PROSPER - Life & Luxury Magazine | August 2021

P rosper Prosper’s Community Magazine Since 2012 August 2021 | Issue 121 WeAreProsper.com

Life & Luxury Magazine™

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What’s Inside

Family 6

Tips from Teachers for Choosing Quality Child Care

Community 8

Life & Luxury Magazine™

August 2021 | Issue 121

Parks and Recreation Announces Fall Season Schedule

10

Prosper ISD News

12

PISD Back to School Guide: School Times & Supplies

14

PISD Back to School Guide: Registration & Attendance

16

PISD Back to School Guide: Meals, Chromebooks, After School Program & Volunteering

18

PISD Back to School Guide: Important Dates

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

Homefront 20

Corral Clutter with a Mudroom

22

Weeds Getting to You? Save that Vinegar in the Cabinet!

In Good Taste 24

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Deliver Flavor and Nutrition Despite Busy Schedules

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 Advertising Information For media kits, contact Advertising at

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26

Sweet Ideas for Easy Back to School Breakfasts

Life & Luxury Magazine

Fashion & Beauty 28

Your Community - Your Lifestyle

Workleisure: Head Back to the Office in Comfort and Style

Travel 30

PROSPER | FRISCO | MCKINNEY | CELINA | ANNA | LOVEJOY

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Contributing Writers Heather Reynolds | Ray Smith | Dr. Holly Ferguson Jimmie Gibson | Stacy Cate

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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Life & Luxury Magazine Family

Tips from Teachers for Choosing Quality Child Care As families across the country get ready for back-to-school season, many are also preparing to return to in-person work, which means finding the right program to support their children’s ongoing learning and development. According to “The Current State of Scientific Knowledge on Pre-Kindergarten Effects” report, choosing a quality preschool helps children start elementary school prepared for success.

Knowing what to look for when choosing the right childcare provider for your family can be stressful. However, these insights from KinderCare teachers with 40-plus years of classroom experience and Teacher of the Year honorees can help remove some of the mystery.

MAKE A LIST OF WHAT MATTERS MOST Before beginning your search, take some time to think about specific wants and needs for your family and children, whether that’s kindergartenreadiness, social and emotional development or convenient location.

Write down the things that matter most to your family and refer to that list when you’re speaking with potential providers and asking questions.

PUT YOURSELF IN YOUR CHILD’S SHOES When you look around the classroom, be sure to look for child-sized furniture and age-appropriate books and toys within children’s reach. This can help inspire their natural curiosity, encourage independence, and build confidence. It’s also important to know how play is incorporated, how it’s facilitated and to see purposeful opportunities for play in each classroom.

“There should be areas set up with enhancements that incorporate toys, blocks, art materials and dramatic play,” said KinderCare Teacher of the Year Sara Fouriner. “Teachers should share how they’re fostering social and emotional skills, executive function, problem solving, language and regulation skills in children by offering clear examples and putting evidence of learning on full display.”

ENSURE SAFETY AND QUALITY ARE PRIORITIES Health and safety took center stage in 2020 and remain top priorities for many families. Ask questions about each potential provider’s safety rules and practices in addition to their curriculum. It may also be beneficial to ask if their programs are accredited by a third-party agency, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Accreditation means the center’s program is held to high standards and exceeds basic requirements set by state licensing.

“As a mother, grandmother and teacher, I believe families should look for a center that is clean and accredited,” said Dorothy Ellison, an early childhood teacher of 40 years. “Families should also inquire about child-to-teacher ratios, staff training and hiring practices, supervision, emergency prep, illness policies, communication and the quality of caregivers in each program.”

LOOK FOR TEACHERS WHO LOVE WHAT THEY DO Great teachers have a natural ability to connect with every child in their care. If children love their teachers and school is a safe, happy place for them, there are typically few limitations on what they can learn.

“High-quality education starts with open, caring teachers who understand the expectations of the age group they represent,” said Dana Davin, a KinderCare Teacher of the Year and center director. “A genuine welcome when children arrive, a clean and engaging classroom and a culture of inclusion all stem from great teachers who believe in what they do.”

For more tips on choosing the right childcare for your family, visit kindercare.com.

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Life & Luxury Magazine Community

Parks and Recreation Announces Fall Season Schedule The fall season traditionally ushers in the season’s new cars, new TV shows, and spiffy new school clothes. In Prosper, the anticipation is just as palpable as the fall season will see stimulating, exciting, and challenging recreational programming from Parks and Recreation.

New classes, new time slots, and programs which will challenge participants to attain new levels of skill and proficiency are all on the fall programming schedule. Classes and programs are slated to begin on the first week of August, and as always, details on what, when, and where are available at www.prosperparksandrec. org.

“Community support of our summer activities has been overwhelming,” said Dudley Raymond, Director of Parks and Recreation. “More youth and adults than ever before signed up to experience our incredible instructors, the benefits of fun and informative content, and the value of our reasonable rates. Thank you, Prosper, for your support and for spreading the word to neighbors and friends about Parks and Recreation!”

The Town has made it a priority to ensure that any resident who wants to attend a camp is able to do so.

To that end, Prosper’s Parks and Recreation Board has initiated the Recreational Scholarship Program, a fund that can cover participation fees for residents who qualify. Raymond notes that the most scholarships on record were awarded during the current summer season, and that applications are currently being accepted for the fall sessions. Procedures and application forms in English and Spanish are posted at www. prosperparksandrec.org.

