Modern Texas Living

5BEAUTY & STYLE 

Must-Haves 

Not Your Normal 

Taco Recipes 

Spring Closet 

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MODERN TEXAS LIVING | 1

STYLE, QUALITY 

& CHARACTER 

HANDMADE IN TEXAS 

CUSTOM DESIGNS • STORE FRONT • SHOW ROOM 

New Location 

DOWNTOWN 

WACO 

Downtown Waco 

Monday-Saturday • 10-5pm 

401 S 8th Street 

Waco, TX 76706 

Valley Mills 

Monday-Friday • 9-5pm 

9685 Lone Star Parkway 

Valley Mills, TX 76689 

254.486.9150

IN THIS 

ISSUE 

62 

IN GOOD HEALTH 

Our Favorite Water Detox 62 

Choosing the Right Cooking Oil 64 

I Quit Believing in Breakfast 66 

69 

04 

AT HOME 

A Breath of Fresh Air 4 

DIY Pressed Plants 12 

Playful Playrooms 16 

Mama's Lavender Sachets 22 

DIY Flower Arrangement 28 

34 

IN THE KITCHEN 

Spring Rolls 34 

Taco Recipes 38 

Sweet Strawberry Donuts 44 

Simple Refrigerator Pickles 48 

Savory Barbecued Chicken Sliders 52 

Summer Shrimp Scampi 54 

ON THE ROAD 

Beautiful Texas Destinations 69 

70 

FEATURE 

Behind the Music 

with Wade Bowen 70 

76 

INSIDE BUSINESS 

Dr. Hamilton 76 

Emily Roberts 77 

84 

OF LIFE & STYLE 

Spring Closet Renovation 84 

My Tribe 90 

Handmade Easter Tags 94 

5 Must-Haves for Spring 98 

102 

FROM THE HEART 

Our Story with Cystic Fibrosis 102 

ON THE COVER 

Wade Bowen 

Photographer: Alex Wolf 

Location: The Morrow House 


AT HOME

A Breath of Fresh Air 

by Emily Hewett 

photography by Nathanael Rehlander 

Emily Sheehan Hewett, owner of Dallas interior design firm, A Well Dressed Home, purchased this home in July 

of 2013 and has since been hard at work transforming it into a quaint and intimate home for her family of four. 

Some of the projects have consisted of adding a master suite inclusive of a canopy bed, marble vanities and a 

clawfoot tub; converting an old sunroom into an outdoor pool cabana with a cozy fireplace; and transforming 

the back yard from an overgrown eyesore to a relaxing retreat that can be enjoyed with family and friends.

AT HOME 

6 | moderntexasliving.com 

Above: The entrance of the home is a favorite of Emily's. She and her husband opted to keep the glass 

doors as they allow for an abundance of natural light, and they added a fresh coat of custom gray paint. 

Emily designed and added the canopy of the entrance to bring in a sense of dimension. 

Opposite: The pool cabana, formerly an unused sunroom, was developed by removing an exterior 

wall that faced the back yard. Emily designed a fireplace to be added to the space as well. During the 

summers, her family has a place to cool off near the pool, and in the winters, they can cozy up by the fire 

and watch football.


AT HOME

Opposite: Formerly a boy's room, Emily transformed her daughter Stella's room into a cottage-like 

retreat by adding shiplap, an antique dresser, floral drapes, and of course, a chandelier. 

Above: (top left, top right and bottom right) This is a shared bathroom between Stella and her twin 

brother, Beckham. Emily kept the vintage black/white tile scheme and added shiplap and a custom 

buffalo check shower curtain. She also added equestrian art as the home has many horse stables nearby. 

(bottom left) Formerly a storage garage located in the back yard, Emily turned this space into a spacious master 

bathroom with two vanities, a claw-foot tub, a stand-up shower and an adjoining master bedroom suite. 

Emily Hewett, a Dallas native, graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in interior design. 

She started her design firm, A Well Dressed Home, back in 2010 and her team is known for providing 

polished, sophisticated, yet family-friendly spaces for clients with realistic budgets. To see more of their work, 

visit awelldressedhome.com and to see more of Emily's home, including surprising "before & after" photos, 

visit their Instagram page @awelldressedhomellc and search the hashtag #casadehewett. 


Gold Star Service Every Time 

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Jason Rankin 

Halston Reyna 

Allyson Stanley 

Katie Snapp 

Catia Sykora 

Tom Waitley 

Valerie Waitley 

Ellen White 

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Info@CJRealtors.com | www.camillejohnson.com 

104 Midway Center Waco, TX 76712

CLOTHING • SHOES • ACCESSORIES 

254.732.0575 

— Located in Waco — 

Central Texas Marketplace 

Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm 

Courtneys 

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AT HOME 

DIY 

Pressed Plants 

by Amy Williams 

Bring fresh flowers or herbs into 

unwanted blemishes, leaves or roots 

your home with this easy DIY DIY PRESSED PLANTS from the plant with scissors. Plants can 

that will capture the feelings of MATERIALS: 

be pressed with or without the roots. 

spring for months to come. 

Pressing flowers, leaves and herbs 

has long been a favorite springtime 

activity. This is a great way to create 

beautiful custom artwork for your 

home or get back to nature as a family. 

Collect leaves in your backyard, gather 

wild flowers or cut fresh herbs from 

• Flowers, herbs, plants 

• Vintage books 

• Paper towels or parchment paper 

• Masking tape, pencil 

• White cardstock 

• Picture frames 

Next, arrange flowers or herbs face 

up onto the pages of an old book. If 

you like, you can sandwich the flowers 

between a folded paper towel to absorb 

any moisture. Ensure that the book 

is not made of any metal like staples 

before microwaving. Lastly, place the 

book in the microwave on low for 30-90 

your garden. With this project, you'll have lots of fun learning 

about nature with this quick version of pressing plants. 

You can press most plants in a matter of minutes using the 

microwave, vintage books and items from your kitchen. First, 

gather and cut your favorite flowers or herbs. Just remove any 

seconds. If necessary, lay microwavable plates onto the book 

to weigh it down. Check the results in 30-second increments 

to determine if the plant is dried. If you are not short on time, 

you can press flowers between parchment paper in stacks of 

books. This process will take about 2-3 weeks. 

12 | moderntexasliving.com

AT HOME 

Once dried, you can display pressed flowers or herbs in a picture frame or journal. First, carefully lay the pressed plant 

onto cardstock or a blank page. With thin masking tape, adhere the plant’s stem to the paper. Next, label the plant with 

the common and or scientific name. You can use a plant identification book to identify any unknown plants. Lastly, add the 

pressed plants into an assortment of picture frames to display in your home. 

Distressed frames, vintage books, galvanized pots, crate are from The Findery in Waco, TX 

Amy Williams is a Waco-based home decor and DIY Blogger. She is also a visual merchandiser 

and product stylist. You can follow more of her work on Instagram @cutertudor or at cutertudor.com. 


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AT HOME 


THIS DESIGN BY THE 

TALENTED KERRI ROSENTHAL 

WAS GIVEN THE AT HOME 

A-LIST AWARD FOR BEST KIDS’ 

PLAY SPACE (2018). 


AT HOME 

Some of the amazing elements in this space include the Kerri Rosenthal Paperless 

wallpaper in Dust Bunny Carbon- an ingenious, fun and easily applied alternative to 

regular wallpaper. The Imperfect Heart Pillows can also be purchased on her website. 


Kerri Rosenthal is the ultimate artist. Her career began in fashion, but she eventually settled quite 

prominently into the world of interior design. But, her focus isn’t just on interiors – she’s a painter, 

photographer, and product designer. Her love of color and pattern shine bright in her art. 

To purchase her designs or see more of her work, go to KerriRosenthal.com. 


AT HOME 

• Peony decals 

Rocky Mountain 

decals 

• Dreamy canopy 

Spinkie Baby 

• Art pieces 

Isla Dream Prints 

• Dollhouse 

Winnie Dot 

• Crochet Rug 

Ginger and Pear 

Gifts 

"THE SECOND I FOUND OUT I WAS HAVING A GIRL, I INSTANTLY 

KNEW I WANTED TO DO A PINK, WHITE AND GREY ROOM, 

I ALWAYS LOVED THAT COLOR COMBO. 

BEING A WEDDING PLANNER AND CHILDREN’S 

ENTERTAINER, I WANTED IT TO BE PRETTY 

AND WHIMSICAL WITH A VINTAGE FEEL." 


Candice is a mom of two who loves creating pretty imagery. 

To follow more of her work, go to @Pretty.playful.styling on Instagram. 


