Muma, Baxter e Dog, Donna Smiedt, and Michael Muñoz
Donna J. Smiedt Board Certi ed Family Law Attorney (by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization) Certi ed Family Law Mediator Collaboratively Trained 32 Years in Family Law
Donna J. Smiedt awarded “Texas Top Attorney” (2003, 2008-2019) Fort Worth Magazine
Michael Munoz, Senior Litigator, awarded “Texas Top Attorney” (2017-2019) Fort Worth Magazine
Donna J. Smiedt Awarded “2019 Superb Attorney Rating” Avvo
• FILLINGS/RESTORATIONS
• DENTAL SEALANTS
• CROWNS
• CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY
• DENTURES
• BRIDGES
• TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
• ROOT CANALS
• NITROUS OXIDE
• SEDATION DENTISTRY
• TEETH WHITENING
• DENTAL IMPLANTS
• PORCELAIN VENEERS
• INLAYS & ONLAYS
• BONDING
• INVISALIGN
• REHABILITATION DENTISTRY
• SILENT SLEEP ORAL APPLIANCE
LEG/ANKLE
PAIN/CRAMPS
LEG
VARICOSE VEINS
RESTLESS
LEG
NEUROPATHY
SKIN
ITCHING/BURNING NIGHT CRAMPS
Do you suffer from heartburn, acid reflux, or regurgitation?
Have you awakened in the middle of the night with a burning sensation in your chest or throat?
Do you feel a metallic taste in your mouth in the morning?
Have you been on over-the-counter antacids or acid reducing medications?
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms you may have GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. If left untreated, GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus and even esophageal cancer.
Call our office today for an appointment and let us help with our multimodality diagnostic tools including endoscopy, pH monitoring, and manometry.
Our doctors are well versed with state of the art treatments including a no incision GERD correction procedure known as TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication). We also work with a multidisciplinary team with access to robotic hernia repair and LINX procedures.
Pamper
Sandals
Habit
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
JAMES 1:17
During the last few, unpredictable months, time seems to be simultaneously dragging and flying by. How can it be July already? This is such a beautiful time of year, in our part of the world. I have to say I love everything about warm weather. I love summer sundresses and strappy, little sandals. I love all the fresh, local produce and flowers everywhere. I love extra time with my grandkids, while they’re out of school. And, as Arlington/ Mansfield is carefully reopening, there’s no shortage of fun, family summer activities to enjoy. Take in some boating or water skiing. Spend a few lazy hours around the pool or cooking out in the backyard with friends. Try your hand at growing some veggies.
Our current health crisis may have put some things—like outdoor concerts and festivals—on hold. But our wonderful kids’ camps are re-opening and it might be time to get reacquainted with your favorite local restaurant. Family-owned businesses need our support more than ever now. So, let’s let them know we haven’t forgotten about them. I’m sure it won’t be long before we’ll be back out enjoying our summertime social gatherings again. But until then, a little patience and kindness will go a long way. We’ll get through this and immerge stronger together.
MISTY DANIELS, OWNER/PUBLISHER mdaniels@livingmagazine.net
682-556-1246
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Brandon Daiker
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TO
mayor DAVID COOK MANSFIELD
Thank you for 36 years!
Longtime Mansfield City Manager Clayton W. Chandler retired recently as one of the longest serving City Managers in Texas. During that time he saw Mansfield grow from 8,000 population to more than 75,000, helping guide the growth and expansion of homes, retail and industry.
From the extension of SH 360 and improvements to U.S. 287 to the opening of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center and relocation of Klein Tools to Mansfield, Mr. Chandler’s stamp can be found all over our city. He worked tirelessly in the Texas Legislature advocating on behalf of cities and was an ardent supporter of our parks system and other city programs and special events.
Mansfield has been fortunate to have Clayton Chandler
mayor RON JENSEN
In June, the Grand Prairie City Council passed a resolution for diversity, inclusion, justice and equality. We wanted to set the stage in Grand Prairie for true racial justice reform and an end to racism. The resolution calls upon city employees and Grand Prairie residents to demonstrate human dignity toward one another; and look inside their hearts to reflect how to be a positive force in advocating for a world without racism. It further states:
• People all want the same thing from this life: safety, love, peace, hope, equality, unity, kindness, empathy, understanding and justice
• Grand Prairie celebrates and welcomes diversity, inclusion, equality and equity as essential to a positive and healthy community
•Thecityiscommittedtofosteringattitudes,behaviors,practicesand knowledge that promote and habituate diversity and inclusion in our workplace, actions, and perspectives.
The resolution proclaims the city of Grand Prairie will continue to:
• Encourage its elected officials, employees and residents to develop
mayor JEFF WILLIAMS
I want to thank the citizens of Arlington for doing all they can to help stop the spread of COVID 19. I’m proud to be your mayor.
By practicing social distancing and wearing a mask, you’re a big reason we’re able to move into phase two of our city’s road map to reopening and recovery. Arlington is following the leadership of Governor Abbott by adhering to his Open Texas plan. We’ll continue to monitor key data points with our fire department and public health authority to make sure there’s plenty hospital space available and that there’s no dramatic rise in the number of cases.
We’re reopening in a smart and safe way, starting two weeks ago with the opening of most businesses and restaurants at a 25% capacity. And earlier this week, the governor announced they can increase to 50% capacity on Friday May 22nd with bars being able to operate at 25%, starting at that time. His latest order also allows for the opening of childcare centers, massage and personal
serving our city at a critical time in its history. Mansfield is considered one of the Best Places to Live because of Mr. Chandler and the team he assembled. We wish Mr. Chandler and his Family all the best in the years ahead.
empathy for people whose life experiences are different than our own
• Recognize and reaffirm its commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, respectful to all, that values the diversity of its residents
• Strive to act with humility and openness as we evolve new and better insights and solutions to achieving a safer, more equitable community and acknowledge this is a journey that may have setbacks through which we will persevere, and will require a long-term and ongoing commitment from this and future City Councils.
Join me as we stand together in respecting one another, and seek throughout the year to create connections in our community to embrace the humanity of all.
Live Life Grand,
care centers, and youth clubs, effective immediately. And certain professional sports venues have the go-ahead to open May 31st without fans in attendance. Here in Arlington, our rec centers and many of our libraries are starting to reopen.
I want to encourage you to visit ArlingtonTX.gov/CoronaVirus for the latest news and information. In the meantime, testing is an important part of our plan for a safe reopening. All Tarrant County residents can register for free drive-through COVID 19 testing if they meet the criterion or by calling the county at 817-248-6299. There’s still work to be done. Let’s remain Arlington strong and continue to shop locally and support our businesses and restaurants. Stay safe and be kind to one another. With your help, we’re going to defeat this virus.
JULY 3 // THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB NETFLIX
Ann M. Martin’s popular series of novels gets a modern update in the new Netflix show of the same name. If rebooting the nostalgia of these friendships on screen wasn’t enough, in another blast from the past Alicia Silverstone will play Elizabeth Thomas-Brewer, the mother of Kristy Thomas.
