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From Day to Night: Your Perfect Black Dress

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You always need a classic black dress in your closet, but it is especially important this fall. There are so many ways to style a black dress that make it so fun and will for sure be one of your favorite outfits in your closet.

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Pair the black dress with some black leggings or some fun pattern leggings on a cold night.

For this fall, I chose a swing style black dress from JCPenny’s because this style is really hitting hard in the fashion world right now. These tips can apply to almost any black dress you choose to wear this season.

For a simple daytime look, an easy way to style would be to wear a fun vest paired with cute combat boots or riding boots and boot socks peeking out at the top. I chose my favorite white lace vest from Target that I will be wearing for a lot of different outfits this fall.

On a colder day, you can pair the dress with some black leggings or some fun pattern leggings. I suggest the Cuddle Duds brand of leggings, because they have fun patterns and are also very warm.

The awesome thing about plain black dresses is that you can do so much with them without the outfit becoming too overwhelming. My favorite is to layer lots of jewelry: a couple rings, some bracelets, and lots of necklaces that are all different lengths. For a wide variety of good jewelry at reasonable prices I suggest Charming Charlie’s. I chose gold, but you can choose whatever color as long as the jewelry matches. I suggest gold or silver for a more classic look. If you prefer a more spunky style, you can do whatever color you choose. The jewelry can work for either a day or night look.

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Your makeup can make a huge difference when styling your black dress.

To really transition the look from day to night I suggest ditching your boots and adding a fun pair of wedge booties, your favorite heels, or a pair of black wedges (my wedges came from Forever 21).

To really transform a look from day to night, your makeup can make a huge difference. For a daytime look, I suggest a lighter and simpler eye-shadow and a less bold lipstick color. To turn the look into night, wing your eyeliner and add your favorite matte lipstick color. My favorite lipstick color is a dark mauve. You can also add a darker eye-shadow color in your crease and outer v to add some intensity.

Whatever you are doing this fall season, a black dress will be perfect. Smile and have fun this weekend. Make sure to check back next Friday for more fashion tips!

Angelina College Bands to Hold Concert

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(From left) Chance Haney, Zach Allensworth, Max Vallejo, Larry Greer and Hayden Havard rehearse for the Oct. 4 performance of the AC Swingin’ Jazz Combo and AC Chamber Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. in Hudgins Hall. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for seniors, students and children.

The Angelina College Swingin’ Road Runner Jazz Combo will team up with the AC Chamber Ensemble for a Fall Festival of American Music Oct. 4 at 7:30 in Hudgins Hall Auditorium. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for seniors, students and children.

The jazz combo will play classic jazz standards and blues arrangments for a small group. The set list includes selections by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Oliver Nelson. Combo members this year are Max Vallejo, tenor sax (Lufkin); Chance Haney, trombone (Hudson); Zack Allensworth, trumpet (Nacogdoches); Haley Holcombe, clarinet (Hudson); Hayden Havard, piano (Lufkin) and director Larry Greer, bass.

The AC Chamber Ensemble under the direction of Jimmy Battle will open the concert with “Black Forest Overture,” by Micheal Sweeney; “Korean Folk Rhapsody,” by James Curnow, and “Aztec Fire,” by James Bocook. Ensemble members are Alex Oliveros, baritone (Lufkin); Haley Holcombe, clarinet; Eric Mendoza, alto saxophone (Lufkin); Ailyn Torres, violin (Nacogdoches); April Falcon, flute (Lufkin); Chance Haney, bass trombone; Max Vallejo, tenor saxophone and director Jimmy Battle, trumpet.

For more information about the Music program at Angelina College, email kmcbee@angelina.edu or call (936) 633-5233.

Angelina College Theatre, Music Departments Present Spelling Bee

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The Angelina College theatre and music departments are presenting “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Oct. 13, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Temple Theater. All seating is reserved and tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors, students and children. AC students get in free with their student ID. This production is rated PG-13.

