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Tips to Overcome Personal Struggles and Achieve Goals

By
Megan Whitworth
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When faced with tough challenges, it can be tempting to throw in the towel. But experts say the power of goal-setting is fierce and the discipline behind it can help anyone overcome obstacles.

“Failure has the power to break you or it has the power to push you forward,” said Scout Bassett, a U.S. Paralympian in track and field. “Use your experiences as an opportunity to reevaluate your goals and move forward from there.”

Having lost a leg early in her life in China, Bassett spent her early childhood in an orphanage before being adopted by an American family. She came to the United States at the age of seven just wanting to fit in. As a child she discovered a love of running and set off on a path to qualify for the Paralympic Games. In her first attempt in 2012, she came in dead last and did not qualify for the team. She briefly considered giving up her dream.

This year, she is relishing the progress she has made. As a member of Team USA who competed in Rio, she’s showing off her skills on a global stage and participating in Citi’s “#StandForProgress” program to inspire all Americans to think about the progress they want to achieve in their lives.

Bassett offers the following insights into goal-setting.

• “Progress” doesn’t always come in the form of a medal or an award. Sometimes progress means you have to take a few steps back, go back to the drawing board, see what worked and what didn’t, and find a way forward from there. Most of us experience setbacks, disappointments and even failures sometimes, but ultimately those moments can be the greatest motivators.

• The biggest struggles you face may not be the ones handed to you by fate or outside forces. They may be the battles you fight within. Look past your own inner voice discouraging you from your hopes and dreams. Developing mental fortitude is a continuous process.

• You can’t change the past but you can help write the future. Embrace and focus on what you have gained, not what you have lost.

• Don’t let naysayers hinder your progress or cause you to lose faith in yourself. The beauty of being underestimated is you have an opportunity to defy the odds. Use pessimism to motivate you.

• No one can do it alone, so don’t be afraid to rely on the help of others. Even at times when you don’t believe in yourself, there may be others who do.

Citi’s Stand for Progress program explores how all of us define progress, set goals, overcome obstacles and support and inspire others to do the same. Americans can share how they stand for progress by using #StandForProgress and posting their own goals on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Whether it’s eating healthier, saving money for a house, or spending more time with loved ones, it helps to clarify your goals by writing them down.

(StatePoint)

12 Ways to Add Texture to Your Home

By
Ginger Bowie
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I’m loving the industrial farmhouse look that is so popular right now. I really love all the neutral colors that accompany it, too. My only reservation about this trend is that if you’re not careful everything can kind of blend together and become a little bit boring. We don’t want that! One way to get around that and still keep that nice clean, soothing color pallet is to add texture to your home. Texture makes it interesting and gives your home tons of visual appeal. Today, I’d love to share 12 plus ways to add texture to your home. Let’s get started!

leaf pillow

I love embroidery! It adds just the right amount of texture and interest. Plus, it can be customized to match your décor and style. I love this leaf decorative pillow, which is embellished with this natural foliage embroidered design. It’s so pretty!

throw blanket

Throws! Especially this time of year, fall means it is the time to bring out all the pretty throws and blankets. They add instant texture, too. Plus, they are awesome on those cold nights! I love the fringe on this one. It adds even more texture and interest to the room.

gold candle

Add some bling! Gold is a popular color right now. I love this scented candle in a gold candle holder. I really like the shimmery and shiny texture. Imagine how pretty this would look up on your mantel.

pillow

Try to add throw pillows that are made with different and contrasting materials. I love this throw pillow with it’s almost cable knit sweater look. This would be an adorable addition to your winter décor.

serving tray

Think outside of the box. This leather round tray (that uses leather in a place we usually don’t see leather in) keeps it interesting and creative.