Registration is now open for the following youth camps and classes: recreational sports such as soccer, tennis, archery, and track and field; STEM classes such as science, technology, engineering, and math; Bricks 4 Kidz with LEGOs®; American Red Cross Babysitting Certification; shadowboxing; and chess.

Adults may register now for the following classes: Coolest Parent & Grandparent Magic Class; Fine Art with John DeFrance; a floral arranging series; realistic watercolor art class; wreath making workshops; American Red Cross Babysitting Certification; tennis; yoga; Zumba; and personal fitness.

Active Adults Age 55+ may now register for the Prosper Bowling League. Regular weekly games of Dominoes, Canasta and Mahjong and virtual Yahtzee and Bingo via Zoom are also available for those looking to connect within the community. Activities in consideration for the future include a self-defense course, AARP programs, and a local bus tour.

Active Adults/Seniors can stay abreast of events, activities, and classes by subscribing to Senior Scene, the monthly email newsletter. Sign-ups for the newsletter can be done by visiting https://www.prospertx.gov/ news-media/.

At the end of each camp, class and activity, participants are sent a brief survey. The Parks and Recreation Department deeply appreciates participants who fill in the survey because responses are considered when planning and creating new programs and modifying existing ones. Feedback can improve programs, and planners place a high value on survey responses.

Additional information about recreational programs, can be obtained by contacting Jonathan Weeks, Recreation Specialist, at jweeks@prospertx.gov or by calling 972-569-1057. To receive information about all Parks and Recreation activities, subscribe to The Landscape by visiting https://www.prospertx.gov/newsmedia/.

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Life & LuxuryISD Magazine Prosper News

From the Desk of Dr. Holly Ferguson Prosper ISD, I am excited to welcome everyone back for the start of the 2021-2022 school year—a special welcome to the families who are new to Prosper Independent School District. We have streamlined all back to school information so you all can easily find important information for the start of school in one place at https://issuu.com/prosper-isd/docs/back_to_school_guide. We are happy to serve you and your child beginning the first day of school, Wednesday, August 11, 2021.

Prosper ISD remains the fastest-growing school district in Texas. We have a little over 20,500 students enrolled in Prosper ISD, and we are ready to serve our students. This year we will be opening the doors to two brand new elementary schools, Mrs. Jerry Bryant, located on the west side of our district, and Mike and Janie Reeves Elementary, located on the east side of our district. We are also excited to house our Prosper ISD Family Resource Center at the newly renovated Mahard Facility located on First Street in downtown Prosper. In addition, this facility will house many of our staff members who work at our central administration building. Finally, I want to take a moment to thank the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees for their high level of commitment to excellence. Prosper ISD facilities in Prosper ISD truly set the standard for high expectations both inside and outside of the classroom, and our students and staff continue to exceed our expectations.

As always, we look forward to continuing our robust extra-curricular activities for 2021-2022. Please feel free to join us for events throughout the year.

Each week you will receive the PISD Express, which will contain information about the different events and upcoming events that we would love to have you attend and celebrate the moments that matter most to our students. In addition, I will share highlights of the week through a quick video entitled A Few Minutes with Dr. Ferguson.

As we embark on a new school year, we have a chance to do a 180-degree turn to provide those we serve with a calming presence that education has always brought to our world. We have a window of opportunity for rebirth and refocus of what we are here for and why we exist, our Just Cause...our students. That opportunity resides in reconnecting and relationships. It is incumbent on me as superintendent of Prosper ISD for us to take advantage of this opportunity.

The Prosper ISD School Board and our leadership team have a high level of commitment to community engagement. In most school districts, school boards serve in traditional roles. First, they hire and evaluate the superintendent, approve the budget, and set the vision and direction for the school district. Then they pass the baton to the superintendent, who implements board policies and drives the vision and direction throughout the organization.

Indeed, our board fulfills those responsibilities, yet they take a slightly different slant we like to call the Prosper Promise. The Prosper Promise will provide our community with the ability to fully engage with our school district through advisory and informational opportunities. Some of the opportunities we have are the Superintendent Parent Advisory Council, Prosper Parent Ambassadors, Prosper Legislative Advocacy Committee, informative sessions at the Prosper ISD Family Resource Center, and much more. We encourage each of you to visit our Prosper Promise web page to gain more information about each advisory and informational opportunity. This is precisely how we will continue the unbelievable culture we have all come to know and love, centered around Prosper’s heart. I am so glad you all are on this journey with us.

We encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and to engage with your campus websites and principal news to stay up to date and in the know. In closing, thank you for your tremendous support of our schools! WE ARE PROSPER! WE ARE ONE! Sincerely,

Dr. Holly Ferguson Prosper ISD Superintendent 10 | WeAreProsper.com

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2021 – 2022 School Times ELEMENTARY CAMPUSES MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPUSES HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUSES

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7:45AM – 2:50PM 8:15AM – 3:30PM 8:35AM – 4:04PM

School Supplies The PISD elementary and middle schools offered parents the opportunity to purchase school supply packs in the spring. At the elementary schools, pre-ordered supplies will be on the student’s desk at Meet the Teacher Night. At the middle schools, pre-ordered supplies will be available at schedule pick-up.