Winner of the 2005 Tony Award and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. It follows an eclectic group of mid-pubescents vying for a chance to make it to the national spelling championship in Washington, DC. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Music and lyrics are by William Finn and the original book is by Rachel Sheinkin. The story was conceived by Rebecca Feldman.

The cast includes Eric Manis as Chip Tolentino, Kalysta Chunn as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere, Kase Vann as Leaf Coneybear, Joshua Robinson as William Barfee, Shelby Brown as Marcy Park, Chance Chunn as Olive Ostrosky, Mattie Fortenberry as Matilda Fox, Patty Donaldson as Rona Lisa Perretti, Sara Flowers as Vice Principal Panch and Colin Wise as Mitch Mahoney.

The crew includes Andrew Reed, director and prop designer; Beckie Compton, musical director, conductor and pianist; Mauri Mitchell, stage manager; Lexi Hodges, assistant stage manager; Eric Walker, set and light designer; Tara Houston, costume designer; Nicholas Trusclaire, sound designer and sound board operator; Mackenzie Hortman, light board operator; Lauren Hight and Anna Flowers, running crew; Ana Watts, violin and flute; Amanda Burns, cello; and Mark Saldana, percussion.

For information about tickets or to become a Fine Arts season subscriber, call (936) 633-5454.

Cooking Contest, Tech Talks, Tabletop Games, More at the Public Library

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Tabletop Games

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library invites community members of all ages to join in Tabletop Games with the next meet-up on Monday, October 3rd at 5:30 p.m.  Tabletop Gaming is an age-old communal and family activity, and there are many new and exciting games to challenge all skill levels.

Join old friends or new for a gaming evening with such favorites as Forbidden Island, Ticket to Ride, King of Tokyo, Munchkin, Settlers of Catan and more for teens and adults.  Younger kids can play Apples to Apples, Clue, Monopoly or any of the other games the library provides.  If you have a game, but you’d like to find new challengers, feel free to bring it along. Gamers will meet on the first Monday of each month. The event is free and there is no registration required.

Tech Talks

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library invites the public to an informal monthly workshop for anyone with technology questions or issues.  The open workshop is every month on the first Friday at 4:00 p.m.  The next meeting is October 7th.  All are welcome to attend and ask questions, troubleshoot devices or just listen.

The workshop is free and no registration is required.  Please call 559-2970 for more information.

STEAM 4 Kids

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library invites children ages 7 to 11 to participate in a STEAM 4 KIDS program on Thursday, October 6th at 5:30 p.m.  Kids will explore how airplanes fly, why boomerangs return to their senders and test the distances of paper airplanes. Participants will find out the answers to these questions and more in a program devoted to all things flight related.Please call 559-2970 to register.

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library is excited to offer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs for children ages 7-11 this Fall.  By offering such programming, the public library strives to provide an informal environment where children can become engaged in fun, hands-on learning activities in the STEAM disciplines. STEAM programs will be offered every Thursday from 5:30 – 6:30pm. All programming is free to the public, but we ask that you register ahead of time so we will be prepared with adequate materials.

Dinner Tonight

Claudann Jones of the Texas A&M Agriculture Extension Office will offer a free Mediterranean cooking class at the Judy B. McDonald Public Library. The class focuses on making traditional ethnic foods healthier and more economical. The class will be held on Saturday, October 8th at 2:30 p.m.

The class is part of the bilingual programs offered by the public library so instructions will be given in English and Spanish. No matter which language you speak, be it English or Spanish, this class will be a lot of fun as we all learn new cooking techniques and new vocabulary words! Registration deadline for this free class is October 4th. Call 559-2970 for more information.

Kids and Teens Cooking Contest

It’s time to dust off those recipes for the annual Kids & Teens Cooking Contest to be held at the Judy B. McDonald Public Library on October 22nd.

“The cooking contest is one of the most popular fall programs that we offer. We’re always so happy to see returning contestants, but we also hope to get lots of new families participating. It’s fun and memorable for everyone,” said Mercedes Franks, Library Director.

