PROSPER - Life & Luxury Magazine | December 2022

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P ros P er Life & Luxury Magazine™ ProsPer’s Community magazine sinCe 2012 December 2022 | Issue 137 WeAreProsper.com
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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 Editorial Please send editorial considerations to Editor@CedarbrookMedia.com ProsPer - Life & Luxury Magazine PO Box 405, Prosper, Texas 75078 972.347.6231 www.WeAreProsper.com Advertising Information For media kits, contact Advertising at 972.347.6231 Email Advertising@CedarbrookMedia.com P ros P er Life & Luxury Magazine PROSPER Life & Luxury Magazine is wholly owned and published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. PROSPER 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. ©2022. 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 PROSPER Life & Luxury Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors. A Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Publication www.CedarbrookMedia.com December 2022 | Issue 137 Life & Luxury Magazine Your Community - Your Lifestyle PROSPER | FRISCO | MCKINNEY | CELINA | ANNA | LOVEJOY FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PROSPER! For up to date news, events and web-exclusive content visit www.weareprosper.com Follow us @Weareprosper Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds | Dr. Holly Ferguson | Jimmie Gibson | Stacy Cate What’s Inside Family 8 5 Tips to Help Families Manage Holiday Stress Community 10 Prosper Christmas Festival Combines Small Town Charm with Holiday Attractions in Good taste 12 Holiday Fun with a Joyful Pop 16 A Full, Festive Menu for Holiday Celebrations HomeFront 18 Creatively Configure Interior Spaces with Sliding Bypass Doors 20 Your Questions Answered Fashion & Travel 22 Tips for Planning Winter Getaways 6 | WeAreProsper.com
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5 Tips to Help Families Manage Holiday Stress

’Tis the season for holiday parties, travel, hosting and more. While it is a joyous time of year, the never-ending to-do lists and school being out of session can make everyone feel a little overwhelmed, children included. Consider these five practical tips from the experts at KinderCare to help families proactively manage holiday stressors.

Manage expectations. The commotion that often comes with the holiday season can be stressful for young children, but you can help alleviate worries by familiarizing them with what’s to come. Talk to them about upcoming travel arrangements, who they’ll see at events and what to expect throughout the season. If they are cautious in their current developmental stage, let loved ones know beforehand to give them a little extra space at festivities. Parents can also begin familiarizing little ones with relatives through photos and phone calls.

Empower children. It’s important for children to understand they have a choice – and family members are willing to respect that choice. Parents should acknowledge their children’s body language and empower them to say “no” in uncomfortable situations. Parents can help by proactively asking questions such as, “Do you want a hug?” and if they say “no,” support them in their decision. This also helps establish healthy longterm social skills.

Maintain your schedule. Children thrive on consistency, and during the holidays it’s important to at least try maintaining as much of what they’re used to as possible, such as naps, meals and playtime. Changes in schedule can result in more tantrums, so be sure to allow space for them to safely work through their emotions.

It’s also important to note that children feed off their parents’ energy, so make sure you’re in tune with your own emotions. When overwhelmed, openly discuss how you’re feeling and involve your children when taking breaks. For example, “It’s loud in here, would you like to go sit outside with me?”

Have fun. Make time to spread joy and integrate activities to bond as a family, such as reading holiday-themed books, crafting, playing games, singing or baking. Whether old traditions or new, these are moments your child can cherish for years to come.

Keep others in mind. While it’s important to set children up for success ahead of the holidays, parents should also teach children the holiday season can look different for others. Putting a focus on experiences rather than the gifts can help them have more to discuss with their peers when returning to school. It’s also a good time to consider donating toys to make room for new ones or volunteering at a local charity to show children joy can be experienced through more than just gifts.

To find more tips to help manage holiday stress, or to access additional resources around social development, setting boundaries and routines, visit KinderCare.com

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Prosper Christmas Festival Combines Small Town Charm with Holiday Attractions

Prosper’s small-town spirit came together with big-town festivities during the Prosper Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 3rd. Main attractions included the Community Tree Lighting, Santa’s Workshop, Kids Christmas Shoppe, Kids Zone, Community Stage performances, Horse-drawn Wagon Rides, and the new Santa’s Selfie Station. With the backdrop of the snowy Town Hall, the annual event was the ideal time to make holiday memories and capture that perfect snapshot!

