Flower Mound Town Life Magazine December 2020

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020-2021 Dining & Entertainment Issue

Brawley Farms

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TABLE OF Contents ASK THE EXPERTS 14 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

16 This Ain’t No Cotton-Eyed Joe 410 Soul Line-Dancing

18 5 Things To Do

27 Travel with Terri Guthrie

20 Farm Life At Its Finest

41 Organizing with Cloud

23 Eat All You Want Dr. Sanderson

Nine Organizing

44 Decorating with POSH Home Staging & Redesign

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 11 Grilling Enthusiasts Now Have Their Own Haven with Grill This BBQ

FLOWER MOUND PHOTO PAGES

15 Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce 2020 Clay Shoot

Will Just Suck It Out

24 Find It. Buy It. Love It. 28 An Order of Sass & Scones Please!

30 Don’t Skip This COVID Christmas 35 The Covid-19 Silver Lining 36 The Greatest Baker Competition 38 Chamber Spotlight: Cindi Howard 42 Holiday Cocktails From The Locals 46 On Cloud Nine-A Nostalgic Look Back To Our Future

19 Resident Photos

49 The Coffee Guys

34 Resident Photos

50 Singing Her Heart Out

48 Resident Photos

53 Christmas Traditions & Why

ARTICLES 08 12 Tips For Hosting Holiday Guests Like A Pro

12 Inside Community & Education www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

They Are Important

54 Fresh Ideas Making Cooking At Home Easier

56 6 Spectacular Places To

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Cover Image Bob Brawley, Morgan

Knochel and Christina Schweir.

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

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Happy

Holidays & CHEERS TO 2021!

W

hat a unique year it has been, to say the least!

From shutdowns to quarantine and eLearning, the year 2020 is one most of us are excited to leave behind. December has always been a month of reflection. A time to look back on the highs and lows of the last 12 months. To say there were challenges would be an understatement for most of us. Yet, through it all, I believe our community grew stronger and our families closer. For some, the shutdown brought a chance for them to focus on what’s most important and gave them more time to spend with their family. For many local business owners, it meant shifting gears and traveling a very scary path of the unknown.

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor

Steve Gamel, Brooke Ezzo, Diane Ciarloni, Jean Eisenmann, Jade Kensington, Caylie Howard

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene Cayla Thompson

Photography

Miranda Longoria Photography Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography

Letters

Flower Mound Town Life invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

As we start to ponder our New Year’s resolutions and how we’re going to make 2021 better than this year, I urge you all to reflect on 2020 – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Regardless of whether or not you nailed all of your 2020 resolutions, I’d be willing to bet that you still learned and grew in ways that you never expected this year. I know I did.

Editorial Inquiries Call 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com

That’s what I love about life – you never know what the next day (or in this case, the next year) is going to bring. It’s the unexpected challenges that help us grow the most. One of my favorite sayings is “Progress always involves risk.

You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.” – Frederick B. Wilcox

Flower Mound Town Life is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Flower Mound Town Life is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2020 Murray Media Group

Enjoy your family, cherish your friends, always be kind, laugh often, and make the best of the bad days - and years!

Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028

Wishing you and your families the best!

Happy Holidays & Cheers to 2021!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

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12 TIPS

Hosting

H O L I D AY

D

FOR

G U E S T S

L I K E

A

P R O

by Contributing Writer

on’t let the stress of hosting guests, parties, and dinner this holiday season get you down. Whether you’re playing hotel for a few guests or hosting the entire Big Day, it’s understandable to worry about all the little things that can go wrong.

We’ve got 12 tips for hosting holiday guests like a pro.

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1. Create a Timeline

the essential items for your family as well.

so that nothing jumps out at you. Your

small things like making sure all of the

5. Write A Welcome Note

a trial run of the Big Day. Make a list of

your guests feel at home with a kind little

is best to do these things.

the house. You can write down where to

2. Cook Ahead

shop. Write down your WiFi password or

A plan will help lower your stress levels timeline can include the big things like

when to pop the turkey in the oven to the Christmas lights are on. You can even do everything you need to do and what time

It’s a hassle to check the oven a million times and try to whip up some dessert

while tending to guests. You want to enjoy your time with them, so cook as much

ahead of time as possible. You can make soups that are easy to freeze, no-bake

desserts, or put together your main dish the day before Christmas.

Guests just mean there are more people with their literal hand in the cookie jar.

How sweet is a handwritten note? Make

note. You can help them with tips about find extra toiletries or the closest coffee

instructions on how to use your remote for the electronics.

6. Take A Deep Breath

Remember to breathe. You’re the host,

so people understand you’re under a lot

of stress. Take a moment to sit down and

3. Clean Out The Guest Closet

chill out. Drink a glass of wine or take a

things all over your floor. Make space

for them in a closet. Some of your guest

7. Go For The Details

random thing in your house, so it’s a great

flowers in your guests’ room. Play soft

extra room.

their bed. All of these little touches will

Your guests might not want to throw their

closets might be used to stash every

time for you to de-clutter and give guests

4. Stock Your Pantry

bath. No one is going to get mad at you

because they can’t find the toilet paper or they can’t find the milk in the morning.

Love is in the details. Put out some fresh music or put a spare phone charger by make a big impact.

pantry. Stock up on the essentials. Throw

8. Break Out The Nice Stuff

Buy some late-night snacks like crackers

big guns. This means the Christmas china

More guests means less food in your

in some cereal and frozen breakfast items. or goldfish for grab-and-go. It’s also

important to stock up on liquids like water and coffee. Remember to stock up on

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The holiday meal means bringing out the

that’s been in your family for ages, the real silverware, and those linen napkins that

you so carefully ironed once in your life.

Eat in your dining room that you only use once a year.

9. Plan Cleaning Tasks

You don’t want to be vacuuming right

when guests come to your door. Knock

out a little cleaning each day. You might dust one day, clear the clutter the next,

then change the towels the next day. You don’t need to do everything in one day.

10. Remember The Last Things

Before guests arrive, make sure to tie up

all of the loose ends. This means lighting candles throughout the home, turning

on your music, and making sure the ice

bucket is filled. You can set out beverages and put appetizers in the oven. Check the

bathroom to ensure there is enough toilet paper and hand soap.

11. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help You’re the host, but you can ask for help.

Ask family members to step in to help fill the ice bucket or cut fresh flowers.

Don’t turn down a guest when they offer to bring a dessert. You don’t have to do everything on your own.

12. Have Fun

Sit back and enjoy your company. The best part of the holidays is getting

together with loved ones. Enjoy your

family and friends during this glorious

season, and celebrate yourself for hosting such a great event.

