Lake Cities Living Magazine January 2022 by Murray Media Group

JANUARY 2022

THE CARE

Your Pet Deserves

things hot valentine’s www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

contents

your pet DESERVES

ARTICLES 04

SERVING FAMILIES WITH BENEVOLENCE

5 THINGS TO TRY

STALKER PREVENTION MONTH

FOODIE FRIDAY DFW: ALMA MEXICANA RESTAURANTE

10 HOT VALENTINE’S GIFTS INSIDE COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION

TA B L E O F

14 the Care 18 20

SHERIFF’S CORNER WITH SHERIFF TRACY MURPHREE

2022 A YEAR FOR SETTING GOALS

BALANCING YOUR LIFE AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

THE BIG GAME

CHERRY PECAN “NICE” CREAM

FEATURED

CLEARING THE PATH

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ISAAC SMITH FOR CONGRESS POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

DENTON COUNTY YOUNG REPUBLICANS NETWORKING TOGETHER JANUARY 2022 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Optimism

2022 W IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN

ell, the holiday season is officially behind us, and 2022 is already here. Can you believe it? Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday

that we were sending the kiddos back to school in triple-

digit temperatures, and I can remember getting ready for Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season as if it were yesterday. But here we are, almost to February. Wow! They say time flies when you’re having fun and, while I definitely had a lot of fun this year, I have even more optimism as I look forward to another new year.

As we start to ponder how we’re going to make 2022 better than last year — personally, professionally, spiritually, etc. — I urge you all to reflect on 2021. Regardless of whether or not you nailed this past year, I’d be willing to bet that you still learned and grew in ways that you never expected this year. I know I did. And I’m sure we will take all of those lessons and put them to good use this year. That’s what I love about life – you never know what the next day (or, in this case, the next year) is going to bring. It’s the unexpected challenges that help us grow the most. We sure are happy to share our lives with each and every one of you. Enjoy your family, cherish your friends, always be kind, laugh often, and find unique and inspiring ways to make the best of even the bad days.

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Writers

Caylie Howard, Steve Gamel, Diane Ciarloni Jade Kensington, Jean Eisenmann Leena Duwadi, Mark Miller

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Mish Cunningham-Scott Cayla Thompson Arynn Tomson Hallie Preece

Photography

Miranda Longoria Photography Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Photography by Guy T Live Beautifully Photography

Letters

Lake Cities Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial Inquiries Call Caylie Howard at 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Lake Cities Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Lake Cities Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2022 Murray Media Group

Cheers to 2022!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2022

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the CARE your pet by Caylie Howard | Photography by Your Candid Memories Photography

940.566.5551 | www.texasforthem.org | 713 Sunset St. • Denton, TX 76201 14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2022

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he love that we have for our treasured fur babies is special. Our pets have been with us through the good times and

the bad. They care for us in a way that no one else can. Because of their importance to us, it’s also essential that we give them the best care possible. Unfortunately for some, quality care isn’t an affordable option. That’s why the work that Texas Coalition Animal Protection (TCAP) does is important to the communities of North Texas. TCAP is a recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2002 as a low-cost spay and neuter clinic. They originally offered affordable spay and neuter services for both dogs and cats, but have expanded to offer other services such as vaccinations, dental cleaning, microchipping, flea/ tick prevention, as well as heartworm testing and prevention. In the intervening years, TCAP has expanded to eight different standalone locations across North Texas located in Allen, Arlington, Burleson, Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Hurst, and Weatherford. Even if you don’t live near one of their clinics, chances are that TCAP is never far from your home with one of their travel “MASH” style clinics. “We understand that people have jobs

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and cannot always make the drive to one of our main clinics, so we make ourselves available throughout DFW at local animal shelters and community centers,” says TCAP Executive Director, Stacey Schumacher. Texas Coalition for Animal Protection contracts licensed veterinarians with extensive surgical experience and who are well-versed in preventative animal care. These licensed veterinarians are supported by TCAP’s highly trained team of compassionate veterinary technicians and assistants. As a non-profit with a team that brings a unique combination of experience, training, and compassion to the table, TCAP is able to offer the highest quality of care for the most affordable price available in DFW. On average, TCAP’s prices are 70% less than a traditional full service clinic. TCAP partners with amazing animal and rescue shelters across North Texas. Each TCAP employee along with their compassionate partners is committed to the fight against euthanasia in our local DFW shelters. “The answer to stopping euthanasia and overpopulation starts with prevention,” Schumacher said. Since their opening in 2002,

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We understand that people have jobs and cannot always make the drive to one of our main clinics, so we make ourselves available throughout DFW at local animal shelters and community centers.