High school students simply need paper and a pen on the first day of school and their individual teachers will provide students with the course requirements.

If you did not previously purchase a school supply pack and are interested in doing so for elementary, there will be a few available for purchase at meet the teacher night.

These extra packs will be available on a first come, first serve basis, and once they are all purchased, no additional ones will be available.

If you chose not to purchase a school supply pack, school supply lists for each campus can be found at the link below.

If you chose not to purchase a school supply pack, school supply lists for each campus can be found at www.prosper-isd.net/ schoolsupplylists.

WeAreProsper.com | 13

STUDENT REGISTRATION New Students

Welcome to Prosper ISD! For new student registration information, visit the Prosper ISD website (prosper-isd. net/ studentregistration). This web page will provide you with information regarding registration as well as provide you a link to our online registration system InfoSnap. From this web page click on either the New Student English or Spanish link to be routed to InfoSnap to enroll your child. Once you have completed the online registration process and you received the submission confirmation page, your child’s information will be reviewed for completion. If it is determined that we have all of the information we need you will receive an email from the campus registrar indicating that your child qualifies as “Fly-By”. This means that you do not have to go to the campus to complete the registration process. However, if you do not receive a “Fly-By” email within a week of submitting your child’s information please contact the campus registrar to make an appointment to meet with them to complete the registration process. On average this process will take anywhere bet ween 15 to 30 minutes so please plan accordingly. In addition, please bring to the appointment copies of the following documents for your child:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Proof of Residency • Student’s Social Security Card • Student’s Birth Certificate or Passport • Student’s Last Report Card or Student’s High School Transcript • Withdrawal Papers from Previous School • Current Immunization Record • Copy of Parent’s Driver’s License If you are having difficulty with the online registration process you may contact InfoSnap directly at (866) 752-6850.

Returning Students

Parents of returning PISD students are reminded to register their school aged children online through InfoSnap.

It is important for parents to complete this registration information yearly in order to ensure we have accurate information for your student.

An automated email has been sent to parents containing information for each student for registration. If you did not receive an email with this information, please contact the Campus Registrar (see below) at your zoned campus.

In order for students to be placed on a class list at elementary or to have a schedule made at secondary campuses, parents must complete the annual online registration process and provide the district with a new proof of residency.

14 | WeAreProsper.com

ATTENDANCE AT-A-GLANCE Below you will find a quick over view of the PISD School Attendance policies, but it is highly recommended that parents review the Student Handbooks for your child's campus located on the PISD website (www.prosper-isd.net) to become familiar with the Attendance policy.

1.

Parents should notify the school the morning their child will be absent. Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, all absence notifications and notes will be submitted electronically. Parents will notify the campus of a student’s absence through Skyward Family Access, this will replace calling or emailing the campus attendance clerk to notify the school of the student’s absence. Additionally, this electronic documentation satisfies the signed parent note requirement (state required documentation). When an absence request is submitted through Skyward Family Access, the attendance clerk/registrar will be notified by email. Please go to your child's campus page and choose Attendance under the parents tab to submit an absence.

2.

When a student returns from an absence at a doctor's office, a signed doctor’s note displaying the date on which the student was seen in the office must be sent to the school attendance email within 2 days of the absence. The parent indication that the student was at the doctor will not qualify as a doctor's note. Please go to your child's campus page and choose Attendance under the parents tab to submit a doctor's note.

3.

4.

5.

Parents will be allowed to electronically submit (through Skyward Family Access) a total of only 5 absence notes during the school year. Please go to your child's campus page and choose Attendance under the parents tab to submit for an absence. Once you have exceeded this maximum, all absences will be considered unexcused. A list of acceptable absences (those that will be excused) are listed in the Student Handbook.

If a student is absent for more than 5 consecutive days due to illness, a parent note will not be accepted. A statement from a doctor or medical clinic explaining the reason for the absence must be submitted to the school attendance email upon their return to school. Please go to your child's campus page and choose Attendance under the parents tab to submit a doctor's note.

If your child leaves during the day for a doctor or dentist appointment, a doctor’s note must be submitted electronically to the school attendance email on the same day or the next morning in order for the absence(s) to be considered “medical”. Please go to your child's campus page and choose Attendance under the parents tab to submit a doctor's note.

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SCHOOL MEALS

School Meal Prices Elementary Breakfast (K-5): $1.25 Secondary Breakfast (6-12): $1.40 Adult Breakfast: $2.00 Elementary Lunch (K-5): $2.80 [Meals include up to 5 items: 1 entree, up to 3 sides and a milk] Secondary Lunch (6-12): $3.00 Adult Lunch: $3.50 Reduced price: $.30 for breakfast*, $.40 for lunch* (*reduced pricing requires approval for the Free and Reduced Program) Special Note: Money added to My School Bucks accounts online may NOT be available until the following business day. Menus for each campus can be found at: https://prosperisd.nutrislice. com/

CHROMEBOOK

Prosper ISD moved to a 1:1 Chromebook initiative for grades 2nd-12th. Parents and students, please see the information below regarding your current grade level instructions.

MS and HS Students (2021-2022) Returning students who received a Chromebook last year will need to bring their Chromebook with them when they return to school in August. New students or returning students who did not receive a Chromebook last year, will be able to get one the first week of school.