AT HOME 

MATERIALS NEEDED: 

• Cotton fabric of your choice 

• Upholstery batting 

• Dried lavender 

• Sewing machine / thread 

• Scissors 

• Iron 

• Ribbon to finish (optional) 

by Mallory Vincent

CUT FABRIC 

To make one sachet, measure 

and cut a 10” rectangle. 

Fold in half and iron. 

SEW THE SACHETS 

Sew the sachets along the outer 

edge inside out. Try to sew as 

close to the edge as possible. 

Make sure to leave one side 

open for stuffing. 

LITTLE DETAILS 

Cut the inside corners. 

This will make it easier to pop 

out the corners. Then turn 

sachet right side out, sew 1/4” 

around, leaving one side 

open for stuffing. 

STUFFING 

Using upholstery batting 

blend, cut into smaller 3” 

squares, to fit into sewn sachets. 

Peel/butterfly the batting, 

placing 1 tsp of dried lavender 

in the center of the batting. 

Press closed, and gently stuff 

into open sachet. 

HOME RUN 

Once sachet is fully stuffed 

with batting and dried lavender, 

fold in open edge and iron, then 

carefully sew edge together 

to meet finished seam 

pushing inside stuffing aside, 

finish inner stitch to create 

the pillow look. 

READY TO GIFT 

Gather sachets together and 

wrap a ribbon of your choice 

around it, and voila, your 

gift is complete! 

Mallory Vincent is a brand creator and home stylist from The Lady Slipper Blog. 

Her lifestyle blog focuses on affordable home decor, DIYs and design ideas. 

To view more of her talented work, follow her on Instagram @theladyslipperblog. 


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A ESTHETIC R ESTORATIVE D ENTISTRY 

1613 LAKE SUCCESS • WAC O • 254.772.5420 • WACOSEDATIONDENTIST. COM

Anna Johnson, 

REALTOR 

Phone (254) 717-4548 

AnnaJohnsonRE 

New Location: 210 S 5th St Waco, TX 76701 

254-315-7686 

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Spring 

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AT HOME 

DIY 

Flower Arrangement 

by Taylor Bible 

Photography by Hannah Haston 


STEP 1: Supplies. You can use any good little kitchen bowl 

(make sure the bowl is deep enough, 3-4 inches is usually 

good), Aquafoam (the wet kind for fresh flowers. This can 

be bought at Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby) and a good pair of 

gardening clippers. 

Fresh flowers can be bought at a local grocery store or flower 

wholesaler. 

STEP 2: Completely soak the auqafoam until it’s completely 

soaked. Cut to size to fit inside the bowl. 

STEP 3: Greenery/making the shape. You may choose virtually 

any type of greenery (from your yard or from the store). 

I normally start with the ends and work my way to the middle. 

With this arrangement, I did a more horizontal shape. Starting 

with longer pieces on the sides and just adding in smaller 

pieces throughout the middle and bottom. Try not to add too 

much greenery, as you want to leave space for the flower! 

STEP 4: Adding flowers. The fun part! Depending on what 

you get from the store will depend on how you arrange. In 

my flower picks for this arrangement I have blush peonies, 

white O’Hara garden roses, pink spray roses, light orange 

ranunculus and pink scabiosa. I normally try to do groupings 

of odd numbers with flowers. By adding in the bigger flowers 

first you will know how much space you have left for others. 

Have fun with this part! 

All done! This centerpiece could easily be styled on your coffee 

table, bookshelf, kitchen cabinet or dining room table.

Meet Taylor Bible, a Texas native born and raised in the Hill Country. 

She is a full-service wedding planner, event coordinator and has her own floral design business. 

Check her out in Instagram @taylorbibleweddings to see more of her beautiful work. 


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Spring Rolls 

by Thanh Le 

Photography by Sarah Channon 

IN THE KITCHEN

There's no better way to kick off springtime 

than by making these delicious spring rolls. 

The first thing you should know when making 

fresh spring rolls is that they are extremely 

forgiving, and easy to adapt to use ingredients that you 

like. I’m sharing what I typically put in them, but the 

options are endless! 

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 package spring roll rice wrappers, found in the 

Asian foods section at the grocery store 

• 1 package vermicelli rice noodles, found in the 

Asian foods section at the grocery store 

• 2 mangos, peeled and sliced into thin strips 

• 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded or sliced into 

thin strips 

• 1 large English cucumber, peeled and sliced into 

thin strips 

• 1 pound small, cooked shrimp, deveined, tails 

removed 

• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves 

• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves 

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro 

FOR THE PEANUT SAUCE 

• 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce 

• 1/3 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy 

• 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce 

• 1/2 teaspoon hoisin sauce 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Cook vermicelli noodles in boiling water, for just a 

few minutes, according to package instructions. Drain 

and rinse with cold water. 

Gather all topping ingredients together, including 

chopped veggies, herbs, cooked shrimp. 

Add about 1 inch of water to a large, deep dish, or 

pie pan. Place one rice wrapper into the water and let 

soak for just 10-15 seconds. It should still feel pretty 

firm as you remove it and lay it on your counter or plate. 

(It will soften up as you add the filling ingredients, but 

If you let it soak for too long it will get too soft and will 

tear when you roll it up.) 

Layer 1-2 slices of each veggie, a few shrimp, a few 

leaves of each herb and a pinch of noodles on the 1/3 

of the spring roll that is closest to you. 

Fold the sides of the spring roll in over the 

ingredients. Then pull the side closest to you up and 

over the ingredients, sealing everything together 

tightly, and rolling it up like a burrito. 



FOR THE PEANUT SAUCE 

Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and 

pulse until smooth. 

I would say the only real “must haves” in fresh spring rolls 

are fresh herbs, and veggies with a crunch. I always add fresh 

mint, basil and cilantro to my spring rolls. It’s a trio of fresh 

herbs that really make these stand out. 

Then, choose vegetables with a good crunch and lots of 

color. I also add vermicelli rice noodles, because they are a 

great light filler for the rolls and make them more filling. You 

can find these, and the rice noodle wrappers, at your grocery 

store in the Asian food section. 

OTHER INGREDIENT IDEAS TO ADD TO SPRING ROLLS 

• bean sprouts 

• cooked, chopped chicken 

• lettuce 

• sliced bell peppers 

• avocado 

Layer your ingredients on the 1/3 of the spring roll that is 

closest to you. I usually place some of the herbs or a piece 

of lettuce down first to act as a good base for layering the 

ingredients, but there are really no rules here. 

Add 1-2 of each ingredient, and then a pinch of noodles 

at the end. Pick up the sides of the spring roll and fold them 

in over the toppings. 

Then pick up the edge closest to you and pull it up and 

snugly over the toppings. Continue rolling, snugly, like a 

burrito. Practice will make perfect, but just try to keep all 

of the ingredients in tightly together as you roll everything 

together snugly. 


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Taco Recipes 

PULLED PORK & 

APPLE TACOS 

Adapted from littlefiggy.com 

FOR THE PULLED PORK: 

• 1 cup low sodium Chicken Stock 

• 2 - 3 large yellow onions, quartered 

• 2 - 3 Garlic Cloves, minced 

• Spice Rub, enough to coat meat generously 

• 5 - 6 lbs boneless Pork Butt (Pork Shoulder) 

• 1 cup BBQ Sauce 

1. Set the slow cooker to low heat. 

2. Add in the quartered onions across the bottom of pan 

to create a "rack," and scatter the garlic over the onions 

and pour in the chicken stock. 

3. Generously rub the meat with the spice rub all over, 

and place on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Cover 

and allow to slow cook on low heat for 6 - 8 hours. 

4. Once cooked and tender, using two forks, carefully 

shred the meat, discarding the juices. 

5. Mix in 1 cup Sweet & Smoky Budweiser Brewmaster’s 

Premium Barbecue Sauce until well combined. Set aside. 

FOR THE BROCCOLI SLAW: 

• 12 oz package Broccoli Slaw 

• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise 

• 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil 

• 1 tsp Sugar 

• 1/4 tsp Salt 

• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper 

1. Mix ingredients in a large bowl. 

FOR THE APPLE SALSA: 

• 2 Granny Smith Apples, diced 

• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh Cilantro, chopped 

• Juice of 1/2 Lemon or Lim 

• Pinch of Salt 

1. Dice apples & mix ingredients. 



TACO STUFFED AVOCADO 

Adapted from foodiecrush.com 

INGREDIENTS 

• 4 avocados sliced in half and pitted 

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 

• 1 lb. of Ground Beef 

• 1 Taco Seasoning Packet 

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

• 1 cup sour cream 

• 1/2 cup Cotija cheese crumbles 

• 2 medium tomatoes chopped 

• 2-3 green onions chopped 

• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves chopped 

• Salsa 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 

2. Place the avocados, cut side up, on a baking sheet or 

in a 9 X 13 baking dish. In a large skillet add 1 tablespoon 

of vegetable oil and ground beef over medium high 

heat. Once meat is browned add taco seasoning 

packet. Divide the beef among the avocados. Sprinkle 

evenly with cheddar cheese and cook for 10 minutes or 

until the cheese has melted. 