Dan Baker, Director of Parks and Recreation, said, “The Christmas Festival is the culmination of many hours of the Parks and Recreation staff’s hard work and the community’s support to produce the Town’s signature event. We can’t wait to light up Town Hall and welcome Santa Claus and the public.”

In addition to the main attractions, the event site was brimming with dazzling exhibits allowing eventgoers to stroll the grounds of vendors including: fine art, macrame designs, unique ornaments, jewelry, custom vintage jackets, wooden decor, holiday wreaths and more. Some of this year’s tasty treats included gluten-free bread, elderberry syrup, flavored popcorn, decorated cookies, decadent gourmet truffles and Grinch Juice!

Also onsite were interactive activities, crafts and games within the exhibit spaces. Event goers joined in with the players in the Instrument-Rhythm Circle, decorated homemade cookies under the red awning, made a creative project to take home, and took part in building a HUGE tree of LEGO™ bricks.

For the young shoppers, treasures awaited in the Kids Christmas Shoppe! Open for most of the event, the Shoppe gave those ages 4-12 the opportunity to learn the blessings of giving. Children were led through the secure environment in 15-minute shifts to select gifts for others, ranging in price from $1 to $10. Proceeds from the Kids Christmas Shoppe benefitted the Recreational Scholarship Fund, which assists Prosper residents in attending camps and classes when they are financially unable to do so.

As the festival concluded at 7:00pm, families gathered together for the Community Tree Lighting countdown, which was led by Prosper Mayor David Bristol. A spectacular fireworks show followed the tree lighting.

The event was free of charge thanks to the sponsors. This year’s Platinum Sponsors are Texas Health Neighborhood Care and Wellness Prosper, The Cliff Freeman Group, brokered by eXp Realty, and Mario Sinacola and Sons Excavating. Cook Children’s Health Care System is the Kids Christmas Shoppe Sponsor. Gold level Sponsors are Bietsch Orthodontics (Santa’s Selfie Station), Carpet Tech (horse-drawn wagon rides), Prosper’s Finest A/C And Heat (community stage), Super Splash Car Wash (hospitality), the Event Center on Broadway (Kids Zone), The Gin (Santa’s Workshop), and Texas Health Neighborhood Care and Wellness Prosper (fireworks).

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ProsPer - In Good Taste 12 | WeAreProsper.com

Holiday Fun with a Joyful Pop

With countless ways to enjoy the holiday season from decorating and hosting parties to wintertime activities, it’s a perfect time to bring family and friends together for some festive fun. One simple ingredient can be your go-to for just about any tradition: popcorn, which is an inexpensive, versatile, whole grain that makes holiday occasions better. Consider these simple seasonal ways you can let popcorn fuel your holiday adventures.

Decorate

Strings of popcorn and cranberries add a nostalgic touch to the family tree while making popcorn trees adds whimsy to the table. Before stringing popcorn, let it sit out for a day or two as freshly popped popcorn may be too fragile to thread without breaking. Push a threaded needle through the center of each kernel then pull the kernel to the end of the knotted thread, adding an occasional cranberry, if desired. Festive trees can be made using popcorn mixed with melted marshmallows then shaped and finished with sprinkles.

Give It as a Gift

If it’s your turn to host this year’s holiday party, popcorn makes for a perfect party favor. Pop up a delicious treat like these Cranberry Popcorn Balls, place them in pretty jars or neatly wrap them then finish each with a bow. For an added touch, include the recipe instructions and popcorn kernels in a separate container so your guests can make it at home.

Enjoy It as a Snack

Freshly popped popcorn is a simple and delicious snack to share after a day of shopping, caroling, sledding, or decorating. You can take the holiday season up a notch with creative recipes like Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix, White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark and Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn. These treats are perfect for popping up in the morning, so the snacks are ready once guests arrive. Visit Popcorn.org to find more sweet, salty and savory holiday recipe ideas.

GINGERSNAP POPCORN SNACK MIX

2 quarts popped popcorn

butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray

1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepper

Preheat oven to 325 F.

