PROSPER - Life & Luxury Magazine | April 2023

P ros P er

Ethan, Tammy, Luke & Trinity Elliott

Photo by Contemporary Portraits

Publisher/Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com

Director of Sales & Marketing Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com

Photography Jason Reynolds - Cedarbrook Media Group www.CedarbrookMedia.com

Production/Design Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Design@CedarbrookMedia.com

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ProsPer - Life & Luxury Magazine PO Box 405, Prosper, Texas 75078 972.347.6231 www.WeAreProsper.com

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Attract Backyard Birds with the Right Seeds

While almost all bird seed may look pretty much the same to you, it doesn’t to the birds you’re feeding. Knowing what kinds of seeds different birds like can help you attract a variety of fine feathered friends to your feeders. Consider these popular seed types and the common backyard birds they attract:

Sunflower – Black sunflower seeds attract blue jays, goldfinches, woodpeckers, purple finches, chickadees, titmice and nuthatches. Striped sunflower seeds appeal to chickadees, doves, grosbeaks, northern cardinals, nuthatches, titmice and woodpeckers. Sunflower hearts (also known as “hulled sunflower” and “sunflower chips”) attract chickadees, common redpolls, juncos, doves, finches, goldfinches, grosbeaks, nuthatches, pine siskins, titmice and woodpeckers.

Nyjer – These lightweight, tiny seeds are a favorite of goldfinches. Put nyjer seeds in a hanging feeder with tiny holes so the small seeds won’t get blown away. Nyjer also attracts redpolls, juncos, doves, indigo bunting and pine siskin.

Safflower – These white seeds are slightly smaller than black sunflower seeds. Because they are bitter, grackles, blue jays, starlings – and squirrels –don’t like them. However, they do attract doves, purple finches, chickadees, titmice and downy woodpeckers.

White millet – Good for scattering on the ground, white millet attracts ground feeders such as juncos, sparrows, indigo buntings, towhees and mourning doves.

Cracked corn – Popular with ground feeders, cracked corn appeals to doves, crows, jays, sparrows, juncos and towhees. Avoid getting finely cracked corn as it’s vulnerable to rot and can quickly turn to mush.

When choosing a bird seed mix, pay attention to the ingredients list on the package. Bird seed is required by law to list ingredients in order of content. Some cheaper mixes have filler seeds such as wheat, red milo, red millet or “assorted grain products.” Most backyard birds won’t eat those, and your seed mix could end up wasted on the ground.

Learn more about making your backyard an oasis for birds of all kinds at eLivingtoday.com.

Dr. Mandy Cotten, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Dr. Kylie Bunner, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Prosper Residents are Invited to Participate in the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge

Join Prosper Mayor David Bristol and the Parks and Recreation Department in the newly expanded Mayor’s Fitness Challenge! The annual challenge will run the full year to encourage wellness as a Prosper lifestyle. Residents of all ages are invited to join the challenge, which is hosted annually to bring attention to health and fitness in the community.

The 2023 Mayor’s Fitness Challenge is divided into two tracking seasons, spring and fall, and an off-season over the summer. Participants who successfully complete the challenge will earn a t-shirt and an entry into the drawing for a pair of Bluetooth earbuds. Throughout all seasons, a variety of giveaways will distinguish the 2023 challenge from past challenges. Also, a grand prize winner will be selected to receive the Mayor’s Challenge Coin, presented by Mayor Bristol himself during a Town Council meeting.

“As Mayor of Prosper, I am proud to launch the 2023 Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, a year-long initiative aimed at promoting wellness as a lifestyle. I invite all residents, regardless of age, to participate in this yearlong challenge and take advantage of the opportunity to improve their health and fitness. Let’s make Prosper a healthier and happier community together,” said Mayor David Bristol.

2023 Mayor’s Fitness Challenge Schedule and Season Details: Spring Challenge Season - March 1 - May 31

During this time, participants are tasked with documenting an average of 90 fitness/exercise minutes each week on a tracking sheet. All types of physical exercise qualify for tracking. Challengers who submit a completed tracking sheet by June 9 will earn a t-shirt and entry into the drawing for the top seasonal prize, Bluetooth earbuds.

