Prosper-October 2024

P rosper We Are

Prosper’s Community Magazine Since 2012 October 2024 | Issue 159 WeAreProsper.com

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What’s Inside

Community

Life & Luxury Magazine™

October 2024 | Issue 159

8

Scare Up a Sweet, Thrilling Treat

10

Essential Skills for Children to Develop in Preschool

12

Make School Mornings More Manageable

14

Celebrate Prosper Comes to Frontier Park on October 5th

16

Photo of the Month

18

Prosper Town Council Adopts Budget

In Good Taste 20

Find Comfort in Food with Crispy Chicken Strips

21

A Grownup Twist on a Childhood Favorite

22

Fruity Fall Flavors for Dessert

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

Homefront 24

Fall in Love with Outdoor Decor

26

Autumn Lawn Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Yard

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Health & Wellness 28

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Life & Luxury Magazine

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Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds | Dr. Holly Ferguson | Jimmie Gibson 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. ©2024. 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.

WeAreProsper.com | 7

We Are Prosper - In Good Taste

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Scare Up a Sweet, Thrilling Treat For a frighteningly fun time in the kitchen this Halloween, gather your family around the cauldron to create a sweet, spooky dessert. Tricks and treats may provide thrills, but a homemade concoction can be the star of your hauntingly happy evening.

This Ghostly Graveyard Cake takes imagination and creativity from everyone with tombstones, skulls and spooky icing daring all to try a bite. With looks this chilling, it’s a perfect treat to enjoy while watching everyone’s favorite scary movie. Find more deliciously devious desserts at Culinary.net.

Ghostly Graveyard Cake 1 box chocolate cake mix 10 chocolate creme cookies 1 cup black melting chips 1 cup red melting chips 1 cup heavy whipping cream 3 cans buttercream icing 1 purple food coloring 1 black food coloring Skull sprinkles Tombstones and bones candies Prepare cake mix according to package instructions in three 6-inch baking pans. Once baked, allow to completely cool outside of pans.

In zip-top bag, using rolling pin, crush chocolate creme cookies; set aside.

In separate small bowls, add black melting chips and red melting chips.

In microwave, heat heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 minutes. Pour half the mixture into one bowl of chips and other half into other bowl of chips. Stir until chips are completely melted; set aside.

After cakes cool, on cake board, add small amount of buttercream icing so cake sticks. Using bread knife, level cakes.

Place one cake on cake board and add thin layer of icing on top. Place second layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Place final layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Add thin layer of icing to entire cake. Freeze 15 minutes.

In small bowl, mix two parts purple food coloring to one part black food coloring. Ice cake with deep purple icing. Using grooved scraper, scrape along sides of cake. Using angled spatula, smooth top of cake.

Add skull sprinkles around edges of cake. Using piping bag with small opening at tip, drip black drip mixture around top edges of cake. Repeat using red drip mixture.

Add chocolate creme cookie crumbs to top of cake. Add tombstones and bone sprinkles to top of cake.

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We Are Prosper - Family

Essential Skills for Children to Develop in Preschool The skills young children need for success in elementary school and beyond are developed during the first five years of life. For families, it’s critical to select the right preschool – one with thoroughly trained faculty and a curriculum designed to nurture foundational academic, social, emotional and physical skills – then extend learning to home.

Experts from The Goddard School’s education team – Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer; Dr. Maria Shaheen, director of early childhood research and innovation; and Karie Ann Middleton, director of early childhood education programs – share this guidance to help families prepare their children for success in, and beyond, elementary school.

Core Skills to Prioritize in Preschool Most families, when thinking about their child’s preschool education, naturally default to focusing on academic skills, and those are certainly important.

Children should develop a well-rounded foundation of literacy and mathematics skills. This includes building vocabulary, pairing sounds and letters and sounding out new words, as well as learning to count and connecting a number of objects (e.g., three blocks) to the corresponding numeral (3).

Just as important as the academic skills, however, are social and emotional skills. For example: Identifying feelings and emotions in themselves and others, and responding appropriately Entering a new social situation, making friends and navigating conflict Basic self-help skills, such as knowing how to independently eat, use the bathroom and zip up their jackets Lastly is the development of early physical skills, such as balance and learning to use a pencil and scissors.

