CELINA - Life & Luxury Magazine | July 2020 by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC

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Life & Luxury Magazine™

July 2020 | Issue 76 LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com/Celina

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What’s Inside

C elina

Life & Luxury Magazine™

July 2020 | Issue 76

Family 6

At-Home Learning Throughout Summer

Community 8 Celina ISD July COVID Update and Registration Information 10

Internal Promotions in Celina Fill Three Critical Positions

Celina Police Department Announces Two Promotions

City of Celina July Development Report

Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com Director of Sales & Marketing Mark Mattison Mark@CedarbrookMedia.com Photography Jason Reynolds - Cedarbrook Media Group www.CedarbrookMedia.com Production/Design Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Design@CedarbrookMedia.com Editorial Please send editorial considerations to Editor@CedarbrookMedia.com

Homefront 14 Ultimate Upgrades 16

Publisher Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com

Ornamental Grasses Can Showcase Your Garden

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Fashion & Beauty 20 The Easiest Outfits to Rock This Summer

Life & Luxury Magazine Your Community - Your Lifestyle

Travel 22 4 Tips for Planning a Summer Family Vacation

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Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds | Sean Terry Jimmie Gibson | Stacy Cate | Tom Maglisceau 4 | Celina LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com

CELINA Life & Luxury Magazine is wholly owned and published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. CELINA 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 CELINA Life & Luxury Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

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Life & Luxury Magazine Family

At-Home Learning Throughout Summer: Tips for Keeping Students Sharp over the Long-Haul W

ith the majority of schools across the country closed, many parents are feeling the stress of taking more active roles in their children’s education. As time away from the classroom extends into summer, parents also face the challenge of helping their children maintain what they’ve learned through a summer of uncertainty. This year’s shift to at-home learning has provided plenty of resources parents can use to keep their children’s minds engaged and actively learning. The shift has also prompted families to create new routines and healthy learning habits. Continuing these best practices over the summer may prove beneficial in setting students up for success when they return to the classroom. Set a clear daily schedule with realistic goals and be sure to allow flexibility. A child’s attention span grows longer with age – typically 2-3 minutes per year of age – so the amount of time an elementary school student will focus on a task may be significantly shorter than a high school student. Build in time for kids to play. According to the journal, “Pediatrics,” playing promotes healthy brain development and boosts academic skills. Play time also helps children manage stress – making it an important and fun way for parents to support kids coping with stress or anxiety. Create a conducive learning environment at home. If possible, set up a designated desk and distraction-free workspace children can use for everything from completing school assignments to playing educational games. While routines are important, they may not be the only key to summer learning success. Research from Harvard indicates parents who engage with their children in simple activities over the summer

6 | Celina LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com

– like reading together or talking about baseball statistics – can have a greater impact on their children’s academic performance than popular summer activities, such as summer camps, travel or summer school. Since education can happen anywhere as part of everyday life, there are many activities families can do together to create a sense of summertime fun while fostering academic growth. Spend some time cooking or baking together. Use these experiences as opportunities to practice reading recipes or practice math by measuring and adding ingredients. Work with other parents or family members to find summer pen pals. Have kids write letters back and forth to practice reading and writing skills. Extend story time with read-and-do activities that lay the groundwork for developing engaged readers. For example, the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program offers free online activities at bookitprogram. com children and parents can do together, such as drawing, letter recognition or sight-word bingo. Explore science and nature by taking a walk. Try and identify different types of clouds, trees, plants, rocks and animals. Take pictures of any you find interesting. Then look up additional information when you return home to practice research skills. Watch the news or read about current events together. This can provide practical lessons on social studies and help kids raise questions about the world around them.

ABCs of Combating Summer Slide While on summer break, kids commonly lose some of the learning momentum from the previous school year. It’s a phenomenon casually referred to as the “summer slide.” A report from the Northwest Evaluation Association found students in third-fifth grades lost about 20% of their school-year gains in reading and 27% in math, on average, during summer break. After such an abrupt end to formal curriculum, the slide could be a little steeper for kids in the fall. However, summer plans for families likely look different this year. More free time may make it easier to build in time for educational activities, which can also offer an escape during this uncertain time.

