ALWAYS CHOOSING A MINDSET OF THANKFULNESS AND JOY.
Each year, STROKE kills twice as many women as breast cancer. When a stroke happens, every minute counts. If you think you or someone you know may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following simple test:
A S T
FACE: Does the person’s face look uneven?
ARM: Is one arm hanging down?
SPEECH: Is the person’s speech slurred or seem different? TIME: If you notice any of these signs, call 911 and go to the emergency room.
Increase cup size with a BREAST AUGMENTATION:
2 week recovery time, final results in 3-4 months
BREAST LIFT / REDUCTION for lifting sagging breasts and/or reducing size for your comfort level:
2 weeks recovery time
Popular Procedures:
Brazilian Butt Lift, Mommy Makeover, Abdominoplasty, Liposuction, Botox & Dermal Fillers, Facial Rejuvenation, Aesthetic Medical Spa
MICHAEL L. THORNTON D.O., FACOS
Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
817-477-9000
MANSFIELDCOSMETICSURGERY.COM
550 N. Walnut Creek Dr., Suite 120 Mansfield, TX 76063
OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Monday-Friday: 9am – 5pm (Closed for lunch 12pm – 1pm)
Green Oaks Wedding Chapel can accommodate your wedding and reception needs in one elegant and affordable location. With our staff of friendly, experienced professionals, your wedding day will be perfect... from start to finish!
Built exclusively for weddings, this establishment includes a chapel, foyer, balcony, bar, patio and reception hall with dance floor. Customize your colors and decorations to make a truly unique experience for all.
Please call to Schedule a private tour or Stop in any Wednesday between 2-7PM to tour without an appointment.
ATLAS VEIN CARE PROMISE: YOU WILL ALWAYS BE EVALUATED AND TREATED BY A DOCTOR CERTIFIED TO TREAT VEIN DISEASE.
DO YOU HAVE VEIN DISEASE SYMPTOMS?
• LEG/ANKLE SWELLING
• PAIN/CRAMPS IN YOUR LEGS
• LEG THROBBING/ACHING
• RESTLESS LEGS
• SKIN DARKENING
• SKIN BREAKING DOWN
• OPEN SKIN WOUNDS
• VARICOSE/SPIDER VEINS
• NEUROPATHY
• NIGHT CRAMPS
• LEG FATIGUE/HEAVINESS
• ITCHING/BURNING
Coolsculpting®
Botox/Dysport/Voluma
Medical
IPL
Microdermabrasion/Microdermapeel
Micropen
Customized Facials
SEDATION
...of year that makes us feel more blessed just to be alive? During spring, all things seem possible. If a lowly worm can hide himself away in a cocoon then immerge as a butterfly, what can you and I accomplish? Spring is a time to throw open the windows and invite the God’s glorious creation inside.
May is also a time to honor the women who partnered with God to make us who we are. Our moms! God tells us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” In that scenario, I suppose our moms serve as the easel that upholds us, while God completes His glorious work.
Thank heaven for loving, supportive moms. I hope you’re reading this month’s Living Magazine in a hammock, with a breeze tickling your bare feet and the smell of jasmine nearby.
MISTY DANIELS , PUBLISHER mdaniels@livingmagazine.net 682-556-1246
PUBLISHER Misty Daniels, mdaniels@livingmagazine.net
EDITOR Brandon Daiker, bdaiker@livingmagazine.net
SENIOR ADMINSTRATOR Todd Collom
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Landry, Anna Charles, LaRue Novick, Meredith Knight, Lisa Jenkins-Moore, Lisa Pedersen
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Derek Gower, Dustin Doskocil, Lauren Medean, Diana Raines
PRODUCTION
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Donny Stevens
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Nicole Crenshaw, Van Ngo
CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER Jenefer Grady
ADVERTISING/SALES
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lindsay Clark, Kami Anderson, Kathryn Orsak
FOR ADVERTISING/DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION CALL 682-556-1246.
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE GROUP NORTH TEXAS
ROCKWALL/ROWLETT/HEATH FRISCO/PLANO
MCKINNEY/ALLEN THREE-EIGHTY NORTH
NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY COPPELL/LAS COLINAS KELLER
FLOWER MOUND
N. RICHARDSON/MURPHY
MANSFIELD/S. ARLINGTON/S. GRAND PRAIRIE
SOUTH TEXAS THE WOODLANDS SPRING/CHAMPIONS
LAKE HOUSTON CY-FAIR
PEARLAND/FRIENDSWOOD FORT BEND
KATY/FULSHEAR RICHMOND TOMBALL
CORPORATE OFFICE — LIVING MAGAZINE PUBLISHING PARTNERS 4101 W. Green Oaks, #305 - 594 | Arlington, TX 76016 682-556-1246 | Fax: 817-572-3232
Arlington's Kindness Initiative
Arlington has long been known for its "can do spirit" in getting things done. Where other cities talk about it, Arlington makes it happen! A key ingredient for Arlington has been the willingness of the citizens to work together to make Arlington a better community. In working together, lifelong friendships are forged and a passion for Arlington develops. Arlington is growing along with the University of Texas at Arlington, which is attracting students from around the world. Many of the students fall in love with Arlington and convince their families to move to here. Consequently, Arlington has become an international community! What an opportunity for us to enrich our lives through friendships and learning about each other's culture!
The Mayor and City Council believe this is a wonderful time to launch a kindness initiative-- for "hospitality and kindness to your neighbor" to be at the forefront of each citizen's mind as they go about their daily routines. From the simple things of opening a door for someone to mowing the yard for a sick neighbor to major projects involving kindness such as a citywide "volunteer for a day". The Council has created a Community Relations Committee, consisting of a very diverse group of citizens to develop an action plan to promote kindness through out the Community.
Stay tuned for more details on Arlington's Kindness Initiative as we seek to grow together and strengthen that "can do spirit of Arlington"!!
I am so proud to be able to serve as Mayor for the town in which I grew up.
With a population of more than 185,000; ideally located in the heart of DFW; and with great neighbors like Arlington, Mansfield and Cedar Hill, Grand Prairie offers family friendly fun, affordable to affluent housing, and easy access everywhere.
As May kicks off summer planning, be sure to include these daycations on your agenda:
• Rooting for the horse races at Lone Star Park
• Swimming and camping at Lake Joe Pool
• Treasure hunting at Traders Village and Premium Outlet Mall
• Believing what you see at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax
• Cheering for the Texas Airhogs minor league baseball team
• Singing out loud at Verizon or Uptown theaters
• Gathering fresh foods at Farmers Market
Visit our websites for all the fun: www.visitgrandprairietx.com and www.gptx.org.
Best Regards,
MANSFIELD, COME JOIN US IN PRAYER!!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
It is with the instructions provided in Philippians 4:6 that our nation has designated the first Thursday of May as the National Day of Prayer, a time for its citizens to come together and pray for our neighbors, for our leaders, for our country and for our world.
For the second straight year, the citizens of Mansfield will gather with community leaders and pastors from churches across the city to pray together. The second annual Mansfield National Day of Prayer is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at the Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts.
Praying together is a bold statement for a community. It is not only an illustration of the power of prayer but the commitment of its citizens to rely on faith to ensure its future. The Mansfield National Day of Prayer event grew from the Pastors in our community coming together to form "Mansfield Churches FOR the City." Through this group, the leaders of Mansfield’s churches have dedicated themselves to supporting their city both spiritually through prayer and physically through providing for those in need in our community.
As Mayor, I am grateful for their faithfulness to making our city the best it can be. And one way we can do that is to join together and lift our hearts and hands in prayer.
Please join us Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 6:30 pm.
“Thank you for living life with us.”
“Our philosophy is to honor God in all that we do.”
MAY 6-7
You’ve been waiting all winter, and the season is finally here! It’s time to break out the swimwear, slather on the sunscreen, and dust off your sunglasses for a fun-filled season at Hurricane Harbor! 1800 E. Lamar.
Arlington
EVERY FRIDAY
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY: DINNER SERIES
The Food Truck craze has hit the metroplex! Come on out with family and friends and enjoy music, fun and great food from our area food trucks. 6-10pm. River Legacy Park. Arlington
MAY 5-7
TEXAS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES
Experience the finest in Scottish music, food, and athletics. Vendors at our festival offer the best and most varied assortment of Scottish wares and crafts available. Maverick Stadium, UTA Campus. Visit texasscottishfestival.com for information.
Arlington
MAY 26-28
6TH ANNUAL ART ON THE GREENE FESTIVAL
Enjoy artists from all over showcasing and selling their work. A great line up of food and beverages to indulge in. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy great live performances from local, regional and national bands. The festival is also dog friendly, so bring them too. Richard Greene Linear Park, 1601 E. Randol Mill Rd. Visit artonthegreene.com for details.
