Lantana Living Magazine January 2022 by Murray Media Group

JANUARY 2022

things

PELLA WINDOWS BEST FRIENDS for millions of HOMES

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contents

FOR MILLIONS OF HOMES

ARTICLES 08

10 HOT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

LEGACY OF GIVING

FEVER IN CHILDREN

THE BIG GAME

GARDENING WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS

SHERIFF’S CORNER WITH SHERIFF TRACY MURPHREE

FEATURED

ISAAC SMITH FOR CONGRESS POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

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TA B L E O F

Best Friends 23

2022: A YEAR FOR SETTING GOALS

INSIDE COMMUNITY & EDUCATION

DENTON COUNTY YOUNG REPUBLICANS NETWORKING TOGETHER

FOODIE FRIDAY DFW: ALMA MEXICANA RESTAURANTE

TRAVEL WITH TERRI GUTHRIE

STALKER PREVENTION MONTH

GIVING BACK THROUGH ART

NO! EXPIRATION DATE FOR DREAMS

5 THINGS TO TRY

45 FITNESS WITH OUTLAW FITCAMP

CHERRY “NICE” CREAM RECIPE

HOME DECORATING WITH BOUGEE ON A BUDGET POSH HOME STAGING & REDESIGN 58 BALANCING YOUR LIFE AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

THE HEART OF HER LEGACY

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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

Lantana 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

Lantana 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. Lantana 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 | LANTANA LIVING | JANUARY 2022

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Legacy of

by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy of Michelle Cree

ichelle and Brian Cree's commitment to the Denton County community has gotten bigger and stronger over the years. The power couple from Highland Village was recently recognized by the 2021 Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award for their philanthropy in numerous ways. The

award was presented at United Way of Denton County's tenth annual UNITED Tribute gala celebration. "We are very much honored by this award; we'll continue giving back to the community and people with all our hearts," they said.

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Named after a famous icon who left an indelible

and Denton County students scholarships. "It's

impact on people's hearts, the Dr. Bettye Myers

very rewarding to see kids going to college

Humanitarian Award was established in 2014

and building a career," Brian mentioned.

to recognize and appreciate the community

Providing The Salvation Army in Lewisville with

leaders with an extraordinary contribution.

a community industrial kitchen in 2013 was the

Most recently, the couple played a significant role in building a landmark partnership between United Way of Denton County

first big project the Crees carried out. They both are incredibly proud of the long-lasting impact created by the programs they're involved in.

and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. The

Brian, CEO of SWX Global Design & Production,

collaboration has expanded the way United

inherited benevolence from his parents and

Way of Denton functions in several Denton

grandparents. He grew up being fascinated by

cities. "Brian and Michelle's leadership

stories of his grandfather taking his mom door

in uniting all of Denton County proved

to door in her childhood for charity works. Mary

advantageous," said Gary Henderson,

Anne Cree was also a renowned philanthropist

President, and CEO of United Way of Denton

and civic leader. United Way of Metropolitan

County. "The partnership has positioned us

Dallas headquarters is named in her honor.

to work county-wide with government and nonprofits to respond to the unprecedented impact of the pandemic."

With more than eight decades of family philanthropy, Brian adheres to a motto of his life, "work hard and give back." "My family is

Born and raised in Amarillo, Michelle, in her

Michelle and Brian's social works focus on the

extremely fortunate and blessed for the things

school days, realized that she's a people

areas of mental health, homelessness, and

we're able to do," he shared. Brian thoroughly

person. After graduating from Southwest Texas

scholarships. They've helped students through

enjoys working behind the scenes in

State University (now Texas State University)

programs like the Jack Canon music scholarship

business and humanitarianism.

with a degree in Social Work, she joined Dallas

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JANUARY 2022 | LANTANA LIVING | 13

County MHMR to work with adults with

both are incredibly humble and

intellectual disabilities in community-

grounded, as they believe that's how

based settings. Those 13 years prepared her for work in the nonprofit field, where she has held various roles. She has also earned the PTA Lifetime Achievement Award for her active roles in PTA with LISD elementary, middle & high school while her boys were in school. Michelle's ten years of involvement in LEF (Lewisville Education Foundation) have been crucial to her, along with her involvement in United Way Denton County, Salvation Army of North Texas, Metrocrest Community Services, and 100 Women Who Care. "I truly feel blessed to have been a part of so many organizations that have so positively impacted others,” she said. The success Brian and Michelle have

they cherish their accomplishments. Plus, one of the keys to their successful careers is "respect and dignity" toward each other. "My wife has always been very supportive, and I couldn't be more grateful for her," Brian expressed. "I am proud of what Brian has achieved as a social leader," Michelle shared with pride. "We never thought for this prestigious Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award; when you're in social works, you just keep doing that without any expectation," she added. To continue with the family's legacy of philanthropy, the couple's sons have participated in several projects with their parents. As the Crees continue serving the needs of Denton County,

achieved individually and collectively

we wish more power to their time,

over the years is praiseworthy. They

talents, and treasure.

