Lantana Living Magazine November 2019 by Murray Media Group

NOVEMBER 15, 2019 - DECEMBER 13, 2019 40 & Under Top Professionals Issue

If You Can

THINK IT, WE CAN

BUILD IT GIVING BACK FOR

THE HOLIDAYS

INSPIRATIONAL

QUOTES

HOLIDAY CLEANING TIPS

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977

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LantanaLiving.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo

Advertising

Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

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 and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email

artwork@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. © 2019 Murray Media Group

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THE MOMENTS T

That Matter

he theme of this issue is to celebrate 40-under professionals. These are the top go-getters in their industry; the small-business owners you look at and say, “Wow, they’ve got it all together. How did they become so successful — and all before the age of 40?”

As I sit here scarfing down a chicken salad Not to brag, but we feel pretty proud while trying not to mess up my keyboard of the publications we continue to churn as I type, I am reminded that the days of out each month, whether it’s one of our being under 40 have long since passed numerous monthly magazines or our for Scott and me. I’m not yearly issue of Best of Denton going to admit how old County. And we’re extremely From growing up in we are, but I can promise proud of the business owners Canada to moving to you we’re not too old to Texas to raise a family, whose stories we share forget where we’ve been I can’t remember a day every day. and how far we’ve come. where I didn’t have a So as you scan the pages From growing up in vision of being the best of this month’s issue, take a Canada to moving to I could possibly be. second to really pay attention Texas to raise a family, to the young business owners I can’t remember a day we have highlighted. Their stories are where I didn’t have a vision of being the sure to inspire. best I could possibly be. It didn’t matter how young we were. We knew what we wanted and went after that proverbial brass ring as hard as we could. Having our own company, being successful, and surrounding ourselves with amazing employees who share that dream is a dream come true.

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

Publisher of Murray Media Group kelly@murray-media.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 40 & Under Top Professionals

ISSUE

Find your local, top professionals under the age of 40 years old in your area.

On the Cover is: Chris Bowen of Bowen Pools

FEATURED:

If You Can Think It, We Can Build It

ASK THE EXPERTS

PHOTOS FROM LANTANA

12 Gardening with

49 Lantana Resident’s

Complete Solutions

15 Fitness with Jesse James Fit 19 Legal Advice with Balmos Law 42 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing

50 Edit This with Steve Gamel

Halloween Photos

In Every Image

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Sheriff Tracy Murphree

36 Holiday Shopping? Think Small

40 How to Get Your Man

10 Inside Community 11 Inside Education 16 Make Your List And Check It Once 23 Community Corner

56 Nick Allen: Capturing Your Story

35 Sheriff’s Corner with

08 Inspirational Quotes

06 F45 Training Lantana: Functional

Experience With A Neighborhood Atmosphere

Giving Back For The Holidays

39 STDs

20 The Gift of Travel

26 The Brass Tap: A Crafted

EDITORS PICK:

ARTICLES

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Training In Under An Hour

24 Keeping Motivated to Run Outside During The Winter

30 Holiday Cleaning Tips 31 Dental Advancements to Be Thankful For

To Go To The Doctor

44 How Much Christmas

Decorating is Too Much?

52 Guyer Star Jakobe Coles Commits To Butler

54 Fall Fashion Trends 59 Foodie Friday with Jay Marks Real Estate

61 Holiday Worship Services 62 Gobble without the Wobble! NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 5

Business Spotlight

Functional TRAINING photo courtesy of F45 Lantana

In Under An Hour by Steve Gamel

veron Edwards vividly remembers being in the middle of the Caribbean Ocean on a cruise when he first heard a friend mention a wildly-popular fitness facility called F45 Training. His friend was hooked on the concept, which delivered on its promise of getting an intense workout in under an hour and seeing his enthusiasm prompted Averon to check it out. As it turned out, he and his wife, Jennifer, found a location in Corinth and instantly

fell in love — so much so that they opened their own F45 Training franchise just more than a month ago in Lantana. “We have a strong member base, but still have plenty of room to grow,” Averon said. “The biggest thing for us is creating a fun place to train and creating more awareness for F45 Training Lantana and our awesome trainers/coaches. If you walk up to 10 people and ask them if they know what F45 is, the odds are high that none of them would know yet. But we’re getting there. We feel like those who have

experienced it are hooked. The workouts are great, and the atmosphere is amazing.”

One of the biggest selling points for Averon and Jennifer was that they had the autonomy to give their Lantana location their own look and feel. Every single one of their personal trainers is certified, which means the clients receive an unrivaled personal training experience while still working out in a group setting.

F45 is the world’s fastest-growing

On Saturdays, they hold a one-hour session and invite a DJ to play live music.

so much hype because, unlike traditional

“It’s 45 minutes, in and out. Also, all of our classes are different. So you never end up repeating the same workout,” Averon said. “Our personal trainers provide that oneon-one feel and are there to help correct your form, get you through the workout, and prevent injuries. We found this and love it. This was definitely a good fit.”

functional training community. There is workout clubs and gyms, F45 specializes in innovative, high-intensity group workouts that are fast, fun, and resultsdriven. The “F” in the name stands for functional training, which incorporates a mix of circuit and HIIT-style workouts geared toward everyday movements. The “45” represents the amount of minutes it takes to get through the workout.

To learn more about F45 Training, visit www.f45training.com/lantana or call 972.685.1998.

972.685.1998 | www.f45training.com/lantana | 3600 FM 407 E., Ste. 180 & 185 • Bartonville, TX 76226

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40 & Under Top Professionals

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES From Young Professionals In Denton County

by Steve Gamel

Allison Liberio, Family Hearing Practice PLLC

(photographed to the left)

“Find someone who knows how to run a business and ask them to mentor you. You don’t know what you don’t know. During my first year in business, my goal was to not run out of money. After that, I didn’t really have a goal. I needed some direction. My business coach has been critical in helping me to find out what I want out of my business and the steps I need to accomplish them.” “You decide your stress level. You can choose to be stressed over the business and its growth (or lack thereof), or you can choose to see every day as an opportunity to pursue your dream. I love my job. It doesn’t often stress me out. I am privileged to get the chance to chase my dreams.” photo courtesy of Allison Liberio

Chris Bowen, Bowen Pools (photographed to the right)

“I make it a point to attend WAVE (for young professionals in the pool industry) events and network with other entrepreneurs. I attend chamber meetings and other various networking groups to try and meet likeminded people. It’s important to help each other even when in the same industry because you never know when you’ll be the one who needs help.” “Things don’t always work out the way you think they’re going to, so be prepared! There’s also no obstacle that can’t be overcome with hard work, grit, and determination.” photography by What’s That Guys Name? Guy T Photography 8 | LANTANA LIVING

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Awstin Gregg, Connections Wellness Group

(photographed to the left)

“Take the leap! Chase your dream! You’ll regret the things in life you don’t ever do more than you will the things you do. Find a problem in the community, solve the problem, and create a business plan around that solution. You’ll never reach a point where you feel you have sufficient courage or preparedness to start your own business. So, don’t wait for this mystical reassurance. Celebrate your failures as much as you do your successes. No matter the outcome, you are a better person for it.”

photography by What’s That Guys Name? Guy T Photography

“I am afraid of failing every single day, and to be honest, I hope that fear never goes away. The fear of failing helps ensure I constantly improve, am constantly vigilant, and constantly never forgetting the value of a hard-working employee, of a little win, and of the vision for the company. True growth happens outside of the comfort zone. If there is ever a day I am no longer fearful, then I’m no longer growing or pushing myself. And, that in and of itself, is something to be afraid of, too.”

