PROSPER - Life & Luxury Magazine | April 2020

P rosper

Life & Luxury Magazine™

April 2020 | Issue 105 WeAreProsper.com

Prosper’s Community Magazine Since 2012

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1450 N Preston Rd, Ste 60 | Prosper, TX 75078

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What’s Inside 10

10 Thinga to do with Your Family During Quarantine

Community 12 Prosper Strong: All in this Together 14

Prosper Town Council Holds First-Ever Cyber Meeting

16

Open Letter to Prosper Community

Homefront 18 5 Tips for Better Home Saftey this Spring 20 22

7 Steps to Prepare for a Home Remodel Get the Look Without the Maintenance…

Consider a Container Garden!

In Good Taste 24 Fresh Salads Perfect for Spring Fashion & Beauty 26 The 6 Best Denim Trends for 2020 28

P rosper Life & Luxury Magazine™

Family 8 Sidewalk Chalk Art

What You Need to Know About Your Thyroid

April 2020 | Issue 105 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 PROSPER - Life & Luxury Magazine PO Box 405, Prosper, Texas 75078 972.347.6231 www.LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com/Celina Advertising Information For media kits, contact Advertising at

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PROSPER! For up to date news, events and web-exclusive content visit

www.LifeAndLuxuryMagazine.com/Prosper Contribution Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds | Ray Smith Jimmie Gibson | Stacy cate | Jack Dixon 6 | WeAreProsper.com

Contributing Photography Jason Reynolds - Cedarbrook Media Group

PROSPER Life & Luxury Magazine is wholly owned and published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. PROSPER 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 PROSPER Life & Luxury Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

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Family Life & Luxury Magazine

10 Things to Do with Your Family During Quarantine

By Heather Reynolds

W

e’ve all heard the warnings for weeks…Stay at Home. Flatten the Curve. Social Distance. We’re all doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19…and our lives have changes overnight. Our schools started with extending Spring Break, then we began online learning… and ultimately are now closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.

Life has slowed down. We’re working from home, learning from home and spending more time with our families than we have in decades. Here are some ways to connect with your family during this time of rest while we stay home to stay safe.

Play Board Games, Trivia Games or Put Together a Puzzle These have always been a great pastime during the holidays, on snow days or during the summer because they provide hours of entertainment.

Classic board games can bring out some healthy competition and lots of laughter. Trivia games test your knowledge and keep your brains fresh.

And puzzles are a great way to teach your family to work together.

Start a Journal What we are experiencing is quite rare and will most definitely be written about in history books for years to come. This is a great time to keep a 10 | WeAreProsper.com

journal of day by day events in the news, as well as what your daily life looks like. If your children are old enough to write, give them the chance to help create a family journal and rotate the writing duties among all family members.

Family Movie Night What better time to enjoy a favorite movie with your loved ones than now?

Each evening, let a different member of the family select the movie, make some popcorn and snuggle up together. Or, if you’re trying to reduce screen time – or you’re just sick of watching movies by now – invite your children to create their own play or musical. They can create the story, hold rehearsals and make costumes, and then perform for their parents.

Take a video to share with extended family!

Look at Old Photos Break out your photo albums and begin sharing your memories. Children love to see pictures of their parents as children! And learning about family members who have passed on continues their legacy…recalling old times can encourage sentimentality. Or, if you don’t have any photo albums, there’s no time like the present to create some. If you’ve been meaning to

WAYNE BARTLEY make a photo book of your last vacation, have your children help you put the book together online…it will help them relive the experience and think about future vacations.

Bake Cookies or a Favorite Meal With all of the extra time we have together, use it to get creative in the kitchen! Bake your favorite cookies or cupcakes and have fun with the toppings. Try something fun and let your children pick the recipe and everything that goes with it…it will be a culinary adventure that will help them figure out which foods go together, and which do not.

Make Cards to Mail to Loved Ones Writing a handwritten letter or card to someone you love will definitely brighten the recipient’s day, especially during this time of social distancing.

Younger children can draw or color a picture. The point is to think of it as a way to send a smile. Communication is so important right now, and family members who may be lonely, older or who don’t have access to a computer will appreciate it. If you don’t have family to send mail to, have your kids write letters to a local nursing home.