The deadline to enter the contest is Friday, October 21st at 5:30 pm. Rules and entry forms are available at the public library or online at www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/library. Items are to be prepared at home and brought to the library at 2:30 pm on October 22nd. Children will compete in three age categories: young, middle and older children. Children can compete in up to two food categories: salad/appetizer, entrée or dessert. Winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. The event is open to contestants ages 5-17 years of age. For more information about the contest or other library programs, please call 559-2970 or visit www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/library.

Ginger Snap Crafts: Washer Necklaces

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I love being a mom so much. My children are the best. I know I’m a little prejudice, but it’s true! I love making fun crafts with them. These fun Washer Necklaces are the perfect craft to do with your preteen girls. My daughter loved making these with me, and I know your girls will love making them, too!

Let’s get started!

For this project you will need:
Washers (2 sizes)
Scrapbook paper
Mod Podge
Foam paint brush
Paper plate
Ball chain & clasp
Silhouette (optional)

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I used 5/16 inch and 7/16 inch washers for my necklaces.

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I used thick scrapbook paper to make my circles. You can either trace your washers and cut them out or use a Silhouette or other digital craft cutter. I chose to use my Silhouette. It’s much faster.

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Next, I chose two coordinating scrapbook paper circles that I wanted to use.

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Then put a layer of Mod Podge on the washer, put on your paper circle, and put a layer of Mod Podge on top. Let dry.

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After they are nice and dry, hang them on the ball chains.

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That’s it. All done. Aren’t they cute?

AC Soccer Teams Host Friday Doubleheader with San Jacinto, Tyler College

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Angelina College goal keeper Mickey Raine (25) and teammate Dorian Bravo (5) team up for a stop during Saturday’s game against Tyler College. The Roadrunners host Northeast Texas Community College at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Jase Magers Field at Lufkin High School. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)

Both Angelina College soccer teams will be in action at home on Friday evening, with both teams facing stiff opposition from conference foes.

The Roadrunners, fresh off Tuesday’s thrilling battle of a 2-2 draw with Northeast Texas Community College, will get a second crack at San Jacinto College. The Coyotes handled the ‘Runners 5-0 early in the season, back when the AC men were still trying to finalize rotations while a roster of freshmen adjusted to a higher level of competition. AC’s effort on Tuesday wasn’t just a near miss on a win; it marked one of the team’s best efforts of the season, an effort they’ll look to carry over against the vaunted San Jacinto attack.

The Lady Roadrunners haven’t played since last week’s 2-0 win at Jacksonville, which lifted AC’s ladies into fourth place in the Region XIV standings. In that game, Allie Chapman and Lauren Martinez each scored a goal while the AC defense and keeper Kelley Copeland pitched the shutout. The Lady ‘Runners on Friday will face first-place Tyler College in an effort to keep their post-season hopes alive.

The men kick off against San Jac at 5 p.m., with the Lady Roadrunners following at 7 p.m. Both games will take place at Jace Magers Field at Lufkin High School.

The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Moving Day Checklist

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move2You’ve finalized your move and now the clock is ticking. While we all know that the moving process is extremely stressful, most people don’t realize that there is actually something you can do to help ease these stresses and better plan out an organized move.

Ross Sapir, CEO and Founder of Roadway Moving, has compiled an exclusive go-to checklist that he offers his clients before their moves.

60 Days Before You Move:
Start strategically planning your move, step-by-step, to alleviate the stress of last-minute packing and planning.

Think about holding a garage sale before your move to help reduce the amount of stuff you’re bringing to your new home.

30 Days Before You Move:
Check with your mover to confirm every last detail regarding what everyone’s rolls are for move in day.
Confirm with your moving company that they will be able to connect/disconnect cable, internet, electric and any additional services you’re using.

Create a packing/unpacking plan for your move in day.

move114 Days Before You Move:
Begin cleaning out any rooms in your house that haven’t been emptied yet, make sure to not leave anything unpacked.

