National Institutes of Health, people often wait 10 years or more from the time they fi rst notice a problem before seeking help.
DIAGNOSING AND TREATING HEARING LOSS
Sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or the hearing nerve itself becomes damaged, is the most common type. Fortunately, hearing aids are often helpful.
The first step is to undergo a comprehensive in-office audiology evaluation with a licensed audiologist. If results indicate that hearing aids will be benefi cial, the next step is selecting the hearing aids that will best address your needs and budget, and there are a variety to choose from.
Technology has advanced tremendously, so even the most basic digital hearing aids currently available are far better than the best hearing aids on the market decade or two ago. Aesthetically discreet, highly programmable, and feature-rich, today’s hearing aids can use artificial intelligence (AI), are Bluetooth enabled, connecting to smartphone apps and other devices, offer digital, wind, and impulse noise reduction, have rechargeable batteries, and may even include tinnitus (ringing in the ears) masking features.
While a diagnosis of hearing loss isn’t something you hope for, treating it can lead to a better quality of life with improved communication, psychological well-being, cognitive health, and personal safety. It’s a good idea to get your hearing tested every three to five years, and seniors should see their audiologist annually.
Experience the Sounds of Summer
Stay cool this summer without worrying about water damage to your hearing aids. Our new technology selection includes the Phonak Audéo™ P-Life—the world’s first waterproof + rechargeable hearing device with a motion sensor, speech enhancement, tap control and universal Bluetooth® connectivity!
Shake up your summer style with colorful accents and tactile textures of straw, metal, and leather
BRAHMIN Atlantica Collection Medium Asher Colorblock Snake Tote Bag $365
MAR Y SOL La Paz Straw Tote Bag $159
(LEFT)
PATRICIA NASH Basket Crossbody Bag $229 (BELOW)
PATRICIA NASH Perforated Floral Rainforest Trope Leather Dome Tote Bag $349
(CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT)
PARKER & HYDE White and Pink Stripe Neoprene Tote Bag $98
COACH Textured Paper Straw Small Tote Bag $395
LDT Tatum Large Leather and Straw Panel Tote Bag $258
PATRICIA NASH Mersea Rattan Scarf Crossbody Bag $249
MAR Y SOL Samana Straw Tote Bag
HAPPY feet
PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD WITH CARE
BY PETE ALFANO
for you
Our feet are the subject of numerous jokes and puns. For instance: Did you hear about the person who injured his feet while in the middle of the road? He had to call a toe truck.
We have expressions such as putting your foot in your mouth, being swept off your feet, footing the bill, and getting your feet wet.
So, why is it that many of us don’t pay enough attention to foot care? We walk on our feet every day, averaging more than 5,000 steps and our feet are responsible for carrying our weight from the time we take our first steps.
Taking your feet for granted can lead to many issues, from painful bunions, callouses, and ingrown nails to infections such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. And aching feet can alter how we walk, affecting our legs, knees, hips, and lower back.
Persistent foot pain shouldn’t be ignored. A podiatrist can determine the source of the pain and treat it. This is especially true for people with diabetes, who are more at risk for foot problems because the disease causes nerve damage, resulting in numbness and tingling in the feet. Foot care starts with what we put on our feet.
We weren’t born wearing shoes, so let’s start there. Wear comfortable shoes that let your feet breathe. It’s a matter of comfort over style. Wearing stylish footwear may get you compliments about how your shoes look, but your feet may be barking at you. Also, don’t just wear your favorite shoes every day. Have at least two or three pairs to choose from.
And, yes, women who wear heels regularly are putting an undue amount of stress on their toes and balls of their feet. Another no-no is wearing flip-flops or similar flat shoes that lack arch support for an extended period. Avoid wearing flipflops on long walks.
Now, do you wash your face regularly?
Do you use a mild soap for your face and a moisturizer? Well, that is what
you should be doing for your feet. Standing in the shower and getting your feet wet isn’t washing your feet. Make sure you wash them with soap and warm water. Use a moisturizer to keep your feet soft.
