PROSPER - Life & Luxury Magazine | January 2022

P rosper Prosper’s Community Magazine Since 2012 January 2022 | Issue 126 WeAreProsper.com

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What’s Inside Family 8

Take Steps to Support Literacy

10

6 Tips to Keep Pets Safe and Warm This Winter

P rosper

Life & Luxury Magazine™

January 2022 | Issue 126 Publisher Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com

Community 12

Prosper Police Department Receives “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” Award

Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com

14

Reynolds Middle School Jazz Band Selected to Perform for the Texas Music Educators Association

Director of Sales & Marketing Mark Mattison Mark@CedarbrookMedia.com

16

Around Town

18

Makayla Noble Day

Photography Jason Reynolds - Cedarbrook Media Group www.CedarbrookMedia.com Production/Design Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Design@CedarbrookMedia.com

Homefront 20

Freshen Up Your Indoor Spaces This Winter

22

Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Your Yard

In Good Taste 24

Hearty, Wholesome Winter Meals

Editorial Please send editorial considerations to Editor@CedarbrookMedia.com PROSPER - Life & Luxury Magazine PO Box 405, Prosper, Texas 75078 972.347.6231 www.LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Advertising Information For media kits, contact Advertising at

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26

A Cheesy Winter Warm-Up

27

A Memory-Making Mousse

Life & Luxury Magazine Your Community - Your Lifestyle

PROSPER | FRISCO | MCKINNEY | CELINA | ANNA | LOVEJOY

Fashion & Beauty 26

5 Jackets to Keep You Toasty This Winter

A Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Publication www.CedarbrookMedia.com

Travel 30

What to Expect in Travel in 2022

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Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds | Clement Clark Moore | Dr. Holly Ferguson | Jimmie Gibson | Stacy Cate 6 | WeAreProsper.com

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. ©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 PROSPER Life & Luxury Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

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Prosper - Family

Take Steps to Support Literacy 8 ways to inspire children to read Reading is a foundation for learning, yet a vast gap exists in access to books for low-income neighborhoods. According to the Handbook of Literacy Research, in low-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is just one age-appropriate book for every 300 children. Without books in the home, children lack the opportunity to practice reading skills and are exposed to fewer opportunities to build their vocabularies.

While these limitations can hinder personal performance, multiple studies correlate low literacy rates with social concerns like elevated drop-out rates, reliance on welfare programs and criminal activity.

Literacy is a cause that affects the community as a whole. Learn how you can champion literacy in your community with these tips: Give Books to Children The joy of receiving and opening a gift is exciting in its own right, but a book is a gift that keeps giving. You can make a book gift extra special by choosing a topic or theme that has special meaning, such as a place you’d like to visit together or a beloved character you enjoy incorporating into your make-believe playtime with the child. As a bonus, if it’s age appropriate, read the book together for the first time so it always carries a special memory.

8 | WeAreProsper.com

Visit the Library Libraries can be awe-inspiring places for kids. The wall-to-wall books represent thousands of possibilities. With so many options to choose from, you can introduce children to the delight of discovering different genres, enchanting topics and favorite authors who keep you coming back for more. When children have their own library cards, they can practice the grown-up process of checking out and caring for books.

What’s more, honoring due dates helps teach responsibility. Marking that date on the calendar is a fun way to build anticipation toward the next visit.

Support Organizations That Promote Literacy Conducting your business with companies that share your commitment to literacy is a way to inspire reading on a larger scale. One example is The UPS Store, which created the Toys for Tots Literacy Program in partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to provide disadvantaged children with direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively.

You can donate at participating locations or contribute online.

Create Reading-Inspired Traditions Children thrive on routines and rituals, and incorporating books into special moments can be an especially effective way to establish positive connections with books and the joy of reading. At home, traditions might be as simple as bedtime stories or reading parties where the whole family dons pajamas early and gathers in a room to read together, whether quietly or out loud. You can also tie reading traditions to special celebrations, like reading a favorite story together before heading to bed on the eve of a birthday or holiday.