Spread popcorn on baking sheet and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

In small bowl, combine sugar substitute, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and freshly ground pepper; sprinkle evenly over popcorn.

Spray again with nonstick cooking spray and toss to coat evenly.

Bake 7 minutes and serve warm.

EASY, ELEGANT HOLIDAY POPCORN

8 cups popped popcorn

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips candy sprinkles

On serving platter, spread popcorn in thin layer.

Over double boiler or in microwave, melt milk chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.

Over double boiler or in microwave, melt white chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.

Sprinkle candy sprinkles over warm, chocolate-coated popcorn. Allow drizzles to set until firm.

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WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT POPCORN BARK

5 cups popped popcorn

12 ounces white chocolate baking chips, chopped white chocolate or white candy coating

1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints

Cover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.

Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.

In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth, or melt according to package directions.

Stir in crushed peppermints after chocolate is melted. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir to coat. Spread onto prepared pan; cool completely.

When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving.

Store in airtight container at room temperature.

CRANBERRY POPCORN BALLS

2 cups sugar

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, slightly mashed

1 tablespoon grated orange peel

1/2 cup cranberry juice

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 quarts unsalted popped popcorn

In heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cranberry sauce, orange peel, cranberry juice, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Bring to boil; lower heat and cook to 250 F on candy thermometer.

Mixture will bubble in pan; watch to keep from boiling over.

Pour slowly onto hot popcorn and mix until well-coated.

Let stand 5 minutes, or until mixture can easily be formed into balls.

Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls.

14 | WeAreProsper.com
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In Good Taste

A Full, Festive Menu for Holiday Celebrations

SPINACH CHRISTMAS TREE SALAD

2 packages (5 ounces each) Fresh Express Baby Spinach

1/2 cup dried cranberries, divided

1/3 cup pistachios, divided

1/2 cup feta cheese, divided

1 red pepper, cored, cut into thin strips

1 large apple, thinly sliced, cut into star shapes

Dressing:

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

3 tablespoons cranberry juice

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

In large bowl, toss baby spinach with 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/6 cup pistachios and 1/4 cup feta cheese. Transfer to Christmas tree cake mold. Neatly arrange spinach leaves to create smooth surface.

Arrange red pepper strips, trimming as needed, to create garland.

Arrange remaining dried cranberries, remaining pistachios and remaining feta cheese as “ornaments” on top of spinach. Create tree topper with one apple star; place remaining apple stars around “tree.”

To make dressing: In blender, process cranberry sauce, cranberry juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, brown sugar, and salt until smooth.

From the hors d’oeuvres to the main course and all the way through dessert, creating a full holiday menu doesn’t have to be hard. The key to a successful feast is focusing on dishes that can please loved ones of all ages and palates, such as a festive salad before the turkey or ham main dish, which can be accompanied by complementary sides like au gratin potatoes. Finally, top off the celebration with a divine dessert featuring classic cranberry flavor. To find more holiday recipe inspiration, visit Culinary. net

Start Holiday Celebrations with a Salad

With a bed of tender, leafy green spinach and pops of red cranberries, a salad lends itself perfectly to the colors and flavors of the holiday season. Plus, as a lighter bite ahead of the big meal, it makes for a delicious introduction to festive dinner parties, family gatherings and get-togethers. This Spinach Christmas Tree Salad offers a fresh, festive option that adds a seasonal presentation to the table while inviting guests to take a bite. Harvested at the peak of flavor, tender Fresh Express Baby Spinach has a mild and delicate taste that makes it an ideal addition to recipes throughout the holidays. Find more ways to freshen up your holiday menu at FreshExpress.com

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Give your holiday gatherings a new twist this year with a creamy cranberry delight that’s a cause for celebration all on its own. Smooth, divine taste at the dessert table can be the memorable moment your family craves year after year. This rich, festive Cranberry Cheesecake combines classic flavor with a homemade cranberry compoteinfused layer above a crust sweetly made using C&H Light Brown Sugar and graham crackers. Top it all off with fresh and sugared cranberries, rosemary springs and whipped cream for a tempting treat that tastes as good as it looks. To find more sweet eats to celebrate the holidays, visit chsugar.com

CRANBERRY CHEESECAKE

Cranberry Compote:

2 cups fresh cranberries

1 cup C&H Light Brown Sugar

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons C&H Light Brown Sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake:

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature

2 cups C&H Organic Raw Cane Sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature

1/2 cup cranberry compote

fresh cranberries sugared cranberries rosemary sprigs whipped cream

To make cranberry compote: In medium saucepan, bring cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice and orange zest to boil. Lower heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, or until most cranberries burst. Remove from heat. Cool completely at room temperature then transfer to bowl; refrigerate.

