mckinney woman magazine april/may 2010

April/May 2010 | McKinney Woman 1www.northtexasmagazines.com

April/May 2010

Residential CustomerMcKinney, TX

PRSRT STDU.S.POSTAGE

PAIDMcKinney,TXPermit No 146

On the Cover

Sharla Bushof Sharla’s Cosmetics & Bath

A Worthy Woman

Pick Up The Pacewith A Pedometer

Healthy Hands & Beautiful Nails

Flip to read McKinney Kids Magazine

2 McKinney Woman | April/May 2010 www.northtexasmagazines.com

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April/May 2010 | McKinney Woman �www.northtexasmagazines.com

A smile makes life more beautiful

On the Cover Sharla Bush

Sharla’s Cosmetics & Bath

Cover Photo by:Wendolin Mercado Photography

www.wendolin.com

Publisher/Editor:Vanessa Ximenez

[email protected]

Art Director:Marlina Rahman

[email protected]

Contributing Writers:Kristy Klien

Leslie PepperMartha Wegner

McKinney Woman ContentsApril/May 2010

Features5 14 Tips for Beautiful, Healthy Nails

6 Cover Story Sharla Bush Sharla’s Cosmetics & Bath

8 Pick Up The Pace with A Pedometer

10 Keep Seasonal Allergies from Blooming This Spring

14 A Worthy Woman

5 8

10 14

MCKiNNEy WOMAN MAgAziNE iS A PRODUCT OF NORTH TEXAS MAgAziNES, iNC.Copyright 2009, exclusive of proprietary ads and artwork designs. All rights reserved. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without prior written permission from the publisher. Placement of advertising is not a personal endorsement by the publisher or its representatives, and no liability arising therefrom is assumed.

For advertising information contact our office at

972-547-6261www.northtexasmagazines.com

� McKinney Woman | April/May 2010 www.northtexasmagazines.com

Editor’s NoteMWM Attention McKinney KidsAttention McKinney KidsOpen call for children ages 1-12

Photographer Wendolin Mercado and author Lori Chartrand will be hosting

an open call for an upcoming children’s book.

Bring your smiles to Wendolin Mercado Photography for

a “meet and greet” and free test shoot.

Thursday April 22 • 10 am - 6:00 pm207 E. Virginia St. • McKinney 75069

No appointment needed - all shoots will be first come first served.

Thursday April 22 • 10 am - 6:00 pm207 E. Virginia St. • McKinney 75069

Now that spring has sprung, most of us will be spending more time outdoors. And although we are likely to welcome a breath of fresh air, we also recognize some of the concerns that arise during this season. First of all, more time outdoors means more exposure to the sun which can take a toll on our skin leaving it damaged and dull. In this issue read about ways to keep your

skin healthy, vibrant, and protected. In addition to the extra sun exposure we experience, many of us will also have to deal with allergies. From runny noses and watery eyes to scratchy throats and uncontrollable sneezing, allergies can make typical outdoor activities simply miserable. Fortunately, we have a provided a list of ways to minimize the level of allergens you encounter. Finally, spring launches sandal season when beautiful feet and nails are a must. Find out what the color of your nails say about your health and read about making minor changes to your life-style and diet to get perfect nails that are sure to get you noticed and put a spring in your step!

Sincerely,

Vanessa Ximenez

Do you know that the color of your nails indicate the statues of your health? That’s true. While transparent and rosy nails indicate good health, a little pale and brittle nails imply lack of it. Moreover, diet plays an important role in maintaining the health of your body as well as of your nails. This also means that you need to take care of your nails and include all essential vi-tamins and minerals if you want to get healthy and beautiful nails.

First of all, you must make minor changes in your lifestyle and

try including more healthy fruits and vegetables, nuts, eggs, and

fish in your diet. These small changes may go a long way to

help you get the perfect nails that you had always dreamed of.

Here are a few tips for getting healthy nails:

• Remove nail polish every week as this allows the nails

to breathe.

• Give a natural massage to your nails using coconut oil or

warm castor oil.

• Dip your nails in warm water mixed with a tablespoon of lemon

juice before you manicure them.

• Apply a base coat with smooth strokes before applying nail

polish and then let the coat dry before you apply nail paint.

• Use an acetone-free nail polish remover so that your nails

don’t lose their natural oils. Use a nail polish remover only

3-4 times in a month.

