CELINA - Life & Luxury Magazine | October 2021 by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC

C elina Celina’s Community Magazine Since 2014 October 2021 | Issue 91 LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com/Celina

Life & Luxury Magazine™

New Location Now Open!! 1450 N Preston Rd, Ste 60 | Prosper, TX 75078

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What’s Inside Family 8

Decorate Your Way To A Howling Good Halloween

Tips for Carving the Perfect Pumpkin

Community 12

Beware! of the Square

In Good Taste 14

A Traditional Breakfast With A Twist

A Weeknight Meal Solution

C elina

Life & Luxury Magazine™

October 2021 | Issue 91 Publisher Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com Director of Sales & Marketing Mark Mattison Mark@CedarbrookMedia.com

Photography Jason Reynolds - Cedarbrook Media Group www.CedarbrookMedia.com Production/Design Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Design@CedarbrookMedia.com Editorial Please send editorial considerations to Editor@CedarbrookMedia.com

Homefront 16

3 Rooms Perfect For Adding Focal Points

Thinking Of A Nice Fall Container For Your Home?

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www.LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com/Celina Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds Jimmie Gibson | Stacy Cate | Tom Maglisceau 6 | Celina LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com

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CELINA Life & Luxury Magazine is wholly owned and published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. CELINA Life & Luxury Magazine is published 12 times a year. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or copied whole or in part without expressed written permission from the publisher, Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. ©2020. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The title and all material are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. Although the greatest of care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at time of going to press, neither CELINA Life & Luxury Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

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Life & Luxury Magazine Family

DECORATE YOUR WAY TO A HOWLING GOOD HALLOWEEN Costumes and candy may be mainstays of Halloween, but decorating is a fun way to set the mood and add a little extra excitement in the weeks leading up to the holiday. These spooktacular ideas can help dial up the drama and delight for all ages. PUMPKINS APLENTY A traditional glowing jack-o’-lantern may be one of Halloween’s most recognized icons, but pumpkins can be used in plenty of other fun ways. You can dress them up with glitter and ribbon for a more elegant look or group a series of pumpkins in varied shapes and colors for a seasonal centerpiece. You can even give a pumpkin a coat of chalkboard paint and count down the days until Halloween. CREEPY KIDS’ CRAFTS Get little ghosts and goblins into the Halloween spirit with hand-made decorations that make your seasonal decor equal parts sweet and spooky. Fold a black piece of construction paper down the middle and trace a child’s hand and wrist, with the wrist extending over the folded edge. Cut along the traced line, leaving the fold intact, and when you unfold the paper, you’ll have a bat to decorate. Add eyes and attach string to the top of the wings to hang and display.

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GROSS AND GHOULISH Some of the best Halloween displays have something in common: attention to detail. Get creative with your props and decorations to incorporate some unexpected attention-grabbers like brains in a jar. Place bunches of cauliflower in a clear glass container and cover with water died red. SPOOKY SERVING If you’re entertaining for Halloween, incorporate spooky decor with your food and drinks to keep the theme going throughout the party. Use cauldrons as serving bowls and skeleton hands as serving spoons. Add plenty of cobwebs and other spooky accents to the table, and search for easy recipes that fit your theme. One fun idea for kids is baking sugar cookies in fun Halloween shapes and serving them with a selection of food-safe syringes pre-filled with colored frosting. GHOSTLY GREETINGS All the tricks and treats indoors make for plenty of good spirit, but don’t forget to set the scene outside, too. Dressing up your front door lets visitors know they’re in for a real treat. A haunted graveyard scene or a spooky spider den with lots of critters dangling from fake cobwebs are sure to show all who dare to enter that a howling good time lies ahead. Find more frightfully fun ideas to make your home Halloween ready at eLivingtoday.com.