Inquiry-Based Learning: The Optimal Approach The best educational approach supports all skill development – academic, social, emotional and physical – while children are engaged in play and exploration. In these supportive environments, teachers can actively observe children and listen carefully to understand their interests and curiosities then guide the instruction accordingly.

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This is the basis of inquiry-based learning, a framework that embraces the natural curiosity and sense of wonder children bring into the classroom.

Researchers from leading universities found that when children are interested in what they are learning, attention spans are maximized, and when they feel in control of their learning, engagement is higher.

At The Goddard School, inquiry-based learning is brought to life via its exclusive education program, Wonder of Learning. With teacher-guided inquiry topics, children learn about themselves and the world around them by exploring their interests, investigating concepts and asking questions. This ensures learning is not only relevant to skill-building but also timely, contextual and meaningful, helping children master the foundational skills before entering elementary school.

Taking Inquiry-Based Learning Home Inquiry-based learning is not limited to the classroom. In fact, to best support young children, families should practice the approach at home, too.

Families can start by narrating what they and their children are doing and verbalizing the emotions that correspond with their experiences. For example, “I can see by your face you aren’t sure if you like that new vegetable. I wonder if it’s the flavor or the texture?” Beyond listening to their responses, watch their faces for cues and respond accordingly. Through narration, children’s vocabulary is expanded, and they learn to apply words to their emotions and experiences.

Give children choices, when possible and safe, such as choosing their outfits or snacks. Making choices helps them develop critical thinking skills and builds confidence and motivation.

Infuse open-ended questions throughout daily life. For example, ask “What makes you curious?” Going further, have children draw what they are curious about.

To help families practice inquiry-based learning, The Goddard School published a children’s book, “Curious Blueberry the Carousel Horse,” written

by Steve Metzger and illustrated by Bruno Robert. The story follows Blueberry and her colorful carousel animal friends as they learn to find joy through curiosity and questions. Cues throughout the story prompt the reader to ask open-ended questions, creating an engaging and individualized experience for children.

To watch a webinar featuring Loquasto, Shaheen and Middleton sharing additional information and guidance, and to access a wealth of parenting insights and resources, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool.com.

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We Are Prosper - Family

Make School Mornings More Manageable Getting a family up and out the door before the school bell rings is no small task. Sometimes it can even seem impossible, especially when you encounter unexpected events like a wardrobe mishap or overflowing toilet.

Make mornings run more smoothly this school year with these tips from the experts at American Standard, who know all about the best tools to operate a successful household.

Work ahead, starting your morning before bed. You can lay the foundation for a successful morning before the new day even arrives. Spend time planning for the day ahead before tucking little ones in for the night. Choose outfits, track down missing shoes and verify homework is done and in backpacks before they turn in for the night. Taking time to troubleshoot in the evening can save precious minutes in the morning.

Stick to a standard wake-up routine. Getting kids out of bed when the alarm rings is only half the battle; getting them in motion is the next step. Help your little ones build effective habits so they can start preparing for the day while they’re still shaking away the lingering sleepiness. Lay out a sequence of events they’ll do every morning, such as visiting the bathroom, brushing teeth and hair, getting dressed, making the bed and eating a balanced breakfast. Encouraging these habits builds independence and self-esteem while helping your mornings move faster.

Cut back on messy moments. It’s virtually impossible to supervise every moment of your child’s get-ready routine, but having a home outfitted with the right equipment can make those moments out of sight less concerning. For example, school-aged kids might expect privacy in the bathroom, but they’re not immune to a little mischief and keeping things tidy is rarely their top priority. Consider American Standard’s innovative Champion Toilet that provides the perfect solution to some possibly messy situations. With the industry’s largest trap-way, you can expect a cleaner, more effective flush, ensuring dependable performance every time. It’s virtually impossible to clog – in testing, it even handled flushing a bucket of golf balls – providing the confidence you need that it can withstand your child’s messiest moments. Plus, its power-wash rim cleans the bowl with every flush and the patented 12 | WeAreProsper.com

EverClean stain-fighting surface inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.