You don’t have to get a pedicure to keep your toenails trimmed. Do it yourself and use a pumice stone to shave calluses. If your feet are prone to sweating, using foot powder will help keep them dry. And never go barefoot in the locker room and shower at a fitness club.
When should you make an appointment with a podiatrist? If you develop a virus such as warts or infections such as athlete’s foot or a toenail fungus. Although overthe-counter options may help if you have a toenail fungus, they can be stubborn and require prescription topical treatments or pills.
A podiatrist will also help if you have structural problems with your feet. You may be fitted with orthotics for more support. And don’t ignore lumps under your feet or any swelling. It may not be because you are on your feet most of the day. Remember, we couldn’t walk without our feet.
Barefoot Contested?
Because we weren’t born wearing shoes, are there benefits to going barefoot, at least when you are home?
Don’t look for a definitive answer from the medical community. On the one hand, walking barefoot can improve your balance, strengthen the muscles in your legs, give you better control of your feet as they hit the ground, and give your feet some needed breathing room after wearing shoes all day. As Healthline.com points out, toddlers learn to walk while barefoot.
And yet, there is a school of thought that discourages going barefoot. It exposes your feet to bacteria on the floor and carpet in your house. They are more susceptible to infections and injuries like stubbed toes. You can also easily suffer cuts, blisters, and bruises, especially if you walk barefoot outdoors.
Socks may not be a good compromise because they may increase the chances of slipping and sliding. Like just about everything else in life, if you go barefoot, do it in moderation.
Dr. Jeffrey Fisher M.D. MansfieldUrgentCare.com 817-473-3979
Keeping active is great for both your physical and mental health Texas has plenty to offer, from walking, jogging, or biking on city trails to basking in the sun on South Texas beaches and hiking in remote wilderness areas, to name just a few.
The downside, however, is that injuries can quickly spoil your summertime fun if you fail to use the right amount of caution. To help you enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities, here are
1. BEGIN BY STRETCHING
you see is the athletes getting ready for the competition by stretching and warming up. To avoid tomorrow’s aches and pains, you should do the same. Before hitting the trail, the court, or the diamond, take some time to stretch and warm up with a few twists, lunges, squats, and jumping jacks.
2. GET THE RIGHT GEAR
If you’re planning on jogging or walking, don’t buy the cheapest pair of shoes at a general, big-box retailer. Get the proper footwear at a sporting goods store specializing in athletic gear. The extra dollars you spend will be well worth it to avoid pain in your feet, knees, and hips.
If hiking is your thing, leather boots are more durable and provide better support than those made of non-leather materials. To prevent painful blisters, get them stretched a bit and well broken in before hitting the trail.
3. EASE INTO YOUR ACTIVITIES
After long months of being cooped up, it’s tempting to “go hard” once you’re outdoors, but that’s when many injuries occur. Instead, whatever your favorite outdoor activity, ease into it and gradually rebuild your skills, allowing your body to adjust to the renewed activity. Also, it’s OK to take an occasional break to avoid overtraining.
4. STAY HYDRATED
It’s always important to remain hydrated, especially during the year’s hottest months. If you plan to be outdoors for a prolonged period, bring water in a reusable bottle, preferably more than you think you’ll need in case of an emergency. Hydration keeps your energy level steady, helping you avoid the missteps that can lead to injury.
5.
USE PLENTY OF SUNSCREEN
Up to a point, sunshine is good for us, helping our bodies produce Vitamin D. But to avoid a painful sunburn and the eventual possibility of skin cancer, always apply ample amounts of sunscreen. A t-shirt isn’t enough and provides an SPF of only about five. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. And if you get in the water, reapply after you get out.
With a few precautions like these, hopefully, your summer will be injury-free.
WRINKLE free
PROCEDURES TO REDUCE FINE LINES
BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
The hardest part of any Zoom meeting has to be concentrating on what’s being said instead of staring at your own reflection wondering, “When did that wrinkle get there?” We all know the causes of wrinkles, things like sun exposure, cigarette smoke, stress, and time. But the question is, “What can we do about wrinkles once they’re here?” Here are a few ideas for softening and minimizing the appearance of those unwanted wrinkles on our faces.