Arlington
MAY 29
MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION
Join us as we honor all service men and women featuring an aircraft flyover, bag piper, a 21 gun salute and patriotic music. A free all American lunch will be provided following the ceremony by local Rotary clubs. Begins at 9:30am. Veterans Memorial, 925 W. Conover Dr. For information call 972-237-8100.
Grand Prairie
MAY 13 NIGHT ON THE TOWN Music, train rides, balloons, face painting animal encounter show, clowns and much more! 4-8pm. FREE! Town Park, 500 North Main St. Mansfield
MAY 14
MOTHER’S DAY SWIM DISCOUNT
Moms receive free admission with purchase of one child admission all day! Arlington Parks and Recreation
MAY 20
Participate in fishing, kayaking and archery. Don’t forget to stop by for some breakfast and refreshments while between activities. 9-11am. Registration required 817-277-5001. Lake Arlington. Arlington Parks and Recreation
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 8 PM
VERIZON THEATRE AT GRAND PRAIRIE
The Hough siblings are promising fans their biggest and best show yet on the Move Live Tour, with brand-new stage production inspired by the elements—earth, wind, fire, and water— which the duo have infused into fresh, high impact choreography that only they can deliver. The show will bring fans on a journey of dance and music, taking inspiration directly from the four elements as an exploration of the human relationship with nature.
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 7 PM UTA COLLEGE PARK CENTER CASTING CROWNS
SATURDAY, MAY 6, 7:30 PM ARLINGTON MUSIC HALL DONNY EDWARDS - ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO THE KING ELVIS!
FRIDAY, MAY 19, 7:30 PM ARLINGTON MUSIC HALL ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 8 PM LEVITT PAVILION ARLINGTON AMBROSIA
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 8 PM LEVITT PAVILION ARLINGTON BLEU EDMONDSON
MONDAY, MAY 22, 7:30 PM
VERIZON THEATRE AT GRAND PRAIRIE JOHN LEGEND
FRIDAY, MAY 26, 8 PM
LEVITT PAVILION ARLINGTON SARAH JAFFE
SUNDAY, MAY 28, 8 PM LEVITT PAVILION ARLINGTON LA TROPA F
JOHNNY DEPP, JAVIER BARDEM
DIR. JOACHIM RØNNIG AND ESPEN SANDBERG
Disney sets sail for “the final adventure” in the hugely popular Pirates of the Caribbean series, with star Depp returning. Budgeted at a staggering $320 million, this fifth installment follows iconic Captain Jack Sparrow as he sets off in search of a rare artifact to thwart old rival Armando Salazar, who is determined to put an end to all pirates at sea.
5
CHRIS PRATT, ZOE SALDANA
DIR. JAMES GUNN ( GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, SUPER )
The lighthearted off-the-wall superhero series—featuring an ensemble cast of characters running the gamut from talking tree to weaponized raccoon—returns in May, poised to kickstart a hefty season of summer blockbusters. 2014’s first installment received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans.
MAY 19
MAY 12
CHARLIE HUNNAM, ÀSTRID BERGÈS-FRISBEY
DIR. GUY RITCHIE ( SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. )
Bombastic director Ritchie puts his own visually dynamic spin on the Arthurian tale with a big-budget origin story that follows future King Arthur as he is forced to recognize his legacy and reckon with the legendary sword Excalibur.
MICHAEL FASSBENDER, KATHERINE WATERSTON
DIR. RIDLEY SCOTT ( GLADIATOR, THE MARTIAN, BLADE RUNNER )
Film legend Scott returns to the Alien series he pioneered with the spooky 1979 original. A sequel to 2012’s Prometheus—itself a prequel to Alien—this movie continues to bridge the gap between the new and classic films by exploring the origin of the classic Xenomorph creatures.
ARLINGTON RESIDENTS BILL AND SHARI BOWIE TO BE HONORED FOR THEIR LEGACY TO THE COMMUNITY.
Giving comes as second nature to Bill and Shari Bowie when it comes to supporting the community they love. From volunteering their time to local organizations to providing generous gifts to countless charities, the Bowies have given much to transform thousands of lives.
2
PAULA HAWKINS
Hawkins’ anticipated follow-up to the number one bestseller The Girl on the Train—which was released as a major motion picture starring Emily Blunt last October—arrives this month. Into the Water looks to be a tense and suspenseful mystery thriller already receiving strong advance reviews in praise of its multilayered narrative and complex cast of characters.
Yet they are humbled by the recognition that the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA has established to honor their legacy to the organization and to the community. The Arlington couple received the first award named in their honor, The Bill and Shari Bowie Community Leadership Award, during the YMCA’s Annual Better Together Community Gathering on April 20th.
“BILL AND SHARI BOWIE HAVE MADE A PROFOUND IMPACT TO THE Y AND TO THIS COMMUNITY OVER THE YEARS THROUGH THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND GENEROSITY,”
says Roberto E. Aguirre, President and CEO of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA. “ Our leadership on the YMCA Board of Directors, as well as our entire association, thought it would be a great opportunity to honor their legacy by establishing this award in their name.”
Apart from the Y, the Bowies have also dedicated themselves to many other local, national and international charities, impacting the community at a much broader level. Among other organizations they hold dear to their heart include Trinity United Methodist Church (their local church), Trinity Sports Foundation, Salvation Army, SafeHaven, Arlington Urban Ministries, American Cancer Society, UNICEF, Truth for Life, Levitt and Arlington Policemen’s Foundation.
The grand opening of Arlington’s newest business and entertainment district was a giant success! It was an evening of food, drinks, and live music. Party-goers experienced live music by Austin Leach on the patio of Legal Draft Beer Company, sampled sweets from Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery, and enjoyed tasty tacos from the food truck Salsa Limón!
Arlington’s own Mayor Jeff Williams was in attendance to offer a generous thank you for bringing such a great addition to our city. Ryan Dodson, general contractor and business development CEO had this to say:
“The great turn-out and high enthusiasm of the crowd at the grand opening really confirms our belief that Arlington, downtown especially, can and will support a walkable, hometown shopping,
BY MIMI
We met up with Steven and Lori Thomas on the golf course at Walnut Creek country club and what a treat it was. As is usually the case, they drove their golf cart from their home and Steven was full of jokes and cutting up. Words can’t express the heart and soul of this man, his love for his family and a profession that gives him the ability to interact with his awesome patients and a little time left over to play a round of golf or two. Steven Thomas begins and ends each day with this scripture in mind, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18) And although he actively chooses this mindset of thankfulness and joy—no matter what comes—he admits he’s got a lot to be thankful and joyful about. The Lord has blessed him abundantly with a loving wife, Lori, five spectacular children, and five happy, healthy grandchildren age six-months to nine years old. God has enriched his life with a thriving dental practice, a Christ-centered church family at Walnut Ridge Baptist in Mansfield, active involvement in Bible Study Fellowship and a small group of Christian men he meets with each Wednesday morning at 6am.
Since 1983 Dr. Thomas has met and cared for hundreds of families from Arlington and surrounding cities, providing full-service, family-friendly dental care in a warm and inviting atmosphere. For him dentistry begins with relationships, slowing down long enough to really get to know his patient and earn their trust. It’s all about integrity, empathy, and being the husband, father, neighbor, and dental professional God has called him to be. Of course, he’s quick to share credit with his outstanding team. “They help me keep things patient-centered,” Dr. Thomas said. “We’re treating our friends, family and neighbors. We love seeing our patients around town at restaurants, at the grocery store, at church or on the golf course. Many patients have become some of our dearest friends. And I’m very proud of the love and compassion my staff extends to each of them. From the voice you hear on the phone when you call, to the face that looks up to great you with a smile when you walk through our door, to the gentle hands that assist me in caring for your oral needs, this team is invested in loving our patients and making a visit to
(when ignored) can become a big problem. For those patients, I need to slow things down, give them a chance to talk about what they’re feeling. I can offer them sedation dentistry to help relieve their anxiety. My staff and I can explain each thing we’re going to do, before we do it, and give them time to ask questions. Then we can proceed only when they’re ready. There’s nothing more rewarding for us than hearing from a patient who formerly dreaded a dental visit but now actually looks forward to coming to see us. That actually happens quite often. For our youngest patients, we’re committed to doing everything we can to help them develop a positive impression of the dentist from the start, so they never know what it’s like to be nervous or anxious about a visit.”
our office something you can actually enjoy. Together with my patients, my team makes my job a pleasure.”
