Even if you have only one symptom, you be suffering from a very common medical condition. This medical condition is easily treatable and treatments are covered by most insurance companies including Medicare and Tricare. This is not a cosmetic
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Lauren Marie Photography
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I just had a baby, so I had a lot of extra baby weight left. I did not like looking in the mirror or seeing any pictures of me, and lost all self confidence. DSC has changed my life completely! I now feel great and my confidence is back. I have more energy for my family. It was a tough journey but it was worth it.
Everyone at DSC is amazing. They are the best cheerleaders, they have kept me going on the right path and kept me feeling strong in myself. Going to DSC is the best investment I have ever made. Thank you DSC.
AT DSC YOU GET WEEKLY ENERGY AND VITAMIN INJECTIONS, INDIVIDUALIZED COUNSELING AND FDA APPROVED MEDICATIONS. THERE ARE NO PREPACKAGED FOOD TO WORRY ABOUT AND WE EVEN ENCOURAGE YOU TO EAT OUT!
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Landry, Anna Charles, LaRue Novick, Meredith Knight, PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Derek Gower, Lauren Medean, Diana Raines
PRODUCTION
ART DIRECTOR Kelsey Higham
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Van Ngo, Gary Luke
CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER Jenefer Grady
ADVERTISING/SALES
VP OF SALES Scott Daniels, sdaniels@livingmagazine.net For advertising/distribution information call 682-556-1246.
and it’s hard not to notice— our world is in turmoil. But at Christmastime, more than any other time of the year, it’s a joy and a blessing to rest in the promises of our God. We may not know what the future holds. But we know Who holds the future.
I’m excited this month to celebrate our Savior’s birth! What a gift the Lord gave us—eternal life through Jesus. I hope you take some time to slow down from all the holiday bustle and lift up the One who brings beauty from ash, strength from fear, gladness from mourning, and peace in the midst of turmoil. Our future is bright when our future lies in Him.
Merry, Merry Christmas to you all!
“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 MISTY DANIELS , OWNER/PUBLISHER mdaniels@livingmagazine.net 682-556-1246 Turn on the evening
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Mayors from our Letters
MAYOR DAVID COOK MANSFIELD
We are fortunate in Mansfield to have several dedicated organizations whose mission it is to provide a helping hand for those who are in need:
• Mansfield Mission Center made its final transition as First Methodist Church’s Wesley Mission Center to a separate nonprofit, supporting families with everything from employment training to financial assistance.
• The churches, civic groups and agencies that make up Common Ground Network have been working since 1998 to assist under-resourced families that are in the Mansfield ISD.
• Mansfield Cares, which fills the gaps not met by other nonprofits, focuses attention on medical, dental and optic care for families in need as well as a food pantry.
During this season of giving, please look for opportunities to assist these organizations either with your time or with financial support.
And don’t forget to come out on Dec.15, to help Mansfield win the Salvation Army Mayoral Challenge…again, and support another worthwhile organization that gives back to our community. Merry Christmas!
MAYOR RON JENSEN GRAND PRAIRIE
We’ve got lots of family fun to make your holidays Prairie and bright! Prairie Lights opens Nov. 22-Dec. 30 in Lynn Creek Park on Lake Joe Pool, delighting guests with its two-mile drive through light displays, Holiday Village and walk-through Lighted Forest.
The Grand Prairie Arts Council presents Scrooge the Musical at the Uptown Theater in downtown Grand Prairie Nov. 30-Dec. 9. Farmers Market features fresh fruits, veggies and Holiday Gift Market Dec. 1, 8 and 15. Traders Village offers photos with Santa Sat.-Sun., Dec. 1-23. Fill your stockings with treasures found at IKEA and the Premium Outlet Mall. If it is cold – or not -- outside, splash in the tropics at Epic Waters Indoor Water Park year round. The Epic fitness, arts and entertainment center is open and an annual membership would be a grand gift. Then, kick off the new year with Cirque Du Soleil’s Amaluna show under the big top at Lone Star Park Jan. 23-March 3, 2019. So many ways to… Live Life Grand,
MAYOR JEFF WILLIAMS ARLINGTON
There are so many individuals and organizations that work together to make Arlington The American Dream City. One group that’s moving mountains for our families is SafeHaven, which exists to provide safety and support for women and children affected by domestic violence in Tarrant County. For 40 years, SafeHaven has provided shelter and housing, a 24-hour crisis hotline, support, emotional and legal counseling, education, information, and family safety plans.
Twelve years ago, a women’s 5-K walk/run, Jiggle Butt Run, was established to “promote fitness, well-being, and a healthy and positive attitude in women of all ages and abilities” and to help bolster the efforts of SafeHaven. Upwards of 2,000 women participate each year with proceeds going directly to SafeHaven of Tarrant County. Collection stations are also set up on race day to collect much-needed supplies for the Arlington and Fort Worth shelters.
The mission of SafeHaven is to end domestic violence through safety, support, prevention, and social change. The mission of Jiggle Butt Run is to raise funds for these efforts and to show support for the families SafeHaven serves. The next race is scheduled for January 26, 2019 (rain or shine). So, this the perfect time for you to get involved. Donate your time or money. Consider being a corporate sponsor. Then gather a group of friends and sign up to run. Here’s wishing everyone in The American Dream City a warm and wonderful Christmas season and a bright and bountiful new year.
SOCIAL CALENDAR
Visit enchantchristmas.com for details and to purchase tickets. Arlington
NOVEMBER 30
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL
DECEMBER
15
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Join us for a holiday event for the whole family! Santa is stopping by to enjoy breakfast and other fun holiday activities. Children will enjoy making holiday cards and visit with someone special. $10 per person. 8-11am. Cliff Nelson Rec Center, 4600 W. Bardin Rd. Registration is required. For information call 817-561-2819.
Arlington Parks and Recreation,
NOW-DECEMBER 9 SCROOGE, THE MUSICAL
A musical that is sure to get your family in the holiday spirit. Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main. Visit uptowntheatergp.com for show times.
Grand Prairie
DECEMBER 12–16
CHASING
LIGHTS: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL
Don’t miss the live performance of Chasing Lights, the entertaining and inspiring story of Chase Adams, an aspiring producer who finds himself at the ultimate crossroads. For showtimes and seat reservations, visit gatewaychristmas.com. Gateway Church, 700 Blessed Way, Southlake
NOW-DECEMBER 16
MIRACLE
ON
34TH STREET
A must see holiday classic! Visit theatrearlington.org for show times. Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St. Arlington
NOW-DECEMBER 23
TEXAS CHRISTKINDL MARKET
Celebrate the season German style with shopping, food and lots of activities for all. A unique shopping experience for gifts, decorations and much more! 11am-9pm SundayThursday, 11am-10pm Friday and Saturday. Free admission. Texas Live! Plaza, 1601 E. Randol Mill Rd. Arlington
NOW-DECEMBER 30 PRAIRIE LIGHTS
Enjoy the best holiday lights tradition around! The Holiday Village, Holiday Magic Walk-thru Village, all new Indoor Holiday Show, photos with Santa, gift shop and more! Lynn Creek Park, 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy. Visit prairielights.org for information and to purchase tickets. Grand Prairie
NOW-DECEMBER 30
ENCHANT CHRISTMAS
Start the holiday season with a family tradition and an adventure in the light maze, and dazzling Artisans’ Market. So much to see and experience. Globe Life Park.