• Massage your cuticles twice a week using a rich cream. If your

cuticle is damaged, you can use alpha hydroxy cream.

Moisturize your nails and cuticles at bedtime and then cover

them with cotton gloves.

• If suffering from nail fungus or infection, use a mixture of

lavender oil and Tea tree oil to treat it.

• Whenever you get time, rub your nails with lemon to make

them look lustrous and provide them with essential nutrition.

• A right diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy and

beautiful nails. Therefore, you should include hard-boiled eggs

and a glass of milk in your diet. If your nails have white spots,

you should include food rich in zinc.

• While filing your nails, file in a single direction. Avoid filing nails

just after taking bath as wet nails tend to break more easily.

• To keep your nails well-hydrated, rub your nails and skin

surrounding them with a petroleum jelly. If you don’t want to use

a petroleum jelly, you can use Castor oil instead. Castor oil is

rich of vitamin E, which is also good for your cuticles. You can

also use olive oil for the same purpose.

• Use rubber gloves while performing household tasks, such as

washing dishes or clothes. To maintain extra softness, you can

also apply a good hand - cream before wearing rubber gloves.

• Taking diet rich in vitamins A, E, and Biotin makes your nails

stronger. Vitamin A is present in green, yellow and orange

vegetables, while nuts and leafy green vegetables offer vitamin

E in good quantity. Biotin is a vitamin, which is primarily found

in almonds, eggs, soybeans, and sweet potatoes.

• Drink nine to ten glasses of water every day. This will help in

keeping your nails well-hydrated and maintaining their luster.

If you want to strengthen your nails, you can consume Gelatine,

which is available in a drinkable form. Gelatine helps in building

nail strength and thickening weak nails. MWM

KRiSTy KLiEN is a professional hair stylist and writer for My Hair Styling Tools

a leading supplier of every so popularCeramic Hair Iron Visit us at: http://www.

myhairstylingtools.com. Article source: www.articlesbase.com

By KRiSTy KLiEN

14 Easy To Use Tips For Beautiful, Healthy Nails


of Sharla’s Cosmetics & BathSharla Bush

ance with the European Union Regulations and the California

Cosmetic Safety Act. The products are medical grade and

free of toxins and fillers. And, best of all, they really make a

difference in the feel and appearance of your skin.

What events are coming up at Sharla’s?Yosh, one of the most artistic perfumers in the world will be

in the store on the Friday before Mother’s Day teaching us

how perfume is made and how to select a fragrance that best

reflects your style and personality.

Nanette New, my favorite Hollywood Makeup Artist will be

with me off and on during May and June teaching women how

to apply their makeup. Call me for details. MWM

What inspired you to open a cosmetic store?At the time there was no place in town to buy luxury cosmet-

ics, and I was really getting turned off by the cosmetic counter

scene in department stores. I dreamed of a European style

apothecary with fabulous products from all over the world with-

out all those women trying to rub eye cream on you!

So how is your boutique different from a chain cosmetic store or department store?The shop is small and very user friendly. The cabinets are

open so you can pull your own products, and when I am busy

you may have to write your own ticket. My prices are the same

as typical lines.

What is your primary objective?I want women feel confident in choosing and applying makeup,

spending as much time as they want, trying as many colors as

they like.

What type of products and lines do you carry?I carry everything you need from head to toe, as well as, home

fragrance, monogrammed robes, travel accessories and gifts

to make your bathroom totally luxurious. My cosmetic lines are

exclusive boutique lines such as Nouba, T.LeClerc , Becca,

Dianne Brill, Fresh, Paula Dorf, Hissyfit, Revitalash, and Talika.

My bath and hair products include Lady Primrose, Fresh, Niven

Morgan, Kai, Olivina, Gianna Rose, Fringe, Phyto and Isa’s.

What perfumes do you carry?Primarily Bond no.9 from New York, Dr. Vranjes from Florence,

Yosh and Kai from California, and the fragrances offered by

Lady Primrose and Fresh.