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Business Spotlight

Grilling Enthusiasts Now Have Their Own HAVEN

by Steve Gamel

T

anner Hill and his brother David Buenrostro admit that they were a little worried about the future of their grilling business, Grill This BBQ Supply, when the coronavirus pandemic first hit in March. After all, these were difficult times, and purchasing a new grill or the finest rubs and sauces likely wouldn’t be top of mind for many people.

They couldn’t have been more wrong.

What was already a popular concept grew beyond their wildest dreams — so much that they moved from the shared facility they’d been in for six years and opened their own storefront in Highland Village.

“The reverse happened,” Tanner said with a laugh. “We’ve been the busiest we’ve ever been.”

Grill This BBQ Supply has always been your one-stop BBQ, grilling, and smoking headquarters, featuring everything from grills and smokers to must-have accessories and locally-made, awardwinning rubs and sauces. They also design and build outdoor kitchens. But what was once a smaller facility located within Outdoor Living Pool and Patio near Guyer High School is now its own storefront — and triple the size of what it used to be.

that he and David are just as much grilling enthusiasts as their clients are. “David loves interacting with our clients and getting to know them. I’m sort of in the background helping to advertise and set up events like cooking classes, amateur BBQ competitions, and more.”

He added, “For those people who have been to our old store, this new one is huge. They should check it out.”

The extra space has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Not only does Grill This have perhaps the biggest selection of grills and supplies in North Texas, but several new events are in the works to add even more value for their customers. This includes everything from cooking classes to amateur BBQ competitions.

It’s as unique a grilling experience as you will find under one roof.

“We started this as a hobby, and it just grew from there,” Tanner said. He said

940.484.4745 | GrillThisBBQ.com | 200 Marketplace Ln., Ste. 205 • Highland Village, TX

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INSIDE COMMUNITY

BOB’S HOUSE OF HOPE

DECORATING S.T.A.R. TREES The tradition lives on. Marking the 10-year-anniversary since resident Kim Berg decided to liven up Flower Mound roads by decorating Sad Trees Along Roadways (S.T.A.R), dozens of trees brighten moods and roads each year! To “help a S.T.A.R.” just find a tree, decorate it, and enjoy the magic. Make sure you secure your decorations to avoid litter and take them down by 6pm on January 2.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Bob Williams, founder of Ranch Hands Rescue Counseling Center and Animal Sanctuary has added another piece to the recovery puzzle by opening the first long-term safe house in the country exclusively catering to male abuse victims.

Bob’s House of Hope will be open in early 2021. To help, Denton County Sheriff Tracy Murphree presented the organization with a $25,000 check from his drug prevention program. To learn more about the program or to become a partner, visit www.RanchHandsRescue.com. photo courtesy of Bob Williams

SUPPORT FMHS PTSA

STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION If you have graduated from an LISD campus and have ever thought of staying connected, you are invited to join the official Student Alumni Association. Being a member comes with a lot of opportunities to stay involved: class reunion assistance, guest speaking, campus volunteer, student mentoring, and much more. To sign up, visit www.BestSchoolsInTexas.com/alumni-sign-up.

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Did you know you could help the Flower Mound High School PTSA while you shop?

Sign up for grocery reward programs through the Tom Thumb Good Neighbor Program and the Kroger Community Rewards Program. Or you can use AmazonSmile and designate the PTSA as your preferred charitable organization.

These programs donate funds from each of your purchases back to the PTSA. For information on signing up for the programs, visit www.FMHSptsa.org and click on “support FMHS PTSA.” www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

NEW BUSINESSES COMING TO TOWN

LIVING CHRISTMAS CARD VICTORIAN CAROLERS Mondays-Saturdays 5-8pm | Sundays 3-6pm | The Shops at Highland Village 1701 Shoal Creek. • Highland Village, TX 75077 What a fun way to enjoy Christmas than visiting the Living Christmas Card Quartet!

Dressed in beautiful Victorian costumes, the quartet will be singing holiday classics, creating a fun and nostalgic holiday experience. The last day is Wed., Dec. 23, come before it’s too late! This is a free event, no registration needed.

Thank goodness for business growth!

According to the Town of Flower Mound Economic Development more businesses are coming to the area.

We would like to welcome several that are now open and coming soon: Stone Creek Collectibles, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt, Quest Exteriors LLC, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, Leonard Chiropractic, and several more.

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP Fri., Jan. 8 | 4:30pm | Online

PRE-KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT Lewisville ISD’s pre-kindergarten program is aimed at nurturing and encouraging eager minds. Every pre-kindergarten class has a certified teacher and a trained paraprofessional working together to enrich the lives of young students. Full day and half day are available. Enrollment is open for in-person and virtual learning. To learn more, visit www.lisd.net/prek. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

Hey LISD seniors! Have you applied for the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation Scholarship? The LEF offers ten $500 scholarships to help students continue their education journey. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria ranging from academic achievement to community involvement. To apply for the scholarship, visit www.lisdef.com/scholarships.com.

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Ask The Expert: Dentistry

Kicking Off 2021

WITH A SMILE! Your smile, like your health, is undoubtedly an invaluable quality to your state of being.

by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental

T

he New Year will soon be upon us, and with that comes new opportunities for declarations of improvement and resolve. As we usher into the new decade with innovative notions of self-development, the team at Country Lakes Family Dental would like to encourage all resolution enthusiasts to take on the New Year with a smile!

Believe it or not, making the New Year

bright could be as simple as beginning with a smile.

We are brimming with ways to help you achieve that goal with different ways to improve your look and health beyond

the typical methods of straightening your teeth and whitening your smile. As our

patients know, our office boasts the latest

technology and advancements that make

improving your dental health comfortable and predictable.

Your smile, like your health, is undoubtedly an

invaluable quality to

your state of being.

And like so many resolutions,

sometimes

dental care can easily fall to the wayside. To curb that, we use the current advancements in digital technology and software, along with thorough planning, to create a smile that is not only efficient but predictable.

Your individual goals can be accomplished through treatment as simple as a cleaning with whitening or can be multifactorial by incorporating cosmetic, orthodontic, or even implant dental treatment.

So, as the Holidays and New Year bring new campaigns of exercise regimens and steadfast dietary choices, these newfound determinations should be met with tenacity, enthusiasm, and, most of all, a smile! Venturing into 2021, you can rest assured our team will help you smile with ease!

