A nna
Life & Luxury Magazineâ„¢
February 2020 | Issue 1 LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com
A nna What’s Inside Family 4
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with the Entire Family Community
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Great Livestock Show Results for Anna FFA
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2020-2021 Anna ISD School Calendar
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City of Anna Next in Line in the North Texas Development Boom In Good Taste
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Sweet, Luscious Snacks for Loved Ones Fashion & Beauty
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What to Wear for Valentine’s Day Travel
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Life & Luxury Magazine™ February 2020 | Issue 1 Published By Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Editorial/Marketing Director Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds Jimmie Gibson | Joyce Godwin | Julia Troy Photography Contributors Jason Reynolds | Joyce Godwin Cedarbrook Media Group www.CedarbrookMedia.com Melane Woodbury Production/Design Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Admin@CedarbrookMedia.com Editorial Please send editorial considerations to Editor@CedarbrookMedia.com Advertising Information For media kits, contact Heather Reynolds at
972.347.6231 or email Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com Visit our website at www.Life&LuxuryMagazine.com Anna - Life & Luxury Magazine PO Box 405, Prosper, Texas 75078 972.347.6231 | www.LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com A Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Publication
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Mardi Gras in New Orleans
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ANNA Life & Luxury Magazine is wholly owned and published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. ANNA Life & Luxury Magazine is published 12 times a year. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or copied whole or in part without expressed written permission from the publisher, Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. ©2020. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The title and all material are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. Although the greatest of care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at time of going to press, neither ANNA Life & Luxury Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.
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Family
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with the Entire Family hile some might consider Valentine’s Day just a Hallmark holiday, it’s actually a great opportunity to have some fun with your children and shower them with love! Not just for lovers anymore, February 14th is the perfect day to teach your children about the importance of caring for others. Celebrate with a simple “I love you” first thing in the morning and then try out some of these other ideas throughout the day…your children will benefit from the extra attention and the focus on love!
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TALK LOVE Make it a point to have at least one family meal on Valentine’s Day, whether it be breakfast or dinner. During the meal, talk about Valentine’s Day and love…spend that precious time together telling them how much you love them and how much they mean to you. Talk about what love really is and what it means to you. Talk about the love you have you have for your spouse, your family, your friends…and how those loves are different, but so meaningful and important. Ask them what they love and how they show it, and what ways they like to be shown they are loved in return. You might be surprised with what they have to say! READ LOVE Take some time beforehand and find a few special books about Valentine’s Day and about love. Share them with your children and have a story hour at home reading about love. Or, take them to the library and let them pick out a few books of their own. Either way, keep the focus on reading and sharing the stories about love…the snuggles and the stories about love are worth their weight in gold.
4 | Anna LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com
EAT LOVE Make a special Valentine’s Day treat to enjoy after school or for dinner. You can get creative by decorating heart shaped cookies or making a heart shaped pizza. Or you can keep it simple and make a sandwich and then using a heart shaped cookie cutter to remove the crusts. Again, the focus is on love and finding ways to show that to one another. SHOW LOVE The most important thing you can teach your children is what it means to love others – and the best way to do this is to model that behavior! Make it a point to give your child extra hugs and kisses. Tell your child about your favorite memory of them…the story about the day they were born or the moment you were most proud of them. Or find your favorite photo of them, write on the back of it why it’s your favorite and frame it for their room…it’s a wonderful reminder every day of your love for them. You can also show them how to care for others and the world around them… volunteering to help those in need, being kind and/or donating to causes that are important to your family. Through these actions, your child will learn the value of love and compassion. PLAY LOVE Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to let loose and just have fun with your children! Keep the focus on love-themed activities. Sing your favorite love songs together, play a game of Pin the Heart on Cupid, or enjoy some time together decorating Valentine’s Day cards to give to their classmates, friends and family. These moments will make for some great memories and the love you share will carry over all year long!