Frette-Spazio-Pontaccio-Throw

Don’t be afraid to add a little bit of color. Color (like in this throw) adds some texture of it’s own.

flannel throw

Another thing I love to do is mix it up. I love this bedroom with its mix of smooth and rough textures.

gold pillows

To create visual interest vary the sizes of items in your home. Pairing a bigger throw pillow with a smaller one adds some fun to your home décor and breaks up the pattern, adds depth, and texture.

candle

Choose décor pieces that mixes texture within itself. I love how this candle mixes the blingy and sparkly silver along with the smooth purple color.

stars-bath-1125x1125

Used varied textures in similar items. I love how these bath towels are both the same color but have different designs. That adds interest and some fun eye candy.

ss16-bicolore-grace-fern

Add sheer, light fabrics with heavier fabrics. I love how the sheer curtains add a gentleness when paired with this bed set with it’s heavier, thicker material.

Frette-Spazio-Pontaccio-24-7Net-Pillow_4

Add pattern. Pattern equals texture in my book. Throw some fun patterns into your home décor (like with this fun decorative pillow).

How do you add texture and interest to your home? You can visit Frette.com for high end, quality home décor, bed, bath linens, clothing, and more.

6 Tips to Battle Everyday Messes

By
Megan Whitworth
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When it comes to cleaning up after children, it often feels impossible to keep up. Don’t let the housework get the best of you; there are strategies that can help make being a parent just a little bit easier. Check out these helpful tips to ensure the kids are having fun, while your home stays tidy – and your sanity remains intact.

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Hold children accountable for picking up after themselves.

1. The Cleanup Game.

In the words of Mary Poppins, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and – SNAP! – the job’s a game!” Hold children accountable for picking up after themselves, by making it seem like less of a chore and more like a game. Issue each child a challenge, such as asking him or her to pick up as many red toys as possible before a timer expires. If successful, consider giving a small reward.


2. Sticky-Finger Solution.

Even the pickiest of eaters can’t say no to a sticky peanut butter and jelly sandwich. However, the remnants on dishes can be a nuisance to wash. Ease the pain and upgrade to a faucet with extra power options, such as Power Clean spray technology, available on select Moen kitchen faucets. Power Clean makes clean-up fast and easy. You’ll soon notice peanut butter, tomato sauce and other tough-to-rinse foods are no longer an issue.

3. Arts and Crafts Aftermath.

There’s nothing more entertaining than a messy arts and crafts hour. From finger paints and crayons to markers and glitter, it’s all fun and games until mom has to wipe up the aftermath – especially the glitter. Easily tidy up glitter spills with a lint roller. It works wonders on all surfaces including clothing and furniture. For embedded sparkles, use rubber gloves to loosen them from the surface, then roll over the area with a lint brush or vacuum.

4. Keep Towels Handy.

Spills and messes can often seem endless. Keep towels close by and easy to access for the entire family by installing a towel ring or towel bar in the kitchen. For instance, the new Press & Mark installation system by Moen makes it easy. It features a washable ink stamp to show users exactly where to drill, and select accessories even include a self-adhesive level, helping to ensure proper and accurate installation.

clean-up
Keep bath time fun and safe for little ones by installing a grab bar.

5. When in Doubt, Dance.

Burn some energy and get the family involved in housework by enjoying a nightly pick-up session. Crank up the music and dance your way around the room until everything is back in order. Assign each family member a task, like dusting or organizing, and groove your way to a more orderly abode.

6. Make Every Bath a Safe Bath.

After a long day of peanut butter sandwiches and finger painting, bath time brings about a sense of calm. But did you know that children younger than five account for 43,000 slips and falls in the bathroom annually? That’s one accident every 12.5 minutes, according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital research. Keep bath time fun and safe for little ones by installing a grab bar. Opt for one that pulls double-duty and features a shelf for added storage of shampoo and rubber duckies.

(StatePoint)

Lufkin Heritage Festival to Celebrate Culture, Diversity

By
Grace Baldwin
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The Heritage Festival is an event that celebrates diversity of cultural background of Angelina County residents. Held every year on the third Saturday of October by Main Street Lufkin, this year’s festival will occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, indoors at the Lufkin Pitzer Garrison Convention Center.