It’s time for the annual Hometown Holidays tree lighting celebration! Make plans to join us for games, shopping, food, entertainment, and, of course, Santa Claus! Free! 5pm-9pm at City Hall with the tree lighting and fireworks show around 6:30 p.m. 1200 East Broad. Mansfield
DECEMBER 1
HOMETOWN
HOLIDAY PARADE
Get ready for a parade! Kicks off at 1pm. Historic Downtown Mansfield. Mansfield
DECEMBER 1
OLDE TOWN CHRISTMAS
Find a gift to make your Christmas memorable, take photos with Santa and enjoy goodies and concessions at this annual craft fair. 9am-3pm. Dottie Lynn Rec Center, 3200 Norwood Lane. Arlington Parks and Recreation
DECEMBER 2
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Our annual Holiday Home Tour is our major fundraiser that benefits area families, women and children in need. Six homes are on the tour this year. Tickets can be purchased for $25 in advance at Tom Thumb on Hwy 287, Merle Norman Cosmetics on Debbie Ln., and Poured on Debbie Ln. Tickets will be $30 at the door December 2. 1pm- 5:00pm. For further information visit. mansfieldwomensclub.com. Mansfield Women’s Club
DECEMBER 8
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
PARADE
Get ready and enjoy hot chocolate and spend time together. Entertainment begins around 2pm. Parade starts at 6pm. Stay for the tree lighting following the parade. Downtown Arlington. Arlington
DECEMBER 11
FIRST BEN BARBER FILM FESTIVAL
Join us for the first ever, Ben Barber Film Festival. Showcase your talents and show everyone you have what it takes to be the next Spielberg. Open to all MISD students. Please register as soon as possible so we can get an idea of how many films to expect. You are not obligated to submit a film if you register. Visit ryantuomey0.wixsite. com/benbarberav/film-festival Mansfield
DECEMBER
14-25
INTERLOCHEN LIGHTS 2018
Known as the best neighborhood light show in Texas! Put on Christmas radio stations 102.1Fm or 98.7FM and cruise the neighborhood and pick your favorites. 7pm-11pm. Westwood Dr. at Randol Mill Rd. Interlochen Neighborhood. Arlington
DECEMBER 15
COOKIES WITH THE CLAUSES
Let’s decorate cookies, play festive games and make some holiday crafts with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your camera for pictures with the Claus family. Families are welcome. $6 per person. The fee applies to little ones 3+. 11am-12:30pm. Hugh Smith Rec Center, 1815 New York Ave. Arlington Parks and Recreation
STARTING DECEMBER 20
WINTER BREAK CAMP
Various recreation center. Visit naturallyfun.org for details. Arlington Parks and Recreation
DECEMBER 22–23
GATEWAY CHURCH CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICES
Bring your family and friends to enjoy your favorite Christmas carols, hear a timely message from Pastor Robert Morris, experience the classic candle-lighting moment, and more! For service times and locations, visit gatewaychristmas.com. Gateway Church—All Campuses.
BEST BETS
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 @ 3:00 PM
THE THEATRE AT GRAND PRAIRIE
ROCKING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH DARCI LYNNE & FRIENDS
Since winning NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” Darci Lynne has been impressing audiences across the country with her sweetheart disposition and showstopping talent. As on “America’s Got Talent,” she is accompanied on tour by her musical puppet pals Petunia, Oscar and Edna Doorknocker.
Disney takes us back in time to Depression-era London, which sees the Banks children from the original Mary Poppins now fully grown, and in need of the timely arrival of Ms. Poppins (Blunt) more than ever. Miranda co-stars as Jack, an apprentice of Burt, played by Dick Van Dyke in the 1964 original.
DECEMBER 11, 1991
HOOK
ROBIN WILLIAMS, DUSTIN HOFFMAN
DIR. STEVEN SPIELBERG (E.T.)
Regarded ironically as more of a cult hit than an all-out success despite its high profile and big budget for the time, this crowd-pleasing take on the Peter Pan story catches up with an older, more pessimistic Peter (Williams) as he rediscovers Neverland thanks to the (re) appearance of Tinker Bell (Julia Roberts).
DECEMBER 4
THE 5 AM CLUB:
OWN YOUR MORNING. ELEVATE YOUR LIFE. BY ROBIN SHARMA
Legendary leadership and time management expert Robin Sharma introduces his “5am Club” concept to readers, which has been helping his clients revolutionize their morning routine to maximize productivity, wake up feeling inspired, and be their best selves for more than 20 years.
The name Olive was a tribute to Carrie’s grandmother, a hairstylist as well as the symbol of the olive branch as an o ering of peace and friendship.
Olive the Beauty Lounge
Impacting Lives for 10 Years
YOUR BEAUTY LIES IN YOUR BELIEF
Loyal patrons of this A-list salon agree it’s a place like no other. Its distinctiveness may lie in the three owners themselves. Husband and wife, Kyle and Amy Preston, and their partner, Carrie Johnson, each came to the enterprise with a vision for a salon where team work fosters creativity.
After ten years, that’s exactly what they’ve accomplished. In an industry with traditionally high turnover, Ol-
ive has longtime employees who’ve grown to be trendsetters in the field of hair. Olive has partnered with
such industry leaders as DevaCurl, Wella, Sassoon, Redken, and Davines. They were one of the first in the area to offer Deva Curl, Brazilian Blowouts, Bayalage (Hand painted highlights), Hand-tied extensions and the newest, Arrojo American Wave.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLY GROGAN
“Our team atmosphere is really what sets us apart,” Kyle said. “We’ve always strived to treat our staff as a family. We believe this results in a better experience for our clients as well.”
“Our passion is to help people grow in their careers and watch them succeed,” Amy said. “We love it when someone can have success in life working for us.
Carrie agrees, “We get so excited when we see one of our staff members get a new car, buy their first home, start a family, etc. Their success and happiness are what inspires us to continue to grow our business.”
The journey began 11 years ago. As Amy and Kyle discussed their desire to open a salon where innovation and creativity were rewarded and employees were empowered to be their very best, they reconnected with Carrie and found her likeminded. “We all started our careers at the same salon then set off on different paths,” she said. “Two decades in the salon industry had armed us with the exposure and experience we needed to pick and choose what we
felt would work best for our employees and clients. We were all ready to make the leap to business owner. The timing felt right.”
The three admit their salon may be a bit unconventional, but that’s not a bad thing, it’s what’s helped Olive thrive. It’s also helped that, over the past 10 years as the business has grown and flourished, all three owners have remained “behind the chair”, staying abreast of the newest products, trends, and techniques and keeping their finger on the pulse of the salon. The result is an environment that, while cutting-edge, is never pretentious. Instead, they’ve cultivated a relaxed atmosphere where client and staff feel welcome and at home.
Continuing education is a hallmark of the Olive philosophy. While new techniques are being taught and learned, classic looks are continually perfected. Owners and employees take an annual salon trip to fashion Meccas such as New York, LA, Seattle, Nashville, and New Orleans for training and team building. Recently, after seeing the need for further education, the team has opened The
Curly Hair? No worries.
More than half of the stylists at Olive the Beauty Lounge are DevaCurl certified. That means they understand your curly hair and know the products and techniques to make it look its best.
At Olive They Believe in Giving Back
Every year, the owners, staff, and clients of Olive the Beauty Lounge give to charities ranging from breast cancer awareness to Assist the Officer, from Kyle Cares to Camp for All. One popular campaign was their partnership with Fight Like a Girl, a free hair, makeup, and photo session with local cancer survivors.
Academy at Olive where they’re able to host classes for stylists and clients to learn from the talented staff, as well as outside educators. And the three visionaries already have their eyes on a future where they can expand their space and services, bring in more product lines, and make a difference in the lives of even more employees and clients. We have no doubt they’ll succeed.