3. Garnish the avocado tacos with Cotija cheese, 

chopped tomatoes and green onion. Sprinkle with 

cilantro and serve warm. 


SPICY SHRIMP TACOS 

Adapted from peasandcrayons.com 

INGREDIENTS 

• 8-12 soft corn tortillas see notes 

• 1 pound shrimp fresh or frozen/thawed 

• 1 tsp paprika 

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder 

• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper 

• 1/4 tsp salt & pepper 

• 1 TBSP avocado oil 

• 1/4 cup store-bought ranch dressing 

• 1 TBSP Sriracha 

• 1 cup finely shredded/chopped cabbage 

• 1 jalapeño pepper 

• 1-2 TBSP apple cider vinegar 

• 1 TBSP honey 

• 1 lime 

• 1/8 tsp salt 

• fresh chopped cilantro to taste 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Clean and peel shrimp, defrosting if needed. Set prepped shrimp in 

the fridge, covered while you make your slaw and sauce. 

2. For the Sriracha Ranch, simply whisk together both ingredients. 

3. For the Cilantro Lime Slaw, remove the stem/seeds/ribs from the 

jalapeño, cut into strips and mince. Combine with cabbage, apple 

cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Cut your lime in half and add 

juice of half the lime into your slaw. Toss together and add as much 

cilantro as your heart desires! 

4. Pat shrimp dry and season with paprika, cayenne, garlic, salt, and 

pepper. Mix well to coat both sides. 

5. Heat a large pan or skillet to medium-high heat with 1 TBSP of oil 

and sauté your shrimp. 

6. Place your shrimp on a clean cutting board and chop into smaller 

pieces, much like you were coarsely chopping an onion. 

7. Line your corn tortillas with shrimp and top with a hearty drizzle of sauce. 

8. Top with slaw, serve with lime wedges, and dig in! 



SIMPLE 

CHICKEN TACOS 

Adapted from howsweeteats.com 

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken 

• 1/2 teaspoon salt 

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil 

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 

• 1/2 teaspoon chile powder 

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 

• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder 

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered 

• 1/2 red onion, finely diced 

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 

• 1 lime, juiced 

• 8 to 12 (4-inch) tortillas, flour or corn – 

your preference! 

• 1 bottle of Avocado Ranch 

• 4 ounces queso fresco cheese, crumbled 

• 1 avocado, sliced 

• extra limes for garnish 

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 

1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over 

medium-high heat. Season the chicken with 

the salt and pepper. Add the olive oil to the 

skillet and once it’s hot, add in the chicken. 

In a bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, chili 

powders, garlic powder and onion power in 

a bowl. Set aside. 

2. While the chicken is cooking, combine 

the diced onion, tomatoes and cilantro in 

a bowl with the juice of the lime. Add a 

sprinkle of salt and pepper. Set aside. 

3. As soon as the chicken is finished 

cooking, shred the chicken. Add in the 

spices that you mixed before and mix the 

chicken on low speed for a full minute or 

two to completely shred it and mix with the 

spices. Transfer the spiced chicken back 

to the pan with the juices and toss it well, 

incorporating the juice. 

4. Place the chicken in a tortilla and top with 

the quick salsa, the crumbled cheese and 

a drizzle with avocado ranch. Serve with 

avocado on the side or on top and a fresh 

squeeze of lime. 


R 

DOUG STILL, FINANCIAL ADVISOR, AAMS 

PEGGY STANFORD, SENIOR BRANCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR 

200 W State Hwy 6, Suite 260, Waco, TX 76712, (254) 772-1700, www.edwardjones.com 

CET I 

BA 

FE H IFCE. 

JO RE NI. 

The only difference is one goes in your pocket 

and the other goes in theirs. 

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IN THE KITCHEN

Donuts 

Sweet Strawberry 

STRAWBERRY GLAZED 

BISCUIT DOUGH 

DONUTS 

INGREDIENTS 

Canned biscuits (anything BUT the flakey layer kind). 

Vegetable oil to fill your pan up to about 1/2in. 

GLAZE 

• 1/8 cup strawberries, pureed (about 3 big strawberries) 

• 2-3 cup powdered sugar 

• 1 Tbsp heavy cream 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Heat up oil for a few minutes on medium heat. 

2. While it is heating up, cut small circular holes in the dough with 

a cookie cutter. 

3. When one side is golden brown, flip with tongs. When that 

side is golden, remove from oil and place on a paper towel lined 

pan or plate to cool. 

4. To make the glaze, puree strawberries in a blender or food 

processor. Mix with cream and 2 cups of powdered sugar, adding 

an additional cup of powdered sugar if the consistency is too 

runny. When it comes to making icing, it really depends upon 

personal preference if you want a stiff or a softer glaze. 

5. Dunk donut in the glaze. Allow glaze to set before doing a 

second coating. Use sprinkles to decorate the tops of the donuts 

if desired. 


WEEKDAYS AT FIVE, SIX, AND TEN O’CLOCK 

Ann Harder 

Ann Harder is a native Wacoan and cum 

laude graduate of Baylor University. 

Her career spans 35 years in electronic 

journalism in both radio and television. 

She’s worked in radio in Waco, Lubbock 

and Houston. A noted vocalist, Ann 

sings for many civic and church groups 

throughout Central Texas. 

Lindsay Liepman 

Lindsay Liepman is a Central 

Texas native, growing up in Mexia. 

She earned a journalism degree at 

Texas A&M University in 2003 and 

began her career as a news reporter 

in Bryan/College Station. 

Lindsay loves the news but what she 

loves most is her family and faith.

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Simple 

Refrigerator 

Pickles 

by Emily Barlow 

@handmade.farmhouse 

INGREDIENTS FOR JARS 

Yield: 4 pint jars 

• 8-10 crisp garden cucumbers sliced into spears (ends cut off) 

• Fresh dill 

• 1 teaspoon mustard seed (1/4 teaspoon per jar) 

• 1 teaspoon celery seed (1/4 teaspoon per jar) 

• 3-4 black peppercorns per jar 

• 8 cloves of garlic (1-2 per jar. Slightly smash clove for added flavor) 

• Red pepper flakes (optional if you want spice) 

INGREDIENTS FOR BRINE 

• 3 ½ cups water 

• 1 cup white vinegar 

• 2 ½ tablespoons kosher salt 

48 

| moderntexasliving.com


Emily is the homemaker over at Handmade Farmhouse. She loves finding ways to turn a house into 

a home. For more of her ideas on affordable, intentional decorating, DIY projects, from-scratch recipes, 

and how to make your home your happy place, follow her on Instagram @handmade.farmhouse. 


DIRECTIONS 

In clean pint jars, evenly distribute mustard and celery seed, 

peppercorns, fresh dill sprigs, and 1-2 cloves of garlic in each jar. 

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you like spicy pickles. Slice the ends 

off your cucumbers and cut them into spears. The reason for this is 

because the ends soften faster than the rest of the cucumber when 

bottled. Crowd in as many spears as you can to each jar; this helps 

them remain crispy longer by not soaking up too much brine. 

Next, add water, vinegar and kosher salt to a medium saucepan 

and bring mixture to a boil. Pour just less than a cup of brine in 

each jar being sure to cover the cucumbers. Add a lid and jar ring. 

Place jars in your refrigerator and give the cucumbers at least 24 

hours to pickle. These are fun to add to sandwiches or burgers, 

and make for a fun way to use up extra garden cucumbers. 

Keep pickles refrigerated and use within two months. 




MEET 

BRITTANY! 

She is the woman 

behind the best-selling Instant Loss 

Cookbook. She is sharing some of 

her favorite recipes. With the help 

of the Instant Pot® and changing 

her lifestyle she was able to lose over 

125lbs. No secrets, no plan, just eating 

the right foods and the right portions. 

SAVORY BARBECUED CHICKEN SLIDERS 

SERVES FOUR TO SIX 

Sliders on Hawaiian rolls used to be a staple during game 

days at our house. But those rolls are so heavily processed and 

packed with sugar, it’s definitely not worth it. I came up with 

this alternative that we’re all just crazy for. Serve this yummy 

barbecued chicken sandwiched between my garlic herb 

biscuits and you’ll have them shouting “Touchdown!” Or, for a 

lower-carb option, serve the chicken atop a leafy green salad 

dressed with Homemade Ranch Dressing (page 98). 