Top Docs
Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center was founded in 1996 by Dr. Matthew D. Barrows. Over the past 20+ years, the practice has grown tremendously and now has 14 medical providers in 12 North Texas locations. At our Anna location, we offer full skin cancer screening and general dermatology services. We also offer cosmetic procedures such as cosmetic injections, chemical peels and SkinPenÂŽ microneedling. Our Anna office is open Monday through Thursday and every other Friday and Saturday. We have dedicated professionals ready to service every patient need. Alexandra Brooks, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She is able to diagnose and treat skin conditions ranging from general dermatology concerns such as acne, to diagnosing and treating skin cancer. She is also qualified to prescribe medication and perform a variety of procedures. Alexandra has worked very closely with Dr. Barrows, acquiring in-depth knowledge of dermatology and surgical procedures. Alexandra received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2009. She then went on to receive her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2015 from Bethel University. Her clinical exposures during schooling included dermatology, internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, family and emergency medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Texas Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Alexandra is married to her high school sweetheart Brandon. They both grew up here in North Texas and they look forward to putting down roots and starting their family here. She enjoys building relationships with her patients and is excited to be a part of the Anna community! The Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center is a one-stop solution offering a full range of services and treatments for all of your medical and cosmetic dermatological needs. They have 12 convenient locations across North Texas and a private in-house lab and Pathologist on staff in McKinney. This allows for any specimens to be read quicker than if they were to be sent out to a separate lab. They also offer several different skin cancer treatment options, including traditional skin cancer surgery options. In addition to that, they provide Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Superficial Radiation Therapy in several locations. They have a triple-board certified Plastic Surgeon to perform closures and repairs and minimize the appearance of scarring from a procedure. The practice offers Saturday appointments at the McKinney and Anna locations. Their mission is to provide outstanding medical and cosmetic dermatology services to patients of all ages and their practice uses a multi-dimensional approach with patients to focus on prevention, detection and treatment. The vision for the Anna location is to become a cornerstone in the community and provide outstanding medical and cosmetic dermatology services to patients of all ages. They make every effort to get to know each patient individually because they know that medicine is not one-size fits all. To schedule an appointment, go to the website and schedule online or call the Anna office at 214-831-0001.
2100 W. White Street, Ste 120 Anna, Texas 75409
WWW.MDBARROWS.COM | 214-831-0001 LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com - Anna | 5
Community
Great Livestock Show Results for Anna FFA January 6th through the 10th, over 40 Anna FFA members competed at the Collin County Jr. Livestock Show. In total, close to a thousand animals and exhibitors from all 15 school districts across the county attended and competed. Anna FFA members exhibited pigs, goats, lambs, chickens, rabbits, heifers, steers and floral projects. Livestock shows evaluate students on animal appearance and the student’s hard work in feeding, managing and presenting their animals. Overall, Anna FFA had numerous winners and all students presented their animals well.
Market Goats: Ashley Lopez- 1st Hannah Price- 2nd & Senior Showmanship Champion Case Burney- 3rd Allison Martinez- 3rd Emily Eidson- 4th Jordan Shute- 5th Katelyn Darden- 5th Taryn Maxwell- 6th Market Lambs: Brayden Fisher- 6th Samantha Rodgers- 7th Madison Cervantes Maria Morin-Cruz Katelin Garcia Heifers:
RESULTS FROM THE LIVESTOCK SHOW: Market Swine:
Owen Bourland - Reserve British Champion Tayton Thompson- 1st
Cheyenne Spencer- 3rd
Natalie Godinez - 1st
Vanessa Morin-Cruz- 3rd
Jamison Adams- 2nd
Madison Cervantes- 4th
Ryan Thomas- 2nd
Emma Anton
Tristin Durrett- 2nd
Jett Adams
Ethan Dunlap- 2nd
Abby Riggs
Jace Thompson - 3rd
Avery Winters Caleb Jack Jaycee Mathews Samantha Rodgers Breeding Rabbits: Emily Dempsey- Best of Breed Nolan Simmons- Best Opposite Taylor Nash- 3rd Broilers: Case Burney- Grand Champion Neyda Cruz- 6th Vanessa Morin-Cruz- 12th
Steer: Owen Bourland -3rd Ethan Dunlap- 6th
Congratulations to all exhibitors and good luck to many of them as they attend major stock shows in the spring. 6 | Anna - LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com
Community
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STUDENTS. LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com - Anna | 7
Community
City of Anna Next in Line in the North Texas Development Boom By Julia Troy