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Life & Luxury Magazine Family

Tips for Carving the Perfect Pumpkin Halloween is fast approaching, and along with that, comes the fun your family can enjoy with decorating for the season. Regardless of how big you go with your spooky decorations, the one tried and true piece that you just can’t leave out is a jack-o-lantern on your front porch! Whether this is your first or twentieth time in doing this activity with your children, here are a few tips to make the activity fun and easy! Pick the Right Pumpkin Not all pumpkins are created equal, especially when it comes to carving jack-o-lanterns. A solid pumpkin with no bruising or soft spots will result in a solid jack-o-lantern. Look for one with a long stem, as that will make it easier to take the lid on and off after you’ve carved it. Also look for a flat bottom so that he stays put! Another fun idea to add character to your spooky friend is to select a pumpkin that already has lots of character. An elongated pumpkin is perfect for a laughing face, while a short, fat pumpkin is better for a goofy and toothy grin. Bumps on the skin can also turn into a crooked nose or a wart on his chin! Hats Off Removing the top of your pumpkin is an integral part of carving the perfect pumpkin. Cut at an angle so that you can easily pop the top back on without it falling into the abyss of your jack-o-lantern.

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Remove the Pulp If you have an ice cream scoop, this is the time to shine! Otherwise, a big ol’ spoon will do the trick to remove the seeds and stringy flesh from inside of the pumpkin. Get as much pulp out as you can so that the pumpkin will be easy and clean to carve. Also, don’t forget to keep the seeds for roasting later! For a healthy snack later, boil them in salted water for 10 minutes, then toast them in the over with a little bit of olive oil until they are golden brown. Map Out your Face Design Good planning perfects your pumpkin. Roughly sketch the face of your dreams on your pumpkin before digging in. Use a water-based temporary felt-tip marker for your initial sketching. Draw out the eyes and nose and overdo the features. A large flat nose will show out better than a small one. Play with it until you are satisfied with the design, then go back over the sketch with a permanent marker. You can also print a template out and stick it on the pumpkin so that you know where to cut it. Try to use as many straight lines as you can, since those tend to be easier and cleaner to cut. Be Safe When lighting up your spooky friend, try using several tealight candles rather than a large one so that your pumpkin can shine safely all night. The tealights work best for the traditional spooky flickering look. However, if you choose to go with the traditional larger candle, be sure to cut a small hole in the top for drafting! Make sure there isn’t anything flammable above your candle when you put the pumpkin into place. Another idea is to use battery operated tealights to eliminate the risk of setting fire to anything.

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201 N. Preston Rd., Ste. A, Prosper, TX 75078 | ProsperFamilyDentistry.com LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Celina | 11

Life & Luxury Magazine Community

Beware! of the Square Saturday, October 23, 2021 4:00pm – 9:00pm Welcome to the Halloween Capital of North Texas

THRILLER DANCE LESSONS & FLASH MOB The Celina Fire Department will be leading night creatures through a Thriller flash mob at 6:45 PM. Don’t know the moves? No problem! We will have an instructional video up on the big screen leading up to the flash mob. OUTDOOR MOVIE SHOWING: HOCUS POCUS (PG) Enjoy a free, family-friendly outdoor movie showing on the big screen. If you haven’t seen this Halloween classic, expect a wholesome and spooky movie full of humor and magic! Seating will be available on the bleachers or the turf, feel free to get comfy and enjoy your candy haul during the flick. Big D Kettle Corn makes a return to Celina, be sure to stop by before the movie to grab a salty snack!

It’s no secret that Celina loves a good festival, and those who have attended Beware! of the Square know that it’s one of the City’s best. Drawing thousands of zombies, jedis, and princesses to the historic downtown Square each year, this event offers the perfect mix of spooky and sweet. We are so excited to announce that the City of Celina was recently designated the official Halloween Capital of North Texas by Collin County Judge Chris Hill. Please join us on Saturday, October 23rd for Spooktacular Fun for Everyone!

PSYCHIC PAVILION

TRICK-OR-TREATING

BLOOD DRIVE

Kids of all ages are invited to participate in free trick-or-treating starting at 4 PM. Stop by the Ace Hardware booth (located near the shuttle drop-off location) to pick up a free trick-or-treat bag, while supplies last. Vendors throughout the event will have over 60,000 pieces of candy; visit every booth to collect candy and shop our unique local vendors.