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced 

• 2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 

• Sea salt 

• Black pepper 

• 1 cup Homemade Barbecue Sauce (recipe follows) 

• 8 Grain-Free Garlic Biscuits (page 185) 

1. Layer the onion slices on the bottom of a pressure cooker; 

this will help prevent the chicken from sticking. 

2. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Lay the 

chicken on top of the onion slices. 

3. Drizzle ½ cup of the barbecue sauce over the chicken. 

4. Place the lid on the cooker and make sure the pressure knob 

is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel, select the 

MANUAL function, high pressure, and use the +/- buttons until 

the display reads 25 minutes. 

5. When the cooker beeps to let you know it’s finished, 

let it naturally come down from pressure until the display 

reads LO:13. Switch the pressure knob from the SEALING 

to the VENTING position. Use caution while the steam 

escapes—it’s hot. 

6. Open the lid of the cooker. Remove and shred the 

chicken. Add the remaining ½ cup barbecue sauce and 

stir to coat all the pieces. Serve the chicken sandwiched 

between halved biscuits. 

HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE 

MAKES 2 CUPS 

When I started getting really savvy with my label reading, 

I realized that most store-bought versions of barbecue 

sauce were full of a highly processed form of sugar known 

as high-fructose corn syrup or simple corn syrup. These are 

both known to cause fatty liver disease and both should 

be banished from your home. This homemade sauce is a 

great alternative that you can feel secure in serving to your 

children. (It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks 

or can be frozen for up to 6 months.) 

• 1 (15-ounce) can organic tomato sauce 

• 1/4 cup organic raw honey 

• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 

• 2 tablespoons organic tomato paste 

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium Worcestershire sauce 

• 2 teaspoons liquid smoke 

• 1 teaspoon sea salt 

• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion 

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium 

heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer 

for 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to desired 

consistency. 

Reprinted from INSTANT LOSS COOKBOOK: Cook Your Way to a Healthy Weight with 125 Recipes for Your Instant Pot®, Pressure Cooker, 

and More Copyright © 2018 by Brittany Williams. Published by Harmony Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. 




SUMMER SHRIMP SCAMPI 

WITH ZOODLES AND CHICKPEAS 

SERVES FOUR TO SIX 

Zucchini noodles, a.k.a. zoodles, are a brilliant way to 

lighten up the traditionally carb-heavy shrimp scampi 

with pasta. And it comes together in a flash. This 

dish has all the flavor you love, plus an extra dose of 

healthy veggies. 

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, shells removed and 

deveined 

• 2 tablespoons ghee 

• 5 garlic cloves, minced 

• 1/2 cup chicken broth, homemade (page 220) or 

store-bought 

• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 

• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes 

• 2 medium zucchini 

• 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas, homemade (page 227) 

or canned, rinsed and drained 

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil 

• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half 

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional) 

1. Place the shrimp, ghee, garlic, broth, salt, and red 

pepper flakes in a pressure cooker. 

2. Place the lid on the cooker and make sure the 

pressure knob is in the SEALING position. Using 

the display panel, select the STEAM function, high 

pressure, and use the +/- buttons until the display 

reads 1 minute. 

3. When the cooker beeps to let you know it’s finished, 

switch the pressure knob from the SEALING to the 

VENTING position, administering a quick release. Use 

caution while the steam escapes—it’s hot. 

4. Spiralize the zucchini (I like mine thin so I use the 

2 mm blade). 

5. Open the cooker and place the shrimp in a bowl. 

Toss the shrimp with the zucchini, chickpeas, parsley, 

tomatoes, and lemon juice, if using. Use the broth 

left in the bottom of the cooker as dressing. Adjust 

seasoning to taste. 

Reprinted from INSTANT LOSS COOKBOOK: Cook Your Way to a Healthy Weight with 125 Recipes for Your Instant Pot®, 

Pressure Cooker, and More Copyright © 2018 by Brittany Williams. Published by Harmony Books, an imprint of Penguin 

Random House. 

I want to help others on the same journey so I've created a cookbook 

that you can purchase on Amazon.com or your local bookstore. 

Brittany Williams is the founder and creator of InstantLoss.com, 

author of the Instant Loss Cookbook, a wife, working mother of 

three, and hobby DIY-er. She lost 125 pounds through healthy 

eating. Far from being a gym rat, she gave up on counting 

calories, points, or macros and decided to just eat real food. 

She is now a motivator and champion for the whole foods 

JERF (Just Eat Real Food) movement. To follow her journey, 

follow her on Instagram @instantloss. 


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Monday-saturday 10am-6pm 


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Our Favorite Water 

DETOX 

by Brooke & Darron Farmer 

As you all know, water is a key element in 

healthy living. In this detox water recipe we 

use cucumbers to prevent water retention 

and they also have many anti-inflammatory 

properties. Limes provide the cleansing effect 

with citric acid to help clear out the digestive system while 

the grapefruit or oranges contain flavonoids in the peel and 

juice that stimulate the immune system. They also protect 

the body against a fungi/pests while helping to reduce 

cholesterol levels. 

One of our favorite ingredients to any water recipe is mint as 

it helps the body digest more easily and it also soothes any 

stomach cramps you may have. 

The general idea behind a detox water recipe is to flush your 

body and rid it of any toxins quicker than plain old water. 

INGREDIENTS 

• 1/2 gallon spring water 

• 1/2 grapefruit sliced 

• 1/2 cucumber sliced 

• 2-3 mint leaves 

• 1/2 lemon sliced 

• 1/2 lime sliced 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. 

2. Allow the ingredients to chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 

hours before serving. Drink throughout the day or discard 

after 24 hours. 

Meet Brooke & Daron! Whether you're looking for guidance, fitness tips, healthy recipes, 

or have a prayer request, these two have followers from all over turning to their encouraging words. 

Check them out on Facebook at brookeanddaron. 

62 


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Choosing the Right 

COOKING OIL 

There once was a time when lard, the rendered fat 

of pigs, was king in the kitchen. It was used for 

everything from frying chicken to creating flaky pie 

crusts. Over time, we’ve adapted to healthier, lower 

fat options. Make no mistake, not all cooking oils are the 

same. With so many on our grocery store shelves, how do 

we know which oils to use for what? Is one better than the 

other? Will they affect the taste of our foods? We’re here to 

demystify these popular cooking oils and learn their uses in 

everyday cooking. 

OLIVE OIL. Tried and true olive oil has been a staple in 

American kitchens for decades. Over the years, there have 

been many different views of this healthy oil. Researchers and 

food scientists now know that it is filled with monounsaturated 

fats and oleic acids, which are good for your heart and healthy 

fats which have been linked to brain health. 

TIP: At 120 calories a tablespoon, use olive oil in pretty 

much anything from marinades to dressings or as a 

substitute for butter and margarine. 

CANOLA OIL. Canola oil is one of the healthiest and 

most versatile oil choices available. With a neutral taste and a 

medium-to-high smoke point, canola oil is especially suitable 

for both baking and sautéing. Canola oil is considered 


‘healthy’ because it is an excellent source of heart healthy 

monounsaturated and omega-3 fats, and is low in saturated 

fats. Numerous research studies have linked canola oil to 

reductions in cholesterol levels, LDL (or bad) cholesterol and 

triglyceride levels. 

Despite its long-standing safety, about 90% of canola 

oils are genetically modified. They are further processed 

and deodorized. Some brands have not undergone this 

processing and are not genetically-modified. We recommend, 

when possible, to purchase cold-pressed and organic canola 

oils like Spectrum, LifeOil and Ellyndale Organics. 

SESAME OIL. This oil is an especially flavorful oil that is 

often used in many Asian inspired dishes. Be careful with how 

much you use because a little goes a long way! Dating back 

to ancient times, sesame oil has been used not only to add 

flavor, but for its health benefits. Nutritionists recommend 

using this oil because it features heart-healthy fats and fights 

inflammation. When used in cooking, sesame oil even helps 

to manage diabetes and lower blood pressure and maintain 

healthy cholesterol levels. There are two types of sesame oil, 

light and dark. Light sesame oil is suitable for deep frying 

because it has a high smoke point. Dark sesame oil has a low 

smoke point, so it is better used for things like stir fry that do 

not get as hot.

GRAPESEED OIL. Used best for low-temperature cooking 

and sautéing, grapeseed oil is derived from pressing the seeds 

of grapes and plays an active role in winemaking. For a time, 

grapeseed oil was overlooked and viewed as an undesirable 

ingredient. It wasn’t until the health benefits of this oil were 

discovered – it’s a good source of Vitamin E and oleic acid – 

that it became as popular as it is today. 