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MEETS COMPASSIONATE CARE
Dr. Thomas realizes that even the most advanced dental technology can never take the place of know-you-byname-service and heartfelt compassion. Although he goes over and above to stay on top of dental advancements (completing more than 550 hours of continuing education, much of it at the highly acclaimed Kois Center in Seattle, Washington) and provides the very latest cutting-edge restorative and cosmetic dentistry, he never wants to forget that the human element is the most important.
Every day Dr. Thomas meet patients with “dental baggage”, individuals who’ve had bad experiences in their past and have developed a very real fear or dread of sitting in the dentist’s chair.
“That fear is very real to them,” he said. “Unfortunately, fear can keep people away from the dentist and a small issue
Dr. Thomas embodies the outgoing personality and hospitality of a life-long Texan. An avid lover of golf—both to play and to watch—he was born in Fort Worth and raised in Arlington. A graduate of Texas A&M, he completed dental school in Houston, before returning to his hometown to practice and raise his family. Dr. Thomas gives God all the glory for everything he’s accomplished and the many people he’s been able to help. Away from his practice, Dr. Thomas loves spending time with his friends and family, traveling and discovering new golf courses he’s yet to master. In Dr. Thomas’ care, your family will enjoy comprehensive dentistry that combines a wide variety of specialized treatments to prevent future problems, restore any current problems, and enhance the overall quality of your oral health. Providing less painful procedures, more beautiful results, and healthier smiles, Dr. Steven Thomas and his team look forward to meeting you and your family. Dr. Thomas is also an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the International Team of Implantology.
4164 South Cooper Street, Arlington, Texas 76015 (817) 468-1166
StevenWThomasdds.com
BY LISA JENKINS-MOORE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6, 7, NIV
Kristie was only 26 when she lost her mother. Suddenly, without explanation, her healthy 50 year old mother passed away. Kristie had come from a long line of Believers—her grandfather was a preacher and she remembers communing with God at a very young age. Nevertheless, the unexpected death of her mother made her question the goodness of God. How could a good and loving God cause, or even allow something so painful? She was just beginning her own life as a wife and mother, experiencing a difficult time in her marriage and rearing a two-year old daughter; she needed her mother as much as ever, a desire that would never again be fulfilled.
Kristie was devastated. She had received the call about her mother around lunchtime on a weekday and by the time she arrived at the hospital, her mother was gone. She had been robbed of her mother, her daughter robbed of her grandmother, and now she’d been robbed of the chance to say goodbye. Her anger and disappointment hardened her heart and sent her on a 20 year estrangement from God.
She tearfully recalled a dream she had of her mother just shortly after her passing: “She knocked on my door and I opened it. I asked her to come in. She said she couldn’t, that she was only here to tell me she loved me. I asked her if she was in heaven and she said yes.” Kristie was deeply touched by the dream as it seemed to bring some closure. Years later, through counseling she learned healing could not begin until she forgave God for the death of her mother. She did, but still did not trust Him, so she continued life without God and life without church.
A few years ago, her sister bought land in Lavon and Kristie felt she was to build next door. She and her husband put their house on the market, both sure they were to move. Their house sat without interest, and even when a contract came, it fell through. Kristie was angry and ripped the for sale sign out of the yard. She was both frustrated and disappointed feeling like God was once more standing in the way of her happiness.
About a month later, she went to the doctor for a routine mammogram, and later received a call requesting she come in for the results. At 42, she was healthy and had no family history of breast cancer. Her friend assured her the call was only routine but Kristie sensed otherwise. As she pulled into the garage of her home one afternoon, she heard the Lord speak to her heart, “This is why your house did not sell—I’m taking care of you.” She knew then she had cancer, and on the following Monday, she and her husband were given the news.
Though the news was awful, Kristie had great peace; she believed the Lord said he’d take care of her and she trusted He would. After a lumpectomy and six weeks of radiation, she entered 2013 cancer-free. She knew God had seen her through the ordeal, and the walls around her heart softened some, but did not come down completely.
In 2015, her best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her friend’s husband heard about a “Pink Impact” cruise, so they both signed up so they’d have something to look forward to once her friend’s treatment was over. Initially, they thought the cruise was for breast cancer survivors, but later Kristie realized it wasn’t. At the airport, all the cruise participants were identifiable as they’d been given similar gear—t-shirts and bags with the event colors and logo. Women began approaching them, asking what “campus” they attended. It was only then they learned the cruise was a women’s conference hosted by Gateway Church!
Kristie met one cruise participant at the airport, a woman named Carolyn, who bore a striking resemblance to her mother (who was also named Carolyn!) Carolyn was a sweet woman with a radiant smile and Kristie was instantly drawn to her. The cruise
experience was incredible; Kristie and her friend were both moved by the worship and speakers, but Kristie still felt distant from the Lord, unsure she could ever fully trust Him again. Alone for a moment on the ship, she ran into Carolyn. She hugged Kristie and said, “I love you.” Kristie began to weep as the woman began speaking into her life. Carolyn said, “God loves you and has collected every tear you’ve cried. He is ready for you to move beyond your anger. He has great plans for you and it’s time for you to get busy.” Kristie responded expressing her hurt and disappointment, but Carolyn continued, “This isn’t about you, Kristie. It’s about God’s plan for your life. It’s time to engage.”
Something clicked for Kristie in that moment. Carolyn’s words rang true. Kristie was determined to make a change, but knew it would be difficult—she and her family hadn’t been to church in 19 years, and she wasn’t sure how to start. When she returned home, she shared the experience with her husband. A few weeks later, they had dinner with friends, one of whom gave her husband a prophetic word, confirming much of what they already knew—they needed to get back in church and committed to their relationship with Christ. They began visiting churches and landed on one in 2016.
Kristie and her husband continued to grow in their faith and decided once again to put their house on the market. Unlike before, it sold in one day. Now they are living in a newly constructed house, next to her sister, on the property God promised her years ago—a house they know will be used as a place to share God’s love with others.
Everyone who meets Kristie sees the joy of the Lord in her countenance. Her journey was arduous—she struggled with anger, disappointment, and depression. Yet God relentlessly pursued her, wooing her with His truth and love. Her hunger for more of Him is contagious, and her life emanates His goodness. Though she still doesn’t understand the death of her mother, Kristie says, “I trust God in spite of it, knowing He is always good.” You see, if we are to receive the peace that passes all understanding, we must travel through experiences we don’t understand. When we seek to know God, rather than understand Him, we will never be disappointed.
To contact Lisa or follow her blog, visit LisaJenkinsMoore.com or connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ljenkinsmoore
DR. ATIF SOHAIL HELPS PATIENTS REACH FOR BETTER HEALTH THROUGH THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AND HEART DISEASE
Like breathing and eating, sleep is fundamental to life, not just any sleep, but a restorative one or healthy sleep. Without a good, peaceful, uninterrupted night’s sleep, you can suffer from symptoms such as exhaustion, lethargy, forgetfulness, irritability, and brain fog, just to name a few. According to Dr. Atif Sohail, a board-certified cardiologist, obstructive sleep apnea may be the culprit behind these symptoms and more, although you may not be aware you have this serious condition.
FINDING THE LINKS BETWEEN HEART DISEASE AND SLEEP APNEA—DR. SOHAIL’S LIFE’S PASSION
Not only does obstructive sleep apnea rob you of much-needed restful slumber, it is associated with a host of potentially life-threatening conditions including cardiovascular problems. In fact, people with heart disease are 10 times more likely to have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea than the rest of the general population.
This connection between heart and sleep is why Dr. Sohail is focused on diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea, and his passion runs deep. Back when he was training in Great Britain, Dr. Sohail became interested in sleep apnea and its manifestations. This interest continued to build for him transforming his practice. Connecting the dots between sleep apnea and heart disease became his life’s mission, which led him to create Heart & Sleep Clinics of America.
“I recall reading The Pickwick Papers, a Charles Dickens novel, and thinking that the character “sleepy” Joe had all the classic symptoms of sleep apnea. A group of symptoms called Pickwickian Syndrome, named after this character was the first medical description of sleep apnea in 1956.”
Dr. Sohail’s fascination with the link between sleep apnea and the heart made him wonder about people with sleep problems who had no clue if they had heart disease, and he became determined to help.
“I wanted to develop a way to reach out to people and shed light on this important connection,” he says. “This became my mission—to find heart disease in sleep disorders and vice versa. Sleep apnea affects many different people in various walks of life and in different vocations. More than 75 percent of American adults with heart problems today also have sleep apnea. There’s a strong connection.”
Do you suspect that you or a loved one may suffer from sleep apnea and possibly even silent heart disease? Or, do you have heart disease and wonder if you also have sleep apnea? Dr. Atif Sohail has the knowledge and experience to treat your heart and sleep disorders along with a team of experts. Heart & Sleep Clinics of America, Dr. Sohail, and his staff offer a perfect blend of science and compassion. Call today to schedule a consultation.