JULY 3 // WILLIE NELSON FIRST ROSE OF SPRING
JULY 10 // RUFUS WAINWRIGHT UNFOLLOW THE RULES
JULY 17 // ELLIE GOULDING BRIGHTEST BLUE
JULY 31 // THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS MADE OF RAIN
THIS MONTH IN MOVIE HISTORY
JULY 3, 1996 // INDEPENDENCE DAY
WILL SMITH, JEFF GOLDBLUM DIR. ROLAND EMMERICH (THE PATRIOT)
After his reign as a Fresh Prince, Will Smith skyrocketed into stardom in his role as Captain Steven Hiller with lines like “Welcome to Earth!”
After much destruction and indecision on how to beat our other worldly opponents, he and David (played by Jeff Goldblum) fly into outer space to meet and defeat the mothership as actor Bill Pullman gives one of the most inspirational speeches by a movie president in recent history.
WHAT TO READ
JULY 7 // THE COLD VANISH
SEEKING THE MISSING IN NORTH AMERICA’S WILDLANDS BY JON BILLMAN
For readers of Jon Krakauer and Douglas Preston, the critically acclaimed author and journalist Jon Billman’s fascinating, in-depth look at people who vanish in the wilderness without a trace and those eccentric, determined characters who try to find them.
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Perfect for kids too old for day camp, but who still want to have fun this summer. Each day features new, exciting activities at the center and field trips each week to explore the Metroplex. Camps are offered at Cliff Nelson, Dottie Lynn and Hugh Smith Rec Centers. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch each. Afternoon snack is provided. Ages 11-15. 9am5pm. $140/week. Daily rates available. Contact the above rec centers for information.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
Viridian/Arlington
Have fun on the water learning the fundamentals of sailing. Learn the important parts of sailboats, wind strength, wind direction and much more. Supervised handon lessons will create lasting memories, increase self- confidence and make new friends. Visit our website for schedule and detailed information.
VIRIDIANSAILING.COM
VARIOUS
VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP
River Legacy Nature Center
Virtual Summer Camp with River Legacy Nature Center provides campers age 3- 6th
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Grab your swimsuit and join us for a Dive-In Movie. Lounge in and around the pool with your friends and family while enjoying Frozen II on the big screen. 8:30pm-10:30pm. Admission is $6 per person. Registration is required. Randol Mill Family Aquatic Center. 1924 Randol Mill Park Rd.
grade with an exciting hands on, minds on opportunity to explore the natural world from their homes. Visit our website for details.
RIVERLEGACY.ORG/SUMMER-CLASSES
JULY 11 AND 25
MOBILE PET ADOPTION EVENT
Arlington
Adorable adoptable pets looking for new homes will be available at the mobile adoption unit for immediate adoption! Visit with adoptable cats available inside PetSmart! Adoptions will be at the Petsmart® in South Arlington, 203 E. I-20 (Arlington Highlands) 10:30am-3:30pm.
JULY 18
FARMERS MARKET - ICE CREAM
CHALLENGE
Grand Prairie
Local Grand Prairie charities and organizations compete for the best homemade ice cream recipe. 8am-1pm. 120 W. Main St.
JULY 23
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Come take your annual Family Christmas picture under the warmth of the sun with our swimmin’ summer Santa at Howard Moore Play Pool. No registration required. 1pm-3pm. 1999 Bever Blvd.
JULY 27 - AUGUST 27
BACK TO SCHOOL SPLASH
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Bring a new school supply and receive 1/2 off admission at any City of Arlington Pool. For supplies needed visit our website.
MISSIONARLINGTON.ORG
JULY 30
LIVE AT LOYD
Grand Prairie
Live music from great local acts. Enjoy food from the food trucks. Park entry $15 per vehicle. Concert is free. 6:30pm. 3401 Ragland Rd.
see more events in your area on LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET
DALLAS PRINCIPAL HITS THE ROAD TO BRING JOY TO GRADUATING SENIORS
IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES , high school senior classes are being asked to change how their graduation ceremonies are commencing. With many districts making the decision to hold their ceremonies virtually, one principal went the extra mile to mark the occasion.
Dr. Scott Rudes, the principal of Booker T. Washington HSPVA, took the road less traveled and drove over 1,500 miles in 10 days to congratulate 240 seniors and handdeliver their diplomas.
In a recent interview, Dr. Rudes told FOX4 of Dallas, “One of our core values at our school is to ignite joy, and that is what I saw on the faces of my seniors and their families. Just a few minutes of joy in the midst of all this uncertainty.”
One parent tweeted, “It brightened our day when our daughter’s principal, Dr. Scott Rudes from Booker T Washington HSPVA showed up at our house to deliver her diploma cover this week. Thanks for such a kind and personal touch.”
ARTS COMMUNITY ALLIANCE SUPPORTS AREA ART WITH SHORT-TERM RELIEF
THE ARTS COMMUNITY ALLIANCE recently announced it has distributed $148,500 in the second cycle of grants from the TACA Emergency Arts Relief Fund. The special fund was established in late March to provide short-term immediate relief to area nonprofit arts organizations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A full list of grantees for both funding cycles may be accessed on the TACA website at TACA-Arts.org/emergency-arts-relief-fund.
Grant recipients for both distribution cycles were chosen by a committee of board members, donors and community arts leaders.
“When we conceived the TACA Emergency Arts Relief Fund, we never dreamed the community would respond so generously,” said Terry D. Loftis, Carlson President and Executive Director of TACA. “Our original goal was to raise $150,000, and to date, we’ve generated $605,800 in total thanks to institutional foundations, family foundations and individuals who share our passion for supporting the vitality of the arts during this critical time. We know the arts community will need critical support in the coming months, so we are reserving the balance of funds as we identify ways TACA can provide assistance.”
“When we learned COVID-19 was upon us, our team worked swiftly to establish a responsive, need-based fund to support the local arts sector,” added TACA’s Deputy Director of Programs and Marketing Maura Sheffler. “For TACA, establishing a special fund was a departure from our 50-year history of merit-based grantmaking, but of critical importance during this unprecedented crisis. We’ll continue to support the arts community as we navigate the months ahead of us.”
“People usually think her name comes from her copper color, but in fact she is named after the little girl in the Disney movie The Rescuers.”
- HEATHER W.
“Georgia is a Boykin Spaniel who loves to swim in the pool, chase her tiny humans around the backyard, and can’t wait to start duck hunting with her dad.”
- TERRIS B.
“Betty’s favorite band of all time is Hall and Oates. Daily, he asks Alexa: ‘Alexa, play I Heart Radio, Hall and Oates.’ Your Kiss is On My List is his favorite song, and he dances like no one’s watching.”
- JENNY B.
Tigers have striped skin in addition to their fur. Each pattern is as unique as a fingerprint.
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FACTS IS INCORRECT. WHICH ONE?