Barbara Thompson is the director of Main Street Lufkin, an organization funded by the Texas Historical Commission dedicated to keeping Downtown Lufkin alive. Thompson explained that the Heritage Festival was created to celebrate the diversity of culture many Angelina County residents have.

“The majority of the people who present are from Angelina County, and the Heritage Festival is very important because we need to continue to share and respect our different beliefs,” Thompson said.

Food, music, and activities will be available and are designed to help the community experience different cultures. This year, many dancers will be performing including the Soul Street Dancers from Houston, tap dancers, Indian dancers, and more. Arts and crafts, harmonica players, and information booths from civic and service organizations and small businesses will also be at the event. Some businesses will be selling wares such as jewelry during the festival.

“Even in our small community in Angelina County, we have a great melting pot, and we all get along.”

People will be wearing cultural costumes during the festival, celebrating their heritage. One man will be presenting the customs of the Jewish religion and people. Activities will be available for children, too.

“Not only will the children learn, but the adults will too,” Thompson said.

No fees, admission or registration will be required for the festival. Everyone in the surrounding area of all ages and backgrounds is invited to attend the Heritage Festival. People bring food, information, significant items, and more from their cultures to share with everyone, free of charge.

The Heritage Festival began 16 years ago when Lufkin City Council member R.L. Kuykendall experienced another city’s Heritage Festival at a conference and brought the idea back to Angelina County.

How Women’s Concepts of Beauty are Changing

By
Megan Whitworth
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beauty2The modern age has expanded the scope of what Americans consider beautiful, while at the same time, it has also introduced social media – an ever-present reminder of one’s appearance.

In an effort to better understand these shifts, L’Oréal Paris recently commissioned a study with Ipsos engaging women on the topic and shared some top insights on this beauty evolution.

Changing Values

Women are changing how they view beauty to be a more holistic, progressive and optimistic vision. A majority of women see beauty differently than they did 10 years ago. They believe beauty is about progress – not perfection – and are optimistic about continuing to be beautiful as they age.

Most surveyed admit that while women in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s used to be considered to “look old,” women of the same age today are “in their prime.” Furthermore, beauty standards have changed and expanded as we’ve become a more culturally diverse, global community.

Skincare still “Worth It”21a2066a

While many factors play a role in beauty, the care and appearance of skin determines how beautiful a
woman feels, according to the survey respondents, particularly in the social media age. Beauty routines can be time-consuming; however, women strongly believe the skin care element is “worth it.”

“We’re seeing a major shift in routines of millennial women. Four out of the five skincare products used are cleansers. This is dramatically different from what we saw in the past,” said Dr. Rocio Rivera, L’Oréal Paris director of scientific communications.

Among the top regimens women are incorporating into their skincare is the use of at-home facial masks that cleanse and beautify skin by absorbing oils and impurities.

“I am often asked ‘what are little ways to make a difference at home?’ Hands-down a mask is usually the answer,” said Vanessa Hernandez, celebrity esthetician. “Finding one tailored for your skin type is so important and from there, it’s like a mini facial in the comfort of your home.”

To find one tailored for you, first determine your skin type. The Pure-Clay Masks from L’Oréal, for example, are made from clay minerals sourced globally and are offered in three varieties for specific skin needs – whether you want to reduce excess shine, reduce dull skin and even out skin tone, or exfoliate and tighten pores.

beauty3Inner Beauty

How women feel on the inside dictates how beautiful they feel overall. When describing what makes them beautiful, the women surveyed described a number of emotional traits – and these qualities vary by generation.

Growing confidence is important to Millennials as they move from their 20s to 30s. There is hope among them that they will continue to grow stronger and healthier. For boomers, staying active and feeling young is important to them as they age. Personality, however, is timeless. Women of all ages and ethnicities believe their outlook on life is a huge part of what makes them feel beautiful, concluded the researchers.

