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LivingELLIS COUNTY

M A G A Z I N E

*8(6763($.(56

ZERO Down0% APR Interest

60 Months!

www.centralkubota.com

501 North I-35 E.

www.centralkubota.comwww.centralkubota.com972-938-1770

501 North I-35 E.WAXAHACHIE, TX

SERVING ELLIS COUNTY FOR 33 YEARS

&HQWUDO...or choose a tractor designed as much for comfort and ergonomics as for power and utility.

972-938-1770972-938-1770

SERVING ELLIS COUNTY FOR 33 YEARS

972-938-1770

SERVING ELLIS COUNTY FOR 33 YEARS

KUBOTA ZERO-TURN MOWERSKUBOTA ZD326

The BXtraordinary KUBOTA BX1860The BXtraordinary

BX-Series

$0 down, 0% A.P.R. fi nancing for terms up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota equipment from available inventory at participating dealers through 6/30/2012. Example: A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 borrowed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Only Kubota and select Kubota performance-matched Land Pride and equipment is eligible.

Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental customers. 0% A.P.R. and low rate fi nancing may not be available with customer instant rebate (C.I.R.) offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 6/30/2012. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information.

Introducing COMPLETE Lawn MaintenanceThe Metroplexs most trusted greenery now o! ers full service lawn maintenance! We u s e t h e h i g h e s t q u a l i t y e q u i p m e n t a n d g r a s s t r e a t m e n t s t o ke e p t h i c k , h e a l t hy l a w n s fo r o u r c u s t o m e r s .

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Sign up for our COMPLETE Lawn Maintenance Package and RECEIVE 10% OFF ALL SERVICES! Complete lawn service includes weekly lawn maintenance and full fertilization and weed control program.

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Visit our nursery in Midlothian Between March 1 and March 31 and use this coupon for

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(not valid with any other discounts or o! ers. one per customer.)

Purchase a Cedar Cabana or Pergola PLUS an outdoor ! replace and

Receive a $250.00 Gift card to EarthTones Greenery

If you find a like product for

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With over 3,000 projects successfully installed in the area, our sta! has the knowledge, experience, and price to make your project a success.

Free consultation and estimates! SEE REVERSE FOR INFO ON OUR NEW COMPLETE LAWN MAINTENANCE!

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH-APRIL 2012.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

18 BEFORE THEYRE MOVIES

12 CHECK OUT THE LATEST IN LOCAL FASHION

2012

APRIL

32 GET OUT IN THE GARDEN!

FASHION

LIFE & STYLE

HOME & GARDEN

PROFESSIONAL

MEDICAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MARCHSpring Fashion 12-14What You Need to Know About Waxing 16

Before Theyre Movies 18Texas Taps 20Recipe File 22The 10 Commandments of a Guys Road Trip 24Be a Mindful Mom 26 Bountiful Baskets 28Marketplace 30

Gardening Section 32Storage Wars 40March-April Plants 44Jump In! 46

Whats New for 2011 Tax Returns 48The Philosophy of Three Words 50The Lady Bird Deed 52The Real World Keeps Score 56Lessons Learned 54

VAULT: Margaret Shaw, DDS, PA 56Supplement Snapshot: Can a Pill Bring Better Health? 58Social Media 60Youre So Vein 62Outsourcing 64Are You Fit to Get Fit? 66Stop Springtime Sniffles 68Are You Connected? 70

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH-APRIL 20120

Volume 8 Issue 2

Cindy CampPUBLISHER

Jennifer Kemp

ART DIRECTOR

Kate McClendonEXECUTIVE EDITOR

Kathryn KempASSISTANT EDITOR

Pamela McCroryPatti Youngblood

Missy GautierADVERTISING

Susan KosorisCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Tyler-Marie EvansINTERN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSMelinda Hines

Diane Johnson CollardMelinda KocianJacob A. Hale

Mark SingletonDr. Katherine Donaldson, Psy. D.

Cindy Burch

Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly

by ECL Media, Inc. using only environmentally friendly ink.

Copyright 2012, ECL Media, Inc.All rights reserved.

For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938

or info@living-magazine.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! www.facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving

twitter.com/ECLiving

We are proud members of the Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian and Red Oak Chambers of Commerce.

No portion of Ellis County Living Magazine shall be reprinted in any other publication without permission.

The views expressed herein should not be construed as medi-cal advice. Please consult your physician.

Guarantee youll receive Ellis County Living Magazine by sub-scribing today! Go to www.living-magazine.com

and click on subscriptions.

LivingELLIS COUNTY

M A G A Z I N E

Cover photo by Thibaut thibautdesign.comStaff photos by Marie Q Photography Hair and makeup by Misty Templeton

Please join us in celebrating Jennifers fantastic five years by congratulating her on our Facebook page.

Jennifer is the art director for Ellis County Living Magazine. She has a perfectionist work ethic and works around the clock to make sure the magazine maintains its high design standard. While ad design and page design are two very different worlds, her charming and positive nature keeps the two sides of magazine production working well together. You can send questions or comments to Jennifer@living-magazine.com.

Kate is the editor of Ellis County Living Magazine. She grew up in Waxahachie and graduated from Baylor University as a journalism major and studio art minor. Kate loves all aspects of the writing and ed-iting process and has writing experience for multiple mediums. If you have any ideas, questions or comments, send her an e-mail at Kate@living-magazine.com.

Cindy has been a force in Ellis County for more than 20 years. An optimistic and generous lead-er, she has supported many local organizations throughout her time living in Waxahachie, and was the perfect candidate to start Ellis County Living Magazine. Send her your thoughts at publisher@living-magazine.com.

Pamela is our Sales Account Executive for Waxahachie and Red Oak. She has an extensive background in sales and advertising and also runs a promotional advertising business. She enjoys her family and friends, cooking, entertaining, and traveling. Contact her at pamela@eclmedia.com.

Susan is a University of Texas business school graduate with 25 years experience in business management, marketing and accounting. She has recently joined the staff of Living Magazine as the chief financial officer. Susan has three sons and enjoys volunteering, cooking, read-ing and traveling. Contact her at accounting@eclmedia.com.

Patti is our assistant editor and assists with business development. She is a retired high school English teacher and was raised in Waxahachie. Patti assists the editorial staff and she assists clients in the Ennis area with their advertising needs. Patti is married, the mother of two grown daughters, and a proud Nan-Nan to her two darling grandsons, Will and Benjamin. Contact her at patti@living-magazine.com.

Missy was born and raised in Houston. She worked there for many years in the sales, marketing and public relations industry. Missy is a Texas State University graduate and a published freelance writer. She recently joined the Living Magazine staff as as an advertising representative, concentrat-ing on the areas of Midlothian, Ovilla and Red Oak. Her professional and thorough approach will give clients the competitive edge they need to suc-ceed. Contact her at missy@eclmedia.com.

Kathryn has joined our team as assistant editor. She studied journal-ism and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 2009. She loves writing and has a curiosity that drives her to always be ask-ing questions and learning about the world around her. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, going out with her friends and playing games. Send an e-mail to Kathryn at kathryn@living-magazine.com.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH-APRIL 2012)(

As the weather is getting warmer, its time to get outside and welcome the spring season.

This issue focuses on everything spring as we feature many gardening-related articles in conjunc-tion with the upcoming Master Gardeners Lawn & Garden Expo on Saturday, March 31. In these articles youll fi nd everything you need to know about landscaping, starting an herb garden, rainwater harvesting and much more.

Also in this issue youll fi nd our favorite Texas beers, books that will soon be movies, how to sign up for bi-weekly fresh and local produce, and what to do to have a successful guys roadtrip.

In the next issue, well be focusing on health and wellness so youll get to read many articles aimed at making all of our lives a little healthier.

There are many events coming up this March and April that give you the opportunity to get out there and enjoy spring. From craft fairs to Easter egg hunts, youll have no problem fi lling up your schedule!

Happy reading!

EDITORS NOTE

AROUND TOWN

Happy reading!

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

Do you have an event that you want everyone to know about? Send an e-mail to: EVENTS@LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

Midlothian Conference Center with en-tertainment featuring the Dallas String Quartet. For more information, please call 972.923.6439.

ENNISwww.ennis-chamber.com

WINDING RIDGE BED & BREAKFAST OPENINGWinding Ridge Bed and Breakfast, located on Sugar Ridge Road just outside of Ennis, will be open for bookings this March. The bed and breakfast is located on 22 acres that will be covered with bluebonnets this spring. It will be the perfect place for a weekend getaway. For more information, please call 214.543.3057.

BLUEBONNET TRAILS FESTIVALDuring the weekend of April 21 and 22, take some time to explore the offi cial bluebonnet trail and snap some pictures in the fi elds of our lovely state fl ower. Visit downtown Ennis for art, crafts, souvenirs, food and live music.