A) When raised by humans, the African grey parrot shows an amazing ability to mimic people, and they don’t forget learned words
B) Dogs only sweat from the bottoms of their feet, and the only way they can discharge heat is by panting
C) Cats have horrible night vision
D) An African grey parrot has a long life span, and often outlive their owners
Living Pet Club members are automatically entered to win our frequent pet-related giveaways! To join the club, send your pet’s name, your name, your address, and a clear photo of your pet to pets@livingmagazine.net or visit LivingMagazine.net/pet-club. They might just turn up in a future issue of Living!
PETS@LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET
Visit our Arlington and Mansfield locations to find a selection of treats that can only be found in our bakeries –because they’re fresh-baked on-site by real pastry chefs who use simple, healthy, and whole some ingredients. Check out our playful exclusive seasonal treats, gourmet dog pastries, including our famous Pupcakes®, and one-of-a-kind canine cakes you can have personalized for your pup’s special occasion. With Three Dog Bakery, you can make their birthday, adoption day, training graduation day or any day special. Because who says you need to have a reason to spoil your dog?
Three Dog Bakery opened the world’s first bakery for dogs in 1989 and has been making tails wag ever since! We’re excited to share the same over-the-top experience with you in Mansfield. Bring your dogs and come see what all the fuss is about!
BY LISA JENKINS-MOORE
THOUGH I’VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF MANY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE, I regret that I’ve never learned to surf. It’s possible I might still be able to learn, but as I age I’m less prone to try adventures with a higher possibility of bodily harm. So, I live vicariously through surfers in movies and videos. As a water skier, I know the tremendous feeling of moving water under my feet, but can only imagine the rush of catching that perfect wave, balancing my board just right, angling it into the precarious swell, and riding it to the end for a dramatic finish!
While some see only danger in the swell, others see a challenge to rise above and conquer.
The broadcast news and social media feeds have been filled with COVID-19 reports. My heart hurts for children whose only safe refuge and sustenance comes from the public school system. I pray for the elderly and the immunecompromised who worry about catching a highly transmissible virus. Most of all, I mourn for those who face the uncertainty of the future without relationship with a loving God.
Psalm 91 has been quoted more than ever in the last few months, and it is certainly a comfort for those who know Christ, yet I’m still astonished by the level of fear that abounds even among Believers. The Bible clearly states that this life is but a vapor and when we place our trust in Christ, death is not to be feared. Yet we fear death. We fear the unknown. We imagine the worst.
It’s interesting to note the words used in Psalm 91: “He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in Him will I trust.” Could the difference between those who fear and those who don’t be the word “dwell?” I’ve searched my heart during this crisis and time after time I find comfort knowing God sits on His throne and nothing takes Him by surprise. We started taking precautions before we were ordered to because my 90-year-old grandfather lives with us. Nevertheless, my husband is an RN, on the frontlines of this pandemic so in the natural, we have every reason to be anxious and fearful. But we are not. We are pressing into Jesus, spending time in His Word, and in prayer, knowing that our times are in His hands.
Now that our usual always-on-the-go lifestyles have come to a screeching halt we have time to reflect on our values. Are we living our lives with an eternal perspective or have we become ensnared in the American dream? If my newsfeed is any indication of what’s happening around the nation, it looks as if many people have enjoyed much needed family time, rest, restructure, organization, and re-evaluation of their crazy busy lives. Yes, people are suffering, but the truth is that people are always suffering, and this interruption has allowed us to look beyond our bubble and recognize those in need.
In September of 2001, I was at home watching the news as the planes hit the towers. I was a newlywed and suddenly my perspective on the future changed. Would I have children? Would my children be in a safe world? Would my friends be called to war? The anxiety overwhelmed me as I imagined the worst. You might remember that the following Sunday, churches were filled to capacity as folks ran to the one place they considered safe to encounter the One who could provide true solace. What if we lived in the secret place? What if we never left the shelter of the Almighty, but instead made Him the focus, the one desire of our every breath? Visiting isn’t the same as dwelling, paying homage once a week on Sunday isn’t the same as daily, or even hourly relationship. If every cloud has a silver lining, my prayer is that this unforeseen crisis will stir our hearts to move closer to Jesus, the one who holds the world in His hands. James 4:8 reminds us to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” If God seems distant, it is we who have moved.
Let us renew our focus, adjusting our eyes to see Him, know Him, and dwell in His presence. Only then will the swells of this life be viewed as challenges to overcome rather than dangers that will take us out. As we place our trust in Him, our perspectives change. Hope in God, for “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Lisa is a freelance writer, speaker and author of four books. To contact Lisa or follow her blog, visit LisaJenkinsMoore.com or connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/ljenkinsmoore
Leading-Edge Dermatology Care
with a Patient-First Focus at Unit ed Dermatology Associates
LOCATIONS
MANSFIELD 130 REGENCY PARKWAY MANSFIELD, TEXAS 76063 817-539-0959
ARLINGTON 723 NORTH FIELDER ROAD, SUITE C ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76012 817-539-0959
BURLESON
780 NE ALSBURY BOULEVARD, SUITE B BURLESON, TEXAS 76028 817-529-1753
FLOWER MOUND
2560 CENTRAL PARK AVENUE, SUITE 395 FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS 75028 469-635-5990
SOURCES:
HYDRAFACIAL: HTTPS://HYDRAFACIAL.COM/ SPLENDORX: HTTPS://LUMENIS.COM/SOLUTIONS/ AESTHETIC/NEWS-EVENTS/NEWS/LUMENIS-INTRODUCES-NEW-LASER-HAIR-REMOVAL-SOLUTION-SPLENDOR-X-AT-THE-2018-AMERICAN-SOCIETY-OF-DERMATOLOGICAL-SURGERY-ASDS/ FRACTIONAL CO2 HTTPS://WWW.SKINTOUR.COM/LASERS-RADIOFREQUENCY-DEVICES/LASER-TREATMENTS/ GUIDE-TO-FRACTIONAL-CO2-LASER/ VAMPIRE FACELIFT: HTTPS://VAMPIREFACELIFT.COM/ EMSCULPT: HTTPS://WWW.EMSCULPTFORMULAWELLNESSCENTER.COM/
As a dermatologist with deep roots in Arlington, Dr. Jeannine Hoang knows her practice thrives because it serves neighbors and friends. With that in mind, Dr. Hoang started her first office in Mansfield on a vision of individualized care with an emphasis on patient education and empowerment. That was 2007, and the response was profound: The practice grew so rapidly that Dr. Hoang added three more locations to keep up with demand. United Dermatology Associates now has treatment centers in Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson and Flower Mound.
FLAGSHIP OFFICE DESIGNED AROUND PATIENTS
United Dermatology Associates’ flagship location is its state-of-the-art office at 130 Regency Parkway in Mansfield. At 10,000 square feet, the practice includes 13 patient exam rooms, seven leading-edge procedure rooms for surgery and cosmetic procedures, and space to expand with even more services and technology.
Dr. Hoang’s serving-neighbors-andfriends approach is apparent from the moment you enter: Patient-friendly amenities include multiple waiting areas, a private pre-procedure prep and waiting area, a large display area for patients to browse exclusive skincare products, and expanded skincare services with more state-of-the-art technology, such as tattoo removal, spa services and more. United Dermatology also has its own full-time aesthetician, offering additional skincare services including facials, waxing, lash/eyebrow tinting and more.