2nd - 5th Grade Students (2021-2022) Returning students who received a Chromebook last year will need to bring their Chromebook with them when they return to school in August. New students or returning students who did not receive a Chromebook last year, will be able to get one the first week of school.

Kinder and 1st Grade Students (2021-2022) Students will utilize the Chromebook carts in their classroom.

If your child received a Chromebook last year for virtual learning, they will need to bring their device with them when they return in August. Email technologyhomehelp@prosper-isd.net if you have further questions about the 1:1 Chromebook program.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

All of the elementary schools will offer after school care through AlphaBEST. Parents interested in registering their children in grades K-5th for the AlphaBEST after school program can access the enrollment forms and information through the AlphaBEST website.

Parents may visit the AlphaBEST after school website or contact them directly by calling 972.668.0640 or emailing jwilliams@alphabest.org for more information. Sign up today!

16 | WeAreProsper.com

VOLUNTEERING

Thank you for your willingness to volunteer with Prosper ISD. To ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, Prosper ISD requires a background check for each volunteer every school year. This background check will suffice for all volunteer activities at all Prosper ISD campuses. If you have children on multiple campuses, you only need to submit one background check.

A background check is not required when visiting a campus to eat lunch with your child, however you will need to bring your driver's license with you.

Background checks are required for the following (this list is not exhaustive): - Volunteering in any capacity anywhere in the district - To be a student observer - To attend a field trip - If you are a guest speaker for a class or group - If you are helping coach a sports team or any other student group - Delivering athletic meals If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your campus administrator.

STAY CONNECTED

The best ways for our families and community to stay informed of district events and accomplishments is through the PISD Express weekly email publication, the District Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram accounts, and our PISD App found in both the iTunes App Store and Google Play. *Please Note: parents and guardians of students enrolled in Prosper ISD are automatically enrolled to receive the weekly PISD Express. Community members are welcome to sign up to receive this weekly communication to stay up-to-date on what is going on in Prosper ISD.

WeAreProsper.com | 17

AUGUST 7 Bryant Ribbon Cutting 1:00 - 2:30 PM Reeves Ribbon Cutting 3:00 - 4:30 PM AUGUST 9 ECSE & Pre-K Meet the Teacher 5:00 - 6:00 PM (Location: Assigned Pre-K Campus) Elementary Meet the Teacher K - 5th 6:00 - 7:30 PM (Location: Zoned Campus) AUGUST 10 RHHS Senior Sunrise 6:30 - 7:30 AM (RHHS Baseball Field) AUGUST 11 PHS Senior Sunrise 6:00 - 8:30 AM (Location: PHS Baseball Field) FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AUGUST 14 PHS Meet the Eagles 7:00 - 8:00 PM Gates open at 6:00 PM (Location: Children’s Health Stadium @ PISD) AUGUST 21 Meet the Blue Hawks 7:00 - 8:00 PM Gates open at 6:00 PM (Location: Children’s Health Stadium @ PISD) AUGUST 30 PHS & RHHS Open House 6:30 - 8:00 PM (Location: Zoned Campus) SEPTEMBER 9 Elementary Curriculum Night - Grades 1-2: 5:45 - 6:30 PM (Location: Zoned Campus) Elementary Curriculum Night - Grades 3-5: 6:45 - 7:30 PM (Location: Zoned Campus) SEPTEMBER 13 Middle School Curriculum Night - Grade 6: 6:00 - 6:45 PM (Location: Zoned Campus) Middle School Curriculum Night - Grades 7-8: 7:15 - 8:15 PM (Location: Zoned Campus)

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Life & Luxury Magazine Homefront

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Corral Clutter with a Mudroom

Local Expertise Innovative Approach Real Integrity STACY CATE

Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes. These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.

Luxurious mudrooms in high-end homes can sometimes boast custom cabinetry, full bathrooms, laundry facilities, showers for pets and direct pantry access.

Regardless of whether your mudroom is an actual room or just a small space near the front door to hang bags and jackets, the organizational basics are the same: CORRAL CLUTTER One of the most important items in any mudroom is storage for shoes, pet supplies, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items. If built-in storage isn’t in your budget, put up a sturdy shelving unit with a bin or basket for each family member.

GET HOOKED Securely anchor a row of strong hooks along the wall for coats, hats, scarves or other seasonal accessories that may otherwise find themselves dropped on the floor upon arriving home.

MUD HAPPENS Mudrooms are meant to handle dirt so nix the carpet and lay down tile or hardwood flooring. Pick a stylish rug to catch dirt in its tracks while also adding a design element to the space.

SHOE SPACE Place a wooden bench or sturdy coffee table near the door so everyone has a place to sit while removing shoes. Slide a few baskets or bins underneath as an alternate location for storing backpacks and other gear when not in use.

TAKE COMMAND Create a family command center by adding a small cabinet or desk with a corkboard above. It makes for a perfect spot to stash keys, charge cell phones, open mail, sort school papers and post the family calendar.

Find more organization tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.

WeAreProsper.com | 21

Life & Luxury Magazine Homefront

Weeds Getting to You? Save that Vinegar in the Cabinet!

For the organic gardener, vinegar can function as a handy natural weed killer. It’s the acetic acid in vinegar that gives it power to kill weeds. The higher the percentage of acid in the vinegar, the better it will operate as a natural weed killer, technically speaking. Vinegar used for culinary purposes is relatively low (5%) in acetic acid, so repeated applications could be necessary when using it as a natural weed killer.