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For this event, the pavillion will be transformed into a mystical space housing four psychic readers. There will be a variety of services available for purchase such as astrology, crystal ball, and tarot card readings. Each experience will be ten minutes long and costs $10. If you are interested, be sure to stop by the pavilion to register for a time slot as space is limited and readings will only be available until 7 PM.

Local nonprofit organization Carter BloodCare will be hosting a blood drive with available time slots from 2 to 9:45 PM. Donors are required to pre-register for a time slot through Carter BloodCare. If you’re interested, be sure to secure a time slot in advance by visiting celinatx. info/carterbloodcare.

PUMPKIN PAINTING Young and young at heart are invited to join in on free pumpkin painting. Miniature pumpkins, paint, and googly eyes will be provided. Participants may take their creations home or leave them on display to inspire others! ESCAPE ROOMS Enjoy mobile escape rooms from HE Escapes N Stuff. There will be two, themed escape rooms full of puzzles and tasks costing $10 per person for a 15-minute game. One room puts participants in the scene of a cabin in the wilderness which has unexpected visitors. You must work quickly to call for help in order to survive! The other story involves an elite secret agent who is posing a threat to the government. Rush against the clock to eliminate the threat! HAUNTED HOUSE Celina High School is joining in on the spooky festivities once again, presenting a haunted house in Two29 on the Square. Tickets will be sold onsite for $5 per person, with all proceeds going towards the Celina Theatre Department. This year’s theme is “The Past Will Haunt You,” with elements from different historical eras. KIDS’ ZONE We welcome the little ghosts and goblins to take a walk down Boo Blvd. on the south side of the Square. This all-ages, free kids zone will include an obstacle course, slides, carnival rides, and bounce houses. THEMED PHOTO OPS In addition to Halloween decorations around the Square, we will have multiple photo ops sprinkled throughout. Make sure you go by Chalk My Car for a fun opportunity to draw and take photos. We will also have a fall harvest themed photo op created by local artisan Terramania in addition to a photo booth with a visitor who’s out for blood. GETTING TO THE EVENT Beware! of the Square is held in downtown Celina each year. With thousands of people in attendance, it can be tricky to find parking. We will be providing free shuttles from 4 to 10 PM which can help you avoid the headache of road closures, traffic, and parking. Please take advantage of this convenient service by parking your vehicle at Brookshires or Celina High School, and our friendly shuttle drivers will take you right to the event! If you would prefer to look for parking, click the button below to view a map of public parking available during this event.

LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Celina | 13

Life In &GLuxury ood Magazine Taste

A TRADITIONAL BREAKFAST WITH A TWIST The same bowl of cereal can get boring after eating it for breakfast day in and day out. You may find yourself looking for something new and exciting to start your whole family’s morning off on the right foot. Kids can be picky when it comes to breakfast foods, but this recipe for Sausage Fresh Toast Roll-Ups is a quick and easy way to fill their bellies with a taste of several flavors they may already love. It’s a perfect way to fill your morning with joy, no matter if the hours ahead are filled with work, school or play. A sizzling sausage link wrapped with French toast, it combines a favorite breakfast protein and traditional deliciousness in one little roll. Drizzled with warm maple syrup at the end, even adults can’t help but indulge in these breakfast bites. This is a quick dish too, using few kitchen utensils, which makes for more time in the morning to enjoy the little things that matter most like moments with family before rushing out the door. This recipe can also be made when your family is craving breakfast for dinner.

SAUSAGE FRENCH TOAST ROLL-UPS

12 sausage links 2 eggs 2/3 cup milk 3 teaspoons almond extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 bread slices, crust removed, cut in half 3 tablespoons butter syrup In skillet, cook sausage links according to package directions. Set aside. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, almond extract and cinnamon. Dip bread slice in egg mixture. Wrap bread slice around cooked sausage link, pressing seam to keep from unrolling. Repeat with remaining bread slices and sausage links.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Place roll-ups in skillet, seam-side down, and cook until all sides are browned, approximately 10 minutes. Drizzle with syrup.