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Allow for reading aloud. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, reading aloud is the single most important activity for reading success as it helps build word-sound awareness. Encourage your child to play teacher and read aloud books, magazines, or comics to family members, pets or even stuffed animals. Begin a book club. Read the same books as your children then discuss what you all read over a shared snack or gathered around the dinner table. Joining in shows the importance of prioritizing reading during the summer. Check into services offered by libraries. If possible, make use of local libraries, many of which offer free online resources and have extended due dates. Inquire about online services offered in your area and how your family can participate in programs taking place over the summer. Where and How to Access Online Resources

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From educators helping their students to organizations lending support in trying times, dozens if not hundreds of online resources have emerged to help parents navigate teaching at home. Internet Access: While many at-home learning resources can be found online, some families lack access to reliable and affordable internet connections. For information on free or low-cost home internet access, as well as other resources for teachers and families, visit firstbook.org/coronavirus-educator-resources. Online field trips: While school and family outings are limited, it’s still possible to explore the world from the comfort of home. Zoos, museums and other places of interest are sharing everything from educational videos and live webcams to guided tours on their websites and social media.

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Reading programs: Literacy is the foundation for all learning, so focusing on activities that promote reading gives children a chance to practice that essential skill, often in ways that don’t feel like learning. One resource is The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program, the nation’s largest and longest-running corporate-supported reading program. Parents can visit bookitprogram.com to find a number of activities designed to help children find joy in reading. Resources include book recommendations, activity and book pairings, video messages from best-selling authors Tom Angleberger and Kate DiCamillo and printable worksheets, story maps and more. Educational websites: Many academic websites have opened their subscription-based content for free or reduced access. You can find videos, interactive programs, lesson plans and more. Before creating an account, check if your school has secured free or discounted access codes. New skills: From learning the basics of keyboard typing to trying a new instrument or mastering a new language, there are sites dedicated to helping students develop new skills while they’re at home.

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Life & Luxury Magazine Celina ISD News

From the Desk of Tom Maglisceau - July COVID Update

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, school districts across Texas are preparing for the possibility of remote learning during the 2020-2021 school year. Current state mandates require districts to provide daily in-person instruction on campus for all students this fall, and that is the preference of Celina ISD as well. However, the state has not yet provided vital direction regarding matters such as class size limits, bus rider capacity, class transitions, extra-curricular participation, cafeteria standards, facemask use, and many other necessary health protocols. What has been clearer thus far are state directives regarding online learning, including options for real-time, virtual instruction between teachers and students as well as instruction that does not require the instructor and student engaged at the same time. Several school districts have surveyed their families and/or asked parents to make commitments for their children regarding online or in-person learning. Celina ISD believes our families deserve the most accurate information possible before committing to either on-line or in-person learning for this fall, particularly when direction provided by the state evolves every day. Once we have received clearer direction from the state, we will provide plans for multiple pathways of learning so that parents can make an informed decision for their child’s educational path next year. The Celina Registration Fair normally held the first week of August is not permitted under current restrictions for public gatherings, so we are utilizing online registration procedures for the fall. Students new to the district are able to access enrollment forms online through our district website at https://www.celinaisd.com/parents-docs-forms/. Returning students will have registration access once Parent Portal opens on July 15th. We are committed to providing rigorous learning, safe and supportive schools for our students and staff, and a high level of service to our families and community. Our next communication will be sent to families on July 15th, at which time we anticipate providing more updated information regarding both online and on-campus learning. We ask for your continued patience as we prioritize procedures and finalize plans for re-opening our campuses this fall. We wish you and your family a safe and happy Fourth of July. 8 | Celina LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com