Jennifer Balmos, Balmos Law

(photographed to the right)

“Having a support system is vital, whether it is family, friends, or other professionals. I think being a leader doesn’t mean having all of the answers; I think it means being humble enough to admit when you need to research further or confer with a colleague.” “From my own perspective, there have been so many instances where I’ve been the only woman at the table — or the youngest person at the table. That was intimidating to me at the beginning of my career. Fifteen years into my practice, I’m usually not the youngest anymore! And I’ve been around long enough to know how to deal with those who might not take me as seriously.” photo courtesy of Jennifer Balmos

Tracee Elrod, CoServ (photographed to the left)

“I think it is important for young professionals to get together to strategize and to discuss wins and obstacles they are facing. Young professionals bring new ideas and new ways of doing things to the table, but we cannot, and must not, discount the older generations and the value they bring to the table through their experiences! It’s a joint venture that can boost an up and coming business with new ideas, plans and technology, as well as not wasting time on repeating a past mistake or idea that hurt or held the business back.”

photo courtesy of Tracee Elrod www.LantanaLiving.com

“As I look back on my 11.5 years at CoServ, and where I am today, I want to give credit to my mom and dad. They taught me to work from the ground up. That hard work and perseverance, in the beginning, will open doors in the future. I cannot thank my mom and dad enough for the education, experiences, and advice that have given me and continue to give to me to this day. ” NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 9

INSIDE COMMUNITY DENTON HOLIDAY LIGHTING Fri., Dec. 6 | 5:30 - 9:30pm | Denton Square 110 West Hickory • Denton, TX 76201 Since 1988 Denton has captured the true spirit of a small town holiday celebration. You’re invited to the 31st annual festival and toy drive. There will be food and drinks, horse drawn wagon rides, and photos with Santa! Come early and stay late to enjoy all this historic square and festival has to offer! For activity pricing, parking information, or photo courtesy Denton Holiday Lighting

how to donate to the toy drive please visit www.dentonholidaylighting.com.

TOYS FOR TOTS AND FAMILY PICTURES

BREAKFAST IN BETHLEHEM

PAWSITIVE VIBES

Sat., Dec 7 | 10am - 12pm Argyle United Methodist Church 9033 Fort Worth Dr • Argyle, TX 76226

With a love for art and animals, Guyer

Breakfast in Bethlehem is an event that includes activities for the whole family and is open to the public. Join us for a pancake breakfast, a live nativity, and craft marketplace. There will be a photo booth and petting zoo! For more events at the church during the holidays visit www.argyleumc.org. 10 | LANTANA LIVING

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High School student, Maddy Huffman has combined her passions and turned it into her business! Pawsitive Vibes is her outlet to create custom, affordable artwork of your furry family members. To have Maddy create a custom portrait of your furbaby and to view her digital art gallery visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ PawsitiveVibesArt.

Denton County resident and owner of Virgo Immen Photography & Design, Sheena LeMay-Nelssen has teamed up with Toys For Tots to combine family portraits and the spirit of giving. Sheena is offering discounts with a new and unwrapped toy donation on mini and standard sessions. One toy donation equals three additional photos, a $30 value, and if you donate five or more toys you receive $30 off your session fee. For every toy donated Sheena and her family match it. Her toy drive wraps up December 14, so book your appointment today! Sheena does all styles of photography. You can schedule your session at www.virgoimmenphotography.com. www.LantanaLiving.com

INSIDE EDUCATION photo courtesy of Greg Meshell

HARPOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL On October 26, the eighth grade volleyball team brought home their 2nd consecutive district champion trophy. The district tournament was held at Ryan High School, the girls beat Crownover Middle School in the semifinals and Lakeside Junior High in the Finals. Including this district win, they have a total of three championship trophies this year and ended their season with a perfect record of 20-0.

photo courtesy of Bridget Matamoros Mota

Congratulations, Longhorns! Varsity Men’s Basketball VS Lakeview Centennial Nov. 19 | 7:30pm at GHS Main Gym

GUYER HIGH SCHOOL ROBOTICS Sat., Dec. 6 | 4 - 7pm | Sun., Dec. 7 | 8:30am - 12pm Comerica Center 2601 Avenue of the Stars • Frisco, TX 75034

Varsity Women’s Basketball Sadie’s Sleigh Night VS Richardson Dec. 10 | 7pm at GHS Main Gym

The incredible Guyer STEAM Team placed 2nd for the BEST Award and earned the award for Best Marketing Presentation at the Denton County Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) competition Saturday, October 26. The team had to simulate the recovery of the power grid after a natural disaster using their robot named Stickers. This qualified the team for the UIL State Robotics Competition in December. Come be apart of the cheering squad! The Denton County BEST hub needs community support in order to keep these groups competing, if you would like to become a sponsor email Dr. Anaya at Leticia.Anaya@unt.edu.

Varsity Women’s Soccer VS Marcus Dec. 12 | 7:30pm at GHS Main Stadium Varsity Men’s Basketball VS Cardinal Ritter Dec. 13 | 5pm at Cardinal Ritter

PROFILES IN COURAGE ESSAY CONTEST Liberty Christian School student, Kelly Becker, advanced to the second round in the 2019 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest and her essay placed in the top 10 percent of the more than 2,500 that were submitted from across the country. The contest is based on Kennedy’s 1957 book “Profiles in Courage.” Kelly wrote about former Governor of Kentucky Steve Beshear who restored the voting rights of convicted

Varsity Men’s Soccer VS Flower Mound Jaguars Dec. 17 | 7:30pm at GHS Stadium Varsity Women’s Basketball VS Carroll (Southlake) Dec. 20 | 6pm at GHS Main Gym

Kentuckians. Congratulations, Kelly! photo courtesy of Vivian Nichols www.LantanaLiving.com

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Ask The Expert: Gardening

Fall In Texas T

he cooler air is here, rains been falling & the days are shorter. Fall in Texas is probably one of my favorite times of the year, it’s also a great time to make some improvements around your property.

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

ADDING COLOR

LIGHTING

Fireplaces, pots & troughs are all great ways to add a feature to your space. Fire tables can also be a big hit! Their sleek design and easy usage make them a great choice for larger groups, whereas fireplaces are ideal for those looking for a more intimate experience. You can’t go wrong Incorporating that fire element with-in your outdoor space. Whether you’re outside enjoying the warmth or inside just looking out, functioning or purely aesthetic it’s a win-win.

•

Chrysanthemums are a common autumn flower in North Texas.

•

Pansies are hardy plants ideal for North Texas winters.

•

Texas Aster or Fall Aster blossoms from September to November in North Texas.

•

Snapdragons.

•

Marigolds are one of the best picks, because they bloom in the classic autumn colors: orange, yellow, gold, etc. The two most common groups of marigolds are the French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and the African (Tagetes erecta).