2771 East Broad Street Suite 207
Mansfield, Texas 76063 (682) 518-1000
Olive-theBeautyLounge.com
OPEN HOUSE
LOCAL RESIDENTS LEARN ABOUT APPEARANCE OPTIONS
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO AGE GRACEFULLY. That was the theme of a recent informative open house at Accent on You Plastic Surgery and Medi Spa in Arlington. Throughout the day and into the evening of Wednesday, November 7th, loyal Accent on You clients and those considering surgical and non-surgical
intervention, mingled with the staff and doctors and attended live demonstrations of procedures they’ve been considering.
Renowned cosmetic enhancement experts Y. Anthony Nakamura and Raja Mohan answered questions and consulted with guests about customized skincare regimens. Guests enjoyed special med-spa pricing and watched demonstrations of AquaGold Micro-
Channeling Facial, ZO 3-Step Peel, ColdSculpting NonSurgical Body Contouring, and hand rejuvenation. Dr. Mohan discussed skincare facts and myths, options for non-surgical face rejuvenation, and how to know it’s time for surgical intervention. Guests enjoyed special catering and giveaways and left feeling enlightened about the exciting skin and body rejuvenation options available today.
ARLINGTON
INVEST IN YOURSELF, STOP PAYING A LANDLORD!
LET OFFICE EQUITY SOLUTIONS SHOW YOU HOW
OES IS YOUR PARTNER IN BUILDING WEALTH THROUGH OWNERSHIP
Office Equity Solutions (OES) has helped medical professionals and other business owners build wealth through commercial property ownership for 25 years. With projects driven by keen knowledge of the economy and an understanding of the needs of their clients, OES continues to expand its portfolio. The addition of office condominiums and preferential financing are just a couple of the characteristics setting OES apart from others in the market.
CUSTOM COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS
Ready-to-lease space, build-ready sites, and full-service property development that includes build-to-suit options and turnkey property management—OES does it all. Visit OESVideos. com/oes-ceo-talks for a brief overview of their services.
“We empower our clients with innovative solutions designed to meet their needs now, and as the marketplace evolves,” says Office Equity Solutions’ CEO Jim Lancaster. “Our professional office spaces are located in high-growth areas perfect for businesses. Whether you’re a small business or part of a larger organization, we can work with your budget and timeline to provide you with the ideal space in the perfect community.”
OFFICE OWNERSHIP OPTIONS
Whatever your space requirements, OES will show you how you can own your office and stop paying a landlord. If your business needs an entire building, OES offers this. OES also offers condominium purchase options which let you purchase only the portion of a building you need.
Visit OESVideos.com/smart-startprogram to view a short video about their Smart Start Program and building ownership.
OES walks you through every step to determine which solutions best fit your needs. They also work closely with your CPA to help maximize your tax benefits. And through OES’ relationships with local lenders, you may qualify for ZERO DOWN on building and condominium purchase.
“Using our decades of experience and knowledge of the existing market, we’ll do the detailed analysis and show you how property ownership can be advantageous and attainable,” explains Jim Lancaster.
FULL-SERVICE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
OES’ hallmark is facilitating the entire process of building your custom project from the ground up. Mr. Lancaster explains, “Based on our experience, we realize it’s an ongoing effort to maximize every dollar spent. Starting from early site selection through final move-in, our experienced team makes sure our clients receive the best value for their investment.”
OES’ Real Estate group also proves complete turn key services. Visit OESVideos.com/developmentmanagement for a video presentation about OES’ Development Management Services.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND TENANT LEASING
Building owners can enjoy the income and tax benefits of ownership without the headaches of managing day-to-day operations and inconvenient emergencies which arise. You can focus on your practice or business growth while OES’ Property Management team handles accounting, financial reporting, preparing taxes, and protesting increases. View an informational video about OES’ Property Management at OESVideos.com/ property-management.
DO WHAT YOU DO BEST AND LEAVE THE REST TO OES
WEALTH DEVELOPMENT THROUGH REAL
OWNERSHIP
ESTATE
OES has a solid history of creating wealth through real estate ownership. Call today to set up a meeting.
Whether you’re looking to start your business with your first office space, need a larger space, plan to open an additional location, wish to build, have a desire to own the office space you use, or are ready to invest in the commercial real estate market, call Office Equity Solutions today for more information. They stand ready to meet at your location.
365 Miron Drive, Suite A Southlake, Texas 76092 (817) 416-3981
OfficeEquitySolutions.com
do you know the CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS?
“HE SAID TO THEM, ‘WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?’ SIMON PETER REPLIED, ‘YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD’’ (MATTHEW 16:15-16).
BY LISA JENKINS-MOORE
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane snow is glistening… ah, if only. I pray every year for a white Christmas, but in Texas that really would be a miracle! The true miracle of Christmas, however, is Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate this time every year. While some argue the date is inaccurate, I’m less concerned with when He was born and when we celebrate than the Biblical illiteracy rampant among so many of His followers.
cChristmas may be our favorite time of year, but we must ask, do we really know Christ? Is He more than a historical figure or a name we use at the end of every prayer? Have we owned our Christian faith or are we riding the coat tails of the generation before us simply believing what we’ve been taught without question?
Lee Strobel’s book, The Case for Chris t, became a movie last year. Both the book and the movie are great places to start in learning about the claims of Christ. The existence of Christ has never been questioned. Many writings about His life exist outside of the Bible; many scholars have discussed the historical Jesus. Christ made outrageous claims about Himself; the most notable one distinguishes him from all other historical figures. Jesus Christ claimed to be the Son of God. Philosophers, who adhere to logical deduction, reduce this statement made by Christ to one of three possibilities: 1) He was a lunatic, 2) He was a liar, or 3) He was the Son of God. So which is it?
Though most religions require a great amount of faith to follow, the evidence that exists for the Christian faith is strong—some objective observers might even call it undeniable. Christianity distinguishes itself from other religions because of Jesus Christ. Unlike any other central religious figure, He was 1) Born of a virgin, 2) Sacrificed His life because of God’s love for sinners, 3) Was resurrected, and 4) Transcended to Heaven. These facts surrounding Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and transcension were viewed by eyewitnesses and documented by many. Texts have been preserved for centuries and the Bible itself is still the best-selling book of all time. When one evaluates these claims in the light of historical, archeological, and even scientific evidence, the results are outstanding.
The Old Testament was written centuries before Jesus’ birth. Over three hundred prophecies were recorded in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah. Jesus Christ fulfilled every single one of them. The odds of anyone fulfilling the
number of prophecies Christ did are mathematically staggering. Essentially, it looks like this:
1 person fulfilling 8 prophecies: 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 [quintillion]; 1 person fulfilling 48 prophecies: 1 chance in 10 to the 157th power; 1 person fulfilling 300+ prophecies: impossible. It is the magnificent detail of these prophecies that mark the Bible as the inspired Word of God. Only God could foreknow and accomplish all that was written about the Christ. This historical accuracy and reliability sets the Bible apart from any other book or record.” (cbn.org)
This feature barely scratches the surface of all that can be uncovered to prove Christ was who He says He was: The Son of God. I encourage you to dig deeper— start with the Bible. Learn its contents from front to back; Jesus can be found from Genesis to Revelation. Investigate the Bible’s claims. Ask hard questions like: How do we know the Bible is true? Read apologetics over the centuries; see what the critics have to say. You’ll find your faith doesn’t take as much “faith” as some might think. Most importantly, you’ll be prepared to give an answer to those seeking one. I Peter 3:15 admonishes us, “But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully” (AMPC). Without Christ, not only is there no Christmas, there’s no eternal salvation, no hope for a brighter tomorrow. Thankfully, Christ is more than a faith story. Have a very Merry Christmas and a hopeful, Happy New Year!