TIP: With it’s neutral taste and 120 calories per tablespoon, 

use it next time you’re making a salad dressing or baking. 

COCONUT OIL. In certain health and fitness circles it 

certainly seems like everyone is obsessed with coconut 

oil. Coconut oil has been touted as a magical solution for 

everything from dry skin, to bug bites, to seasoning your cast 

iron pan. When choosing a coconut oil to purchase, you will 

notice that there are several different types including refined 

(or virgin), unrefined, and organic. Unrefined, organic coconut 

oil is typically considered the best kind because it has the 

most MCTs, nutrients and antioxidants. 

TIP: This type is best to help with healing your gut and 

with skin issues. The organic certification helps to ensure 

that your coconut oil is free of toxins that you don't want 

to be putting in your body. 

AVOCADO OIL. Over recent years, avocados have seen 

a surge in popularity from guacamole to toast. It looks like 

it’s oily counterpart is also making a name for itself. Great for 

grilling due to its high smoke point, avocado oil is pressed 

from the fleshy pulp that surrounds the pit. Just like the fruit, 

avocado oil is extremely healthy. The monounsaturated fats 

can lead to lower blood pressure and it has been linked 

to potentially lowering the symptoms of arthritis. One 

tablespoon is 124 calories. 

TIP: Use it next time you’re grilling, pan roasting, or 

simply drizzle it over a soup or salad. 

HAZELNUT OIL. Just like the nut, hazelnut oil gives off a 

toasty flavor in every recipe it goes into. As the name implies, 

oil is extracted from the hazel through a press. 80% of the 

fats within hazelnut oil is monounsaturated which makes it 

extremely heart healthy. One tablespoon is 120 calories and 

pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, and even oatmeals as it makes 

starchy and comforting foods even richer. 

TIP: For an unexpected twist, you can even top ice cream 

and coffee with it. 

SUNFLOWER OIL. A great substitute for often heavily 

processed vegetable oil, sunflower oil is extremely versatile 

and can be used for cooking in low to high temperatures. It’s 

healthier than traditional vegetable oils as it contains less bad 

fats and more good fats. 

TIP: Next time a recipe calls for vegetable oil, reach for 

the sunflower oil instead. At 120 calories per tablespoon, 

it’s a better alternative for you and your loved ones. 

Terra's Kitchen is a healthy lifestyle delivery system. 

• Private or Couples Nutrition 

• Consultations • Meal Prep Classes 

• Metabolic Profiles • DanceFit 

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Owner / Trainer / Holistic Nutritionist 

• Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition 

• Certified Holistic Nutrition Practitioner 

• Certified Natural Health Practitioner 

• Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer 

• 9 years In The Business 

254-707-0724 

c.barsh@hotmail.com 

BarshWellness.com 

* Actual Client 



I Quit Believing 

in Breakfast 

by Lindsay Huelse 

With spring and summer fast approaching, the 

number one question I am receiving from 

clients and followers is, “How can I lose fat 

FAST and get bikini ready?!” My answer? 

STOP EATING BREAKFAST! Now stay with me here, there 

is actually a physiological reason why eating breakfast is 

hindering you from reaching your fat loss goals! 

This nutritional strategy is called Intermittent Fasting, or what 

I call, Fasting Intervals. It’s not scary, it's not a diet, and it’s not 

new. Intermittent Fasting is ancient and has been around and 

utilized for thousands of years to naturally heal our bodies. 


Intermittent Fasting, specifically the “lean gains” 

approach, is a nutritional strategy where you consciously 

decide to have your first meal a little bit later in the day and 

then “close your kitchen” a little earlier than you normally 

would. 

What I typically recommend to my clients going through 

The FITT Cycle is to have their first meal of the day around 

noon, eat all of their meals between noon and 8pm. So 

essentially we’re creating an 8-hour eating window and a 

16‐hour fasting window. You still want to make sure you’re 

eating all the nutrients your body needs within this window.

So what’s the point? After we eat and our bodies are 

beginning to digest food, we produce a hormone called 

insulin to counter act the spike in blood sugar. Insulin 

secretion makes the process of burning fat extremely difficult. 

About 8-12 hours after our body is done digesting, insulin 

levels are lower and we are considered to be in the "fasted" 

state, allowing our bodies to access fat stores for energy. 

As a society, we have been told we need to eat every 

two hours in order to increase our metabolism and reach our 

fat‐loss goals. Think about it. Insulin stays in our blood stream 

for 8-12 hours. If you are eating every two hours, you are 

constantly spiking your insulin levels, inhibiting your body 

from being able to utilize your stored fat for energy. 

The majority of my clients, after a week of implementing 

Intermittent Fasting, begin to report increased energy, better 

sleep, less bloat, and a smaller waistline! 

Most of the “fasting” is actually done while you are 

sleeping, but here a few tips to start implementing intermittent 

fasting into your daily routine. 

TIPS TO MAKE IT THROUGH 

YOUR FAST: 

1. Start small – if you’re used to eating breakfast right 

when you wake up, lets say 7am, try eating today at 8am 

and then tomorrow at 9am until you have reached noon! 

2. Drink lots of water, black coffee, bone broth, or herbal 

tea during your fast. 

3. Do Fasted Cardio – this will help deplete your glycogen 

(stored carbs) and tap into those fat stores quicker. 

4. “Break” your fast with a light high protein/high fat 

smoothie or meal. 

5. Set an Alarm for 8-10 hours after your first meal. This 

will let you know when to stop eating. 

So, if you’re looking to get results FAST before bikini 

season, I recommend skipping on the breakfast! 

Lindsay Huelse is a Nurse turned entrepreneur who now runs a seven-figure business helping women 

ditch the quick fix diets and create sustainable lifestyle. Originally from Dallas, Texas, 

she currently lives in The Woodlands, Texas. For more information on Lindsay and her work, 

check her out on Instagram @lindsayhuelse, @thefittcycle or her website lindsayrenefitness.com. 

1401 S 31 St Suite A | Temple, TX 76504 | 254-770-0511 

/CalliesTemple 

@calliesboutique 

Also find us at The Hub Downtown Temple 

Baby & Childrens Boutique 

Gifts for Women 


WEATHERFORD 

This little town is known as 

one of the most beautiful 

towns in Texas and it’s easy 

to see why! Explore a mixture 

of English gardens and 

Chinese architecture at the 

Chandor Gardens before 

diving into a hummus burger 

while being surrounded by 

vintage cars at the Vintage 

Grill & Car Museum. 

BEAUTIFUL 

Texas Destinations 

Jessica Serna 

Who else is pumped for wildflower season? I can’t wait to drive 

down the Texas Highways and see the roadsides covered in wildflowers. 

Even more exciting are the beautiful Texas towns in full bloom. 

Here are some of the top destinations that are prettiest in spring! 

How many can you hit up before the end? 

BIG BEND 

Big Bend National Park is 

always gorgeous any time of 

the year, but the sea of green 

and wildflowers is even more 

stunning in the spring. Stay 

in a unique tipi and wake up 

to dramatic sunrises before 

hiking through Santa Elena 

Canyon or relaxing in the 

natural hot springs. 

NEW BRAUNFELS 

Now that the weather is going warmer, New Braunfels is perfect 

for floating down the Comal river or enjoying time at Schlitterbahn. 

Go with your significant other and enjoy a private romantic dinner and 

dessert experience in a beautiful trellis surrounded by grapevines. 

ENNIS 

You can’t miss out on the bluebonnet capitol 

of Texas. The Bluebonnet Trails Festival 

is April 12-14th and is a great chance to 

explore fields of blue, live music, food, and 

bluebonnet souvenirs! Take a break from the 

flowers to go antique shopping downtown! 

To see more information about My Curly Adventures travels, check out her website at 

mycurlyadventures.com. You can also follow her on 

mycurlyadventures_ mycurlyadventures curlyadventures 


Wade Bowen 

by Michele Graves 

Photography by Alex Wolf 

Location The Morrow House 

Wade Bowen is a Waco, Texas, native who 

found a way to follow his passion and 

make a successful career out of it. This 

country singer who played football, basketball, baseball 

and track in Reicher, stays close to his heart by writing 

and singing about all things Texas. He was born and 

raised in Waco, attended college in Lubbock at Texas 

Tech, and has lived in Austin and New Braunfels. He and 

wife Shelby have two boys, Bruce 13 and Brock 10 who 

follow in Wade’s footsteps with a love of music. 

Family is one of the most important things to Wade 

as he says that is his favorite thing to do. “I spend time 


FAMILY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS 

TO WADE AS HE SAYS THAT IS HIS FAVORITE THING TO DO. 