REGISTRATION INFORMATION In August of each year the district will facilitate annual registration activities to help parents of returning students prepare for the coming school year; activities such as the CISD Back to School Registration Fair, meet the teacher nights, schedule pick-up times, etc. Parents or Legal Guardians will be given a window of time to submit updated registration information for their children online via the Ascender Parent Portal application, complete the other necessary forms that may be specific to a campus, and present annual proof of residence. These things must all be completed before the first day of school. Dates of events or activities and instructions will be provided to parents/guardians through several avenues like newsletters, flyers, social media outlets, the district website and mail outs. If you do not currently have a Parent Portal account, please go to www.celinaisd. com > Parents > Parent Portal to create one. Please contact the appropriate campus for information or a Parent Portal ID number if needed. Required Documents: Proof of Residency Student’s Social Security Card (optional) Student’s Birth Certificate or Passport Current Immunization Record Copy of Parent/Guardian’s Driver’s License or government issued photo ID Withdrawal forms from student’s previous school Copy of student’s last report card, transcript or STAAR/EOC scores (optional) Copy of any legal paperwork regarding custody or safety issues for your child (if applicable) For more detailed information, please visit https://celinaisd.com/ student-registration.

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LifeC&ommunity Luxury Magazine

Andrew Figueroa

Andy Glasgow

Robin Bromley

Internal Promotions in Celina Fill Three Critical Positions As the City of Celina continues on a well-defined path of incremental growth and development, experienced additions to the managerial staff are keeping pace with the City’s rapid forward progress. City Manager Jason Laumer announces the internal promotions of Andrew Figueroa as Director of Public Works, Andy Glasgow as Director of Engineering, and Robin Bromiley as Director of Finance.

throughout the City. His office will coordinate the review of all planned engineering projects, including capital improvement and private development and will provide guidance and support to the engineering staff. Before joining the Celina staff, he spent five years working for the City of Shreveport as Assistant City Engineer and Civil Engineer. He was a Graduate Engineer and Office Engineer for private firms in Shreveport, Tampa, FL and Greenville, MS.

Figueroa assumes the directorship after serving as Assistant Director. He will oversee the maintenance and operation of the Public Works Department which consists of water, wastewater collection and treatment, residential and commercial meters, facilities management, streets and drainage.

A member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Texas Floodplain Management Association, he is a Certified Floodplain Manager, having earned a BS in Civil Engineering at the US Coast Guard Academy and an MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky.

Prior to his arrival in Celina, Figueroa served in a variety of Public Works positions for the Town of Little Elm including Assistant Director, Utility Manager, Water Supervisor, Water Quality Specialist, and Crew Leader. He also served as Director of Public Works for the City of Van Alstyne and as Operations Manager for the North Hunt Special Utility District.

Bromiley moves into the director position after serving as the City’s Director of Accounting. Her responsibilities will include ensuring the efficient management of the financial and accounting functions for the City. She and her staff are charged with the protection and advancement of the City’s fiscal position, accuracy in financial reporting, operational and capital budgeting support, and other complex administrative duties.

A US Army veteran, he is a member of the American Public Works Association, the Texas Water Utilities Association and holds several industry-related certifications. He earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of North Texas. Glasgow, a Professional Engineer, was elevated from the Assistant Director position. As director, he will oversee all engineering activities, including the design and construction of all water, sewer, streets and drainage facilities. His responsibilities include floodplain management

10 | Celina LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com

Prior to her arrival in Celina, she served as Controller and Senior Accountant for the Town of Little Elm and Senior Governmental Audit Associate for a private financial auditing company. Bromiley is a Certified Government Finance Officer, holds a Texas Municipal League Public Funds Investment Certification, and is a member of the national and Texas chapters of the Government Finance Officers Association. She earned a BS in Accounting and a MS in Accounting and Information Systems, both from the University of Texas at Dallas.

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LifeC&ommunity Luxury Magazine

Celina Police Department Announces Two Promotions City Names First Female Sergeant

The Celina Police Department has announced the promotion of two individuals, providing citizens and visitors with the immeasurable benefit of the combined decade-and-a-half experience the pair brings to their new positions. Police Chief Tony Griggs has announced the promotion of Cortnie Webb to Sergeant and Chris Armstrong to Detective, effective immediately. Generally, municipal law enforcement agencies assign their inductees as Patrol Officers. With experience and the appropriate testing and interviews, Patrol Officers can be promoted to Detective. When ready for additional responsibility including supervision, the next step is Sergeant. This is followed by Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, then Chief. Some larger agencies include the rank of Corporal between Detective and Sergeant. Webb, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Texas Women’s University, brings six years of progressive experience to her new position. She spent a combined three-and-a-half years as a Patrol Officer in Sherman and Celina, and almost three years as a Detective in Celina. 12 | Celina LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com