LISA IS A SPEAKER, FREELANCE WRITER AND AUTHOR OF FOUR BOOKS. TO CONTACT LISA OR FOLLOW HER BLOG, VISIT LISAJENKINSMOORE.COM OR CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ LJENKINSMOORE
SUNNIE & RAIDER
Sunnie and Raider had fun playing in the leaves!
- LISA F.
-
CERSEI
This little pupper is taking a break from Santa’s workshop.
- KELSEY H.
THIS MONTH’S GIVEAWAY
Keep tabs on your precious pet with a Cube Tracker! Just stick it on your furry pal’s collar and you can find your pet in no time, whether they’re hiding in a closet or got left out in the back yard. CUBETRACKER.COM
SAFETY TIP
Many pets love the new sights and sounds of the holiday season, but things like Christmas trees, decorations, and candles should be used with care! Head to AmericanHumane.org for some holiday safety tips for your fuzzy friends.
PET CLUB MEMBERS
Every month, all Living Pet Club members are automatically entered to win our giveaway! To join the club and receive a free membership magnet for your pet, send your pet’s name, your name, your address, and a clear photo of your pet to pets@livingmagazine. net. They might just turn up in a future issue of Living!
PETS@LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET
”All Pixel wants for Christmas is a can of Tuna and a warm bed”
JENNY M.
FEATURE
BE
MORE INVOLVED IN HOW YOUR CHILD IS LEARNING
CREATING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Aristotle said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” More than one parent has struggled to get their child to understand the importance of school attendance. When they are young, it can be difficult to impart the significance of early education and the discipline derived from the daily schedule involved. Parents have more choices than ever when it comes to which school their child will attend, so it’s valuable to know your child’s learning style in order to choose the right environment.
Fortunately, parents don’t have to hire a professional to uncover the learning style of their child. Abundant resources exist at the touch of a mouse, including lengthy descriptions, videos, and short quizzes. Through this process you can find out if your child is a kinesthetic, auditory, or visual learner.
Many times a child’s frustration is not with the school itself, but the method of learning. If the school your child attends is unable to accommodate all methods of learning, do what you can to incorporate styles into afterschool play and even homework. The right school will instill a love of learning in your child, but your awareness and participation is equally, if not more, important.
TYPES OF LEARNING
KINESTHETIC LEARNERS:
• Physical
• Strong sense of balance
• Early crawler/walker
• Sports/dance aptitude
• Difficulty sitting still
• Loves hands-on activities
• Enjoys writing or drawing
AUDITORY LEARNERS:
• Drawn to sound
• Musical aptitude
• Strong verbal skills
• Recognition of sounds
VISUAL LEARNERS:
• Love of reading
• Keen observer
• Strong memory
• Active imagination
• Loves art and painting
Perhaps the focus on education in your family brings you to consider a private school alternative. Private schools vary in size, structure, and functionality. Some are Protestant, some Catholic—and among these the depth and level of religious and spiritual teaching varies. Other private schools include Montessori, language immersion, boarding, magnet, homeschool co-ops, university model, and online schools.
Montessori schools teach a method of learning that encourages creativity based on scientific studies around the idea that children learn best in an environment where their natural desire and ability to learn can flourish. There are over 8,000 Montessori schools in the nation, but not all are genuine. Know the difference and be prepared to research and ask questions.
Magnet schools focus on a particular skill like technology, science, or fine arts. Online school options grow every year and are available as self-paced programs as well as those which offer virtue classrooms.
According to Capenet.org, “There are 34,576 private schools in the United States. Private schools account for 25 percent of the nation’s schools and enroll 10 percent of all PK-12 students. Most private school students attend religiously-affiliated schools. Most private schools are small: 87 percent have fewer than 300 students.” Private schools spend more time participating in community service than their public school counterparts, and private school parents are more satisfied with their experience.
Private Schools Can Offer:
• Smaller classes
• Individualized learning
• Selective curriculum
• Specific values and culture
• Flexible scheduling
• Academic enrichment
• Safe environment
• Extracurricular activities
In determining which private school might be best for your children, consider the following questions: 1) What is your school’s education philosophy? 2) How is the curriculum chosen? 3) How have past graduates done in college and in life? 4) Where do you find teachers and what are their qualifications? 5) How are your test scores? 6) What type of student do you consider ideal? 7) Are scholarships or financial aid available? 8) Who is the oversight/board and how were they chosen? 8) What are the class sizes? These questions are just a start as you will craft others specific to you and your child’s concerns and educational goals.
Private schools as a whole score well in the tests given by The National Center for Education Statistics. According to the Council for American Private Education, “Students in private schools consistently score well above the national average. A significantly higher percentage of private school students score at or above the Basic, Proficient, and Advanced levels than public school students.”
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED IN SCHOOL
• Get involved. Know the teacher and the staff.
• Attend PTA meetings. Be familiar with other parents and get their contact info.
• Stay in touch with the teacher. Check in every few weeks.
• Be available in the evenings to help with homework.
• Seek tutoring help if needed.
• Be positive about education.
• Limit television, video games, and screen time. Incentivize reading.
• Make weekly library visits. Participate in their programs & activities.
While every parent wants their child to succeed in school, it can be difficult to get a child to openly talk about their daily experience. Rather than ask your child how their day was, try these questions instead:
• What was your favorite/least favorite part of your day?
• What was different about today than yesterday?
• If you could choose only one teacher to teach all subjects, which one would it be and why?
• Can you tell me one thing that happened today that made you smile?
• Did anything make you angry or sad? If so, what was it?
• Who are your favorite and least favorite classmates and why?
These questions can serve as conversation starters. Show interest without pressure. Be consistent. Let your child know how much you care about their everyday experiences. Turn off your phone immediately when your child comes home to give him or her your undivided attention. If no one is at home when your children arrive, leave notes or thoughtful snacks to let them know they are on your mind.
“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” Kofi Annan, Ghanaian diplomat, Secretary-General of the UN (19972006), and co-recipient of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize
“There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel” (Proverbs 20:15, NKJV).
FELLOWSHIP ACADEMY
A Start-to-Finish School 1021 N. Bowman Springs Road • Kennedale, TX 76060 Fellowship-Academy.org • 817-483-2400
PRE-K TO 12 COLLEGE PREP ACADEMY AVERAGE STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO: 13:1
Attend an Open House to learn how PCA can grow your child spiritually and academically.
Special Offer: All families who attend an Open House will have their application fee waived!
RSVP: Pantego.com/openhouse or call us to schedule your personal tour today!
MANSFIELD CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE
February 5th | 6:30 - 8:00pm 2351 Country Club Drive Mansfield, TX 76063 (817) 522-5900
ARLINGTON CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE
February 7th | 6:30 - 8:00pm 2201 W Park Row Arlington, TX 76013 (817) 460-3315
• $3.6 million in merit-based scholarships awarded to the class of 2018 (47 graduates).
• Leadership training and missions take our students from the local area to Washington DC, the United Kingdom, France, Jordan, Jamaica and Israel.
• Biblical worldview integration with daily Bible classes and weekly chapel.
• Championship-level sports teams and award winning Fine Arts program.
• ACT prep course included in tuition (a $2,000 value) where participating students increased scores by 4-6 points. No STAAR testing!
• College prep curriculum with a limited-space program for students with learning differences.