CHEMICAL PEEL
A chemical peel is a treatment that works by applying solutions to re-texture and exfoliate the skin while stimulating collagen production. Glycolic acid peels are conservative, used mostly to exfoliate and reduce pore size and wrinkle intensity. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels go deeper, dissolving skin cells and removing the top layers of the epidermis. The result is smoother skin and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. PCA peels are the mildest option, exfoliating skin with acids derived from fruits. Patients report PCA to be the most comfortable and relaxing chemical peel experience.
MICRONEEDLING
Also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), microneedling involves repeatedly pricking the skin in a careful, measured, precise way. This creates tiny injuries that prompt the skin to repair itself and produce collagen, which causes the skin to become plumper and more agile. It also promotes elastin to repair and restore skin elasticity. Gels, serums, and creams can then be used to promote the healing process. Microneedling can also be used to treat acne scars and poor skin texture. Recovery time is brief, but it may take six to eight weeks of treatments to achieve your desired results.
INTENSE PULSED LIGHT
Sometimes known as a photofacial, IPL is a noninvasive treatment that’s an alternative to laser therapy. Using an innovative type of light therapy targeted to specific areas of your face, it evens out wrinkles and lines, addresses sun damage, and improves skin clarity, texture, and tone. There’s typically minimal to no downtime with IPL, and any redness and swelling usually resolve within a few days. It’s recommended to avoid direct sun exposure for about a week after treatment.
PEPTIDES
Naturally occurring in our bodies, peptides are small fragments of protein that help skin cells communicate more efficiently. Peptides can be applied topically to basically trick the skin into producing new skin cells. Originally used to speed the healing of wounds, peptides are now used to reduce wrinkles and stretch marks and stimulate collagen production.
ALPHA HYDROXY ACID
Exfoliating — either physically or chemically — accelerates skin cell turnover by removing old, dead skin cells, instantly improving the look and feel of your skin. If your skin looks dull, try exfoliating with an alpha hydroxy acid like lactic acid or glycolic acid.
FREE RADICALS AND ANTIOXIDANTS
Once you’ve exfoliated, you can protect your new skin cells from free radicals (pollutants), which can accelerate aging. Antioxidants help block free radicals from damaging your skin. So, consider including antioxidant-rich foods such as blackberries, dark chocolate, and kale in your diet. Bonus — they’ll also give you more energy.
Facing Facts about Your Skin
Elastin and Collagen
Collagen and elastin play an important role in keeping your skin looking young, the former providing structural integrity, the latter helping it snap back into place. Both decrease as we age, beginning to decline around age 20. Topical anti-aging creams may help slow the decline. A good anti-aging skincare product can reduce — but not eliminate — wrinkles.
Sunscreen
We all know too much sun can cause wrinkles as ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin, damaging elastic fibers and decreasing firmness. It’s wise to take a preemptive approach to any further wrinkles by applying sunscreen of at least SPF 40. Many makeup brands include sunscreen in their foundation, but don’t neglect your neck and upper chest areas, and be sure to reapply as needed.
Moisturizers
Don’t underestimate what a great moisturizer can do to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Ask your dermatologist to recommend one that won’t clog your pores, preferably with hyaluronic acid as one of its ingredients. Hyaluronic acid can hydrate your skin and protect it from dryness, excess pigmentation, and wrinkling. Apply as directed, paying particular attention to areas where wrinkles often appear.
FAÇADE facelift
WA Y S T O U P Y OUR
CURB APPEAL
BY CHERYL ALEXANDER
By simply adding a few upgrades to your house, it will be easier to sell when the time comes, and in the meantime, you’ll enjoy pride of ownership. Check out these simple, low-cost curb appeal improvements that you can do in a day, a week, or a month.
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PAINT THE FRONT DOOR
A freshly painted front door will brighten your home’s entry. Select a vivid, bold color that coordinates with the other colors of your house. Make sure to prep all the surfaces before painting so your results are long-lasting.