In her new role, she will be responsible for reviewing patrol assignments, incident reports, arrests, and other material for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. She will monitor and mentor officers under her supervision and assist in the implementation of the Police Department’s Community Policing philosophy. She earned the department’s Servant Leadership Award twice and has been recognized with a Certificate of Merit. She has attained the state’s Advanced Peace Officer certification. Armstrong spent three years as a Celina Patrol Officer prior to his recent elevation to Detective. His new position will involve the processing of cases and evidence, as well as filing worked cases with the District Attorney when appropriate. He will devote time and energy in the thorough investigation of crimes committed in Celina and, when required, will assist in the prosecution of offenders. The new Detective has completed two years of college and has also attained the Advanced Peace Officer certification from the state of Texas. A member of the Celina Police Association, Armstrong, who counts on 10 years of law enforcement experience, has been honored with selection as Celina Police Officer of the Year in the recent past. “Our police force is stronger with the promotion of these two individuals,” says Chief Griggs. “Our priority is to ensure that we have personnel who are not only properly prepared but also fully committed to ensuring that Celina is a safe and secure City, partnering hand-in-hand with the community we serve.”

Planning & Zoning

Sales Tax Revenue: $289,815

Building Safety

Permitting

GIS

Code Enforcement

JULY 2020

Population: 22,641

CITY EVENTS

• July 9: Greg’s Magic - 11 am, City Hall Annex (Behind Library) • July 10: Friday Night Market • July 15: Rhythm Path Drumming - 11 am, City Hall Annex (Behind Library)

Average New Home Value: $412,362

• July 31: Summer Reading Program Awards Ceremony - 10:30 am City Hall Annex (Behind Library)

Code Enforcement Scoreboard

Average Square Feet: 3,367

Environmental Health & Animal Control 56 41 Grass 34

114 New Homes Permitted 4,462

Construction Inspections

Illegal Signs

23 Residential Property Maintenance 15

Trash & Debris

13 Commercial Property Maintenance 12

Vehicles & Parking

TO VIEW RESTAURANT SCORES SCAN THE QR CODE

7 Minor Building Inspections & Health Plan Review

New Commercial Projects

Permits Issued - 4 • Creeks of Legacy W. Amenity Center - 3621 Cimarron River Dr. • Charlie’s Concrete - 11481 CR 53 • Steps of Faith Dance Studio - 695 N. Preston Rd. Suite 180 • US Taekwondo - 695 N. Preston Rd. Suite 110

Most Acti ve

• Lamar National Bank - 110 S. Preston Rd. • Domino’s Pizza - 695 N. Preston Rd. Suite 110 • Fitness 1 - 2750 N. Preston Rd. Suite 119

orhoods by b h ig Is Ne 22 12

Cambridge Crossing

Light Farms

Mustang Lakes

Permits ed su

Certificates of Occupancy - 3

Lilyana

Sutton Fields

*All numbers reflect data from the month of June

LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Celina | 13

Homefront Life & Luxury Magazine

Ultimate Upgrades

Practical Tips to Improve your Home’s Function and Ambiance

Homeowners tackling interior upgrades often focus their attention on two of the most-used rooms the in the house: the kitchen and bathroom. Tailoring these rooms to your personal preferences may enhance your enjoyment of the space, but most experts recommend thinking long term for the biggest return on your investment. If a kitchen or bathroom renovation is in your future, take a holistic approach that considers how the space will be used now and in the future. KITCHEN CONSIDERATIONS As the hub of activity for many households, the kitchen is a space that commands efficient, functional design. Aside from the practical issue of losing access to the space while it’s under construction, there’s another important challenge for homeowners to consider when tackling a kitchen remodel: for maximum return on your investment, avoid making choices that are too trendy or personal. Design trends come and go, so while a contemporary update is almost always a good idea, many design experts recommend sticking with classic looks and styles that have broad appeal, especially for big ticket (and big price tag) elements like cabinetry. Save your flair for aspects like the backsplash tile or wall color, which can be relatively easily changed by a new owner or even yourself when you want a refresh down the road. Another area to give special attention is the overall ambiance of the room, which is largely influenced by the light from natural and electric sources. For a room that needs brightening, skylights are a smart option because they free up wall space for more storage and cabinets while adding abundant natural light.