Vinegar As Natural Weed Killer: Careful If you’re battling lawn weeds, take care to apply the vinegar directly onto the weeds themselves, not letting it come into contact with your grass.

Why? Because the fact that vinegar is a natural weed killer doesn’t mean it can’t be harmful if misused. Vinegar is non-selective, and this natural weed killer can harm your grass!

To avoid damage to grass, consider “painting” the vinegar directly onto weeds with a brush. If you do spray with vinegar, don’t pull the trigger until you’re right up close to the targeted weed. Don’t spray on a windy day, as the wind could carry your vinegar spray where you don’t want it to go -- on your grass. I prefer to save the inside of a paper towel roll and isolate what I’m spraying just to be safe!

Because of this limitation, I don’t think of vinegar as being an especially effective natural weed killer for lawn areas for the general public. It makes more sense to use vinegar in areas where lawn grass and other landscaping plants won’t be in the way, such as on patios or walkways (where you have weeds pushing up through cracks etc..).

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But if you’re already in the process of digging a dandelion out of the lawn, it wouldn’t hurt to supplement your efforts with vinegar. After you’ve removed as much of the taproot as possible, carefully pour some vinegar into the hole. The vinegar will seep down into the soil, killing any portions of taproot you may have missed. Afterwards, shovel soil into the hole and sow grass seed on top, lest any opportunistic weed seeds should fill the vacuum.

There’s another limitation in using vinegar as a natural weed killer, but this limitation extends to chemical weed killers, as well: namely, that you’ll probably have to re-apply the vinegar to get the job done, as weeds often refuse to go quietly. This is especially true of established perennial weeds, toughened by years of coping with environmental challenges; vinegar will be more effective on younger weeds. Older weeds are like people, they tend to fight back!

But considering that vinegar is safe and relatively inexpensive, this objection is hardly a telling argument against the use of vinegar as a natural weed killer. If your goal is to use a natural weed killer, one assumes that you’ll be motivated to make repeated applications, as necessary.

Vinegar As Natural Weed Killer: When to Apply When practicing natural weed control, take to heart the dictum, Know thine enemy! Study up on the weeds you’re fighting before you use the vinegar on them. Target annual weeds with your vinegar natural weed killer before they set seed, to prevent them from spawning a new generation to give you fits next year.

By contrast, early fall is the best time to use this natural weed killer on perennial weeds. Early fall is when you’ll want to apply vinegar to dandelions (but snap off the flowers whenever they appear, to prevent them from going to seed). Dandelions, although their leaves die back in winter, do live on through their roots. So, preventing them from going to seed sometimes isn’t enough.

Fortunately, knowing a little botany can help you considerably in your battle with perennial weeds like dandelions. You see, in early fall,

nutrients are transferred from the dandelion leaves down to the roots. This transfer, which continues until the first frost, presents you with an opportunity to hit dandelions where it hurts! Vinegar natural weed killer applied during this time is absorbed by the leaves and passed on to the roots, following the same path down as the nutrients. The plants are killed -- naturally.

Repeated applications could be needed.

Vinegar As Natural Weed Killer: How to Apply Listen to your local weather forecast and find out when you will be experiencing a few continuous days of sunshine. At the beginning of this period, spray or paint the vinegar onto the weeds you wish to kill.

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Why is a sunny period required? Two reasons: You need to saturate the weeds’ leaves with the vinegar, and rain (or sprinkler) would wash too much of the vinegar off the foliage.

The real damage to the sprayed weeds begins the next couple of days after the application, when the sun hits the leaves.

Some people who use vinegar as a natural weed killer like to boil the vinegar, prior to application.

Through such boiling, you may actually be able to gain a concentrate higher in acetic acid percentage, although I haven’t yet experimented with this option in any scientific way. But it certainly can’t hurt to boil the vinegar; in fact, many folks report success killing weeds by simply pouring scalding water on weeds! So, I suppose the use of boiled vinegar steps up the fight!

Vinegar As Natural Weed Killer: The Stronger Stuff It is possible to buy products with a higher acetic acid content than that found in ordinary vinegar. Such products can be purchased at farmer’s stores or from restaurant supply businesses. But the potency of these acetic acid products can render them less safe to use than household vinegar. To me, that puts them at odds with the whole concept of using “natural weed killers.”

Besides, you have to go out of your way to find these products, and the idea behind the present article was to introduce a handy natural weed killer, something you can just pull off a kitchen shelf and experiment with.

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Other Uses for Vinegar Those of you who have held an ongoing grudge against vinegar for its ability to make your mouth pucker and that smell that most kids hate may finally be able to grant vinegar forgiveness. For that same sourness makes vinegar the natural weed killer of choice for organic gardening. Vinegar can also be used for cleaning purposes around the home, as an alternative to chemical cleaners.

So, if you rarely open that vinegar jug for purposes of seasoning your food, don’t despair: The uses for vinegar extend well beyond the culinary. Until next time...Happy Gardening!!

-Jimmie

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.

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Life In &GLuxury ood Magazine Taste

Family Meals That Deliver Flavor and Nutrition As kids and parents return to busy schedules full of sports, homework and weeknight activities, building a plan for nutritious and easy meals can be challenging. Piecing together a menu that fuels active minds without spending hours in the kitchen is a common goal for many families. These recipes require minimal prep and call for on-hand ingredients like dairy food favorites that provide nutrients people of all ages need to grow and maintain strong bodies and minds.