940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226

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THIS A IN’T NO COT T ON-E YED

410 SOUL

JOE

LINE-DAN CIN G

by Diane Ciarloni | photos courtesy of Isha “Boomerang” Hutchinson

T

here’s a world out there that most of us never knew existed. It’s called Soul LineDancing (sometimes also referred to as Urban Line Dancing), and it’s slipped quietly into the top brackets of favorite pastimes since its beginning in the late 1980s.

headache-causing, so he eventually

Anyone living within a couple thousand

It was 1994 when Flower Mound resident

“I just wanted to meet people and have

dancing; that boot-scootin, sliding, kicking,

Pittsburg to Dallas, following his now-wife,

a lot of cliquishness. To me, that defeated

miles of Texas is familiar with country lineslapping your butt routine that functions

as the voice of Cotton-Eyed Joe. Soul Line is also a choreographed series of dance

movements, but the accompanying music is chosen from a much broader collection of genre. It can be anything from soul to

Isha “Boomerang” Hutchinson moved from Marlo. Both were dancers. Her passion was flamenco, while his was soul-line. Actually,

his preference was completely logical since Pittsburg is where Dave Bush was crowned the godfather of the movement.

decided he needed a way to de-stress. He found a club and began line dancing with a group of people there.

fun,” Isha said. “Unfortunately, there was the entire purpose.”

The search for a club to meet his needs continued. In 2014, Isha and Marlo

established 410 Line Dancers in Flower Mound. The name comes from an

hip-hop, pop, zydeco, jazz, and R&B – just

Marlo relocated for a new programmer

experience with an old fraternity brother

at least a semi-spunky rhythm. The result is

manager in 1997. That remains his

plans fell apart but not the studio, which is

about anything capable of accommodating

job, and Isha became a senior IP project

who intended to be a 410 partner. Those

high energy, low impact, fun dancing.

“day job.” The work can be tedious and

currently in Coppell.

“Our motto is ‘No Cliques, No Drama....Just GREAT Dancing,’” Isha explained. “Today, we’re viewed as the leading line-dancing company in Texas, regardless of age or

dance skill level. We teach and create the

top soul line-dances from the simplest to the most complex. In soul line-dancing, one of

the challenges is to create new dances. One of the latest is The Wobble! Our goal is a

high standard of dance excellence within a low-pressure and positive environment.”

He added, “We have around 35 full-time members, and more women than men.

Lifetime friendships are made at 410, and

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are very important. We found out most

“I’m 50-years-old,” Isha said. “I’ve grown

businesses. Others are involved in the

come to dance for a lot of reasons. Maybe

be a project manager for them. I share

in 2017. They learn about production,

recovering from a physical injury, or

a professional if needed — especially if

people, whether they realize it or not,

so much by leading these groups. I try to

they’re new to the area and need friends,

what I know, and I’m willing to bring in

fighting depression. And there are a few

someone is dealing with a really difficult

who just want to dance.”

emotional issue.

It’s important to Isha that he and Marlo

“I derive so much pride from what we’re

use the platform they’ve built for good — for helping people, for giving back, for

being a part of the solution, for helping to develop self-confidence.

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doing, and I do things I never dreamed of doing.”

The same is true for many of the 410

students. Some have started their own

ongoing work of 410 TV, which was started programming, scripting, and more. It’s

experience that can become an important stepping stone.

410 has received 85 award nominations

over five years and has won 35 of those.

Everything they do, create, sponsor, or

produce all aspires to the same standard of the highest possible excellence. They simply refuse to accept anything less.

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At Permaculture Pastures, the Smiths created an environment where they raise their animals naturally — outside, in the fresh air, with a diverse smorgasbord of microorganisms available, and being moved to new, sun-sanitized pasture each day. Doing so eliminates the need to give them antibiotics, vaccines, medicated feed, or specialized GMO feed.

Farm Life

FINEST AT

ITS

by Steve Gamel

photos courtesy of Permaculture Pastures

They offer pasture-raised meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. They also have free-range eggs, all-natural salsa, goat milk soap, local honey, beeswax candles, native Texas pecans, and locally-sourced holiday gift sets. Beyond customers being able to pick up inperson, Permaculture Pastures offers home delivery in Flower Mound, Lewisville, Highland Village, Double Oak, Argyle, and Trophy Club.

They dreamed of growing their own food

R

yan and Addison Smith have a cute-as-a-button little boy named Cohen. And at 2 years old, sweet Cohen can tell you almost anything you’d want to know about every cow, sheep, pig, and chicken on his mommy and daddy’s 160-acre farm in Sunset, Texas. He knows where eggs come from, and rather than beg to watch cartoons on television, he doesn’t have to twist his parents’ arms long enough to get them to take him outside to pet the animals.

“We feed the animals together, we collect eggs together, we mow pastures together,” Ryan said with a laugh. Ryan is also the owner of David Ryan Salon in Flower Mound and Trophy Club. “We get to do all these things as a family, and our son experiences it all.

We’re always together — and we’re hardly ever indoors.”

Being the outdoorsy types was a big reason why Ryan and Addison traded their 5-bedroom home in Argyle for a quaint 2-bedroom house with all the land they could hope to have. Since they were both Cohen’s age — and long before they had ever met — their dream was to be farmers, ranchers, or homesteaders in some way. They dreamed of growing their own food, connecting with nature, and getting away from the hustle and bustle of normal life. It may have taken longer than they planned, but here they are as the proud owners of Permaculture Pastures.

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“When you bring a person a product that exceeds their expectations, they will stay with you forever,” Addison said. “Our animals are healthier, which means the food they provide is better for you. You’re not eating a pig that ate

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to allow for new areas of grass to develop.

After that, they were moved to live in the ponds, which they quickly began to seal.

Cohen can tell you almost anything you’d want to know about every cow, sheep, pig, and chicken GMO corn for its whole life. There is a conventional way, and there is this way.

And this way is better for you.”

Ryan agreed.

“We are helping create good quality food for people,” he said. “I could go to the grocery store and buy the cheapest ground beef and be fine. For someone else, that might make them completely sick. So, they turn to someone like us, and they appreciate it. We have some customers who drive over an hour to see us.”

To create this dream, Ryan and Addison had to start from scratch. When they first found the property, there was a landfill 40 yards behind the house. Besides being buried in trash, the pastures were

In just one year, they saw a diversity of species of grass and wildlife drastically increase. The land began healing. And as a byproduct of managing the earth well, they got to enjoy and share the highest quality meats and eggs available.

abused to the point of being almost beyond recovery. Even neighboring ranchers told them there was nothing they could do but reseed the grass. All the ponds were dry and had leaks that would typically be sealed with expensive chemical compounds.

Instead of seeding, fertilizing, spraying, and dumping chemicals in the ponds, they began to work with the animals to repair the property. They rotated chicken tractors throughout the pastures to fertilize, spread cow manure, and eat the seeds of weeds.

Cows were in small mob grazing sections, which forced them to eat some weeds, trample the rest, and quickly move to a new section to allow grass to recover. Pigs worked at clearing under trees and tilling up gravely and rocky sections of pasture

“For us, this is very personal,” the Smiths said. “Our son has a lot of complications with his ability to process and digest highly processed foods. Monoculture farming and the willingness to sacrifice quality for quantity have resulted in an epidemic of people who suddenly cannot process things that humans have been able to eat for centuries: milk, wheat, etc.