Summer Challenge Season - June 1 - August 31

During this time, participants receive a break from routine and tracking to enjoy the summer. Although tracking fitness minutes and sheets are not required, the spirit of the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge remains! The Parks and Recreation Department will keep you engaged with fitness tips, freebies, and a few surprises! Summer challengers can expect giveaways that include workout gear, fitness classes, and weekly and monthly gym memberships.

Fall Challenge Season - September 1 - November 30

The final season brings a return to documenting 90 fitness/exercise minutes per week on a tracking sheet. All types of physical exercise qualify for tracking. Challengers who submit a completed tracking sheet by Dec. 8 will earn a t-shirt and entry into the drawing for the top seasonal prize, Bluetooth earbuds. The random drawing will be conducted at the conclusion of the Fall Challenge Season.

Prosper residents of all ages are encouraged to participate in one or all challenge seasons! Challengers who participate in all three seasons and turn in completed tracking sheets for two seasons will be eligible for the grand prize, selected at the conclusion of the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge. “The Town of Prosper is excited to begin this program for 2023. We’ve had great participation in the past and are expanding the program to support Wellness as one of the Mayor’s Centers of Excellence,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Dan Baker.

How to participate in the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge: Register at prospertx.gov/mayorsfitnesschallenge and download the tracking sheet.

Document an average of 90 fitness/exercise minutes each week on the tracking sheet.

To successfully complete the spring and fall challenges for a t-shirt and various prizes: Submit or email your completed tracking sheets to mfc23@prospertx.gov by the deadlines.

To be eligible for the grand prize, successfully complete the spring and fall challenges and register and participate during the Summer Season.

The Grand Prize is a Mayor’s Challenge Coin, presented by Mayor Bristol during a Town Council meeting. The recipient will be chosen from a random drawing at the conclusion of the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge. A challenge coin is specifically designed to honor a person for a special achievement. Mayor Bristol brought the concept to Prosper and presents the Mayor’s Challenge Coin as a way to recognize staff and residents. The coin is one part of Mayor Bristol’s “Centers of Excellence” which includes five pillars (Technology, Healthcare, Education, Wellness and Community). The Mayor’s Challenge Coin, presented to the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge winning participant, will fall under the Mayor’s Wellness pillar.

Watch the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge promo video and follow the Prosper Parks and Recreation Facebook page for more information about the Prosper Mayor’s Fitness Challenge. For questions, contact mfc23@prospertx.gov or call 972-569-1115.

ProsPer - Around Town

HEARTY BACON AND EGG BREAKFAST

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/2 bags Minute Rice & Quinoa

9 eggs, lightly beaten

5 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 325 F. Coat 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Prepare rice and quinoa according to package directions.

In medium bowl, combine rice and quinoa, eggs, bacon, cheese, salt and pepper, to taste.

Divide batter between prepared cups and bake 18-20 minutes, or until eggs are just set.

Break Out Brunch Favorites for Spring Celebrations

Deck your kitchen, dining room or patio with bright decor and fun, festive springtime frills – brunch season is here. Whether your weekend morning meal is shared with that special someone or friends, family and neighbors, warm, sunny days can bring out the best of brunch.

Impress your loved one with these Mini Banana Rice Pancakes for two, a healthy and satisfying meal made with Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa Cups. This recipe allows for more moments together at the table because the whole-grain combination is ready in just 1 minute and prep time is minimal.

Pairing the crunchiness of red quinoa with the chewy texture of brown rice, these cups earned a spot on the “Men’s Health” Best Foods for Men Awards in 2022. Plus, packed in single-serve portions, you can eat the grains right out of the BPA-free cup for a simple lunch or snack that provides a good source of fiber with 55 grams of whole grains in each serving.

If you need a dish that feeds a crowd, put this Hearty Bacon and Egg Breakfast on the menu. Ready in 35 minutes, it can satisfy brunch cravings for a group of up to 12 as a main course that easily pairs with other morning favorites.

As an ideal complement to the eggs, bacon and cheese, Minute Rice & Quinoa can make this family-style recipe a breeze. In just 10 minutes, the tasty blend of brown rice, red rice, wild rice and quinoa cooks up light and fluffy for a slightly chewy, nutty flavor. It’s also a dependable replacement for oatmeal in other breakfast dishes so you can complete your mission to make meals quick and enjoyable. Not to mention, the bag is BPA-free and recyclable via store drop-off in most communities, while the carton is recyclable curbside. Find more brunch inspiration for spring celebrations at MinuteRice.com.