With less hours of daylight this time of year, lighting is a great option to extend your usage. Adding some string lights along a handrail to create a boarder, putting some bulbs in a seasonal wreath for interest, or running some Edison lights to light up the sky all will enhance your space. When it comes to safety and showing off the dynamics of your property, we suggest LED fixtures. These will help visitors navigate walkways & split level patios while highlighting features at the same time.

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Fire photo and lighting photo courtesy of Complete Solutions

FIRE FEATURES

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Fitness: Ask The Expert •

YOUR

Survival Strategy THERE’S NO DENYING THAT THE HOLIDAYS HAVE ARRIVED.

ights have been strung, gifts are being wrapped, and holiday treats are everywhere.

•

Just no starchy vegetables like potato or corn

•

Lots of lean, protein-filled meats and eggs

•

Stick with meat that has been roasted, barbecued, or baked

•

Avoid fried meats and eggs

Not so fast.

•

Fruits, nuts, and seeds in moderation

We’ve come up with a survival strategy to keep holiday pounds from making a permanent home on your hips.

•

Fresh fruit for a delicious dessert

•

A handful of nuts or seeds for a snack

•

Don’t eat sugar-added fruits, nuts, or seeds

It’s no secret that most people gain 5 to 10 pounds over the next month. With all the parties, special meals, and edible gifts, weight gain is pretty much inevitable...right?

This strategy is very simple. I’m not expecting you to have the time to log all your calories or eat every meal at home. We are going to be realistic. Golden Tip to Avoid Holiday Pounds: Spend the next four weeks eating like a caveman, with two daily exceptions. Here’s why: Holiday pounds are caused by eating too many foods that are high in carbohydrates and simple sugars. You can avoid all that by sticking with an eating plan created by our prehistoric ancestors while still keeping things fun by allowing for two small daily exceptions.

Holiday drinks: 8 ounces

This plan works because it allows you to indulge in two exceptions each day. This encourages you to pick and choose the holiday cheat food that you really love, as opposed to feeling obligated to eat everything in sight. When you navigate the buffet line at your next holiday party, feel confident knowing that you have a game plan. Stick with salad, vegetables, and meats first, then pick out your two small exceptions and savor those. Remember, we’re here to help you meet your fitness and weight loss goals. Call or email today to get started on a fitness program that will turn your holiday weight gain into a holiday slim down.

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp JesseJamesFit.com OutlawFitcamp.com

Then enjoy 2 small exceptions. •

Bread or grain product: No larger than the size of your hand

•

Starchy vegetables: Half of a cup

•

Baked goods: Should fit into the palm of your hand

•

Candies or confections: The smaller the better

This is what you would eat... •

As many fresh and fiber-filled vegetables as you want

•

Load up on salads

•

Enjoy vegetable side dishes

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MAKE YOUR LIST AND CHECK IT...

by B r

ooke E

zzo

N C E

anta isn’t the only one making a list this year. Thanks to the programming folks in the tech world, holiday shopping has become a lot easier. Whether you shop online or shop around the mall (is that still a thing?), you may want to take your first step by downloading an app that can end gift anxiety.

With the help of these apps you will be able to create gift lists, stay within budget, organize lists according to each person, and keep track of your purchases. Throw out the Post-Its and scrap paper, and no need to check the list twice. These apps are customizable and allow you to have everything you need in one secure location. Here are a few of the top gift list trackers this season:

GIFTSTER Free IOS | ANDROID

THE CHRISTMAS LIST $2.99 IOS | ANDROID

SANTA’S BAG Free IOS

This simple and easy-to-use app is a private gift registry that allows you to organize lists for groups of people. Get your family and friends to join Giftster; each person creates a list of their wants and you are able to see it and buy it with just one click. The “reserve” feature is great because it eliminates duplicate gifts and the hassle of finding receipts.

No idea what to get? This app has a curated list of all the top gift ideas for this year; you can browse through and add to your wishlist. With only four main parts to the app, it is easy to get started. Create a list, share with your friends and family, claim the items you want to purchase, and then set a budget for each person on your “Nice-List.” Stay organized and don’t lose track of time with this app’s fun Christmas countdown feature.

Have you ever found a gift in the closet after Christmas? Unwrapped, no name, and no idea why you bought it? Santa’s Bag relieves the holiday brain fog with its simple to use category feature. After you’ve created your lists, added each person, and picked out their gifts, you can then categorize each gift as an idea, purchased, wrapped, or given. Do you hide gifts? In the app, add a location next to each item and the app will remind you where you hid it!

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GIFTED $2.99 IOS Re-gifting. It’s a thing. Not only does Gifted allow you to make lists and budgets like the other tracker apps, it goes one step further by keeping inventory of gifts from previous occasions. With the gift closet, you are able to track all your spare gifts: homemade gifts, items you bought on sale, the ones you want to re-gift, or the over-sized sweater Grandma Betty made you last year. And it is all noted in the app so you don’t re-gift to the wrong person!

CHRISTMAS GIFT LIST Free ANDROID Christmas gifts are personal. At least they can be with the Christmas Gift List personal profile features. For every family member or friend you enter in the app, you can create an ongoing list of likes, dislikes, and interests. The app archives the information so each year you can remember the non-drinkers, the ones with food allergies, or that Billy doesn’t watch Sesame Street anymore. This app also supports multiple currencies and languages! A good gift-list app should be able to handle the fast-paced, multi-tasking race that is the Christmas season. We’ve found the best of the best for you! Put down the pencil, pick up your smart phone and choose an app, and let’s end gift anxiety once and for all! www.LantanaLiving.com

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Legal Advice: Ask The Expert

Loved Ones With

SPECIAL NEEDS

REQUIRE SPECIAL PLANS by Jennifer Balmos Balmos Law, PLLC 940.300.9834 Balmoslaw.com

ell-intentioned friends or family members often choose to leave an inheritance to a loved one with special needs. They may wish to help provide for their loved one’s longterm care or simply allow him or her to pursue hobbies or splurge on a vacation.

SPE

NE CIAL

UST S TR

Unfortunately, despite their best intentions, that gift may backfire. For example, an outright gift or inheritance may disqualify a person receiving Medicaid or SSI from critical benefits. Instead of using the inheritance to enrich his or her life, the recipient must now use that money to support him or herself or pay for medical care during a “penalty period” until benefits may resume. This is the last thing anyone would want to happen. Proactive planning, such as establishing a third-party Special Needs Trust, eliminates this issue. Special Needs Trusts allow an inheritance (or other gifts) to enhance the person’s life while also maintaining eligibility for certain benefit programs. The trust can provide funds for things like vacations, additional therapies,

trips to the movies, mobility devices,

specialized clothing/footwear or books, and hobby materials. A Special Needs Trust is not a blank check, however.

Money in the trust must be spent for the beneficiary’s sole benefit. So while the trust can pay for the beneficiary (and

potentially, a caregiver) to go on vacation, it may not pay for the rest of the family to go as well. Additionally, the beneficiary may not manage or control the money.

The trust must be managed by a trustee who oversees all distributions and

ensures that they comply with Federal and state regulations.

Because each person’s needs are unique

— and because each benefit program has certain exceptions — it is imperative to

consult with an attorney to ensure that a gift doesn’t become a curse.