14 | Celina LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com

However, natural light from above isn’t the only advantage of adding skylights. Some models, such as a Velux solar-powered, fresh-air skylight, can be opened with a remote control to bring fresh air inside, which helps keep the kitchen fresh and rids indoor air of pollutants from daily activities like cooking and cleaning. Skylights can be ordered with light-filtering or room-darkening blinds, which give homeowners maximum control over the exact amount of light they want. Plus, solar-powered blinds come in over 75 colors and patterns for customizable design options that allow you to truly make the space your own. Be sure to ask whether the line you’re considering qualifies for a federal tax credit. Solar-powered skylights and blinds are eligible for a 26% federal tax credit on product and installation if purchased and installed by the end of 2020. The credit decreases to 22% in 2021. A BETTER BATHROOM In the bathroom, modern upgrades are also a smart investment. However, many experts actually recommend thinking not just about what’s in vogue right now but considering needs far into the future. Universal design is especially relevant in the bathroom, where simple adjustments can provide added accessibility as you age, and these updates can flow seamlessly into the design. This means considering a vanity with a raised counter height and a taller toilet base, which can add stylish enjoyment no matter your age. Other features like a zero-entry shower deliver high-demand design and safety simultaneously.

Outside of accessibility-oriented updates, upgrading your fixtures, fresh paint and contemporary tile can go a long way toward transforming a bathroom. If you find your space is still in need of a boost, a skylight may be the answer. Natural light can be that last touch to bring your space from just OK to perfect, and skylights in the bathroom allow homeowners to maximize their natural light without losing any privacy. In a space like the bathroom, where ventilation is a top concern, a choice like Velux No Leak Solar-Powered “Fresh Air” Skylights provide natural light as well as fresh air ventilation to make the environment healthier. They help rid indoor air of bacteria, volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide.

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Explore more design ideas to enhance your kitchen and bathroom spaces at whyskylights.com. SMART CLIMATE CONTROL Fresh air ventilation is one way homeowners can promote better indoor air quality, especially in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms which are especially vulnerable to poor air circulation. A smartphone-controlled skylight automation system such as Velux Active with Netatmo can help improve indoor climate from the convenience of your mobile device. It allows homeowners to automate when they open and close their skylights and blinds. The system monitors an online weather station and uses indoor sensors to measure temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels in the home. Based on a homeowner’s settings, the system will automatically open the skylights or extend the blinds as needed to improve air quality and temperature inside the home.

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LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Celina | 15

Homefront Life & Luxury Magazine

Ornamental Grasses Can Showcase Your Garden Splunked down in a flower bed, particularly if placed in front of a stark ometimes, even the most beautiful shrubs can look rather plain, simply

wall or an ugly fence.

A comparison might be buying a really attractive piece of furniture and positioning it in a bare room with a nasty, stained wall behind it! Somehow, its beauty is lost in that environment. But as those shows on HGTV demonstrate, a complimentary backdrop and some well-placed accessories can make all the difference, creating a stage upon which your special piece stands out as a star. To take this idea to your flower beds, consider adding ornamental grasses! The right grasses can provide an eye-pleasing backdrop and a buffer between your shrubs and a fence or wall. They can compliment and enhance the shape and color of your plantings, and many can provide attractive greenery long into the winter when there’s little else to attract the eye. I happen to think that shimmering, frost-covered spikes on a crisp winter morning are a truly beautiful sight! Or a windy spring or summer day with strategically placed grasses can make your landscaping a moving, eye catching plus! So, what should you choose? As always, I’m happy to offer specific, personal advice via e-mail if you send me some details at jimmie@ absolutelybushed.com but let’s start with a few basic ideas...tall grasses can provide the ideal backdrop for flowers and shrubs. Try these: Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’) This is quite a “large” grass and is a favorite of ours due to its fine, narrow foliage and gracefully round form. Maiden Grass blooms from mid to late 16 | Celina LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com