From new skincare habits to new outlooks, women are viewing beauty differently these days and taking different steps to achieve it.

(StatePoint)

Rep. Ashby Announces 2016-17 High School Aerospace Scholars Program

By
Grace Baldwin
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State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) announced the launch of the 2016-17 High School Aerospace Scholars program. H.A.S. selects high school juniors in Texas to visit NASA and their aerospace industry partners to help plan for human space exploration.

Selected students will be required to complete interactive, online assignments during their school year. Those who score within the parameters will get the chance to travel to Johnson Space Center in Houston. Students will spend the summer gaining “onsite experience” under the guidance of NASA scientists and engineers. Students will work in teams and put their skills together to design a mission to Mars, work on hands-on engineering challenges, tour the JSC facilities, and view presentations from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experts.

“The feedback I have received from local students who have participated in this program has been incredible,” Ashby stated. “I highly encourage our juniors in high school who have an interest in STEM-related studies to apply for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

A student must be a U.S. citizen; Texas resident; current high school junior; interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; and able to commit to the four month online course and the one-week experience at JSC during the summer.

H.A.S. was developed in 1999 by the State of Texas, JSC, and the Texas education community to encourage students to pursue studies and STEM. More than 9,000 students have participated since the program’s inception 17 years ago.

Texas high school juniors who are interested in applying for the 2016-2017 project should visit http://HAS.aerospacescholars.org.

Home Cooked Cuisine: The Perfectly Cracked Egg

By
Kevin Wilson
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Egg in
Egg out
Egg intact
Free of shell
It’s as easy as all that
With the EZ Egg Cracker.
egg
Kevin Wilson cracks an egg with an EZ Egg Cracker.

Have you ever wanted to fry an egg, but in cracking the egg, you not only crack the shell but inadvertently break the yolk? It is such a disappointment to eat a scrambled egg when you were craving a fried egg. Too, who wants to fish out pieces of shell that have fallen into the raw egg with each unsuccessful crack? These can all be avoided if you use the EZ Egg Cracker. Just click here to watch a video of Kevin demonstrating just how easy this enterprising utensil can be when put to good use!  It’s perfect for children and adults of all ages who enjoy cooking while being most beneficial to those with low vision.

Blessings for a delicious, healthy, and wonderful week,
Kevin & Mom at Home Cooked Cuisine

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott Proclaims October National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By
Grace Baldwin
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Governor of Texas Gregg Abbott proclaimed October to be National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a statement released on gov.texas.gov Tuesday, Oct. 4.

“Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and second most common cause of cancer-related death among Texas women,” Abbott said. “It is expected that as many as 16,000 new cases will be diagnosed in Texas alone this year.”

[pullquote]”At this time, I encourage all Texans to participate in this effort and to support breast cancer patients, the families and friends of those affected by this disease and the medical professionals who provide invaluable care.  Through information and education, we can work toward a brighter, cancer-free future for the Lone Star State. Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim October 2016 to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”[/pullquote]

Abbott also stressed the importance of remembering that breast cancer affects more than just women. About one in 1,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in his lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Knowing one’s body and family history will help in determining when to get checked up.

“As with many illnesses, prevention and early detection are the keys to survival,” Abbott said. “Knowing your body and your family history are also critical to lowering your risk for breast cancer.”

October has been unofficially the month of breast cancer awareness throughout the nation, but Abbott made it official in the state of Texas.

Scary Face Pancakes

By
Megan Whitworth
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pancakesThis October, IHOP Restaurants invites families to stop in for a treat – no tricks – and enjoy a deliciously spooky breakfast together at any time of day. A seasonal fan favorite, Scary Face Pancakes are back only at IHOP and encourage kids of all ages to create a monster masterpiece from a hot-off-the-griddle, world-famous Buttermilk Pancake topped with whipped cream, a strawberry nose and served with a side of OREO cookies and candy corn.