RED OAKwww.redoaktx.org

EASTER EGG HUNTRed Oak Parks & Recreation will put on the annual Easter Egg Hunt from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 6 at Pearson Park. Come out and let your little ones hunt for eggs for free!

RED OAK BRIDAL SHOWIf youre planning a wedding, the Red Oak Bridal Show will provide help with many vendors, lots of information and a fashion show put on by Emmas Bridal Boutique. The Bridal Show will take place on April 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Red Oak Municipal Center.

WAXAHACHIEwww.waxahachiechamber.com

LAWN & GARDEN EXPOCome out Saturday, March 31, to the Waxahachie Civic Center to learn all about the latest in gardening at the Mas-ter Gardeners Lawn & Garden Expo. For more information, visit www.ecmga.com.

HEALING HEARTS GALAOn Saturday, March 31, come out to the First United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. to support Healing Hearts Center at their gala, Facing the Giants, Breaking the Si-lence. The Healing Hearts Center is a domestic violence support center serving Ellis County residents. For more informa-tion, visit www.healing-hearts-center.org.

CRAFT FAIRThe Texas Baptist Home will be hosting their second annual TBH Craft Fair for Adoption on Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church. Ad-mission is $2. Contact Megan Baldwin at 972.937.1321 for more information.

MIDLOTHIANwww.midlothianchamber.org

EASTER EGG HUNTBring the kids and search for eggs at the Easter Egg Hunt, put on by the Midlothian Downtown Business Association and the City of Midlothian. Beginning at 10 a.m. on March 31, kids ages 1 month to 10 years old can search Kimmel Park for all the eggs they can fi nd!

NAVARRO COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP GALABonjour Brilliance, the Navarro Col-lege Scholarship Fundraising Gala, will be held on Saturday, April 14, at the

Boyce Feed & Grain

Buffalo Creek Cowgirls

Check It Out Fabrics

Citizens National Bank

College Street Printing

College Street Pub

Common Threads Quilt Shop

Corners Art Gallery & Framing

Crafty Scrapper

Creative Laser Tattoo Removal Clinic

Dans Maintenance Service

Ellis County Art Association

Ellis County Living Magazine

Ellis County Museum

Gifts, Etc.

Gingerbread Antique Mall

Glenns Warehouse Carpet

Grans Antiques

H&H Grocery & Deli

KBEC 1390 Radio AM

Klassy Klutter

Martha Nells Clothes Tree

Maxwell Jewelry

Mosaic Madness

NAPA Auto Parts/Marina Pool Supplies

Old Town Village Antiques & Uniques

Patrick Home Partnership

Pearman Oil & LP Gas

Pete & Re-Pete

Plato Loco Restaurant

Salon Friends

The Gilded Lily Pad

The Texas Theater

The Doves Nest Antiques & Restaurant

Tina Bohlman Gallery

Tire Town

TLC Event Rentals

Waxahachie Daily Light

Waxahachie NOW

Whitleys Philly Grille

COME SHOP OR VISIT WITH THESE MEMBERS IN OUR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREA!

THE CRAFTY SCRAPPER308 S. College www.thecraftyscrapper.comBlossoming Birdcage Album ClassMarch 3 10:30 a.m. $35Altered Canvas Cookbook ClassMarch 3 10:30 a.m. $50Baby Keepsake Box & Mini-Album ClassMarch 10 10:30 a.m. $28No Frills Crop April 7 10:30 a.m. $25

GINGERBREAD ANTIQUE MALL310 S. College 972.937.0968Second Saturday at Gingerbread Antique Mall March 10 & April 14 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Antique appraisal day and sale! Shop for great bargains throughout the store. Bring in a cherished item for a free verbal (non-binding) appraisal.

MOSAIC MADNESS211 S. College www.mosaicmadness.netSecond Saturday Sale at Mosaic Madness March 10 & April 14Take 20% off all hand-made custom mosaic, stained glass pieces & retail items. Come in and mention 2nd Saturday to receive discount pricing.

MKT TRAIN DEPOT501 S. Rogers Daniel Smith: 214.532.5795First Annual MKT Train Depot Model Train Show March 10 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $5 Hosted by Historic

Waxahachie

OLD TOWN VILLAGE307 S. Rogers www.oldtownvillageantiques.comOld Town Village Second Saturday Sale March 10 - 11 & April 14 - 15Take 20% off all regularly priced items $10 and over. (Not valid on fi rm, sale and previously marked down items. Must be $10 or more per item.)

PAPER COWGIRL RETREAT972.921.6883 www.papercowgirl.blogspot.comPaper Cowgirl Retreat March 15 - 16 Take 20% off all regularly priced items $10 and over. (Not valid on fi rm, sale and previously marked down items. Must be $10 or more per item.)

PETTICOATS ON THE PRAIRIEChautauqua Auditorium www.petticoatsontheprairie.blogspot.comPetticoats on the Prairie - The Premier Vintage Market in West Texas March 17 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $5

WAXAHACHIE LIONS CLUB MINI GRAND PRIXHistoric Downtown Waxahachie www.waxahachielionsclub.org/minigrandprix/default.htmWaxahachie Lions Club Mini Grand Prix April 21Miniature NASCAR-style go-karts race to the fi nish!

Downtown Waxahachie is blooming with fun! Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

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CHECK IT OUTIf you are looking for fabric for recovering furniture, DIY projects and accessories, come see Michele Hampton. As the creative force she can design, transform and decorate your home from beginning to end. 212 S. Rogers Street Downtown Waxahachie checkitoutfabrics.net 972.938.2403 5ROOV5ROOVRI

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL OF THE FUN THINGS GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WAXAHACHIE, VISIT...

Downtown W A X A H A C H I E

SHOPPING

TOP, Chic Boutique $38.95JEANS, Chic Boutique $29.99

EARRINGS, Target $5.99SHOES, Plain Jane $38GLASSES, Target $16.99

ESSIE POLISH, Ole Caliente $8

DRESS, Chic Boutique $78CLUTCH, Target $16.99

REAL TURQUOISE BRACELET, Merle Norman $100SHOES, Maurices $29

EARRINGS, Target $7.99SONIA KASHUK POLISH, Fairy Princess Target $4.99

TOP, Chic Boutique $38.95MISS ME JEANS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $99.99

BRIGHTON PURSE, Briarpatch $195WEDGES, Target $29.99

BRIGHTON EARRINGS, Briarpatch $54SONIA KASHUK POLISH, Dream of Genie Target $4.99

SPRING FASHION

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH-APRIL 2012)*

FASHION

DRESS, Plain Jane $48BOOTS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $239

EARRINGS, Target $9.99NECKLACE, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $14.99

SONIA KASHUK POLISH, Tango Mango Target $4.99

TOP, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $55.99PURSE, Merle Norman $79

MISS ME JEANS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $85.99FLATS, Target $12.99

OWL NECKLACE, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $16.23OPI NAIL POLISH, Merle Norman $8.50

DRESS, Plain Jane $48PURSE, Merle Norman $69

BRACELET, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $35.99SANDALS, Target $24.99

NECKLACE, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $14.99OPI NAIL POLISH, Merle Norman $8.50

MARCH-APRIL 2012 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM )+

TOP, Chic Boutique, $34.95JEANS, Briarpatch $88

BRACELETS, Target $19.99FLATS, Target $12.99EARRINGS, $14.99

SONIA KASHUK POLISH, Golden Ticket Target $4.99

DRESS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $50.99RING, Target $24.99

BOOTS, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $240FLOWER ON BOOT, Buffalo Creek Cowgirl $20BRIGHTON BRACELETS, Briarpatch $48 each

ESSIE POLISH, Navigate Her $8

TOP, Chi c Boutique $34.95JEANS, Chic Boutique $29.99

EARRINGS, Target $7.99SHOES, Maurices On-line $39

BRACELET, Belk $35ESSIE POLISH, A Crewed Interest $8

SPRING FASHION

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH-APRIL 2012),

FASHION

MARCH-APRIL 2012 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM )-

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH-APRIL 2012).

Warmer months are upon us, and no-body wants to get caught in a Sex and the City Miranda Moment. Be sure you know when to wax and how to maintain the smooth results.

WAX TYPESHard wax has a low melting tempera-ture and cures to a fi rm consistency similar to the way that candle wax hardens. As the wax cures, it shrink wraps around the hair and does not adhere to the skin, causing less red-ness or irritation. Its great for sensitive areas like lip, bikini and underarm.

Many estheticians use soft wax for larger areas like the legs, chest or back due to the ease of application and speedier process. It is applied in the direction of the hair growth; a muslin or pellon strip is applied over the soft wax and then pulled against the direction of the hair growth. Some redness may occur, and a sticky residue may be left behind. Ul-timately, both waxes are effective for removing hair.

WHEN TO AVOID WAXINGAlways tell your esthetician any medi-cations you are taking, as some medi-cations may cause the skin to thin;

therefore, waxing would not be an ideal hair removal method. Many acne topical treatments will thin the skin as well, so consult your wax specialist to learn if waxing is contraindicated.