United Dermatology’s expansion also means added talent. In August 2020, Dr. Ashish Arshanapalli will join the team, bringing a remarkable infusion of expertise.
Dr. Arshanapalli grew up in Hoosier country – Indiana – and was a Summa Cum Laude graduate of University of Southern Indiana, where he studied Biology. He then graduated at the top of his class at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Dr. Arshanapalli completed his residency in Dermatology at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, where he served as the chief resident in his final year. He further specialized in skin cancer surgery, completing a Mohs
micrographic surgery fellowship at the University of Wisconsin – the birthplace of Mohs surgery, considered the most effective technique for treating many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common skin cancers.
While Dr. Arshanapalli’s primary focus is skin cancer surgery and reconstruction, he also enjoys general dermatology and cosmetics. He has been published in multiple medical journals involving laser therapies for scar reduction, and he continues to be interested in scar minimization techniques.
What brought him to Texas? It might be that while in Chicago, he met his wife … who just happens to be a North Texas native. In his spare time, Dr. Arshanapalli enjoys golf, running, traveling the world and trying new and exciting foods. He also recently began learning the piano.
HydraFacial is a unique 3-step cosmetic treatment that uses patented technology to cleanse, extract and hydrate, leaving your skin vibrant and refreshed. HydraFacial super serums are made with nourishing ingredients that create an instantly gratifying glow. Its unique, patented Vortex-Fusion delivery system exfoliates, extracts and hydrates skin; the spiral design pulls debris from pores with painless suction. HydraFacial then fuses and protects your skin by saturating the surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximize your radiance.
SplendorX is a new laser treatment offering powerful, fast and permanent hair removal. It can treat a full back in just three minutes, or a full body in just 20 minutes – compared to 60 or more minutes required by some laser treatments. Its patented technology enables
targeted and uniform coverage that can be adjusted to any patient’s skin type. SplendorX is generally suitable for all skin tones, plus all body areas and types of hair. It can also treat wrinkles, warts, pigmentation, razor bumps and more.
Fractional CO2 is one of the latest advances in non-surgical skin rejuvenation, providing effective skin resurfacing to produce smoother, even-toned, younger looking skin.
Fractional CO2 lasers can treat deep wrinkles, sun damage including precancerous growths, blotchiness, acne scars and discoloration, and surgical scars. It’s suited for delicate areas like eyelids and the skin around the mouth, plus larger areas including neck, chest, arms and legs. It can also be used for vaginal rejuvenation, which can help with incontinence.
The Vampire Facelift offers non-surgical restoral of facial shape, improve tone and texture, and rejuvenate new and younger tissue. The procedure uses Hyaluronic acid fillers to boost the shape of the face, which tends to droop with age. It then uses growth factors from the patient’s own blood to activate generation of new tissue, creating a smooth texture and increasing circulation for a youthful, healthy glow. It also treats hair regrowth, erectile disfunction, sexual function and incontinence.
Emsculpt is the world’s only non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that simultaneously sculpts muscle and burns fat for both men and women. Its high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy contracts muscles quickly and painlessly, reducing body fat and building muscle mass by more than 15%. One treatment lasting just minutes can produce effects comparable to 20,000 abdominal crunches!
Which of these treatments is right for you? Visit unitedderm.com to learn more.
BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
With warmer days and longer daylight hours ahead, it’s a great time to be active outside. But that same old walk or run around the block can get boring. Here are a few ideas for shaking up your outdoor activity routine.
Whether you’re meandering down a nature trail or conquering rough terrain during a day of backpacking, the great thing about walking in nature is that no two trips are the same. AllTrails. com provides hand-curated maps of more than 100,000 nature trails. Their app helps you find the perfect trail for hiking, biking, or running, and lets you know the length, rating, difficulty level, and which ones are dog or kid-friendly and most scenic. Use GPS to follow the trail, and record your pace, distance, elevation, and max speed.
If you played competitive sports in high school or college, when you hung up your cleats or stowed away your gear for the last time you probably did so with a heavy heart. But there are
plenty of team sports you can still enjoy in your 40s and beyond. Look around your community for an adult softball, volleyball, or basketball league, or a cycling club. Enlist some buddies or your spouse and start training for a half marathon. Dust off your tennis racket and form a doubles team. If you’re naturally competitive, joining a sports team is a great way to get outside and exercise without it feeling like a chore.
Since 1971, Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) has linked eager volunteers with organic farmers and growers around the world for educational and cultural working vacations.
Volunteers live and learn on organic farms and small holdings, exchanging sweat equity for room and board and the joy of knowing they’re helping build a sustainable global community. They live with the growers, sharing in family, community, and tourist activities, while learning lessons about organic food, agriculture, and sustainable living, and experiencing the pleasure of working outdoors with their hands in planetfriendly ways.
• Go stargazing with a companion phone app
• Grab the binoculars and watch some birds
• Try out drone photography
• Arrange a family scavenger hunt
• Make a mud cast (Google it!)
• Buy a pair of rollerskates
• Look into geocaching
• Install a hammock
• Teach yourself how to juggle
BY DAVID BUICE
One of the ongoing challenges facing medical science is the mystery of cluster headaches. How to diagnose them, what causes them, and what the best approaches are for treating them are among the many questions facing pain management specialists.
The term cluster headache comes from the fact that these attacks often come in groups or “clusters.” During a cluster cycle, brief, excruciatingly severe headache attacks occur repeatedly, one to eight times per day, and a single attack can last from 15 minutes up to three hours.
EPISODIC VERSUS CHRONIC CLUSTER
Cluster headaches commonly occur overnight, waking people from their sleep, and most of those who are afflicted suffer from what are referred to as episodic cluster headaches. With these, headaches occur for one week up to a year, followed by a pain-free remission period that can last as long as a year before another cluster headache occurs.
In contrast, chronic cluster periods may continue for more than a year without remission or remissions lasting less than a month.
Cluster headache pain usually occurs around one eye and on one side of the head and is often said to be the most painful of headaches. It has been described as “burning,” “like a hot poker in the eye,” or as “a suicide headache.”
According to Dr. Deborah E. Tepper of Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine, “Cluster pain is described as being ten out of ten in severity, and typically there is an inability to lie still. People with migraines tend to
lie down in a dark, quiet room, while in contrast those with cluster headaches will pace, rock in place, or sometimes even bang their head to distract themselves from the pain.”
It is estimated that between 200,000 and 1 million people in the United States are living with cluster headaches. The exact cause is unknown, although some specialists suspect a genetic component, and unfortunately, to date there is no cure. Complicating matters, an accurate diagnosis can be difficult. Cluster sufferers are often misdiagnosed with a migraine disorder, and it may take years to get a proper cluster diagnosis.