Special Needs Trusts allow an inheritance (or other gifts) to enhance the person’s life while also maintaining eligibility for certain benefit programs. NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 19

The

Gift

Travel by Jenna Anderson, Ears of Experience, janderson@themousexperts.com

he holidays are quickly approaching. Soon you will be searching for the “perfect” gifts. Armed with your family’s wish lists, you’ll be on a mission to make sure everyone gets exactly what they want. How many of those “perfect” gifts will be in back of the closet untouched or even unopen when it’s time for spring cleaning? All that time and money spent shopping for those gifts could have been spent in other ways.

More families are opting to gift each other with the gift of travel. If you want to do something memorable for your family this holiday season, consider the gift of a trip to a Disney destination. If you believe Disney is just for small kids, let me ensure you that all Disney destinations have something for everyone in the family to enjoy. If the parks aren’t calling your name, you can choose to spend a day on one of the PGA golf courses at Walt Disney World. If your golf game is rusty, you can spend the day shopping and dining in Disney Springs. A trip on a Disney cruise offers similar options. Each ship has areas designed specifically for kids, teens, and adults plus a variety of exciting port adventures at each stop.

The best part is all these services come at no additional cost to you. Save yourself some time this holiday season and let me plan the perfect gift for each member of your family. Material gifts are temporary, but experiences are timeless.

As a member of the Ears of Experience

team, I can plan the perfect trip for your family. In addition to handling all parts of the quoting and planning process, you will receive a personalized itinerary created specifically for your family.

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COMMUNITY

CORNER BEING THANKFUL

photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson

by Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 Dianne Edmondson

ith Thanksgiving just around the corner, I’m very thankful to God for the privilege of living in this wonderful country, this awesome state and this amazing county. I also want to give thanks for the efforts of many in Denton County who go the extra mile to ensure we deliver the best services to you – our customer.

It is important to all of us that we hold ourselves accountable in all aspects of our operation. We understand the importance of providing quality assistance whether you are registering a vehicle, voting in an election, dealing with our sheriff’s deputies or driving our roads to get to and from work and home. Our role is to serve you. And we are thankful for the opportunity to do so. Denton County Budget and Purchasing Departments recognized as among the state’s best … AGAIN! Please join me in congratulating the Denton County Budget and Purchasing Departments for recently receiving significant recognition for their work. These honors demonstrate how important it is to me and the entire Commissioners Court that we continue to provide quality services to our residents by ensuring we follow the best practices possible. www.LantanaLiving.com

Denton County Public Health Honored As Patriotic Employer Denton County Public Health (DCPH) Director Dr. Matt Richardson was recently honored by Bob Martinez, DCPH Public Health Preparedness Coordinator, with recognition from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The certificate from the Office of the Secretary of Defense honors both Dr. Richardson and DCPH as a Patriotic Employer for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.

photographed above is Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 Dianne Edmondson

the names of 21 co-workers who demonstrated commitment to excellence and dedication to the people of Denton County. Budi Yulianto, who has worked for Denton County in the Department of Technology since October 2001, was this year’s recipient. He was honored during a recent Denton County Commissioners Court meeting and at the annual employee picnic. Other employees who were also recognized as runners up for the award include: Ali Silva (442nd District Court), Laura Medcafe and Jennifer Harbour (Purchasing), Brittney Lasley and Shannon Ward (Juvenile Probation) and Joe Paul Gallo (Public Health).

Denton County Recognizes Employee With John A. Scott Award

I want to personally thank each of these honored employees for all they do for Denton County, and I want to thank you, our citizens, for the trust and responsibility you have placed in your County Commissioners Court.

Every year, one of our more than 1,700 employees is honored with the John A. Scott Award, named for a former Director of Facilities. Employees submitted

If you would like to receive a newsletter, please contact Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson at Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.com and ask to be placed on the email list. OR CALL AT 972.434.3960. NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 23

KEEPING MOTIVATED

TO RUN OUTSIDE During The Winter by Steve Gamel

hen the weather is great, there’s plenty of avid runners who prefer to skip the treadmill and log a few dozen miles outside on a nearby trail or through a few big neighborhoods. But it’s difficult for even the most dedicated of us to keep up that momentum during the winter when the wind, cold, and rain are so unforgiving that our noses freeze over and fingers turn to icicles inside the first half-mile. Simply put, running in the cold sucks. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep yourself motivated to run outside during the winter: Find a buddy:

Running partners hold you accountable no matter what time of year you prefer to run. But they really come in handy during the winter when it’s easy to say, “Nah, I’ll just skip today and stay cozy under the blankets.” As they say, misery loves company. If you can get three or four buddies to power through a cold run with you, or you can find a local running club, you’ll be much better off. 24 | LANTANA LIVING

| NOVEMBER 2019

Buy the right equipment: We all love to run in our sleek, new outfits during the summer. But none of that will work during the winter. Winter gear can include everything from gloves and hand warmers to long-sleeve tech shirts, running tights or sweatpants, and beanie caps. There are ways to layer up comfortably without feeling too weighed down for your run. Sleep in your running gear: To piggyback off the previous tip, consider sleeping in your workout gear. This way, you’re ready to go with zero excuses when the alarm clock goes off at 5 a.m. Sign up for a race: You’re less likely to skip out on a run in frigid temps if you’ve signed up for a local 5K and can use it as motivation to keep plugging along. Those race days can even count as your workout, and you won’t be running it alone. Keep your mental game in check: Set goals for yourself and remember that this is wintertime. That means lots of holiday parties with food that’s not so good for you. These cheat meals will rack up and can easily expand your waistline if you start skipping two or three runs each week. Stay mindful of your weight loss goals and get to running as much as possible. Reward yourself for going: The health and fitness gurus of the world will probably chastise us for suggesting this, but reward yourself with a delicious treat once a week for staying on task during the winter. Even if you don’t want to eat junk food, you can treat yourself to a day spa or even a splurge spree at the mall. Having a reward or incentive to look forward to goes a long way when it’s time to train. What did we leave off this list? Is there something that you do to coerce yourself to get in those runs on a cold morning where you’re the only one out on the road working hard? Reach out to us and share your best winter running secrets.

www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 25

Business Spotlight

Dale and Anna are new to the bar/

Experience A Crafted

with a

NEIGHBORHOOD

ATMOSPHERE by Steve Gamel

In hopes of crafting their own stamp on the area’s evolution, they opened a neighborhood craft beer bar in the Shops at Highland Village called The Brass Tap. And it is becoming the go-to hangout for residents who crave something different.

“You live out here for a while and wonder, ‘Where’s a good place just to go hang out that’s not a typical restaurant?’” said Dale. “My Wife and I feel like this concept adds elements this area hasn’t had before, and people like it. We’ve transformed into a Cheers vibe. It’s a spot where people know you, and you can watch a game and bring friends.” He added, “I’m telling ya; there are several regulars who are here like clockwork every week. It’s fun when you ask someone if they’ve been here before, and they say, ‘Yeah … three or four times.’ It’s encouraging.”

is not. The Brass Tap has five locations throughout DFW and is known for its

more than 300 craft beers from around the globe nestled conveniently in a

neighborhood atmosphere that feels

both relaxed and upscale. The Highland Village location is the first of its kind in Denton County.