To avoid a bad wax job, ensure the waxing technician is a licensed es-thetician or cosmetologist. Let the technician know if the wax is too hot, and make sure they dont wax the same area twice with soft wax. A new stick should be used each dip to avoid cross contamination. If they double dip during your service, just imagine how many times theyve done it before. EYEBROW SHAPINGAs a makeup artist and esthetician, I believe nothing enhances the face like a set of well-groomed eyebrows. The brows frame the eyes and add shape to the face. Fuller brows are the most attractive. If you have fallen vic-tim to the over-tweezed brow craze of the 90s, there is still hope. Many people have found that products made for lash growth enhancement work equally as well on the eyebrows. Once your brows have grown out, go to a wax technician you can trust to shape your brows naturally.

BIKINI BASICSA traditional bikini wax includes re-moval of any hair outside of the un-derwear line. A Brazilian bikini wax is removal of all hair in the bikini area, including the behind if desired. To minimize pain, many people have found that applying a numbing cream shortly before the waxing and/or taking a pain reliever, like Tylenol, is helpful. After waxing, exfoliation is es-sential to avoid ingrown hairs. Use a sugar scrub twice weekly for smooth, bump-free skin. It is recommended to wax every three to four weeks for op-timum results.

FASHION

BY AMBER THOMPSON

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT WAXING

Getting Your Skin in ShapeBy Amber Thompson

AMBER is an esthetician with more than 10 years experi-ence in the beauty

industry, including top Este Lauder companies and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas. She now manages the Spa at Equinox, Preston Hollow, and works as a makeup artist in Ellis County and surrounding areas. For an ap-pointment, reach her at amber.thompson@equinox.com.

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH-APRIL 2012)0

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTERBy Seth Grahame-SmithThis satirical true story of our nations 16th president depicts a grief-stricken Abraham Lincoln seek-ing revenge after his mother is killed by a vampire. From the author of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, this story chronicles the life of Abraham Lincoln from his early teen years through his assassination in 1865 (apparently the work of a vampire). Produced by Tim Burton, the silver screen version is set to hit theaters June 22.

THE WETTEST COUNTY IN THE WORLDBy Matt BondurantBased on true stories about his grandfather and two great-uncles, Matt Bondurants The Wettest County in the World depicts the struggles, crimes and greed of three bootlegging brothers, the Bondurant Boys, in depression-era Virginia. Notorious gangsters and roughnecks, the brothers ran liquor through Franklin County, VA during Prohibition and for years after. Shia LeBouf and Jessica Chastain star in the fi lm adaptation hitting theaters August 31.

CLOUD ATLAS: A NOVELBy David MitchellTravel through time as six intertwining stories take the reader from a boat on the Pacifi c in 1850 to between-the-wars Belgium, Governor Reagans California, 21st century U.K., Korea in the near future and post-apocalyptic Hawaii, then all the way back again to end where it began. With a star-studded cast including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant and Susan Sarandon, this fi lm is set to be released October 19.

LES MISERABLESBy Victor HugoThe epic story of a French ex-convict living in early 19th century Paris has been told and re-told, most memorably as the stage musical. On December 7, a fi lm adaptation of the musical hits theaters, with a notable cast including Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried and Helena Bonham Carter.

GREAT GATSBYBy F. Scott FitzgeraldThe classic American novel gives the reader a glimpse of 1920s Long Island as seen through the eyes of narrarator Nick Carraway. Set to release Christmas Day, the fi lm will star Leonardo DiCaprio as the mysterious Jay Gatsby and Tobey Maguire as Nick Car-raway. Carey Mulligan and Isla Fisher also play key roles.

ON THE ROADBy Jack KerouacThis autobiographical novel based on author Jack Kerouacs real-life road trips across post-World War II America sheds light on what has come to be known as the Beat Gen-eration. Expected to be released December 27, the silver screen version will star such names as Kirsten Dunst, Amy Adams and Kristen Stewart.

BY KATHRYN KEMP, NEW STAFF BOOK-A-HOLIC

Lately, weve seen more and more books being brought to life on the big screen, and it looks like 2012 will be no different. While many anxiously await the release of novel-turned-movie, The Hun-ger Games, here are a few more titles to check out before the fi lm versions come out later this year.

BEFORE THEYRE MOVIESLIFE & STYLE

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MARCH-APRIL 2012 LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM )1

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH-APRIL 2012*(

DEEP ELLUM PUNXSATAWNEY PILSThis is a crisp, light and slightly spicy beer from Deep Ellum Brewing Company that ap-propriately debuted on Groundhogs Day. The brewery just opened in December and offers six beers that are available in several restaurants and bars in DFW and Austin.

DEEP ELLUM BREWING COMPANYDallas214.888.3322www.deepellumbrewing.com

RAHR & SONS IRON THISTLERahr & Sons Brewing Company has been a staple in the Fort Worth community since its founding in 2004. The Iron Thistle, a dark, thick and sweetly malty Scottish style ale, is one of the brewerys seasonal offerings. If youre interested in trying more from this brew-ery, they offer tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays and a brew cruise in late March.

RAHR & SONS BREWING COMPANYFort Worth817.810.9266www.rahrbrewing.com

REAL ALE FIREMANS #4 BLONDE ALEThis beer was a favorite among our staff because of its refreshing taste with subtle hints of citrus fruits. Well be looking forward to enjoying it on the upcoming warm spring days.

REAL ALE BREWING COMPANYBlanco830.833.2534www.realalebrewing.com

SAINT ARNOLD SPRING BOCK Saint Arnolds German-style Spring Bock has a complex taste made up of fruity, sweet and grainy notes that creates the perfect patio beer. All of the staff agreed that this beer was a must-try. If you want to sample more brews at the Houston-based brewery, $7 will get you a tour of the facility and a glass for your top choice.

SAINT ARNOLD BREWING COMPANYHouston713.686.9494www.saintarnold.com

SOUTHERN STAR BOMBSHELL BLONDEThis rich, golden ale has fl avors of lemon, bread and hops and is only available in a can. The packaging may turn bottle devotees off, but we say to give it a try! Southern Star is a relatively young brewery that focuses on more than beerthey recycle most of the waste produced by the brewery and they host an annual contest for homebrewers to win a chance for their beer to be brewed on Southern Stars system.

SOUTHERN STAR BREWING COMPANYConroe936.441.2739www.southernstarbrewery.com

Texas TapsBE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS...Four Corners Brewing Company, another microbrew-ery, will be opening this fall on Singleton Ave., near the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, as part of the ongoing plan to revitalize the area.

For many years, Texans have associated Lone Star and Shiner Bock as Texas beers. Although both are still available, microbreweries are popping up all over the state, giving Texans other choices for Texas-made beers. The next time you are planning an outing, consider contacting some of these local breweries to take a tour and sample some of their wares.

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BY LIVING MAGAZINE STAFF

LIFE & STYLE

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Black Bean SoupBlack bean soup is a perennial favorite. It has a rich feel and great flavor, but what about spice? I always cool off my soup with a spoonful of sour cream but just for the contrast of hot and cold, never to relieve the bright spices in the soup because it rarely is made with a lot of heat. The balance of spicy soups should fall between the satisfaction of lots of heat while still being able to discern the different flavors of the other ingredients, so look for this as you make any dish where spices are included. Heat should be there to amplify the flavors, not drown them out completely. This dish is easily made vegetarian by substituting water for the chicken stock and any kind of cooking oil for the bacon.

4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into small slices1 medium onion, diced1 carrot, diced1 stalk of celery, diced2 cloves of garlic, minced1 jalapeno, diced (feel free to remove seeds to better control the heat)2 cans of black beans or 1 pound of dried beans, cooked.1 can of black-eyed peasPinches of cayenne, Mexican oregano, cinnamon, cumin 3 cups water or chicken stock1-2 tablespoons masa or all-purpose flour1 limeSalt and pepper to taste

Set up Dutch oven or large stockpot to medium and toss in bacon; let render for 7-10 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside. Add the onions and let cook until translucent, then add carrot, celery, garlic, jalapeno and cook for another 5 minutes until soft. Add the spices, stirring them for about 30 seconds to let them bloom, then add beans and stock. Scrape the bottom of the pan to free any small bits left over and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and let go for about 25 minutes. At this point, taste the broth and adjust the seasonings, adding whatever you like. Take an immersion blender and blend for about 1-2 minutes until partially blended, so you have some whole beans and thick consistency. (You can also add a few ladles of the soup into a blender and process then add back into your soup.) Squeeze the lime juice into the soup just before serving. Its even better the second day!

Roasted Carrots with Agave and Red Onions

Roasted carrots are an often overlooked option for dinner, so adding red onion and the light sweetness of agave enhance the dish and give bright colors to your table. Try this easy side dish to go with a richer stew or soup, or make it on the grill in the summer.