fall and grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 4 feet around. I recommend about 48 inches spacing between plants. It grows quite fast and is dense enough to obscure any unattractive fencing behind it. It is also fairly pest-resistant when mature and is quite drought resistant. A very nice addition to berrying plants and evergreens. Porcupine or Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’) This is a variegated form of Maiden Grass and grows to about 5 feet tall, flowering in September. The gold bands on the foliage create a really interesting streak of color. Like its Maiden cousin, Porcupine is a fast grower and can tolerate sun, partial sun and shade. Looking for smaller ornamental grasses to integrate with your other plants? Try these: Blue Fescue (Festuca ovina glauca Elija-blue) Elija Blue is the bluest of all the blue fescues, and really creates a stunning effect when planted with flowers and small shrubs that produce pink or red blooms. Try planting Elija Blues with dianthus (pinks). Around June, you’ll see tall, flowering spikes rising from the fine-textured clumps that spread approximately 18” - 24”. Pennisetum Little Bunny A cute name for a really cute ornamental grass that grows less than one foot tall! It is ideal to plant in front of perennials, and works well as a ground cover or with dwarf conifers and rock gardens. At our house, Roxanne and I planted Little Bunny in French drains in the back yard our home. It is rabbit-resistant, sun tolerant, and gives us these beautiful tufted plumes in late summer. The blooms persist into winter but we often

harvest and dry them for flower arrangements. If you’d prefer a variegated version, look for its cousin, “Little Honey.” For one that is not too tall and not too small, but just right, consider this one: Dwarf Grass (Pennistum Hamelin) This is just about our favorite! Its finely-textured foliage and compact growth made it ideal to plant in front of our own house. We love the flower clusters that appear in summer and fall, earlier than most other varieties. They top out at about 2 to 3 feet at maturity and look great year-round. Note: If this Grass interests you please also check out Mexican Feather variety too! I hope this has given you some ideas for enhancing the look of your flower beds (and, indeed, much of your landscape) without spending too much of your hard-earned cash! Question: Jimmie, I have a young dogwood tree that I believe got overspray of herbicide from a company I no longer use on its last spring when they treated my lawn. It got some dark spots on the lower leaves and a few of them eventually fell off. I thought that would be the end of it, but it seemed to be getting worse as the summer progressed. The dark spots were appearing on higher leaves and my entire tree seems to be doing badly. I know it did not get reinfected, because I did not treat my lawn again. Could it be something else and just coincidentally happened shortly after I treated my lawn? If so, what can I do? If not, will my tree be okay after the winter passes and into spring? Do you know of anything I can do to reverse the effects of this on my tree? Thanks, Clyde L. in Prosper Answer: Hi Clyde, if the damage was caused by the lawn spray company there is little you can do except wait it out. One thing comes to mind is to feed it a root stimulator in order to give it some help and maybe a plant food (not fertilizer) that will give it a boost. Whatever damage was done is done and cannot be reversed. All you can do is try to encourage new life and if it survives do your best to keep feeding (tree and shrub food only) and stimulate new growth. Until next time…Happy Gardening!! Jimmie

Send your landscaping and gardening questions to Jimmie Gibson Jr. at http:// www.absolutelybushedlandscaping.com or jimmie@absolutelybushed.com Jimmie is a Prosper resident and the owner of Absolutely Bushed Landscaping Company, an award winning, family and veteran owned and operated business created in 1980 to provide the highest quality custom Outdoor Renovation available to homeowners in the Dallas Ft. Worth area.

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Life In &GLuxury ood Magazine Taste

FL A VOR F USI ON

Update Summer Classics with Asian-Inspired Flair A distinctive and unexpected ingredient like rice vinegar is an easy way to bring faraway flavors to your favorite summer dishes. This pantry staple adds an Asian-inspired flavor to recipes of all kinds, from marinades to high-end meals. Explore a new way to enjoy steak this summer with a recipe for zesty, marinated beef paired with crisp broccolini and peppers to give a familiar dish a fresh makeover using flavors from another origin. Give fajitas an Asian makeover with shrimp seared in a decadent hoisin-ginger sauce or try a fresh take on a crunchy salad with this Mexican-meets-Asian layered approach thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for lunch. Include seasonal produce like cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes to enhance your summer flavor fusions. Pantry staples like black beans and canned corn also offer accessible ways to make elevated summer classics. Capture Asian flavors with ingredients like NAKANO Rice Vinegar, which has perfected its rice vinegars over eight generations to offer unique and delicious flavors perfect for making mouthwatering Asian-inspired recipes at home. SIZZLING SHRIMP FAJITA STIR-FRY 1 1/2 pounds large, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 shrimp total)