To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 8-inch springform pan and line bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.

In medium bowl, mix cracker crumbs, butter, brown sugar and salt. Press crumb mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 325 F.

To make cheesecake: In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. Add cane sugar and beat 2-3 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Add flour, vanilla and salt. Beat 1 minute until incorporated.

Add one egg at a time, mixing until incorporated. Add sour cream and mix 1 minute. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. In medium bowl, mix half of cheesecake batter with 1/2 cup cranberry compote.

Wrap springform pan with aluminum foil and place in large roasting pan. Pour cream cheese and cranberry mixture into prepared pan. Top with remaining cream cheese batter. Place roasting pan in oven and add hot water to 1-inch of springform pan. Bake 1 hour, 15 minutes, or until cake looks set in center. Remove from oven and rest 1 hour. Refrigerate in pan overnight.

Decorate cake with fresh and sugared cranberries, rosemary springs and whipped cream.

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Customizing interior spaces to suit your unique needs can be easy and economical with a solution like versatile sliding bypass doors. If you want to create a multi-functional living area, save space, allow more privacy or enhance architectural appeal – or all of these at once – sliding bypass doors can help you achieve your goals. From kitchens to laundry areas, installing bypass doors provides a fast, economical way to adapt floor plans to diverse lifestyles.

Kitchens with adjoining spaces are perfect spots for bypass doors. For instance, Johnson Hardware’s 111SD Sliding Bypass Door Hardware lets you reconfigure a kitchen and beverage area with a bold functional divider. Holding on-trend glass and metal doors up to 150 pounds each, the hardware lets you tuck away essentials while keeping them within sight and easy reach.

Another solution for closets in hallways and mudrooms is the 138F Sliding Bypass Door Hardware, which also provides versatility and an appealing appearance. Concealing clutter while adding clean lines, it supports most styles of doors weighing up to 200 pounds each.

Inventive down to the last detail, it has a precision-extruded, jumpproof aluminum box track featuring line-design fascia. This fascia hides scratches and fingerprints, plus, it holds paint for the look you want. Tricycle door hangers feature a quick disconnect clip system, making it a snap to mount and dismount door panels. These hangers are also readily adjustable for height in case of settling.

ProsPer - Homefront
Creatively Configure Interior Spaces with Sliding Bypass Doors
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In addition, Johnson’s innovative soft-close feature for smooth, quiet, fingertip-touch door operation is available for a variety of bypass hardware kits, as well as pocket door and wall mount door hardware kits. Soft-close technology slows down door speed gradually, preventing slamming and finger pinching for carefree use.

Ideal for converting a closet into a neat, discrete laundry area, sliding bypass door hardware is right at home in second-floor laundry areas or residences where space is precious, such as condos and townhouses. Bypass doors save 14 square feet of floor space over swinging doors, which can be used for furniture, storage and decor.

Bypass hardware offers many fresh options for configuring interiors. Gliding on separate tracks, bypass doors overlap for wide entryways everyone can easily use and allow quick access to items. When closed, wooden doors offer extra privacy and quiet. Combined metal-and-glass doors create an open-air aesthetic.

For more design ideas to save space with creative sliding door hardware, visit johnsonhardware.com or call 574-293-5664.