PLANT A TREE, OR TWO OR THREE
Established and groomed trees, shrubs, and plants will make a great impression. Start small with a few fast-growing or flowering trees. Water them adequately in the first year or two, then fertilize seasonally. Trees will increase property value, reduce utility bills, and improve air quality.
UPGRADE HARDWARE
Your house numbers, entry door handle and lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and overhead/ front door light fixture are all elements that boost exterior appeal. Outdated or dingy fixtures will detract from the beauty of your home’s aesthetic — select pieces that coordinate.
INSTALL WINDOW BOXES
Window boxes bring color and charm to your home’s façade. Choose boxes made from copper, iron, or painted wood to match the style and architecture of your home. Mix and match flowers and plants to suit your lighting conditions and seasonal colors.
CREATE SYMMETRY
Symmetrical light fixtures and front-door accents make your entryway welcoming and boost curb appeal. Flank your front door with sconces or tall, narrow planters. Match the items with your hardware and any porch furniture.
INSTALL OUTDOOR LIGHTS
Impact your curb appeal significantly and increase your home’s security by installing low-voltage landscape lighting. Add fixtures to trees, highlight architectural elements, or illuminate a walking path. If wired lights aren’t an option, consider solar fixtures.
MAKEOVER YOUR MAILBOX
Update your mailbox with something fresh and new. It’s super easy, inexpensive, and will make a noticeable difference in your home’s curb appeal.
CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS
Clean the inside and outside of gutters, clearing debris and scrubbing until they’re as good as new. With a bit of elbow grease, the effect will be a pleasing and lasting one.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR LAWN
Regularly care for your lawn by mowing, raking, and pulling weeds. Water and fertilize your grass and landscape on a schedule to prevent brown spots and dead plants.
Get Growing
Planting trees is a wonderful way to improve your home’s curb appeal. To help narrow your options, here is a shortlist of fast-growing and flowering trees that should work in Texas planting zones.
Fast-growing Trees
Crepe myrtle
Chinese pistache
Emerald green arborvitae
Leyland cypress
Lombardy poplar
Texas ash
Flowering Trees:
Texas mountain laurel
Texas redbud
Texas vitex
Southern magnolia
Mexican plum
Crepe myrtle
exans are known for their amazing BBQs. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, steak, chicken, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, pineapple slices, fresh veggies — it all tastes better after being marinated and seared on the grill. Summer is your chance to give the kitchen a break, eat your meals outdoors, and invite your friends and neighbors over for a cookout. With a little preparation, you can host the perfect BBQ.
Decide on a menu, then buy extra food. The cardinal rule of BBQs is you can never have too much food. Choose your main menu items — classic hamburgers and hot dogs, or perhaps something more elaborate like steaks and salmon, then factor in about ½ to ¾ pound of cooked meat per person. Always err on the side of buying more meat, so you
don’t run out. Plus, guests will love taking home leftovers.
Don’t forget the sides. It’s not just about the grilled meat. Fresh fruits and veggies, homemade dips, a wide variety of chips, baked beans, potato salad, and plenty of sweet desserts can all help fill up your guests’ plates. Make them yourself or encourage guests to bring enough to share. After all, BBQs have a community spirit, and most people love bringing something of their own to contribute.
Provide entertainment. It can take a while to cook all the food at a BBQ, so be sure to offer guests entertainment options. Encourage them to play volleyball in the swimming pool or cornhole on the lawn. Of course, blasting upbeat summer music is a great way to set the atmosphere, too.
Set the table. Since summer BBQs are casual, you don’t have to worry about formal centerpieces or fancy seating. You can set up lounge chairs and picnic tables or bring out folding tables covered with cute outdoor-friendly tablecloths. Then, set the table with tons of napkins (to soak up the BBQ sauce, of course). Complete the aesthetic by lighting a few mosquito-repellant candles and hanging outdoor lights. Finally, pass around a Polaroid camera or encourage everyone to take pictures with their phones to commemorate the event. Serve cold drinks. Help beat the heat on a warm summer evening with thirst-quenching cold drinks. Whip up homemade lemonade or a cool punch for non-drinkers, then serve beers, ciders, and wine coolers in a cooler with ice. You can also offer sangria, like the White Wine Sangria with Summer Fruits from The Spruce Eats, made by mixing the following ingredients:
•1 bottle of white wine
•Juice squeezed from one lemon, one orange, and one lime
•1 peach, cut into wedges
•1 cup sliced strawberries
•½ cup lemonade
•½ cup sugar
•3 ounces brandy
•1 can pineapple
•2 cups ginger ale and ice added just before serving
Just remember, good food and great company will make your BBQ perfect — everything else is an added bonus.
