Forever is a long time. But in the fall, across the more than 268 square miles of the state of Texas, between the lines of a white chalked field that stretches 120 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide, forever occurs over 48 minutes for thousands of high school students. The love affair between the state of Texas and high school football is an indescribable bond between teammates and coaches, fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and communities in large cities and small towns al

For The Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with Victory. -----Psalm 149:4 NIV Do you remember your first book report? I haven’t the faintest recollection of mine, but I will never forget my son’s. Nick was a seven-year-old first-grader when he brought the assignment home. It was as simple as you would expect a first-grade book report to be: . Select a book from home or library. . Answer four questions. . Don’t forget to write your name in the top right cor

Whether you want to optimize space or update a room with a contemporary look, floating furniture offers sleek, functional, modern living. Attaching furniture to a wall results in a clean aesthetic, creates the illusion of more space, and gives you innovative ways to make your home more livable. Designs and finishes vary, fitting into nearly any décor. Materials, which can be mixed, include reclaimed, distressed, or traditionally finished woods—with maple, walnut, ash, mahogan

After traveling the globe over the years and living in various states, I’m sure of at least one thing—Texans are darn proud of Texas. We’ve plastered the state outline on billboards, signs, home décor, and heck, even beer bottles? It’s a thing, y’all. If you haven’t added a little Texas flair to your Texas home, we’ve got some expert tips and fun selections for you to consider. If you’re wondering what exactly typifies “Texas style,” Diane Rogers, Lead Designer/Buyer for La-

If images of wide expanses of weedy, white gravel and withered grasses come to mind when you think of xeriscaping, it’s time to open your thinking to a new wave of Texas landscape architecture. Xeriscaping doesn’t have to be dated, old, or out of style. It can provide natural beauty that is harmonious with the climate in fresh and new ways, while saving water, encouraging a native habitat, and providing a pleasing respite in your garden. By mindfully choosing your plants, usi

Autumn is here and that certainly means one thing—it’s time for boots. This year offers a gamut of timeless styles and edgy trends. We’ll help you find the quality, fit, and fashion statement that’s right for you. SOLE SEARCHING A good pair of boots is an investment that will pay off for years to come. Opt for full-grain leather and a well-attached sole. “You can identify good quality boots by looking at how the sole of the shoe is connected to the rest of the boot,” said Sar

Not to knock our big star in the sky—it has helped the Earth thrive for billions of years—but sometimes those golden rays can do just as much harm as good. They can wreak havoc on your skin down to a cellular level, leading to skin cancer and premature aging, including wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, and dark spots (hyperpigmentation). Now that the dog days of summer are past, give your skin some much-needed TLC and help alleviate any trouble spots that may have poppe

How many calories should I be eating each day? Calories are simply a tool of measurement. Like a cup or an inch or the number of miles in your daily commute, calories measure the energy a food or beverage provides from the carbs, fat, protein, and alcohol it contains. Calories provide us with fuel to work and think and play– even to rest and sleep. Unfortunately, they can also give us love handles and muffin tops. Though that standard “2,000 calorie diet” is well known, the n

Have you ever given much thought to your veins? Veins are important because they push oxygen-depleted blood up through internal valves to your heart so the blood can be oxygenated and recycled into your body. Over time, things like a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, and yes, gravity, can potentially weaken those valves, causing blood to flow downward and collect in the legs (called Chronic Venous Disease). “It’s like having a leaky pipe in your wall and finding a wet basemen

Drive around any large to fair-sized city in Texas, and it appears there’s a new 24/7 gym popping up on virtually every corner. And no matter the time of day or the temperature, you can usually find bikers, runners and walkers out on our streets and trails. All of that, of course, is good! But don’t let the outward appearances fool you. By most metrics, Texas is not a particularly healthy state. In a recent ranking of healthiest states, the United Health Foundation ranked Tex