In terms of treatment, Dartmouth’s Dr. Tepper notes that high-flow oxygen administered with a face mask is a safe option for terminating an attack. She adds that a full treatment plan includes a temporary bridge to provide initial relief with steroids, taken either orally or with injections, along with a daily preventive medication such as verapamil.
The bottom line is that cluster headache is an unusual and severe disorder, and it is essential that sufferers work with their physician to get an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
ummer weather in Texas isn’t for wimps! There are days when it feels like your skin will melt off your body. While there don’t appear to be any documented cases of that actually happening, summer is a good time to talk about separating fact from fiction when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
BY CHRISTI BLEVINS
MYTH: “All sunscreens do the same thing.”
FACT: Choose a sunscreen with “broad spectrum” protection. This means that it protects from UVA rays, as well as UVB rays. UVB rays cause sunburns, while UVA rays can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Look for a sun protection factor SPF of 30 or higher.
MYTH: “Only children need sunscreen.”
FACT: Everyone over the age of six months should be wearing sunscreen on a daily basis. Babies younger than six months should be kept covered and protected from the sun.
MYTH: “I don’t need sunscreen if I’m only going to be outside for a little while.”
FACT: Sun damage can happen in as little as 15 minutes.
MYTH: “I have a darker skin tone, so I don’t need to bother with sunscreen.”
FACT: Dark-skinned people don’t get sunburned as quickly as fairskinned people. That doesn’t mean that they don’t get burned. Dark-skinned people are still susceptible to wrinkling, sun spots, and even skin cancer.
MYTH: “I can’t get sun damage riding in a car.”
FACT: While you won’t get a sunburn through a car window, you can still get sun damage. The tempered glass blocks out the UVB rays, which cause sunburns. However, the rear and side windows don’t block out dangerous UVA rays, which can cause premature aging and skin cancer.
MYTH: “If I use a sunscreen with a higher SPF, I don’t need to reapply it as often.”
FACT: At a minimum, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. When swimming or exercising, it should be reapplied every hour.
MYTH: “It doesn’t matter if my bottle of sunscreen is expired.”
Fact: Exposure to heat and moisture can cause sunscreen to lose effectiveness. For maximum benefit, pay attention to expiration dates.
MYTH: “I can’t get a sunburn underwater.”
FACT: While water does block out some of the UVB rays, you need to be several yards underwater to have adequate sun protection. Unless you are scuba diving, slather on some sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before a swim.
MYTH: “I don’t need sunscreen on a cloudy day.”
FACT: Clouds still allow some of the sun’s rays to find their way to you. Grey clouds allow about 35 percent of UVA and UVB rays through them. White clouds allow up to 90 percent of the rays to shine through.
SUMMER IS A GOOD TIME TO TALK ABOUT SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTING YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN’S HARMFUL RAYS
BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
My friend, Jeannie, is one of the most naturally beautiful women I know. No makeup. No problem. I’ve seen her first thing in the morning and after an insane workout and she still looks amazing. So, I was shocked when she told me she’d scheduled a facelift.
How exactly does one decide when it’s time to give nature a little boost? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says this. “If your self-confidence is affected by the appearance of sagging skin or deep lines and creases, or if minimally invasive treatments aren’t cutting it anymore, a facelift may be the most effective solution.”
If you cringe when you look at your neck or jawline, nothing short of a facelift performed by an experienced plastic surgeon is going to correct the loose skin, neck muscles, and extra fat under your chin. And it isn’t all about age. As long as you’re in good health, the ASPS says anyone at any age could be a candidate for a facelift.
If you think a facelift is right for you, the first step is choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing facelifts and eyelid surgeries. Schedule an in-office consultation with surgeons you’re considering and talk to them about the results you hope to achieve. What you want is natural results that make you look rested and refreshed, not “done.” Ask to see before and after photos of patients. Do they look like themselves, only younger? Ask family and friends if they’ve heard good things about these surgeons.
After surgery, expect to be bruised, swollen, and tired for at least ten days. For the first few days, you’ll want someone around to help you so you can take it easy. Stitches are generally removed after a week and most people return to normal activities after two weeks. You can help in your recovery by eating healthy, getting adequate rest, and following any recovery guidelines your plastic surgeon issues.
Although no plastic surgeon can guarantee the longevity of your results, most facelifts last for years before requiring a touch-up. Prolong your results by staying out of the sun, wearing sunscreen, and talking to a skincare professional about appropriate skincare products. You may also consider incorporating minimally invasive skincare treatments such as laser rejuvenation into your regular beauty regimen. Only you can decide whether a facelift is right for you. But if you’re ready to give natural a little nudge, do your homework, find the right plastic surgeon, and enjoy a new, younger-looking you
BY ANNETTE BROOKS
With age comes wisdom, but so do lines, wrinkles, and dull skin. To make matters worse, as loss of elasticity causes skin to sag, pores stretch out and appear even larger.
You might think you just can’t win, but thanks to advanced, nonsurgical aesthetic services you don’t have to settle. I recently tried medical-grade microneedling performed by an experienced medspa aesthetician who uses a handheld, FDA-cleared, electric pen-like device. Here’s how it went—the results are remarkable.
After my face and neck were numbed with a topical cream then gently wiped with antiseptic, a clinical-grade peptide serum was applied to each treatment area as the procedure progressed. When all areas had been treated— forehead, cheeks, nose, corners of my eyes, chin, jawline,
and neck—a new layer of peptide serum was applied, and I was ready to walk out the door and drive home.
Except near my hairline where I experienced a few twinges of mild discomfort (two at most on a scale from 1 to 10), I only felt a tickling sensation and some vibrations from the pen. The entire process took under an hour, including around 15 minutes for the numbing cream to take full effect.
Right after treatment my face and neck were cherry red, as expected, and a little sensitive. I opted to stay home the rest of the day and carefully followed the homecare directions. The next day the redness had turned to pink. Two days after treatment, 85 percent of the pink had disappeared, and my skin felt mildly tight and itchy—also as expected. Three days post-treatment my skin began to lightly peel, although it was quite manageable and barely noticeable after using a gentle cleanser and hydrating products.
Four weeks later I returned for a second treatment in a series of four, this time choosing a stem cell serum to be “infused” into my skin during the microneedling session. I experienced the same treatment and recovery as before, but the results after a couple of weeks were more pronounced.
The Verdict
I’m impressed. After just two treatments my skin clarity and radiance has improved, fine lines look smoother, and my pores appear smaller, especially on my nose. I can’t wait to see the results after completing the last two treatments in my package.
Do you suffer from chronic snoring or sleep apnea?
If the thought of wearing a breathing mask while you sleep doesn’t appeal to you, here’s some good news. Many people with sleep apnea can benefit from a more subtle form of treatment: an oral appliance that is made just for you. This lightweight device fits over the teeth and slightly repositions the jaw to unblock the airway. It’s a more comfortable and less noticeable way to get a good night’s sleep—and it may be right for you!
Looking for an Alternative to CPAP?
Contact Dr. Sandi Hamm at 817-477-4441 to schedule a FREE consultation!