Plan time to talk. Often, if kids are dragging their feet in the morning, it’s because they’re dreading something about the day ahead. It could be a test or a conflict with a peer, or it might be something else entirely.

Look for signs of concerns and offer an open environment where kids can share their worries with you even when time is tight. Talking about concerns after school is a smart way to tackle worries when they’re fresh, but reinforcing those conversations in the morning can send kids out the door more confidently.

Embrace simplicity and provide nutrition. Trying to cram too much into the morning can set you up for struggles. Avoid piling on too many morning chores and aim for basic breakfasts that provide the necessary fuel to start the day without extra fuss. A well-rounded breakfast with grains, protein and some fresh fruit makes for a perfect way to start the day. That might be a protein-packed cereal and a banana or maybe a frozen breakfast burrito and cup of grapes.

Explore more products that make your mornings more manageable at americanstandard-us.com.

WeAreProsper.com | 13

We Are Prosper - Community

Celebrate Prosper Comes to Frontier Park on October 5th

Live Music, Family Fun and Community Spirit

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Pack up the family on October 5 and head to Frontier Park for Celebrate Prosper! The Town’s party in the park begins at 4:00 p.m. and runs until 8:00 p.m. near Windmill Playground and the large pavilion. This free event is a fall family favorite filled with live entertainment under the stars, an expansive Kid Zone and exhibitor booths galore! Food and refreshments will be available while supplies last.

Engage with neighbors and Town staff and enjoy the community spirit that exemplifies the Town of Prosper! Headliner Josh Weathers takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. Josh is a Fort Worth-based soulful singer-songwriter known for combining songs of hope with a high-energy rock ‘n’ soul live show. His video singing “I Will Always Love You,” the classic Dolly Parton hit, went viral a few years ago, expanding Josh’s reach to a national and global level.

He and his wife Kady founded a nonprofit organization, “Love Like You Mean It Intl.” Josh uses his platform to raise awareness of their efforts overseas.

Witness his live performance and be part of something special!

Eventgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the performance. Open lawn seating will be available throughout the event. The energetic Kid Zone offers plenty of excitement for youngsters! There will be face painters and balloon artists, as well as numerous inflatables set up on the lawn, including the Ninja Tower, Wacky Rush Obstacle Course, Ultimate Challenge Obstacle, Slide, Wacky Bounce and Wacky Dome.

The New Resident Welcome Tent will be open from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for residents to get acquainted with their Town staff and services! Those who bring their mailed invitation to the tent will receive a Prosper swag bag, while supplies last.

Dan Baker, Director of Parks & Recreation, said, “We can’t wait for our residents to come out and participate in an event that is truly Prosper-centric. The event this year will be bigger and better, building on what we’ve offered in past years.”

Prior to the event, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Town will open the Kid Zone to Prosper families of children with health conditions and disabilities making for an inclusive event for everyone. Parents interested in taking advantage of this early access should check in on-site upon arrival to receive a free snow cone and a Kid Zone lanyard.

Generous sponsors and partners ensure Celebrate Prosper remains free of charge! The 2024 event sponsors are: CoServ, Title Sponsor; Cook Children’s Health Network, Kid Zone Sponsor; and HEB, Gold Sponsor. We also thank our event partners for their support in contributing food and refreshments: Gateway Church, Kroger, Prosper Ladies Association and Prosper United Methodist Church.

Event parking will be available at the Prosper ISD Stadium (2000 Stadium Dr.) parking lot and throughout Frontier Park. Limited ADA parking spaces are available in the PISD Stadium lot and near the Frontier Park pavilion. The parking lot and streets directly in front of the large pavilion will be closed beginning at 7:00 a.m. on October 5 for event setup.

Looking ahead, Prosper’s 2024 event schedule will conclude with the Prosper Veterans Day Honor Run on November 9 and the Prosper Christmas Festival on December 7. The morning Honor Run includes 5k and 10k races, as well as a Fun Run, in honor of all who have served in the United States military. Proceeds benefit the Veterans Memorial planned for Frontier Park. Those who register by October 21 to race, run, or walk will receive a medal and t-shirt. Visit prospertx.gov/honorrun for sponsorship and event details.