WAYNE BARTLEY

Participate in Events Supporting Literacy Show your support by attending and participating in events that showcase the importance of reading. One example is the 133rd Annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. As the literacy sponsor, The UPS Store will have a float bearing the theme, “Rise, Shine & Read,” which is intended to inspire kids to rise up and let themselves shine through the power of literacy. The whimsical design features a colorful, spectacled rooster sporting a plaid waistcoat and bow tie, standing atop a stack of books and reading to his family of chicks. The parade appearance is the culmination of the annual donation efforts to support the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

Encourage Kids to Get Hands-On Reading a book is one way to demonstrate literacy, but kids can also develop a love for reading and put their comprehension skills into practice by adapting their favorite stories for playtime. That might mean acting out a different ending for a favorite story or drawing a picture from a scene they remember best. You can also promote literacy by encouraging kids to write songs or their own short stories, which they can illustrate for a finished book to share with others.

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Start a Neighborhood Library Recognizing not all kids have access to books at home, you can help promote an interest in reading by creating a mini library within your neighborhood. Create a small structure that will protect books from the elements and spread the word that the contents are free for the taking.

Encourage users to return books when they’re done so another child can enjoy them and invite neighbors to donate their gently used books to help fill your library.

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Model Good Reading Habits for Kids Children learn from the examples set by trusted grown-ups. Sharing your love of reading with a child demonstrates you value learning and education. You can encourage children to mimic your interest in reading by sharing stories about the books you enjoyed most when you were their age and choosing to spend quiet time reading together in place of screen time.

For more tips and information on how you can support literacy, visit theupsstore.com/literacy.

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Prosper - Family

6 Tips to Keep Pets Safe and Warm This Winter Just as people prepare their homes, cars and families for extreme temperatures and weather events of winter, it’s important to remember pets’ needs this time of year. As cold weather sets in, Dr. Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian at PetSmart, shares these tips to prepare and ensure your pets are warm and happy throughout winter.

Take Caution When Outdoors When temperatures reach levels of extreme cold, Freeman recommends limiting outdoor walks and monitoring your pet’s behavior for signs of stress or discomfort. Letting your dog outside to use the bathroom or go for a quick walk is OK, but never leave a pet outside for a long period of time, especially during a winter storm. “Don’t let your dog off its leash after snowfall, as snow can mask familiar scents,” Freeman said. “This can cause your pet to become disoriented or lost if they get too far away.”

Add Extra Layers Despite efforts to limit time outdoors, your pet needs to go outside for bathroom breaks and exercise. Pets who are small, short-haired, old or have any health issues or illnesses may be more sensitive to cold weather.

Pet sweaters can help keep your pet warm. If your pet is shivering, that’s a sign they need extra layers. To help trap body heat and protect paws from extreme cold, consider using booties when venturing outside.

Watch out for Hazardous Chemicals Many people use snow-melting products like deicers, antifreeze, and salt, which can cause skin irritation and be fatal if ingested by your pet.

Pet parents should keep an eye on their pets when they’re outside and be mindful of hazards. After a walk, it’s important to thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws and stomach, Freeman said, especially after walking in areas where these products are frequently used.

10 | WeAreProsper.com

Keep Skin Protected Just like humans, many pets get dry skin during the winter. When your pet needs a bath, try using a pet-friendly moisturizing shampoo to help keep skin healthy and hydrated. If your pet’s skin seems extra dry, supplements like fish oil can be added to your pets’ food to help the skin and coat. It’s important to keep an eye on skin health and check with your vet if issues persist as they could be signs of larger problems.

Have an Emergency Plan “While creating emergency kits in case of a storm or power outage, don’t forget about your pet’s needs,” Freeman said. “A pet’s kit should include supplies needed to keep them fed, warm and secure during emergency conditions like blizzards or extreme cold. Items like sweaters, insulated vests, paw booties, pet-safe ice melt and a heated bed or pad can help avoid risks associated with freezing temperatures.” Gather any other care items your pet may require such as medications, puppy pads, waste bags, litter box supplies and calming spray. Freeman also suggests storing a one-week supply of food in a waterproof container along with bottled water and portable bowls as well as a list of feeding routines and behavioral considerations in case others need to care for your pet.