With summer upon us, your skin will breathe a sigh of relief when given some pampering and TLC. Between the extra grime from perspiration, dryness from pool or ocean water, and buildup from sunscreen SPF, it’s perhaps one of the most important times to keep your skin clean and its moisture barrier intact.
Babying your skin doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, many ingredients that leave your skin refreshed and glowing can be found right in your own home or the local grocery store. Goodbye harsh chemicals, hello fresh, local ingredients! Here are some skin-saving DIYs for you to try out while beating the heat. As always, if you haven’t used a certain ingredient before, test it on a small patch of skin first.
Jojoba oil, often recommended for those with oily type skin, is the perfect moisturizing alternative to heavy coconut oil. This non-greasy, soothing, lightweight body lotion is perfect for layering under sunscreen on hot summer days. Here’s what you’ll need.
¼ cup jojoba oil
½ cup aloe vera
1 to 2 teaspoons of rose, coconut, or mango oil for a wonderful fragrance
Blend together and pour into your favorite container
Blueberries, a superfruit, are known for their amazing antioxidant properties. Not only do they pack a punch when you eat them, but when you apply them topically, too. The vitamin C packed within these little berries provides protection from free radicals as well as the brightening properties.
In a food processor, blend these three ingredients until they reach a desired consistency. Store in a cool temperature.
½ cup fresh blueberries
2 to 3 tablespoons raw local honey
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
Record high temperatures unfortunately also bring record chapped lips, so restore that perfect pout with this delectable recipe. You will need an empty tin and lip brush, as well as some ingredients you might have right in your cupboards.
1 tablespoon shea butter
1 tablespoon shaved beeswax
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1 teaspoon green tea or matcha powder
Melt the oil, wax, and shea butter together in a heat-resistant bowl over boiling water. Mix in green tea or matcha powder once melted, pour mixture into tins, and set aside until firm. Use an applicator brush for a flawlessly smooth and contactless application. The temptation of licking it up may be too much—it’s technically safe to eat, so go right ahead!
This scrub will leave you smelling sweet enough to eat, and with a subtle shimmer that will sparkle in the sun. Simply blend and bottle these ingredients. Store at a cool temperature.
½ cup sugar
½ cup frozen strawberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup of your favorite hydrating oil
1 to 2 teaspoons of powdered mineral highlighter or eyeshadow (or more if you’re feeling adventurous!)
Whether you are lounging poolside or sunning in the sand — summer and sandals go hand in hand.
$100 BIRKENSTOCK
Women’s Arizona Birko — Flor Floral Slide Sandals
Setting good habits for when we’re back BY MIMI GREENWOOD
“
We’re living in a time of uncertainty. Without a crystal ball, none of us knows when life will return to normal or what that “normal” might look like. But at some point, our kids will likely return to traditional classroom learning and there are things we can be doing now to prepare them for that day.
Returning to a full-day schedule will be challenging for kids. Set regular bedtimes now. Wake at a consistent(ish) time. Get dressed each day. Structure and predictability now will help them transition more easily to the routine of school.
“ EDUCATE YOUR MIND AND YOUR HEART AND YOUR EDUCATION WILL BE COMPLETE. - CHARLES CLAYTON STIDHAM
#TWO TEACH GOOD HYGIENE HABITS
Train kids now to wash their hands multiple times a day for 20 seconds each time so when school resumes it will be routine for them. Talk to them about the importance of not touching their nose, mouth, and eyes.
#THREE
PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS
Listening in a classroom with its distractions is harder than one-on-one with you at home. Play games like Simon Says, Telephone, or 20 Questions to help kids maintain the active listening skills they’ll need when they return to school.
#FOUR START BACKING OFF DEVICES
Many homes have increased television and digital media time over the past few months. Start limiting screen time more as school gets closer.
#FIVE READ, READ, READ!
Read to your child and encourage them to read alone. Reading is an accrued skill. The more you read, the better you get. The better you get, the more you want to read.
And if you’ve been home for months with your child, I don’t have to tell you to let your kids’ teachers know they’re rock stars and you appreciate everything they do for your child and your family.
BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
Admit it. Your kids might know more about technology than you ever will. It’s still important that you, as their parent, help them develop healthy habits where screen time is concerned.
INSTATE A FAMILY MEDIA PLAN.
When used thoughtfully and appropriately, media can enhance daily life. But screens should never replace face-to-face interaction, family-time, outdoor play, exercise, or sleep, or be used as a babysitter or pacifier.
ENCOURAGE TECH-FREE ZONES. For better family time, healthier eating habits, and better sleep, declare family mealtimes, family social gatherings, and bedtime screen-free time. When watching TV, watch a show then turn off the TV. Don’t leave it playing in the
background where it can distract from family life.
KNOW YOUR KIDS’ FRIENDS— ONLINE AND OFF.
The same parental guidelines should apply in real and virtual environments. Know what platforms, software, and apps your kids are using, what sites they’re visiting on the web, and what they’re doing there.
SET LIMITS.
Unstructured and offline play stimulates creativity. Make time each day to unplug. But you can also use screen time as family time by co-viewing, co-playing, and co-engaging online with your children. Play a video game or watch a show together. Don’t just monitor them online—interact with them so you can understand what they’re doing. Be a part of it and discuss
Thenon-profit CommonSenseMedia.orgis a goodsourceforfamily-friendly entertainmentandtechnology recommendations.
ideas like good sportsmanship and cooperation.
MODEL RESPONSIBLE SCREEN TIME.
Our children take their cues from us. Limit your own media use and model the value of face-to-face communication. Engaging in healthy back-and-forth talk time is critical for language development and development of social skills.
Media and digital devices are an integral part of our world today. Just don’t forget the value of faceto-face time with family, friends, and teachers in promoting learning and healthy social development.
VIBRANT HUES GIVE UNIQUE CHARACTER TO LIGHT-FILLED SPACES
THE RICE BOULEVARD HOUSE, IN HOUSTON
INTERIOR DESIGN BY MARY PATTON
PHOTOS BY MOLLY CULVER
COURTESY OF MARY PATTON DESIGN
The simplicity of the white brick facade and neutral grey roof act as the perfect canvas for nature’s colors to shine.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER:
Specializing in residential and commercial interior design as well as home and event styling, Mary Patton creates elegant, eclectic interiors that mix modern with vintage and high art with personal treasures to create moments of unexpected beauty for her clients.
MARYPATTONDESIGN.COM
MIXING IT UP
Bold blue hues and metal accents blended with marble and wood elements create an ideal space for culinary creations.
BEACH ON THE BOULEVARD
Pastel tones, traditional touches, and modern pops of color form a peaceful feast for the eyes.
Great bedfellows are made with the marriage of cool contemporary tones paired with a classic Eames lounger.
Vines trailing up the exterior wall and a brilliant blue lamp take this casual yet refined outdoor dining space to new heights.
FRESHEN UP
Sunbathing takes on a new meaning in this modern bathroom that is filled with natural light.
BY CHERYL ALEXANDER
Heating and cooling bills on the rise? Air conditioning running longer than usual, yet it still feels warm? Noticing weird noises? More dust? Bad smells? HVAC more than 10 years old?