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A WEEKNIGHT MEAL SOLUTION

2 teaspoons chili powder

During the hustle and bustle of the school year, it can be difficult to find time to sit down for dinner together as a family. However, on weeknights filled with extracurricular activities, homework, meetings and more, it’s still important to put delicious and nutritious meals on the table that can be served whenever your family members can find a few minutes to grab a plate.

1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen

Dairy foods like milk, yogurt and cheese are on hand in many kitchens and provide nutrients people of all ages need to grow and maintain strong bodies and minds. These Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls combine dairy with chicken, beans, corn and rice plus colorful garnishes for a meal you can set in the slow cooker at the beginning of the day and serve whenever hunger strikes that evening. Find more weeknight meal ideas at milkmeansmore.org.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN BURRITO BOWLS Recipe courtesy of Lori Yates of Foxes Love Lemons on behalf of Milk Means More

1 can (15 1/2 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups instant brown rice chopped avocado, for garnish chopped cilantro, for garnish chopped red onion, for garnish chopped tomatoes, for garnish lime wedges, for garnish sour cream or Greek yogurt, for garnish shredded colby jack cheese, for garnish In slow cooker, stir together salsa, chicken, broth and chili powder. Cook 3 1/2 hours on high or 7 1/2 hours on low. Transfer chicken to cutting board and coarsely shred; return to slow cooker. Stir in beans, rice and corn. Cook 30 minutes on high, or until rice is cooked through. Serve garnished with avocado, cilantro, onion, tomatoes, limes, sour cream and cheese.

1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Celina | 15

Life & Luxury Magazine Homefront

3 ROOMS PERFECT FOR ADDING FOCAL POINTS You don’t have to be a design expert to create an inviting living space, but with some simple tricks, you can create a home that looks like it’s been styled by a pro. One way to make a room feel more inviting and comfortable is identifying a focal point to anchor the decor and create a natural, beautiful flow. Without a focal point, a space can feel awkward and disjointed. These inspirational ideas for using focal points in three popular living spaces can add comfort and beauty that makes you feel right at home.

LIVING ROOM The main function of a fireplace is to provide warmth, but it’s also a perfect element to use to create a focal point that exudes comfort and style. Make your fireplace stand out while also adding an intimate touch by using brick or stone. As an alternative, you can accent a fireplace with a bold wall treatment. Floor to ceiling brick or stone converts an average wall into an eyecatching focal point, giving a room a natural, yet striking, edge. From handmade to glazed bricks and everything in between, GlenGery’s line of more than 600 brick and stone products offers a diverse array of colors, textures and sizes, providing homeowners the ability to emphasize their focal points while also reflecting their desired design aesthetic. BATHROOM

KITCHEN As the heart of the home, the kitchen deserves special attention to make it a welcoming space where you can enjoy spending time. Depending on your design, you’ll discover there are numerous ways to incorporate a focal point in a kitchen, whether it’s bold cabinetry, an island featuring a natural stone countertop or stand-out appliances that make a statement. The wall space is also a smart place to draw visual attention. An accent wall is an option if you have the space, but the backsplash is another spot where you can make a big impact.

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It may be one of the smallest living spaces in a home, but the bathroom sees enough traffic that it’s worth making it a visually appealing place to be. Even with a diminutive footprint, the bathroom presents numerous options for a focal point, from an intricate wall material to vibrant lighting fixtures and everything in between. Given their relative size, the shower or tub may be a practical focal point; the vanity offers similar appeal. If you prefer a scaled but equally impactful approach, consider highlighting a smaller element, like a stunning vessel sink, or an unexpected element such as a brick or stone accent wall. Find more ideas to suit your style at glengery.com.

CREATE A LOOK THAT’S UNIQUELY YOU Your home, and more specifically its style, should be a reflection of your personality. Consider a few ways to get started: Set the mood Give careful consideration to the overall mood and atmosphere you want to create for your home, both inside and out. Consider contrasting options like a sleek modern masterpiece or a relaxing coastalinspired sanctuary. Weighing these kinds of options helps point you in the right direction to find the perfect color scheme and textures. Mood-board magic Look to magazines and online resources like social media and design blogs for ideas and styles that resonate with you. Browse freely and dream big at first but be sure to review regularly to identify a common denominator. Ultimately this can help you articulate exactly what you want. You can also explore how different products work in your home by using a virtual designer, such as Glen-Gery’s Picture Perfect. The real deal To get a real-life feel for your new space, visit model homes and design centers, and look closely and critically at the colors and materials used. This can provide a tangible sense of how those styles may work in your home.