Why do you carry your own private skin care line? I couldn’t find one that was not full of toxins, carcinogens, and

cheap fillers, regardless of price. Sharla’s Skin Care is made

by a plastic surgeon and his chemists. It is in complete compli-

On the cover


Photo by Wendolin Mercado Photography


Sharla’s SerumsGet control over aging skin with these penetrating 100% active serums. $45-$95

Plush Terry Robe Monogrammed$65

H. Gillerman Essential Wild Organic Oilsfor all that ails us. Bring your stuffy head, sore muscles, sleepless nights, tension and stress to Sharla’s wellness cabinet. I am amazed at the effectiveness of these oils. $48

Opal Skin System from ClarisonicFinally, an at home treatment to keep those lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth at bay! $245

Nouba Shadows and LinersPure baked minerals stay on all day. Turquoise is the color this spring. Let me show you how subtly you can wear this hot color. $18-$20

Jan Barboglioperfect for your favorite bubble bath or bath salts. $88

Nouba Lipsticks and Millebaci StainsGood for a thousand kisses! I’ve got your color, from quiet to screaming! $19-$22

By LESLiE PEPPER

Want to get in step with a walking program? Try a pedometer. “People tend to dramatically overestimate the amount of exercise they get in a day,” says geralyn Coopersmith, MA, CSCS author of Fit and Female: The Perfect Fitness and Nutrition gameplan for your Unique Body Type. “A pedometer gives you a concrete measure of how much you’ve done.” it also increases enthusiasm. “Set a goal, and the pedometer gives you a step-by-step account, so to speak, of how much you’ve accomplished throughout the day,” she says.

According to experts, get in good health by taking about 6,000 steps

a day. For weight-loss, up the count to 10,000.

Your programGet your baseline count by wearing the pedometer on an average

day to see how many steps you’re taking now. Then add 15 percent

to that number. That’s your step goal for the next two weeks. You

want to start off slowly – going in all gung-ho can lead to burnout

and injury. So, let’s say you’re walking 1500 steps every day. Add

225 to it, and you’re at 1725 steps. After two weeks go up another

15 percent, then another after that, and so on.

Always use good walking posture: Think of the crown of your head

reaching toward the ceiling. Your shoulders should be back and

down, your arms bent naturally at the elbow. Feet should go heel,

ball, toe, heel, ball, toe. If you want to pick up speed, don’t take big-

ger steps. Instead, concentrate on driving your elbows back faster,

and your feet will naturally follow.

Add steps to your day10,000 steps doesn’t have to mean hours in the gym. Here are easy

ways to sneak in extra steps during your day.

Pick up The Pace with A Pedometer


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• March in place while you’re brushing your teeth, waiting on the

grocery store line, or every time a commercial comes on tv.

• Use the stairs instead of the elevator.

• At the office, don’t use the phone or email. Walk over to a

co-worker’s office for a face-to-face.

• Pace back and forth whenever you’re on the phone.

• Never pick the closest parking spot at the mall. And after you

make each purchase, drop your bags off at the car and go back

inside for more. MWM

Stretch it outFirst warm up your muscles by marching in place for about

five minutes. Do each stretch 3 to 5 times on each side.

1. Take one big step back, bend your front knee slightly and

press your back heel down to the floor until you feel a

release in your calf. Bring your legs together, then repeat

on the other side.

2. Place the heel of one foot in front of you, bend the other

knee slightly and reach your tush back in the opposite

direction to stretch your hamstrings. Place your hands on

your upper thighs or your hips for balance. Bring your feet

back to center and repeat on the other side.

3. Bend your right knee and bring your right heel up towards

your buttocks, holding your ankle with your right hand (grab

something for balance if necessary). Feel the stretch in the

front of your thigh. Press your pelvis forward to get an

additional stretch in the hip area. Put your foot down then

repeat on the other side.

4. Reach up straight and tall and lace your fingers together,

stretching upward. Then take your right arm and reach it

toward the left side, stretching the entire right side of the

body. Repeat toward the other side.

PB&J? Boring! Here are some picnic meals with pizzazz from Bev Bennett, author of 30-Minute Meals for Dummies:

Healthy tuna salad: Drain a can of tuna and add a can

of rinsed and drained navy beans. Chop in a celery stalk and

a red bell pepper. Toss with Italian salad dressing.

Chicken surprise: Mix a packet of Southwestern-sea-

soned pre-cooked chopped chicken breast (available in any

supermarket) with a cup of cooked rice, a chopped tomato,

a chopped celery stalk and a diced green bell pepper. Add a

dash of cumin and toss with store-bought vinaigrette dressing.

Summer fruit salad: Toss grapes, walnuts and canta-

loupe chunks with store-bought honey-lemon dressing.