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Denton County Young Republicans by Caylie Howard |photo courtesy of Lauren Homeyer

together The Denton County Young Republicans consist of a group of people ages fewer than 40 with the youngest age being 18. The members of the group meet every second Wednesday of every month. These meetings are held at different happy hour locations around Denton County. “We want to make sure that we’re reaching all corners of our County,” Lauren said. The Denton County Young Republicans is a great way to network, meet, and socialize with others that are around your age and are in similar walks of life. “We’re a very laid-back group,” Lauren said. In their short period of time of being established, the Denton County Young Republicans have made great connections in the community. They’ve had incredible guest speakers such as Texas State Senator Drew

ometimes it’s hard to get plugged into a group of people that are around your age range that have similar beliefs, values, and interests as yourself. However, finding that tribe of people is such a huge part of our community. That’s why the establishment of the Denton County Young

Republicans is such a huge milestone for the young people of our county. The Denton County Young Republicans kick-off took place in August of 2021. “We have a pretty good following and it’s really grown in the short time that we’ve been around,” Lauren Homeyer, President of the Denton County Young Republicans said.

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Springer and Member of the Texas House of Representatives Jared Patterson. “We’ve built great political relationships,” Lauren said. In the New Year, the Denton County Young Republicans would like to focus on growing their membership as well as giving back and getting plugged into the community through different nonprofits and community service groups.

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We have a pretty good following and it’s really grown in the short time that we’ve been around.

If you are looking to get involved in your community while also making connections and building strong and influential relationships, the Denton County Young Republicans are the group for you. If you’d like more information on how to get involved, you can check out the group’s Facebook page or other social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/DentonCountyYR

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best friends FOR MILLIONS OF HOMES By Diane Ciarloni

Photos courtesy of Pella Windows & Doors

here’s an easily identifiable ring of confidence in David Moore’s voice when he discusses Pella Windows and Doors,

Dallas Fort Worth. Pella Windows (manufactured by Pella Corporation) is a 100-year-old premium brand that is focused solely on designing and building high-quality windows and patio doors. The Pella DFW business is owned and operated locally, based in Grapevine. “Our primary focus is helping homeowners improve either the energy efficiency or appearance of their home with beautiful, new Pella Windows and Doors,” Moore explained. As everyone knows, the last couple of years have been very challenging, with many people working primarily from home. “With spending more time at home, the Pella-DFW team found that homeowners were choosing to invest in new windows and doors to make their homes more comfortable, to enjoy increased natural light, and to reduce outside noise,” Moore shared. “We understood that, more than ever, we look at our homes as sanctuaries. Those are some of the reasons we work with homeowners to make their homes as comfortable as possible.”

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“We understood that, more than ever, we look at our homes as sanctuaries. Those are some of the reasons we work with homeowners to make their homes as comfortable as possible.”

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“We offer the homeowner a complete, seamless

Pella offers some of the very best product

solution for their project,” Moore explained.

warranties in the industry as well as locally.

“Windows and doors work according to a

The Pella DFW business is so confident in

precise process, which can be confusing to

their expert installers that they offer a 10-year

some people. One of our main responsibilities

installation warranty (most other window

is defining for our customers what Pella solution

companies only back up their installations with

is best for their home and how they can

a one-year warranty).

get there.

“People become attached to the Pella products.

“We have five different window styles, with

They may have Pella doors and windows in their

numerous colors available and a great product

house in California but their company transfers

portfolio. We can pull together all of these

them to Arizona. They won’t be completely

pieces and come up with the perfect solution

satisfied with their new house until it, too, has

for individual needs. The best part is the entire

Pella products.

process is painless for the customer.”

833.307.2411 | www.pellabranch.com

“We’re here to make homes more comfortable,

A trained Pella representative arrives at the

quieter, and safer. We’re here to make homes

home to take careful, critical measurements for

look better and, in turn, increase pride of

windows and doors. This is a vital component in

ownership. Our products, and the care we

the process since a window measurement that

take in selection and installation, actually add

is ¼-inch off can spell disaster for

resale value to the home. We take all those

the installation.

responsibilities very seriously.”