Our son, not to mention several other members of our extended family, are among those affected by this epidemic.

When we switched his diet to clean foods and foods that we raised ourselves, he was a different child almost overnight.

He is no longer in pain every night; he doesn’t suffer from sensory overload and can better navigate things cognitively and emotionally. That is how we can say with complete confidence that we will continually be striving to create cleaner, healthier foods and that we will not ever come to a point where we decide the extra work involved with our methods is not worth it. We are all in.”

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Eat

can still gain weight or get heavier, but

ALL YOU WANT

DR. SANDERSON WILL JUST SUCK IT OUT

A

by Dr. Sanderson | photos courtesy of Dr. Sanderson

t Flower Mound Plastic Surgery and Live Young Wellness Spa, we truly have the best clients and patients. To show their appreciation for us, often times our clients kindly bring us treats like bundt cakes or warm chocolate chip cookies.

the area we treat will always be smaller

than what it would have been if we had not treated it. Liposuction can be done

under local or general anesthesia. We can only do one area at a time under local

simply due to the amount of the numbing medicine required. One area includes both sides of the body. For example,

both love-handles are considered one

area. I am a huge fan of doing liposuction under local anesthesia for those who

are candidates. It is cheaper and more

convenient. The average amount of pain

My team members rarely hesitate to take

emotions. Disgust is usually the first

injecting to enjoy one of those delicious

cannula moving rapidly back and forth

Next, there are several fat freezing

in when they see the yellow, greasy fat

happily purchase one of these devices if

canister, and that area of the body begins

justify the cost to my patients. I ask all of

like, “Does it hurt?” or “Does the fat

procedures what their experience was,

there?” First, let me say, excluding diet

was worth the money spent. Furthermore,

a quick break from their laser work or

desserts. Recently, we had a new staff

member who is very health focused join

our team. One day when we were gifted

with some treats, she expressed concern about her diet and did not want to partake in the high-calorie dessert

sitting on the table. One of the more

experienced team members at the office smirked and said, “Don’t worry about

it. Eat all you want, Sanderson can suck it out.” She was jokingly (at least I think) referring to liposuction. I thought this

Dining and Entertainment issue was a

perfect time to dispel some of the myths surrounding all of the modalities for removing unwanted fat.

emotion as they see the liposuction

under the skin, but then intrigue sets

modalities on the market now; I would

moving out of the body into a sterile

I felt like they were effective enough to

to slowly deflate. I often get questions

my clients who have had the fat freezing

grow somewhere else after it is removed

and only one in 20 or so say they felt like it

and exercise, liposuction is still the gold

a small percentage of people will actually

standard for localized fat reduction. It is

not a good diet plan, but it works perfectly on stubborn areas of fat that will not seem to go away regardless of the amount of

exercise. The pain is minimal to moderate, and I think this is somewhat surgeon specific. It is not uncommon for my

First, we will address the modality

patients to go back to work on Monday

professionals watch a liposuction

Thursday — requiring only one or two days

of liposuction. When non-medical procedure, it is usually met with mixed

during or after the procedure is 3/10.

get paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.

Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a fancy way of saying the fat increases in size and amount after attempting to freeze it and

make it go away. I have seen a few clients in my clinic seeking liposuction after this unwanted effect. This is a really rare, but well described event.

after having a liposuction on the previous

Finally, the best fat reduction modality is

off of work. I remind everyone that you

than the difficult, but effective, method

diet and exercise. Nothing works better

that your mom and dad encouraged. We

offer nutrition and hormone services if the more natural route is preferred. We have also teamed up with some great local

gyms and fitness places. After getting

to know you, we can easily refer you to

an exercise location where you will feel welcome and at home.

Either way, if you find yourself enjoying a little too much apple pie this holiday

season and need help getting back on

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AFTER

track, give our team at Flower Mound

Plastic Surgery and Live Young Wellness Spa a call.

DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 23

E

very year, you promise yourself you won’t wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping or buy that perfect holiday outfit, but once again, it’s the week before Christmas and you’ve gotten nary a gift. Don’t panic! Before you go into a desperate shopping frenzy, check out these local area businesses. We are sure you’ll find everything you need with time to spare, and nobody on your list will know you procrastinated (again).

clothing, shoes, accessories, fragrances, and home décor. This boutique also offers an amazing selection of gifts such as candles, mugs, and satin eye masks.

MEGAN’S LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE MEGANSLIFESTYLEBOUTIQUE.COM

Beasley’s has been a family-owned and operated business since 1948. Turning a family heirloom into a custom piece of your very own comes naturally to them.

On top of being experts in fine jewelry, they also offer a fabulous women’s boutique that is all about love and glamour. This boutique is located at 177 W. Main St. in Lewisville.

Megan’s is a “Lifestyle Boutique” with a relaxed environment and personalized service that is sure to make for a fun time. They offer an amazing selection of women’s apparel, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and gifts. They even have a

24 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

selection of unique children’s gifts. They are located at 4081 Waller Creek, Ste.160 in Highland Village.

HELLO DAFFODIL HELLODAFFODILBOUTIQUE.COM Hello Daffodil, located at 2451 Lakeside Pkwy. in Flower Mound, is a trendy women’s boutique that offers on-trend

| DECEMBER 2020

BEASLEY’S FINE JEWELRY & BOUTIQUE WWW.BEASLEYSJEWELRY.COM

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MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE MAINSTREAMBOUTIQUE.COM Mainstream Boutique is a multi-

generational, on-trend women’s clothing boutique located at 5801 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 810 in Flower Mound. Their

mission is to empower, strengthen, and

celebrate women through fashion. You are sure to feel your most beautiful self every time you walk out their door.

THE PALM TREE BOUTIQUE SHOPPALMTREE.COM

on tanks, shirts, hoodies, hats, bags, and more. They also allow customization on their designs.

TEXAS PATINA TXPATINA.COM Texas Patina, located at 401 N Sealy

Ave in Justin, offers an array of unique gifts and boutique clothing. Their

clothing offers sizes small through 3X.

This boutique also offers a selection of

gourmet food items just as La Casita Salsa, Addy Dady Spices and Seasonings, Texas Hill Country Olives and Oil, and Rabbit Creek Bakery Items.

LA DI DA LADIDABOUTIQUEDENTON.COM This fun and funky women’s boutique offers a wide variety of trendy tops,

fashionable dresses and jumpsuits, fun accessories, and a wide variety of foot

wear. La Di Da is located at 114 N Locust St. in Denton.