The Prosper Christmas Festival on December 7, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., is an experience to remember! The one-of-a-kind celebration of Christmas and community fills the grounds of Town Hall with holiday attractions for all ages. The annual Community Tree Lighting with Mayor Bristol is the festival highlight, and an exciting drone show caps off the event. Come enjoy Santa’s Workshop, Kids Christmas Shoppe, Community Stage, horse-drawn carriage rides, lighted exhibits featuring local artisans, organizations, and businesses, and more! Learn more about the festival at prospertx.gov/ christmasfestival

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We Are Prosper -Photo of the Month

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Prosper Town Council Adopts Budget On Tuesday, September 10, the Prosper Town Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget, emphasizing continued investment in infrastructure, public safety and sustainable community growth. The budget totals $102.6 million, covering the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

Key highlights of the budget include: General Fund: $52.8 million to maintain high-quality public services.

Enterprise Funds: $42.9 million to support solid waste, drainage, water and sewer utilities.

Public Safety: Allocations for the Crime Control and Prevention District ($3.3 million) and the Fire Control and Emergency Medical Services District ($3.5 million).

The budget also reflects the Town’s commitment to fiscal responsibility by reducing the property tax rate to $0.505 per $100 of taxable value - the lowest since 2006. This reduction is coupled with an increased homestead exemption from 15% to 17.5%, further supporting Prosper homeowners.

With a focus on infrastructure development, a substantial portion of the $210 million authorized by the voters in November 2020 will be issued by 2025. The budget also sets the stage for a bond election in November 2025 to further enhance the Town’s infrastructure. Downtown Prosper is undergoing significant development, with new businesses and projects on the horizon, alongside special events offered by the town.

The adoption of this budget aligns with the Town Council’s Strategic Visioning Priorities, including: Acceleration of Infrastructure, as seen in the planned issuance of over 70% of the $210 million authorized in November 2020 by 2025. A new bond election is set for November 2025 to continue enhancing the Town’s infrastructure.

Development of Downtown Prosper as a Destination, with numerous new businesses and projects underway, alongside special events and attractions.

Ensuring the Town’s Commercial Corridors are Ready for Development, with continued commercial growth, including new hospitals and national retail chains contributing to the Town’s tax base.

Continuing to Provide Excellent Municipal Services, reflected in the $52.8 million General Fund allocation to maintain high-quality services for residents.

Working Towards a Growing and Diversified Tax Base, ensuring a balanced mix of residential and commercial revenue streams to support longterm prosperity.

For more information on the Town of Prosper’s 2024-2025 budget, visit prospertx.gov/budget. Learn more about the Strategic Visioning Priorities at prospertx.gov/strategicvision.

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We Are Prosper - In Good Taste

Find Comfort in Food with Crispy Chicken Strips Cooler weather brings the joy of comfort food, and it’s hard to find a dish more comforting than fried chicken. This Fried Chicken Tenders recipe makes it easy to cook tasty strips to golden perfection – just pair with your favorite dipping sauce (or none at all) for a classic weeknight meal. Find more fall meal ideas at Culinary.net.

Fried Chicken Tenders Oil of choice, for frying 1/2 stick butter 2 eggs 2 cups milk 3 pounds chicken breast, cut into strips 2 cups flour 1/4 cup barbecue seasoning of choice 1/4 cup mesquite seasoning Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste Dipping sauce of choice (optional) Fill Dutch oven or large frying pan halfway with oil and butter; heat over medium heat.

In a large bowl, mix eggs and milk then place chicken strips in mixture.

In separate bowl, mix flour, barbecue seasoning and mesquite seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Remove 4-6 chicken strips from milk mixture and cover completely in flour mixture.

Drop a pinch of flour in hot oil; if it crackles, it’s hot enough. Once hot, fry battered chicken for 4 minutes then, using tongs or fork, turn over and fry 4 minutes. When done, chicken will be golden and almost float. Remove from frying pan and repeat with remaining chicken.