“I SPEND TIME WITH MY KIDS [WHEN NOT TOURING]. 

THAT’S WHAT I ENJOY.” 

with my kids [when not touring]. That’s what I enjoy. 

I love to golf as well when I can, but when I’m off the 

road, I’m usually trying to keep up with family stuff. “ He 

is proudest of his song “Before These Walls Were Blue” 

because it was written for his boys. He struggled forever 

to write them a song that they could have long after he’s 

gone. He says it makes him feel good to sing it. 

Growing up in a house where music was treasured 

inspired Wade to become a singer. Wade says, “My 

mom is a huge music fan and my two older sisters were 

as well, so they were always dragging me to concerts 

and listening to music around the house . . . singing, 

playing piano, whatever we could find.” The Bowen 

boys have also ventured into the music world with their 


dad. Wade says he loves “that they are comfortable 

enough to get on a stage with me and sing and play. 

That brings me tons of joy. Whether they pursue 

their career or not does not matter. I’m just glad they 

appreciate what I do and understand why it takes me 

away from them so much. Nothing makes me prouder 

than to watch my kids chase their dreams and work 

hard, even if they don’t succeed. I’m just glad they show 

the courage to go after it.” 

Another passion of Wade’s is giving back to his 

community. He does this through the Bowen Musicfest 

and the Bowen Family Foundation. What started out as 

a way to hang out with his buddies on the golf course 

has turned into a way of having fun and giving back 

to those who need it. Wade says he loves “giving that 

money to those out there in the trenches doing the ‘real’ 

work – those who are saving people’s lives.” This year’s 

Musicfest is the 21st event and will take place June 

2, 2019 at Touchdown Alley at McLane Stadium. The 

money raised, $2.5 million to be exact, goes directly to 

families in the Waco community year round. 

When asked what he would like to tell his fans, he 

replied, “It’s been a long crazy ride thus far, for so many 

years, but we are just getting started!! Thank you!!” 

Custom 

Woodwork 

Home Decor 

Antiques 

Design 

Thursday-Saturday 

10:00-5:00 

Sunday 12:00-5:00 

Voted #1 antique store 

for the last 5 years 

254.749.1849 


thefindery.com 

Located downtown in the Silo District: 

THE FINDERY 

501 S. 8th Street 

254-235-1777 

Be sure to shop our second location: 

THE FINDERY MARKETPLACE 

910 Webster Avenue 

Waco, Texas 

Inspired. Vintage. Unique Finds. 

Follow us on social media @thefinderywaco

INSIDE BUSINESS 

Dr. John 

HAMILTON 

Husband. Father. 

Community Leader. Doctor 

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO WACO? 

My wife and I were looking for a home and to get away 

from the depersonalization that often occurs in large cities. 

We wanted to be a part of a close community and we wanted 

a great place to raise children. 

TELL US ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. 

I wasn’t born in Texas, but as they say, I got here as fast 

as I could. I was raised in Enid, Oklahoma. I spent nearly 

20 years in Southern California attending college, medical 

school, ER specialty training and working Emergency 

Centers. My wife, Dr. Elizabeth Kiraly, and I moved to Waco 

in 2000. We have a son who is married and lives in Waco 

with his family, and two daughters who attend Midway. Being 

with my family is my favorite thing to do when I'm away 

from work. I have served previously on many community 

and regional organizations, including president and board 

member of the McLennan County Medical Society, Texas 

Medical Association delegate, McLennan County Medical 

Education and Research Foundation, Heart of Texas Regional 

Area Council, and Advocacy Center. 

WHAT'S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE 

MAY NOT KNOW? 

Prior to getting into medicine, I was in the hospitality 

industry. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? 

Through my experience, I realized a need for a change 

in emergency medicine for both the providers and the 

community. I saw a need for emergency providers to be 

able to work in an environment that promoted more time 

for personalized patient care. For patients, I saw a need 

to provide an alternative care site that provided fast, high 

quality, compassionate and economical care based on 

individual patient needs. Keeping these needs in mind, 

we established Premier ER and Urgent Care, which is a 

comprehensive ER and urgent care model – commonly 

referred to as a hybrid model – that meets the medical needs 

of both emergencies and minor illnesses/injuries in a patientcentric, 

cost effective manner. 

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE FIELD OF MEDICINE? 

I love the blend of science with the passion of caring 

for others. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? 

I believe I can make a difference in someone’s life by 

helping them during a bad day, and sometimes worst day of 

their life. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CENTRAL TEXAS? 

It is a great place to raise a family and the hearts of those 

who live here is unmatched. I was thanked more for the care I 

gave in the first week in Waco than I had been given in years 

in the hospitals of Southern California. The people make 

Waco great, and I am honored to be able to help them when 

they are in need. 

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE 

EVER RECEIVED? 

Believe in yourself and have faith. 


Emily 

ROBERTS 

Wife. Creator. Dreamer. Entrepreneur. 

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: 

I grew up the oldest of 3 kids in the big city of Hubbard, 

Texas, in the late 70's with my dad raising cattle where we 

listened to music while he fed. I learned to country dance 

while living in Stephenville and attending Tarleton State 

University. Of course, two-stepping and attending Tarleton 

went hand in hand. Soon after gradation, I moved back to 

Waco and worked several corporate marketing/sales jobs 

when I finally gave in to my entrepreneurial spirit and opened 

a decor/repurposed furniture decor store, Junque in the Trunk 

in 2011. I finally felt where I belonged- working for myself 

and getting to be creative! I loved what I did and I met so 

many amazing people. About four years into owning Junque 

in the Trunk, my husband and I went to Fredericksburg for 

a weekend trip and visited Luckenbach. We left there, and I 

told him someday I would open something similar in Waco. 

Four years later I sold my store, and here I am...finally getting 

that chance. 

HOW WOULD DESCRIBE WHAT PEOPLE CAN EXPECT 

FROM 5J DANCE HALL? 

5J Dance Hall is going to be just that....a Dance Hall. 

A dance hall that's true to the traditional country music 

sound. Speaking of sound, we'll be 

bringing in 'live' bands every Friday and 

Saturday night from Central, TX, as well as 

bands from the Fort Worth area and some 

as far south as San Antonio. We've also 

got some bigger name acts lined up for 

this year as well. We'll also offer country/ 

western dance lessons each Thursday 

night along with traditional country music, 

a quaint country setting, friendly staff and 

southern hospitality. 

WHERE DID YOU COME UP WITH 

THE NAME 5J? 

It's my family's cattle brand. My earliest 

memories of hearing the classic country 

songs were with my dad out feeding cows, it only seemed 

fitting to incorporate those memories into the dance hall 

name. 

WHAT LED YOU INTO DOING THIS? 

For as long as I can remember, country music has been 

a passion of mine. I grew up listening to traditional country 

music and have loved it ever since I was old enough to put 

a 45 record on my record player. Music has always been my 

happy place. I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but I listen to it 

daily. My husband and I, along with our friends, travel a lot 

NEVER GIVE 

UP ON YOUR 

DREAM. 

to Gruene Hall, Luckenbach, The Broken 

Spoke in Austin among other places to go 

hear the sounds and dance to traditional 

country music. I got to thinking about how 

Waco is limited on the places you can go to 

hear this type of music and dance in a true 

classic dance hall setting. While I realize 

you can't duplicate the history of those old 

Texas Dance Halls, we can sure open up 

our own and make our own history! 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER 

TO OTHER WOMEN WANTING TO 

OPEN THEIR OWN BUSINESS? 

The best piece of advice I would offer, 

as cliche as it may sound, is to have patience and never give 

up on your dream. Like I said, I've literally had the dream to 

open an old dance hall for years. I can remember spending 

hours upon hours driving around Waco looking for buildings 

that would work for my dance hall concept. I was probably a 

realtor's biggest nightmare! I could never find exactly what 

I wanted or when I thought I had, it wasn't available for 

whatever reason. Looking back now, I'm so thankful none of 

those places worked out. I couldn't be more excited about 

the quaint and country setting I found down the road on Hwy 

84 between Waco and McGregor. 


408 Lake Road 

Belton, TX 76513 

(254) 933-7024 

www.whimsiesboutique.com

Renovated Building 

NOW OPEN 

McGregor I 254.840.2873 

RocketFCU.com 

Pecan Plaza Shopping Center | 1401 South 31st Street | Suite I | Temple, Texas 76504 | 254.770.0904

Complimentary Residential or Commercial Light Demo 

254.848.8220

SAVE THE DATE 

MAY 

2019 16th 

THURSDAY 

11:00-2:00pm 

at Columbus Avenue 

Baptist Church 

Mommy & Me Style Show and Bazaar 

"A Time to Shine" 

Enjoy lunch, runway fashion, vendor booths and 

compelling stories from Care Net clients who have 

overcome impossible obstacles through their 

dedication and faith in Christ. 