BRIGHTSIDE BOUTIQUE The Palm Tree Boutique offers on trend,

BRIGHTSIDEBOUTIQUE.NET

affordable, high quality clothing and

Brightside Boutique in Highland Village

of gift selections such as candles, key

in the area. They also carry brands such

a fun and relaxed atmosphere located at

Clara Sun Woo, Vera Bradley, Uggs, and

accessories. They also offer a wide variety

offers the largest selection of Brighton

rings, and drink ware. This boutique offers

as Merle Norman Cosmetics, Ivy Jane,

119 N. Elm St. in Denton.

so much more. This boutique is located at

SOUTHERN ROOTS DNA SOUTHERNROOTSDNA.COM Southern Roots Dna is a unique boutique located at 211 W 5th St. in Justin. They

LUCY VOSS LUCYVOSS.COM Lucy Voss is a women’s clothing store and boutique located at 4131 Deer Creek in Highland Village. They offer a curated assortment of designer apparel and jewelry that reflects the personal style of their customers. Lucy Voss commits to custom services, smart pricing, and a sense of trust.

1400 Shoal Creek Ste. 150 in The Shops at Highland Village.

JACK’S OUTFITTERS JACKSOUTFITTERS.COM

offer apparel, accessories, gifts, and

Jack’s is a lifestyle clothing store that

Direct to Garment printing and Heat

friend. They offer the latest trends in

custom made items. They specialize in

caters to men, women, and man’s best

Transfer Vinyl. Their designs are available

fashion along with the hottest brands. The

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Retrievers, so they also offer unique gifts for your dog. This shop is located at 1101 Shoal Creek, Ste. 140 in Highland Village.

store owner is a dog breeder for Labrador DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 25

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| DECEMBER 2020

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JEFFERSON, I

Travel: Ask The Expert

to saunter around and take your time.

There’re many gift and antique shops, even an old traditional general store!

by Terri Guthrie | photo courtesy of Terri Guthrie

f you are itching to get out of town for a few days, consider heading east to historic Jefferson, Texas. It’s one charming town...especially at Christmas! Jefferson is a great weekend getaway with lots to see and do.

Back in the 1800s, the area became a main river port of entry to the West for products and immigrants. It was also a major shipping port for selling agricultural products. Cotton was king and brought to Jefferson from as far away as Dallas then sold in Jefferson and traveled on to merchants across America. Jefferson soon became a boom town after the arrival of the steamboat. This was called the “Golden Era,” as Jefferson became a thriving steamboat port from 1845 until 1875. Unfortunately, the Army Corps of Engineers had to reduce the water level in Big Cypress Bayou, and steamboats could no longer navigate the waterway.

As a result, it devastated the economy in Jefferson. This town suddenly ceased to be a prominent port city and commercial center. Fortunately, many of the midnineteenth century homes and buildings on the Historical Registry remain and are a treat to see.

Today, Jefferson is much smaller but still very beautiful. A unique event they have during the holidays is the Candlelight Tour of Homes. It’s considered among the top Christmas events in east Texas. We

have enjoyed tours of lavishly-decorated residences. They reflect the grandeur of an elaborate past as you are greeted by tour guides dressed in period clothing and given a brief history of the home. Most of the Christmas decorations are over the top and all greenery is live. We learned so much fun history and were inspired with many holiday decorating ideas!

Jefferson is known as the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of East Texas.” It’s the perfect place to unwind with countless charming bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels, including Texas landmarks that have hosted some of the most famous men and women in the world. Mr and Mrs. George W. Bush have laid their heads at the luxurious House of the Seasons, a Victorian-style home built in 1872. We always stay at The Excelsior House Hotel, a famous landmark in Jefferson. It has welcomed its share of notable figures, including Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes since its inception in the late 1850s. It is actually owned and operated by the local Garden Club and is the oldest hotel in continuous operation in Texas!

If you’re looking for a truly unique getaway that’s just a few hours away, Jefferson is hard to beat!

Learn more about places to stay and holiday activities by visiting VisitJeffersonTexas.com.

There are other special attractions in addition to visiting the historical homes.

One of our favorites is the free “Enchanted Forest.” It’s a display of more than 125 lighted and decorated Christmas trees.

Every tree has a theme and each is unique.

This is quite a community effort that is magical to see and is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!

In Jefferson, life moves a little bit more slowly than it does in the big city, which I love since I’m a small-town girl. So, plan

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DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 27

Order AN

Scones O F

&

S A S S

PLEASE!

by Jade Kensington | photos courtesy of The Cuchen’s Family

J

asmine “Jazzy” Cuchens has fond early childhood memories of playing with her kitchen playset, taking orders, serving up coffee and waffles, and using Playdoh to create an array of baked goodies. This past summer, the 9-year-old turned her longtime interest into a successful business in the middle of a global pandemic.

Her entrepreneurship began in July, when she reached a new level of boredom while sheltering in place. She stumbled upon a box of shortcake mix in the kitchen and asked her parents if she could make them by herself. She noticed the recipe seemed rather dull, so she decided to add some

chocolate chips to jazz them up. The consistency resembled scones rather than shortcake, but after her family raved about how delicious they were, Jazzy came up with the idea of starting her own business, Jazzy’s Sassy Scones.

The business name is sure to make anyone smile.

“When I bake the scones, I put a little personality in,” Jazzy says. “One of my personality traits is sassy.”

“When I bake the scones, I put a little personality in. One of my personality traits is sassy.”

In launching her business, Jazzy and her parents came up with summerthemed scone flavors: chippy chocolate, white chocolate strawberry, and lemon blueberry. “Chippy chocolate was my favorite, but my dad tells me white chocolate strawberry was our best seller,” says Jazzy.

28 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

| DECEMBER 2020

Weekends are typically for rest and relaxation, but not for Jazzy. She has a busy schedule, but she has it down pat.

Each Saturday at 6 a.m., Jazzy can be found baking in the kitchen with her dad.

Around 9 a.m., she and her mom begin boxing the scones and getting the counter ready for customer pick-up. Customers can swing by and pick up their orders between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., which is Jazzy’s favorite part of it all. “I love to greet the customers and see their reactions!”

Although each member of the family has a role in helping the business run smoothly, Jazzy is definitely the driving force and holds the “Girl Boss” title to keep the business moving forward. Dad is the head chef, Mom manages their marketing and social media presence, and one of her older brothers assists customers during their two-hour pick-up window. Her other brother utilizes his prior AV Club skills in

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filming Jazzy’s unboxing videos for other

to several pop-up events around North

boxes—Kidstir, Kids Baking Club, and

successful. At five months, Jazzy’s Sassy

baking companies that have subscription Raddish Kids, are just to name a few.

Texas, all of which have been incredibly Scones reached over $6,000 in sales.