Ensure Identification Information is Current While winter emergencies may add to the importance, it’s crucial your pet wears a tag displaying your phone number year-round. Microchip and register your pet with current contact information and tuck a copy of their vaccination and medical records, veterinary contact information and a current photo in your emergency kit.

Find products to help protect your pet this winter at PetSmart.com.

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Prosper - Community

Prosper Police Department

Receives “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency”

from the Texas Law Enforcement Recognition Program

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O

n October 26,2021, the Prosper Police Department received the award of “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” from the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program. Begun in 2006, the Recognition Program evaluates a Police Department’s compliance with over 168 Best Business Practices for Texas Law Enforcement. These Best Practices were carefully developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights.

These Best Practices cover all aspects of law enforcement management and operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.

The Prosper Police Department was originally recognized by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program on August 27, 2017. Police agencies recognized by the TPCA must undergo an onsite inspection every 4th year and this makes the second successful onsite inspection by the Prosper Police Department.

This voluntary process required the Prosper Police Department to conduct a critical self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities, management and operations. Beginning in 2015, the department began the lengthy process to become a “Recognized” Law Enforcement

Agency” by preparing proofs of compliance for each of the Texas Law Enforcement Best Business Practices. Upon completion of the internal review, an outside audit and review was requested. This final on-site review took place on August 18 and 19, 2021. The on-site review is conducted by trained Police Chiefs from other areas of our state. The result of this review was then sent to the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Recognition Committee for final analysis and decision to award “Recognized” status.

On September 2, 2021, the department was notified that it had been awarded the coveted “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency” award.

Prosper becomes the 128th agency in the state to be so recognized. The Prosper Police Department has always considered itself to be one of the best in the state. This process provided for an independent review of the department’s operations and should assure the residents of Prosper that its Police Department is conforming to the current state of the art in law enforcement.

More information a description of the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website at http://www.texaspolicechiefs. org.

WeAreProsper.com | 13

Prosper - Community

The Reynolds Middle School Jazz Band Selected to Perform for the Texas Music Educators Association 2022 Clinic/Convention in February The Reynolds Jazz Band, under the direction of Tina Parr, has been invited to perform for the 2022 TMEA Clinic/Convention held in San Antonio, February 9-12, 2022. Ensembles invited by TMEA demonstrate the highest level of achievement in music education. It is only through intense dedication and collaboration of every student and director involved that an ensemble is honored in this way.

“TMEA is especially proud of Texas music educators and students for preparing and presenting a performance that will be appreciated by thousands of music educators,” said TMEA Executive Director Robert Floyd. “School music programs have never faced the types of challenges they have throughout the pandemic. The resilience of our educators and students comes from the passion and dedication they have for making music in the most meaningful and exemplary way. It’s a true testament to the essential role music plays in each of our lives, especially in the most difficult of times.”

Throughout its 100-year history, the TMEA Clinic/Convention has offered music educators professional development clinics and inspiring performances by elementary through university ensembles. In its last in-person convention, the TMEA convention welcomed over 31,000 attendees, including 11,000 music educators.

14 | WeAreProsper.com

Hundreds of ensembles applied for selection as a 2022 TMEA Invited Ensemble. Being selected to perform for the largest music educators convention in the nation is an exceptionally high honor.

The Reynolds Jazz Band is proud to represent Prosper ISD as the TMEA Invited MS Jazz Ensemble for 2021-2022. The Reynolds Jazz Band is composed of 7th and 8th graders that have chosen to go above and beyond with this extra performing opportunity outside of their primary band class, meeting for after school rehearsals on Fridays. With the events that have transpired in the past year, we were unsure of what student interest would look like for our jazz band, but to our surprise, the students pleaded with us to give the jazz band a chance. At the first rehearsal, we had over THIRTY students show up ready to play! Our band students are involved in a variety of activities on campus, such as athletics, dance, cheer, student council, NJHS, and various UIL academic teams.

The Reynolds Jazz Band has received numerous first division ratings and accolades at The NRH2O Music Festival, TCU Jazz Festival, and Chet Baker Jazz Festival. Guest artists will include Dr. Jimmy Simmons and Travis Harris. The Reynolds Jazz Band is under the direction of Tina Parr and assisted by Clayton Koch, Dylan Dann and Justin Matthews.