Collect all of your most valuable belongings such as jewelry and keep them separate from the rest of your packed belongings.

Continue to do so up until move in day.

Move in Day:
Make sure you’ve compiled a list of items you will need for your first night in your new home (i.e. toilet paper, bottled water, snacks, towels, etc.).

Take inventory of all boxes that were picked up and delivered to your new home making sure everything is there before the movers leave.

Following this checklist will not only simplify your move, but it will ensure that nothing goes missing in the process.

For more information on Roadway Moving, visit roadwaymoving.com.

Heart Institute of East Texas Physicians Use World’’s Smallest Heart Pump in Procedure at CHI St. Luke’’s Health-Memorial

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Just in time for World Heart Day –celebrated on Thursday, September 29,– a Woodville woman is cherishing the strength of her new heart, thanks to a procedure using the world’’s smallest heart pump performed for the first time at CHI St. Luke’’s Health Health-Memorial this week.

World Heart Day is commemorated annually in an effort to protect the hearts of the world through education about cardiovascular disease, modifying risk factors and overall better heart health.

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The complex cardiac procedure utilized the world’’s smallest heart pump and a team approach, optimizing the unique talents of Dr. Musa M. Khan (right) and Dr. Amir Solhpour (left), both of the Heart Institute of East Texas.

It’’s certainly a day Annie Jacobs, of Woodville, will always remember –as it falls just days after her remarkable heart procedure.

Jacobs said she was going about her normal day, which included herding cattle at her ranch. Later that night, she experienced shortness of breath and tightness in her chest. Wisely, Jacobs headed to the hospital, and after observation in the CHI St. Luke’’s Health-Memorial Lufkin ICU, it was found that Jacob’s’ heart had several blockages in need of repair. In the past, patients like Jacobs who has a weakened heart –would need to be sent to Houston for the necessary, complex procedure. But now Lufkin interventional cardiologists are offering a newer, less invasive option for patients deemed too high risk for traditional open heart bypass surgery.

The complex procedure utilized a team approach, optimizing the unique talents of Dr. Musa M. Khan and Dr. Amir Solhpour, both of the Heart Institute of East Texas. Inserted through a catheter, the Impella CP heart pump allows physicians to repair blocked arteries by taking over the pumping function of the heart during the procedure. This allows weak or enlarged hearts to rest during the minimally invasive procedure providing stable cardiac function and without adding undue stress to the muscle.

“During a balloon angioplasty, the patient’’s weak heart heart makes it very complex and high risk to perform angioplasty and stent. Use of Impella as we place the stent, supports the heart function and applied it to get excellent results,” Dr. Khan said. “This device keeps the function going. It is very impressive that we are able to do this procedure here in Lufkin. Before we would need to send patients to Houston to have this kind of procedure done, but now we are able to keep our friends and neighbors right here at home; and even better, they’’re not staying days or weeks in the hospital to recover. It’’s definitely a huge benefit for our patients.””

Dr. Solhpour, the Heart Institute’s newest employed physician,– repaired the damaged arteries using small stents, while Dr. Khan inserted and maintained the Impella device that kept up with Jacob’’s normal blood flow her heart needed to stay healthy during the procedure.

““This was a highly complex procedure that we completed successfully and were able to get outstanding results for the patient,” “Dr. Khan said. ““She had several blockages in two of the three main arteries, and by working together as a team, Dr. Solhpour and I were able to fix them all.””

With her heart now strong enough to maintain the passion she has for her Woodville ranch, Jacobs will be back tending her cattle and her family soon.

“I had spent so much time taking care of everyone else, I had not taken care of myself, as mothers often do,”” Jacobs said. ““I am so grateful for my doctors and this hospital.  I’’m proud that to be the first one to receive this procedure in Lufkin, and I was impressed by the help I’’ve received from all of the staff.””

Home Cooked Cuisine: Healthy No-Bake Monster Balls

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Kevin Wilson, left, and his mom, Renee, mix ingredients.