The results are impressive, and they speak

Jazzy and her parents are always

after the creation of her business, Jazzy

seasonal flavor ideas. In September, they

for themselves. Approximately 10 weeks took the national spotlight on “Good

Morning America” via a Zoom interview and was delighted when they told her

she was being gifted a large assortment

of bake ware courtesy of KitchenAid. Two

months into the start of her business, Jazzy began to further promote her brand by bringing her scones and merchandise

collaborating and coming up with new

unveiled their line of fall flavors: pumpkin spice, cinnamon chippy, and cranberry

orange. For Halloween, they launched a

limited-edition of Spooky Scones, which

was a delicious concoction of butterscotch mixed with mini chocolate chips and

Heath topping. Winter holiday flavors recently launched in November, and

Jazzy’s confidence is not just limited to the kitchen. Her entrepreneurial spirit has also allowed her to see, first-hand, how revenue and expenses affect the overall profit of her business. Such topics would normally inflict yawns on kids her age, but Jazzy takes an interest in handling the behind-the-scenes business operations.

Like any great baker, her plans don’t just stop at Jazzy’s Sassy Scones. Her longterm goals include owning a tiny house bakery on wheels so she can share her baking talents with those across the country.

Jazzy’s journey has only just begun.

they consist of: eggnog, chippy hot cocoa, and gingerbread.

They can ship all over the United States, and the scones are able to stay fresh

because they are dairy-free. Included in

her line of merchandise is a Junior Baker

Kit, which consists of a metal mixing bowl, apron, scone mix, chocolate chippies,

sugar sprinkles, recipe card, spoon and

spatula, and baker’s bag and seal—all for $25! Kids of all ages can make Jazzy’s

signature scones right in their own kitchen

and get a taste of what it is like to be a real junior baker.

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DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 29

Don’t Skip T H I S

C O V I D

CHRISTMAS

by Jean Eisenmann| photo courtesy of Jean Eisenmann

I

, for one, refuse to let a pandemic cheat me out of celebrating Christmas. I want to dash through the snow and have Jack Frost nip at my nose (oh, yeah, we’re in Texas).

Okay, then I’m going to jingle all the way…as soon as I find out what that means, and if it’s legal. In other (lyric-free) words, I want the full holiday deal.

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle at the

ribbon, and with a circle-backslash symbol

midst of COVID-19. The calendar says ‘tis

‘em smooch on their own thresholds.

thought of letting your heart be light in the the season, and we need more than ever to be merry and bright. Right this very

minute. Whether we have a little or a lot, Christmas is cause for celebration.

This year, my husband Van and I are inviting

friends over, but you’d

better not pout, and I’m

telling you why. Because we’ll be paying strict

attention to complying with COVID-19

safety measures.

This will not be a treetrimming party. It

wouldn’t be sanitary for

displayed prominently on the front. Let We decided to skip having a sit-down dinner this year. Dishes have to be

passed around the table, each piece

collecting germ-ridden

I’M GOING TO JINGLE ALL THE WAY…AS SOON AS I FIND OUT WHAT THAT MEANS, AND IF IT’S LEGAL.

everyone to touch the ornaments. Can you imagine how difficult it would be

to wash tinsel before packing it away?

Mistletoe will be hung by the front door

because it’s traditional and festive. But no

puckering and blending of saliva particles.

Solution: the bough will be encased in a clear plastic bag tied with a cheery red 30 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

fingerprints until the plates’ patterns are

unrecognizable. My

thought was to place

condiment packets.

In lieu of glove party favors I’ve chosen

mini Christmas stockings, each one stuffed with a pocket-sized hand sanitizer bottle in a popular holiday scent. Nothing says Christmas like the lingering smell of eggnog on your hands.

This is the first Christmas ever that we’ll be serving fruitcake. It was made five years

ago, well before COVID-19, and therefore should be safe for human consumption. If guests grimace at the sight it’ll become a door prize, and the lucky recipient’s new

doorstop or their kid’s science experiment.

colorful gloves in

Our final plan is to roast chestnuts on

at each place setting

tradition, but to sterilize them

party favors, and

All in all, it can be a holly jolly – though

Christmas patterns

an open fire. Not for the taste, nor the

under the guise of

before eating.

then emphasize that everyone needs to

wear them throughout dinner, as it adds

to the festivities. Van pointed out the

awkwardness of maneuvering plastic

utensils while wearing woolen gloves.

Says a man who’s tried it never. Hey, I said gloves, not mittens, bless his heart.

Instead, we’re going with “box dinners.”

You know, like box lunches, but…dinner.

| DECEMBER 2020

In a box. Now the search is on for holiday

uncommon – Christmas. Whatever you

make of it, remember that through good times and bad, it’s a wonderful life we

live in this great country. And it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Whether

you’ve been naughty or nice, just don’t

be a humbug during the holidays. Make this a December to remember, not for

the pandemic, but for the good tidings,

comfort and joy we bring to each other.

Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas, y’all.

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DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 31

Brawley Farms

UNSURPASSED

EQUESTRIAN S E R V I C E S

by Jean Eisenmann

cover photo by Miranda Longoria Photography | interior photos courtesy of Brawley Farms

32 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

| DECEMBER 2020

A

s you approach Brawley Farms from the road, the picturesque sight of more than 17 acres of lush pastures and scenic trails comes into view. A few feet into the driveway stands an impressive iron gate adorned with the Brawley Farms family crest of a unicorn proudly strutting inside a shield. It’s a crest that has been in the Brawley family for two generations.

Owner Bob Brawley calls the farm a “little piece of heaven,” and most locals agree.

Located in Double Oak, across the street from Lantana and five minutes from Highland Village-Flower Mound, Brawley Farms is a top-of-the-line, world-class equestrian facility.

Once past the gates and inside, you fully capture the splendor of the grounds.

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The glistening lake is now visible, as is the stable with its substantial turnout paddocks and outside derby field. A

large covered arena is accessible to the

barn. Attached to that arena you’ll find a comfortable observation lounge where

guests may sit on leather couches, drink a beverage, watch TV, and observe the horses and riders in the arena.

Brawley Farms

currently houses 38

horses in unsurpassed accommodations.

Most of the horses actively compete

nationwide as hunters or jumpers, with a

small group of lesson horses for those who

do not own their own

timed event over jumps), and equitation

(judged on the rider’s style and position).

The Brawley name is both widely known and respected across the country and abroad. Bob Brawley has been riding

horses all his life. This includes being on the hunter jumper circuit for more than

30 years, earning recognition for both his quality horsemanship and dedication to

detail. His two assistants,

Attached to that arena you’ll find a comfortable observation lounge where guests may sit on leather couches, drink a beverage, watch TV, and observe the horses and riders in the arena.

horse. Lessons are

available for all ages, from beginner to intermediate riders.

