HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MANTEL MERRY THIS YEAR BY COURTNEY WARREN When I envision Christmas on the Pinterest board in my mind, I think of a roaring fireplace, hot cocoa, and several pairs of feet in fuzzy socks cuddled up in front of the fire. The backdrop is, of course, the living room mantel, all decked out for Santa’s arrival down the chimney. No matter your decor style, there is a mantel decoration to leave you dreaming of sugar plums, so let’s explore a few options to make your Christmas mantel shine. WOODLAND RUSTIC Focal point: Multiple coordinating details This rustic mantel ..read more

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE STATE BY CHRISTINA GARCIA Whether your favorite part of New Year’s Eve is a champagne toast, the countdown to midnight, or the fireworks, Texas has you covered. From street parties to rollercoasters and even early-bird celebrations with the kids, here are a few ideas to ring in the new year. DALLAS Stop by City Hall Plaza for a fantastic view of the innovative mix of drones and live fireworks bursting around Reunion Tower on New Year’s Eve or buy a ticket to get a close-up view. It’s hard to beat the panoramic, 360-degree view of the impressive light sho ..read more

Sweet or Savory, We’re Wild About this Fruit BY ANNETTE BROOKS Every year, the cranberry harvest welcomes autumn with a splash of bright, cheery red color. Although these hard, round fruits can be eaten raw, their tart taste is perfect for sweet treats and savory dishes. From quick breads and cakes to stuffing and holiday punch, they pop up in homes across the country. November is an especially cranberry- crazy month, with cranberry sauce served alongside nearly every Thanksgiving feast. According to Ocean Spray, Americans consume 80 million pounds of cranberries during the week of Thanksgivi ..read more

GARAGE DOORS ARE BECOMING MORE TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED BY PETE ALFANO We live in the age of “smart” technology. We have smartphones, smart TVs, smart cars, and smart houses. By utilizing the Internet, a person can raise or lower the thermostat, turn lights on and off, talk to someone at the front door, and arm or disarm the home alarm system, all from the workplace, grocery store, or in the car heading home. Few people know, however, that garage doors have been technologically advanced, if not “smart,” for more than 100 years. According to garage door websites, inventor C.G. Johnson created ..read more

THE BASICS OF BUTTOCKS PROCEDURES BY ANNETTE BROOKS Booty beauty is no longer just a passion for rich and famous trendsetters. Having a rounder, more well-shaped backside has become engrained in our culture, encouraging more of us to seek ways to improve the appearance of our hips and buttocks. Luckily, you have choices to consider if you want to upgrade your caboose, and your plastic surgeon may recommend combining a couple of techniques to give you the results you desire. BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT (BBL) This surgical procedure involves shaping the buttocks and contouring other areas of your body ..read more

OBESITY A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE SPIKE IN TYPE 2 DIABETES BY PETE ALFANO According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 42.4% of Americans are obese, based on their Body Mass Index (BMI), a formula that is calculated using height and weight. That means their BMI is 30 or above. And going hand-in-hand with obesity is the rapid increase of Type 2 diabetes. Health organizations estimate that 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, and 20% of them don’t even know it. There are numerous risks associated with diabetes, including heart disease, strokes, hypertension, kidney disease, diabetic neuropa ..read more

GETTING A HANDLE ON SEASONAL STRESS BY PETE ALFANO Tis the season...to be jolly? For most of us, the holidays are a festive time of year. Starting bad behavior. Yes, it is easier said than done, but if you visit with Thanksgiving, or, nowadays, Halloween, we eagerly anticipate celebrating with parties, holiday meals and drinks, exchanging gifts, and spending time with family and friends. But for some, the holidays can be filled with self-imposed stress. From planning the perfect party, finding the right gift, decking the halls, and devising decadent homemade treats, we can often lose sight of ..read more

World Adoption Day, A Mother's Story BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT When our son, Jonah, was eight, a tropical storm dropped a pine tree across two of our cars. The next morning, my husband, David, struggled with the help of three teenage boys to lift the tree. As the sun beat down, their frustration mounted, and the tree refused to budge, Jonah mused, “Too bad I’m not under that tree, Mom. Then, YOU could lift it.” There was no doubt in that boy’s mind that his mama could and would lift that tree off him — and he was absolutely right. Jonah is our fourth child. Although the birth of any child is a ..read more

CREATING A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY TABLE The holiday season brings a magic when loved ones gather to celebrate and create cherished memories. At the heart of this celebration is the holiday table, where friends and family come together to share delicious meals and heartfelt conversations. Setting the scene for this festive occasion is an art that can transform a simple gathering into an unforgettable experience. Read on to explore elements and tips to consider when creating a holiday table that exudes warmth, elegance, and a touch of personal flair. THEME & COLOR PALETTE Choosing a theme and co ..read more

CHANGE CLASSIC HOLIDAY FLAVORS UP THIS YEAR BY JENNIFER BAJSEL PUMPKIN TIRAMISU SERVINGS: MAKES 1 13 X 9 PAN | PREP: 15 MIN. | COOLING: OVERNIGHT | TOTAL: 8 HRS 15 MIN. INGREDIENTS: 2 cups hazelnut coffee | 4 oz. Frangelico liquor, divided | 1 pkg. gingersnaps | 1 pkg. graham crackers, divided | 1 cup granulated sugar | 4 Egg Yolks | 12 oz. Mascarpone cheese | 1 cup pumpkin puree | 2 cups heavy whipping cream | 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar | 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar DIRECTIONS: BREW hazelnut coffee and place in a sauce pot. ADD 2 oz. Frangelico liquor and bring to a low simmer. MIX egg yolks and s ..read more