MINI BANANA RICE PANCAKES

1 cup Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 bananas, divided

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup pure maple syrup, divided

4 teaspoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Heat rice and quinoa according to package directions.

In large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In medium bowl, whisk milk and lemon juice. Let stand 5 minutes.

Mash 1/2 banana. Transfer to milk mixture. Add egg and 1 teaspoon maple syrup; stir to combine. Stir in melted butter.

Pour milk mixture over flour mixture. Whisk just until combined; do not overmix. Fold in rice and quinoa. Let batter rest 10-15 minutes.

Preheat large nonstick skillet over medium heat; brush with 1 teaspoon oil. Once skillet is hot, reduce heat to medium-low. In batches, adding oil as necessary, scoop 1 tablespoon batter per pancake into skillet and cook 3-4 minutes, or until bubbles start to form. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes until golden on bottom.

Slice remaining half and full bananas. Serve pancakes with remaining maple syrup, banana slices and cinnamon.

Strong, Stylish Spring Home Upgrades

5 renovation projects where brick takes center stage

Springtime is a perfect opportunity for homeowners to begin planning renovations to enhance the interior and exterior of their living space. Because of its strong performance capabilities, low maintenance and design flexibility, brick is a popular building material choice when looking to improve or refresh your home in time for warm-weather hosting season.

Often selected for its functional benefits, brick is available in a wide array of colors, textures and sizes that can match varying design styles, from modern to traditional and almost everything between. If you’re considering adding brick to your home’s aesthetic, consider these five projects to tackle this spring from the experts at Glen-Gery, one of the largest brick and stone manufacturers in North America.

Basement or patio bar – As homeowners spend more time at home, they often look to maximize livable space. One way to take advantage of unused living space is building a basement or patio bar, which provides an area for entertaining. Using an exposed brick wall can help designate the bar area and separate it from the rest of the basement, or lining a bar counter with brick can create a rustic contrast against the bar’s seating.

Fireplace – To change the look and feel of a room almost instantly, you can use brick to give a fireplace a facelift or make it a focal point of your home. Available in a variety of colors and textures, Glen-Gery’s diverse, premium portfolio of more than 600 brick and stone products can elevate your living room’s style in a big way and create a more inviting area to share with family and friends. An outdoor fireplace is another option for extending livable space in a cozy way that can be used throughout the year.

Accent wall – Create a statement in or outside your home with a brick accent wall. Accent walls can help bring color, texture and beauty to homes by breaking up the monotony of monochromatic color or decor, creating visual interest and dimension. While brick in a running bond pattern is expected, you can spice up rooms with an unexpected bond pattern like a stacked bond for modern appeal or herringbone for a rustic look.

Kitchen backsplash – One of the most overlooked areas of kitchen design is the backsplash. While its job is to protect your kitchen walls from the never-ending assault of kitchen splatters, there’s no reason it can’t look good, too. Brick backsplashes can accommodate most home designs and styles thanks to the versatility of shapes, colors, finishes and sizes available.

Black or white glazed brick works well with more modern kitchens while irregular brick containing an abundance of texture and a messy mortar application can complete rustic farmhouse kitchens. An option like GlenGery’s virtual design tool, Picture Perfect, can help you visualize projects in your home to see what fits your style and needs.

Brick skirt – For added curb appeal, consider adding a brick skirt around the foundation of your home. Given its resilient, durable and energyefficient qualities, brick can help provide better insulation and protection while also adding visual appeal to the exterior of your home through texture, color and contrast. The skirting can also continue through to the front porch floor and steps, helping balance out the elevation of your home.

For more inspiration for your next home renovation project, visit glengery.com.

Want to Know the Latest Trend in Backyard Renovation?

It is official. We live in a world of technology at our fingertips! Our cars, homes, phones, tablets, online shopping, chip card readers, smart this and smart that! So smart that we have gradually changed our lifestyles to accommodate the technology. One recent study showed that children and families in general now spend more time watching, listening, or texting each other from all these devices than they do actually spending time and speaking to each other! With most of us staying in these past few winter months, we have seen a very powerful trend in our industry taking shape over the past few years and now we actually have an entire division full-time dedicated to try to keep up with the demand!