To be a vendor, sponsor a table, 

or buy individual tickets, please visit 

pregnancycare.org/events 

of Central Texas seeks to provide 

compassionate care, practical support, 

and accurate information to women facing 

a crisis pregnancy or considering abortion. 

Each day, 3,300 women wake up in America believing 

abortion is the only realistic solution to an unplanned 

pregnancy. 

Care Net offers a variety of free services, including, but 

not limited to: pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, housing, 

counseling, and parenting classes. 

62% of our clients are under the age of 25 

and 63% are unmarried. 

PLEASE CONTACT US TO SEE HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED! 

of Central Texas 

Care Net Pregnancy Center 

800 W Waco Drive 

254.772.8270 

Deborah@pregnancycare.org 

CALL US 

TO REPAIR YOUR EXISTING FENCE 

OR FOR A NEW INSTALLATION. 

We also offer temporary fencing! 

PHONE: 254 870-5950 

FAX: 254 870-5980 

www.pinnfence.com 

133 N. 1 st St., Ste 102 

Hewitt, TX 76643 


April Showers Bring May Flowers... 

Plus Heat, Humidity & Pollen! 

Reduce allergens, make sure your AC system 

is ready for the summer heat & SAVE! 

FREE 

Home of the 

1st Service Call 

www.rabroker.com 

SPRING 

CLEAN & CHECK 

SPECIAL 

Reg. $110 

Now Only 

$79. 99 

Call Now to Schedule Your Service 

Temple: 254.744.7699 • Waco: 254.741.1866 

*Offers available to residential customers, one system only, Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm. Free service call is for diagnostics only and does not include $25 trip fee. Call for all offer details. 

BELTON | TEMPLE 

Sunday to Tuesday 

10:30AM to 9:30PM 

Wednesday to Thursday 

10:30AM to 10PM 

Friday to Saturday 

10:30AM to 11PM 

Sunday to Tuesday 

10:30AM to 9PM 

Wednesday to Thursday 

10:30AM to 9:30PM 

Friday to Saturday 

10:30AM to 10PM 


CoronasDeOro 

www.CoronasDeOro.com

local artists 

with passion for unique, 

hand crafted design 

Imagine the possibilities! 

254.717.7431 1509 AUSTIN AVE. WACO 

Thank You Waco for 

50 Years of Service 

Custom Framing & Fine 

Art Gallery 

Art Installation 

Photo and Art 

Restoration 

Family Owned & Operated 

studiogallerywaco.com 

254.772.0907 



Spring Closet 

Renovation 

by Mallory Vincent 

HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED CLOSET ENVY? 

WELL IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME, YOU HAVE. 

WITH BIG IDEAS AND A SMALL BUDGET, I DID SOME RESEARCH 

AND LOTS OF PURGING AND ORGANIZING IN ORDER 

TO CREATE A SPACE PERFECT FOR ME.

WHERE TO BEGIN 

As my Mother once said, if you haven’t worn it in a 

year, or two, chances are you never will. Keeping this in 

mind, I separated my clothing by piles I love, clothing I 

wear often, and that I barely ever wear. I packed away my 

winter clothing and brought out my spring and summer 

clothing (Yes, I am that person that stores away seasonal 

clothes). I took into consideration the quality of each 

item, as well as thinking can this piece be versatile and 

work with my other pieces? 

CONSISTENT STYLE HANGERS 

Keeping your hangers consistent with the color or 

style helps make your closet less distracting and busy 

and creates the look and feel of a high-end boutique. 

This also lets your clothing stand out and also ads a little 

bit of character to a crowded space. I love to use the 

same wooden hangers from my local superstore home 

section – they are super affordable, classic and very 

durable. These can also be found at IKEA, Target, or 

HomeSense for a very similar price. 

HANG IN THERE! 

Although there are many ways to create a very 

affordable closet, I was super excited to find these VERY 

affordable clothing racks from IKEA for only $12. They 

are white, simple with clean lines and ideal for a small 

space. They will be easy to move around when I want to 

change things up or if I decided to install something a 

little more permanent down the road. 



COLOR COORDINATE 

YOUR CLOTHES 

This might sound a little crazy, but color coordinating 

your closet helps you realize what you have already 

and also speeds up the process of figuring out an 

outfit or finding something you need. This also makes 

the closet feel inviting and well organized. 

DE-BULK 

Gather all your cozies and gym gear and either fold 

them on a shelf or clear out a space in your dresser 

for these items, Removing bulky items will create more 

space for the items that actually need to be hung up. 

ADDING PRETTY LITTLE TOUCHES 

Showcasing your favorite jewels and perfumes is 

an easy way to make the space yours and represent 

your style. I love having my favorite items displayed 

as if I was seeing them in the store for the first time. 

Having my line-up of perfumes and body creams are 

convenient and quite lovely. Hanging your favorite 

artwork on the spare walls (if you have a spare wall), 

makes the room your own and personalized. I love to 

layer hats with hooks on the wall to create a fun and 

practical wall decor design. I’ve also found it’s a great 

area to have a full-length mirror. If you don’t have the 

space, use the back of the door to hang a mirror. 

86 



CREATING LIGHT 

Adding in a large mirror into the space is a great way to add more natural light into the area as well as 

creating the illusion of a larger space. A large mirror is also practical for getting ready and also fantastic for 

applying makeup first thing in the morning. Adding in a lovely little light fixture also helps finish the space. 

Make sure to look for a light fixture that provides lots of all around the light. I purchased mine from Ikea for 

only $40. 

Now you have a closet for others to envy and a space to call all your own. 

Mallory Vincent is a brand creator and home stylist from The Lady Slipper Blog. 

Her Llifestyle blog focuses on affordable home decor, DIY's and design ideas. 

To view more of her talented work, follow her on Instagram @LadySlipperBlog. 


WOMEN'S CLOTHING •• ACCESSORIES •• KID'S CLOTHING 

GAMEDAY ATTIRE •• MEN'S CLOTHING 

“Always remember that you have lightning deep within your soul. 

An energy runs through your veins with the power to bring beauty 

and light to this world. Never dull your thunder, use your voice. 

Continue glowing, continue growing – never staying content for too long. 

Let the universe see what you’re made of. For you are influential, passionate, 

and strong — you can overcome anything that comes your way. 

Believe me when I say that you are made of lightning – 

impossible to forget and remembered by all.” 

NOW OPEN: 300 S 2nd Street, Suite 100 

Waco, TX 76701 *Behind Bicycle World* 

254.313.1869 

BOLT254.COM 

BOLT 254 

BOLT_254 

ONLINE ORDERING 

WACO DELIVERY AVAILABLE

OF LIFE & STYLE

My Tribe 

by Julie Hays 

In my little tribe is a lot of life. Between the four of 

us, we’ve held newborn babies, and we've buried 

fathers and a husband. We’ve gone on blind dates, 

gotten married, held each other’s hands through 

life-changing medical diagnoses, and we've cried 

and laughed. A lot. This tribe of women, to me, is what 

friendship is all about. 

Like many of you, I often take it for granted. I don’t make 

that call. I’m too busy to return that text. Girls’ night? No 

way I’ve got time for that. Not between basketball, bedtime, 

work and that thing I used to know called sleep. We all have 

excuses and frankly they can be legit. But let’s be honest with 

ourselves. It’s easy to have “a lot of friends” but it’s difficult to 

nurture our true friendships. 

Some friends come with stages in life and that’s not a bad 

thing. They may even become part of your lifelong tribe. 

When I was a young professional, I hung out with other 

singles in our newsroom. When I got married, Sam and I 

enjoyed plenty of double dates. When kids came along, I 

joined playgroups, sporting teams and somehow became a 

“dance mom.” 

I’ve loved having friends in different seasons, but as I get 

older and life’s thrown me some major league curveballs, I 

always go back home. To my tribe. 

We don’t look alike and on paper seem as different as 

they come. One’s single. I’ve got small kids. One’s an empty 

nester, and another a new grandmother. But somehow I think 

the diversity gives us perspective and some great laughs over 

a glass of wine, too. 

Friends are some of the greatest gifts in life, but they 

don’t come without commitment and time. So find your tribe, 

and love them hard. 

Julie Hays is a wife, mother to three and the midday news anchor for KWTX. 

To follow Julie, go to @Juliehayskwtx on Instagram. 