Follow these simple grilling techniques by The Food Network:
• Clean your grill. You don’t want old food flavors and excess char mixing with your meat.
• Flip less often. Most meats can be flipped just once.
• Don’t flatten meats. This will make it lose fat and juices that create delicious flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer. After all, food poisoning is not a fun party favor, and neither is overcooked dry meat.
• Don’t put cold foods di rectly on the grill. Let meat warm to room temperature first.
• Slightly undercook foods. Meat, for example, finishes cooking for a few minutes off the grill.
• Rest meat. Let it sit for five to 15 minutes after cooking before cutting and serving. You may tent it under foil to help keep it warm while resting.
• Don’t over-char. Cook thicker cuts of meats with bones on high heat first, then move to a lower heat. Or pre-cook in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Keep it simple. Stick to just one to three different meat options.
Followthesesim pl e
THAT’S amusing
TEN THEME PARKS IN THE LONE STAR STATE
BY CHRISTINA GARCIA
Besides offering irresistible fried treats, Texas theme parks are adding new rides to get you back in the gates this summer. Thrill-seekers should love the adrenaline they’ll get on big swaying roller coasters and controlled free falls. The rest of us will hear those screams of glee and still choose to gaze at the horizon from a Ferris wheel. If you’re unsure where to start or want to branch out, we put together a diverse list of parks to try.
THRILL CHASERS
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
“The Coney Island of the South,” Galveston Island’s Historic Pleasure Pier collects sixteen rides and all the essentials: two coasters rushing over the Gulf, a log flume drenching your summer suntan, a pendulum
Pleasure Pier, Galveston
Six Flags Over Texas
to approach weightlessness, and the spinning, dizzying Texas Tea teacups. Take a selfie on the LED-lit Ferris wheel after dark, then try the fresh seafood or delicious, classic boardwalk food at this oceanside playground with roots that stretch back to 1906.
Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and Fiesta Texas, San Antonio
Six Flags takes the prize for thrillseeking roller coasters in Texas (and maybe the nation) so both Fiesta Texas and the original Arlington park made the cut. Legendary rides include Fiesta Texas’ Iron Rattler, a steel-reinforced version of the old wooden coaster that drops riders 171 feet and travels at 70 mph. In Arlington, ride backward on Mr. Freeze, or try drops from 325 feet on
Superman Tower of Power. To cool off, bump along in the classic Aserradero log flume for a big splash at the end or try the new Aquaman (set to open this summer), a launched coaster hurling at 63 mph to a drenched fi nale.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Morgan’s Wonderland, San Antonio
Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio is a one-of-a-kind park inspired by the owner’s daughter, whose cognitive and physical disabilities meant she needed inclusive, accessible parks if she was going to enjoy outdoor play and rides like everyone else. Across 25 acres, Morgan’s Wonderland is 100% wheelchair accessible, with most rides made for chairs to roll right onto, including the
carousel, Ferris wheel, fi ve tropically themed splash pads at Inspiration Island, and more. People with special needs get in free and can even trade in their chair for a waterproof wheelchair for use at Inspiration Island.
OUTSIDE THE BOXCAR
Trinity Forest Adventure Park, Dallas
Our second pick from Dallas is a little unusual because it’s a ziplining course. You’ll need gloves, and you’ll wear a body harness. An active forest adventure, this park features a three-hour ride across wires with obstacles between each level to test your balance and dexterity. The challenge keeps visitors of all ages actively engaged in playtime through the treetops on over 20 lines.