Serve with dipping sauce of choice, if desired.

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A Grownup Twist on a Childhood Favorite When you’re looking for recipe inspiration, don’t be afraid to take things back to your childhood with a little home cooking. Even better, now you can enjoy those kid favorites as the main course (with an adult touch, to boot) in this Baked Broccoli Mac. It’s a warm, cozy solution that pairs with bread and a salad for dinner or can be halved and served as a side. Visit Culinary.net for more ways to turn childhood classics into family dinners.

Topping: Baked Broccoli Mac 1 box (1 pound) pasta noodles, such as cellentani, elbow or penne 2 cups chopped broccoli 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half 2 cups mozzarella 1/2 block pasteurized cheese product, cubed 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste

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2 cups breadcrumbs 1/2 stick butter 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Heat oven to 350 F. In a large pot, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well then add broccoli, chicken broth, cream, mozzarella, pasteurized cheese product, garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well.

To make topping: In bowl, mix breadcrumbs, butter and Parmesan cheese.

Pour macaroni mixture into a large baking dish then sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture. Bake for 30 minutes.

We Are Prosper - In Good Taste

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Fruity Fall Flavors for Dessert Comfort food typically calls to mind soups, stews and hearty meals meant to warm you up on a chilly day. However, you can also turn to tasty treats as a way to end a cold day on a hot note. For example, warm fruits baked into a crisp dessert provide an easy, heartwarming option for putting a smile on loved ones’ faces when the weather turns south. This Walnut Apple Pear Crisp combines two fall favorite fruits in a sweet and simple yet flavorful nibble.

Start by mixing the walnut crisp topping separate from the soul of the recipe: the apple pear filling. Then layer in a cast-iron pan and bake for an easy treat that cooks while you enjoy dinner with the family. In the end, the crunch of the crispy walnut crust provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the fruity filling. Find more comforting dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Walnut Apple Pear Crisp Walnut Crisp Topping: 1 1/2 cups California walnuts, divided 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup butter, chilled and sliced into pieces Apple Pear Filling: 4 apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices 3 pears, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt Tablespoon lemon juice Ice cream (optional) Caramel sauce (optional) Heat oven to 350 F. To make walnut crisp topping: In food processor, pulse 1 cup walnuts until finely ground. Set aside in separate bowl. In food processor, pulse remaining 1/2 cup walnuts until chopped. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine ground walnuts, flour, brown sugar, oats and cinnamon. Cut butter into mixture until coarse crumb forms.

To make apple pear filling: In large bowl, toss apples, pears, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice.

Pour fruit mixture in the bottom of 12-inch cast-iron pan.

Layer walnut crisp topping mixture over fruit.

Bake 45 minutes, or until the fruit mixture is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Top with ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.

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We Are Prosper - Homefront

Fall in Love with Outdoor Decor Just because the temperatures cool doesn’t mean the amount of time and attention you spend on your outdoor spaces should. Fall is the perfect time to add seasonal touches and decorations to the exterior of your home that not only improve curb appeal, but also amplify your personal style.

Consider these seasonal ideas for decorating your patios, porches and backyards.

Use Bold Autumn Colors Orange is a go-to fall color, but other seasonal shades, such as burgundy, can be incorporated to complement those orangey tones of pumpkins.

Think of blankets, throw pillows, mums and faux leaves as accent items that can add fall hues to your home.

Plant Autumn Varietals Potted plants are one of the quintessential elements of outdoor decor, and taking advantage of your favorite fall blooming plants – Nippon daisies, Oriental lilies, chrysanthemum and helenium, for example – can add seasonal greenery and fiery tones to your garden or planters.

Bring the Indoors Out You can create beautifully designed spaces that you’ll enjoy year-round by bringing the indoors outside. Coffee tables, weather-proof area rugs, throw pillows, hanging lighting and wicker furniture can be staples of fall outdoor living spaces that provide the same cozy feel as your living room.

Warm Up with a Fire Pit Calming and on-trend, creating a DIY firepit – either in a safe spot in your yard or simply on a tabletop – using concrete blocks, a ceramic pot or WeAreProsper.com | 25

copper bowl and some logs can serve as a perfect gathering place for fall nights.