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Have a Picnic Backyard picnics are a great way to get outside for some sunshine while never leaving the yard. Place a good-sized blanket out and grab some sandwiches. Get the kids involved with the process so they get excited about spending time together. Watch the clouds and enjoy the sounds of the birds and nature all around you.

Build a Pillow Fort A good old-fashioned pillow fort is always a fun option…grab a sheet, pillow cushions and all the fluffy pillows you can find to craft the best fort you can. This is a great idea for encouraging quiet time or reading time – kids may be more motivated to nap, read or journal in their new, kidfriendly space.

Prospering Farm English Riding Lessons & Summer Day Camp Horseback Riding

A typical day is comprised of an english style lesson, horse grooming, arts & crafts, swimming & educational discussion regarding horse care, horsemanship and equipment.

Ages 7-13 Beginners thru Advance

Check-in with Others Just because you’re quarantined doesn’t mean you can’t still check on others in need. Send them a text, give them a call or set up a video chat to stay connected. Use this as an opportunity to make sure older relatives have the supplies they need. Offer to pick up groceries or prescriptions so they don’t have to go out and risk being exposed.

Family Prayer Time Before the quarantine, everyone was always so busy in the morning trying to get ready for work and school…this may be a rare opportunity for your family to actually have time to pray with one another for those you know.

Give your children a prayer point to talk about or assign people to pray for that day…today’s prayer can be for Grandma and her friends, tomorrow’s for Grandpa. It’s a great way to remind the entire family to be thinking of others and giving all thanks to God. Even if only for 5 minutes, you’re teaching your children the right way to start and end each day.

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Community Life & Luxury Magazine

Prosper Strong: All in this Together

By Mayor Ray Smith

Aor when it will come to its conclusion, I want to once again s we navigate this uncertain terrain, not knowing exactly where

reassure you that we are on this road together. My colleagues on the Prosper Town Council, the many volunteers on boards and commissions, and our tremendous staff are all committed to walking these dark and unfamiliar paths together.

The uncertainty that clouds the situation is evident even in the advice we are getting from federal, state and county officials.

For us, these differences are even more noticeable because our Town is split into two counties. Council and staff are working on ways for us to be in compliance with all of these declarations and orders. The ambiguity among these orders is yet another example of the situation in which we find ourselves. All the same, we encourage residents to follow the guidelines issued by the county they live in, as well as the Governor’s Executive Order.

In short, stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out.

At our Council meeting of March 24, we extended our Declaration of Local State of Disaster through May 27. Even so, I know that residents depend on the Town to provide important services. That’s why all of the Town’s services are continuing to operate, though many have made adjustments. Where possible, some services are being offered online, and others continue while maintaining the appropriate social distancing.

We all have a role in helping stop the spread of the virus by following proper hygiene guidelines, staying home whenever possible, calling to check on neighbors, and supporting nonprofit organizations and local businesses while following social distancing guidelines.

Our Town’s motto is even more important now than ever before.

We are a place where everyone matters, and now is the time to put that motto into action. I’m praying that everyone gets through this in good shape. Keep checking the Town’s website for updates.

Photo Courtesy of Cristina Massey

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Community Life & Luxury Magazine

Prosper Town Council Holds First-Ever Cyber Meeting In response to the call for social distancing and to emphasize the importance of following proper health and safety protocols, the Prosper Town Council took the unprecedented step of holding their March 24 Council meeting on Zoom.com, a video streaming service.

Set up by the staff to ensure that the Town’s business would continue in spite of the meeting restrictions put in place by various governmental entities, residents and other interested parties could actively or passively participate by logging onto the Zoom website at no charge. Viewers with the appropriate equipment were able to make comments and ask questions. The Town’s virtual meeting met all requirements of the Open Meetings Act and complied with requirements imposed by Governor Greg Abbott.

While the Prosper Town Council cyber meeting followed an abbreviated agenda, several locally important rulings were decided. Among these was the extension of the Town’s Declaration of State of Disaster until May 27, 2020. The extension means that the steps taken to confront the disease will remain in place until that date unless the Council issues a change to the declaration. As a review, the Town’s current closures and cancellations include: • The Town’s Emergency Operations Center has been partially activated, and conditions are being constantly monitored by emergency personnel.

• All Town-sponsored programs, activities, and classes are suspended through April 3.

• The Prosper Public Library and the 407 Rec Center are closed through April 3.

14 | WeAreProsper.com

• Prosper Municipal Court is delaying all Court proceedings until May 1.

