Merry Christmas From Bobbie Mitchell

It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving

by Denton County Commissioner Precinct 3 Bobbie Mitchell photo courtesy by Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell

As we begin the hurried rush to prepare for Christmas with gift buying, tree shopping, decorations, family gatherings, and holiday events, one message occasionally gets lost in the mix. "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."

That simple statement, courtesy of Mother Theresa, gets to the heart of what Christmas is all about – showing our love to family, friends, and those who support us in the many areas of our lives.

We are so fortunate, in times of need, to be surrounded by individuals who take the opportunity to sit and listen, offer a helping hand, or tackle tasks on our everexpanding “to do” lists.

Those people in our lives often do not realize how much they mean to us.

The holidays are a perfect time to do something simple to show them how thankful we are for what they do. A Christmas card with a special message thanking them for all they do can mean so much more than an expensive namebrand purse or the latest technology musthave available online.

Remember the hand-drawn holiday cards from your children and grandchildren that you would not part with for anything?

Or how about the quilt sewn by your grandmother that has a place of honor in the guest bedroom?

There’s the extra-large bottle of perfume your loved one bought just because it is your favorite; the comfy pair of house slippers your friend picked up because they know your feet hurt after a long day at work. These thoughtful gifts from those you love are important, not only because of who gave them but also because they took time to choose or create the gift especially for you.

Our small businesses across Denton County can provide those special gifts or the supplies to create your own.

Like the much-loved Christmas special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” we can find that forlorn, last tree in the lot and, with a bit of love, can turn it into something that brings us all together to share in the joy of this season.

“Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer Fun for all that children call Their favorite time of year

Snowflakes in the air

Carols everywhere Olden times and ancient rhymes Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air Beauty everywhere Yuletide by the fireside And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here Families drawing near Oh, that we could always see Such spirit through the year.”

Merry Christmas to all of you and may your holidays be blessed.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. 972.434.4780 | bobbie.mitchell@dentoncounty.com | www.facebook.com/DentonCountyTX | Twitter @DentonCountyTX

LINNYBIRD

BAKESHOP takes the Cupcake

Linnybird Bakeshop in Lake Dallas has mastered the ingredients of success. Owner, Lisa Britten, has been an expert in baking since 1997 but says that her love for the art goes as far back as she can remember.

However, Lisa’s baking success has dated back long before Linnybird Bakeshop was born. Prior to opening Linnybird, Lisa owned 4 separate bakery locations, along with owning a food truck.

But Lisa’s baking wasn’t just famous locally. Lisa went on to win Best Cupcake in Texas in 2011. “It’s an award that is very special to me. It was a once-in-alifetime experience. I got to go to our capital building and stand on the State Senate floor as they awarded me the Best Cupcake of Texas,” Lisa said.

But the road to Lisa’s success wasn’t always smooth sailing. In 2016, Lisa set by Caylie Howard Photography by What’s that Guy’s Name? Photography by Guy T down the piping bag and stepped away from the bakery to focus more on her children. However, once the pandemic came into effect, things ended up turning around for Lisa. Lisa had been employed as a Director of Catering but was laid off once COVID hit.

While being forced to stay home due to the shut-down, as well as being without a job, Lisa found that boredom had started to set in. “I swore that I would never touch a cupcake again,” Lisa said. But the boredom she felt led her to pick back up right where she left off. “I started baking unique cupcakes and posting them on Facebook and they were a hit. My friends wanted to start buying them from me and it kind of blew up from there. I was selling 100 dozen cupcakes a week out of my house,” Lisa said.

In August of 2020, Linnybird Bakeshop was born. “The name came from my mom

I started baking unique cupcakes and posting them on Facebook and they were a hit. My friends wanted to start buying them from me and it kind of blew up from there.

and daughter having the middle name Lynn. My aunt would call them her little Linnybirds.” Lisa said. And from there, Linnybird’s fastgrowing success has been undeniable. In a little over a year, Lisa and her bakery baby have outgrown their original location and have now opened a new location. But don’t worry, Linnybird won’t be going far. They will still be in Lake Dallas just off South Stemmons Freeway.

And with their new location comes new and exciting changes. “We will now be open seven days a week and will be offering an extended menu,” Lisa said. Such items include pies by the slice and extended cookie and cake options.

Linnybird is still offering their 8-core cupcake flavors; wedding cake, strawberry, chocolate, red velvet, childhood birthday cake, coconut cream, and the awarded Best Cupcake of Texas flavor berry pecan, as well as 4 rotating new flavors every week.

But sweets aren’t the only thing that they offer on their menu. They are serving graband-go lunches, as well as adding catering to their repertoire that will include brunch, appetizers, and light menu items. This new catering venture will come in handy as their new location will also be home to an event room.

The event room will be ready for bookings in February and will hold up to 20 people. “It’s going to be an impactful room. There will be custom tables and arrangements as well as a beautiful flower selfie wall. It will be very esthetically pleasing,” Lisa said.

However, the event room isn’t the only new addition to Linnybird. “When you walk in the door, you’ll be met with a beautiful 11-foot glass case right in front that swings around to add another 12 feet,” Lisa said. You’ll also be able to sit and enjoy your treats with their indoor and outdoor seating. Lisa and her entire staff at Linnybird have gone above and beyond to make this new location shine like a diamond and it’s safe to say that they’ve been successful in that. With their delicious treats and their hearts to serve the community, it’s easy to see how Linnybird Bakeshop holds their elite status in the communities of Denton County.

5006 S. Stemmons Frwy Lake Dallas, TX 940. 497.2727 linnybirdbakeshop.com