String Some Lights Around Your Space If you have an outdoor space that could use some ambience, a string or two of clear party lights or strategically hung lanterns can improve the look and feel of your patio or yard. Of course, you can also opt to light candles or repurpose leftover outdoor torches.

Welcome Guests with a Personalized Doormat Adding a personalized, seasonal welcome mat can add some personality to your porch as a simple way to supplement function with a touch of style.

With a range of options typically available, swapping it out seasonally can keep your front door fresh.

Hang a Leafy Wreath While lush green wreaths work many months out of the year, autumn is an opportunity to string together red, orange and gold hues that can often be found in yards as well. Simply pick up some faux leaves at a craft store – or pick them up from your yard for an even more natural look – and attach to a wooden or metal wreath frame then hang with some fall-themed ribbon or rustic twine.

Find more ideas for decorating your home at eLivingtoday.com.

We Are Prosper - Homefront

Autumn Lawn Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Yard As temperatures drop and the first frost approaches, it’s time to take steps to winterize your lawn to ensure a lush, green comeback next spring. A thorough inspection can help you identify the needs of your lawn, allowing you to tailor your fall maintenance efforts more effectively.

Look for signs of damage such as bare patches, thinning areas or discoloration, and take note of any weeds or pests that may have taken hold. This evaluation sets a foundation for the steps you should take to prepare your lawn for the next growing season.

From mowing one last time (on a lower setting to help minimize the risk of snow mold and other winter-related issues) to removing leaves and applying winterizing fertilizer, these tips can help ensure your lawn is ready for the colder months.

Rake and Remove Leaves A quintessential autumn chore, raking leaves and removing other debris from your yard can make a significant difference for your lawn’s health.

Leaves left on the ground can smother your grass, blocking sunlight and trapping moisture, which can lead to fungal growth and other issues.

Use a lightweight rake to avoid damaging the grass or use a mulching mower to shred leaves into smaller pieces that can decompose and provide nutrients for the soil. If you have a compost bin, fallen leaves can be a valuable addition, enriching your compost with organic matter.

Fertilize for Fall Fertilizing is a critical component to aiding your lawn in replenishing nutrients that were depleted during the warmer months. A well-fed lawn recovers more quickly from stress and can establish strong roots before winter sets in.

Choose a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for fall application and apply evenly across your lawn. Applying fertilizer in mid- to late-autumn ensures the nutrients are absorbed by the grass, fostering healthy growth and preparing it to withstand the colder months.

Overseed the Lawn Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over your existing lawn to fill in bare spots and improve density. Particularly beneficial in the fall, as the cooler temperatures and increased moisture create ideal conditions for seed germination, the practice not only enhances the appearance of your lawn but also improves its resilience against diseases and environmental stress.

Choose a grass seed mix suitable for your climate and lawn type. After spreading the seed, lightly rake the lawn to ensure the seed makes contact with the soil. Water the area thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture until new grass is well established.

Find more tips to maintain your lawn and garden at eLivingtoday.com.

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We Are Prosper - Health & Wellness

Take a Rest from Stress 5 Strategies to Combat Stressful Triggers

Stress, the physical or mental response to external causes like overwhelming work assignments or difficult life moments, can add unnecessary pressure to your day to day. While everyone feels stress from time to time, when left untreated or unrecognized, it can begin to wreak havoc in the form of anxiety. In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, consider these strategies to combat stress from the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Learn Your Triggers Different events and situations cause stress for different people.

Knowing what triggers your stress to kick in – mounds of office paperwork, important financial decisions or hectic mornings, for example – can help you plan and prepare for stress-inducing moments.

Exercise and Eat Right Maintaining physical health can be beneficial for mental health, too.

Find time to do exercises you enjoy like walking, jogging, yoga or playing a sport. Identifying activities that bring you joy can make it easier to fit 30-60-minute workouts into your schedule without adding even more stress. Complement your workout routine with nutritional meals that help you stay on track with your fitness goals.