Houston Renaissance Festival
Morgan’s Wonderland
Trinity Forest Adventure Park
Houston Renaissance Festival
Hear us out. From one rollercoaster weenie to another, Houston Ren Fest is a capital T theme park. This fair is the largest Renaissance event in the country and what it lacks in rollercoasters it makes up in ax throwing, archery, falconry shows, acrobats, fire dancers, vaudeville, sketch comedy, armored combat, and live music. There are also themed costume parties for fairies, pirates, Celts, barbarians and more. This park is open October through November only.
Dig World, Houston
Dig World is a small park where you’ll safely operate “REAL. HEAVY. CONSTRUCTION. EQUIPMENT.” A two-hour reservation gets you access to mini-excavators, skid steers, and UTV vehicles. And it’s not just for kids who love Bob the Builder. The park has already had to bring in more machines to accommodate the all-ages patrons lining up to get a chance in the saddle.
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
Houston Aquarium
This small park gets big points for being attached to an aquarium. Watch the sea come alive around you as you witness electric eels, piranhas, sharks, and stingrays up close, then check out the mini and full-sized Ferris wheels and the mini and adult-sized free-fall rides.
ZDT, Seguin
This off-the-beaten-path family-owned park in Seguin has a small handful of thrill rides, a few water rides, a climbing rock wall, go-karts, and an arcade. Tickets are cheap, lines are short, and the corn dogs are hot and golden. If you don’t have much time to spend on dozens of rides, this park is a good slice of fun.
COMING SOON
COTALand, Austin
Coming soon from Austin’s Formula One venue, Circuit of the Americas, COTALAND promises a little heat island of fun with at least fi ve promised roller coasters. As a kind of amuse-bouche, the park has described two thrill rides. The Skyscraper fi rst shoots up hundreds of feet before releasing riders into a momentary free fall and fl inging them back up over the crowd. The Palindrome coaster should top out at 51 mph with two inversions before riders do the whole thing backward. Those things alone will make this park unique in Austin.
Houston Aquarium
COTALand, Austin
ZDT
Dig World
Donna J. Smiedt
Board Certi ed Family Law Attorney (by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization)
Certi ed Family Law Mediator Collaboratively Trained 38 Years in Family Law Experience
J. Smiedt and Desaray Muma have
Donna J. Smiedt
A BETTER burger
TASTY TAKES ON THIS SUMMERTIME CLASSIC
BY MELISSA TATE
TIPS & TRICKS: Fresh veggies and homemade sauces always make for a better burger. Your local farmers market is the best place to find fresh produce and ingredients for homemade sauces.
FARM FRESH BURGER WITH HOMEMADE MAYO
MAKES: 2 BURGERS | PREP: 15 MIN. | COOK: 10 MIN. | TOTAL: 25 MIN.
INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. ground beef | Salt and pepper | 1 large tomato, sliced in thick rings | 1 small red onion, sliced in thick rings | Refrigerator pickles (found in the refrigerated section of your grocer) | 2 slices of American cheese | Homemade mayo , recipe below | 2 fresh hamburger buns Homemade Mayo Ingredients: 1 egg | 1 Tbsp. lemon juice | ½ tsp. salt | 1/8 tsp. garlic powder | 1 cup avocado oil
MAYO DIRECTIONS: MIX egg, lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder in a blender. POUR in avocado oil slowly and mix on high until desired consistency. Homemade mayo will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 10 days. BURGER DIRECTIONS: PREPARE Homemade Mayo ahead of time. For burgers, heat a nonstick pan to medium/high heat. HALF ground beef into two ½ pound portions. FORM each portion into a patty. Salt and pepper both sides of patties and place into hot skillet. COOK 2 minutes on each side and repeat until the internal temperature is 160° or your desired temperature. REMOVE patties from heat and set aside. PLACE one slice of American cheese on each patty immediately. Now build your burgers. SPREAD mayonnaise onto each side of the fresh bun and place a patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun. TOP with fresh veggies, pickles, and top bun.
TIPS & TRICKS: A better bun is a sure-fire way to make a better burger —onion buns and brioche buns are always a favorite in our house.