Charles Schwab, Toyota and Jamba Juice are three very different companies with one thing in common: They moved out of their California headquarters to make a new home in North Texas. Companies have been leaving California in droves for years, with an estimated 13,000 businesses moving out between 2008 and 2016. As company executives search for states with more business-friendly tax climates and affordable housing options, many have found what they are looking for in North Texas. As the great corporate migration spreads north from Dallas-Fort Worth through Frisco and McKinney, the area next in line is the flourishing city of Anna. “Many companies have moved to Collin County after seeing the amazing opportunities this area has to offer,” Anna Economic Development Corp. Director Joey Grisham said. “Anna offers these businesses a pro-growth mentality, ample land options and the housing affordability that many company decision-makers are seeking.” Anna is one of the top six fastest-growing cities in North Texas. The number of permits issued for single-family homes in the city nearly doubled between 2018 and 2019, while the number of new commercial building permits rose 36%. Last year, Anna city officials drafted a new strategic plan that identified economic development as a top priority. City staff are also gearing up for updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, and Parks and Trail Master Plan to keep pace with the exponential growth of Anna. With 65 square miles of available planning area, Anna is just four square miles smaller than the planning area available in nearby Frisco. The Anna EDC has also invested in an 858 | Anna - LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com
acre business park that could become a home for corporations looking for space for logistics or advanced manufacturing. “Our updated city strategic plan is built around attracting new business growth and development,” Anna Mayor Nate Pike said. “Businesses and developers are recognizing what we have known for years: Anna is on fire with growth and development and is the next big thing in Collin County.” One thing that has been drawing businesses and residents alike to Anna is the city’s low cost of living, which enables people to construct homes for less than they could in nearby Prosper or McKinney. Along with that, Anna’s location on U.S. Highway 75 offers a 15-minute drive to McKinney National Airport, a 45-minute drive to the Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport and a 45-minute drive to Downtown Dallas. Grisham added that the Anna EDC and the city council are both equally committed to working together to advance economic development in the area. “While some cities are fighting constantly about small issues, Anna is focused on winning projects and creating partnerships,” he said. Some of those projects and partnerships are already underway, including the mixed-use Anna Town Center, a 115-acre development by Chief Partners. The project is taking advantage of the area’s strong residential growth while working to attract new residents with a host of retail, restaurants, hotel, office and medical tenants. Businesses that have already signed on to the project include Walmart, Starbucks, Salsa TexMex, Chick-fil-A, Whataburger and a free-standing emergency room by Texoma Medical Center, with more announcements expected soon.
The first phase of the Mantua development, called Mantua Point, will include nature trails, a dog park, a pool, several gathering areas and a play area. Eventually, the development is expected to have more than 6,000 homes and over 600 acres of commercial, office and mixed-use space. Developer Risland US Holdings is also working with the Hurricane Creek Country Club to offer a golf and country club lifestyle experience in the community. Meanwhile, Centurion American’s Villages at Hurricane Creek will include over 1,600 residential units, a water feature, hike and bike trails, a botanical garden and 180K SF of commercial space. The city of Anna is seeing a diversity of new projects including a 24,000 square foot ambulatory surgery center that is set to open in the spring of 2020 and a new Municipal Complex with a fire station, a police headquarters and a new city hall slated for 2021. According to Pike, Anna’s goal is to make the city the ideal place for both corporations and residents, and city officials are going above and beyond to cooperate with developers to make that happen. “We are working now to attract a diverse group of businesses including medical, light industrial, retail and entertainment,” Pike said. “Our attitude with developers is to start with a ‘yes’ and work our way from there.”
This feature was produced in collaboration between Bisnow Branded Content Studio and the Anna Economic Development Corporation. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.
Photos Courtesy of Anna EDC LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com - Anna | 9
In Good Taste
Sweet, Luscious Snacks for Loved Ones Valentine’s Day Eats and Treats
10 | Anna LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com
V
alentine’s Day naturally brings thoughts of hearts, flowers, sweetness and love. Because it also occurs during American Heart Month, it’s a perfect opportunity to start taking care of your own heart and the hearts of loved ones. Part of the charm of the day’s celebrations is in giving family and friends flavorful foods to enjoy from chocolates and candies to other sugary treats. However, the festivities don’t have to be completely focused on unhealthy bites in order to make someone feel special. This year, it can be easy to share in the fun of Valentine’s Day by serving those you love with sweet, seasonal treats. For example, these Frosted Watermelon Cutouts make for ideal snacks for children and adults alike whether it’s an after-school treat or a sweet dessert with just three ingredients, heart-shaped cookie cutters and minimal time spent in the kitchen.