Local Expertise Innovative Approach Real Integrity STACY CATE

LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Celina | 17

Life & Luxury Magazine Growing Celina

THINKING OF A NICE FALL CONTAINER FOR YOUR HOME? These Tips will Help you be Successful Planting a container garden couldn’t be easier. All you need is potting soil, plants and slow-release fertilizer. That said, there are some things it’s helpful to know before you get started. MAKE SURE YOUR CONTAINER HAS ENOUGH DRAINAGE Drainage may be the single biggest factor on whether your plants live or die. Make sure that your pot has a big enough hole or holes in the bottom to let excess water drain away. There are many garden pots sold in stores that have one tiny hole in the bottom that will not let enough water escape, so you will need to be very careful in watering the pot. Or even better, you should add more holes. If your pot is metal, you can poke holes by using a hammer with either a large nail or screw driver. If your pot is ceramic, it can be a little more difficult to add holes, but I’ve had good luck using a drill with a ceramic bit. Don’t forget to wear safety goggles, because it is common for piece of the container or dust to fly around, and you don’t want to risk getting them in your eyes. Remember…the more holes, the better drainage. Many more plants are killed by drowning than not enough water. They second part of the drainage equation is keeping the soil in, while letting the water out. I like to use window screening over the holes, but I have also used coffee filters, paper towels and newspaper in the bottom of my pots. Whatever you do though, avoid the suggestion to put gravel in the bottom of your pots to increase drainage. It doesn’t work, and in fact is it can be counterproductive. It is also a good idea to elevate your pots, so that the water isn’t blocked from exiting out of the drainage holes. There are any number of ways to elevate your plants, but pot feet are the easiest.

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REMOVE YOUR PLANTS FROM THEIR NURSERY POTS CAREFULLY When I first started gardening over 30 years ago, I would grab it by the stem and pull to get it out of its pot. Often, I would just pull the top of the plant off, sometimes killing it before I even got started. To avoid this, if you have a six pack of plants, that is made of flexible plastic, hold the plant close to the soil surface and squeeze the plants out of their holder from the bottom. I make a “v” out of my fingers and place them on either side of the stem. If the plant is in a nursery pot, try pushing it out from the bottom. If it is root bound, you may have tear or cut any roots off that are sticking out the bottom hole of the pot and slide a knife around the inside of the pot, before the plant will slide out. In extreme cases, you may have to break the pot to free the plant due to being root bound. If your plant is root bound, make sure to break up the plant’s roots, either by tearing them or cutting them. Some people simply rough up the roots on the outside by rubbing them, but I’m a little more aggressive and often tear or cut a compacted root ball so the roots will be able to grow freely, not in a circular pattern, which can strangle a plant. MIX FERTILIZER INTO YOUR SOIL It took me years to realize that I was starving my plants to death. Most plants need food to survive and the easiest way I’ve found to provide food is to mix a slow-release fertilizer into your potting soil before planting your container. I use a granular all-purpose fertilizer into my soil. I also then feed my plants with a diluted, liquid fertilizer every week or every other week during the growing season.