Newman International Academy
PARENTS SING THE PRAISES OF THIS TUITION-FREE CHARTER SCHOOL
Training and Educating Future Generations of Young Men and Woman with Wisdom, Stature, and Favor
BY MEREDITH KNIGHT
Lori Rasberry was more than a little apprehensive when she decided to enroll her children in school, after homeschooling them most of their lives. But she’d heard wonderful things about Newman International Academy, a tuition-free charter school with all the plusses of its private school counterparts. “The kids were in 7th, 9th, 10th, and 12th grades,” Lori said. “The transition to Newman was smooth—almost flawless. We noticed right away how the faculty and staff really seemed to care about our kids.”
Lori can look back over several instances when teachers called her at home at night to inquire about one of her chil-
dren. “One teacher called to say she saw my son in the hall and noticed he looked down,” Lori said. “She was checking to see if everything was okay. Another teacher emailed to let me know how my child had stepped up and shown leadership ability that day. She just thought I’d like to know. We were thrilled not only with the rigorous curriculum at Newman but the way they mirrored the values we were teaching at home. It was so nice to drop my children off knowing what they were getting all day was in step with what we’d spent years imparting at home.”
Since that time, three of Lori’s children have graduated from Newman and
started college. The Rasberrys have been thrilled to see how well prepared they were for collegiate life. “We’ve seen how well they’ve interacted with their professors,” Lori said. “They know how to seek the help they need, how to take notes, and how to prepare for a test. And they’ve made sensible life choices outside the classroom too. All those things were reinforced at Newman.”
A recent transplant from Indiana, Deborah Petrik has daughters in 2nd and 5th grade at NIA. “I love that parents are always welcomed and included on campus, like when parents and grandparents are encouraged to come have lunch with their children,” she said.
“The teachers go above and beyond to keep us in the loop as far as what the kids are learning and what we can do to help at home. The curriculum is rigorous, class size is small, and kids are given everything they need to succeed. They’re learning— and mastering—so much more than they would at a traditional public school.”
Serving over 3,000 Pre-K through 12th-grade students on seven campuses, Newman International Academy is a college-prep, open-enrollment, tuition-free public charter school with a private school-type environment. NIA students prepare themselves for the 21st century marketplace and citizenship, as they work toward mastery in the fields of academics, fine arts, and sports. And with the competitive nature and size of local ISD school districts, NIA student athletes find they not only get more play time, in their chosen sport, but can participate in multiple sports and/or extracurricular activities. NIA operates under the belief that every child is gifted. They partner with parents and the community to educate the whole child—mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, so every child can realize his or her highest potential. Ready to discover the Newman difference? Call (682) 207-5175 to schedule a campus visit, or visit NewmanAcademy.org to find your family’s place at Newman International Academy.
YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT
Newman International School protects your child with a full-time security force, a district command center, and a professional staff of retired and active police officers on site to assure your child’s safety, at all times.
TEN REASONS PARENTS LOVE NEWMAN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY
1. Tuition-Free Charter School
2. College Preparatory
3. CTE/Career Readiness
4. Warrior Education/Military Readiness
5. Low Teacher/Student Ratio
6. Award-winning Boys and Girls Athletics
7. World Languages
8. International Travel
9. Fine Arts
10. Before and After Care Available
2011 South Fielder Road Arlington, Texas 76013 (682) 207-5175
1201 SH 360 Mansfield, Texas 76063 (682) 400-4010
1114 W. FM 1382 Cedar Hill, Texas 75104 (682) 207-5078
308 West Park Row Drive Arlington, Texas 76010 (817) 655-2156
6801 Meadowbrook Drive Fort Worth, Texas 76112 (817) 655-2255
HOW BEING THANKFUL CAN ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
We all enjoy being around people who are naturally grateful. And most of us try to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in ourselves. But did you realize there’s a connection between being grateful and your mental and physical health?
HERE’S WHAT RESEARCH IS FINDING.
• A study in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being concluded that subjects who wrote down what they’re thankful for just before bed fell asleep faster and stayed asleep longer.
• According to a study in the journal Personal Relationships , being thankful for the little things your partner does can lead to a stronger relationship.
• A 1995 study in the American Journal of Cardiology showed that appreciation and positive emotions may be beneficial in the treatment of hypertension and in reducing the likelihood of sudden death in patients with congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease.
• A University of Utah study showed that gratefulness is linked with optimism, and optimism has been linked to better and stronger immune health.
• A study presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association found that teenagers who possess a positive, grateful outlook on life are better behaved in school and generally receive better grades, integrate better socially, and experience better satisfaction with life.
• A 2003 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that gratitude can boost pro-social behaviors, such as helping and lending emotional support to others, while a series of experiments detailed
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
- ALBERT EINSTEIN
in the same journal concluded that a daily practice of listing all the things for which you’re thankful is linked with a brighter outlook on life and a greater sense of positivity.
The good news is that gratitude, like other good habits, can be learned. Try these gratitude-fostering exercises.
• Keep a gratitude journal where you write down specifically what you’re thankful for.
• Make a habit of talking about the things you’re grateful for to reinforce your feelings.
• Take a break a few times a day to focus on a spirit of thankfulness.
• Find people who have made a difference in your life and tell them so (in person or in a letter).
• Surround yourself with thankful people—gratitude is contagious.
Like any other good habit, gratitude gets easier with daily practice. Let today be the first day of your healthy, grateful life.
WELLNESS
fighting the FEISTY FLU
3 WAYS TO KEEP IT AT BAY AND STAY HEALTHY
BY DAVID BUICE
FLU SEASON IS UPON US.
While it’s possible to contract influenza (the flu) any time, the number of flu cases often increases during October and peaks between December and February, though widespread activity can continue as late as May.
There’s no way to make yourself “bullet proof” against the flu, but there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of getting it or spreading it to others if you’re sick.
GET A FLU SHOT
Everyone six months of age or older should get a flu shot. It takes about two weeks for the antibodies that protect you to develop in your body, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends getting your shot before the end of October. But if you haven’t gotten around to it yet, don’t worry—the vaccine can still be effective if taken later.
Fluzone is a high-dose vaccine recommended for those 65 and older, and there are egg-free vaccines for individuals with severe egg allergies. If you’re needle-averse, the nasal spray FluMist can be administered to those between ages 2 and 49 who’re generally healthy and not pregnant, and it’s been approved for use during the coming flu season.
TAKE EVERYDAY
PREVENTIVE ACTIONS
Flu viruses are thought to spread from person to person through droplets when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. The viruses can also survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours, and you can contract it by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes,
or nose. To protect yourself and others you should:
• Avoid close contact with sick people if possible.
• If you have the flu, stay at home for at least 24 hours after you’ve become fever free without the use of fever-reducing drugs.
• If sick, limit your contact with others as much as possible to avoid infecting them.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, and if those are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Clean often-touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards frequently.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Eat a balanced diet, exercise four to five times a week, and get 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly. Doing these things will keep your immune system strong and help your body fight off an influenza attack during the coming season.
WELLNESS
redefining PAIN
…AND GETTING YOU BACK TO THE GOOD LIFE!
BY MEREDITH KNIGHT
FOR 1.5 BILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE, chronic pain is a way of life. While acute pain may occur suddenly, as a sign that something’s wrong and you should take steps to avoid injury, chronic pain persists for weeks, months—even years. It may stem from a single event: a sprained back, car accident, or fall. Or it can have its origins in arthritis, cancer, or an ear infection.
The root causes of chronic pain may even be unknown but may result in daily headache, low back pain, cancer pain, arthritis pain, or ongoing nerve pain. Chronic pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined, with back pain being the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 and 26 million Americans between 20 and 64 experiencing frequent (chronic) back pain.