Morgan Knochel and

Christina Schweir, have

been trainers at Brawley Farms for four and five years, respectively.

Having worked together so closely and intensely,

they think alike, and their passion for the business is equally strong.

All of the show horses on the farm

are housed in large, well-lit stalls with

What defines Brawley Farms is that they

automatic waterers and receive top-

training program catering to the needs of

includes specialized training programs

Their trainers focus on developing horses

jumping technique. “These horses are so

in hunters (where you are judged on the

treated like professional athletes, because

offer an exceptional full-service show and

of-the-line nutrition daily. Their routine

both horses and riders of any skill level.

that develop muscle and also work on

and riders to excel at the highest level

well taken care of,” said Morgan. “They are

horse’s movement and style), jumpers (a

they are.”

Another service Brawley Farms offers is finding horses and ponies for clients to purchase or lease. They take great care in matching personalities and goals so that each partnership between horse and rider is successful. Using a vast network of connections across the country and in Europe, the Brawley team goes above and beyond to match clients with horses that will help them reach their goals and exceed their expectations.

The equipment and observation rooms are brimming with ribbons won from competitions held around the country and competition photos of employees and clients alike in various stages of performances with their champion horses.

The trainers compete nationally, traveling on the road about 25 weeks out of the

year (including all summer) to various competitive horse shows across the country. They often earn national awards at the end of the year, which is a big return on their dedication.

There aren’t many equestrian facilities providing excellence in such a comprehensive and caring way, and with as many years of experience as Brawley Farms. An equestrian’s dream, right here in your own backyard.

760.801.6655 | 214.707.1624 www.BrawleyFarmsInc.com 200 Simmons Rd. Double Oak, TX 75077 www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 33

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| DECEMBER 2020

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COVID-19

*$35.7+ million in business grants *$1.6+ million in non-profit grants

THE

*$2.6+ million for food *$5.3+ million to prevent 3,500 households from eviction

S I LV E R L I N I N G

*$35.5+ million to towns and cities *10,100+ free COVID-19 tests *1.27 million+ masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, gowns, face shields, etc.

by Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson

*20,000+ boxes of fruits and vegetables

photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson

*30,500+ COVID-19 call center calls

W

*12,000 turkeys and hams for

e have all had it with COVID-19, right? We hate wearing masks, keeping social distances between friends and family, possible hospitalization and ventilators, and worst of all, the loss of life within our circle of acquaintances, family members, or fellow Americans.

Thanksgiving for families in need The federal funds had “strings” attached

regarding how they could be spent, and

also had very thorough transparency and

accounting requirements. The deadline for But it occurred to me this week that ---

given to try and help Denton County

lining to this horrible pandemic.

as possible and to make it through this

believe it or not --- there actually is a silver Here in Denton County, the federal

government provided us with a $147M grant to be used for COVID-related

relief efforts. Very quickly, your County Commissioners determined that we

wanted to first address the businesses

– particularly small business – who were

being closed by the Governor’s Disaster Declaration. With a true team effort,

guidelines were established (i.e. Denton County owned/operated since at least

2019, able to actually show a revenue loss due to COVID, etc.) and an application form developed. The Commissioners

were hands-off as far as selecting which

applicants would be awarded grants, with

the decision being objectively determined within the County Auditor’s office. The

County Treasurer assisted in getting the

checks out to the businesses as quickly as

these funds to be expended is December

businesses to maintain as many local jobs

30. So, we are proud that we got into

difficult time.

most of our neighboring counties) and

this process quickly (more quickly than

Next, our attention turned to our residents, many of whom had lost their jobs and

have produced a really “best practices”

template of utilizing these federal monies.

were having difficulty with their rent/

So, while we certainly do not view it as

personal food shortages and issues.

residents have been put out of work, are

the Commissioners opted to partner with

shelter issues, this pandemic has provided

mortgage payments, complicated by

a silver lining that so many of our fellow

Rather than direct payments to individuals,

ill or are having trouble with food and

United Way to assist our county’s non-

us the opportunity to demonstrate our

profits who deal with these issues already.

Our County Communications Director acted as our liaison to the United Way and kept us appraised of the grants’

progress as well as additional needs

love and care for our neighbors, and

giving hope to both ourselves and to

others, which became that silver lining!

So, stay strong, stay safe and stay on guard

as they became apparent, resulting

against this invisible enemy …. an enemy

producers to aid area food banks and

be defeated!

in partnering with local fresh food

which I firmly believe soon will

providing funding for needed additional

Commissioner Dianne Edmondson may

refrigeration equipment.

be reached at her Southwest County

possible. The grants ranged from $2500

In total, your County Commissioners

Courthouse office at 6200 Canyon Falls

$50,000 in the second phase depending

residents with food, shelter, and other

3960. To receive her periodic e-newsletter,

payroll. In total, $35,762,640.55 has been

funds were spent:

dentoncounty.com

to $25,000 in the first phase and up to

granted $9.5 million to help our fellow

Drive in Argyle or by phone at 972/434-

upon the size of the business and its

needs. Here is a breakdown of how those

please request it at Dianne.Edmondson@

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DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 35

G R E AT E S T

Baker Bak er THE

C O M P E T I T I O N

by Jade Kensington | photos courtesy of Cara Vasquez

L

ocal baker and owner of The Flour Shop Bakery, Cara Vasquez, recently participated in “The Greatest Baker” competition. This is the world’s largest online competition for bakers across the globe to compete for a featured spread in Bake from Scratch Magazine and a $10,000 cash prize. It was hosted by Food Network’s twotime Baking Champion, Jen Barney, who also shared her baking expertise and coached participants with tips and advice throughout their Greatest Baker journey.

The competition was unique in that the

Like many professional bakers, Cara grew

voting system. Supporters were allotted

model who cooked and baked everything

winner was chosen through a public one free vote per day, using their

Facebook account. They had the option

to pay for additional votes, at a dollar per

vote, with the proceeds benefiting the No Kid Hungry foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity working to end child hunger in America.

Cara chose to enter this competition because it focused on her specialty, which is baking. Other baking

competitions are geared more towards

decorating. While that can be fun, Cara’s passion lies in the baking and creation process ofher desserts.

She started out in the initial public

voting round, which determined who

would continue on to the top 10 in their

“THE KITCHEN IS

from scratch, Cara’s growing interest

MY HAPPY PLACE

led her to enroll in culinary school upon graduating high school. “It was the best

— THE BAKERY

Cara has been baking professionally for

KITCHEN. I NEVER

have been in her own bakery. The Flour

B A K E AT H O M E ! ”

decision I ever made,” she says.

nearly two decades—nine of those years Shop was first created in Highland Village, but after seven years, they had outgrown the space. Cara moved her bakery to

Flower Mound, where it still remains at

6100 Long Prairie Road. “We have now been serving our community and the

DFW metroplex for almost 10 years,” Cara

says. “The kitchen is my happy place — the bakery kitchen. I never bake at home!”