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Pella® Windows & Doors | Serving Flower Mound

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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

JANUARY 2022 | LANTANA LIVING | 37

NO N O I T A R I P EX

my Bryan of Lantana shared a number of common denominators with other college students sitting in journalism

classrooms across the country. She wanted to write from the soul, from the heart. She worked hard. She did well. She graduated and, bam! Life got in her way. The soul and the heart faded to a dim background chatter as she began writing for money to pay the bills. “It wasn’t horrible,” Amy said. “I spent 15 years in digital marketing for the hospitality industry, and I enjoyed it tremendously. “Then, in January 2020, I was in London for a meeting. I was furloughed from my company two months later. Travel was one of the first

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S M A E R D r o f E T A D | hotography e Ciarloni P

by Dian

by Germaine

aphy Vlok Photogr

areas decimated by COVID, and that was me. “I was told I’d be out for two months, but that stretched into six. Anything with a door or a drawer in my house was given a vicious cleaning, but it wasn’t long before there was nothing left to organize. “I felt depression creeping in. Most of us don’t realize how much purpose our work provides, and I was beginning to feel a serious depletion of my value. I needed a direction.” Amy, 46, has been with her husband Kris since she was 19. He knows her well. “Kris told me to start writing,” she explained. “Write what?” I asked. “We tossed around ideas,

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“I was told I’d be out for two months, but that stretched into six. Anything with a door or a drawer in my house was given a vicious cleaning, but it wasn’t long before there was nothing left to organize.

and at one point, we began talking about that

seize a life of their own! It was so exhilarating

period in the 1980s when sick people put razor

that Amy is working on the second book!

blades and needles into Halloween trick or treat candy. We kept talking and the idea came together.” It was the middle of the COVID lockdown when Amy began typing a synopsis into her computer. She also spent hundreds of hours researching details from the ‘80s. Her main characters, a brother and a sister, were born. “The two kids go trick or treating,” Amy revealed. “Afterwards, before they’re allowed to eat any of the treats they collect, their mom takes them to the local hospital to x-ray everything, making sure there were no razor blades or other foreign objects. “The rest of the book, named Ra-d8 by Kris, is about the adventures of the two siblings and their friends after they eat the x-rayed treats. It took me four months to write 300 pages. “My ‘test reader” was our 11-year-old daughter Riley. Now, I admit, Riley will read anything and everything. She’s unable to resist even an instruction manual if it’s on a table next to her! I let her read it as it progressed. She’d get to a stopping point and become frustrated because she had to wait for the next chapter. I was trying to keep in mind the elements that encourage a child to continue reading.” Only a true writer can appreciate the pure

“After the book was finished, it was time for me to learn everything I could about selfpublishing. Now that was a tough job and, for me, it was not fun.” Amy stuck with it, spending another six months getting Ra-d8 into print. “I did it for a lot less money than I was told it would take,” she said, “but I’m still in a financial hole. I have it listed on Amazon and Google, as well as on the author’s pages of Amazon and Facebook. It’s written under the pen name of Stevie Alexander. “I’ve also done a book signing at Lantana Martial Arts, where I’ve been very active.” Amy is back at her old job, but she’s working from home. Kris is at work and Rylie is in school. That means there is still time for Amy to breathe life back into her characters as they march into the second book. Fortunately, there is no expiration date on making dreams come true. To find out more about Ra-d8: https:// www.amazon.com/Stevie-Alexander/e/ B09FQCB3KH?ref =dbs p pbk r00 abau 000000 https://www.amazon.com/RA-D8Halloween-Hypothesis-Stevie-Alexander/ dp/1737010402/ https://www.facebook.com/ steviealexanderauthor

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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

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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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Giving Back Through Art by Mark Miller | photos courtesy of Ryan Sanford and Tavia Whitlowe

At first, the long-time Legacy Lace Wigs owner

another whether it’s in church or in life,” said the

painted pieces for her home. Then husband

mother of six. Her own children have donated

Ryan suggested she start selling them. Not

hair for other kids.

ith her primary business closed for five months at the start of the pandemic, Ty Sanford

All of her art proceeds and 10 percent of every

needed something to address being trapped in her Flower Mound home.

wig sold at Legacy go directly to Tresses. That

So she turned to art.

also helped her create a room to display her

knowing how to do that, one of Ryan’s coworkers told them about Etsy online stores which she opened in October 2020. Since then, she has sold 144 paintings globally. “I didn’t even realize I made that many paintings,” she said. “I had it to where it would take two weeks to get it but sold them so fast I had to shut off my shop for a while because I had to catch up. “I had no idea anyone would buy them. I knew I had the talent – I had a scholarship for art in college – but never thought I could make a business out of it.” That business has helped her fund the Tresses of Care non-profit organization she started in 2018 after learning of children with

work in the building she and Ryan own adjacent to Alforno’s Italian Kitchen on Morriss Road. After starting college at Texas Women’s University, she transferred to the University of North Texas where she earned a bachelor’s, executive master’s, and Ph.D. in psychology. She employs a homeopathic way of helping clients deal with hair loss through wigs. “A lot of people come to me and say, thank you for not making this awkward,” she said. “How can anyone not make this fun. I mean we’re playing dressup here.” Sanford started her business out of

medical hair loss issues. “My mother always told me you have to give back one way or

DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT

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972.330.3338 | tressesofcare.org | info@tressesofcare.org

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How can anyone not make this fun. I mean we’re playing dressup here.”