Looking for the perfect after-school snack? Then, this recipe is for you! While these treats are not 100 percent healthy, they are a healthy alternative to store bought, sugar-laden cookies. Each bite contains amazing nutrients such as: phytosterols, calcium, iron, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In addition to the health benefits of this amazing snack, you and your children will also enjoy the flavor and energy from each bite. This recipe is so plentiful that you will have plenty to take to work with you and share with your coworkers.

We want to thank, Aimee Berrett, at “Like Mother, Like Daughter” on Pinterest where we used part of her recipe as the foundation for our own.

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

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A photo of a healthy No-Bake Monster Ball.

Healthy No-Bake Monster Balls
1 ½ cup Sunflower Butter or Peanut Butter
3 ¾ cups Old Fashioned Oats
¾ cup Honey
3 tablespoons Flax Seed, Chia Seed, Coconut Blend
2 tablespoons Cacao Nibs
2 tablespoons Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
1 cup mini chocolate chips or Gluten-free mini chocolate chips
1 cup mini M&Ms

Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Roll into bite-sized balls. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Refrigerate leftovers.

Home Ideas For Cozy Fall Living

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With autumn comes crisp falling leaves, fresh brisk air and pumpkin spice aromas. It’s time to prepare your home to spend more time indoors, decorating it with warm, cozy accents to set the tone for the season.

Make your home fall-ready with the following cozy ideas.

Freshen Up with Soothing Aromas.
A little “me time” is good for the soul, and sometimes you need to pamper yourself after a long day. Whether the scent is apple cinnamon, pumpkin pie or maple leaf, lighting a candle with your favorite fall fragrance creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing your sense of calm.

living-room_gjeifiydCreate a Living Room Sanctuary.
Transform your living room into an at-home getaway by displaying seasonal throw pillows and blankets, and adorning the space with elements from nature, like a vase filled with leaf stems and crab apple branches. Crank up the cozy factor with homemade hot cider and a crackling fireplace.

Refresh Interiors with Paint.
Give rooms a refreshing update, add color and create contrast in a space with accent walls. Deep colors like navy blue help create a relaxing retreat. Or, take a cue from the changing leaves and opt for warm colors, like mustard yellow or burnt orange. To ensure a top-notch paint job, use a premium brand painter’s tape that will deliver sharp paint lines, like FrogTape. It’s the only painter’s tape that features patented PaintBlock Technology, which reacts with the water in latex paint and instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape to help prevent paint bleed.

Innovate with Multi-Functional Appeal.
Since you’ll be spending more time inside, transform an empty space like a basement or attic into a useful area for the entire family. With a little imagination and a few tools, you can create a vibrant and playful craft room, as did FrogTape Paintover Challenge winner KariAnne Wood from the blog “Thistlewood Farms.” Wood transformed an unused upstairs space in her home into a room for her children to craft, study and hang out with friends. An exciting, multi-functional space is a great way to avoid cabin fever in the months ahead.

Give Guests a Warm Greeting.
Celebrity designer Taniya Nayak correctly predicted home design elements that incorporate typographic elements would be a key design trend in 2016. This trend is all about setting the tone for a space with inspirational quotes, personalization and warm greetings. Welcome guests by playing up the autumnal theme with phrases like, “Hello Fall” or “Give Thanks” on decorative wooden planks or burlap-textured fabric. Consider using various font types and sizes to achieve a different feel for each block of text.

Deck Out Curb Appeal
Nothing sets a good impression like an attractive entry way and front door. Greet guests with a festive hello by decking out the porch with pumpkins and planting seasonal floral arrangements along the pathway, or creating a fall-inspired wreath to hang on the door. You can even collect a handful of colorful leaves outside to string together and post along your porch fence for extra curb appeal.

For more seasonal inspiration, visit frogtape.com.

Get started on your projects now, so you can kick-back, relax, and fully enjoy all that the season has to offer.

(StatePoint)