PLANTING There are two main things to know when actually planting a plant in a container. You want to plant it at the same level that it sits in its nursery pot. So, in other words, the level of the soil should stay the same and no more or less of the plant’s stem or crown should be covered. You also want to make sure there are no air pockets and your plants’ roots are surrounded by soil. In a crowded pot, sometimes it is difficult to put soil in between the plants, but you will need to make sure that you do, or the roots will dry out if they are in an air pocket, and your plant can die. Sometimes you just need to feel around a crowded pot and stuff soil into any holes you feel. It’s also a good idea to water a pot right after you plant it, which settles the soil. At that point you can go back and fill in any holes or depressions with extra soil. CARING FOR YOUR CONTAINER GARDEN Watering is more art than science. You will need to know what conditions your plant or plants prefer. However, the majority of plants like to be kept in moist soil…not wet, but damp. To figure out if your plants need water, you can stick your finger down into the soil, up to the second knuckle. If your finger tip feels dry, add water. Be sure to water slowly and make sure the water is going to your plant’s roots--not bouncing off the soil and running down a space that can form when the soil contracts, between the soil and the inside of your pot. You want to water deeply so the water gets all the way down to the plant’s roots, the best way to know if you’ve accomplished this is to water until it starts to run out the bottom of your container. Next column I will try to give you some tips on some really hearty plants to get started inside your home! Until next time... Happy Gardening!!

Now Open in Celina! MATTHEW BARROWS, MD

CHRIS HIXON, DO

1050 S. Preston Road, Suite 120 Celina, TX 75009 972.390.9002 | www.mdbarrows.com Specializing in Mohs Surgery and Radiation Therapy as well as all other dermatologic conditions! Acne Rosacea

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Send your landscaping and gardening questions to Jimmie Gibson Jr. at http://www.absolutelybushedlandscaping.com or jimmie@absolutelybushed.com. Jimmie is a Prosper resident and the owner of Absolutely Bushed Landscaping Company, an award winning, family and veteran owned and operated business created in 1980 to provide the highest quality custom Outdoor Renovation available to homeowners in the Dallas Ft. Worth area.

www.mycelinavet.com

Allison M. Stead DVM Clara B. Vadala DVM 400 N. Preston Rd. | Celina Tx 75009 contact.mycelinavet@yahoo.com

LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Celina | 19

Life & Luxury Magazine Fashion Weekday To Weekend Sweater Dressing Finally! It’s sweater weather. This season, we’re loving the mash-up of various textures, fabrics and fits. From chunky sweaters and cable knits to plush pullovers and mock turtlenecks, sweaters are the easiest way to update your cold-weather wardrobe. We say the more the merrier, but really, just one sweater styled multiple ways can take your look from pulled-together weekday go-getter to casual loungeloving weekender. THE CLASSIC CABLE The next best thing to hitting the snooze button and crawling under the covers on a chilly weekday morning? Wearing a super soft cable knit sweater in a dreamy creamy color. This timeless pattern feels very of-the-moment when paired with a mid-length skirt, plush suede booties and a colorful clutch. The combination says smart and professional, yet not too buttoned-up. Swap the skirt for a pair of black leggings and thigh-high boots, and you’re set for Saturday night. THE STATEMENT SLEEVE SWEATER Nothing says fall like a palette of leaf-turning hues. Go for colors that don’t necessarily match, but do complement each other. Top a pair of olive denim pants with a statement-sleeve, burnt orange sweater and finish with contrast-heel black booties. Add an on-trend animal-print and you have instant style “savoir faire.” (That’s French for “know-how” and English for “know wow!”). Create your own unique version of this look and be weekday- or weekend-ready for anything. THE CHUNKY KNIT Raised, marbled, pebbly, or fuzzy––texture adds visual interest and dimension to your outfit. Especially if you sport a chunky sweater in a spirited hue that sits front and center. Surround it with neutrals: a simple thin-striped cotton button-down that doesn’t compete with the same-patterned knit skirt, even if you let it peek out (for a touch of old-school yet very “now” prep). Complete the look with a pair of stacked-heel booties and a taupe and black cross-body bag. Swap the skirt for a pair of distressed cropped jeans for an instant weekendworthy dress-down. THE TRIED & TRUE TURTLENECK Whether close-fitting or slightly oversized, a turtleneck adds a sophisticated 70s minimalistic vibe to any outfit (the wider the neck, the better). We love a soft beige, loose-fit, box-cut sweater paired with a contrasting bright blue, textured mini skirt. Dainty, pointed flats pair well with the shorter skirt length. Top it all off with a heavy-duty coat. Add tights and booties if you’re still feeling the chill, or swap in blackwash jeans for a weekend-worthy look. THE SOPHISTICATED SWEATER DRESS The chic chameleon, a sweater dress is like no other dress in your closet (stretchy and figure flattering at the same time). Pair it with an always-modern moto jacket and take your look from office hours to after hours in the time it takes you slip it on, ditch your pumps for booties and grab your snakeskin tote. THE NOT-BE-KNOCKED MOCK TURTLENECK It may have gotten a bad rap in the early 80s and 90s, but the mock turtleneck, with its pretty, neck-lengthening silhouette, is back on track this season. Loose-fitting and low-key, it’s the perfect antidote to a hectic week. Pair it with boyfriend jeans and a blanket scarf soft enough to make you want to curl up on the couch with a favorite book. Feeling antsy? Throw on a jacket and tennies, and stroll to brunch with your besties. THE HIP HOODIE SWEATER Weekends were made for sporting something soft and comfy––like a sweater, leggings and loads of layers (particularly if you’re looking for creative ways to save on your heating bill!). A favorite go-to this season, athleisure wear says kick-back and relaxed, but still looks polished and put together. Stick with a neutral legging (black is the be-all, end-all) and top it with a super soft, hooded pullover layered under a striped knit top. Step outdoors in a nubby fleece jacket, sleek sneaks, and a stylishly small backpack. One sweater, many options, or dare we say, many sweaters, even more outfits! Either way, ask your Stylist for a few of these toasty toppers. Article is compliments of Stitch Fix. Visit http://www.stitchfix.com to schedule your next fix!