Local Expertise Innovative Approach Real Integrity

STACY CATE

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Your Questions Answered

Question: Jimmie, I spent most of my weekend trimming some of the trees on our property. I know I’ve seen some people put a black paint on the limbs when they do pruning and others that don’t? Is this necessary for me to do? Thank you for your columns, my wife and I try to read all of them and find them very informative. – Travis B. in Prosper

Answer: Hi Travis, actually it’s not a yes or no answer. It’s more time of year when you’re doing your pruning. Most trees have a dormant period, usually around late November until mid February or so. That is your best time to do your pruning, if possible. Sometimes other issues come about and pruning must be done during the growing season. During this time of year the tree is full of sap which if pruning is done will leak out of those wounds and attract insects to them. Thus the need to seal the wound. During a dormant time year, all the sap is in the base or root structure of the tree therefore pruning paint would be optional.

Question: Jimmie, I can’t figure out what’s wrong with my Nana Nandinas? They are almost totally scorched. I have looked closely for any signs of insects and I don’t’ see any. It must be a disease or something, any thoughts? Thanks for your reply. – Traci L. in Prosper

Answer: Hi Traci, Nana Nandinas are weaker plants by their very nature. It seems that the genetic makeup that provides that rich, red color in winter also leaves them vulnerable to temperature extremes (especially heat) and drought. From the picture you sent me, it appears at some point they have gotten too dry. Iron deficiency seems to be adding to your problem as well. Perhaps you should try its cousin the Harbor Dwarf Nandina or now I’m using the newest dwarf in designs called “Flirt”, It could be classified as one of our best lowest growing shrubs or tallest groundcovers in our area. It’s much heartier than the Nana variety and has a great rich maroon-purple in the winter.

Question: Jimmie, I have needed to do some transplanting around here since this past summer but I’m not sure when the best time to do it is?

Please help!! – Johnny L. in Prosper Answer: Hi Johnny, I’m always glad to help. Shrubs, plants and trees are entering their dormant cycle right about now, so if you need to move one to a new location, this is the right time. First, pick your new location and dig a hole big enough to comfortably hold the root ball. Then carefully dig out the root ball, being sure to retain as much of the root system as you can. Before the root ball can dry out, place it in the prepared hole, adding back some of the soil, along with some compost, peat moss or landscape mix. You can also add some fertilizer specifically developed to encourage growth in transplants (root stimulator). Tall plants might need staking until their roots take hold.

Question: Jimmie, I have a weird question for you, I’m new to the area and I see people constructing curved walkways instead of straight ones? Is there a particular reasoning behind this? I’m considering installing one and was contemplating just a straight one. Thanks, I’ve really enjoyed your columns! – Sylvia W. in Prosper Answer: Hi Sylvia, You’ve probably seen people build brick or flagstone walkways across their yards that are curved, rather than going straight from point A to point B. Building curved walkways serves an aesthetic landscape design purpose. Building curved walkways softens the landscape by counteracting rigid lines (a rectangular house, a straight driveway, etc.). If the walkway cuts through an area with great visual interest (for instance, a variety of garden and flower beds, shrubs, trees, statuary, water garden, rock garden, etc.), building a curved walkway makes more sense than a straight, no-nonsense walkway. You’ll want to meander through such an area, slowing down to fully appreciate its treasures.

However, don’t go crazy and build all your walkways curved, indiscriminately. It depends on the function of the walkway. If you’re building a functional walkway (such as providing a path for you to haul groceries in to the house from the car), you will normally want to build a straight walkway.

ProsPer - Growing Prosper
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Question: Jimmie, how often do I need to feed my landscaping? I have asked several friends and even the Garden staff at Lowes and I can’t get a straight answer. Thank you so much for your time. – Mike R. in Prosper

Answer: Hi Mike, a general answer to your question would be twice a year Spring and fall. I assume you have native type landscaping, so you would need to apply a high quality Tree and Shrub type fertilizer twice a year to put back the nutrients in the soil your landscaping has thrived on the previous six months. A lot of people forget to do this, your plants continuously deplete the soil of its nutrients each season until eventually the soil is so depleted you will start to see the landscaping look tired and old when it is literally starving for nourishment. They use these nutrients to continue to thrive, grow and even bloom. It is a lot like you or me going to our refrigerator and taking out food to eat out of it every day. Eventually you will need to go the Kroger or Wal-Mart and get more food right? Plants are no different!