Texas Music Educators Association is an association of over 14,000 school music educators dedicated to promoting excellence in music education.

Go to www.tmea.org for more information. For more information about the convention, go to www.tmea.org/convention.

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WeAreProsper.com | 15

16 | WeAreProsper.com

Around Town

Prosper Town Hall

Photo by: Jason Reynolds - Cedarbrook Media Group

To Submit a photo for consideration in AROUND TOWN please email photos to admin@CedarbrookMedia.com

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Prosper - Community

a l y a

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M

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On December 17, 2021, Prosper Independent School District, the Town of Prosper, Prosper Fire Rescue, and Prosper Police joined together to celebrate the ongoing recovery of Prosper High School senior Makayla Noble. During the celebration, the Town of Prosper proclaimed December 17, 2021, as Makayla Noble Day in Prosper. Surrounded by her family, the Prosper High School cheerleaders, Town officials, and Prosper ISD Board Members and Administrators, Prosper Mayor Smith commended her on her resilience, strength, and fortitude.

For those who aren’t familiar with her story, Mak was injured in a backyard tumbling accident this past September which resulted in a severe spinal cord injury.

She has been cheering since she was 10 years old, earning a flying position on the world champion Cheer Athletics Cheetahs team. She won the 2018 NCA National Championship and the 2019 Cheer World Championship. She has been named a High School All-American for three consecutive years and is a member of the Prosper High School Varsity cheer team. Her favorite color is purple, and she is an avid University of Oklahoma fan.

This proclamation for Makayla Noble Day was presented to Mak because, despite her accident, she has shown fierce strength and determination and continues to act as a role model for many. She and her family have graciously shared her story and her recovery updates with the community so that those who love and support her can stay in touch.

She is constantly smiling and although her life looks different than what she planned, her outlook is positive. She is truly an inspiration to everyone and the Prosper community is so proud of her!

18 | WeAreProsper.com

Town of Prosper Proclamation WHEREAS,

Makayla Noble, is a world champion athlete and Prosper High School Cheerleader; and

WHEREAS,

she earned national honors including a National Championship in 2018 and a Cheer World Championship in 2019, as well as, being named All-American for three consecutive years; and

WHEREAS,

in spite of enduring a tragic tumbling accident in September 2021, she has shown great strength and determination while continuing to be a role model for all young adults who aspire to be of similar athletic greatness; and

WHEREAS,

through the support of the community, her family, and friends, and all those who have been able to aid in her recovery, she continues to make expediential strides; and,

WHEREAS,

the residents and officials of the Town of Prosper, recognize, and celebrate Makayla for her commitment to overcoming the many obstacles she has endured.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ray Smith, Mayor of the Town of Prosper, Texas, do hereby declare

Makayla Noble Day on this 17th day of December 2021, in honor of her continual display of bravery, courageousness, thereby, making her an inspiration to all those around her.

___________________ Ray Smith, Mayor

Prosper - Homefront

20 | WeAreProsper.com

Freshen Up Your Indoor Spaces This Winter When cold winter days keep you inside, you may find yourself bored with your surroundings. Waiting for the sun to make its next appearance can provide the perfect opportunity to give your indoor spaces a fresh and appealing mini makeover. Even if your budget is tight, you can still make small changes to transform a room. Consider these ideas: Bring stylish flair to your space with a new color scheme.

Rather than replacing all the furniture, which can be costly, focus on smaller accessory pieces such as pillows and decorative items. Create variety by using multiple hues of the same color or mixing two or more complementary colors.

Introduce new accent furniture.

Smaller and less cost-prohibitive than centerpieces like a couch, for example, accent pieces such as end tables or a coffee table can provide subtle changes to the look of a room. You could also opt to refinish a piece of furniture you have on-hand to create a look that’s all your own.

Morph your room by simply rearranging what you already own.

Adjusting the orientation of your furniture and decor can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective.

Add your own artistic touch.

Whether it’s a flea market find, such as an old window frame that you paint and add a display shelf to the base, or a series of photos from your favorite vacation destination, adding some DIY art can not only update your room, but make it more personal, too.