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LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com Celina | 21

Life & Luxury Magazine Travel

PLAN AHEAD FOR THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY VACATION Whether your family counts a holiday vacation among your treasured traditions or you’re anticipating a holiday getaway for the first time, getting an early start on your planning can help ensure your trip is filled with good tidings and joy. Know what you want to spend. If you’re planning to open your wallet a little wider for this trip than you have in the past, you’re not alone. A survey by American Express Travel found more than 60% of travelers are planning to spend more on trips in 2021 since they missed out on travel in 2020. Setting your budget now can help you make choices about things like accommodations and activities while giving you some extra time to save. Working off a budget from the start can also help you take advantage of book now, pay later options that may give you added savings or incentives. Be conscious of high-demand destinations. Popular travel spots tend to fill up fast, so if you’re considering visiting a high-demand location, be aware of how crowds might affect your plans for everything from wait times at attractions to rental cars and more. According to vacation rental company Vrbo, prime warm-weather destinations where families can spend the holidays together are already facing lower availability for homes, including Florida and Hawaii beaches. Similarly, Maui, Hawaii, has less than 20% of homes available during Christmas week. Ski spots also see a large share of holiday travel, so be prepared if you’re planning on a holiday hot spot.

Manage against the unexpected. Despite all the advantages of planning ahead, it’s impossible to predict unknown variables like the weather when you make travel arrangements months ahead of time. Travel insurance can help protect the majority your investment if you have to cancel your trip. Some policies offer coverage for cancellation for any reason, so you’ll want to research exactly what your policy allows, including weather and pandemic-related cancellations. Book lodging early. With travel volume up and availability for accommodations already trending downward for the holiday season, consider making reservations sooner than later. “We typically see December bookings peak in October and November, but families are locking in their holiday vacation plans much earlier than usual,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo’s travel expert. “Vacation homes have been quickly scooped up during every popular travel season this year, so it’s no surprise families are planning ahead to ensure they have a great place to spend the holidays together.” Look into local events. In this pandemic age, many attractions and activities have new guidelines, including altered operating schedules, occupancy limits and reservation systems. You can typically find the latest information on websites or by calling ahead. Take these measures into consideration as you’re creating your trip itinerary and organizing advanced reservations. Consider how the holidays will affect your packing. Traveling during the holidays may mean a different approach to your typical vacation packing. Especially if you’re traveling with children, you’ll need to make space for beloved holiday traditions such as gifts or a visit from a certain jolly old elf. For more inspiration for your holiday getaway, visit Vrbo.com.

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