1440 West Loop 340 Waco, TX 76712 

JeffHunterToyota.com 

254.662.6644

254.295.0610 

7348 W. ADAMS #500 • TEMPLE, TX 76502 

• Airbrush 

Makeup 

• Eyelash 

Extensions 

• Dermaplaning 

• Waxing 

• Spray Tans 

• Lash Lifts 

• Brow and 

Lash Dying 

Find us on Facebook 254.252.0140 

6600 Sanger Ave, Suite 30 

Waco, TX 

• Registration opens for our fun Summer 

Camps and Classes starting March 1! 

• Summer Camps = Princess Camp, 

Diva Day Camp, Broadway Bound Camp 

• Check out our fun Birthday Party Packages 

• Save the Date – JSOD 2019 Recital 

"Illuminate – Let Your Light Shine!" June 8 – 9, 

Midway Performing Arts Center 

www.jsodwaco.com 

(254) 776-1797 



Handmade 

Easter Tags 

BY MALLORY VINCENT 


We are welcoming spring weather with 

open arms, and one of our favorite 

spring holidays is Easter! It is time 

to change your decor with pretty pastels and open up 

your windows to let the fresh air fill your home. 

This year, we encourage you to host an Easter 

luncheon for your close friends and family. To make this 

tradition a little simpler for you, we have created these 

handmade Easter tags to decorate your Easter baskets 

and use as table decor. What better way to tell some 

“bunny” they are loved? 



To download the tags visit ModernTexasLiving.com. 

To follow more of Mallory's work, follow her on Instagram @TheLadySlipperBlog. 


hello 

SPRING 

locally owned & operated 

CENTRAL TEXAS MARKETPLACE 

2444 W LOOP 340, STE 14 | WACO, TX 

APRICOT LANE WACO

5 


1 

Must-Haves 

for Spring 

Essie Nail polish in 

'Peach Side Babe' 

Inspired by the Pantone Color 

of 2019, 'Peach Side Babe' is 

a gorgeous shade of coral that 

compliments all skin tones. This 

sweet coral shade is a perfect 

accessory for spring! 

Whitney Davis 

2 

The Atomizer 

This perfume atomizer is 

a game changer. Do you 

ever have those days when 

you’re in a hurry and forget 

your perfume? This perfume 

atomizer can be filled with your 

favorite perfume and easily 

stored in your purse or car 

console. 

3 

Nude Pumps – Sam Edelman 

Danna Pointy Toe Pump 

(found at nordstrom.com) 

Every girl needs a reliable pair of nude pumps! 

Whether you’re attending a wedding or styling 

work attire, nude pumps will compliment all spring 

colors and patterns. 


4 

Quay 'It's My Way' Sunglasses 

(found at quayaustralia.com) 

Oversized chic sunglasses are the hottest trend on the 

market. Add a simple cat eye and you’ve got some 

sunnies to add to work wear styles or pool lounging! 

Straw Woven 

Handbags 

(found at nordstrom.com) 

The trend of the straw handbag 

is back for spring and summer of 

2019. Whether you like carrying 

totes or clutches, these woven 

handbags have all the bohemian, 

classic vibes to fit every style! 

Here are options for everyone's 

pocket books. 

5 

Alice Woven Sisal Straw Bag 

by Clare V. 

Small Ark Bamboo Handbag 

by CULT GAIA 

Woven Raffia Clutch 

Meet Whitney Davis, a talented fashion and style blogger out of East Texas. 

You can see more of her work on Instagram @whitneydavisblog or whitneydavisblog.com. 


CASEY NYSTROM 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

WEDDINGS MATERNITY GRADUATES FAMILIES 

Let us help you with all of your 

advertising and marketing needs! 

254.716.1425 

www.ModernMediaAgency.com 

254.405.4268 

CASEYNYSTROM.COM 


Visit 

RetireNowWaco.com 

to download 

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Considerations 

254.751.1256 

16100 Badger Ranch Blvd, Woodway, TX 

Our mission is to simplify your 

financial life, protect your wealth, and 

for our clients and their families to 

enjoy financial confidence that could 

last generation after generation. 

Securities offered through Questar Capital Corporation (QCC), Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Questar Asset Management (QAM), 

A Registered Investment Advisor. Lovett & Associates is independent of QCC and QAM. Insurance services also offered by Lovett & Associates 

As Seen on Fixer Upper 

Rates starting at 

$200 per month 

31707 US-84 in McGregor, Texas 

254.840.2300 


FROM THE HEART 

Our Story 

A family's journey with Cystic Fibrosis 

by Magen Wright 

Meet twin brothers Campbell and Merritt Wright. 

They are two and a half years old, live in Spring, 

Texas, love to eat, dance, (attempt to) sing, 

and snuggle with their 6-month-old baby sister, 

Maylie. Merritt’s favorite meal is chicken nuggets. Campbell’s 

favorite song is the A-B-C’s. You may not find a pair of happier 

brothers on the planet. 

They also live with a chronic, progressive, and lifethreatening 

disease called cystic fibrosis (CF) that causes 

persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe 

over time. In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick, 

sticky buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other 

organs. Today “Cam” and “Mer” took a combined total of 

52 pills, completed 3 hours of breathing treatments, and 

finished off their 10th day of antibiotics. 

It was about three years ago that I found out I was pregnant 

with twins – the first of many surprises that my husband, 

William, and I would welcome over the next few years. The 

boys were born in August of 2016. They weighed in around 

4.5 pounds and were healthy and happy at birth. Because they 

were so small, they stayed in the NICU after they were born so 

that they could feed and grow. On day two, the nurse pricked 

their little heals for the state mandated newborn screening. I 

remember asking the nurse what tests were going to be run 

and she responded, “Oh things like …, …, cystic fibrosis, …”. 

That was the first time that I heard the words. Thirteen days 

later while sitting in the NICU my husband and I received the 

news that would forever change our lives. 

Desperately we scrambled to search Google to see 

pictures of infected lungs and clubbed fingers, gut wrenching 

statistics about life expectancy and average days spent in a 

hospital per year. It was an absolute nightmare in the worst of 

ways. There we were, holding our infant sons in the palms of 

our hands, just pleading with God to take whatever He needs 

from us and give it to them. We just wanted what any parent 

wants for their child – to give them every opportunity that 

we had and more. Now, at just two weeks old, they faced an 

obstacle like we’ve never experienced in our entire life. This 

was hopelessness. This was the darkest life had ever been. 

We went home from the NICU three days later and 

within the week we met the team who we now consider our 

CF Family – our Care Team at Texas Children’s Hospital in 

Houston, TX. Our CF doctor, Dr. Fadel Ruiz, quickly got our 

boys started on pancreatic enzymes and for the first time in 

their lives they started gaining weight. This was the first time I 

had felt some sort of hope since they were diagnosed. 

Within a few months we were fully engaged in the CF 

community. We started our social media and fundraising 

team, The Wright Fight, and quickly had a tremendous group 

of family and friends supporting us and helping raise funds 

for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Before the boys turned 

two, we raised nearly $50,000 for the CF Foundation. The 

Wright Fight has become our way of fighting back against 

this disease and has allowed us to feel supported by friends 

and strangers. It has helped me focus my attention on the 

positive things happening in the CF community and reminds 

me the boys are not alone in this fight. 

Fast forward to this year. We still have days of fear, 

uncertainty, helplessness, sadness, and many days of worry. 

Today we are eagerly awaiting test results from a sputum 

culture so we can find out what versions of bacteria are 

growing in their little lungs. Today included times of worry, 

but today included times joy. We made cookies together, 

snuggled little sister, and after treatments tonight we danced 

to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk music video. It was a good day. 

Raising kids with a terminal disease is hard, there are 

days filled with constant worry, tears & heartache, but there 

are also days filled with so much joy your heart could burst. 

I’ve learned what it means to show up for people when they 

need you and not when it’s convenient. I’ve learned that God 

doesn’t give you what He thinks you can handle, but what 

you can handle with Him. I’m still learning to balance the 

constant worry about the boys coming in contact with germs, 

while still allowing them to enjoy being young. The reality is, 

motherhood (terminal disease or not) has a way of allowing 

you to lose yourself in the day to day, but motherhood has a 

way of allowing you to truly find yourself along the way, too. 

My journey as a mom has allowed me to became an advocate 

for not only our sons, but so many others. It’s allowed me to 

stop worrying about the the things that fill my house, but the 

memories made in it. Motherhood has been such a gift. No, it's 

not always easy, but this journey has been so worth it. 



Pecan Plaza Shopping Center | 1401 South 31st Street | Suite I | Temple, Texas 76504 | 254.770.0904

254.741.6000 

801 North Valley Mills Drive 

(corner valley mills & sanger) 

wacojewelers.com

Modern Texas Living

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