Practice Relaxation Whether you find inner peace through journaling, breathing exercises, reading or some other form of slowing down, find what works for you and prioritize fitting it into your daily schedule. Relaxing activities help you slow down the pace of life, providing a chance to reset by doing something you enjoy.

Get Enough Sleep A lack of quality sleep can add to stress. Creating a bedtime routine can increase your sleep habits and help you achieve the expertrecommended 7-9 hours per night. Put away electronics, which can interfere with your ability to calm your mind, and find an activity that puts you at ease like reading a book or listening to relaxing music.

Ensure your bedroom is optimized for comfort by making it cool, dark and quiet.

Create a Network of Support Everyone experiences stress. Reach out to family members and close friends you can lean on in stressful and frustrating moments. Share your feelings and encourage others to do the same, which can increase trust and help everyone in your circle cope in a positive way.

Find more ways to combat stress and care for your mental health at eLivingtoday.com.

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30 | WeAreProsper.com

We Are Prosper - Travel

5 Tips for a BudgetFriendly Fall Vacation If you’re looking to get away, fall is a perfect time to plan an escape. With smaller crowds at many popular destinations and more comfortable weather, scenic autumn landscapes and cozy hideaways await. To get your plan started, consider these tips to enjoy a spectacular fall vacation without breaking the bank.

Choose a Destination with Beautiful Scenery When planning a fall vacation, research the cost of living for potential destinations. Some places may have lower costs for accommodations, dining and attractions, allowing you to stretch your budget further.

Considering destinations known for their stunning fall foliage, such as New England, can allow you to take advantage of budget-friendly activities, like nature walks or sightseeing, that capitalize on the beauty and charm of the season.

Time Your Trip to Take Advantage of Deals Timing is key when it comes to finding the best deals. Consider traveling during the shoulder season, which is the period just before or after peak tourist seasons. During this time, prices for accommodations and attractions are often lower and there are fewer crowds. If you have the freedom to choose when to go on vacation, look for off-peak days or midweek travel. Prices tend to be lower during these times compared to weekends or popular travel holidays.

Pack Essentials to Save on Unnecessary Purchases Packing strategically can help you save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. Consider packing these essentials: Layered clothing: Instead of bulky sweaters or coats, opt for lightweight layers that can be easily combined to keep you warm.

Reusable water bottles: Bringing a reusable water bottle helps you avoid buying bottled water and reduces waste.

Snacks: Packing snacks like granola bars or dried fruit can help you reduce food costs while you’re out and about.

Travel-size toiletries: Transfer your favorite products into smaller

containers or purchase travel-size bottles instead of buying prepackaged versions.

Pick Budget-Friendly Activities and Attractions Popular destinations often offer a wide range of budget-friendly activities and attractions. Consider these ideas that won’t break the bank: Hiking and nature walks: Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage by exploring hiking trails and nature reserves. Many of these outdoor activities are free or have minimal entrance fees.

Local festivals and events: Research local festivals and events happening during your trip to immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the area.

Local markets: Explore farmers markets or craft markets to discover unique products and support local businesses. Often free to enter, these markets offer opportunities to sample local food and purchase souvenirs.

Museums and galleries: Look for museums and galleries that offer free or discounted admission during certain days or times to explore local art and history without spending a fortune.

Save on Accommodations Finding affordable accommodations during the peak of fall can be challenging, but with these tips, you can save money while still enjoying a comfortable stay: Book in advance: Plan your vacation early and take advantage of early bird discounts or promotional offers.

Consider alternative accommodations: Instead of traditional hotels, explore options like vacation rentals, hostels or bed and breakfasts, which can be more budget-friendly and provide a unique and personalized experience.

Stay outside the city center: Accommodations located outside main tourist areas are generally more affordable. Consider staying in nearby suburbs or towns and utilize public transportation to explore the city.

Use price comparison tools: Take advantage of price comparison websites to compare rates across different accommodations to find the best deals and save money on your stay.

Find more tips and tricks to save on fall travel at eLivingtoday.com.

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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.

Prosper Family Owned & Operated

Serving Prosper And The Surrounding Area Since 2004

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

972-347-1145