1 pound carrots, washed and peeled if desired2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced1/4 cup agave 2-3 red onions, sliced and rings separatedSalt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice carrots in half lengthwise and then in half again and toss in a large bowl with agave, thyme, red onions and salt and pepper. On a large sheet pan, make an even layer of the mixture and pop in the oven. Rotate the pan after 20 minutes and check every 5 minutes for doneness. They should be fork tender and a little caramelized when they are ready. Serve immediately or at room temperature. Serves 4.

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Pita Bread3 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 1/4 cups water, a little hotter than body temperature Combine water and yeast to dissolve. Combine flour, olive oil, salt and sugar, then add water and yeast. Process for 30 seconds or mix by hand until mixture forms a ball, then knead until a smooth texture is formed. Cover and let sit in oil until it doubles in size. Punch down dough and cut into 6 equal pieces and form each piece into a ball. Cover with a damp paper towel loosely and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Using a rolling pin or stretching the dough with your hands (like pizza), flatten each ball into a 1/4-inch thick disk. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes or until puffed.

RECIPES BY MEAGAN CAMP

LIFE & STYLE

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With spring right around the corner, my attention focuses toward a number of outdoor activities. This is the time of year that you might fi nd me at the local bait and tackle shop stocking up on plastic lizards and spinner baits. Or you might catch me at Richards Park taking in some Indian Baseball. And if Ive behaved myself all week, my wife might just let me loose on the weekend to play a little golf.

But more so than any of these, spring means that its time to start planning our an-nual guys trip. With that in mind, I thought it might be fun to inscribe the unspoken rules of guy trip etiquette. Using past experience as my guide, I came up with the 10 Com-mandments. To protect the privacy and identity of my friends, I have refrained from using any names here, but you guys know who you are. Lets get it!

COMMANDMENT ITHOU SHALT NOT BE LATEThis one sounds simple, but dont let it fool you. Theres no better way to hack off your buddies than to have them sitting in a hot Suburban waiting on someone who overslept. And it never fails that this guy gets out of his car in a great mood, cant fi gure out why everyone is mad, and has somehow had time to stop at Whata-burger on his commute. Not a good start there, padna.

COMMANDMENT II THOU SHALT NOT UNDER EXAGGERATE I know this commandment is a little silly, but we all know that guys exaggerate when they start comparing battle scars. I fi gure if theres ever a time to infl ate the truth a little bit, this is it. Lord knows when you get home it wont fl y. Your wife will call you out in a heartbeat. So take advantage when youre with your guy friends who might actually believe you.

COMMANDMENT IIITHOU SHALT NOT BRING YOUR WORK WITH YOUThe sole purpose of the trip is to get away

from the hustle and bustle. Bringing the offi ce with you is asking for trouble. If someone insists on working, they must understand that they will be constantly interrupted, made fun of, and become the butt of all jokes until they put away the laptop.

COMMANDMENT IV THOU SHALT NOT BRING YOUR WIFE/GIRLFRIEND/FIANC Youre thinking, Who would bring their signifi cant other on a guys trip? Like I said beforeI wont name names, but trust me, it happens. Its usually two guys that do this. They assure everyone that their wives will be shopping the whole time. WRONG! Want to ruin the trip? Bring your old lady.

COMMANDMENT V THOU SHALT NOT ROOM SNORERS WITH NON-SNORERSIf you snore, its hilarious to hear how your freight-train breathing technique kept ev-eryone up all night. But if you dont, you have a hard time not asphyxiating your roommate with the extra pillow. Solution: snorers in one room, non-snorers in an-other. Problem solved.

COMMANDMENT VI THOU SHALT NOT TAKE INCRIMINATING PHOTOS/VIDEOSGuys act 10 years younger when they are on a road trip. Its a fact. Opportu-nities are abundant to capture some-one acting in a manner not concurrent with their age. With social media these days, its imperative that an agreement is made to not publish any such photos or videos.

COMMANDMENT VII THOU SHALT NOT CHALLENGE THE AUTHORITIESAlthough I am good friends with a lo-cal bail bondsman, I would prefer not to call him because someone in the group decided to go streaking in the quad. So anything from a police offi cer to the Wal-

Mart security guard is to receive utmost respect. This should eliminate an unwanted wake-up call to your best friends wife.

COMMANDMENT VIII THOU SHALT NOT FORGET TO CALL HOMEDO NOT under any circumstances for-get to make the nightly call home. Your wife is already worried just by the fact that you are gone. Her mind will go to the worst-case scenario if she doesnt hear from you. Even if you went to bed at 8:30 p.m. and did nothing wrong, you will be punished and treated as if you did whatever unimaginable act she created in her head while waiting for the phone to ring. You lose either way. Just make the call.

COMMANDMENT IX THOU SHALT NOT BE A MOOCHFavorite phrases of the mooch: I dont carry cash, Dude, cover me and Ill get you later, I must have left my wal-let in the room. These words are like nails on a chalkboard to the friend with cash, because he knows theres a bet-ter chance of being struck by lightning than getting his five bucks back. So be sure to hit up the ATM machine before leaving town.

COMMANDMENT X THOU SHALT NOT BE THAT GUYIt is undeniable. It happens every trip. For some reason theres always one guy who completely annoys everyone. He usu-ally surfaces around lunchtime of day two, and no matter what he does or says the rest of the trip, you dont want to hear it. Heed this warning: if you cant spot That Guy by lunch of day two, theres a good chance you are That Guy.

So call your buds, plan a trip and remem-ber to always adhere to the 10 Com-mandments.

Judd McCutchen is a Waxahachie native and has never been That Guy.

LIFE & STYLE

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF

A GUYS ROAD TRIPBY JUDD MCCUTCHEN

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PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS IN YOUR OWN FAMILY. ITS THE LITTLE, EVERYDAY SWEET THINGS THAT MAKE THE MOST DIFFERENCE TO THOSE WE LOVE. Leave notes of encouragement

around the house, in their office, their car, lunchbox or briefcase.

Write down 25 reasons why you love your child on separate slips of paper and place in a piata for them to bust open.

Use glow-in-the-dark sidewalk chalk to write a message or draw a picture that your child can see through the bedroom window at night.

Give your child a warm towel on a cold morning when they get out of the shower or put their clothes in the dryer while they are having breakfast.

Tell them how much you appreciate and love them, often and in front of others.

TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT EACH OTHER AND SPEND TIME TOGETHER. SO MUCH CAN BE LEARNED JUST BY BEING TOGETHER. Take your family to their favorite

restaurant, the park for a picnic, a game or even a day at the mall for no special reason.

Surprise the kids by getting them out of bed to go get ice cream with the family and possibly a friend.

Make your loved ones smile by attending something important to them like a game, play or field trip.

Play 20 questions and learn something

new about each other while driving your child to school or practice.

Take each of your children to the grocery store by themselves at least once a month and allow them to pick out the cereal and snacks. You can even divide the shopping list and race to see who can finish first.

BE INTENTIONAL AND SET A SPECIFIC NIGHT FOR FAMILY FUN EVERY WEEK OR AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH. SCHEDULE WHATEVER YOUR FAMILY ENJOYS, JUST MAKE SURE IT HAPPENS. Choose a theme from a movie and

plan a meal and games around that theme. If you choose The Incredibles, for example, make power snacks like trail mix and set up an obstacle course in the backyard.

Cook hot dogs and smores on the grill and camp in the backyard as a family. Use a projector and white sheets tacked to the house to watch a movie.

Play games or put a puzzle together and use Mod Podge to seal it and frame it in the family room.

Try something new as a family like indoor rock climbing and have fun learning together.

BE SENTIMENTAL AND RELIABLE. LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR THEM. Schedule date nights with your

children so you can give them personal attention. Our family loves to go to Chick-fil-A on Tuesday nights. The

kids eat free, plus they have an activity ranging from face painting to special guest appearances by the tooth fairy. The kids have a great time in the play center, and we have a chance to talk.

Tell them one reason every day why you love them, whether its something about their personality or something they do that makes you proud.

Create a small scrapbook of your favorite memories together. Include a photo or two from each occasion and journal about what you did and why it was special. Then sit down with your child, relive the memories together and laugh about all the fun times you have shared.

DONT FORGET TO CREATE SPECIAL MOMENTS FOR JUST YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE. REMEMBER, THE KIDS WILL EVENTUALLY LEAVE, AND IT WILL BE JUST THE TWO OF YOU AGAIN. Try something new and have fun

learning. Take dance, golf, karate or even scuba lessons together.

Treat your husband to one of his favorite things like a Cowboy game or golf trip with the guys.

Give your spouse a manicure or take him breakfast in bed. Make a fuss over him, he may say he doesnt need it, but he will appreciate it.