• All Town playground equipment and outdoor workout facilities are closed.

• All sports fields are closed.

• All closures and cancellations will be reassessed and modified as conditions change.

• Town Council and Planning & Zoning Commission meetings will continue to be held virtually; non-essential Board and Commission meetings are suspended until further notice.

• All other Town offices will remain open during normal operating hours.

Secondly, the Council has voted to postpone the municipal elections, originally scheduled for May 2, until November 3, the date of federal elections. The November 3 election ballot will feature two Council places, one uncontested and one in which the incumbent is being challenged by one opponent. The Council also voted to refund or waive certain fees through June 30. Some building permit fees will be refunded, specifically where the work has not yet begun and where the project is indefinitely delayed. Health inspection and alcohol permit fees for restaurants are being waived as well, reflecting the financial difficulties that eating establishments are currently facing. Town officials plan to continue the use of the Zoom process for meetings while the restrictions are in place.

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Community Life & Luxury Magazine

Open Letter to the Town and Community of Prosper, We are the grandparents of Lucas Wayne Vach who tragically died March 19, 2020. We are native Californians and current residents of Washington State. We came to Prosper to support our son’s family following Lucas’ death. We were concerned for them as they have only lived in Prosper for 7 months and hadn’t established deep roots yet. What we experienced however, with the love and support from their church, and the city and community of Prosper, was nothing short of overwhelming.

The town’s motto “A Place Where Everyone Matters” are not just idealistic words but something that you believe in and practice.

From the caring professionalism of first responders to the prayers, meals, gifts, cards, flowers, service, expressions of love and “Lighting up the Night for Lucas” it has been a humbling and gratifying experience that has given us great comfort.

We have heard all our lives that “everything is bigger in Texas” and after our experience in the last week, we know that no one has bigger hearts than the people of Prosper, Texas. The community of Prosper has made an indelible impression on our hearts and we speak for our entire family when we say “thank you” to an unsurpassed community that will never be forgotten for their loving service to the Cavin and Angie Vach Family.

May God bless you as you continue in His service.

With deep love and gratitude, Jim and Mary Vach Maple Valley, WA

16 | WeAreProsper.com

Homefront Life & Luxury Magazine

5 Tips for Better Home Safety this Spring

A

s people become more active during the warmer months, keeping home safety top of mind can sometimes go by the wayside. However, when it comes to fire and carbon monoxide safety, you can never be too prepared. Whether you are just beginning to take a stronger safetyfirst approach or looking to upgrade existing home safety equipment, keep these tips in mind as you spruce up your home for the season.

DON’T JUST CHECK BATTERIES, CHECK THE ALARM It’s a good idea to review your safety equipment and ensure everything is in good working order at least a couple times each year. For example, every type of smoke alarm must be completely replaced every 10 years whether it’s hardwired into your home or operates on a battery. New smoke alarms commonly come with built-in 10-year batteries, meaning no battery changes, but it’s a good idea to test the units regularly. In fact, most manufacturers recommend weekly. You can also use this time to double-check the gauge on your fire extinguishers, replace batteries in flashlights, test security systems and replenish first-aid kits.

INSPECT AND REPAIR OUTDOOR AREAS Set aside time to evaluate any damage or potential hazards as the weather warms. For example, fallen tree branches and leaves can become trapped in gutters and pose a fire hazard. Shutters and fences can also weaken over time. To make sure they’re in good working condition, check that they are securely fastened.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SMART TECHNOLOGY According to the National Fire Protection Association, 40 years ago people had an average of 17 minutes to escape a home fire, but today the average has decreased to about 3 minutes due to synthetic materials used in modern-day home furnishings. To get the earliest warning of a

18 | WeAreProsper.com

home fire, install wire-free interconnected battery-powered combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When one alarm senses a hazard, all alarms throughout the home sound in unison. Features like colorcoded status rings and built-in 10-year sealed batteries make Kidde’s Wire-Free Interconnected Alarms a smart solution for optimal protection.

They offer simple setup and operate without the hassle of hardwiring or a Wi-Fi connection.

CHECK APPLIANCES While going through your spring home safety checklist, take time to check your appliances or schedule an annual maintenance check for your stove, oven, heating system and more. According to the American Red Cross, dryers are responsible for approximately 9 of every 10 appliances fires. These common household appliances can collect dust, lint and other particles, which are potential fire hazards and can cause carbon monoxide leaks.