DO YOU HAVE OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?
If you suffer from one or more of the following, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Sohail today. It just may save your life!
• Loud snoring
• Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headache
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Experiencing mood changes, such as depression or irritability
• High blood pressure
• Nighttime sweating
• Decreased libido
Left untreated, OSA can:
• Increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes
• Increase the risk of, or worsen, heart failure
• Make arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats—more likely
• Increase the chance of having work-related or driving accidents
“I WANTED TO DEVELOP A WAY TO REACH OUT TO PEOPLE AND SHED LIGHT
ON THIS
IMPORTANT CONNECTION,” HE SAYS. “THIS
BECAME MY MISSION—TO FIND HEART DISEASE IN SLEEP DISORDERS AND VICE VERSA. SLEEP APNEA AFFECTS MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN VARIOUS WALKS OF LIFE AND IN DIFFERENT VOCATIONS. MORE THAN 75 PERCENT OF AMERICAN ADULTS WITH HEART PROBLEMS TODAY ALSO HAVE SLEEP APNEA. THERE’S A STRONG CONNECTION.”
There are several types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep, which causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep—often more than 30 times a night. Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea include using a device called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device that keeps your airway open while you sleep. Another option is a mouthpiece to thrust your jaw forward during sleep. In more severe cases, surgery may be an option, too.
Heart and Sleep Clinics of America Atif Sohail, M.D., F.A.C.C. 400 West Arbrook, Suite 200 Arlington, Texas 76014 (817) 419-7220
HeartAndSleepClinics.com
Services At-a-Glance
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea
• Cardiac Catheterization and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
• Echocardiography
• Exercise and Pharmacological Stress Testing
• Peripheral Vascular Intervention
• Noninvasive Vascular Studies
• Pacemaker Implantation
• And More
A critical look at some medical old wives’ tales and home remedies
BY DAVID BUICE
We’ve all heard them, passed down from generation to generation like prized family recipes. But even if we haven’t actually tried any of those wives’ tales, given their longevity we’ve perhaps more or less accepted them as true. But are they? Are they fact or fiction? Beneficial or bizarre? Increasingly, modern medical science has placed a number of these “under the microscope,” so to speak, and the results are mixed. Some have scientific legs and contain a grain of truth and helpfulness, while others have largely been debunked. That said, let’s examine a few—with the skeptic’s eye.
First, a look at some of the betterknown wives’ tales and remedies.
EAT CHICKEN SOUP TO CURE A COLD
There is truth behind this centuriesold remedy. Research conducted by the American Journal of Therapeutics found that chicken soup contains a compound known as carnosine that helps the body’s immune system fight off the early stages of cold and flu. Eating warm chicken soup can reduce inflammation by blocking the movement of inflammatory white blood cells.
FEED A COLD, BUT STARVE A FEVER
This idea seems to date back to the Middle Ages, but despite its ancient tradition, this is not good advice. If you are sick with a cold or the flu, your body needs plenty of nutrients to boost your immune system. So, disregard this one!
EATING CARROTS WILL IMPROVE YOUR EYESIGHT
No doubt, carrots are good for your eyes and promote eye health. They are rich in beta-carotene that your body converts to Vitamin A, and this
vitamin slows the progression of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Vitamin A also helps maintain a clear, healthy cornea and is good for the cells in your eyes and body.
On the other hand, British physician Rob Hicks, who has spent much of his career studying home remedies, concludes that carrots don’t actually improve your vision unless you’re deficient in Vitamin A.
READING IN DIM LIGHT DAMAGES YOUR EYES
There is no scientific validation for this belief. Reading in dim light may cause eye strain and perhaps a mild headache, but it will not cause long-lasting damage to your eyes or adversely affect your vision.
AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, is said to have considered apples to be one of his favorite remedies, and it’s easy to see why. This wonderful fruit, with over 7,500 varieties around
the world, is rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut—which helps our digestive tracts function well. Pectin can also help lower cholesterol levels. The Vitamin C found in apples is highly beneficial for the development of collagen in your bones, muscles, cartilage, and blood vessels.
Finally, apples may also help “keep the dentist away,” too. Eaten raw, the malic acid in apples helps remove stains, and the chewing gives the gums a good massage.
Apples seem to be something of a “miracle drug,” but they alone won’t keep the doctor away if you don’t exercise regularly, consume a healthy diet, and avoid smoking and excessive drinking.
HONEY HELPS RELIEVE A SCRATCHY
COUGH
According to Dr. Donald Ford, a family practice physician at the Cleveland Clinic, honey can be as effective as cough suppressants in reducing the frequency and severity of a cough. Just mix a few teaspoons of honey with hot tea or lemon water for relief. But Ford adds that some sore throats need antibiotics to kill a bacterial infection, and honey doesn’t have any known antibacterial effects.
TILT YOUR HEAD BACK TO STOP A NOSE BLEED
No, this really does not help. According to the UK’s Dr. Hicks, it’s much better to pinch the nose beneath the bony bridge, lean forward, and breathe through your mouth. “Leaning forward helps the blood come out of the nose rather than down the back of the throat, where it might irritate the stomach,” he adds.
WE ONLY USE 10 PERCENT OF OUR BRAINS
That is just not true. Scientists say every part of the brain has a specific, important role and scans of the brain
show there are no parts that are unused. Studies of people with brain injuries reveal that damage to almost any area results in loss of function.
YOU SHOULDN’T GO SWIMMING AFTER EATING
The modern response to this admonition is mixed. Some researchers see no correlation between eating, cramps, and drowning. On the other hand, scientists at Tokyo Women’s Medical University doing research on drowning victims found that four out of five swimmers who died from accidental drowning still had food in their stomachs. A good compromise between these views might be to wait a half hour after eating before swimming.
Of course, no discussion of wives’ tales and home remedies would be complete without mentioning a few of more recent origin.
DUCT TAPE CAN REMOVE WARTS
Scientists at Harvard Medical School endorse this cure. Wash the wart and cover it with a small square of duct tape. Every few days, remove the tape, sand with an emery board, and replace the tape. Repeat until the wart is gone.
SITTING TOO CLOSE TO THE TELEVISION SCREEN HURTS YOUR EYESIGHT
Early on, this may have been true, as television sets made before 1968 released high energy radiation that
was not good for the eyes. But today’s televisions do not emit any dangerous radiation. Sitting too close, however, can still cause eye strain.
MICROWAVING KILLS THE NUTRIENTS IN FOOD
This is not true. Vitamins and minerals are heat sensitive, and cooking times are shorter with a microwave. Also, when microwaving you tend not to use water, which leeches away nutrients.
YOUR ELECTRONIC TABLET OR PHONE CAN HELP LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
Research done at the University of Florence in Italy seems to validate this assertion. Scientists there found that listening to music for 30 minutes while breathing slowly lowered the systolic reading (the first number) 3.2 points in a week and 4.4 points a month later.
Ultimately, the bottom line seems to be that while home remedies based on wives’ tales are cheap and convenient, you should use the homebound wisdom of the past with caution. If a home remedy works, fine, but if it doesn’t and the condition isn’t improving, use common sense and seek professional medical help.
Summer is coming, and as George Harrison famously reminded us, here comes the sun! And I say, it’s alright— as long as you don’t forget to protect yourself and your children from the sun’s damaging rays. Consider this your head to toe guide to sun protection!
KEEPING A COOL HEAD
If you have thinning hair, or a visible part, apply broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) to your scalp. Wide-brimmed hats also offer excellent protection, while shading the ears, face, and neck.
PLAYING BY EAR
When your ears are visible, slather the outsides with sunscreen. Stick sunscreens are also great for this area. Never put sunscreen in the ear canal, however.
SAVING FACE
Makeup does not provide adequate sun protection, even if it offers a low
“The accumulation of exposure to the sun is like radiation that is raising the risk of aging and skin cancer, and we can halt the progress and reverse the changes with early detection. See your dermatologist regularly to make sure you have the best health for your skin, hair and nails.” - Lisa Ostrowski, MPAS, PA-C
level of SPF. Oil-free sunscreens are available for the face, as are moisturizers with an SPF of 30.
SEEING EYE TO EYE
Protect your eyelids with SPF 30 and your eyes with quality sunglasses designed to block UVB rays. At least 10 percent of cataract cases are directly attributed to UV exposure. Worldwide, cataracts are the leading cause of treatable blindness, with more than a million cataract surgeries conducted in the United States each year. If that isn’t enough motivation for you to protect your peepers, corneal sunburns are a more immediate concern.