Mothers are the heart of the home; they build family life by wanting, loving and taking care of their children. -Mother Teresa

Melinda Hines is a wife, mom, author, speaker, teacher and proud Waxahachie resident. Her book, Operation Mom: Winning the Mommy Wars, is available on her website, www.melindahines.net, and at Hastings and Amazon.com. To get Melindas daily devotional, send her an e-mail at melindaahines@yahoo.com.

%HD0LQGIXO0RPMoms have a profound ability to impact their familys moods and behavior in a negative or positive manner. That old saying, If momma aint happy, aint nobody happy, is true. Learning to enjoy our family enables us to appreciate the important things in life and to let go of the things that dont really matter. Planned or spontaneous family fun activities can be the catalyst to bring a little fun into our hectic lives.

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Many families are focusing their at-tention on creating healthy, whole-some meals with fresh ingredients. However, organic, local produce can cost quite a pretty penny. Now Ellis County residents have a new option for purchasing local pro-duce at a good priceBountiful Baskets Food Co-op.

In 2006, Sally Stevens and Tanya Jolly co-founded Bountiful Baskets as a way for people to have better access to local produce.

We were both really strapped for cash and had been using coupons to stretch our budgets, but noticed how that skewed our family toward eating less wholesome meals, Sally said. We wanted fresh, wholesome food on our tables for our family, and this was a good way to stretch our dollar.

Bountiful Baskets distributes pro-duce baskets with different con-tents based on what is in season and of high quality, but each basket usually contains six fruit items and six vegetable items. You can also order all-organic baskets and oc-casionally artisan bread and other add-ons for an extra fee. It costs $15 for a conventional basket and

$25 for a 100% certifi ed organic basket.

Locations run on an A-week or B-week schedule and contributions are accepted beginning the Mon-day before at noon and running until 10 p.m. that Tuesday. Placing an order is called contributing because Bountiful Baskets is not a business that you buy from, but rather a co-op where all money is pooled to purchase the produce.

After the contribution time ends on Tuesday evening, that gives volunteers enough time to pick up and prepare exactly the amount of baskets needed. Pick-up time is that Saturday afternoon, during a 20-minute window. If you dont show up during that window, your basket of produce will be donated. The Chamber of Commerce in Waxahachie is the nearest Boun-tiful Baskets pick-up site for local residents.

Bountiful Baskets is completely run by volunteers, so they rely on par-ticipants to play their part.

This is a grass-roots, all-volunteer, no-contracts, no-catch co-oper-ative, Sally said. Without volun-

teers, this co-op wouldnt happen, so you will need to help as you are able. There are many opportunities to help!

After contributing a few times, it is recommended that you pay it back by volunteering during one pick-up day. Volunteers need to arrive an hour before pick-up time and will help prepare baskets, break down boxes, assist with dis-tribution and help pack up.

If you decide to participate, there are step-by-step instructions for ex-actly how to set up an account and contribute on the Bountiful Baskets website. On the day of the pick-up, bring your contribution confi rma-tion (receipt) and something in which to carry your produce home. Its that simple!

For more information about Boun-tiful Baskets Food Co-op and to contribute, please visit their website at www.bountifulbaskets.org. To read comments and recipes and to see photos, visit www.facebook.com/bountifulbaskets.

BOUNTIFUL BASKETS

LIFE & STYLE

BY KATE MCCLENDON

BOUNTIFUL BASKETS FOOD CO-OP ELLIS COUNTY LOCATION:

Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce102 YMCA DriveWeek A SaturdaysPickup time: 4:15-4:35 p.m.

NON-PROFIT

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PROMOTION.?PICRNJ?ACAPPLE ANNIES GARDEN GATE FLORALCustom fl oral arrangements in fresh or silk, gifts and much more! We offer Jim Shore fi gurines, GUND stuffed animals, Foundations Angels, custom crosses, WoodWick candles and Leanin Tree cards.112 W. Knox StEnnis972.878.6616

BUFFALO CREEK COWGIRLSChoose from home decor, clothing and accessories for a great present.207 S. CollegeWaxahachie972.937.7490

THE STUDIOMusic of the Spheresbountiful sounds from

these chimes. Many sizes available. Made in

Austin.Hwy. 77 & Tracy Lane

Waxahachie972.617.7740

DR. NANCYS DAY SPAOffering chiropractic adjustments. Gift certifi cates available. Dr. Nancy MacDonald, DCChiropractor1014 Ferris Ave. #2155Waxahachie972.415.4740www.drnancysdayspa.com

DOVES NESTEnjoy your favorite Doves Nest condiments without leaving the comfort of your home.105 W. JeffersonWaxahachie 972.938.3683www.thedovesnestrestaurant.com

PROMOTION.?PICRNJ?AC

custom crosses, WoodWick candles and Leanin Tree cards.112 W. Knox St

972.878.6616

.?PICRNJ?AC.?PICRNJ?AC

PLAIN JANE Carry your drinks in style with this cute cooler!107 W. Franklin St. Waxahachie972.923.4433

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HOME & GARDEN

HEIRLOOM TOMATOESBY ROY MERS

As a young man I had no idea the world heirloom tomatoes would enter my life in my later years. My teenage years were spent on a small farm in southwestern Missouri, and my responsibilities were dictated to me by my father to keep the garden tilled and the tomatoes trimmed and suckered. And as you can imagine, like most teenagers I rebelled and hated every minute of itmy mind was somewhere else. Little did I know that the training I received as a young man would influence my life so strongly when I moved to Ellis County. My wife, Lisa, and I arrived in Ellis County in 1997 after purchasing a home on seven acres in the northern sector of the county. Our venture into gardening and heirloom tomatoes started small and has grown into the avocation that it is today. Our gardening is our passion, and we enjoy spending time together on our joint gardening projects.

The question often arises, What is an heirloom tomato? Simply stated, an heirloom plant is any plant from which you can harvest the seed and reproduce the plant by planting the seed. Hybrid and genetically modified plants will

not reproduce successfully. Heirloom plants have been passed down from generation to generation and have never been genetically modified. As the agricultural production patterns changed from locally raised produce to mass-produced vegetables on large farms, farmers and seed companies saw the need to develop plants whose fruits could be shipped long distances without being harmed. Consequently, the scientific minds in agriculture developed hybrids and, most recently, genetically modified plants that produce a fruit for shipping rather than for quality of taste and best nutritional value. With high-energy prices, inflation and unknown effects of genetically modified foods, the trend to grow local,

healthy food is rapidly accelerating.

We were intrigued with the idea that we could produce some of our own food on our own land. After the acquisition of a motorized tiller, we started breaking up the soil. I recalled some of the gardening techniques taught to me by my father, and my wife searched the Internet for gardening information for North Texas. Working together and through trial and error, we were moderately successful in producing crops from our earlier gardens. As we gained experience we discovered the quality and nutrition of heirloom tomatoes. Through experimentation with soil types, cultivation methods and seed selection, our heirloom tomatoes

You Pick It

have become a consistent crop.

Over the years our garden has grown to over one acre under cultivation, and we have acquired additional equipment including a Kubota tractor with a 60-inch tiller. We have also added a small greenhouse and most recently a full-surface irrigation system. The greenhouse is heated and is used primarily for seed starting in the spring. With the addition of irrigation, our plants can now survive the moisture and temperature fluctuations during the Texas summer. Last year we cultivated approximately 2,000 heirloom tomato plants from seed of approximately 30 varieties. We planted 515 plants in our garden and sold the remaining plants to local growers in Ellis County. Although our gardens are not certified organic, we produce our plants and fruits using natural fertilizers and natural pest control.

It is true that some heirloom tomatoes are not as prolific as some hybrid varieties. On the other hand, we have had some of our heirlooms produce enormous amounts of fruit. Like any other garden plant, soil, wind, moisture and temperature are the variables that dictate yield of fruit production. Soil preparation is important in the high clay content soils found in Ellis County. Over the years we have found that it is impossible to put too much organic waste in these types of soils. Leaves, compost, straw and hay are the most common materials I use. The addition of sand and expanded shale also helps keep the soil dispersed. When first breaking ground, I deep plow the soil from 18 to 24 inches and then roto till with the tractor until the soil is broken to fine particles. Planting time is usually late March through April for our crop. Once young tomato plants are in the ground, they should be protected from the strong spring winds until they reach about 18 inches high. Tomatoes need water, so if it is a dry spring be prepared to water the crop. If your garden drains well, it is virtually impossible to over-water young tomato plants in the North

Texas environment. As average daily temperature rises, watch for collapsing or withering plantsthats a sure sign more water is required.

Tomatoes produce best when the vines are supported either by staking or growing inside a tomato cage. We use the caging method by bending flat mesh rebar into a cylinder and placing it around the plant. There are also cages that can be purchase at the local garden and hardware stores.