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A new look for your favorite room can go a long way toward chasing away those winter blahs, so find ways to update your space for a cozy retreat that you can enjoy despite the cold weather raging outdoors.

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WeAreProsper.com | 21

Prosper - Homefront

Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Your Yard Before presenting my Top 10 List of New Year’s resolutions to improve your yard, let me anticipate an objection to New Year’s resolutions… and answer it. New Year’s resolutions have acquired something of a bad reputation. How could they not, since making New Year’s resolutions almost invariably leads to breaking them? But in the case of landscaping and gardening enthusiasts, I believe a judicious leniency needs to be shown toward such backsliding on New Year’s resolutions. For even breaking all of the entries on my Top 10 list of New Year’s resolutions would serve a useful purpose.

How can I possibly make such a claim? Has all that holiday eggnog clouded my judgment? Not at all. Think about it: resolving to undertake improvements to the yard in spring while still in the dead of winter is sufficient, in and of itself, to dispel the winter blues…regardless of whether or not you follow through on your intentions. The planning itself entailed in New Year’s resolutions is highly therapeutic.

And there’s no denying that successfully dispelling the winter blues should be a high priority on the winter agenda of landscaping and gardening enthusiasts. We’re not like other people. Holiday parties and looking forward to the Super Bowl may placate some folks until spring returns, but not us. We feel a sense of utter deprivation because the ice and the cold have robbed us of much that we enjoy about our yards. Short of taking back our yards from Old Man Winter (which we haven’t figured out how to do yet), the only way we can dispel the winter blues is to plan for

22 | WeAreProsper.com

better times to come, as we dream about do-it-yourself landscape design projects or finally hiring that Pro to come in and do it all for the spring.

That’s where New Year’s resolutions come in.

Seed companies understand the planning hysteria that grips even lukewarm plant-lovers during winter’s icy reign. They send out their enticing seed catalogs precisely when we’re so desperate for outdoor vegetation to return that we’ll buy seeds for all sorts of plants…plants for which we perhaps don’t even have any growing space to spare. We may end up never even planting half the seeds we buy. But it doesn’t matter: the seeds of hope have been sown in our hearts, hope that spring is on the horizon.

So, this is one case in which making New Year’s resolutions -- even if we later break them -- cannot be considered merely the idle musings of the will power-challenged. Making such New Year’s resolutions is good for the psyche; keeping them is just icing on the cake.

Not that I’m against you keeping your New Year’s resolutions for landscaping, mind you. As much as the mere making of New Year’s resolutions to undertake home landscape design projects helps to get you through the winter, it is the keeping of those New Year’s resolutions that will improve your quality of life for the rest of the year. In fact, it is my hope that landscaping novices regard these ten New Year’s resolutions as a call to action. And to ensure that your action is a well-informed one.

But without further ado, here are my Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for your yard.

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Landscaping 1. I will build a patio or deck (they’re easier to build than you think).

2. I will install a water feature (it can be cheaper than you think).

3. I will have pruning work done on any trees that present a hazard.

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4. I will define my landscape design tastes and implement them.

5. I will grow some plants that will enhance my fall landscape design 6. I will provide maximum visual interest for the winter season.

7. I will stop complaining about watering and do something to reduce water usage.

8. I will stop complaining about mowing the lawn and do something to reduce lawn care needs.

9. I will stop complaining about garden pests and take preventive measures against them.

10. I will fully enjoy my yard, rather than being a slave to its upkeep. I will “stop to smell the roses.”

In order to “stop to smell the roses,” you must begin to take an interest in the background information about your plants. That will allow you to take more joy in your landscaping. Some plants have interesting stories behind them: how they’ve been used historically and the significance they’ve had in the cultures of the world. You can access a lot of this information in minutes by doing a quick Internet search. Once you have this background information on your plants, it will change your perception of them. As you walk by them in your yard every day, they’ll seem more like “friends” who have a story to tell and less like objects upon which chores must be performed.