Whether you enjoy it together in the morning before getting the day started or mix it up with breakfast for dinner, this Sustainable Frittata is called “sustainable” because you can use leftover cheeses, veggies, ham, sausage and more to recycle ingredients you already have on hand. For a customizable kid-pleaser, turn to Chopped Chicken Taco Salad and garnish with your family’s favorite toppings.

Visit milkmeansmore.org to find more recipes perfect for bringing loved ones together.

SUSTAINABLE FRITTATA 12 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup whole milk, half and half or heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups shredded cheese, any variety 3 cups assorted cooked vegetables and pre-cooked meats fresh herbs, for garnish (optional) Preheat oven to 450 F. Preheat cast-iron pan or oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

In large bowl, mix eggs, milk and salt then add shredded cheese.

Add cooked vegetables and meats to pan to reheat. Once vegetables have softened, add egg mixture to pan and scramble. Let sit over medium heat 1 minute.

Carefully transfer to oven and bake 10-15 minutes. Frittata is done when eggs have set. Remove from oven and top with fresh herbs.

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CHOPPED CHICKEN TACO SALAD Dressing: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/3 cup buttermilk, plus additional (optional) 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice, plus additional (optional) 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons taco seasoning Salad: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons taco seasoning 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 head leaf lettuce, chopped 1 avocado, chopped into bite-sized pieces 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup corn 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Mexican)

To make dressing: In small bowl, stir yogurt, buttermilk, lime juice, cilantro and taco seasoning until combined. Taste and adjust lime juice and cilantro as needed. If dressing is too thick, add buttermilk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To make salad: Season chicken on both sides with taco seasoning. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add chicken to pan and cook on both sides until outside is golden brown and chicken is cooked through. Remove to cutting board and slice into strips.

On large platter, heap chopped lettuce. Sprinkle chicken over top. Add avocado, beans, corn, tomatoes and shredded cheese. Drizzle dressing on top and sprinkle with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.

tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, for topping

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Life In &GLuxury ood Magazine Taste

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Sweet Ideas for Easy Back-to-School Breakfasts

4 egg whites nonstick cooking spray

A healthy breakfast can give your student a boost that lasts all day long. Mornings tend to be rushed, but it’s still possible to prepare easy breakfasts that power little learners throughout the school day. Fresh fruit is a breakfast staple, and a nutritious option like watermelon is a sweet way to satisfy hunger (and thirst). As a refreshing ingredient or standalone treat, watermelon includes just 80 calories and no fat. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C (25%) and because it’s made of 92% water, it’s a flavorful way to encourage kids to start a busy day well hydrated.

A bowl of watermelon cut into cubes, balls or fun shapes is a winning idea, but you can also think outside the rind with these ways to give watermelon a place at your breakfast table: Top a grain-based cereal like corn flakes or oatmeal with bite-size bits.

Make Watermelon Donuts for a grab-and-go delight, perfect on hectic mornings.

Freeze cubes overnight and use them in place of ice with your favorite smoothie ingredients.

Put a twist on a breakfast favorite with these Watermelon Oat Flour Waffles.

Garnish: 2 cups plain Greek yogurt 3 cups watermelon, diced 1/2 inch fresh mint leaves powdered sugar (optional) honey (optional) Preheat Belgian or regular waffle iron. In blender, process oat flakes into flour. In bowl, mix oat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt.

Mix in watermelon juice and oil. Whip egg whites into stiff peaks and fold into batter.

Spray hot waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into waffle iron and bake 3-4 minutes, or according to waffle iron instructions.

Repeat with remaining batter.

Garnish waffles with yogurt; watermelon cubes; mint sprigs; powdered sugar, if desired; and honey, if desired.

Add a layer of oat crumble to a bowl of watermelon balls for a savory, satisfying treat.

Get in a school morning groove with more easy breakfast ideas at watermelon.org.

Kid-Friendly Cuts: It’s no secret that kids gravitate toward fun foods.

Watermelon is a versatile fruit that offers plenty of serving options that let kids get hands-on and creative.

Slices: A classic watermelon slice may be basic, but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve. With the rind on, it’s an instant finger food with a builtin “handle.” Add a wooden stick for watermelon you can eat like a sucker or pop it in the freezer for a cool way to start the day.

Cubes: Simple and versatile cubes are a solution for banishing breakfast boredom. You can cube a melon and use them differently every day of the week by eating them on their own, mixing in a fruit salad, layering with other ingredients, blending in a smoothie and more.

Sticks: There’s nothing like a dipper to get kids’ attention. A watermelon stick offers a bit of rind to hold onto and a juicy strip of sweet melon that’s perfect for dunking in a cup of yogurt or fruit dip.

Cutouts: Cut watermelon into thin slices and use cookie cutters to create a treat that shows off creativity.

WATERMELON OAT FLOUR WAFFLES Waffles: 1 cup old-fashioned or regular oats 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup watermelon juice 1/2 cup vegetable oil

WATERMELON DONUTS 2 slices seedless watermelon, 1 1/2 inches thick 2 tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt 1 pinch sugar vanilla, to taste 9 slivered almonds Cut out donut shapes from watermelon slices. Sweeten Greek yogurt with sugar and vanilla, to taste, to create frosting. Frost half of watermelon donuts with half of frosting. Add layer of remaining watermelon donuts and top with remaining frosting. Sprinkle toasted almonds over top and serve.