Tomatoes will bloom in late April through July 1 and can produce fruit as long as the daily temperature stays below approximately 90 degrees. Blossoms typically will not set fruit above 90 degrees. However, keep those plants alive during the summer because once fall arrives and the temperature falls, the growing season returns. Heirlooms will bloom again in the fall and produce another crop that can be harvested until the first heavy frost. Your crop will not be as abundant as in spring but rewarding nonetheless.

You can follow some of our adventures at www.greeneaglegardens.com, and we will be selling plants at the Ellis County Garden show on March 31.

PLANNING AN HERB GARDENby Arlene Hamilton

As the balmy days of spring draw us outdoors, the idea of planting a culi-nary herb garden can quickly move from a dream to a pleasurable activ-ity. Whether the herb garden is small or large, basic planning on paper is worthwhile. The beauty of planning is that you can adapt it to your space and style. First, decide if you are a gardener who likes a formal look or a free-flowing design. We have all seen pictures of the classic knot garden or the carefully manicured beds with trimmed hedges and wide pathways dividing the beds into neat squares. I enjoy seeing these but dont have the time or fortitude to effectively maintain one during the long, dry Texas sum-mers.

Another suggestion is the popular cir-cle design, perfect for a small space. The circle is divided into wedges much like a wagon wheel. In fact, an old wagon wheel is perfect for a be-ginners starter garden with the herbs planted between the spokes. Nor-mally each wedge is planted with one type of herb making a very pleasing design.

My personal preference is a non-tra

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HOME & GARDEN

ditional, free flowing garden that evolves over time and allows for expansion, new varieties of herbs, or maybe the addition of a few vegetables or flowers. It is helpful to have the garden close to the kitchen door. You will be more inclined to use the herbs if they are convenient. Plus, just seeing them and enjoying the fragrance will draw you to the garden.

After you have determined design, loca-tion and size, we are ready to get down and dirty. Soil preparation is by far the most important part of your garden plan. Even though herbs are easy to grow and dont require a lot of fertilizer, a good loamy bed will get your seedlings off to a quick start. Begin by laying out your de-sign. If doing a freeform garden, a water hose is a great way to outline the bed. Kill any existing grasses or plants, then layer on several inches of compost. Top it with about an inch of expanded shale and till all into the existing soil, down at least eight inches. Dont let the cost of the expanded shale prevent you from using it. It will re-duce your water use. Expanded shale is a porous material capable of absorbing water and releasing it slowly at a later time.

Now the fun partselecting which herbs you want to grow and use. Its important to read and follow the instructions on the labels and seed packets. Spacing is important. Its amazing how large a four-inch rosemary plant will be in a year or two. There are a number of herbs that prefer the cooler months rather than our hot summers. Herbs such as cilantro, dill, chervil, and nasturtium will die back in the summer, while basil prefers warm soil and long sunny days before thriving. Also, ma-ture size is important. Taller herbs such as dill and fennel should run along the back of the garden or in the center of a round or square bed. Low-growing herbs such as thyme, chives and parsley make interest-ing texture and do best when placed along the border. Medium-sized herbs should be placed in the middle. Place large per-ennials such as a rosemary, a bay tree or a rose in the center of the bed to avoid disturbing the roots when you are replac-ing annuals. Invasive plants such as mints should be kept in containers to prevent

them from taking over the garden.

Lastly, be sure to take garden maintenance into account before you till up the back-yard. Its a mistake to plan a garden that will require many hours of work. Herbs require pruning, weeding, watering, har-vesting and occasional feeding. Although herbs are more resistant to insect prob-lems, expect to spend some time on pest control.

Most of all, celebrate the joy of preparing dishes using the flavors of herbs grown in your very own garden.

RAINWATER HARVESTINGBY PAM DANIEL

Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting rainfall for a beneficial purpose. Rainwater harvesting usually refers to the collection of rainfall from roof surfaces and is stored in cisterns for later use. In the early part of the 20th century, rainwa-ter harvesting was practiced in Texas, but with the development of municipal water systems, the practice became obsolete. With the population projection estimated to increase from 21 million to 46 million in Texas by the year 2050, there is a re-newed interest in rainwater harvesting in Texas. With limited water re-sources and increasing demand for water, there is a growing awareness to conserve water, collect rainfall and use our most valuable resource efficiently.

Rainfall is collected from the roof, through gutters and down-spouts, and then directed to storage tanks or cisterns. The stored rainwater can either be pumped back into the home for potable use or used for landscape irrigation. Either way, rainwater harvesting provides conservation of our water sup-plies.

Rainwater is free of any chemi-

cals and/or dissolved salts. Unlike well wa-ter, rainwater is naturally soft and can be used for household purposes without the need for a water softener. Rainwater is also ideal for those on a low-sodium diet since it contains no salt. And of course plants respond much better to rainwater than to municipal water.

A typical home with 2000 square feet of roof can collect about 1,200 gallons of rainwater with every inch of rain. With the average rainfall in North Texas, a hom-eowner can collect up to 42,000 gallons in a year! This water would otherwise run off and contribute to erosion, pollution and storm water. Rainwater harvesting systems are exempt from property tax, and there is no sales tax for rain harvesting equipment and supplies.

There are many resources available to learn more about rainwater harvesting. The following websites are excellent sites with more information.

http://rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu www.twdb.state.tx.us www.arcsa.org www.texaswatermatters.org www.waterwisetexas.org

Please contact the Ellis County Master Gardeners with any questions about rain-water harvesting at 972.825.5175, or visit our website at www.ecmga.com.

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HOME & GARDEN

DRIFT ROSESMY NEW FAVORITE THINGS, BY JAMES KOCIAN

Looking to spice up your garden and try something new? The Drift Rose may be just what you need to provide some dramatic ground-covering and give your garden a little pop.

From the same people that brought us the Knock Out family of roses, the Drifts are a mix of full-sized and miniature roses. They are tough, disease resistant repeat-bloomers that are virtually maintenance free and can withstand winter weather.

Drifts bloom every five to six weeks from spring to frost, but regular deadheading could be a way to help ensure repeat-blooming. Pruning about 6-8 inches in early spring will also encourage optimal performance from the roses. Naturally dwarfed with attractive glossy, dark green foliage, the Drifts combine well with perennials and other upright shrubs.

The roses usually grow to be between two and three feet wide and about a foot and a half tall, making them ideal for small gardens, hillsides and even those random places where its hard to find something to fit. Theyd also be great to fill in empty space you have looming in your garden.

THERE ARE SEVEN VARIETIES OF THE DRIFT ROSE:The Icy Drift Rose, the newest addition to the series, grows to be one to two feet tall and two to three feet wide with small, pure white double blooms forming from late spring and early summer through to frost. The flowers are borne abundantly in large clusters with medium green glossy foliage. This particular plant has excellent disease resistance.

Refreshing apricots to light pink double flowers of the Apricot Drift Rose make their appearance in spring and never stop coming. These full, spreading plants are ideally suited for small gardens or along paths and walkways.

The most rounded of the Drifts, the Coral Drift Rose, has small cup-like deep coral-orange blooms that grow abundantly and bloom continuously until fall. Each stem has five to eight flowers, each with a petal count of 20 to 25. This rounded, bushy plant grows to be less than one-and-a-half feet in height and less than two feet wide.

The bright peach-colored Peach Drift Rose is the most floriferous of the Drifts and the only one that is truly fragrant. Blooming continuously until fall, each stem will have five to eight flowers containing 15-20 cup-like petals. This rounded bush will usually grows to be less than one-and-a-half feet tall and less than two feet wide.

The Pink Drift Rose is the most prostrate of the bunch, growing abundantly and continuously with deep pink-colored, semi-double blooms one-and-a-half inches in diameter. The stems usually have ten to twenty flowers, each with seven to eight petals. Like the Peach

and Coral, this plant will grow to be less than one-and-a-half feet tall with a width of less than three feet.

The smallest of the seven, the Red Drift Rose has scarlet-red blooms approximately three-quarters of an inch across. It is a low-creeping plant of less than one-and-a-half feet tall and less than two feet wide with ten to twenty flowers per stem.

Pale pink double flowers seeming to float in clusters atop dark green glossy foliage characterize Sweet Drift Rose bushes. The most double-flowered of all the Drifts, this exceptionally disease resistant flowering continuous bloomer is ideal for hillsides or pathways.

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HOME & GARDEN

BASIC STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL VEGETABLE GARDENBY SUSAN NORVELL

There are several basic steps that you can follow to have a successful vegetable garden.

HAVE A PLANYour plan should include such things as location and size of your garden, what you plan to plant and how much you are going to plant. It is a good idea to sketch out the garden to scale to make sure everything will fit.

LOCATIONAs with most things in life, location is very important. Vegetables grow best in a level area with loose, well-drained soil and at least six to eight hours of sun per day. Your garden should be located near a good supply of water and in a location where it will be convenient for you to work.