“Most skin cancers are the result of cumulative sun damage that occurs over a lifetime. Much of the damage occurs in a person’s younger years. That’s why it’s so important that I educate my patients about sun protective measures that may save them from developing skin cancers and precancers. We may be able to prevent cancer with a just a few precautions. Luckily, the majority of skin cancers are highly treatable if caught early. A yearly skin check with a dermatologist is recommended.”
- Dr. Jeannine Hoang, United Dermatologist Associates
hands, age spots, and possible skin cancer. Try a specialized hand cream with added sun protection of SPF 30.
WORTH AN ARM AND A LEG
Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 on your arms, legs, shoulders, chest, back, and neck. Basically, if it shows, protect it with an adequate amount of waterproof sunscreen.
If you prefer to keep more of your skin under wraps, select specialized clothing with UV protection.
ENDING THE AGONY OF THE FEET
If you’re wearing sandals or flip flops, remember to reach any exposed skin with sunscreen. Your tootsies will thank you.
Dr. Alan Menter extended Texas Dermatology Associates, P.A. to Mansfield with Lisa Ostrowski, MPAS, PA-C as the primary provider. Dr. Menter recognized Lisa’s longstanding relationships in the Tarrant county community and opened the Mansfield clinic as an opportunity for Lisa not only to stay connected to the community but to extend her knowledge, experience and passion to those who seek an expert in dermatological and cosmetic treatments including prevention of sun related conditions.
YOUR LIPS ARE SEALED
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using lip balm with an SPF of at least 15. Remember to reapply after eating or drinking. Avoid lip gloss, which can actually intensify the effect of UV rays.
HAND TO HAND COMBAT
A common mistake is to wash your hands immediately after applying sunscreen. Since the skin on the back of your hands is thin, it tends to age faster than the rest of your skin. By neglecting your hands, you are setting yourself up for a future of wrinkled
We are dedicated to addressing all your skin care needs by offering convenient hours from 7:30am-5pm, same day appointments and opened one Saturday a month.
• Be aware that some medications can cause sun sensitivity. Antibiotics are common offenders, as are certain antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, cholesterol drugs, and chemotherapy drugs. Even over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen can increase the effects of the sun. Before heading out for a day at the beach, check the side possible side effects of any medicines you are taking.
• Check the expiration dates on your sunscreen bottles, as the active ingredients deteriorate over time.
• A little dab won’t do ya! Apply more sunscreen than you think you will need and apply it often. Applying once every hour or two is not too frequently for optimal sun protection.
• SPF protects against sunburn-causing UVB rays. To protect against damaging UVA rays, use a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” on the bottle.
• SPF 30, when applied liberally and frequently, blocks out approximately 96 percent of UVB rays. It’s generally not worth the difference in price to use anything above SPF 30.
• Use sun protection on cloudy days, too. Even when the sun is shining, you can still get a nasty sunburn.
Sweeten up your routine, the natural way
ho knew bees were secretly beauty gurus? Peek inside any hive and you’ll find them hard at work making one of nature’s best, oldest, and sweetest substances. I’m talking about honey, of course. Let’s face it, some beauty products on the market are simply too harsh, or you may be allergic to certain ingredients. There are tons of natural solutions you can try, such as honey, that aren’t processed or full of man-made chemicals. Look for honey that is labeled raw, which means it has no additives or processing.
THE AMAZING, SKIN-HEALTHY PROPERTIES OF HONEY
Honey has long been admired for its beauty-enhancing qualities. Even Cleopatra regularly bathed in milk and honey as part of her routine. Why not make honey part of yours, too?
Fights off bacteria
Natural honey offers antibacterial properties that help ward off infection and aid the healing process. It also supplies nutrients that can contribute to healthy tissue regeneration. This makes honey great for fighting acne, treating both existing spots and preventing future breakouts. You can also apply unprocessed honey to acne scars to reduce the redness.
Keeps your skin hydrated
Natural honey is a humectant, meaning it seals in moisture and adds a protective barrier to the skin. Dry skin can appear sallow and flaky, while using honey can help retain your skin’s fullness. Honey is also clarifying, because it opens and unclogs pores. Maybe I’m just in love with honey, but after using it, I swear it adds a natural glow as if my skin is lit from within!
These moisture-retaining properties make honey good for your hair, too.
After using a honey conditioner, my hair—which tends to be dry on the ends—looks and feels nourished and enriched. I like to mix two teaspoons of honey with a tablespoon each of olive oil and plain yogurt, and leave it in my hair for about 10 minutes before rinsing twice with warm water.
Anti-aging awesomeness
Because raw, unfiltered honey is chock-full of minerals and skin-saving antioxidants, using it on your face may keep wrinkles at bay and boost radiance. It also helps reduce redness and fights inflammation, making it an effective home treatment for rosacea.
One of the best things about using honey in your beauty routine is its versatility. You can combine it with other natural ingredients like aloe vera or yogurt to create a hydrating mask, or simply use honey itself—as is, right out of the jar— to cleanse your face. There are no exact rules, so play around with techniques and find what works best for you. For example, when my skin feels a little dry or looks dull, I cleanse with raw M´anuka honey as a little pick-me-up. Here’s my method!
• Dampen your face with warm water. Use a regular cleanser beforehand if necessary.
• Place one to two tablespoons of raw honey in the palm of your hand and gently apply to your face using your fingertips. I like to do so in small, upward-arcing circles, massaging across the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
• Leave the honey on your face for at least 30 seconds. If you have the time, it’s best to leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes to really let your skin soak up those antioxidants. Between you and me, one way to help honey work its magic is to perform this cleansing method while having a soak in a nice warm bath. If you don’t have time for a full-on pamper session, try soaking a hand towel in hot water, wring it out, then put it over your face to let it steam a bit. Careful though, once the honey is heated it will get runny, so take precautions not to get it in your eyes or hair.
• Rinse your face with water and dab dry with a clean towel. Proceed with your usual routine (e.g. toner, moisturizer, anti-aging serum, etc.)
And voila! After adding this one simple step to my morning or nightly routine, my face is noticeably brighter and feels soft as satin. It’s difficult not to touch it throughout the day! Also, with this extra to boost that retains moisture and plumps the skin, makeup foundations or BB creams go on flawlessly.
It’s always the first Saturday in May. The weather hovers around a comfortable 75 degrees. Attendees sip on mint juleps, make bets, and wear over-the-top hats and outfits. They call it “the greatest two minutes in sports.” It’s the Kentucky Derby.
Since 1875, the Kentucky Derby has been an American tradition. In fact, it’s the oldest continuously running sporting event in the United States. Never has it missed a year or been postponed. The “Run for the Roses” is as much a sport of athleticism as it is a sport of fashion. Even beyond Churchill Downs, race viewers near and far don elaborate hats and fascinators to mark the occasion. To say it’s a classy affair is a drastic understatement. Perhaps the most refined American sport, the Kentucky Derby inspires bright colors, comically large flowers, lace, tulle, and the biggest hats money can buy.
Inspired by London’s Epsom Derby and Paris’ Grand Prix, Derby founder Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. envisioned an American racetrack full of distinction and nobility, a stark contrast to its poor reputation in the mid-1800s. Legend has it he gathered up a group of high society women in Louisville, Kentucky, and went door
to door telling friends and neighbors about his reinvented American racetrack.
While fashion has always been the centerpiece of the Derby, the gargantuan hats didn’t make their first appearance until the 1960s, when home television’s growing popularity gave women incentive to stand out in the crowd. The focus ebbed briefly in the 70s and 80s, but picked up again in the 90s and into the 2000s.
The 2011 royal wedding inspired a renewed commitment to even more elaborate hats and fascinators. Some prefer the fascinator to the hat, as it can be paired with an intricate updo or hairstyle. A custom hat can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, and it usually takes a few weeks for each one to be completed.
It’s not just hat width that draws “oohs” and “aahs.” During the 2016 Kentucky Derby, hat height was a major focus. Some featured long-
necked birds perched atop, while others showcased climbing roses and towers of colorful feathers. Some take the Derby hat a little more literally and feature a miniature racetrack on top. Patriotism is always a popular theme, with bright red, white, and blue colors and pronounced American flags as decoration.
For those looking to partake in this year’s Kentucky Derby festivities, follow these fashion guidelines:
• Use the hat as an opportunity to show your personality. Colors, styles and textures all play a role in a memorable Derby hat. Choose the combination that highlights your personal style!
• Pair the hat with a simple sundress. The hat is the pièce de résistance, so keep your outfit as muted as possible. Remember, Derby weekend can feature any number of weather scenarios, so don’t forget to layer!