Question: Jimmie, What’s the difference between “spray” lawn sprinkler heads and “rotor” heads? I asked an Employee at Home Depot and they didn’t know. Thanks for your time sir! – Robert L. in Prosper

Answer: Hi Robert, Spray lawn sprinkler heads are sometimes designed to pop up out of the ground when the sprinkler system is activated, while others rest on pipes that remain aboveground at all times. Spray heads discharge a large volume of water in a relatively short amount of time, giving them, in irrigation lingo, a “high application rate.” For this reason, sprinkler systems with spray heads are most suitable for even surfaces, not slopes. If you do have to use a spray head on a slope, program your sprinkler system such that water is discharged over several shorter periods. This will help you avoid wasteful run-off.

By contrast, Rotor lawn sprinkler heads have a lower application rate, so they’re simpler to use on slopes. Rotor heads also apply water more uniformly than do spray heads, making them more suitable for watering larger areas. For people who wish to irrigate large areas of lawn, sprinkler systems with rotor heads would be a logical choice.

Well I still have lots more to get to but I am out of space!! I will email each one of you back personally! Until next time…MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME AND MY FAMILY TO YOU AND YOURS!

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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Tips for Planning Winter Getaways

Winter occasions and celebrations equate to increased travel opportunities for many families to see destinations around the globe. Whether you’re planning a trip far from home or taking advantage of nearby attractions during a staycation, you can get more out of your adventures when you plan ahead. Consider these facts, figures and tips from the travel experts at Go City, a top attractions and experiences pass for city travelers.

Planning

Overall, Americans spend an average of 14 hours planning their getaway, the majority of which happens online or with the help of apps that provide booking information, directions, localized tips and more. In addition to deciding where to go and what to do once you get there, you may find planning ahead and checking restaurant reviews is especially helpful for those first hours after you arrive. Upon arrival, the first order of business for travelers is often refueling with a good meal, typically based on reviews they read before reaching their destination. Also research attractions and create a plan of things you’d like to do each day, even if you don’t follow it to the letter.

Remember, while many attractions and entertainment options provide flexibility, some should be booked in advance. Check individual websites for events, attractions and more to find details about booking and tickets, if required.

Destination

If you’re like many Americans, you may favor traveling to a place where the temperatures soar and you can soak up some sunshine. However, taking advantage of some of those typically warmer destinations outside of peak season can actually provide a way to avoid lines and enjoy a break from the heat. For example, locals in Orlando prefer to visit the area’s popular theme parks in the winter. Using an option like Go City can help you save and experience more to make your in- or offseason trip even better with access to Legoland Florida, Fun Spot America and Boggy Creek Airboat Tours.

The experience passes provide access to popular attractions in 30 major cities around the world such as New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando, London, Bangkok, Barcelona, Dubai and more. Cancun is another hot spot; using the All-Inclusive Pass during the cooler months allows you to take advantage of one of the best times of the year to enjoy Xcaret at Night, along with the Cancun Scenic Tower. Other favorites among visitors include the Sky Wheel and parasailing adventures.

Packing

Smart packing is an often-overlooked secret to successful travel. Not only do you need enough attire for each day, you may also need extras to accommodate special activities or adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day and evening hours. The majority of Americans (63%) pack the night before a big trip but starting sooner can help ensure you don’t forget anything important. Starting a list well ahead of time can help you get a jump on your packing while saving the physical act of fitting everything into your luggage until closer to departure.

Excursions

Taking advantage of the unique activities and excursions is a smart way to immerse yourself and more fully experience the cities you visit. On average, Americans participate in five activities and excursions during a single trip; most of the time, those outings are planned from home as much as four weeks ahead of time, rather than upon arriving in the destination city.

If you’re planning to schedule excursions on your trip, explore resources like Go City, which can help you save up to 60% over gate admission prices. Passes can unlock the best a city has to offer, from bucket list attractions and top tours in the United States, such as Universal Studios, Sea World, Shedd Aquarium, Long Beach Aquarium and the Statue of Liberty, or abroad like the Vatican, the Eiffel Tower and more. There are also plenty of hidden gems and exclusive experiences such as a tour of Fenway Park, Texas Ranger Museum, Museum of Us, Coral Crater Adventure Park and even wine and cheese-making classes. Start planning your winter travel adventure at gocity.com

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