Some of the must-haves include some core beers and seasonals such as

the Deep Ellum Neato Bandito, Kona

Longboard, Cigar City Jai Lai IPA, and the Saint Arnold Pumkinator to name a few. Patrons can expect daily specials, Pint

photos courtesy of The Brass Tap

ne thing Dale & Anna Volley have enjoyed about living in Lantana for the past eight years is how fast the community has grown. From safe neighborhoods to award-winning schools, restaurants, shopping, and family activities, residents pretty much have everything they need right at their fingertips.

restaurant industry, but The Brass Tap

Nights, and unique events each month

along with a food menu that complements their beer and wine options. Live music is in the works.

To learn more about The Brass Tap

in Highland Village, including specials, their Brew Crew, and weekly events,

check them out on Facebook or visit

brasstapbeerbar.com/highlandvillage. Or better yet, drop in for a drink!

“You don’t have to be a craft beer lover to have a good time here. We have

something for everyone, and we’re open

for lunch. We’re also open later than most

places during the week, and people enjoy

that option,” Dale said. “We just felt like we live in a great area, and there needed to be more gathering spaces for adults. So far, it’s working.”

972.317.3227 | www.brasstapbeerbar.com | 4151 Waller Creek, Ste. 130 • Highland Village, TX 75077 26 | LANTANA LIVING

| NOVEMBER 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 27

Giving Back For

The Holidays by Brooke Ezzo

he joy of the holidays comes with surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones, but the spirit of Christmas represents the selfless things we do for others. There are many families in Denton County who may not have a home to wake up in after Santa comes, or loved ones spending that exciting morning in a hospital room fighting for their lives. This time of the year isn’t called the receiving season, it’s the giving season. If you are looking for a way to give your time, to give back, and to serve your community, here are few places to start. Be a Santa this year and spread Christmas cheer.

After her own fight with Leukemia, Sadie Keller knows all too well what it means to miss out on Christmas mornings because of cancer. In 2015, Sadie created her own toy drive to help bring Santa to hospitals. Sadie’s Sleigh delivers donated toys to children being treated for cancer, ensuring they have a wonderful Christmas. They are accepting donations until December 16th at www.sadiekellerfoundation.org.

DENTON COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER Their mission is to provide food for families in need. Cash donations are the most versatile but non-perishables are greatly appreciated. Their biggest need for canned goods include canned fruit, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned meals like SpaghettiO’s, chili, and stew. This center is solely run and operated on the efforts of volunteers and community donations. For more information please visit www.dentoncfc.org.

OUR DAILY BREAD In June 2000, more than 20 Denton area churches founded Our Daily Bread to feed and care for the homeless that are at-risk in our community. Their mission is to maintain the dignity of their guests and offer opportunities for a new start. This faithful soup kitchen provides free, nutritious meals seven times a week. To volunteer or donate please visit them at www.ourdailybreaddenton.org. 28 | LANTANA LIVING

| NOVEMBER 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

logos courtesy of their respective facebook page

SADIE’S SLEIGH

HOPE SUPPLY CO. Founded in 1989 as The Hope Foundation for the Homeless, their mission was to

provide emergency grants to shelters for critical operating needs. As the growing number of babies being born into the homeless population, the foundation chose to focus its resources toward

helping homeless children in North Texas. They are currently the only program

of their kind. All donations go toward warm, dry clothing, diapers, hygiene

items, school uniforms, school supplies, and toys. To volunteer, to donate, or to schedule clothing pick-up please visit www.hopedonation.org.

DENTON ANIMAL SUPPORT FOUNDATION

DASF has one mission: to save more

animals. Whether it is funding medical

treatment for homeless pets or subsidizing adoption costs so more dogs and cats can find their fur-ever families, their goal is to enhance quality of life for these animals and help raise awareness in our area.

They are always looking for volunteers and foster pet parents. You can also donate to the cause by visiting www.dentonasf.com.

Together we can make a difference. www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 29

Holiday Cleaning Tips by Debbie Sardone, Buckets & Bows Maid Service

repping your home for holiday guests and parties can be hectic this time of year. Get a jump on the chaos with these pro-cleaning tips from Buckets & Bows Maid Service. Your home will be sparkling by turkey day and you’ll enjoy a stress-free season.

TIP 1:

Don’t try to clean the entire house in one day. Give yourself a full week and tackle the job in room-sized bites. Divide your house up by easy and hard rooms and designate enough rooms per day to finish the whole house in 7 days. Plan a reward at the end of the 7th day like a spa treatment, pedicure, or massage, and make it worth it to stay on schedule.

TIP 3:

TIP 5:

The family that works together

Dress for

Get the whole family involved.

To get into the right

plays together.

Assign tidying tasks to make sure

everyone is helping to pick up, put

up, hang up, and de-clutter. You can’t clean before the picking up is done. Family members can get their areas

neat and tidy and ready for the actual cleaning to begin.

TIP 4:

Clean like a pro: follow the Speed Cleaning Rules.

Speed Cleaning™ is how the

professionals get the job done faster, safer, and better than mere mortals.

“A CLEAN HOME IS A HAPPY HOME.”

success.

frame of mind for cleaning,

get dressed for the job. Wear light

comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Add a utility apron to keep your small

tools and towels close, and put your hair up with a clip. Crank up the music with fast-paced upbeat tunes. Next, strike a

Super-Woman pose, take a deep breath and go! Time yourself in every room,

never losing track of time. Refuse to get side-tracked with photos, memorabilia, or special projects. Stay focused—the mission is cleaning.

TIP 2:

There are 13 rules. A few of the most

Plan your work and work your plan.

important rules are:

Walk through each room of the house and note the things you want to get cleaned by the end of the week. Make sure you have the right equipment and supplies so you don’t lose momentum running to the store. You’ll need to have a long ceiling fan brush, vacuum hose with attachments, 2-step ladder for high dusting, plenty of cleaning towels, cleaners, and polishes.

1. Clean from top to bottom and

or long soak in a bubble bath with some

2. Make one trip around the room,

Make sure you treat yourself when you’ve

3. You have two hands. Keep them

is not an option in your busy life, call

4. Organize all of your tools and cleaners

hard stuff done and then follow these

you need from room to room.

throughout the holidays a breeze.

30 | LANTANA LIVING

| NOVEMBER 2019

A job well done is its own reward,

but a therapeutic massage, mani-pedi,

left to right.

aroma-therapy candles is even better.

never back-tracking.

done the hard work. If deep cleaning

both busy.

a professional maid service to get the

in one large caddy and carry everything

five tips to make maintaining the house

www.LantanaLiving.com

DENTAL ADVANCEMENTS

To Be Thankful For

by Dr. Matt Artho

ith Thanksgiving right around the corner, gratitude is in the air with so many things to be thankful for: the turkey, the dressing, the pumpkin pie, etc. Though I could go on and on, I know how important it is to remember to thank those that help behind the scenes to make Thanksgiving great, like our family and friends. With modern dentistry, we tend to be thankful for all the ways dentistry has evolved to make it more comfortable. But behind the scenes, there are great advancements that actually improve dental treatment, as well.