Though fashion styles have changed through the years, Kentucky Derby hats are here to stay. If history has proven anything, it’s that the hats will only continue to grow—in prominence, popularity, and size!
my's most popular services include redoing old cabinets in bathrooms and kitchens, painting murals and paint effects in babies, children's and teenagers rooms, concrete pots and fireplaces, updating and modernizing dated wood paneling, sanding and staining furniture to give it new life. AMY HAS BEEN FEATURED ON TWO TELEVISION SHOWS, "THE BLOCK" AND "DULUX PAINT'S DO'S & DON'TS!”
BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
It wasn’t long after the off-the-shoulder look appeared on runways in Paris and Milan that it was everywhere in Texas. And why not? It’s sexy but not too daring. It’s playful yet feminine. It can be dress up or way, way down. And it’s one fashion trend that looks good on just about any figure. From tops to dresses and jumpsuits; from elegant to casual to grunge, shoulder-baring options abound this season. w
There’s the silky version with barely-there straps, perfect atop skinny jean and there’s the bohemian peasant style over a flouncy skirt or short shorts. There are tops that bare only one shoulder and others that plunge dangerously low. There are even button-down versions for the office. And why not opt for an off-the-shoulder cover-up for the beach this summer? As fashion trends go, this is one that’s womanly and figure-friendly. It’s a great way to pull off a show-stopping look without looking like you tried at all.
A 1955 Cliff May designed Dallas home honors its mid-century modern roots BY BRANDON DAIKER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTTY REESE
“Everyone tells me I invented it; it’s been said so many times but I still don’t believe it,” then 77-year-old architect Cliff May told the New York Times in 1986. Widely regarded as the father of the California ranch-style home, May died in 1989—but nearly three decades since his passing the legacy of style he helped pioneer is more iconic than ever.
“I first heard about Cliff May while working in Los Angeles, and visited some houses he designed in Long Beach,” explains homeowner Scotty Reese, who married his wife Carrie after moving from California to Texas a few years ago. “I especially loved that there was no wasted space, a lowpitched roof, great floor plan. As fate would have it, [May] built a small tract of similar houses in Dallas… after one visit I knew it was the home for us.”
Embracing the quintessential indoor-outdoor lifestyle inherent to mid-century design, the Reeses added an outdoor dining table and space for conversation around a free-standing fire pit. As designed, walls of windows make the enclosed back yard feel like another room in the house.
One of the Reeses’ first orders of business was updating the color of the exterior, replacing a serviceable beige with a vibrant blue that finds itself right at home next to a bright green door and springtime grass.
The interior’s triangular clerestory windows let in plenty of natural light, and also help the home feel spacious despite its modest size (just over 1,200 square feet). Period-appropriate pieces like this cocktail bar and multi-pane artwork contribute to the comfortable, timeless feel.
“We were a little concerned about the space for future kids,” Scotty said, “but now that we have a baby we’re not worried at all. If we ever end up feeling cramped, it’s just a reason to get rid of things we don’t need.”
The structure of the house is especially conducive to open-concept living. Guests enter from the kitchen, and can easily congregate there or flow into the living, dining, and outdoor areas.
Bamboo shades throughout the house’s three bedrooms compliment the parquet-style original wood floors and are softened by an upholstered bed here in the master. Still somewhat rare for the 1950s, the efficient floor plan even includes a small master bathroom in addition to the guest bath down the hall.
The two largest generations in American history, millennials and baby boomers, will be shaking things up in the 2017 real estate market, as each group approaches life stages that typically motivate people to buy a home: marriage, having children, retirement, and becoming empty-nesters—promising an interesting year for Texas real estate agents.
“Owning a home has always been the American Dream, whether buying that first home, moving up to accommodate that growing family, or downsizing to simplify your life. Home ownership is still one of the best investments the consumer can make.” - Jody Kautz, RE/ MAX Associates of Arlington & Mansfield
Buying and selling a home is stressful and highly personal. The real estate agent you select will be your advocate throughout your home purchase or sale. They’ll be your face, your voice, and your defense against all involved in the multi-layered home-buying or home-selling process.
It’s important to find an agent who “gets” you. They should understand the type of home, neighborhood, and schools you want, have hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the market you need, and answer their phone to talk you off the ledge when things get complicated—or better yet, head off the complications to begin with.
In this area, we’re blessed with no shortage of highly-dedicated real estate professionals. Once you settle on the one that’s right for you, they should:
• Aggressively market your property and keep you informed of their progress.
• Communicate with you in the way you request (text, email, phone call, or face-to-face).
• Always be professional and on time.
• Offer you their personal cell phone number and be available (within reason) to you after hours.
Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX®
RE/MAX Associates of Arlington 817-276-5182
The Jody Kautz Team RE/MAX Associates of Arlington/Mansfield 817-276-5170
RE/MAX Associates of Arlington/Mansfield 817-233-1766
A home inspection is only as good as the inspector performing it. Look for a certified inspector with years of experience who stays current with ongoing education, someone who can analyze your home’s strengths and weaknesses and explain them clearly to you. Then follow these tips.
The inspection should take an entire morning or afternoon. Plan to be there. Just reading an inspection report isn’t enough for most homeowners to get the full picture. Your home inspector should be more than happy for you to follow them around and even ask questions. Many inspectors will sit with you afterward to explain things, answer questions, and may even offer you an estimate of how much money you’ll need to put into repairs and upgrades.
Too many buyers and sellers only glance at their inspection report. Your inspector should employ clear, concise language, stating simply what’s wrong with the house and what it will take to fix it. There’s nothing wrong with asking to read a sample of their previous reports beforehand to make sure you understand their communication style.
Many sellers elect to leave the presale inspection to the buyers. That’s a mistake. When the buyers get the inspection, you’ll have precious little time to complete repairs and keep the sale on track. By having your home inspected before it goes on the market, you have more time to get repairs done and can shop around to better control repair costs.
Don’t force your home inspector to empty the closet to get into the attic. Do it beforehand. If you have a crawl-space hatch, move anything sitting on top of it. Got a locked utility closet, basement, or shed? Unlock it. Don’t make the inspector’s job any harder than it has to be.
Don’t try to DIY the home repairs the inspector recommends. Shoddy work will show up during the reinspection and could mean another round of repairs and a 3rd or 4th inspection, which can really add to your costs.
Homeowners in Scotland paint their front doors red when they pay off their mortgage.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, the first thing you’ll learn is exactly how much you have to learn. What you need more than anything is a team of experienced real estate professionals who already have all the answers. With that in mind, Living Magazine sat down with award-winning Century 21 Realtors Robyn and Lanae, to get the 411 on buying and selling a home.
LIVING MAGAZINE - IF I’M IN A LEASE, WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN LOOKING FOR HOMES?
Robyn and Lanae -“Two or three months before you’re ready to buy. If you find something you love, be prepared to write an offer and close at the sellers’ convenience. If you’re able to give a leaseback for up to 30 days and allow the seller to stay in the home after closing until they move, it could set your offer apart from others.”
LM-ONCE I HAVE A CONTRACT, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO CLOSE ON MY NEW HOME?
R and L - “The average closing ranges from 25-35 days, depending on what loan type you obtain. VA loans typically take longer. If you’re able to offer a leaseback, you may close and have to wait to move in. If you need to close quickly, we recommend finding a lender with a system in place for following up with all parties to the transaction and who’ll guarantee they can close you on time.”
LM- HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT AGENT FOR ME?
R and L - “Because finding a home can take up to three months, buyers should interview potential agents carefully, to make sure their personalities are a match. Look for an agent or team of agents who works evenings and weekends; a full-time agent you can reach day or night, when you have questions. Homes sell quickly, so you need someone who’s able to show you newly listed homes immediately. That’s one reason hiring a team of Realtors is a real asset.”
LM-HOW CAN I “WIN” A HOME IN A MULTIPLE OFFER SITUATION?
R and L - “This is something we’ve been able to do for numerous families. Some important factors can be earnest money and option money. If you’ve been working with an agent who hasn’t familiarized you with these terms, you probably need a new agent! Writing a letter to the homeowner goes a long way. This is also where a leaseback can be very advantageous.”
LM-WILL MY HOME BE EASY TO RESELL?
R and L - “That’s a vital question. You may think the home you’re buying is your forever home. But life change can happen and you may need to sell. That’s where the term location, location, location is so important. It’s far more difficult to sell homes in close proximity to railroads or busy streets or those with power lines running through them, or even, in our latest experience, built on a cistern. Pay close attention to the areas surrounding your home. It will pay off when it’s time to sell it!”
If you’re interested in buying or selling a home in the Arlington/Mansfield area, Robyn and Lanae can help connect you to your dreams. Contact them at (817) 437-2770.
www.RobynandLanae.com
RobynandLanae@JudgeFite.com
2651 East Broad Street, Suite 107 Mansfield, Texas 76063
An escrow account is a bank account your lender maintains on your behalf. When you close your mortgage, you’ll need to deposit a certain percent of your annual property taxes into the escrow account, which your lender will hold in trust and use to pay your property taxes.