Throughout October, IHOP is also offering two deals sweeter than Halloween candy. All month long, Scary Face pancakes are included in IHOP restaurant’s Kids Eat Free offer, which lets kids 12 and under to eat free with the purchase of adult entrées from 4-10 p.m. daily at participating restaurants. And, to celebrate the holiday, on October 31, kids 12 and under can dig into Scary Face Pancakes for free from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. at participating restaurants.

“We are delighted to bring Scary Face Pancakes back to IHOP this October and offer families a fun, interactive experience to share together over breakfast served all day long,” said Kirk Thompson, Senior Vice President, Marketing for IHOP. “There is something special about breakfast in that the food is perfect for mixing, matching, imagining and creating – allowing our guests of all ages to customize their perfect meal.”

IHOP, the originator of breakfast served any time of day, every day, has been bringing guests together for signature breakfast, lunch and dinner foods and beverages as well as unique, made-to-order limited time menu items for nearly 60 years. Scary Face Pancakes are available at participating IHOP restaurants now through October 31.

Please visit www.ihop.com for more information or to find the nearest IHOP restaurant.  

National Taco Day

By
Megan Whitworth
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Let’s taco ’bout a holiday that everybody should be celebrating – National Taco Day! This year, National Taco Day is today, making it the ultimate #TacoTuesday. Instead of going out to a local Mexican restaurant, why not have your own taco celebration at home, complete with margaritas!

Leading Hispanic cookware brand, IMUSA, has some delicious taco recipes such as George Duran’s Polenta-Crusted Fish Tacos with Spicy Mango Slaw and Chorizo Scrambled Egg Tacos for those who want to kick off the day celebrating!

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Chorizo Scrambled Egg Taco Breakfast
Recipe by IMUSA

6 eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 chorizo links (about 7 ounces)
1 medium onion
1 cup cilantro, divided
1 medium tomato
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sharp cheddar
10-12 corn flour tortillas
Chipotle Tabasco (suggestion for topping)

Mix sour cream, lime juice, and salt in a bowl and put aside. har tortillas over gas flame or directly on electric burner until blackened in spots, turning with tongs. Place in IMUSA tortilla warmer or aluminum foil and set aside. In an IMUSA non-stick sauté pan add olive oil and bring to medium-high heat. Sweat onions for about one minute and add diced chorizo. Cook for 5-6 minutes until chorizo is browned. Add half of the cilantro and all of the cooked chorizo to beaten eggs and mix. Bring eggs back to the IMUSA pan and cook on low heat, mixing from time to time. Place cooked eggs, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes and remaining cilantro in separate bowls and lay them out throughout the table with the warm tortillas. Allow your guests to assemble their own breakfast tacos.

03

Polenta-Crusted Fish Tacos with Spicy Mango Slaw
Recipe by George Duran for IMUSA

2 to 3 pieces of tilapia
¾ cups polenta (or fine cornmeal)
1 teaspoon paprika
olive oil
salt
cilantro and sliced radishes for garnish
4 to 6 corn tortillas
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon chipotle hot sauce, like Tabasco
1 teaspoonlime juice
1 pinch of salt
1 cup cabbage
1 mango, ripened but hard

Make slaw by mixing the first five ingredients until smooth and then mixing it with the cabbage and mango. Set aside. Mix paprika and polenta together in a shallow bowl. Season tilapia strips with salt and press into polenta, making sure it’s completely covered. Discard excess polenta. Heat 1-2 Tblsp. of olive oil in your IMUSA non-stick sauté pan and once it begins to smoke, add the tilapia. Fry the tilapia in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until slightly browned and fully cooked. Remove onto a paper-towel lined dish. Heat corn tortillas in the IMUSA tortilla warmer and serve fish tacos. Assemble by placing some slaw in the center of the tortilla and one or two slices of tilapia on top. Top with cilantro leaves and radish.

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