• Immediate appointments available

• Contracted with most insurance

• Children & adults welcome

469-587-7546www.DrHarney.com

2760 Virginia Parkway, Suite 200McKinney, TX

Call to schedule yourFREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING


LESLiE PEPPERS is a Merrick, NY writer specializing in health and parenting.


Most of us are ready to leave behind the cold, drab days of winter and welcome the warmer, more colorful days of spring. As the temperature rises, so does the anticipation of getting back to our outdoor activities including long walks through the brushy trail, bike rides across town and blanket picnics in the park. Unfortunately, for allergy sufferers, enthusiasm for the new season can be short-lived.

According to Dr. Matt Morgan of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

in McKinney, there are two main plant populations that identify

the spring and summer outdoor pollens. Spring pollens are from

trees that often start to bloom in late February, peak in March, and

fade out in April. Trees that are known to cause severe allergies

include oak, elm, ash, birch, sycamore, maple, cypress, walnut,

hickory and olive.

Summer pollens come from grasses that start to pollinate most

heavily in April, peak in May and begin tapering off by June. Lower

levels of these pollens may be evident at other times of the year.

Symptoms for allergy sufferers may include, but are not limited to

runny noses, sneezing attacks, itchy eyes, and burning or scratchy

throats and while prescription medications are available to help

reduce or prevent allergic reactions, the best way to control allergies

is to reduce your exposure to summer allergens, both outdoor and

indoor.

Ways to Reduce Exposure to Summer Allergens1. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollens from drifting

into your home or car.

Keep Seasonal Allergies from Blooming This Spring

By VANESSA XiMENEz

2. Install new filters on your central heat and air-conditioner.

3. Minimize morning activity between 5a.m. and 10a.m. when

pollen is usually produced.

4. Minimize outdoor activities when the pollen count is high,

typically on dry or windy days.

5. Keep your windows and screens clean so pollen is unable to

accumulate on them and then be tracked into your home.

6. Avoid mowing the lawn or use a pollen-proof facemask to

prevent inhaling pollens that are stirred into the air.

7. Clean up your yard or garden digging out weeds and removing

piles of leaves that can easily promote the growth of mold which

can also cause allergic reactions.

8. Machine dry clothes and bedding as opposed to hanging them

out to dry to prevent them from collecting pollen spores. If you

have no other option, but to hang dry your clothes outside, do

so in the evening when pollen counts are lower.

9. Keep your indoor furniture dusted to reduce the amount of dust

mites on surfaces.

10. Vacuum your carpet several times per week to reduce the

amount of dust mites and make sure the vacuum has a

clean filter.

11. Use mattress and furniture protectors to avoid accumulation of

pet dander and dust mites from settling into the fabric fibers.

12. If your home has pets or collects dust easily, consider using

an air purifier to clear away potential allergy triggers such as pet

dander, dust mites, mold and mildew spores and air borne

bacteria and viruses.

13. Keep your home and living areas as clean and clutter-free as

possible to prevent dust and dust mites from collecting between

cracks and crevices.

If you are experiencing symptoms of allergies, but are unsure of

what you’re allergic to, it may be time to visit your local allergist for

allergy testing. This test is usually conducted through a skin test

or a blood test. Not only can allergy testing determine what types

of pollens you are allergic to, it can also help predict when you are

likely to experience allergic reactions.

Treating AllergiesWhile allergies are treatable, they generally are not curable. How-

ever, it is possible for children to grow out of allergies or for adults

to develop allergies they didn’t have before. Treating allergies

begins with preventing them. For many sufferers, this may include

a lifestyle change by allergy proofing their homes or staying out of

harm’s way by avoiding allergens that spike allergic reactions.

If medication is needed, then allergies can be treated with a variety

of over-the-counter or prescription medications including corticoste-

roids, antihistamines, decongestants, leukotriene modifiers, and cro-

molyn sodium. Sufferers who do not respond to these medications

may be prescribed allergy injections.

Allergies can wreak havoc on your lifestyle if not properly diagnosed

or treated. Thankfully, there are simple ways to keep allergies from

interfering with your plans for enjoying the great outdoors! MWM

April/May 2010 | McKinney Woman 11www.northtexasmagazines.com

Spring GuideMWM

This super-absorbent product not only hydrates, but prevents water loss, calms inflammation and improves the skin’s elasticity. Plus, Dream Tint creates a soft-focus effect that minimizes the look of large pores and fine lines.See ad on page 11.