Perhaps the most precious time to “stop and smell the roses” is spring, when Mother Nature shakes off the gloomy cobwebs of the winter season and runs barefoot through the rediscovered grass. Yes, enjoying the outdoors in spring means taking time away from other plans, so that you can enjoy a “silent spring.” You may even have to renege on one of your other landscaping New Year’s resolutions in order to remain true to this one, and you may experience some guilt overindulging yourself with such laziness. Dissolution and resolution don’t usually coincide; but here, they do. And that’s part of the beauty of this final resolution! Until next time…

Happy Gardening!!

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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Prosper - In Good Taste

Hearty, Wholesome Winter Meals Seeking comfort from the cold in the form of a wholesome meal is a perfect way to cap off a day with loved ones. During the winter months when brisk temperatures chill you to the bone, warming up with hearty dishes at the family table can bring everyone together.

Full of seasonal flavors with top-notch taste, Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin offers a delicious main course you don’t have to feel guilty about. This easy yet elegant entree puts a unique spin on a dinnertime staple thanks to a crunchy pecan crust.

With cheddar and ricotta cheeses, sour cream and cavatappi noodles, this Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs is an extra creamy, creative twist on the kid-friendly classic. Pair this family favorite with the pork tenderloin for an easy weeknight combination that little ones can help with in the kitchen by stirring together the cheesy goodness.

This family dinner is made possible with tasty pecans, which are among the lowest in carbs and highest in fiber compared to other tree nuts, helping you stay fuller longer. As a nutrient-dense powerhouse, they have 3 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber per 1-ounce serving with 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat. Essential nutrients like thiamin, zinc, copper and manganese – a mineral that’s essential for metabolism and bone health – mean you can feel good about serving pecan-infused dishes to your loved ones.

Visit americanpecan.com to find more winter weeknight recipe inspiration.

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PECAN-CRUSTED PORK TENDERLOIN 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1/2 pounds) salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/2 cup pecan pieces 1/4 cup pineapple juice 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Preheat oven to 400 F and lightly grease large baking dish. Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, to taste; set aside.

In small bowl, stir 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce and minced garlic. Spread mixture over pork.

Press pecan pieces into brown sugar mixture on pork. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes.

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine remaining brown sugar, remaining soy sauce, pineapple juice and Dijon mustard. Bring mixture to boil; reduce to simmer 3-5 minutes then remove from heat.

Slice pork, spoon sauce over top and serve.

MAC AND CHEESE WITH PECAN BREADCRUMBS 8 ounces cavatappi pasta 1 tablespoon butter 1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese 4 tablespoons sour cream 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper 1 large egg, lightly beaten Preheat oven to 375 F. In salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot and stir in butter.

Using box grater, shred cheddar cheese.

Using food processor, process 1/4 cup shredded cheese with pecans to coarse breadcrumb consistency.

Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, salt and pepper to warm pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add egg; stir. Add reserved pasta water to loosen mixture; stir until smooth.

Pour into buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan topping.

Bake 30 minutes.

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Prosper - In Good Taste

A Cheesy Winter Warm-Up One of the easiest ways to warm up at the end of a winter day – both inside and out – is by sharing a comforting meal with loved ones.

Getting your whole family to the table can be surprisingly easy when a savory dish like Cheesy Spinach Ravioli awaits. This recipe offers a kid-friendly way to get a serving of greens along with favorite flavors. Originally started by an Italian mother more than 80 years ago, having a delicious jar of RAGÙ sauce in hand, with its distinctive yellow cap, can help anyone create this mouthwatering recipe and quick real-world dishes at home.

Having a go-to jar of sauce in your pantry offers an invaluable resource for at-home cooks who want to “cook like a mother” and create delicious, homemade recipes regardless of culinary skill. With a wide array of flavor varieties, the rich heritage of these familiar sauces can quickly help you make cold days feel far away while elevating everyday meals at the family table.

CHEESY SPINACH RAVIOLI Dough: 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1 pinch salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 4 whole eggs 2 egg yolks water Filling: 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 2 cups chopped spinach, fresh or frozen 1 pinch salt 1 pinch pepper 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese 26 | WeAreProsper.com

Toppings: 1 jar (24 ounces) RAGÙ Old World Style Traditional Sauce shredded mozzarella cheese 2 chopped basil leaves 2 chopped sprigs rosemary grated Parmesan cheese (optional) To make dough: Place 2 1/2 cups flour in bowl and make hole in center. Add salt, garlic powder, olive oil, eggs and egg yolks to hole.