It seems that parents are doing their absolute best now to reverse that trend and incorporate the latest trend in outdoor renovation. Residential Sports Construction is now being considered into their backyard designs more than a swimming pool or outdoor living area. You can now easily incorporate a half basketball court, putting green and custom batting cage for you and your kids for less than half the cost of a pool! Once installed there is little to no maintenance involved and provides yearround use.

Fun, family fitness is the new trend. Parents are enjoying the fact they can get the kids out of their rooms or off the couch, put down that video game and get back to having quality fun family time. Many are encouraging their youth sports teams to now get that extra practice in before the next big game or tournament! Their backyard has become “the cool” place for the neighbors’ kids to hang out at.

Athletic Courts

Technology has advanced in these backyard courts also. The safest surfaces have now been incorporated into the latest available court tiles that actually have scientific studies proving less youth injuries than your traditional basketball courts we grew up playing on. They can also be fully customized now to play a variety of sports on the same court based with options that are available to install. Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Pickle ball, Court Hockey, Futsal for the soccer enthusiast, Hopscotch, Four Square and yes even Shuffleboard! So, there is something available for small children to grandparents! We are seeing this trend growing at a rapid pace.

Putting greens

Avid golfer? This is another big trend in outdoor renovation is people installing custom putting greens in their backyards! Just like the ones you see on the best golf courses around. Undulating greens with different height custom fringe around the edges. Want to add 20 feet away spot to chip on to your green? Done. Want 10 different angles and holes installed into your putting green? Done. Not only do you no longer have to maintain that grass area in the backyard, but they require no water so it is virtually maintenance free! Something again the entire family can enjoy.

Batting Cages

Youth Baseball and Softball season is here, all the pros are in spring training getting ready for their upcoming seasons. This is another Sports construction element we are seeing implemented into residential backyards. That neglected side yard is perfect for, that long stretch across the backyard people get tired of mowing or paying to maintain. Custom Batting Cages have come a long way, They can now be constructed with custom thick piping type poles and thick custom netting to contain the all the baseballs being hit. The higher end ones will stand up to the straight-line winds and storms we frequently get verses the

less expensive prefab ones on the market from the big box stores. We are now seeing custom colored artificial turf installed inside these that designates the raised pitching mound area with state-of-the-art pitching machines, fully marked batters’ boxes, even a separate interior turf section with drop down netting that also allows someone to go in and drive golf balls inside it! So, your select or recreational baseball or softball youth participant can actually train like the pros at home!

All these trends are leading to fun family fitness once again and if you think about it, we only get so much time with our kids. They grow up so fast and eventually leave the nest. So, the next time you see your children on that video game, Ipad, phone or sending you a text from 10 feet away, think about incorporating an athletic addition to your life!

Question: Jimmie, when should I exactly be feeding my landscaping? I have heard many different answers from the people at Home Depot, Lowes, and local nurseries. They also can’t seem to tell me what to feed with? Or how often. I have been reading your column for years and I cannot tell how much I have learned over the years from you. I hope to run into one day around Prosper and personally thank you myself! I know you are a busy guy so whenever you get around to it let me know your thoughts. Thank you again!!! Melissa M. in Prosper

Answer: Hi Melissa, thank you for the kind words and I hope we run into to each other sometime so I can thank you for reading! Okay, down to your question. Best time to feed your landscaping is early spring and once again in early fall. Our plants are constantly taking nutrients from the soil so they can grow, bloom and generally be healthy and thrive. Therefore, we must put those nutrients back into the soil or our soil will become depleted over time and our plants will gradually decline. Best to use a granular tree and shrub food available at most higher end nurseries that slowly releases Nitrogen into the soil over time. If you have Acidic plants then they need to be fed Acid type food. You can simply save a gallon milk jug, pour a cup of vinegar into it and fill rest of way with water and pour around root system of plants, another excellent source is coffee grounds for acidic plants.

Until next time...Happy Gardening!!

5 Steps to Sleep Better and Improve Heart Health

There’s more to maintaining a healthy heart than just eating right and exercising regularly. While these practices play an important role in both cardiovascular and overall health and well-being, getting a good night’s sleep is also key.

However, more than 1 in 3 adults in the United States are not getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition to increasing risk for cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack and stroke, lack of sleep may also put people at risk of depression, cognitive decline, diabetes, and obesity.