KEEP OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN MIND Cooking on grills is a popular pastime, but thousands of people are injured every year while using them. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 9,000 home fires are started by grills each year. Now is a good time to get your home’s grilling area in tip-top shape. Keep a 3-foot safety zone around hot grills for children and pets, and have a multipurpose home fire extinguisher nearby as fires can occur unexpectedly. Propane and charcoal grills both put off carbon monoxide as a byproduct, so be sure keep your grill at least 10 feet from the home and ensure it is positioned away from windows, doors, vents and ductwork.

For more safety tips to better prepare your home, visit Kidde.com.

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She is attentive and always accessible to her client’s needs. She is creative and skillful at problem solving and working through any tough challenges that may occur during the buy or sale of her client’s property. Her integrity remains central to her business acumen and provides her clients with extensive expertise and an exceptional client experience.

As a proven Real Estate leader and Top Producer she is always looking ahead to hone her skills and stay ahead of the industry curve. She is an exceptional marketer and has continued her education by earning her designations as a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), Real Estate Digital Marketer (REDM), and a Certified New Home Specialist (CNHS). In addition, she has forged new ground and integrated A.I. into her selling strategy, a process that provides

her clients with technology far ahead of the competition. If you are looking for a trusted Real Estate partner that will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure your largest investment is well managed throughout the real estate transaction process, then Stacy is the best choice for you!”

“In this fast growing world it is extremely hard to stay on top of the Real Estate Market. However, I must say I am happy to be a client and neighbor of Stacy’s. Whether it is a question concerning schools, new neighborhoods, commercial real estate coming to the Collin County area, what the new marketing trends are and any other area of Real Estate I give Stacy a call for the answers. Stacy has also worked with friends and family in their taunting endeavor in either selling or purchasing a home. She is always on top of her game by being there morning, noon and night to answer whatever questions you may have. I highly recommend you call Stacy should you not only like to meet a wonderful lady, but need answers to any questions you may have concerning Real Estate. I know that she will give it her usual best and expertise to find the answer you are looking for. “ - Sherry

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Homefront Life & Luxury Magazine

7 Steps to Prepare for a Home Remodel homeowner’s motivation for taking on a remodeling project can vary greatly, but there’s one universal rule of thumb: home upgrades should add value, function or both. This step-by-step guide can help ensure you get the maximum return on your investment and make the most of your remodel.

A

Step 1: Identify Reasons for Remodeling Deciding whether to undertake simple aesthetic changes or a full remodel can be difficult. One of the best ways to decide is to figure out why you are remodeling in the first place, whether it’s to make your new house feel more like home or to update an outdated kitchen.

Step 2: Consider Timing Many variables can impact the timing of your project, including the climate and exact nature of the job. For example, foundation work is easier when the ground is cold during winter. Spring tends to be busy for the construction industry, so you might pay premium rates for labor and materials, but it’s also the perfect time to get a project done that you can enjoy throughout the summer. Summer months are ideal for indoor projects out of the heat. Also consider factors such as personal or professional obligations, or even an event for which you need the project completed.

Step 3: Set Your Budget Every home is unique in structure, age, quality and craftsmanship, which all impact the price of a remodel. Since no one can see through walls before demolition, the quote you receive may not be 100% accurate.

However, a qualified remodeling company will be forthcoming about potential challenges. Account for these adjustments by planning for a 10% cushion, just in case.

Step 4: Hire the Right Team To help ensure you find the right company for the job, do your research.

20 | WeAreProsper.com

Referrals from friends and family are one way to find a remodeler.

Resources like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry provide unbiased information that can help you find qualified, certified remodelers in your area. With more than 5,000 member companies, the organization represents professional remodelers who adhere to a strict code of ethics. Many hold certifications in remodeling, kitchen and bath design and lead carpentry.

Step 5: Establish a Written Agreement Most companies insist on a contract to protect their own interests, but if they don’t, you should. In addition to defining the scope of work and budget, a contract ensures all parties are on the same page with expectations about factors like timing, liability in the event of an accident and other practical matters. Contractors also often provide guarantees of workmanship, so find out what they cover for how long and include this information in your work agreement.

Step 6: Understand the Plan Keep the lines of communication open between you, the remodeling contractor and the work crew. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Let them know your family’s schedule and circumstances that may affect their work, such as pets. Make sure to specify the best way to reach you and how often you wish to communicate about your project.