Each month, your mortgage payment will include portions that go toward your principal loan amount (P), your interest payment (I), your property taxes (T), and your homeowner’s insurance (I). If you have private mortgage insurance, it should be included with this PITI payment as well.
A rate buydown is a chunk of your mortgage interest you pre-pay in order to get a lower monthly interest rate over the life of the loan. Each point you buy reduces your interest rate by a small amount.
A loan estimate is a form your lender is required to give you when you apply for a mortgage which includes your estimated costs of carrying the loan, including monthly payments, interest rates, and processing fees. Loan estimates allow you to compare terms and rates across different lenders.
This is a ratio used to calculate the amount of equity you have in your home and to assess your risk as a borrower. Typically expressed as a percentage, your LTV is determined by dividing the total amount of your mortgage loan by the property’s fair market value. Borrowers generally prefer to see lower LTV ratios.
Taking on one of my bucket list adventures
he four “Fs” rule in our household: faith, family, friends, and food—and one “T” for good measure—travel. When we can combine most of these, we feel we’ve hit the jackpot. Throughout my life I’ve been to every part of California—from the Wine Country and Northern Bay Area down to Southern California—but the one thing I’ve never done is drive all the way down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The one time my husband and I attempted this, we drove from San Francisco to Big Sur only to be turned away when the roads were closed due to falling rocks!
Last summer ended up being the right time for us to embark on our journey. I had faith we could do it and I began to make plans. In San Francisco, we’d stay with my niece and her family. Near Los Angeles we’d stay with my sister and her family, and in Corona del Mar (Newport Beach) we’d stay with a family friend. In 17 days of travel up and down the coast, we
stayed in a hotel only four nights—one night in Carmel and three nights in Oceanside between LA and San Diego. Not only was staying with family and friends a money saver, it was a great way to spend precious time with people we love, plus we got to live like the locals.
Our peaceful hike up Bernal Hill was a bit windy, but the breathtaking panorama offers a view of San Francisco Bay, downtown, the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Bruno Mountains, and the East Bay. The next day we got a ride to Golden Gate Park and began the 1.7 mile walk across the iconic orange Golden Gate Bridge, which took us about 40 minutes, lengthened somewhat because we had to stop and take in the overwhelming view of the bay and the city. Once we reached the other side
we headed to Sausalito, where we ate lunch at Napa Valley Burger, located in the oldest brick building in town. After lunch we headed for the ferry.
After the ferry we were straight off to Fisherman’s Wharf, where we boarded yet another ferry for a sunset dinner cruise in the bay. We sailed right past Sausalito again and saw an amazing cloud of fog shrouding the town. Locals call it Karl the Fog, and I was amazed to discover that the fog is so notable that he has his own Twitter account with more than 200K followers!
The rest of this leg of the journey was filled with a chilly San Francisco Giants baseball game, which allowed my son and husband to cross off their mutual bucket list entry of visiting every major-league baseball park. We also had lunch with a family friend at Apple, drove by Facebook and Google, and walked across the Stanford University campus, running into two of my son’s friends at a baseball camp! Our three days in San Francisco went quickly—it was time for the Pacific Coast Highway. For the next hour and a half, we traveled the PCH and marveled at the beauty of the deep blue ocean as we rushed past. We arrived in Carmel and dropped off our bags at the Carmel Mission Inn, a perfect hotel for the night with a pool (and petfriendly for those traveling with pets).
We immediately left for the 17-Mile Drive so we could catch the sunset at Spanish Bay. Along the way we stopped to watch the crashing waves on the jagged rocks, and like millions have done before us, we snapped photos of the Lone Cypress and stopped at Pebble Beach to admire the beautiful golf course where my husband has played. The highlight, of course, was sitting outside the Inn at Spanish Bay, sipping drinks and eating snacks, all the while anticipating the arrival of the bagpipe player, a Scottish tradition of putting the golf course
to sleep at sunset. The peaceful and serene setting relaxed us, but we weren’t hitting the sack just yet.
We had dinner at La Bicyclette in the quaint town of Carmel. Their menu, which changes weekly, features delicious wood oven-fired pizzas and other European country cuisine, and the atmosphere matched right up. After dinner, we walked around the corner to the Cypress Inn, a historic boutique hotel since 1929.
The next morning, we headed for Big Sur and grabbed lunch at the popular Nepenthe Restaurant, a favorite of ours because of its similarity to the picturesque views we’d experienced in Greece. The walk up the hill is not for the weary but was well worth the trek.
Our arrival at Ragged Point, with its “million-dollar view,” came just in time. The view towers 400 feet above the Pacific Ocean, and you can take in miles and miles of the magnificent deep blue sea.
After a five-day detour to Newbury Park, and with our extended family in tow for our next leg, we traveled to Oceanside, beached it for a few days, went to an Angels baseball game in Anaheim and had dinner at the Prado in San Diego’s Balboa Park.
The next day my sister and her family left and my family and I visited La Jolla Cove, one of the most photographed places in southern California, to watch the barking seals and snorkel. We ended our night enjoying a homemade paella dinner with well-traveled friends in Encinitas, who I’d met three years ago on an Italian cooking adventure in Castro de Volci.
After dropping my husband off at the San Diego airport to fly back for work, my son and I continued our journey for a few more precious days—I showed him the Sailor Kissing the Nurse statue near the USS Midway Museum, we went jet skiing in the Carlsbad lagoon, boogie boarding and
riding down the boardwalk in Newport Beach, and surfing in Venice Beach.
The next day, after many hugs and promises to keep in touch with my sister and her family, my son and I drove to LAX and headed to the gate. We wanted one last good meal but we couldn’t find anything special until I spotted black curtains surrounding what looked like a new restaurant. At my son’s suggestion, we poked our heads in and asked what was going on and they said it was a testing night for a new California Pizza Kitchen concept. We patiently waited and in about 20 minutes they invited us in. Our trip to California ended with a free and delicious meal at CPK, a perfect ending to a perfect summer vacation down the PCH—full of faith, family friends, food, and fun!
BY MEGHAN BASSETT
There’s nothing more iconic than a martini served up dirty or dry with a twist. For your next retro chic gathering, it’s time to go 007-style and throw it back in style.
I’ve always loved the Mad Men era of Americana, from the creative food to the classic cocktails to the fabulous outfits. Keeping the tradition of a good martini party alive is something I firmly believe in (though this is coming from someone who demands a true cocktail hour in her house at 5 o’clock daily).
1 thin French baguette, sliced and toasted
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded sharp orange cheddar cheese
5 ounces pimientos, drained and chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
A pinch of cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
In a blender, combine cheeses, pimentos, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Blend until combined. Move to a medium bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and toast the baguette slices.
Spread cheese mixture on toasted baguette slices and sprinkle with bacon. Bake again for 2 to 3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped chives. Serve.
Pairing throwback appetizers like cocktail meatballs and pimento cheese perfectly accents one of the few cocktails that still has yet to go out of style—the martini. So gather your friends and make it an evening!
SLICE AND TOAST THE BREAD THE NIGHT BEFORE! JUST MAKE SURE YOU DON’T STORE IT IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER WHILE IT’S STILL WARM OR YOU’LL LOSE THE CRISP. THE PIMENTO CHEESE MIXTURE CAN BE MADE IN THE REFRIGERATOR UP TO 2 OR 3 DAYS AHEAD OF TIME IF STORED PROPERLY IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER IN THE REFRIGERATOR.
For the meatballs: 1 pound ground beef
1 pound spicy sausage
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2
In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, ground sausage, eggs, Italian breadcrumbs, sage, thyme, pepper, and salt. Form the meatball mixture into 1-inch balls.
In a large skillet, brown the meatballs over medium-high heat, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Remove meatballs from the skillet and drain the fat. Add the meatballs back to the pan and reduce heat to medium-low.
In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the sauce. Pour into the pan with the meatballs, stirring to coat the meatballs. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve. MAKE SURE THE SKILLET IS HOT WHEN YOU ADD THE MEATBALLS TO THE PAN TO BROWN! THIS IS BEST WAY TO LOCK IN THE MOISTURE SO THE MEATBALLS DON’T COME OUT DRY.
Superficial Radiotherapy (SRT) is a low energy radiotherapy that penetrates just below the surface of the skin to treat non-melanoma skin cancers. A highly effective and painless alternative to surgery and a great option for those at risk for surgery.
Although skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, it is also highly preventable which is why I like to educate my patients on the dangers of sun exposure and yearly full body skin checks – Dr. Jeannine Hoang Call our office today to schedule your yearly skin check.