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Life & Luxury Magazine Fashion

Workleisure: Head Back to the Office in Comfort and Style For many, it’s time to bid farewell to working from home and head back into the office. If this is you, you may rue the day when you fold up your favorite joggers set. Or maybe you’re excited to strut your professional stuff again, but you don’t know where to start. Wherever you fall on this post-pandemic women’s fashion dilemma, we’re predicting workleisure as the simple, elegant, and comfortable solution. Keep reading to learn more about this trend and what items to add to your wardrobe.

WHAT IS WORKLEISURE? As you can probably tell from the name, workleisure is a blend of workwear and leisure or lounge clothing. This top fall women’s 2021 fashion trend strikes a happy balance between polished-looking pieces and soft, stretchy fabrications. Think of it as the postpandemic answer to business casual, except this time, it’s business comfort. Instead of sharp-shouldered blazers and rigid pencil skirts, we’re anticipating the rise of knits and airy shapes. Excited to give them a go? Us, too.

WORKLEISURE TOPS Now that you have the scoop on what women’s workleisure is, let’s explore what the “new normal” is for tops. Topping our list are knits. Think mixed-material shells or roomy surplice styles. These shirts look just like your before-times blouses but with way more comfort. Spice up your choices with juicy colors such as tangerine and lime green. Trendforward details including square-neck tops with statement sleeves that first amped up your video call style game are also livening up in-person work. If you’re not ready to give up on wovens just yet, no worries. This is the moment to embrace loose, gauzy buttondowns in luxury high-end fabrics like silk and linen. Contrast the flowy silhouette with a tailored bottom or embrace the return of 70s fashion with a wide leg. Consider a splash of color with a new headband. Still missing that professional pop? Then it’s time to layer up.

LUSH AND LAID-BACK LAYERS The impact of COVID-19 on workwear is especially evident in layering pieces. While structured blazers and jackets used to be the standard, softer silhouettes and cardigans now dominate women’s workleisure. We’re seeing an increase in demand for plaidprinted blazers and additional stretch for more form-fitting silhouettes. To prepare for your first day back at work, settle into a tunic blazer with stretch fabrication. The longer silhouette gives your ensemble a laid-back look while still feeling smart. If your office still leans formal, opt for classic colors and patterns like black or a neutral houndstooth this fall. What about offices fully embracing the leisurely vibes? Frame your outfit with a career-ready cashmere cardigan. Features like a draped collar or a button-front will set you up for success.

WORKLEISURE BOTTOMS One thing that’s sure to make your transition back to the office more enjoyable is the relaxed silhouette of women’s workleisure bottoms. Say goodbye to the day of starched trousers and hello to this new era of knits, drawstring waists and billowing hems. Noticing a theme? Comfort reigns supreme. Keep scrolling for our style forecast on workleisure pants and skirts.

Secretly Relaxed Pants Workleisure pants have a different job description than the work pants of yore. They’re meant to move in and feature softer fabric texture, so you feel at home—at the office. Look for ribbed-knit pants that cuddle you like a hug or french terry interiors on button-up joggers secretly keeping you cozy. Just make sure to pick out these touchable options in an office-appropriate length and the right size for a polished effect. Another way to bring at-home ease to the workplace is with straight-fitting silhouettes and wide-leg pants outfits. Search for these looser pant legs with a paper-bag waist and you’ll forget all about your favorite sweats. These shapes naturally allow for more room and flexibility, perfect for settling into a new routine. Plus, for those entering a hybrid work model, these pants can easily transition back to your WFH jam. Toss your hair into a messy bun with a velvet scrunchie to get stuff done. And just like that, you’re rising up the ranks of the new business casual.

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Workleisure Skirts: Soft and Smooth Sometimes, you’re just not ready to welcome back pants into your life. We get it. It’s not for everybody. Even before the days of workleisure, skirts were a gal’s best friend. Now, we’re upping the ante with the rise of flowy midi skirts and elastic waistbands. Rake in the style points on your first day back at the office with a pleated midi in a satin finish. Silky textures will feel like butter against your skin while looking elevated and elegant. Partner your skirt with a cable-knit sweater for a look that’s Monday meeting-ready. For offices with a more muted dress code, keep your colors conservative. A drawstring-waist skirt in olive green or moody plum will fit the bill. Throw on a belted blazer to close the deal. But wait—you’re still wearing your slippers.

Time for real shoes, too.

BACK-TO-THE-OFFICE SHOES As you head back to the office after a year of working from home, you’ll want to start off on the right foot. Our predictions for women’s workleisure shoes see footwear becoming a place for you to show off your personality.

Whether it’s a patterned heel, chic loafers—or, yes, even sneakers—the new normal has your feet feeling fancy-free.

Workleisure’s Labour of Love: Loafers With a name like loafers, it’s no surprise that these bad boys are a shoe-in for workleisure footwear trends. These shoes are never out of style from season to season and offer a comfortable fit without losing a drop of sophistication.