Step 7: Complete the Project When the remodel is almost finished, walk through the area and note any adjustments that need made while the contractor is still on site.

You should also take another look at the contract and confirm you have signed permits, receipts, change orders, lien waivers, warranties and manufacturers’ guides at your disposal.

Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your area at remodelingdoneright.com.

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214.733.2385 sandidge.harris@compass.com sandidgeharris.com All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footagers are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rules & Exclusions apply. Compass offers no guarantee or warranty of results. Subject to additional terms and conditions.

WeAreProsper.com | 21

Life & Luxury Magazine Growing Prosper

Get the Look Without the Maintenance…

Consider a Container Garden!

You can grow almost anything in a container type garden - even a simple Rosemary plant that allows you to grab a piece for fresh seasoning in your family meal. Given the right size, a little drainage help, some sunshine, a little food, a little water or rain and you would be surprised of all the possibilities! Here are a few tips to make your space look like that magazine garden picture you liked!

How Big a Container?

That depends on your space but be sure to allow enough room for the plants you’re considering planting, as well as plenty of good, rich soil. This soil is what will retain all your plants’ moisture so don’t be stingy with it! It is always a good idea to also know the mature size of those plants to avoid overcrowding once they start to mature.

Don’t Forget about Drainage!

You will always want to have a few drainage holes at the bottom of your container, or a layer of gravel. These days, they also make a plastic type insert that comes with pre-drilled drainage holes built in so you don’t have to do the drilling!

What Kind of Dirt or Soil?

Stay away from all the types you would typically use in your flower beds or on your yard. All of those are generally much too dense. Instead, try using a good brand of potting soil that contains a generous amount of Vermiculite or Pearlite and maybe even some Peat in it too. For extra large containers you will need a pretty thick, chunky type soil to help you maintain your consistency all the way down to the bottom around the roots of your plants.

What Type of Plants?

Think about using plants that are not too aggressive, and that like the same amounts of water and sunlight exposure. When you water a container, they all get watered. Try to also find plants that share the same growth rate so that one or two don’t dominate the entire container! Most container garden plants will go through a stretch of hot weather and 22 | WeAreProsper.com

sometimes can require daily watering. Give your plants a fighting chance and consider plants that may be classified as “drought tolerant” as these types can endure the heat much easier.

Container Size vs. Plant Size?

Most container garden plants generally look best when they are in balance relative to the container size. You really don’t want your plants to be more that about half as wide as the container and never more than twice as tall as your container is.

Placement of your Container If possible, try not to place your container out in a wide-open space where it receives the full mid-day heat and sunshine. Even drought tolerant, sun loving plants dry out much quicker in containers. Instead, strategically place them in areas that receive morning sun and afternoon shade…or even against a wall where part of the day your house will reflect some light indirect light on your container.

Watering your Container Unlike your landscaping that can grab sub-surface water to survive longer, container plants dry out much quicker and will likely need daily watering.

In the middle of the hot summer, you may even need to water twice a day, especially with smaller containers. Larger containers with more soil will maintain moisture longer.

Feeding your New Container Plants Depending on what type of potting soil you decide to purchase, some of them come with fertilizers mixed in with the soil and some do not.

Container gardens need to have their nutrients replenished more often than regular landscaping plants in flower beds. A good time-released one is generally the best to use every few weeks.

Always Keep your Container Looking Great As the seasons change throughout the year, switch out a few of the plants that tend to fade over time with fresh new annuals or perennials. You can

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Question: Jimmie, is it too late to put out PreEmergent, I have weeds everywhere! Please help! - Jeff P. in Prosper

CEDARBROOKMEDIA Magazines | Photography | Design

Answer: Hi Jeff, if you have weeds everywhere, they have emerged already! You now need a post emergent! Depending on the type of weeds you have will dictate my advice to you. Send me some pictures and I will respond directly to you friend! Until next time…Happy Gardening!

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Life In &GLuxury ood Magazine Taste

Fresh Salads Perfect for Spring

T

he spring season brings to mind flowers blooming and plants springing back to life, making it the ideal time to enjoy fresh produce in meals throughout the day. Salads are of course one of the easiest ways to combine the flavors of your favorite fruits and veggies, but you can take your greens to the next level with refreshing recipe ideas.