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2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided 4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided 1/4 cup NAKANO Roasted Garlic Rice Vinegar 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 1 red onion, cut into thin slivers 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips 1/2 pound shishito peppers, stemmed 6 warmed corn or flour tortillas 1/2 cup finely shredded red cabbage 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions In medium bowl, combine shrimp, 2 teaspoons soy sauce and 2 teaspoons cornstarch; let stand 5 minutes to marinate. In separate bowl, whisk remaining soy sauce, remaining cornstarch, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce and ginger until blended. In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering. Add half of shrimp; cook 1 minute on each side. Transfer to clean bowl; repeat with remaining shrimp. Wipe out skillet with paper towel. In same pan, heat remaining oil until shimmering. Add red onion, bell pepper and shishito peppers. Cook, stirring, 2-4 minutes until peppers begin to blister. Add vinegar mixture; cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened. Add shrimp to pan. Cook, tossing well until shrimp and vegetables are coated with sauce. Fill tortillas with shrimp mixture, cabbage, and green onions.

1 tablespoon queso fresco In bowl, mash avocado and add serrano pepper, cilantro, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice and salt. Stir to combine. Build salad in layers of corn, cabbage, jicama, black beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tofu, corn chips, spinach and queso fresco while adding drizzles of dressing between layers. Pro Flavor-Fusion Tips The key to a successful stir-fry is to use high heat to quickly cook meats and vegetables in stages without overcrowding the pan. This ensures that veggies stay slightly crisp, and meats develop a delicious sear instead of steaming. Avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points, making it a great choice for high-heat cooking like stir-frying.

SPICY STEAK AND BROCCOLI 1 beef tenderloin (1 1/2 pounds), cut into 2-inch cubes 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 3 tablespoons avocado oil, divided 2 cups multicolored, mini sweet peppers, cut into thin rings 1/4 pound broccolini, cut into 3-inch sections 2 large shallots, chopped 1/4 cup NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (Asian-chili garlic sauce) or sriracha 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger In medium bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper and garlic powder.

Hoisin sauce, which you can find in the Asian section of most grocery stores, is used frequently in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a salty, fermented soybean paste often combined with garlic, chiles and fivespice powder, which adds a sweet, umami-rich, aromatic flavor to the dish. Shishito peppers are slender, mild, green Japanese peppers available in the produce section of well-stocked grocery stores or Asian markets. If shishito peppers are unavailable, substitute with multicolored mini peppers. To accommodate those who love a lot of spice and those who prefer less spice, serve mild-to-medium-spicy foods with additional chili sauce on the side. Swap out heavy, high-calorie salad dressings for a splash of additional flavor with NAKANO rice vinegar. Find more flavorful ways to put an Asian twist on your summer dishes at nakanoflavors.com.

In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add peppers, broccolini and shallots; cook 3 minutes, or until tender crisp. Transfer to clean bowl. In same skillet over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering. Add half of beef in single layer. Cook undisturbed 2 minutes, or until bottoms are browned. Stir. Cook 1 minute, or until outer surfaces are no longer pink. Transfer to bowl with vegetables. Repeat with remaining oil and beef. Return beef and vegetables to skillet over medium-high heat. In small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, sambal oelek, salt and ginger. Add mixture to pan. Cook 2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened. GLASS JAR LAYERED TACO SALAD 1/2 avocado 1/4 teaspoon serrano pepper 1 tablespoon cilantro 2 tablespoons NAKANO Organic Seasoned Rice Vinegar 2 tablespoons sesame oil 1 teaspoon lime juice 1/3 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup corn 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded 1/2 cup jicama, diced 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed 1/2 cup shredded green cabbage 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup extra-firm tofu, diced 1/2 cup corn chips, crushed 1/2 cup spinach LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Celina | 19

Fashion Life & Luxury Magazine

The Easiest Outfits to Rock This Summer Summer dressing making you sweat? Don’t worry! We’ve got all the essentials to keep you feeling your best all summer long. Whether you’re hustling through your commute, strolling around town, hanging at home...you name it. Check out our fave pieces for easy summer dressing!