Bridges • Implants Dentures • Invisalign® Root Canals Orthodontics Cosmetic Dentistry Same-Day Crowns

There is no doubt that a comfortable experience at the dentist is something every dental practice should strive to obtain. Offices have implemented many amenities to improve comfort, including comfortable chairs, televisions in every room, headphones, and even video game consoles. These office additions are great for improving the overall experience at the dental office and make dental appointments enjoyable for patients and the dental staff. In addition to a comfortable appointment, dental office amenities should also include those that actually improve the dental treatment. Digital impressions not only provide for a more

info@cou ntrylakes den

www.LantanaLiving.com

comfortable experience but also provide more accurate detail for predictable restorations. Digital impressions combined with smile design software can also be utilized toward Invisalign® treatment or Same-Day crown technology like CEREC to improve treatment time and outcomes. Cone beam 3D radiographs are beneficial for preplanning dental implant treatment or properly diagnosing and completing root canal therapy. The progress of dental advancements appears to be limitless, not only for the sake of comfort but also in treatment predictability. If your office is able to offer both, then you definitely have a reason to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Smiling!

940.455.76 www.Cou 45 n tryLakesDe tal.com | n tal.com 74 McMa kin Rd

. • Bartonv ille, TX 76226 NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 31

If You Can

THINK IT, We Can

BUILD IT by Steve Gamel

214.770.7227 | BOWENPOOLSLLC.COM PLASTERING

32 | LANTANA LIVING

| NOVEMBER 2019

TILE REPAIRS

COPING REPAIRS

HANDRAILS

www.LantanaLiving.com

here are plenty of people out there who don’t have a pool and wish they did. But we’re willing to bet there are just as many who look at what they do have and aren’t as inspired by it as they once were. Sound familiar? Don’t get us wrong — the pool looked amazing 10 years ago. It had all the bells and whistles and was likely the envy of the neighborhood.

But now its features, shape, and style

changing and upsizing plumbing to

your friends have down the street.

in tanning ledges, and even changing

seem outdated in comparison to the oasis

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NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 39

How To Get

YOUR MAN THE DOCTOR To Go To

by Steve Gamel

f you start a conversation about men and their total avoidance of going to the doctor like they should, the ears of every wife in the room will instantly perk up — quickly followed by an eye roll. After all, it doesn’t make much sense why many men don’t see the need to have a professional give them a routine once-over to ensure everything is fine. Going to the doctor helps maintain overall health and prevents heart attacks and cancer. But tell your man that he’s got a nasty cold, and he’ll say, “I’ll wait it out in bed.” Remind him that it’s time for a physical, and he’ll say, “Why? I feel great!” A lot of guys hate going to the doctor and avoid it like the plague, even when they have the plague. Others are lazy

or scared of what they might be told. Here are a few tips if you’re a concerned wife who wants her man to go to the doctor:

Encourage him instead of nag — While it’s usually up to the woman to make sure their man gets the preventative care he needs, odds are you will always fight a losing battle 40 | LANTANA LIVING

| NOVEMBER 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

if you nag, yell, or make it sound like a

chore. Come from a position of caring. Focus on gentle reminders about an

upcoming appointment and stress how much he means to you and the family.

Encouragement shows him that the doctor isn’t a bad person, and it’s better to go now than when he’s really sick.

Schedule it for him — Some guys know they need to go, but easily get caught

up in work and other things they deem to be more important. So check with his schedule first and then make the appointment for him. You may even suggest a particular doctor that you

trust if he hasn’t seen one in several years. Go with him — The odds are that most

men won’t want their wife to go with them to the doctor, but you never know. It may

be the one thing holding him back, and it may ease the tension if you ask questions on his behalf that he’s not thinking of at

the time. Either way, offer to make the trip with him, even if he makes you stay in the waiting room.

Talk numbers with him — Guys can

appreciate a persuasive argument. If his

father went through similar health scares

at his age, point out that earlier detection can help him avoid going down a similar path. Throw some stats his way that

highlight the benefits of visiting the

doctor regularly, or how unlikely his biggest fears are.

Offer an incentive — Men can be like kids, so sometimes it’s better to bribe

them with something. Maybe agree that he can finally have that long-overdue

poker night with his buddies or buy that

expensive tool he’s been wanting. If you’re desperate, tell him he won’t have to do any chores around the house for an entire month.

Thanks for reading! What tips and

strategies have worked for you over the

years? Guys need to go to the doctor, and women everywhere would love to know

how to increase those odds. Share with us on social media.

www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 41

Ask The Expert: Organizing

SAVE SPACE, TIME AND MONEY

Organized With An

PANTRY by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

ingredients quickly, you may have just saved yourself a 20 minute trip to the

grocery store. Family dinnertime should be the part of the day you look forward

to the most — not the part of the day you dread because it’s just another chore. Save money by shopping your pantry first:

Look at what you actually have on

hand before you make a grocery list and head to the store. Buying extra food doesn’t sound like a big deal

unless it becomes a habit, and you start accumulating food-clutter.

An overstuffed pantry makes it difficult to see what you really have on hand. When you do find the hidden cans,

bags, or boxes of food, you may have

id you know that having an organized pantry can save you space, time, and money during the busy holiday season? Yep, it’s true. Getting your pantry organized before all holiday baking and family get-togethers is going to put you ahead of the game.

to throw them out because they have

Space-saving pantry ideas:

Make it a weekly habit.

If you are going to be baking and

cooking during the next couple of

months, you’re probably going to need

extra space in your pantry for additional baking and cooking ingredients.

There are several things I recommend to my organizing clients:

Move packaged dry goods into clear, airtight, rectangular containers.

In addition to saving space, these

If you have the height, use stackable bins with lids.

Store round bottles and jars on Lazy Susan turntables.

Use wire baskets to store loose items (i.e.,

onions, potatoes, and seasoning packets). Start buying fresh or frozen vegetables.

Canned foods are sometimes the biggest culprit of pantry clutter and have less

nutritional value than the alternatives.

containers save mess and keep food

Save time and quickly find

Remove packaged snacks (i.e., granola

Cluttered pantries cause frustration,

put them inside small bins. In addition to

negative effects like an otherwise easy

fresh longer (saving money already).

bars and fruit snacks) from boxes and

saving space, you’ll be able to see how much you have.

42 | LANTANA LIVING

| NOVEMBER 2019

what you need:

expired. That’s wasting money.

Yes, you should throw out expired food — no need to take chances.

The pantry will look different Friday

evening than it did Monday morning. This is an area of the home that is

constantly changing because we are always eating our food and buying new food.

Make it a habit to pay attention to your

current stockpile and straighten up the

pantry every week. Taking a few minutes

to straighten and rearrange will only make

life more pleasant as you are baking those holiday cookies or preparing for a big family gathering.

and frustration can snowball into other

Tip: Always measure before

dinner prep turning into an annoying

Visit CloudNineOrganizing.com/

ordeal. When you can find your

purchasing organizing products. products for ideas.

www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 43

Is TOO MUCH? by Steve Gamel

urray Media owners Scott and Kelly Murray love decorating for Christmas. In fact, Scott recently joked that his neighbors know exactly when it’s time to start decorating their own houses when they see him dusting off his 35-foot inflatable Santa. Basically, you better keep up and show your Christmas cheer in the most flamboyant way possible when the Murrays are around.