GARDEN ORIENTATIONIt is important that your tall vegetables dont cast a shadow over your shorter vegetables. To avoid this, plant your tallest vegetables on the north end of the garden. They will cast their shadow out of the garden to the north. Your shortest ones should be planted at the southern end of the garden and your medium-sized vegetables in the middle of the garden.

SITE PREPARATIONThis is an extremely important step. Know what type of soil you have by getting a soil test done. Forms and soil-sample bags are obtained at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Ellis County at 701 South I-35 in Waxahachie. Vegetables grow best in deep, well-drained soil with adequate organic matter. Ellis County's soil pH is alkaline, generally around 7.5 on the scale. Most vegetables prefer a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 (slightly acid) but will tolerate alkaline soil. Fertilize and amend based

on your specific soil requirements. Never till or plant in your soil when it is wet. The higher your organic matter content, the easier it is to prepare a good seedbed. If you are purchasing soil to fill a raised bed, remember that this soil will be sterile and you will need to add micro-organisms and fertilizer. Till the soil to a depth of eight to10 inches and then rake smooth.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT VARIETIESPlant the varieties recommended for our area. We need heat-tolerant varieties. Generally, large fruited tomatoes dont do well here. Plant the most disease-resistant varieties you can find and follow the recommendations on whether to plant seeds or transplants.

PLANT AT THE RIGHT TIMEPlanting either too early or too late can be a problem so adhere to the recommended planting time. Some vegetables can be planted over a longer period of time while others have a very short span of time for planting. Consider both the calendar and the temperature when planting. Heed recommendations for spring versus fall planting on specific vegetables and varieties.

PROPER CARE AND MAINTENANCEIf you dont plan to follow an organic program, use the least toxic products.

Control weeds, especially early on as they compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Fertilize as recommended. Water consistently. Control diseases and insects as required. Spend time in your garden; it is the best way to halt potential problems.

HARVEST AND STORAGEFor the best quality, pick your vegetables at the optimum time. Unlike wine, age will not improve their quality. Take time to learn when the various vegetables should be harvested. Store correctly based on needrefrigerated, non-refrigerated, dry, cool place, etc. Proper storage will insure your harvest lasts as long as possible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAdditional information on these topics and additional aspects of vegetable gardening are available on the website www.ecmga.com or by calling your Texas AgriLife Extension ServiceEllis County at 972.825.5175.

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPESBY PAM DANIEL

Sustainability and green are commonly heard words in todays media. Going green or living a

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more sustainable life is growing in popularity. Sustainability encourages practices that benefit the environment while improving the prosperity of peoplea delicate balance.

As population rises and resources are consumed at an alarming rate, practicing sustainability will essentially save our future. We must incorporate sustainability into our daily lives through conservation, awareness and responsibility.

Sustainable landscaping includes an attractive environment that is in balance with the local climate and requires minimal resource inputs like fertilizer, pesticides and water.

Sustainable landscaping includes the following principle goals:%Water conservation% Safe use and handling of fertilizers and

pesticides% Reduction of yard waste entering urban

landfills% Landscaping for energy conservation

Sustainable Landscape Tips:% Utilize low volume or drip irrigation to

achieve significant water savings.% Ensure automatic sprinkler systems are

working properly.% Install rain/freeze sensors or ET controllers

that provide weather-based irrigation.% Start a compost pile to improve the soil and

reduce your waste.% Use mulch to minimize water evaporation.% Harvest the rain! Use rain barrels or cisterns

to collect rain from your roof or gutters.% Utilize Earthkind techniques that combine

the best in organic and traditional gardening.% Plant deciduous trees on the south and

west sides of your home to keep your house cool in the summer and let the sun warm your home in the winter. Just three trees properly placed around a house can save up to 30 percent on energy use.% Trees or shrubs planted to shade air

conditioners can improve efficiency, using less electricity. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10 percent less electricity than the same unit operating in the sun.

Visit these web sites for more information!

www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkindwww.urbansolutionscenter.tamu.edu

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HOME & GARDEN

The holidays are over, and I find it interesting that our minds are automatically drawn to thoughts of spring cleaning. I am not sure what it is about this time of the year, but it brings on a inner desire to spruce things up and get rid of clutter. Maybe it has to do with getting Christmas decorations packed up and put away. It always feels so good to get the glitz and glitter boxed up and back into the attic. Finding storage for holiday dishes, linens and serving pieces becomes a struggle for most of us. I am always reminded that storage is an issue when I have the need to find a home for things not used regularly. My clients often call on me to resolve those same storage needs.

I have worked on many kitchen remodels over the last year or two. The number one request is more storage. It is not always an easy task, but I often find wasted space that is potentially valuable, usable space. Storage is like gold. It never loses its value and sometimes feels priceless. In the kitchen belonging to Tom and Harriot Elder, there were several needs, including more storage. The kitchen was small, and it felt closed in by upper cabinets over the bar. If we removed those cabinets, much needed storage would be eliminated, but they had to go. We found several solutions to the storage issue. First, shelving was added in the laundry

room which will hold kitchen supplies, extra food items and large cooking utensils. In removing the cabinets over the bar, a space was exposed on the side wall where the cabinets could be extended by two feet. Since the new cabinets were taller than those removed, we regained almost all of the storage we had lost by removing the upper cabinets and fur down. Any time there is a cabinet bar divider in a kitchen, there is potential for accessing hidden space. If there are doors on the kitchen side of the

STORAGE WARS

BEFORE

INTERIOR DESIGN

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DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD Diane has been decorating Ellis County for more than 20 years. Contact Diane Johnson Interiors at 972.935.8899 or djohnsoninteriors@hotmail.com.

bar, doors can be added to the back side, allowing access to every inch of the lower cabinet storage. That is exactly what we did in this kitchen. With this change, the lower cabinet storage is now accessible from the breakfast room, too. There is no longer a need to get on your knees and twist your body into a knot to get to the back side of the cabinet, and theres no more dead corner space that you cant get to at all.

Other improvements included removing the outdated wallpaper,

texturing the walls and painting. We also added new light fixtures for better lighting. The cabinets were painted and glazed to lighten and brighten the space. We removed the blue laminate countertops and backsplash to install new granite countertops and a tile backsplash. New cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures completed the makeover.

The Elders new kitchen is bright and spacious. There is ample storage and abundant light, and the kitchen boasts

a modern, upscale appearance. It is amazing what a few changes can do to make your home feel new again. If you didnt see the before and after pictures, you would never believe the transition.

Spring is just around the corner. Beware! The spring sparkle bug is just beginning its biting season. It is time to think about clearing things out and brightening things up. That extra storage is badly needed, so get on your thinking cap and try to figure out where you might capture more space in your home. If you cant come up with any ideas, you are welcomed to call me. I will be happy to help you out.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY DECORATING.

BEFORE

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

PLANTING Annuals started from seed in

January can be planted in late March.

Plant tomatoes, peppers and eggplants from pots after March 15. They should be hardened off (gradually exposed to outside temperatures) before putting them in the ground. Cover if a freeze or frost is predicted.

Sow seeds of warm-season vegetables such as beans, corn, squash, melons and cucumbers in mid- to late-March. Wait until the soil warms in April to plant okra.

Plant herbs and perennials in raised beds with soil that has been amended with organic matter.

Vines (including hyacinth bean, Cyprus vine, black-eyed Susan vine, potato vine and Malabar spinach) can be grown from seeds to climb a trellis or arbor.

Establish perennials in amended well-drained soil.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING Prune spring-flowering shrubs

and vines such as quince, azaleas, forsythia, bridal wreath (Spiraea)

and Lady Banks Rose, Carolina Jessamine and coral honeysuckle immediately after they finish blooming.

Remove dead top growth (Bermuda grass only) by lowering mower blades 1 or 2 notches. Bag clippings and use in the compost pile or as mulch.

Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to pecans and again in April and May.

Begin fertilizing roses with a specialty rose food or balanced fertilizer.

All trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers can be fed with high-nitrogen fertilizer or compost.

GARDEN WATCH As needed, control black spot,

powdery mildew and thrips on roses with an appropriate fungicide or systemic insecticide. Use a stream of water or an insecticidal soap on aphids.

When a pesticide is needed, always use the least toxic one first.

If needed, apply a pre-emergent on lawns to prevent spring and summer broadleaf and grassy weeds. A weed and feed fertilizer is not recommended because it is too early to fertilize lawns.

PLANTING Plant St. Augustine and hybrid

Bermuda sod. St. Augustine can take some shade but Bermuda needs full sun. Make good seed-to-soil contact (use a roller) and keep sod moist until new roots are established. Common Bermuda can be started from seed, but it is best to hydromulch. In either case, keep the area moist for several weeks.

Establish warm-season annuals from transplants. For sunny areas consider zinnias, firebush, pentas, petunias, blue daze, moss rose, purslane, butterfly weed, lantana, sweet potato vine and Dahlberg daisy. For shade, consider begonias, Persian shield, coleus, impatiens, ferns and hostas. Wait until May to plant caladiums.