TCAP has been a leader in animal welfare. TCAP provides the lowest prices for preventative animal care throughout the entire North Texas area. TCAP provides these quality services to indigent individuals and families that lack the financial ability to provide the proper animal care that their pets need. TCAP’s ability to offer affordable quality care is owed greatly to the generosity of the Denton County-based nonprofit’s donors and sponsors. With the pandemic, many families across North Texas suffered financially. Many people lost their jobs and were at a loss on how they were going to provide for themselves and their families, much less their beloved pets. “If you don’t have a job, you may find yourself making the decision to put food on the table for your family or take care of your pet’s basic wellness needs,” says TCAP’s Director of Programs, Robert Knox. “We don’t want to see pets end up in shelters. Our mission is to save lives, and we want to keep families and their pets together as much as possible.” In 2021 alone, TCAP performed more than 64,000 spay and neuters and more than 145,000 rabies vaccinations for local animals. TCAP’s staff are pet lovers first and foremost. Their entire staff at TCAP is committed to providing the care that your family’s pet deserves. With each low-cost procedure, TCAP is saving lives and keeping families together. With results like that, it’s easy to see why TCAP holds such a special place in the hearts of so many families in North Texas. 16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2022

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18th annual

STALKER prevention month by Caylie Howard

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talking is a very serious issue that

commonly used tactic when it comes to

that you can find online to help you with this

happens more often than you would

responding to their perpetrators is to confront

process. Make sure to include any police

think. Each victim’s experience is different

or threaten their stalker or even attempt to fight

reports that are filed in your records.

but the problem is still the same. Some cases

back against them, which can end

are more dangerous than others, with the

very dangerously.

situation leading to attacks, sexual assault, or

4. It’s important to save all evidence of stalking when you can. A common form of

Denton County’s Friends of the Family is a

contact with stalkers is by using technology.

great source for assistance as well as a place

If you remember to save all of the emails, text

Unfortunately, there isn’t one single

to offer helpful tips and resources to victims.

messages, photos, and social media postings

psychological or behavioral profile that could

Below is a list of 5 great tips for victims who are

as evidence of your stalker’s behavior, it will

point out to us an individual that carries those

experiencing this harmful situation.

benefit you in the long run tremendously. You

even killing the victim.

dangerous and unsettling stalker tendencies. There’s also no definitive way to predict what a certain stalker will or won’t do to their victims. A stalker’s behavior can escalate from less lifethreatening interactions such as phone calls or text messages to more physical contact such as delivering gifts or showing up to places that their victims are. When it comes to victims of stalking, there is a very real struggle with how to respond to their stalkers. There are a few more common ways that victims seem to choose to handle the situation. Some victims attempt to reason with their stalkers to calm them in hopes that being kind to their attackers will encourage them to stop. There are many victims of this crime that tend to play down their frightening experiences by trying to convince themselves that their situation isn’t as bad as it truly is. Another

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1. A great tip to remember when you find yourself in a stalker situation is to trust your instincts. Many victims of stalking situations often are encouraged by their friends or their

may also look into ways to use your technology devices in a more protected way. A great source for this is the National Network to End Domestic Violence Safety Net Project’s Tech Safety Site.

family to downplay the behavior of their stalker

5. Contacting a local victim service provider,

or the situation as a whole. However, your safety

such as Denton County’s Friends of the Family,

needs to be the number one priority. If you feel

is a vital part of safely escaping a stalker

any sort of real threat or harm, trust

situation. These local helpful sources can

your intuition.

aid you in exploring your options as well as

2. If you feel that you are in immediate danger, the first thing that you should do is call the

discussing a plan of safety for you and everyone involved.

police. They are going to be your number one

It’s important to note that as a victim of stalking,

source of protection in these horrid situations.

you can’t control your stalker’s behavior.