Creating a cool, satisfying salad can be easy when you start with quality ingredients like Fresh Express salad blends, NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes and Litehouse dressings for versatile bases in a nearly endless array of options. For example, salads aren’t limited to lunch or appetizers – this Breakfast Salad Bowl makes for an energizing start to the day by combining classic salad ingredients with quinoa, bacon and avocado.

Perfect for those busy weeknights, heartier salad recipes can also provide quick, simple dinner options. As a more traditional mix to enjoy at the family table, this Salmon and Grains Salad Bowl brings together salmon, tomatoes and chickpeas on a bed of lettuce topped with ranch dressing.

Find more ways to create hearty salads this spring at litehousefoods.com/iheartsalad.

SALMON AND GRAINS SALAD BOWL 4 ounces salmon 2 tablespoons paprika, divided salt, to taste pepper, to taste 15 ounces chickpeas 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 ounces Fresh Express Sweet Butter Lettuce 1 cup red quinoa, cooked 6 ounces NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes 2 tablespoons Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing Heat oven to 350 F. Sprinkle salmon with 1 teaspoon paprika; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake on lined baking sheet 15 minutes, or until it reaches desired doneness.

In bowl, toss chickpeas in olive oil and remaining paprika; add salt and pepper, to taste. Add chickpeas to lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 F 3040 minutes.

Add lettuce to plate or bowl. Top with quinoa, chickpeas, salmon and tomatoes. Drizzle with ranch dressing.

24 | WeAreProsper.com

BREAKFAST SALAD BOWL 10 ounces NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 ounces Fresh Express Baby Spinach 1 egg 2 bacon strips, halved 1 cup quinoa, cooked 1/2 avocado, sliced 2 tablespoons Litehouse Jalapeno Ranch Dressing Heat oven to 400 F. Toss tomatoes in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bake tomatoes on lined baking sheet 40 minutes.

In skillet, add remaining olive oil and cook baby spinach until wilted, stirring as necessary.

Cook egg as desired. Remove egg from skillet and set aside. Add bacon to skillet and cook until crispy, turning halfway through.

In bowl, layer quinoa, bacon, avocado, egg, spinach and tomatoes.

Drizzle with jalapeno ranch dressing.

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Life & Luxury Magazine Fashion

The 6 Best Denim Trends for 2020

Out with the old, and in with the new. We’re rounding up the denim trends hitting the streets in 2020. Wondering how to wear novelty colors or stylishly distressing details? We have the answers. Pick your favorites and ask your Stylist to send them in your next Fix.

COLORED DENIM Make sure your jeans are next-level chic by showing your true colors. You can’t go wrong looking pretty in pink.

RELEASED HEMS Free your hems for a raw denim vibe you can serve up with your best prints, pumps and accessories.

WHITE DENIM The winter blues have nothing on you when you’re sporting bright whites—even through the colder months.

FRAYED HEMS Get into the fray for an instantly trendsetting look that puts out a fashion distress call (the good kind).

DARK DENIM Drastically dark washes are always ontrend and dress up any outfit from the office to happy hour.

CUFFED JEANS Cuffing is in season, so refresh your whole denim lineup with this easy switch that shows off your newest footwear.

Article compliments of Stitch Fix. Ready for date night? Tell your Stylist what your plans are. Visit http://www.stitchfix.com to schedule your fix!

26 | WeAreProsper.com

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Health Life & Luxury Magazine

What You Need to Know About Your Thyroid: It Impacts Weight, Sleep and Mental Health

M the bus,” but it took her being hit by a car for her thyroid disease to

ichele Adams is quick to say, “I don’t want to throw anyone under

finally be diagnosed. Adams has always been an active person, but for a few years, she had felt tired and had a constant tightness in her throat.

She was diagnosed with post-nasal drip but did not feel relief after a year of treatment.

“I thought this exhaustion, hoarse voice and lump in my throat were just my new normal,” Adams said. “I’d accepted it, and I shouldn’t have.”

During this time, Adams went on a bike ride in northeastern New Jersey 28 | WeAreProsper.com

– something she still does frequently. However, on this day, Adams was struck by a car as she was biking.

The incident resulted in an MRI scan. Adams was not seriously injured, but doctors noticed something unexpected. The scan revealed nodules in her lower neck, which suggested thyroid disease.