That’s all well and fine, but that conversation got us thinking: How much Christmas decorating is too much? For example: is it acceptable to have a few strands of pretty lights on your house and in the trees, or do your lights need to be seen from space? In Scott’s eyes, there’s no such thing as overdecorating. But others say there should at least be a happy medium somewhere.

naked brick, siding, or shingle. If you need a proper visual, just watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. In that movie, Clark Griswold thinks using every strand of light possible will make this the best Christmas ever. Your electric bill regularly triples every Christmas

Here are a few ways to know if you’re overdoing it on the Christmas decorations this year:

All that extra lighting costs money, no matter how pedestrian or over-the-top you are with decorating. But you may have too much going on in your front yard if you find that your electric bill goes from $80 bucks to $240 each December.

You can’t even see the brick on your house

You’re investing more hours setting up than spending time with your family

You may have overdone it if every inch of your home is covered in blinking lights, to the point where you can’t see a single

Decorating-obsessives devote countless hours each Christmas to not just putting up lights but also incorporating fresh

44 | LANTANA LIVING

| NOVEMBER 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

designs, animatronics, laser-light shows, music, inflatables, and other caricatures. Many of these sideshows require several people to chip in their time and can cost thousands of dollars when it’s all said and done.

the next time you think you need to load your grocery cart up with another dozen boxes of lights. You’re not a Scrooge if

You’re buying store displays instead of stuff off the rack

While it’s fun to joke about people overdoing it with Christmas decorations for the holidays, at the end of the day, it is exciting to see everyone getting into the spirit. So if you feel like overdoing it this year, go for it. Just don’t complain when Christmas has come and gone, and your family won’t help you put everything back in boxes.

You can buy a few inflatables anywhere these days. But if the ones on the shelves are not big enough and you’re paying a premium to buy the store’s displays, you may be overdoing it. FYI, Scott’s 35-foot Santa is a prime example. You’re spending more money on decorations than presents for the kids

you skimp on the lights to make sure everything your kids really want is wrapped under the tree.

Christmas is about giving. And if you have kids, that means giving a lot with toys and other trinkets that will absolutely make their holiday season. So keep that in mind www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 45

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www.LantanaLiving.com

SPOOK

TACULAR Photos were submitted by area residents. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com.

www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 49

Ask The Expert: Edit This

THERE, THEIR, THEY’RE: What’s the difference? by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

elcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. Today, we will explore the differences between there, their, and they’re. Do you know the difference?

Many people say they do, but just yesterday a colleague pointed to an instance where one of our younger writers used they’re instead of their in an article. We fixed the flub before going to print (no harm, no foul), but that goes to show how easy it is to confuse this trio of words if you aren’t paying attention. Remember: There, their, and they’re are examples of homophones — words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. So let’s dive right in, shall we?

THERE

fer to There is used to re or a location (place), s. ist ex something that EXAMPLES

. 1. Our car is over there 2. There you have it. stain 3. There is a mustard on your shirt. t. 4. Been there, done tha

50 | LANTANA LIVING

THEY’RE

THEIR

| NOVEMBER 2019

sion. Their shows posses

abbreviation They’re is simply an are. (contraction) of they

EXAMPLES

red the game1. Their daughter sco winning goal. showed up 2. All of their friends the wedding. p is 3. A state championshi their reach.

for

within eir house for

th 4. That family decorated the holidays.

d right now.

so ma 1. They’re making me

the team, they’re 2. If you want to talk to . right there by the dugout they’re crazy for 3. I personally believe rooting for the Yankees. sleepy 4. They’re always so

after lunch.

www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 51

S LE

TAR JAKOBE S R CO E Y

s the basketball season gets underway for the Guyer Wildcats, one of

their top stars is glad not to have any distractions as he attempts to lead the way for what is still one of the top Class 6A programs in the state. Senior forward JaKobe Coles, who averaged 15.1 points last year and finds himself as the centerpiece for Guyer following the graduation of Deâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Vion Harmon

CO M

ER L MITS TO BUT

and Jalen Wilson, announced his verbal commitment to Butler University on October 6. Coles chose Butler over

by Steve Gamel

52 | LANTANA LIVING

| NOVEMBER 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

offers from Texas A&M, TCU, and Notre

only adds to the Bulldogs’ firepower

Dame, to name a few.

while also giving them another star

“I’ve been dreaming about playing college basketball since fifth grade,” Coles told the Denton RecordChronicle shortly after his commitment.

who is used to playing on a grand stage. Guyer finished 32-5 last year and was a win away from the state tournament for a second straight season.

“I want to thank God first and foremost,

Including last season, the Wildcats are an

all my family and friends who have

eye-popping 125-16 since 2016.

supported me, and all the coaches that gave me an opportunity to play at their school, and the coaches at Butler.”

With Coles’ commitment, the Wildcats now have at least four players who have committed or moved on to top-tier

Coles’ commitment is seen as a win-win

programs. Grayson Carter signed with

for everyone. Butler was the national

Georgetown following the 2018 season.

runner-up in 2009-10 and 2010-11 and is

Meanwhile, De’Vion Harmon (Oklahoma)

one of the more consistent programs in

and Jalen Wilson (Kansas) had moved on

the country. Adding a big man like Coles

after another stellar season last year.

www.LantanaLiving.com

“Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Fails To Work Hard.” - Kevin Durant

NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 53

photos courtesy of Megan’s Lifestyle Boutique

Fall Fashion Trends

MegansLifestyleBoutique.com • 972.899.4060 4081 Waller Creek, Ste. 160 • Highland Village, TX 75077

54 | LANTANA LIVING

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NOVEMBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 55

Business Spotlight

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www.LantanaLiving.com

Capturing YOUR STORY

IN EVERY IMAGE

by Steve Gamel

ick Allen points his camera at a 4-year-old boy and quickly realizes he doesn’t have to wait long to get the perfect shot. The boy, a liver transplant patient who was nervous about what people would think about the scar across his belly, had his shirt off and was laughing hysterically. He also had a sparkle in his eye that could light up a room. Even if for a brief moment, the young boy forgot all about the scar and his tough journey. “We ended up getting this amazing photo. And when we shared it on Facebook, he got so much encouragement that people started sharing photos of their own scars,” Nick said. “That one photo shared his story and connected him to so many people. He didn’t feel like he was alone anymore.” That passionate attitude is what separates Nick and his company, Nick Allen Photography, from the legions of amazing photographers in and around Denton County. While he specializes in senior, family, and children’s portraits, Nick has prided himself on dabbling in a little bit of everything — especially if there’s a story to tell. His work has been characterized as dramatic, high-end artwork that captures people’s attention and emotions. And being in Flower Mound will only enhance those opportunities. Nick has been a photographer for 18 years now

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Pictured above is the Allen Family of Nick Allen Photography. Photos courtesy of Nick Allen. and spent the last 12 years building his brand in Wyoming. While living in Wyoming was fantastic, he could only grow so much living in a town of 7,000 people. On May 31, he and his family moved to Texas and haven’t looked back since. “We have been doing everything we can to meet people and become a part of this community,” Nick said. “Over time, I’ve managed to create a unique style, and I think that helps considering I’m in an area that has plenty of great photographers. When I get to

shoot different types of photography, that’s what really inspires me.” Nick truly loves getting to know his clients and creating masterpieces that they can enjoy for generations to come. But no amount of words can do his photography justice. We have included several of his photos in this piece. If you’d like to see more, please visit www.naphoto307.com. “Everyone has a story,” Nick said. “I enjoy capturing their expressions and emotions and sharing them with the world.”