Take the time to explain the stalker’s actions

However, you should also feel empowered and

and why they are causing you distress or fear.

encouraged to take the necessary steps to keep

3. Keeping a record of each interaction of any

yourself and your loved ones safe from harm.

kind is a great tool to use when dealing with a stalker. There are examples and templates

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POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of isaacsmithforcongress.com

“T

o whom much is given, much is required.” This is what Isaac Smith has based his life on and what has started his journey of running for Congress. Isaac has been married to his wife, Tabitha, a nurse at Denton Presbyterian Hospital, for 14 years. Together, Isaac and

Tabitha have 2 beautiful adopted children. pandemic, Isaac’s business exploded and

dual citizenship until he was 17. “My parents

saw great success. “It was a great year for us

were missionaries in Mexico and I couldn’t wait

financially and when we asked God what we

to move to America to pursue the American

should do with our funds, we felt he told us to

Dream,” Isaac said. In 2011, a few years after his

pay off our home, so that’s what we did,” Isaac

move to the United States, Isaac made his way

said. “I love doing inspections; however, I’ve

to Texas and he’s called both Flower Mound

put my business to bed in order to follow God’s

and Highland Village his home ever since.

command to run for office.”

Isaac has a very faith-based background and

Isaac stands by his conservative and Christ-

lives his life accordingly. So, upon making

based values. “A lot of people don’t know that

Flower Mound their home, Isaac and Tabitha

they’re conservative but my wife and I know it.

quickly sought out the perfect church to call

And not only do we know it, but we also live it,”

home. After many different church visits, they

Isaac said.

Creek Church. “We knew that was where we were supposed to be and we’ve been there ever since,” Isaac said.

Isaac’s conservative beliefs are strongly represented in his stance on political issues. Some of his policy beliefs regard the freedom of choice when it comes to COVID

In 2013, Isaac started a small business

vaccines, election integrity, solutions to illegal

inspecting homes. Last year, during the

immigration, political term limits, support of

22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2022

life and making adoption a more accessible option, having a flat rate tax plan, and the support of the use and discovery of fossil fuels.

Isaac was born in Mexico and lived there with

finally found the perfect church family at Valley

the second and first amendments, being pro-

For the past 15 years, Isaac has paid great attention to politics and has always had strong opinions on what’s happening in our country. However, that being said, running for office was never something that Isaac believed he would do. “I was never one to have the desire to run for political office. However, I felt that this is what God has laid out for me to do,” Isaac said. “The position of a person in Congress is to represent the people and is held in high regard and should not be taken lightly,” Isaac said. With Isaac’s passion for his faith, his family, and his Christ-like values, he believes that he will have the character & strength to return integrity to the office and hopes to be able to humbly represent the people of our great state in his run for Congress.

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I’ve put my business to bed in order to follow God’s command to run for office.

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BALANCING your life after the

HOLIDAYS he holidays are officially over and now

Balance is their forte and sometimes bringing in

it’s time to get back to real life and find

an expert is just what you need. If your home is

that ends up being easier said than done. It can be hard to drag yourself out of holiday mode and back into reality mode. We go from time off from work, quality family time, and devoted holiday shopping to getting back to the old grind and trying to figure out how to function. However, we’re here to help make balancing

back on track

real-life balance. More times than not,

preparation

your life after the holidays a little bit easier.

A great way to set yourself up for success is to be prepared. If you know that waking up on time after the holidays is going to be a struggle, try prepping your morning coffee before you go to bed, that way all you have to do is press start in the morning. You could even make your lunch the night before. Taking a few extra steps in advance will help your days go more smooth and easy every time. 30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2022

Did you eat all of the yummy foods during the holidays that were definitely not on the

in order, your life will most likely follow.

organization

by Caylie Howard

diet plan? That’s totally okay, so did we! But if you’re looking to get back on track and find that balance in your diet, try planning out your meals and snacks week by week and shop accordingly. If you plan ahead, it’s going to be much easier to stay on the straight and narrow.

While we look forward to the holidays every year, every good thing must come to an end. And while that can be hard for us to comprehend, it always feels good to get back

The holidays can be a crazy time filled with gifts and decorations and sometimes it’s hard to get back into the mindset of organization. Taking down all of those decorations can be a daunting task. However, you don’t have to

to normal. With a few easy steps, bringing balance back into your life after the holidays doesn’t have to be such a difficult task. We wish you all the best with finding balance and bliss this New Year.

do it alone. Sometimes it could be extremely beneficial to bring in a professional organizer. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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