Neutral Palette & Natural Accessories Mother Earth knows what’s up. Take a hint from inspired neutral palettes like whites, tans and cargos for a very laidback style. Accessorize with natural fibers (like a woven tote or canvas slip-ons) to top a look that literally begs you to go to the beach.

Breezy Blouse & Linen Pants Nothing worse than feeling constricted in that summer heat, are we right? So air it all out with fun, breezy blouses and linen trousers. A shirt that doesn’t cling means you get more breathing room and soft linens are so comfortable, you won’t even remember you’re wearing them (also, peep the drawstring waistband for more breeze opportunities…and maybe a few more BBQ must-have if you catch our drift.)

A Wrap Top & White Denim Need a look that’s a little more formal? Look no further than a wrap top! Paired with some white denim and opened-toed heels, you’ll be serving chic looks that feel as crisp a cold drink. Stylist Tip: Wrap tops are pretty universally flattering on every body type. With a cinched & pretty tie, it essentially does the hard work while you focus on keeping your cool.

Cotton Button-Up & Denim Shorts A classic. Tried and true, the (preppy and pretty) denim shorts and a button-up shirt are perfect for pretty much any casual summer occasion. Whether you’re headed to the beach, going to a cookout, running errands or relaxing. Opt for a light cotton fabrics or soft linens for ultimate breathability, in staple summer prints: stripes!

Flowy Dress & Lace Up Sandals Probably the easiest outfit for summer: a dress! Especially one with a flowy silhouette (hello, breeze!) Slip into a pair of lace up sandals for a pretty and polished summer look—bonus points of your sandals match into your dress pattern. Article compliments of Stitch Fix Stylist Maddy Schriger. Ready for some easy summer outfits? Let one of our Stylists know how you’re keeping it easy this summer! Visit http://www.stitchfix.com to schedule your fix!

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Life & Luxury Magazine Travel

4 Tips for Planning a Summer Family Vacation A

s stay-at-home orders ease, many families are eager to get out of the house and hit the road for a summer trip. However, vacation will most likely look different this year as families looking to get away may stay closer to home and take extra precautions. Make your summer travel plans safe and successful with these tips. Destination: Taking a road trip allows you to avoid crowded airports or public transportation hubs and bring your own food and groceries. A drivable destination is still a getaway, and driving typically offers more flexibility and requires less planning. Even if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a trip across the state instead of across the country, picking a destination within driving distance of your home is a chance to break away from everyday surroundings and routine. Cleanliness: Clean accommodations are always important and may be even more so now. Many hotels and whole-home vacation rentals, which were pioneered by Vrbo nearly 25 years ago, have enhanced cleaning and disinfection guidelines. When selecting a place to stay during your trip, consider whole-home vacation rentals so your family has the privacy of having the entire property to yourselves, and make sure to review the cleaning measures that have been implemented. Measures to look for include cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, stocking 22 | Celina LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com

antibacterial soap and sanitizers for guests, building in time between bookings to avoid back-to-back stays and offering minimal contact check-in and check-out options. Activities: Although many amusement parks, tourist attractions and businesses have re-opened, their hours may be limited and there may be capacity restrictions, so be sure to research requirements for tickets and admission and plan your trip accordingly. Consider accommodations for your trip that include built-in activities for your family, such as a private pool, or opt for less-crowded destinations like mountain cabins or lake houses to enjoy a change of scenery. Flexible Accommodations: In these uncertain times, much of the travel industry has adjusted cancellation policies to be more accommodating to travelers. In fact, according to a survey of Vrbo travelers, more than 75% of respondents are more likely to choose accommodations with flexible cancellation policies when booking their next vacation home. When planning and booking your trip, be sure you clearly understand the cancellation policies. When possible, seek out options that allow you to make changes with minimal or no penalty if circumstances force you to adjust your plans. Find summer getaway options at vrbo.com.

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