Though some HVAC systems can last for over a decade, even if your system is not showing any obvious need for replacement, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about what an upgrade can offer you. There are several things to consider.
The lifespan of an HVAC system is 10 to 15 years, but if yours has been neglected by irregular preventative maintenance, your system will age prematurely. Although the furnace and the A/C might not both need replacing, it’s better to upgrade both at once to ensure all the components work together and save on labor costs.
Get an exact calculation of your home’s cooling load to determine the appropriate size unit. An HVAC system that is too large for your home suffers from inefficiency, excessive wear and tear, and a shortened lifespan. Reducing your home’s cooling or heating load is a good reason to get a more appropriately sized unit.
Older HVAC systems waste energy and increase utility bills. New purchases should meet Energy Star standards. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that if your HVAC is older than 10 years, replacing it with an Energy Star will save you 20 percent on your energy bills. If your furnace is older than 15 years, an Energy Star replacement will save you 15 percent.
One of the HVAC system’s biggest jobs is managing air quality. Bad indoor air contributes to allergies, asthma attacks, respiratory problems, and even carbon monoxide poisoning. Since we spend 87 percent of our time indoors, clean air is critical. Dated systems cannot keep up with today’s air quality demands and are not compatible with add-ons like whole-home dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and ventilators. A new system will ensure safe air at home.
Older HVAC systems treat your entire home instead of just the zones that need it most. An upgraded system will allow you to divide your home into individually targeted zones. The A/C,
ductwork, and thermostats collaborate to regulate each zone. Each zone’s thermostat is connected to a central control panel that opens and closes dampers in the ductwork to direct air to the appropriate zones. You condition only what you need and save significant energy and money.
Leaky ductwork causes the average HVAC system to lose 20 to 30 percent of the energy it generates. A ductless system, also known as a mini-split system, utilizes a single outdoor unit. Then as many as four indoor air handling units rely on a short length of conduit that runs from the outdoor unit to the indoor units, which each cool a designated zone. Separate thermostats control each zone, so you do not pay to cool lessused rooms in your home.
Smart technology makes HVAC more convenient and energyefficient by linking your system to your devices. Purchase both a smart thermostat and an Energy Star unit. A smart thermostat can allow you to program an efficient cooling schedule and even make automatic adjustments based on the weather forecast. Initially, you input info to the thermostat, but it will quickly learn your preferences and schedule, and will begin to work automatically. You can also control the system from anywhere with a smart app.
A reliable and efficient HVAC system is essential to keeping your home comfortable, especially during the months when you might need the heat one day and the AC the next.
Fresh, cool, and packed with possibilities
“WHEN ONE HAS TASTED WATERMELON, HE KNOWS WHAT THE ANGELS EAT.”
- MARK TWAIN
The high heat arrives early in the Lone Star State, and it can make you want to avoid the fun of outdoor activities. However! Along too comes the wonderful watermelon to make the outdoors cool again. Since watermelons are 92 percent water, it makes perfect sense to incorporate them into your life during our beautiful bright, summery days.
RECIPES THAT ALLOW YOU TO WATERMELON...AND ON...AND ON...AND ON!
Nothing compares to the utter joy of biting into a cold crisp slice of watermelon and letting the juice drip down your chin. But there are so many more ways to enjoy this amazing fruit.
SLUSHY STAND. Forget the lemonade stand. This year your kids will be the most popular people around with a watermelon slushie stand. Watermelon slushies are easy to make in a blender with 2 cups of cubed seedless watermelon, 2 cups of frozen strawberries, ¼ cup sugar, and 2 cups of ice cubes. Throw everything in together, cover, and blend until slushy. Don’t forget the straws and paper cups!
WATERMELON BASKET. Since watermelons have thick skin, they’re perfect for carving. Make a basket by cutting two thick cubes from either side of the melon. Leave a strip in the center for the handle. Then hollow out the flesh and fill it back up with delicious cut fruit like cantaloupe and honeydew melon balls, grapes, strawberries, and pineapple. Save the watermelon flesh by covering and chilling.
WATERMELON MOJITO. A boozy little beverage made with rum, lime juice, fresh mint, and—of course—watermelon. You’ll need 4 thick slices of watermelon (discard the rind and seeds), 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, 12 ounces of rum, ½ cup of simple syrup, and a bunch of coarsely torn mint leaves. Puree the watermelon in a blender. Transfer it to a large pitcher along with the other ingredients. Stir well. Pour into iced glasses and garnish with mint leaves.
GRILL IT UP. Bet you didn’t know you could grill watermelon! Cut your seedless melon into 1 inch wedges, remove the rind, and brush olive oil all over each piece. Grill on medium-high heat for three minutes until grill marks appear. Serve with arugula and goat cheese. Bonus: grilling watermelon enhances the cell-protecting power of its natural antioxidant lycopene.
It’s one hot summer. Have you had your watermelon today?
BY ANNETTE BROOKS WEIRD, WACKY, AND WONDERFUL ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO
Time once likened Roswell, New Mexico to Graceland for X-Files fans and UFO lovers. When I read this years ago, my first thought was, “Maybe I should check out Roswell.” Pictures of storefronts, motels, and cafés peppered with neon green alien signs and sculptures piqued my curiosity enough to add Roswell to my list of places to visit …someday.
That someday came earlier this year while planning a trip to New Mexico. I wondered how long it would take to drive from Santa Fe to Roswell. When I saw that it was just a three-hour trip, I was all in. My mantra became “Roswell, here I come!” In fact, I became more excited about finally visiting Roswell than Santa Fe, which I’ve been to many times and love.
Driving into town, I noticed the first roadside welcome sign. Expecting to see an alien or maybe a flying saucer, instead it said “Welcome to Roswell, Dairy Capital of the Southwest.” Dairy capital of the Southwest? When I think of dairy farms, I envision lush green pastures instead of semi-arid land, but a Denver-based dairy product producer has a local factory in Roswell that employs around 600 people. I considered myself gently schooled and took note that Roswell—population around
48,000—is more than UFOs and little green (or grey) men from outer space.
After dropping my bags off at the hotel, I decided to visit a museum, but which one? Embracing the more serious side of Roswell, I chose the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. Advertised as having a diverse collection of paintings, photos, and sculptures with a focus on regional artists and themes, it sounded perfect.
The exterior of the Anderson Museum was unassuming. Aside from the grey, modern sculpture blending in with the building, it could have easily been a market for Western wear—or anything, for that matter. But what was inside was pretty wonderful. No wonder this museum boasts stellar ratings on Google and TripAdvisor. Oh, and it’s free, too!
I spent two hours wandering through the museum’s galleries. The art in different mediums from a wide variety of different artists was brilliantly displayed and coordinated. Not only did it fill my art-loving soul, the museum highlighted just how diverse Roswell really is.