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Thanksgiving Restaurants: Foodie Friday DFW

Thanksgiving R E S T A U R A N T S

ho doesn’t want a Thanksgiving where they don’t have to cook anything? If you’re anything like us, you’re looking for restaurants who can help you out with just dessert or even the whole meal!

These Foodie Friday DFW restaurants are offering food for Thanksgiving, whether it’s pre-order or they’re open the day of. Carvao Carvao in Lakeside is also usually open Thanksgiving Day serving their usual menu as well as traditional Thanksgiving

photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

favorites. Call 972.539.8555 to make Swirl Bakery

your reservation.

Salerno’s Salerno’s serves a Thanksgiving buffet each year, usually from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They serve traditional Thanksgiving items as well as some Red Snapper, lasagna, and penne pasta. Reservations are required, so call to make yours today at 972.539.9534.

Every year, Swirl Bakery offers fully cooked Thanksgiving feasts for pick-up that just need to be heated up before serving.

That’s our kind of meal! You can choose

from Thanksgiving Breakfast, Thanksgiving Dinner, or Thanksgiving Dessert items and can place orders by phone at

214.513.1334 or in-store. Orders must

be placed by Wednesday, November 20. Marty B’s

Hive Bakery

The Tavern at Lakeside Head over to Lakeside DFW where The Tavern will be open from 3-11

Marty B’s is taking holiday catering orders

p.m. serving a traditional Thanksgiving

sure your Thanksgiving guests would love

Crispy Brussel Sprouts will be in the mix!

for Thanksgiving must be placed by

encouraged to ensure you have a seat!

at www.martybsplace.com! And we’re

buffet. We’re hoping some of their

a true Texas-style meal. All pick-up orders

Reservations are not required but are

Friday, November 22, so get them in fast!

Call 469.293.3441 for reservation.

We’ve sampled the pies Hive Bakery has on their Thanksgiving menu, and they’re awesome! Our favorites were the Dutch Apple, Pecan, and Pumpkin. In addition to pies, you can order bread loaves, cinnamon rolls, scones, cookies, and yeast rolls. Orders must be placed by November 22 by calling 972.316.7625 or emailing haley@hivebakerytx.com.

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022

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Holiday WORSHIP SERVICES

LAMB OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH Candle Light Worship Service December 24: 5pm & 7pm Traditional Candlelight Worship Service December 24: 9am www.log.org 1401 Cross Timbers Rd. Flower Mound, TX 75028

ARGYLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Eve Children and Family Service December 24: 3pm Christmas Eve Traditional Service December 24: 5pm Christmas Eve Modern Service December 24: 7pm Christmas Eve Chapel: Communion and Candlelight Service December 24: 11pm www.argyleumc.org 9033 Ft Worth Dr. • Argyle, TX 76226 www.LantanaLiving.com

CROSS TIMBERS CHURCH AT THE ARGYLE CAMPUS Christmas Eve Worship Service December 24: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm www.crosstimberschurch.org 1119 S. US 377 • Argyle, TX 76226

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ARGYLE Christmas Sunday Services December 22: 9am & 10:45am Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Services December 24: 6pm www.fbcargyle.org 414 Highway 377 N • Argyle, TX 76226

TRIETSCH MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Eve Children and Family Service December 24: 11am

Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Service December 24: 7pm & 9pm

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH Christmas Eve Children and Family Service December 24: 2pm Christmas Eve Contemporary Candlelight Service December 24: 4pm Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Service December 24: 7:30pm

www.tmumc.org 6101 Morriss Rd. • Flower Mound, TX 75028

www.faithchangeseverything.com 6000 Morriss Rd. • Flower Mound, TX 75028

Christmas Eve Contemporary Candlelight Service December 24: 3pm & 5pm

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GOBBLE WITHOUT THE

WOBBLE!

YMCA TURKEY TROT

Thurs., Nov 28 | 8am | FROST BANK 6115 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76116

There’s something for everyone at the

38th annual trot this year. There will be a 10K, a 5K, 1K Gobbler Trot, a Virtual

Race, and you can register your dog!

Supporting the Fort Worth YMCA, this

holiday event has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition for thousands of people. Entry fees vary for timed and untimed races. Visit www.fwtrot.org for more info and to register.

by Brooke Ezzo

unning is good for the soul, like good shoes are great for the soles. This year, before you fall into a deep, deep turkey induced sleep, join all the other overachievers bright and early for a Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day tradition.

From fun runs to 5Ks, food trucks, and costumes, there is a trot for everyone. Whether you are a professional athlete or someone who prefers to socialize while taking a stroll, these trots offer certified timed routes or untimed. Go at your own speed as you cruise around North Texas. Check out this year’s list of Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots! Gobble, Gobble! DOWNTOWN DENTON TURKEY TROT Thurs., Nov 28 | 7am

322 East McKinney • Denton, TX 76201 The Denton Area Running Club proudly

presents the 5th annual Thanksgiving Day

Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk event benefitting the Denton Community Food Center.

Oak community trot is a great way to give back and kick-start your endorphins Thanksgiving Day! Join the 1 Mile Fun Run or the 5K before race day or it could be sold out. Entry fees start at $40 for the 5K, you can register at www.facebook.com/ DoubleOakTurkeyTrot.

Donations are appreciated to the Denton Animal Shelter. Participants will race

through the Texas Women’s University

campus and the historic Denton Square. Entry fees go up to $35 on race day.

For registration and more parking info visit www.dentonturkeytrot.com.

DOUBLE OAK TURKEY TROT Thurs., Nov 28 | 7am

Double Oak Town Hall

320 Waketon Rd. • Double Oak, TX 75077 Benefitting inner-city youth programs run

by Dare To Service, the 9th annual Double 62 | LANTANA LIVING

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ARLINGTON TURKEY TROT Thurs., Nov 28 | 6:30am Globe Life Park 1000 Ballpark Way Arlington, TX 76011 The 10th annual family-friendly Turkey Trot is a community event featuring a 5K and Puffin’ for Stuffin’ 1 Mile Fun Run presented by the Arlington Turkey Trot. This event benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County. Entry fees start at $21. Register for the event by visiting www.arlingtonturkeytrot.org.

DALLAS YMCA TURKEY TROT

Thurs., Nov 28 | 9am | Dallas City Hall 1500 Marilla St. • Dallas, TX 75201 The Trot is hosted by the YMCA of

Metropolitan Dallas and is the longest running Turkey Trot in the state of

Texas. The 52nd annual run is one of

the largest Thanksgiving Day events of its kind. Along with the run, there will

be vendor booths, a family area, crafts, bounce houses, balloon artists, and more. Entry fees vary for timed and

untimed races. For more info and to

CASTLE HILLS TURKEY TROT Thurs., Nov 28 | 8am

Castle Hills Village Plaza 2560 King Arthur Blvd. Lewisville, TX 75056

The 7th annual neighborhood 5K

Run/Walk benefits Castle Hills Outreach and local charities is almost here.

All residents are encouraged to join

this fun family and community event. Participants will run from the Village Plaza through the neighborhood.

Entry fees are $25 for ages 5 and up,

children under 4 are free! Dogs on leashes are welcome! To register for the event, visit www.riverstoneministry.com/ turkey-trot.