“We know that people who get adequate sleep manage other health factors better as well, such as weight, blood sugar and blood pressure,” said Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, M.D., Sc.M., FAHA, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and chair of the department of preventive medicine, the Eileen M. Foell Professor of Heart Research and professor of preventive medicine, medicine and pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “The American Heart Association added sleep to the list of factors that support optimal cardiovascular health. We call these Life’s Essential 8, and they include: eating a healthy diet, not smoking or vaping, being physically active and getting adequate sleep along with controlling your blood pressure and maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol and lipids, healthy blood sugar levels and a healthy weight.”

Education about healthy heart habits from the American Heart Association is nationally supported by Elevance Health Foundation. Some practices to improve sleep health and impact heart health include:

Avoid Food and Beverage Close to Bedtime

To help reduce sleep disruptions caused by food, avoid late dinners, and minimize fatty and spicy foods. Similarly, keep an eye on caffeine intake and avoid it later in the day.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity can have a noticeable impact on overall health and wellness but can also make it easier to sleep at night. However, exercising too close to bedtime may hinder your body’s ability to settle; aim to have your workout complete at least four hours before bed.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

Getting a good night’s rest often requires getting into a routine. Start by setting an alarm to indicate it’s time to start winding down. Rather than heading straight to bed, create a to-do list for the following day and knock out a few small chores. Then consider implementing a calming activity like meditating, journaling, or reading (not on a tablet or smartphone) before drifting off to sleep. Also set an alarm to wake each morning, even on weekends, and avoid hitting the snooze button.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Space

The ideal space for sleeping is dark, quiet and a comfortable temperature, typically around 65 F depending on the individual. Use room-darkening curtains or a sleep mask to block light and ear plugs, a fan or a white noise machine to help drown out distracting noises. Remember, using your bed only for sleep and sex can help establish a strong mental association between your bed and sleep.

Avoid Tech Before Bed

The bright light of televisions, computers and smartphones can mess with your Circadian rhythm and keep you alert when you should be winding down. Try logging off electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime and use the “do not disturb” function to avoid waking up to your phone throughout the night. Better yet, charge devices away from your bed or in another room entirely.

Find more tips to create healthy sleep habits at Heart.org.

River Cruises

Offer Exploration, Comfort

Travel for pure enjoyment is on the rise, so this may be your year to plan the ultimate dream vacation. According to Sports and Leisure Research, 80% of people surveyed believe a vacation does wonders for mental health and travel is a top spending priority in the coming year. The survey indicated travelers want to immerse themselves in unique experiences, including new cultures, foods, and people.

For those who delight in exploring entire regions, one downfall can be the burden of packing and unpacking at each new destination. Taking your accommodations with you is a practical alternative for curious travelers.

River voyages, for example, allow travelers to unpack once and visit multiple destinations in one seamless journey, from major European cities to quaint towns and villages. These destination-focused journeys offer experienced travelers the opportunity to explore science, history, and cuisine with culturally enriching itineraries on the world’s great waterways.

If an intimate, relaxed journey is your ideal getaway, you may want to consider the revolutionary Viking Longships. These state-of-the-art river ships are engineered with guests’ comfort and exploration in mind.

Sailing Europe’s storied rivers, the award-winning fleet of identical longships showcase innovative engineering, streamlined Scandinavian design and understated elegance. River ships are also small enough – hosting 190 guests – to dock in the heart of popular destinations, making it easy to explore

The voyages range from 8-23 days with itineraries featuring Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne, and Gironde Rivers.

Known as travel experiences for “The Thinking Person,” each Viking journey includes a shore excursion in every port and an onboard and onshore enrichment program that provides deep immersion in the destination through performances of music and art, cooking demonstrations, informative port talks and carefully selected guest lecturers. Enjoy shore excursions that provide historical tours and visits to unique haunts where you can experience some of the local culture, regional foods and everyday life.

On a Viking Longship, you can expect to relax in spacious public areas, including wide-open sun decks with ever-changing views. The ships feature spacious staterooms in a variety of categories, including true two-room suites with full-size verandas.

Additional ship highlights include al fresco dining on an indooroutdoor terrace and onboard amenities including a restaurant, bar, lounge, and library. Inclusive fares that cover your port taxes and fees also mean you can enjoy beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, teas; bottled water; ground transfers; and more.