WAYNE BARTLEY
If you’re really looking to impress that special someone, this Watermelon and Chocolate Dessert Board calls for creativity and plenty of tasty morsels like berries, cashews, almonds and dark chocolate. Without any baking or cooking required, simply spread out the ingredients for a platter that’s just as visually appealing as it is appetizing. Both recipes include the benefits of watermelon, which boasts plenty of vitamin C to boost the immune system’s defenses as a cholesterolfree, fat-free and sodium-free food. Plus, watermelon draws its red color from the powerful antioxidant lycopene (12.7 mg per serving), which may help protect cells from damage, and the healthy treat is American Heart Association HeartCheck Certified with just 80 calories per serving, making it the perfect centerpiece for Valentine’s Day recipes.
Car ing for Clients and Community
972.658.5108 | WB@MONUMENTSTAR.COM
WAYNE BARTLEY, REALTOR
®
FROSTED WATERMELON CUTOUTS
1 seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-3/4-inch thick slices 4 brownie bites 1 cup frosting (any flavor) Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut shapes out of watermelon slices or simply use cut watermelon wedges, if desired. Top heart shapes with brownie bites and add frosting as desired.
ATHLETIC RECOVERY WELLNESS PAIN RELIEF BEAUTY
WATERMELON AND CHOCOLATE DESSERT BOARD
1/2 medium seedless watermelon, cut into wedges and cubes 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 cup fresh red cherries 1 cup strawberries, trimmed and halved 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup roasted, salted cashews 1 cup chocolate covered almonds 1 bar dark chocolate, broken into squares 1 cup coconut chips Mint leaves, for garnish On serving board, arrange watermelon in center and surround with raspberries, cherries, strawberries, cranberries, cashews, almonds, chocolate and coconut chips. Scatter mint leaves around board for garnish. Find more Valentine’s Day inspiration and recipes at watermelon.org.
Call/Text - 214.457.3272
info@collincountycryo.com | www.collincountycryo.com 2750 South Preston Road, Suite 103 | Celina, TX 75009
LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com - Anna | 11
Fashion
What to Wear for Valentine’s Day
There’s no doubt about it—Valentine’s Day is coming up! Even if you think it’s a made-up holiday or a for-real celebration of all things love, make some plans! Whether you decide to stay in and get cozy or hit the town, your Stylist has the perfect look. Read on for date night inspiration— whether you’re staying in or going out.
IF YOU’RE GOING OUT
It might take a bit more effort but planning a date night can be so rewarding. No matter what you decide to do, use it as an excuse to put on something pretty—maybe something a little more dressed up than your usual look. And, don’t forget, Valentine’s Day is coming up, so you might want to have a look that’s a bit more romantic on hand. Happiest Hour Meeting friends (or that special someone) at your favorite cocktail lounge? Dress up your denim with a flirty top in a bright cherry red, pink heels and a clutch in the prettiest shade of blush. We love that a top like this can be repurposed and worn with a pencil skirt or your favorite work pants. Curtain Call Attending the theater or a concert? Make sure everything is in perfect harmony when you pair a printed dress with a solid moto—black and white as shown here—or in any color palette that lights up your face. Finish the look with pointy-toed pumps for a dressed-up touch, and a clutch in a pop-y color (which will also look great paired with jeans for a brunch date). The Art of Style When gallery hopping or wandering through your favorite museum, opt for denim paired with feminine favorites. A graceful white top with delicate details is a great place to start—so romantic. Add a shoe embellished with a statement bow for even more girly flair, and just to keep things interesting—a clutch in a wild-but-not-too-wild animal print.