For a sleek finish to your workleisure outfit, pop on a patent leather pair. If you favor feminine touches, opt for a canvas loafer with a fabric knot or bow around the toe. Though these shoes can cut a more serious tone, color can make these shoes whimsical in a snap. Why not channel your inner Dorothy Gale with a ruby red set? Now click your heels together three times, and we’ll take you to a land where sneakers are workwear.

How to Wear Sneakers as Workleisure

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Before we pledge our allegiance to sneakers, let’s get a quick disclaimer out of the way. Even as many offices embrace workleisure, these shoes aren’t the right fit for all workplaces, such as, corporate or political offices. When in doubt, take cues from your colleagues to see if a sneaker can sneak by.

If your work is relaxing the dress code and embracing the way of business comfort, you’re in luck. Neutrals like black and white are safe sneaker bets.

Just make sure you know how to clean white sneakers to keep them looking smart. When you’re ready to dabble in color, try easy-on-the-eye tones like a dusty rose or pale indigo. Partner them with one of the flowy skirts we mentioned earlier or a chic-style, black legging-pant for a minimalist look.

Take Workleisure to New Heights with Heels Some of you might have cheered seeing sneakers on our workleisure trend predictions. But we know others wait with bated breath for the verdict on heels. If pumps were your go-to shoe before 2020, don’t worry. Heels haven’t left the building. Instead, lower heels are shaping up to be a top footwear trend. And we couldn’t be happier. Kick on a pointed-toe kitten heel in a playful pastel to jazz up your outfit. Complement the retro vibes of your wide-leg pants with a chunky block heel. Remember when we said your personality can shine in the shoe department? Look for contemporary details like tortoise-shell printed heels or multiple enamel buckles to put some pep in your step.

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DRESSY WORKLEISURE For all the girls who love a touch of glam—this one’s for you. Workleisure builds on the idea of blending professionalism with—let’s all say it together— comfort. But you don’t have to sacrifice your inner fashionista. If anything, the impact of COVID-19 on workwear widened the definition of career clothing. That includes dressing up, too. Try a stretchy, knit dress that can transition into off-the-clock fun. Looking for a way to take your look to the next level? How about styling your ensemble with pearl accessories? Don pearl drop earrings to light up your computer screen for collaborators still Zooming in. Add instant elegance to your favorite pair of wide-leg pants with a bodysuit. Wondering how to wear a bodysuit at the office? It’s all about balancing proportions. Layering trendy pieces and styling a shacket with this look will strike the perfect work-play balance. Now, you’re set to go straight from work to your first happy hour back with your coworkers.

Ready to add women’s workleisure to your style résumé? Ask your stylist for any of these pieces in your next Fix! Article is compliments of Stitch Fix and written by Pauline Arroyo and Jessica Glass. Visit http:// www.stitchfix.com to schedule your fix!

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Life & Luxury Magazine Travel

Plan a Memorable Family Reunion

F

amily reunions this summer are sure to take on special meaning as families reunite after months apart. Organizing such a momentous event may feel like a lot of work but thinking of it in smaller pieces can make it easier to manage. Finding a date that works for everyone may be the biggest hurdle. Once that essential detail is set, start planning your family get-together with these tips from the travel experts at Vrbo: Decide on a celebration style. Family reunions come in all shapes and sizes.

You might plan a gathering for a single day with a big meal and plenty of time for chatting with relatives, or it may be a multi-day affair filled with activities that get all ages involved.

Pick the place. The location of your reunion depends on many factors. In some cases, families plan for a location that’s easily accessible for the majority, like a midway point or a city where a large branch of the family tree is rooted. Other families build reunions around the head of the family and plan the location around where the eldest members of the family reside. Still other reunions are destination getaways with multiple households in one vacation location.

Choose where you’ll stay. Figuring out what kind of lodging best suits your reunion depends on a variety of considerations, but the larger the group, the more challenging it can be. A vacation rental home may be an option when you’re bringing multiple families together under one roof or plan to stay for several days. Many vacation rentals even offer amenities like pools or hot tubs that can be enjoyed privately rather than shared with the rest of the resort or hotel guests. A tool like Vrbo’s Trip Board of reunion-friendly homes can help you find inspiration for a perfect place.

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Plan activities. Depending on your family’s style, planning how everyone will pass the time may be a scheduled itinerary or a loose list of potential things to do. Either way, leave time for casual conversation and simply enjoying a few moments together, as well as lots of entertainment to keep kids occupied while the adults catch up.

Create a menu. From potluck to catering and everything in between, there are numerous options when it comes to feeding a reunion crowd. You might have everyone bring their own food, ask each family take turns serving meals or plan easy bar-style meals like tacos or walking nachos.

It’s a good idea to coordinate your menu plans so you don’t waste food or have duplicate ingredients in the refrigerator. Remember to plan for extra snacks and desserts, too. Many homes available through Vrbo include access to refrigerators and fully equipped kitchens, making it easy to store extra food for the gathering.

Incorporate your heritage. What sets a family reunion apart from other types of gatherings is the focus on family. Make your reunion special by incorporating special aspects of your heritage, whether it’s a monogrammed centerpiece for the dining table or photos of multiple generations you scatter around the venue. Another idea for a multigenerational family reunion is a slideshow of photo memories set to music that plays as the precursor to a family movie night under the stars.

Find more inspiration and ideas for organizing your family reunion this summer at vrbo.com/reunion.

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