Slowly bring flour into middle and knead into ball. Cover with bowl and let rest 20 minutes.

To make filling: In pan over medium heat, add olive oil; add spinach, salt and pepper then saute until spinach is wilted. Let cool then mix in ricotta cheese; set aside.

Cut dough in half. Sprinkle remaining flour on large cutting board and roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into rectangle then cut into 2-3-

inch squares. Set scraps aside. Brush water on squares then spoon 1 teaspoon spinach-ricotta filling in center of every other square. Top with remaining squares. Use fork to crimp edges.

Repeat with remaining dough. Form scraps into ball and repeat.

Put ravioli in boiling water, 8-10 minutes; they will rise to top when done.

In saucepan over medium heat, heat sauce until simmering.

Place ravioli on plate and top with warm sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil and rosemary. Grate Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

A Memory-Making Mousse Some of the best memories throughout life stick with you forever as you play them over and over in your head and smile, thinking fondly of those times. A lot of these good memories are centered around laughs, great conversation and irresistible, mouthwatering food.

Family events such as wedding showers or Mother’s Day, or the first day of spring after a bitter winter, can be reasons to celebrate and indulge in something out of the ordinary.

This Dreamy Chocolate Mousse can make those special memories just a little bit sweeter. It’s rich, decadent and full of scrumptious chocolate flavor. Topped with whipped cream and shaved chocolate, it’s the perfect addition to almost any special occasion. It works as a dessert after a meal or just a special treat. It can be served at a big event or simply a Sunday afternoon at home.

To start, add chocolate, marshmallows and heavy cream to a mixing bowl. Microwave until melted, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 1 hour.

Pour additional heavy cream into a mixer and whip until soft peaks form. Take 1/2 cup of whipped cream and refrigerate for later. Fold half of the soft whipped cream mixture into the cooled chocolate.

Once combined, add the rest of the whipped cream. Spoon the mousse into serving bowls or ramekins and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Once chilled, add toppings or reserved whipped cream and shaved chocolate, if desired.

It’s easy and requires minimal ingredients, and the results are something smooth, rich and luscious. Your sense of taste will take you right back to that happy place once you take a small bite. Memories are some of the greatest gifts you get to keep forever.

DREAMY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped, plus chocolate shavings (optional) 40large marshmallows 2 1/4 cups heavy cream, divided In large bowl, combine chopped chocolate, marshmallows and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Microwave 2 minutes on high, or until marshmallows are melted. Let mixture cool 1 hour.

Using mixer, whip 1 3/4 cups heavy cream until soft peaks form.

Reserve and refrigerate 1/2 cup whipped cream for topping.

In cooled chocolate mixture, fold in 2 cups whipped cream until combined. Add remaining whipped cream and mix until combined.

Spoon mousse into ramekins. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

To serve, top with 1/2 cup reserved whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved chocolate, if desired.

Find more sweet treat recipes at Culinary.net.

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Prosper - Fashion

5 Jackets to Keep You Toasty This Winter Colder weather is coming, which makes it a great time to assess your outerwear situation. Do your coats and jackets have what it takes to get you through another chilly season of looking great and staying warm? If you sense that your coat collection could use some reinforcements, look no further than this guide, where we walk you through some up-to-the-minute coat and jacket styles, so you can ask your Stylist for whatever’s right for you.

OVERCOATS The Stylish Staple If the weather is cold and you need coverage, the overcoat is for you. An overcoat can be made from a variety of fabrics (look for a warm wool or synthetic for colder temperatures) and generally falls somewhere below the knee—look for button-up or belted. An overcoat can easily be dressy or casual.

FAUX FUR JACKETS Glam To Go What’s better than being toasty warm? Being toasty warm and feeling like a style star. Faux fur is the best way to add an on-trend look to your outerwear wardrobe. Whether you choose a faux fur “chubby” (a jacket that hits at the waist), a vest or longer length coat, you’ll be cozy and fashionable. Not ready to go full-faux-fur? Try a piece trimmed in the fuzzy stuff.