IF YOU’RE STAYING IN
There is no rule that says a date (even a romantic date!) has to include leaving the house. Whether you are just getting to know each other, or have been together awhile, doing something together at home can be really special. But, hold the holey sweats. Ask your Stylist for comfy but stylish pieces so you’ll always be ready to hang at home and look great doing so. Super Style Staying in to watch the big game? Score major points in the style department with a sporty look that’s comfy and just happens to be a style all-star. A pair of leggings with interesting detailing is athleisure done right, especially when paired with a tie-waist top in a cool neutral. Finish the look with sneakers in a fun print, and you’ll be set for game day. No Reservations Feasting on a 5-star meal does not have to mean leaving your house—choose a recipe, invite that special someone over to be your sous chef and cook up a romantic date. Prep the perfect look, starting with a comfy-but-stylish pair of pull-on pants, top with a t-shirt and make sure you have a cute cardi on hand in case it gets chilly. Elevate the whole thing with a pair of metallic sneakers, and you are serving up your finest at-home look. Set the Scene Ah, movie night, the classic at-home date. What could be more perfect than curling up on the couch with your favorite action, romance or comedy films along with your favorite person? Keep it fashionable when you pop on a pair of on-trend camo leggings topped with a colorful button-up shirt and denim jacket—and add a sporty-casual touch with a cool pair of kicks. Pop the corn, melt the butter and settle in for the ultimate night at home. Article compliments of Stitch Fix. Ready for date night? Tell your Stylist what your plans are. Visit www.stitchfix.com to schedule your fix!
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Travel
Mardi Gras in New Orleans New Orleans has everything you need for a quick getaway in February. From restaurants to tours, bars and activities, there is plenty to do this month…but probably the most notable attraction this month in the Crescent City is MARDI GRAS DAY!! No one does Carnival like New Orleans. Beginning on January 6th (Twelfth Night), the city is obsessed with eating, costuming, bead-tossing and parading. A month or so of parties named for just one day…Mardi Gras, otherwise known as Fat Tuesday, the last day before Lent. This year, Mardi Gras Day falls on February 25th. The celebration dates all the way back to 1699 when Louisiana was founded by explorer Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville and the city hasn’t stopped partying since. Mardi Gras Day marks the final day of Carnival Season. Always the day before Ash Wednesday, Fat Tuesday is a one of a kind experience that embodies the New Orleans culture. Zulu, one of the most-loved parading krewes, is the first parade of the day and they are known for their highly sought-after coconuts – or “golden nuggets”. Following Zulu is Rex, one of the oldest parading krewes. The leader “Rex” acts as the king of all of Carnival. This krewe started the tradition of purple, green and gold, the official colors of Mardi Gras and a “throw” from their float is one of the most coveted. Like most everything else in New Orleans, February weather can be unpredictable. Hot, cold, rainy, dry…layers will be your best friend. Best practice is to keep a light jacket that can be easily stowed away or tied around your waist in case the weather turns. Also a must is to wear comfortable shoes that you won’t mind getting a little dirty. You will find most people wearing festive yellow, green and purple
14 | Anna - LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com
clothing, and many will take advantage of the opportunity to get into costume! Whatever you decide to wear, just make sure you grab a king cake and a pound or two of crawfish, because they go hand in hand with Mardi Gras! A few favorite places we found to stay in New Orleans…the Royal Sonesta is party-centric and Bourbon Street’s swankiest hotel. Request a balcony room to hear the live jazz music and watch the eclectic parades of people that go by at all hours! Or try a coveted Bourbon balcony room at the Sheraton – located on the site of the historic Old French Opera. Today’s young opera singers often perform in the lobby bar if you want a different kind of entertainment. Or, if you want to escape the revelry and actually get some sleep, try the Saint – a sleek hotel located on the board of the French Quarter and the Central Business District. It boasts a roof-top bar with expansive city views and the sexy Burgundy Bar with live music. Wherever you decide to stay, walking or biking will be your best bet for getting around. While anytime throughout the Mardi Gras season is fun to be in New Orleans…the biggest celebrations and the larger krewes (parades) begin to roll the Wednesday before Fat Tuesday. And in case you didn’t already know it, Mardi Gras is a FREE EVENT! No tickets are needed to view the parades. However, balls are invitation only or ticketed. Truly a citywide celebration, you’ll find everything from quirky, satirical floats to the North Side Skull and Bones Gang! There’s truly something for everyone!
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