“I now realize I had symptoms of a thyroid condition for years,” Adams said. “I’d had it up to here with not feeling like myself. Once I had the MRI results, I knew to seek out a thyroid expert, and I found an endocrinologist.”

What You Probably Don’t Know About Your Thyroid Thyroid disease is more common than diabetes and heart disease, but more than half of Americans with thyroid disease are unaware, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). This lack of awareness can endanger a person’s health and well-being.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located low in the front of the neck below the Adam’s apple. It produces thyroid hormones that influence almost every cell, tissue and organ in the human body.

Common signs of thyroid diseases include: Unexplained changes in weight Depression, anxiety or feelings of irritability Changes in memory or ability to concentrate Joint or muscle pain or weakness Fatigue or trouble sleeping Fast or irregular heartbeat Irregular menstrual periods Cheryl Rosenfeld, D.O., is a thyroid expert and AACE member.

Rosenfeld is also the physician who treated Adams’ thyroid disease.

“If the thyroid does not function correctly, it can affect every possible aspect of a person’s life,” Rosenfeld said. “Remember that thyroid conditions can cause changes in mental health, including depression. I’ve also spoken to patients who’ve experienced an inability to concentrate, which seriously affected their performance at work.”

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Several disorders can arise if the thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism).

Other thyroid diseases include: Nodules Thyroid cancer Graves’ disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Thyroid eye disease Undiagnosed thyroid issues can also place a person at increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility and other serious conditions.

What to Do if You are ‘Up to Here’ With Not Feeling Like Yourself “Once I was placed on treatment for Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, my life changed completely,” Adams said. “My throat is no longer sore, and I’m able to go out with my family or spend time at the gym without feeling completely drained of energy.”

The first step to ensure your thyroid gland functions properly is to speak with a health care provider about your symptoms and whether a thyroid test is needed.

An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor who is qualified to diagnose and treat hormone-related diseases and conditions, including thyroid cancer and all other diseases related to the thyroid gland.

Visit thyroidawareness.com to learn more about thyroid health.

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Travel Life & Luxury Magazine

Take Travel Online

5 Ideas for a Virtual Family Adventure dream vacation is the perfect antidote to stress and the monotony of daily life. When a getaway isn’t in the cards, you can still escape and explore new places virtually. A virtual trip can be a great way to explore destinations you might consider for a future vacation, or it may be a chance to see remarkable sights around the world that you wouldn’t get to experience otherwise. Virtual travel can also engage kids in learning when you pair the experience with lessons on culture, geography or even a homemade take on local culinary treats.

A

Add authenticity to the experience with special touches that mimic the ambiance. If you’re visiting the beach, kick up the heat and turn on a fan for some breeze. Light a coconut-scented candle and enjoy a bowl of ice cream while you take in the sights. Get your virtual adventures underway with these selections from the travel experts at Vrbo: Look around the Louvre in Paris.

Explore the Egyptian Antiquities, remains of the Louvre’s Moat and Galerie d’Apollon by virtual museum tour as you head inside this iconic art lover’s institution.

Sneak inside the San Diego Zoo. Get up close and personal with the resident apes, penguins, pandas, giraffes, elephants and tigers in real time via one of the many live cams positioned to spot wildlife from the comfort of your couch.

Walk the Great Wall of China.

Make your Great Wall goals a reality. Get a glimpse of this 300-mile wonder of the world with a cyber stroll before dreaming up your own future family trip.

Watch big wave surfing in Maui.

Transport yourself to the beach as you watch white-knuckle surfing at its most surreal. Whether you’re a super fan or first-time spectator of the sport, it’s a compelling beach-cam watch and a welcome escape from the everyday.

Travel 352 million miles to Mars.

Feel a world away as you explore Mars from aboard NASA’s Curiosity Rover. Learn as you roam between its different mission sites for a virtual, yet realistic, view of the Red Planet’s remarkable landscape.

For families who miss traveling together, you can share the joys of your virtual journey through videoconferencing and adding some extra ambiance and a change of scenery by downloading a travel wallpaper for your meeting background. If the virtual destinations inspire you to visit in person someday, use resources like Vrbo’s Trip Boards to create a list of places to stay as soon as you can get away, and keep the dream going by sending the link to family members and asking them to vote and comment on their favorites.

Find more travel-inspired ideas to pass your time at home at vrbo.com.

30 | WeAreProsper.com

THE ENCLAVE at

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