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JANUARY 2022 | LANTANA LIVING | 55

her home in 2010 before opening a shop on Sagebrush Drive in 2013. That had to close in February when the pipes burst during the snow and cold storm. “It was like it rained inside the shop,” she said. “I lost everything.” She engaged her overseas connections to restock her inventory and moved to her current location in June. “It’s exciting. It’s a new place with new space and new energy and motivation,” she said. While Sanford has an online site for clients to browse her wigs, she prefers serving them in-person by appointment only to maintain privacy. Sanford is planning two promotional events in 2022 – one called Giving of Yourself – where stylists give free haircuts used to create wigs. The other is Mocktails on the Mound where people will create their own artsy version of cocktails. 56 | LANTANA LIVING | JANUARY 2022

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FACEBOOK.COM/LANTANALIVING

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BALANCING your life after the

HOLIDAYS by Caylie Howard

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he holidays are officially over and now it’s time to get back to real life and find real-life balance. More times than not, 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 your life after the holidays a little bit easier.

preparation 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.

back on track

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

organize 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 do it alone. Sometimes it could be extremely beneficial to bring in a professional organizer. Balance is their forte and sometimes bringing in an expert is just what you need. If your home is in order, your life will most likely follow. 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 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. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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by Caylie Howard | Photography by B Faith Photography

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“Lori genuinely cares about people. She’s not in real estate for the money. She does what she does because she can use her skills to bring joy to people and help them find their dream home,” Brandon said.

inding a realtor that isn’t solely focused on just the sale, but also on what is truly best for you and your family can be such a

rare find. That’s one reason why Lori Jacobson, founder of The Legacy Group, is so special. She genuinely cares about each and every person she encounters. You may enter as a client, but you’ll leave as a friend. And what’s even more incredible, is she’s now able to work with her daughter to build something truly generational; passing on her compassionate and heartfelt legacy to her daughter, Addi. Nothing means more to Lori than her family. Everything she does, she does with them in mind. But just like any successful person in business, Lori has felt and seen the struggle of finding balance when it comes to work and family life. All too often with successful entrepreneurs & business leaders, family gets pushed to the side to make room for work and the responsibilities that go along with that. Lori unashamedly admits this has happened in the past; another reason why it’s been so special to have her oldest daughter become a part of The Legacy Group. Bringing 21 year old, Addi, into the business has always been a part of Lori’s dream. Addi had previously been a student at Texas Tech. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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transactions, giving Lori more time to focus on providing her clients with the best possible service which is where Lori’s true passions lie. “Lori genuinely cares about people. She’s not in real estate for the money. She does what she does because she can use her skills to bring joy to people and help them find their dream home,” Brandon said. On top of adding Addi to the company, The Legacy Group joined one of the biggest brokerage companies in the country, Compass, in April of 2021. “There were a bunch of reasons to make the move to Compass from being independent. One was the technology that they offered. What we have now is something that would have taken us much longer to achieve in-house and, honestly, wouldn’t have been as good. And it just works,” Brandon said. A second reason was that the brand components of Compass are all on-brand with The Legacy Group. Compass is elegant, powerful, clean and simple, and modern; all of which have been brand pillars for The Legacy Group since its inception. Compass will also be beneficial to Lori to bring even more balance to her life by giving her another office location in The Shops of Highland Village; a bit closer to one of her major expanding markets of Argyle. Every person that meets Lori feels the kindness, generosity, and care that she openly exudes. Her gracious dedication to not only her clients but also her family is such a rare characteristic that it’s easy to see why she is held in such “When COVID happened, Tech shut the campus down. Addi took advantage of that timing by getting her real estate license,” Lori’s Business & Marketing Director, Brandon Geoffrion, said. “Addi has been a fully licensed realtor on the team since April 2021 and has been like a sponge ever since.” Being able to work closely with her daughter and combine her work and family life has truly brought happiness and bliss to Lori. Lori takes great pride in teaching Addi everything she knows. Things like how to build her own successful network, to the ins & outs of contracts, and how to treat people to separate yourself in the industry.

high regard in Denton County. And with Lori continuing her Legacy with her daughter, there’s no end to what the power duo will be able to accomplish together for years to come. dfwlegacygroup.com | 817.797.6875 team@dfwlegacygroup.com 613 N. Walnut Street Roanoke, TX 76262

“It’s been really fun to watch them learn and grow from each other. Lori is teaching Addi a lot, and Addi is getting to teach Lori a few things too,” Brandon said. Bringing Addi onboard has benefited Lori in more ways than one. Addi is learning how to do some of the “day in the life” or “operational” sides of being a realtor by helping her mom on some of her

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