MUSHROOM SWISS ON SAVORY ONION BUN
MAKES: 2 BURGERS | PREP: 15 MIN. | COOK: 15 MIN. | TOTAL: 30 MIN.
INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. ground beef | Salt and pepper | 4 white mushrooms, sliced | ½ small red onion, sliced | 2 slices of Swiss cheese | 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise | 2 onion buns or brioche bun
DIRECTIONS: HEAT nonstick pan to medium/high heat. HALF ground beef into two ½ pound portions. FORM each portion into a patty. Salt and pepper both sides of patties and place into hot skillet. COOK 2 minutes on each side and repeat until the internal temperature is 160° or your desired temperature. REMOVE patties from heat and set aside. PLACE one slice of Swiss cheese on each patty immediately. PLACE mushrooms and onions in the pan with beef grease and cook, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes. REMOVE mushrooms and onions from heat and build your burger. SPREAD mayonnaise onto each side of the onion bun and place a patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun. Top with mushrooms and onions. PLACE top bun over mushrooms and onions.
TIPS & TRICKS: Getting adventurous with your burger cheese can open you up to many new recipes. Start with the cheese and build from there!
SOUTHWEST
BRUNCH BURGER
MAKES: 2 BURGERS | PREP: 20 MIN. | COOK: 20 MIN. TOTAL: 40 MIN.
ABOUT OUR CHEF
Melissa is a freelance food w riter with a passion for hospitality and home cooked meals. Along with writing, she helps her husband run their working ranch and event venue in Rockwall, Texas. To follow her cooking and ranching adventures
Instagram at @MELISSATATETX
INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. ground beef | Salt and pepper | 2 eggs | ½ cup Pico de Gallo | 2 slices of pepper jack cheese | 2 Tbsp. avocado mayo or guacamole salsa | 2 buns
DIRECTIONS: HEAT a nonstick pan to medium/high heat. HALF ground beef into two ½ pound portions. FORM each portion into a patty. Salt and pepper both sides of patties and place into hot skillet. COOK 2 minutes on each side and repeat until the internal temperature is 160° or your desired temperature. REMOVE patties from heat and set aside. PLACE one slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty immediately. FRY each egg one at a time in the heated beef grease to the desired doneness. SPREAD sauce on buns, place patty and cheese on the bottom bun, and top with Pico de Gallo. PLACE egg on the burger or enjoy on the side.
5001SCooperSt,Suite111
Arlington,TX76017(817)557-2253
Arlington-North
839ELamarBLVD
Arlington,TX76011(817)583-6522
Mansfield
3141EBroadStreetSuite115
Mansfield,TX76063(682)204-0235
A SMATTERING of stuff
THAT’S MAKING US SAY “WE LIKE IT!” THIS MONTH
BY HEATHER WITHERSPOON
SPICE IS NICE
Turn up the heat on a summer sipping staple with Avión’s Chili Mango Margarita.
INGREDIENTS
1 part Avión Silver
2 parts mango puree
¼ part agave syrup
¼ part fresh lime juice
DIRECTIONS
Rim glass with lime and ¼ part sea salt, and 1 part chili powder. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain over ice in a glass. Garnish with dried mango.
TEQUILAAVION.COM
GREEN WITH ENVY
An effortlessly cool and elevated take on the classic flip-flop, these Wonderland Thong Sandals in Green Goddess from Free People feature a chunky silhouette and flatform style, and a durable rubber outsole.
FREEPEOPLE.COM, $98
DURABLE DINING
Williams Sonoma has taken melamine to new levels of artistry with the Rustic Outdoor Dinnerware Collection . The wide-rimmed dinnerware and serving pieces capture the beauty and dimension of antique earthenware, yet they’re made of shatterproof melamine — the perfect choice for outdoor and casual meals.
WILLIAMS-SONOMA.COM, $5 - $140 (12-PIECE PLACE SETTING)
CARRY ON!
The Open Story Commuter Backpack in Thistle is practical, and fun rolled into one. The heavyduty zippers, padded straps, laptop pocket, and roomy interior are just a few of the features that make it a great addition when hitting the road or the gym.