The light at the end of the tunnel for chronic pain sufferers is something called “interventional pain medicine” which utilizes a multidisciplinary approach where teams of healthcare professionals work cooperatively, providing a full range of treatments and services, a wide-range of procedures—from conservative pain management to advanced, minimally-invasive surgeries—to help patients return to their everyday activities quickly and without heavy reliance on medications.
Pain management professionals spend their days partnering with patients and their caregivers to relieve, reduce, or manage pain to improve quality of life. Treatment modalities can include trigger point injections, nerve blocks, intravenous infusions, radiofrequency lesioning, botulinum toxin injections, intraspinal analgesics, and spinal or deep brain stimulation techniques.
Your pain management physician should begin with a thorough physical exam and gather your medical history then proceed to diagnostic testing to rule out other conditions that may present similar symptoms. Bring X-rays or other test results you may have along to your first visit. Your doctor may
obtain further X-rays, a CT scan, an MRI, blood tests, and possibly psychological evaluations. Once your medical information is analyzed, your pain management physician will design a comprehensive pain program tailored specifically to you. “This may include osteopathic manipulations, spinal cord stimulation, physical therapy and steroid injections,” said Dr. Jason Butler of Arlington Pain and Therapy in Arlington, Texas. “Your doctor’s office should help coordinate any therapies you need encouraging you to participate fully in your treatment and treatment plan.”
“Chronic pain can negatively impact your life, career, and relationships,” said Dr. Thomas Hong of Arlington Pain and Therapy. “Don’t resign yourself to a life of pain. An interventional pain management physician is a board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist who has dedicated their life to partnering with patients to create a personalized treatment plan that integrates a variety of effective techniques for managing your pain and getting you back in the game of life.” Your first step is contacting an interventional pain management physician to begin your evaluation and treatment—today.
Raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Dr. Hong completed his Bachelor of Science at the Universityof Texas at Arlington. He then proceeded to obtain his medical degree from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California. After medical school, he completed his residency training at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York where he served as Chief Resident. He finalized his training with a Pain Medicine Fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas and joined Arlington Pain & Therapy in the summer of 2018.
Dr. Hong believes in a comprehensive treatment plan including but not limited to medication management, physical therapy, and interventional procedures. He has received extensive training in treating all types of pain but has a special interest in neuromodulation and spinal cord stimulation.
Arlington Pain & Therapy provides a full range of treatment options and services for patients suffering from chronic and acute pain. Our highly skilled team offers a wide range of procedures, from conservative pain management to the most advanced minimally invasive procedures to help our patients get back to their everyday activities as quickly as possible and without heavy reliance on medications. Our goal is to reduce pain to its lowest possible level and limit the impact it has on the lives of patients we serve.
At Arlington Pain & Therapy we are committed to "Redefining Pain and Getting You Back to the Good Life." Take the first step toward relief and contact us today! ARLINGTON PAIN & THERAPY IS PLEASED TO
heat up the HOLIDAYS
HEAD-TO-TOE STYLE FOR YEAR-END FESTIVITIES
BY AUDREY ASHE
While the winter weather can be a drag, holiday parties make up for the boredom and bare trees. Whether with friends, family, or at the office, we all want to put our most fashionable foot forward. It doesn’t have to be difficult to look great! If you want to add something fun to your already perfect party ensemble or pick up something completely fresh for your New Year’s kiss, here are some winter style ideas that will melt the ice.
SHOW YOUR WILD SIDE
Animal prints are set to make a glamorous comeback, and cruelty free options abound. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go full Jersey Shore and flaunt a head to toe ensemble. A pop of print here and there will definitely do the trick. A patterned scarf or faux leather printed handbag will add a bold twist to any outfit. Paired with a piece of glam gold statement jewelry, you’ll be taking your inner animal out for a walk!
NUTS ABOUT KNITS
Who says you can’t look fabulous while keeping warm? Plaid and tartan are staples for every cold weather season, and they’re not just for lumberjacks. A grey or neutral colored tartan blazer or pair of slacks will keep you both cozy and effortlessly classy. And with ‘80s nostalgia everywhere you look, don’t fear the power of shoulder pads. A little bit of structure on the shoulder can help contrast your feminine waistline and sharpen up any casual or dressy look.
GET YOUR SHINE ON
What would the holidays be without a little glitz and glitter? To ensure you’ll shine like a star at your next family or company party, work a little magic with silvers. A pair of glossy silver shoes, bangles, and twinkling dangle earrings can add a nice cap to your favorite party outfit. If you want to really dazzle under the mistletoe, a blouse woven with metallic threads or tastefully beaded and bedazzled will do the trick.
LUSH LOCKS, LONG OR SHORT
Beachy waves have been on the hairstyle radar for a while, and it’s time to step it up for the holiday festivities. Full, lush hair is a sign of health and vibrancy, so break out the mousse whether you have Rapunzel-esque locks or an itty bitty bob. Embracing the bedhead trend of the 2010s, a head full of voluminous retro Hollywood curls with just enough tussle will give you a timeless but not overly-done style. If straight hair is more your thing, try a center part with a little volume. Either tied back in a half-ponytail or paired with a headband, this flower-child hairstyle can help open up your face and instantly give you an airy, boho chic look.
KEEP YOUR SMOKEY EYE IN CONTROL
To save your makeup from a panda-like situation, here are some lifesaving tips to keep it just the right amount of sultry.
Overly dark colors, especially in the crease, can make your eyes appear sunken. Stick with nude and neutral colors instead of greys, and cool colors for a subtle but shimmering look. If it’s too light, you can always layer up.
As pretty as they are in the palettes, shimmery shadows can make the thin skin around the eyes look crepey. Avoid covering your whole lid with shimmer and opt to add a dash on the inner corners.
Forget the tight lining. Adding liner to the inside of your lid closes your eye off. Focus the darks on the outside and dab your rims with a light white liner to make them appear brighter.
FASHION
HOMESTEAD stoneham HARMONY
RESIDENCE IN STONEHAM, STONEHAM-ET-TEWKESBURY, QUEBEC, CANADA
Founded in 2013 by two Quebec architects, PARKA is a firm of architecture and design whose know-how and aesthetic sensibility are mixed to a collaborative approach. PARKA places a high value on the human dimension of the project, designing thoughtful spaces and sustainable architecture.
PARKA-ARCHITECTURE.COM
PATIO
Designed for allseason use, the exterior spaces are creatively shielded from rain and snow while being open and accessible to the backyard pool.
FULL EXTERIOR
Natural wood and black slate on this house newly built for a young, dynamic family contrast with the white volume of the house, blending with the snowy surroundings in winter and contrasting with the bright greens and vibrant colors in summer and fall.
HOMESTEAD
KITCHEN
High ceilings and an open concept kitchen/dining space help the room feel airy and open, while eye-level landscape windows bring the feeling of the outside in.
LOOKING OUTSIDE
Imagined with an intention to integrate with both the landscape and the area, the large breakthroughs looking out on the surrounding forest were an inspiration to play with perspective.
LIVING AREA
The living areas overlooking the woods provide a feeling of living in the treetops, with wooden accents and slats indoors echoing the feel of nature.
away for the HOLIDAYS
TIPS FOR HOME SECURITY WHEN YOU’RE OUT OF TOWN
BY DAVID BUICE
For many of us, the holiday season is often a time spent away from home visiting cherished family and friends.
Unfortunately, burglars usually don’t take vacations, and you don’t want to risk having your holiday ruined by returning home to a house that’s been broken into. To help provide some holiday peace of mind, we urge you to take a few precautions before leaving.