HOODED COATS Extra Warmth Where You Need It How many times have you left your winter hat on a restaurant banquette, bus seat or sitting at home? With a hooded coat or jacket, a cold head is a thing of the past. Hoods come on jackets and coats, and on a number of styles. We love a fur trimmed hood for rocking the adorably Arctic look.

ANIMAL PRINT COATS Walk on the Wild Side A distant cousin to faux fur outerwear, animal prints are another great way to add personality to your outerwear game. Think about it: why shouldn’t your coat or jacket be just as fashionable as the clothes you wear under it? Leopard print, in particular, looks amazing with a bright color peeking out from underneath.

PUFFER JACKETS Get Down with It Puffers have been on the winter radar of all the most stylish people for the last few seasons. We love that a puffer can be sporty, luxe, or even have feminine details like bows or special buttons. No matter your style, a puffer (synthetic or down fill) is an über-warm way to express your (very fashionable) personality.

Article is compliments of Stitch Fix. Visit http://www.stitchfix.com to schedule your next fix!

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Prosper - Travel

What to Expect in Travel in 2022 After a couple abnormal years, many families are eager and ready to travel together again, and there are indications some pandemic-influenced travel behaviors will persist in 2022. For example, remote work and virtual school allowed families to travel and combine work and vacation time into “flexcation” getaways, a trend that will continue, according to the 2022 Vrbo Trend Report.

In addition to the 44% of families that said they’re more likely to work remotely from a place that’s not their home, extended stays are also on the rise. The vacation home site and app has seen a 68% increase in demand for 3-4-week stays over the past year.

Consider these 2022 trends spotted by the travel experts at Vrbo: Up-and-Coming Destinations Spots in Ohio, New York and Alaska saw double vacation rental demand over the past year. Within driving distance of major Midwest metros like Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville, Cincinnati was the year’s top emerging destination.

Other up-and-comers include Niagara Falls, a popular choice for those who wanted to experience life at the border. Yorktown, Virginia, the location of the last Revolutionary War battle, allows history buffs to witness a battle reenactment. Adventurous travelers trekked to MatanuskaSusitna, Alaska, to enjoy the wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve, breathtaking glaciers and surrounding mountains.

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Chalet All Day

You may have heard of Cabincore and Cottagecore, but chalets are a trending aesthetic that inspires family travel. Chalets saw a nearly 85% increase in demand year over year. Located on lakefronts or nestled in the woods, these charming and idyllic properties are desirable lodging options for many families.

Kids Call the Shots After being cooped up at home, it may be no surprise parents are letting their kids have a bigger say in vacation planning. Compared to prepandemic times, half of the families surveyed said they’re more likely to let their kids decide where they vacation and 43% of parents are more likely to let their kids skip school for vacation.

Traveling with the Pack Many families adopted pandemic pets because they had more time at home to spend with their furry friends. Now more people are bringing Fido and Fluffy along on vacation; 68% of pet parents have traveled, plan to travel or would like to travel with their pets. What’s more, there has been a 40% increase in demand year-over-year for pet-friendly vacation homes.

Early Bird Bookers If 2021 was any indication, families will continue booking their vacations further in advance. Booking activity occurred an average of 2-3 months earlier than usual for several major travel seasons. Families booked summer travel in February, holiday trips in July and snowbirds got a head start on booking warm weather stays for 2022. In fact, 60% of survey respondents said they plan to book their vacations earlier than they did in pre-pandemic times with nearly half making plans 3-5 months in advance.

Find more ideas for planning your next vacation, along with the full report, at Vrbo.com.

Dr. Jill, Dr. Cara, and Dr. Summer provide customized dental care for your entire family! They are committed to the highest level of dentistry that incorporates the most recent medical advances with time-proven traditional dentistry. From the moment you enter their office, every member of your family will feel like part of the Prosper Family Dentistry family.

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Serving Prosper And The Surrounding Area Since 2004

201 N. Preston Rd., Ste. A, Prosper, TX 75078 | ProsperFamilyDentistry.com

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