Being a one museum a day kind of gal, my next stop was the compact, clean, easily walkable downtown historic district. Roswell began in the 1830s as a mill town, and the historic area features many of the original buildings that have been restored. With lots of signs, murals, and some alien statues striking poses outside
of shops, here the extraterrestrial influence is on bold display. Even the light posts are alien heads. But hey, it’s Roswell. I embraced the cheesy quirkiness and bought a couple of alien-themed t-shirts. Being of Scottish descent, I was especially amused by a sign inside a shop that welcomed earthlings, aliens, and Scotsmen. After this, I headed to the only space and UFO-themed McDonald’s in the world for an ice-cold beverage and a look-see before returning to the hotel.
After relaxing a couple of hours and checking work emails, I made my way to Big D’s Downtown Dive for dinner. How could I resist a local burger joint with this name and lots of 5-star reviews?
Luckily, lunch was light because this “small place with big taste” offered up fantastic burgers. With Texas still in my blood, I ordered the Texas BBQ burger with crispy onions, house slaw, aged cheddar, apple-smoked bacon, and Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce. I thought about letting them know this sauce is made in Chicago, but who was I to split hairs with these good folk?
The next and final day in Roswell, with only one more museum to fit into my schedule, I had to choose between the UFO Museum And Research Center which opened in 1991, and the highly acclaimed Roswell Museum & Art Center (RMAC). One part of me thought, “Be a grown up. Go to RMAC which features exhibits about the art and history of the American Southwest.” My alter ego whispered, “Oh c’mon. Have some fun. This will likely be your only trip to Roswell.”
So, you guessed it, I paid the modest $5 entry fee and began to explore the
Roswell has the only space and UFO-themed McDonald’s in the world
weird and fascinating world of space aliens, Roswell style. It’s a fun place that includes a comprehensive overview of the 1947 Roswell crash. And the big UFO that moves every 30 minutes, complete with lights and fake smoke augments the whole commercial out-of-thisworld vibe. Set aside about an hour in your schedule for this attraction.
Zipping northward to Albuquerque to board a late afternoon flight, I pondered how exactly I’d sum up Roswell. Simply put, it’s two-sided. Go there expecting to see and experience everything Roswell—both the weird and wacky as well as the wonderful and inspiring. You won’t be disappointed.
BUILD SOME LIFETIME MEMORIES WITH THESE FAMILY FRIENDLY RECIPES EVERYONE CAN MAKE TOGETHER BY MELISSA TATE
TIPS AND TRICKS
Let family members get creative with their nachos and use leftovers from other meals. Buffalo chicken nachos are easy with shredded rotisserie chicken, blue cheese crumbles, Frank’s Red Hot sauce, and green onions. Or maybe try brisket nachos with chopped brisket, onion, and BBQ sauce.
MAKES: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS | TIME: 20 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS: For the base: Tortilla chips | Grated cheese Your choice of toppings: Taco meat | Shredded rotisserie chicken | Corn | Beans | Lettuce | Tomato | Onion | Hot sauce | Jalapeños | Sour cream
DIRECTIONS: PREHEAT oven to 350˚F. SPRAY a sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray and arrange tortilla chips onto it. Sprinkle cheese over tortilla chips. DIVIDE the sheet pan into sections, one for each person. Now let everyone add their own toppings to their nacho section. Make sure all proteins are precooked. ONCE all sections are ready, bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until starting to get golden around the edges. Broil the top of the nachos for 2 to 3 minutes or until desired crispness.
For Caprese salad sticks, use fresh mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and tomatoes. Use different varieties of lettuce to add texture to your salad sticks. This is also a great way to use up extra veggies in your refrigerator.
MAKES: AS MUCH AS YOU WANT! | TIME: 1 MINUTE EACH
INGREDIENTS: Lettuce | Tomatoes | Onion | Cucumber | Mushrooms | Cheese | Broccoli | Croutons | Salad dressing
DIRECTIONS: CLEAN all vegetables and cut larger ingredients into smaller pieces. USING wooden kabob skewers or party forks, stack salad items. Bulkier veggies on bottom, smaller veggies in the middle, and a bigger ingredient as a topper. DISPLAY on a platter and serve with different salad dressings for dipping.
MAKES: 6 SERVINGS | TIME: 30 MINUTES + 30 MINUTE CHILL
You can make filling ahead of time and keep in refrigerator for up to 10 days. Have fruits already cut and placed in individual bowls and cookies baked and cooled for an easy fruit pizza making party! PHOTOS & FOOD BY MELISSA
To follow her cooking adventures visit MelissaTateTX.com or find her on Instagram at @MELISSATATETX
INGREDIENTS: 16 oz. tube of refrigerated sugar cookie dough | 8 oz. cream cheese, softened | ½ cup butter, softened | 4 cups powdered sugar | 2 tsp. lemon juice | 2 tsp. vanilla | Assorted fruits
DIRECTIONS: CUT sugar cookie dough into 6 equal parts. Flatten each cookie dough part into a ¼” circle. Lay all 6 cookies on a parchment paper covered baking sheet. Place in freezer for at least 30 minutes. WHEN chilled, remove cookies from freezer and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until slightly golden around edges. Remove from oven, let sit for just a minute and then move to cooling rack. WHILE cookies cool, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla together until fully combined. Cut fruits as desired. When cookies are cooled, spread cream cheese mixture on each cookie and decorate with fruit. Serve immediately.
THAT’S MAKING US SAY “WE LIKE IT!” THIS MONTH
TRANSFORM THE WORLD
Commemorate an iconic human rights figure by recognizing Nelson Mandela International Day this month—in honor of his 67 years of public service, devote 67 minutes of your time to making a gesture of solidarity with humanity by affecting change in your community.
SATURDAY, JULY 18, MANDELADAY.COM
TAKE A HINT
Drinking water is especially important as our Texas temperatures rise, but getting in the required amounts of H20 can be a chore. Shake up your daily intake with one of the many flavors of Hint’s zero calorie waters. They ship direct to your door, have first time customer deals, and subscribe and save options too. Who knew hydrating could be so deliciously easy?
$16 AND UP, DRINKHINT.COM
BURNS ARE A BUMMER
It’s not always easy to slather sunscreen on your face and sprays can be even more irritating. This effortless SPF 30 Sun Bum face stick is a shining alternative. It’s broad spectrum UVA/ UVB protection with vitamin E and is hypoallergenic, cruelty free, paraben free, gluten free, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes—oh, it smells amazing too!
$10, SUNBUM.COM
SHINE ON!
No artificial flavors, colors, or high fructose corn syrup and with real fruit to boot, make it easy for sweet tooths young and old to enjoy the guilt-free goodness of an Outshine fruit bar. There are lots of fantastic flavors, but our summertime favorites include creamy coconut, pineapple, and watermelon.
PRICE VARIES, LOCAL GROCERY STORES
SUMMER IN STYLE
Austin based Criquit is well known for its vintage inspired golf shirts and their partnership with native Texan Luke Wilson. So it’s only fitting that they would create a perfect poolside polo. This double duty dynamo made of absorbent 100 percent cotton terrycloth will dry you off after a swim, but is stylish enough to wear out to dinner.
$84, CRIQUETSHIRTS.COM