HAVE SOMEONE KEEP AN EYE ON THINGS
Ask a family member or trusted neighbor to check the exterior of your house occasionally for anything that looks suspicious, and give them your cell number for contact in case of any emergency. They’re your first line of defense while you’re gone, and you can return the favor when they’re away.
LOCK UP AND LOOK FOR WEAK SPOTS
Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked, and check potential weak spots. If your basement has an exterior door, make sure it’s locked on the inside, not padlocked on the outside. If you have an automatic garage door opener, consider disconnecting it temporarily. And you might install a deadbolt or padlock on one or both of the door tracks for extra security.
ADVERTISE YOUR HOME SECURITY
If you have a home security system, make sure you have plenty of signs posted to let thieves know. No security system? Either buy some video camera surveillance stickers and post them on windows to make it look like you have one—or get in touch with some local companies and consider installing a security system.
AVOID SOCIAL MEDIA
It’s a great temptation to share your holiday fun with friends on social media, but consider who you’re broadcasting that information to. Check your privacy settings or just wait until you return to start posting.
REMOVE THAT SPARE KEY
Despite your best efforts, determined breakers-in can find that hidden outdoor spare key, so leave it with the person who’s watching your house.
TAKE CARE OF THE MAIL AND NEWSPAPER
Mail and newspapers piling up are a sure sign no one’s home. Stop the delivery of both before leaving, or add it to the list of tasks you can ask your kind friend or neighbor to take care of for you.
INSTALL TIMERS
To avoid a perpetually dark house—another sign that you’re away—install some timers that turn lamps, radios, and television sets on and off at random times. You don’t want those appliances operating at exactly the same time every day.
MAKE A CHECKLIST
Finally, prepare your own security checklist, and make sure you’ve checked off every item before you leave. Then have a wonderful holiday!
Gaydos Duffer, P.C.
Adoption Family Law
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• Birth Parent Representation
• Antitrust
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Christmas in the city of a HUNDRED SPIRES
BY ANNETTE BROOKS
PRAGUE SHINES BRILLIANTLY among Central Europe’s glittering jewels of art, culture, and architecture in any season, but during Christmastime, the city is sheer magic, transforming into a festive winter wonderland. And if you’re lucky enough to find it blanketed in sparkling snow, its romantic charms will dazzle you.
OLD TOWN SQUARE is the main place to be and to see in Prague. Covering around a quarter of an acre and bordered by meticulously maintained historical buildings, it’s a vision that whisks you back in time. Overlooking the whole scene is The Church of Our Lady before Tyn (Tyn Church), with its captivating twin Gothic towers rising 262 feet into the sky. Beneath them in the square, brightly decorated wooden Christmas huts brim with local handicrafts such as jewelry, ceramics, scented candles, tree ornaments, wooden toys, hats and gloves, and puppets dressed in traditional costume. Music fills the air as holiday carolers serenade the crowd, and school choirs and folk groups perform on a stage dressed in traditional costume.
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ADVENTURE
FOOD STALLS also abound in Old Town Square, selling treats such as hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and trdelník—pastry dough wrapped around a wooden or metal stick, roasted over coals then coated with sugar and cinnamon. They also offer up a variety of meats (the Czechs are a carnivorous bunch), including an assortment of sausages grilled on huge skewers and large hocks of ham slow roasting over a flame. Order few slices of shaved ham served with a hunk of oven-fresh rye bread and mustard, then wash it down with a mug of Czech beer such as Pilsner Urquell, and you’ll be set.
After a day of walking, shopping, and sightseeing—which included admiring Prague’s world-famous astronomical clock—my husband and I slipped into one of the many restaurants on the square for dinner. Content to sit by a window and people watch, we enjoyed our first bowl of Czech guláš (goulash), a flavorful, beefy, stickto-your-ribs soup. I ended the meal sipping honey wine, a wonderfully effective antidote to the winter temperature. My husband tried the grog, a mixture of rum, water, lemon, and sugar that tastes far better than the name sounds. Returning to our hotel as daylight waned, the dark, looming towers of Tyn Church were even more spectacular. With my imagination
soaring as high as the towers themselves, I envisioned Harry Potter zipping around them playing quidditch. And maybe some flying monkeys, too, a notion no doubt encouraged by the honey wine!
The next morning, we headed to Wenceslaus Square, named after the famed 10th century Bohemian king—the same one in the Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslaus.” This shoppers’ haven is more of a boulevard than a traditional square. Clubs, restaurants, hotels, shops, and banks line the streets, making it the city’s entertainment, nightlife, and commercial district. It, too, boasts a huge Christmas tree, music, and holiday market stalls not to be missed.
Indulging in more retail therapy, people watching, street music, and hearty fare, we immersed ourselves in everything Czech, but had yet to experience one of Prague’s renowned church concerts. As someone who grew up playing classical piano music, I was eager to take advantage of Prague’s musical history. Many of Europe’s top composers, including Mozart—one of my favorites—called Prague home at one time or another, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s cultural background. We purchased tickets for an early evening concert held in an ancient church with “good acoustics” located near Prague’s
well-preserved Jewish Quarter. Having waited in anticipation to hear the string quintet, we were impressed by the skill, pride, and passion of the musicians and vocalist. Even my husband, a native Texan who prefers country music and classic rock, was moved. And after a heart-stopping performance of Ave Maria, there wasn’t a dry eye in the nave, including our own.
On our last full day in Prague we left the hotel on foot before daybreak to take pictures of the St. Charles Bridge and Prague Castle in the new morning light. We crossed through Old Town Square then traipsed along immaculate cobblestone streets while everything was quiet and still until we reached the banks of the Vltava River, the waterway around which the city has developed over the past 1000 years. The view of the magnificent castle and St. Vitus Cathedral across the river was idyllic, making it well worth our effort to venture out so early. After snapping photos, we sat peacefully nestled together on a riverside bench, witnessing this beautiful city slowly come to life as the sun rose over its landscape of spires. At that moment, life was good, very good, as we marveled at the beauty of Prague, the hospitality of the Czech people, and the message of hope Christmas brings to all of mankind.
Santa Who?
DISCOVER UNIQUE CHRISTMAS FIGURES AND CUSTOMS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
WHO BROUGHT GIFTS TO YOUR HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS?
That depends on where you grew up. If you lived in a traditional United States home, you probably joined thousands of American children each December 24th in waiting for Santa to deliver your requisition of toys and goodies. And if your parents were like most, they’d used the expectation of those gifts to elicit good behavior from you for months beforehand.
But if you were raised in another part of the world, you may have awaited the arrival of someone else entirely. If you grew up Dutch, for instance, your toys and candy came from Sinterklaas. If you were British, it was Father Christmas who brought you holiday cheer each December.
Both customs (which combined to make our Santa Claus) are rooted in the real-life Saint Nicholas of Myra, a saint and bishop with a reputation for secret gift giving. Saint Nick was known for putting coins in shoes left out for him and for throwing bags of gold coins through one poor father’s window to provide a dowry for his three daughters and save them from a life of prostitution.
Like our Santa Claus, the Dutch Sinterklaas makes the distinction between “good” and “bad” children. But also like Santa, the old softy usually brings gifts to all children regardless. Dutch tradition requires that children leave their
shoes by the fireplace with some hay or a carrot for Sinterklaas’ horse, and in return he leaves them chocolate coins or some other token.
A sack is also placed outside the house or in the living room with presents for the family. Father Christmas, however, has nothing to do with gift giving. He represents the Spirit of Christmas as the personification of holiday cheer.