Mansfield 2800 E. Broad St., Ste. 124 • 817-539-0959
Arlington 723 N. Fielder Rd., Ste. C • 817-539-0959
Flower Mound 2560 Central Park Ave., Ste. 395 • 469-635-5990
Burleson 780 N.E. Alsbury Blvd., Ste. B • 817-529-1753
At
Mansfield Minimally Invasive Surgical Associates, our bariatric surgeons perform the safest and most effective weight loss surgery procedures. Our program is patient-focused, because we understand that losing weight is often not as simple as it sounds.
and joint problems and said "hello" to a better life.
It’s always nice to feel like you’re not only doing right by the most treasured recipient of your thoughtful gifts, but also by being conscious about the products you’re purchasing for those loved ones of yours. We’ve rounded up a few things that put a new spin on classic Mother’s Day tokens of appreciation, each with a socially-aware twist. Whether they make it in time for the holiday or simply end up as an extra “I love you” this month, we’re sure any mom would be happy to find the following on her kitchen table.
Mom can feel good both about the quality of the chocolate she’s eating and where it came from if you drop a couple bars of Tony’s Chocolonely on her— the Amsterdam-based company recently opened an office in Portland to start distributing its slave-free chocolate throughout the United States. Produced and sold using closely-followed fair trade practices, Tony’s uses its milk and dark chocolate to urge other companies to stop child labor on cocoa plantations, purchasing cocoa beans directly from farmers in Ivory Coast and Ghana and raising awareness on every wrapper. Check out their website for distribution information. (Oh yeah, the chocolate tastes pretty amazing, too!)
$5.49/6 oz. bar, $2.25/1.8 oz. bar
TonysChocolonely.com
If you’re tired of being totally surrounded by regular old metal or plastic water bottles, consider Love Bottle, a USA-made 17 ounce recycled glass bottle featuring a variety of cool artwork from new artists. Every bottle contains an imprinted message on the bottom reminding the thirsty user that they are loved! They also have cool handmade ceramic swing-top lids. And the feel good part—five percent of the revenue from every bottle is donated to support clean water charities around the world. Besides, water just tastes better out of glass.
$25/bottle
LoveBottle.com
When you send flowers from a gigantic outfit it’s hard to know what exactly you’re getting, where it was grown, how it was arranged, and what it’s going to look like when it shows up. Stranger still are the numerous service fees and delivery costs that can make your roses feel extra thorny. The “farm to vase” Bouquet in a Box is a family owned and operated 4th generation California flower farm that grows, picks, and arranges every bouquet in-house and by hand each day, with no imported flowers or pre-made bouquets. And if that doesn’t make you feel good the price will, even if you’re shopping last minute—every bouquet is under 50 bucks and they all ship free, with a glass vase, for next-day delivery.
$39.95-$49.95/bouquet
BouquetInABox.com
DETOX:
SYLLABIFICATION: DE•TOX
VERB: ABSTAIN FROM OR RID THE BODY OF TOXIC OR UNHEALTHY SUBSTANCES.
I am not one to jump on the fad bandwagon. I was the last girl in my sorority to own a pair of Birkenstocks. Remember when boot-cut turned into the resurgence of bell-bottoms? They had probably gone the way of the ‘70’s by the time I bought my first pair on a clearance rack marked 80% off. Uggs had been gracing the feet of celebrities and the pages of magazines a full decade before I surrendered (love ‘em). I still maintain yoga pants are strictly for yoga, and it was 2016 before I owned a pair of ankle boots.
In other words, you probably wouldn’t accuse me of being trendy. Except with the detox cleanse.
As soon as my girlfriends started talking about it I was in.
It sounded so good, so simple. Three days of no food, no caffeine, and no soda. Any time you feel hungry or thirsty, you drink a strange concoction of water, lemon, ginger, and something greenish, and when you’re done you have completely rid yourself of impurities and toxins.
They also said it gave you younger
looking skin.
Say no more.
I picked up the supplies from the grocery store and stared uncertainly at the small pile of ingredients that was supposed to sustain me for the next three days. A period of time, by the way, that sounded much shorter when my girlfriend was enthusiastically boasting of the detoxification benefits.
So I did it.
Until ten o’clock that morning. By ten a.m. the hunger pains were nearly as sharp as the withdrawal headache hammering away at my skull as my body angrily protested the caffeine depravation.
Detoxing is for the birds, I thought to myself as I grabbed a cup of coffee and a bagel. I thought about the detox cleanse one morning as I was journaling. We can detox our bodies so easily, I scribbled. How do we detox our minds?
The jury is out on how much good a detox actually does. God created our bodies
Nearly a lifetime of knowing and loving the Lord, over three decades of reading His Word, and my first thought was tinged green with envy. I hate that part of me.
I hate telling you about that part of me even more.
Per 2 Corinthians 10:5 I immediately confessed, begged God’s forgiveness, and asked Him to take the ugly thought captive “to make it obedient to Christ.”
But that doesn’t change the fact that it was there. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” Not me. Not any of us, if we were to drop the masks and show our true colors. The ancient prophet has diagnosed my condition correctly. The fleshy muscle that pumps my blood doubles as a sin generator, and because of this, I have to wrestle those ugly thoughts to the ground when they pop up.
Our thoughts don’t want to obey Christ, do they? Mine don’t. My thoughts want to dwell on my hurts, my mistakes, and my failures. They want to “fantasy-fight” with the one that wounded me. They want to relive that which should be left behind and reopen that which has been healed.
How I wish they would stop. How I beg God for reprieve. I want to be free from the power of the flesh and cleansed from every impure thought.
I need a full on spiritual detox.
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
—John 17:17 NLT
I spent nearly thirty minutes in my journal that morning, asking the Lord to use whatever means necessary to stop the sin-generator inside of me. Finally, with tears in my eyes and a cramp in my hand, I laid down my pen and opened my Bible.
Never.
You know what that makes me do? It makes me love Him. It makes me want to follow Him. It makes me want to obey Him. It gives me a genuine sense of delight for my casual acquaintance and her big win. The knowledge of His love sanitizes my heart. The churchy word for that is sanctify.
In John 17, the great High Priestly prayer, Jesus begs the Father to cleanse, detoxify, and sanctify us, and the scrub brush of choice is His Word.
in such a manner that, when stewarded properly, they are literal detox machines. Our minds are far more complicated.
Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
—Galatians 5:26 NASB
As I journaled, writing furiously as though I could exfoliate my mind through my pen, I repented of the thing that was weighing me down.
It started with a Facebook post.
She had a victory; a big, fat, juicy, hard-earned win.
She was a casual acquaintance, and I paused before I posted a congratulatory comment.
I paused because I was ashamed. You see, my first thought—the very first emotion that bubbled up inside of me—was not delight.
It was disappointment. Before I could stop myself, I had compared my lot to hers, my achievements to hers, and finding mine lacking, I felt resentful and discouraged.
I can confess this to you because, although you might not say it out loud, this is a fight that you know, too.
The Apostle Paul outlined our battle strategy in his second letter to the church at Corinth:
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
—2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NASB
Don’t miss the weight of this passage. Paul says take every thought captive. Every thought. Captive. And make it obey Christ.
That’s when God spoke. Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
—Romans 8:1 NASB
And it hit me like a holy Mack Truck.
No matter what you do, no matter what you say, no matter what you think, if you are in Christ, then God stubbornly refuses to condemn you.
There is risk in my confession. You could throw this book away. You could talk about me behind my back. You could stand at the feet of the Father and accuse me and condemn me for hours, but God never will.
How crazy is that?
No matter how mucky and grimy I get, He won’t condemn. Convict, yes. Condemn, no.
According to Micah 7:18, when you fall He delights to show you mercy. Lamentations 3:22 reminds us that we cannot drain Him of compassion, for each sunrise brings a fresh batch of mercy. According to Ephesians 1:1-10, you are chosen, forgiven, redeemed, and blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. He casts your sin as far as the east is from the west and never calls it to mind again (Ps. 103:12).
As long as you and I wear a cloak of skin we will struggle against fleshly thoughts and desires. That’s okay. The one who says she doesn’t struggle with her thoughts is the one who has stopped fighting to corral them into obedience. Fight on, knowing that the Lord of all creation, the Lord of Hosts, the Alpha and the Omega, the King above all kings has dug in His heels and stubbornly refuses to condemn you.
Not only that, but He stubbornly refuses to quit on you.
He stubbornly insists on loving you; on looking at you through the lens of compassion, and draping you in the clothing of salvation.
Let that wash over and through you. Drink it in daily, and let the spiritual detox begin.
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
—Philippians 2:12-13 NLT
HTTP://WWW.OXFORDDICTIONARIES.COM/US/DEFINITION/AMERICAN_ENGLISH/DETOX