Wendolin MercadoPhotography

Cuff bracelets are the “it” accessory for Spring! Kick up your outfit with this gorgeous Silver Cuff Bracelet adorned with a white glass ornament and silver ropping. Get it for only $20 at www.shopembellishjewelry.com. See ad on page 10.

Every detail will be expertly planned and flawlessly coordinated so you, your family and guests can relish every moment of this special day. See ad on page 9.

SPRING has indeed sprung. Celebrate Earth Day everyday by being GREEN. Drink Tea & Prosper! Call now to book your Tea Tasting Parties * Showers* Tea-N-Mystery * Luncheons * Afternoon Teas or other special times with your friends. See ad on page 10.

Bond no.9 HIGH LINE The scent of wild flowers, green grasses and urban renewal. $240 and $145. Tulip Bouquet Candle $12. See ad on page 7.

Get your Mailbox Portraits this spring. Mailbox portraits are the fast, simple, affordable way to get great pictures of yourself and your family! Simply walk out your front door at your scheduled appointment time and smile. That’s all there is to it! Be creative, have fun and and enjoy the easiest portrait sitting ever. Your portrait cd will be sent to you in about a week. See ad on page 13.


April/May 2010 | McKinney Woman 1�www.northtexasmagazines.com

Wendolin Mercado Photography

214 578-9396

It’s time for senior portraits!Packages start at just $200

Limited space available book your appointment today!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and i have to admit it: this holiday makes me ever so slightly uncomfortable. it makes me think of the mother in the Hallmark commercials. She is smiling. She is calm. She is helpful. She has put the kids to bed without raising her voice. She is wearing make-up and her hair is combed. She is worthy of honor. i sometimes have to wonder if i am worthy.

When after much pain and agony (they call it labor) I was handed

this new baby and declared a mother, I expected a manual to ar-

rive in the mail. In this manual it would tell how to make a double

batch of brownies for the school bake sale. There would be a

section on making costumes for the church play and a chapter on

completing the Girl Scout cookie order without messing it up.

It would have an entire section devoted to talking to your

children rather than yelling at them. I would need to read this

section twice.

Instead I was given nothing, short of free samples of Similac

and Pampers.

I remember when my son was 3 years old; we learned he had

a medical condition which would require major surgery. As we

sat in the doctor’s office discussing the prognosis, the different

options, and various other medical decisions, I kept waiting for

my own mother to walk in. I knew that she was the parent, in

fact, had always been the parent, and that I was just sitting there

because I had happened to give birth to this child. I hadn’t yet of-

ficially been handed the instructions. What a surprise that they were

actually asking me about this child’s care.

But you know what? I did it. I was the mother. I asked good ques-

tions. I, along with my husband, made decisions regarding his care.

I comforted our son through his tears, and I slept by his side in the

hospital. And I didn’t even need to look it up.

Could it all be just trial and error? Does this really come without

instructions? My friend Mary tells me you do your best, and if you

mess up, just be sure to apologize at the end of the day. I have

asked my children’s forgiveness countless times.

My friend Rachel is pregnant with her first child. She told me that

she would like to be a mother like me. I was shocked. Me? The one

who has to call her own mother to ask her how to make lasagna

for the potluck? The one that can’t sew a straight hem? The one

that yells just a little too much? “Yes,” she said, “Because you

look into your children’s eyes and listen. You are compassionate

and thoughtful. You are an advocate for your kids. You teach your

children how to act around adults and other children. And most

importantly, you laugh with them.”

I guess I’m still a long way from the Hallmark model. But if they give

out points for trying, I know I’m at the top of the list in that depart-

ment. And if they give out points for loving my kids, well, like all

moms, I’m king of the hill there too.

So, in honor of my great efforts, my undying love, and doing this all

without a proper manual, I will let them honor me on Mother’s Day. I

will comb my hair; I will even put on make-up. I will try to not to yell.

And I will not squirm with discomfort. I am worthy. MWM

MARTHA WEGNER is a freelance writer living with her husband and two

children in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit her website at www.marthawegner.us.

A Worthy Woman

By MARTHA WEgNER

1� McKinney Woman | April/May 2010 www.northtexasmagazines.com

April/May 2010 | McKinney Woman 1�www.northtexasmagazines.com

mckinney woman magazine april/may 2010

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