• In other countries, “good little children” eagerly await their reward from:
• A Buddhist monk with eyes in the back of his head named Hoteiosho in Japan
• A gnome named Jultomten who arrives by goat in Sweden
• A grandmother named Babushka or alternately Grandfather Frost and his daughter, Snow Girl, in Russia
• A Father-Christmas-like man called La Befana in Italy who fills children’s stockings with candy and trinkets on January 6 or the Epiphany when the three wise men gave their gifts to Baby Jesus
Wherever you live and whichever tradition you follow, Christmastime is a time to embrace the spirit of generosity and goodwill toward all.
Buone Feste Natalizie! Feliz Navidad! God Jul! Merry Christmas!
i need GOD
BY FRAN DANIELS
I need to be quiet – I need to be still
To wait and listen – to follow God’s will I pray today for God’s mercy and grace
For mind and body to rest in this place
An open heart with “ears” to hear
Words of love to replace the fears
Help me God with my sin that creeps in I call out to you, forgive me again.
But when I find this quiet place
God’s words of love, mercy and grace
Will fill my heart, my mind, my soul
A hand stretched out for me to hold
So thank you God for carrying me
At times when I could not see
I need you God whenever I fall
To once again answer your call
Amen
PROVERBS 3:5-6 | PSALM 23:1
tech the HALLS
BY BRANDON DAIKER
THE 2018 HIGH-TECH GIFT GUIDE FOR SOME OF YOUR MOST PARTICULAR
LOVED ONES
FOR THE RELUCTANT futurist
If your loved one hasn’t jumped on the smart speaker bandwagon yet, it might actually be time for them to give it a try. Google’s new Home Hub pairs its nifty voice assistant with a display for the first time, meaning it’ll show you visual weather forecasts and video recipes. When you’re not asking questions it’ll even double as a digital picture frame paired to your Google Photos account.
$149, GOOGLE.COM
FOR THE BOOKWORM traveler
Amazon’s newest version of the Kindle Paperwhite is thinner and lighter than the previous version, features a flush-mounted screen that means the front is nice and smooth, supports their Audible audiobook service with Bluetooth headphones, and most importantly for many is also IPX8-rated— meaning it’s waterproof—much to the delight of poolside readers everywhere.
$130, AMAZON.COM
FOR THE MEANS-WELL misplacer
We’ve mentioned the lifesaving little tracker tags from Tile before, but as we continue to add expensive doodads to our keyrings and wallets they’re more helpful than ever to find stuff you’ve lost track of. These tiny devices get noticed by other people running the Tile app if you misplace them, or you can ring them right from your phone (or buzz your phone from your Tile).
$25 TO $30, TILE.COM
FOR THE GAS-AVERSE gardener
It’s more fun to work outside when you don’t need to wear yourself out doing it. Consider gifting your green-thumbed loved one with a quiet and clean electric tiller/ cultivator, which will make quick work of any dirt that needs to get prepped for planting or landscaping. An entry level model, the Earthwise TC78510, uses a power cord and can land under the tree for under $100.
$99, HOMEDEPOT.COM
PULL APART EGGNOG LOAF
all i want for CHRISTMAS IS FOOD
‘Tis the season for spending time with family, and one of the best places to make memories is the kitchen! This month, with mugs of slow cooker hot chocolate in hand, bring the gratitude and holiday feelings to life by baking classic gingerbread cookies and a seasonal eggnog pull apart loaf.
TIPS & TRICKS
Don’t like eggnog? You can make the loaf with heavy cream instead of eggnog for a cinnamon spiced loaf that is still just as tasty!
WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
SERVES: 4 TO 6
TIME: 55 MINUTES
for the dough:
• 2 pounds pizza dough
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts
for the glaze:
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 3 to 4 tablespoons eggnog
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray. Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured baking surface to make a 30”x10” rectangle.
In a small bowl, combine butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until it forms a soft paste. Spread the filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, then use a knife to trim the edges of the dough so all sides are straight. Slice dough into 6 vertical strips. Stack the rectangles on top of each other, then slice the stacks into 6 stacks of squares.
Place all of the stacks into the bread pan vertically (edges up). Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Cover with foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until the center is no longer raw dough.
While the bread is baking, whisk powdered sugar, eggnog, and cream cheese together to make the glaze. The glaze should be pourable but still thick. Once the bread is finished baking, drizzle with icing. Serve immediately.
PHOTOS AND RECIPES BY MEGHAN YAGER
purchase of $25 or more
Arlington-Mansfield 5001 S Cooper St, #111
Arlington, TX 76017 (817) 557-2253
Arlington-North 839 E Lamar Blvd
Arlington, TX 76011 (817) 583-6522
Expires 01/05/19. Limit one (1) coupon per guest. $5 off $25 before tax. Valid only on baked goods; not valid on retail items or gift cards. Coupon must be presented in bakery at the time of purchase during normal business hours. Valid only at the bakery(ies) listed. No cash value. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred, or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Not valid for online orders. Not valid with any other offer.
GINGERBREAD
CHEWY COOKIES
MAKES: ABOUT 3 DOZEN
TIME: OVERNIGHT RISE + 10 MIN
ingredients:
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
Cream together butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until smooth. Add molasses and egg, mixing until combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. After it’s mixed, add flour, baking soda, and spices to the bowl. Mix until everything is combined.
Dump the dough out onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap the dough up and shape into a disc. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 3 hours, or overnight. When you’re ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, then roll dough out on a clean, floured work surface until it is ¼-inch thick.
TIPS & TRICKS
You can easily decorate the chewy gingerbread cookies as desired with royal or store-bought icing as desired. For a more rustic, vintage look, leave them undecorated and give them as gifts in small bags.
Cut the dough into desired shapes and add cookies to the baking sheets. You don’t need to leave too much room between the cookies, but don’t let them touch. Bake for 10 minutes, until they set. Do not overbake so they stay nice and soft. Cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then remove to cooling racks to cool completely.
In a large slow cooker set to high, combine all of the ingredients. Stir regularly for 40 minutes to 1 hour until chocolate is fully melted and incorporated. Switch to low and let simmer. Help yourself!
TIPS & TRICKS
For a fun holiday party idea, host a hot chocolate bar with this slow cooker hot chocolate as the centerpiece! Serve with marshmallows, cookies, candy canes, sprinkles, and whipped cream.
A smattering of stuff that’s making us say “we like it!” this month
PIG OUT
No holiday season is complete without some big breakfasts, and no big breakfast is complete without bacon. Porter Road offers a four pound Bacon Box featuring pork, back, ham, and jowl bacons—pasture raised in Nashville and delivered to your door.
$50, PorterRoad.com
MITTEN SMITTEN
If you’ve ever wanted to send words of encouragement while also keeping your hands warm, these Go Y’all mittens fit the bill—and have a uniquely Texan tinge that’s appropriate for any event requiring a little holiday cheer.
$28, DraperJames.com
FILL IN THE BLANKS
If a Friday night in front of the fireplace with a dictionary sounds good to you, make sure to exercise your brain by recognizing National Crossword Puzzle Day this month, no IFS, ANDS, or BUTS about it.
December 21, with a sharp pencil
UP IN THE AIR
Give thanks for the great state of Texas this month by checking it out from above—Jay B. Sauceda’s new book A Mile Above Texas contains 142 color aerial photos shot from a single-engine Cessna during his 3,822 mile circumnavigation of our favorite place.
$45, UTPress.UTexas.edu
FULLEST HOUSE
The nostalgia-soaked Full House reboot Fuller House—which follows the continued adventures of D.J. and Stephanie as they try to act like functioning adults—returns to San Francisco for its fourth season, just in time for a winter vacation binge.