Sow okra seeds. Herb,s such as dill, parsley,

fennel, mint, oregano, thyme, basil and Mexican mint marigolds, can be planted from transplants.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer

to lawns. This is usually after the third mowing when the entire lawn is green. Follow up with additional fertilizer in June (optional) and again in September. St. Augustine and Bermuda grass need one pound

of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, two to three times a year.

Mow Bermuda grass frequently at one-and-a-half inches to keep thick and healthy, and mow St. Augustine at two-and-a-half inches. Raise the mowing height one notch later in the summer to reduce water requirements and to make the grass more draught tolerant.

Use a mulching mower and leave grass clippings on the ground. They will provide a source of nitrogen to feed the lawn.

GARDEN WATCH Closely inspect plants for

insects. Treat only if you see the insect. Many insects are beneficial such as lady bugs, garden spiders, praying mantis and assassin bugs. Identify the pest. If it is one that must be controlled, use an appropriate insecticide for that insect. The insecticide must make contact with the insect or be used while it is feeding on foliage.

For fire ants, use the Texas two-step method. First, apply fire-ant bait to the area with a hand spreader. Use fresh bait from unopened containers. If fire-ant colonies are still active after using the bait, treat the individual mounds with an appropriate insecticide. There are organic and chemical types available.

APRIL

APRIL: WILDFLOWER GARDENIn 1997, the Texas State Legisla-ture designated Ennis as the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas with 40 miles of the oldest flower-lined trails known in Texas. The North Central region of the state is home to hundreds of species of wildflower varieties. Many are now available at lo-cal nurseries as plants or in seed form. Start by sowing seeds in the

fall in areas similar to where they are seen in the wild. Research germination time, water, sun and soil requirements for species be-fore planting. When sowing large areas, crisscross seeds, mixing one part seed to four parts inert material such as masonry sand perlite, or potting soil. Walk over area covering seeds with no more than 1/16 of an inch of soil. Seed-to-soil contact is critical.

MARCH

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MARCH: March in Ellis County brings green trees, flowers and one of the most popular events in the county. The Waxahachie Civic Center comes alive with the Ellis County Master Gardeners Lawn and Garden

Expo. This is the 12th year for the Expo. Once again approximately 4,000 visitors will experience the plant sale, adult and childrens workshops, featured speakers and more than 100 exhibitor booths.

NEED ASSISTANCE ATTRACTING WILDLIFE TO YOUR PROPERTY? Do you have a nature-related question? Call the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Ellis County at (972.825.5175) and ask to talk to an Indian Trail Master Naturalist.

Members of this volunteer program serve Ellis and Navarro Counties. The program is sponsored by Texas Parks & Wildlife and Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

Pink S

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MG

Photo

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March pictures are titled: Master Gardener EXPO Plant Sales, by Pam Daniel and Master Gardener EXPO Children's Workshop by Pam DanielApril's are: Mexican Hat by Pam Daniel and Pink Sensitive Briar by MG Photo Contest Entry.

ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS LAWN & GARDEN EXPO

Master Gardener EXPO Plant Sales, by Pam Daniel

Residential Service Providers

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A beautiful swimming pool and the accompanying landscape have long been the American dream. With new home construction in decline, more homeowners are opting to remain in and improve on their existing homes. One of the best ways to improve the value and enjoyment of a home is to add the intrinsic value of a poolscape. Your poolscape offers year-round use with the addition of a heated spa.

Swimming pools see trends and improvements yearly. The guidance of a professional can simplify designing and building a pool that perfectly suits your yard and family needs. A beautifully designed swimming pool is a reflection of its owner and surroundings. Size, shape, style, water color, water features, fire features and equipment are just a few of the decisions to consider. Your professional will be well versed in the latest designs, techniques and equipment.

Water features are an exciting addition to a swimming pool. You may choose the drama of deck jets, solid arcs of water which shoot out of the decking and can be angled in

any direction, landing in the pool or spa. Additional drama is achieved when LED lighting is added into the water stream, creating spectacular multicolored light shows. Even fire can be cleverly incorporated into your water features.

Pool tile is functional and beautiful and has seen great improvements over the years. No longer are we limited to "city-pool-blue." Tiles resembling dry-stacked stone and multicolored glass tiles are just a couple of the multitude of choices available today. However, blue is still in fashion. Todays blues range from bright cobalt to muted with stone effects and hints of copper and earth tones. Even plaster, the largest surface of your pool, has gone beyond the traditional smooth white finish. Additions of polymers, colors, aggregates and glass beads, will affect texture, longevity and water color. Imagine a dark base plaster with white quartz stones, gold flakes and crushed iridescent abalone shell, all making the interior of your pool glisten like silk!

In this technological age, pool technology has not been left out. Automation is one of the most exciting improvements in the pool industry. With todays technology, accessing your backyard paradise is right at your fingertips. In-home automation has been around for many years, but now imagine controlling your backyard features remotely via your smartphone. You can call your system from work to turn on the spa heater and arrive home to the perfect temperature.

All of these ideas can be tailored to fit your needs. With the guidance of your professional pool builder and designer, any family can come home to the American Dream.

Gina Gibbs is the owner of Texsun Pools and handles sales, designs and construction. She began pool construction in 2000 and worked as a home designer and builder until 2006, then started Texsun Pools in 2007.

-XPS,QBY GINA GIBBS

HOME & GARDEN

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DUE DATE OF RETURNThe 2011 Form 1040 is due on or before April 17, 2012. This means that the deadline for making 2011 contributions to IRAs, health savings accounts and medical savings accounts is also April 17, 2012.

CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSESIf you made taxable 2011 sales of stocks (other than inside your IRA), mutual fund shares, other securities or other capital assets (such as a vacation home or raw land investment), you must complete new Form 8949 (Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets), in addition to fi lling out the familiar Schedule D of Capital Gains and Losses. Because of new rules that took effect last year, securities brokers must now report to sellers (and the IRS) the basis of certain securities that were sold in taxable accounts. They also have to report if the resulting gains and losses were short-term or long-term.

This year you have to segregate gains and losses from securities that are covered by the new broker requirements from gains and losses that arent covered. Generally, a covered security is a security you acquired after 2010. Potentially, you could have to fi le six Forms 8949 for short-term/long-term, covered/non-covered and basis/no basis.

For sales of covered securities, there is no longer a virtually risk-free opportunity to fudge the tax results in your favor because the IRS is going to get a copy of each 1099 that is sent to

you. Now they will know the basis and whether it is short-term or long-term.

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT REPAYMENTTaxpayers who bought a home in 2008 and claimed a fi rst-time homebuyer credit can make their 2011 installment of the credit repayment without attaching Form 5405 if they still own the home and used it as their main home for all of 2011.

For homes purchased in 2009-2011, the credit does not have to be repaid unless the taxpayer sells or otherwise stops using the home as a principal residence within 36 months, beginning on the date of purchase. Then, the credit is repaid in the year of sale. If the home is sold to an unrelated person, the repayment is limited to the gain on the sale.

2010 ROTH IRA CONVERSIONSIndividuals who converted or rolled over an amount to a Roth IRA in 2010 and did not report the taxable amount on their 2010 return must report that income evenly between their 2011 and 2012 returns. The amount that is taxable in 2011 is reported on line 15b (for conversions from IRAs) or 16b (for rollovers from qualifi ed retirement plans, other than from a designated Roth account).

NEW 1099-MISC QUESTIONThere are two new questions for farmers and businesses, including partnerships and corporations.

Did you make any payments in 2011 that would require you

to fi le Form(s) 1099? If Yes, did you or will you fi le

all required Forms 1099?

We dont know what the IRS intends to do with this question, but it seems likely they will be following up with those people who answer yes to the fi rst question and no to the second.

Grant & Weedon, CPAs, P.C. is located at 617 Ferris Ave. in Waxahachie. Contact their offi ce at 972.923.1590.

PROFESSIONAL

BY GRANT AND WEEDON, CPAS, P.C.

WHATS NEW FOR 2011

TAX RETURN$

Copy of previous year tax return All current year tax documents:

Forms W-2 for wages, salaries and tips

All Forms 1099 for interest, dividends, miscellaneous income, Social Security, gambling winnings, etc.

Brokerage statements showing investment transactions for stocks, bonds, etc.

Schedule K-1 showing income from partnerships, S corporations, estates and trusts

Statements supporting deductions for mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and charitable contributions

Any tax notices sent to you by the IRS or other taxing agency

$SULOWK

WHAT TO BRING WHEN YOU VISIT A CPA

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Lawyers go to great lengths to make the mundane memorable. No law student can escape those three long years with-out discovering how Marvin the Martian adversely possessed Blackacre from Yo-semite Sam. Or determining on an exam whether Luke