The Flour Shop is a full-service bakery

the Top 5 in her group, where she placed

any sweet tooth. During normal business

third. “It’s voted on by the people in our

community, by my family, my friends, and of course, our Flour Shop Addicts. That

makes even getting to this point, winning,” says Cara.

36 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

She’s a winner in our book.

up baking. With her mom as her role

respective groups. After making it to the

Top 10, Cara went on to secure her spot in

The community has spoken, year after year. Cara is one of the more popular and successful bakers in North Texas, seeing that The Flour Shop has won “Best of Denton County” for nine straight years.

with a wide array of desserts to satisfy

operations, they are able to offer summer

camps, birthday parties, cookie decorating classes, ladies’ nights, and many more fun events. Their menu is made from scratch and is baked fresh daily.

| DECEMBER 2020

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DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 37

Cindi Chamber Spotlight:

Howard T

by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of Flower Mound Chamber

wenty years ago, Cindi Howard got a phone call that would begin her two-decade long journey of being a part of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce family.

Her long-time friend, Kathy Beahm, worked at the Chamber and expressed that they were in need of someone to answer the phones for them.

“I had just put my three-year-old in mother’s day out twice a week. I told them, ‘I’ll give you those days, but that’s it.’ I hadn’t planned on going back to work.

I was a full-time mommy.” She said.

Before she knew it, her two days at the Chamber expanded to even more days, which then led to a fulltime position. “I have done every job that there is to do at the Chamber.”

She says. She started out as the receptionist doing administrative work, then became the membership director, which led to her becoming the vice president of the Chamber.

“When all of the parts

Her family and her faith have always been the center of her world. She says that her husband of 35 years,

work, and all of the

parts are great and

strong, it makes for a

Clifford, has always been her rock. “He has supported me in every step and new endeavor in my career at the Chamber. I couldn’t have done any of this without him.”

Not only did she fill all of those shoes, she also acted as interim president two separate times when she was the sole remaining staff member. “I did the best and as much as I could to keep us afloat.” She said.

great organization.”

38 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

| DECEMBER 2020

During one of those times, Cindi enlisted the help of Kelly Heslep to assist in the day-to-day stuff that Cindi wasn’t able to do alone. Their big event of the year, Fiesta Flower Mound, which just celebrated it’s 23rd year in 2020, was coming up. Kelly excelled in party planning, and there was no one more perfect for the job. Cindi and Kelly had a wonderful relationship as long-time friends, which quickly grew to become an amazing work relationship as well when Kelly was brought on to the Flower Mound Chamber family by the Board of Directors.

Seven years ago, the board made the decision to hire Lori Walker as acting president of the Chamber. Before her role as president, she had been a loyal member of the Board of Directors for 10 years. Her strong attention to detail and her drive for perfection make her the ideal leader for the Chamber Team.

Mary Ailor has proven to be an essential member of the Chamber family. Her friendly and bubbly personality make her the perfect person to greet each person that walks into the Chamber doors. “She www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

is the first to greet you with a smile and open arms.” Cindi says.

Ginger Eads is an essential part of the Chamber’s extended staff. She works as the Flower Mound Chamber’s CPA and operates out of the Chamber office. “We were together when there was no one else.

She is and always will be very special to me.”

Cindi says.

great organization.” she says. “Our team is

When asked what her main reason is

qualities that make up a great team. We

Cindi’s response was, “It’s all I know.

made up of different ages and all different stand together.”

for staying at the Chamber for 20 years, It’s what I know how to do. It’s all of the

things that I love to do. It’s comfortable.

“I love the people and the members.

I’ve gained great relationships with the

Cindi says that all of these women are key components to the success of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce. Every member is essential to keep the Chamber functioning at its best.

“When all of the parts work, and all of the parts are great and strong, it makes for a

www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

people of the community.”

Cindi attended the Institute of

Organizational Management when

becoming a full-time member of the

Chamber. It’s a four-year long program that she attended for one week every

summer at the University of Notre Dame.

I love the people and the

members. I’ve gained great

relationships with the people

of the community. I’ve stayed because of the people that I work with. The board is

wonderful. I don’t want to do anything else. I love what I’m doing. I love getting up and

going to work.”

Cindi Howard has proven that the journey isn’t about the end goal but about the

people and relationships that you build along the way.

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Organizing: Ask The Expert

SHOW YOUR

Pantry Some Love

by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing

S

SAVE MONEY BY SHOPPING YOUR PANTRY:

itting around the kitchen table with my family is something I absolutely love.

It’s a chance to reconnect and destress. No matter what we’re eating I call it soul food; being together during mealtimes feeds the soul.

Being an organizing expert means I start thinking about the meal way before it gets put on the table. For me, all meals that feed the soul start with an organized pantry - showing your pantry a little love will only make those family meals that much sweeter.

MAKE SPACE FOR EXTRA INGREDIENTS:

•

•

In addition to saving space, you’ll be able to see how much you have before heading to the grocery store.

•

•

This time of year you may be baking and cooking more often for loved ones.

That means you’ll have additional baking and cooking ingredients on hand. Keep all those extra ingredients organized with these 4 pantry organizing tips: Move packaged dry goods into clear, airtight, rectangular containers. In addition to saving space, containers keep the mess under control and keep food fresh longer.

Remove packaged snacks (i.e, granola bars and fruit snacks) from boxes and put them inside small bins.

This is something many people do not do: Look at what you actually have on

hand before you make a grocery list and head to the store. Buying extra food doesn’t sound like a big deal, unless it becomes a habit and you start accumulating food-clutter.

Store round bottles and jars on lazy susan turntables. You’ll be surprised by how much easier it is to grab what you need when you use a turntable.

An overstuffed pantry makes it difficult to see what you really have on hand. Eventually, when you do find the hidden cans, bags or boxes of food you may have to throw them out because they have expired.

Start buying fresh or frozen vegetables. Canned foods are sometimes the biggest culprit of pantry clutter, and have less nutritional value than the alternatives.

SAVE TIME BY QUICKLY FINDING WHAT YOU NEED: Cluttered pantries cause frustration, and frustration can snowball into other negative effects; like an otherwise easy dinner prep turning into an annoying ordeal. When you can find your ingredients quickly, you may have just saved yourself a 20 minute trip to the grocery store. Family dinnertime should be the part of the day you look forward to the most, not the part of the day you dread because it’s just another chore.

MAKE IT A WEEKLY HABIT. Friday evening, the pantry will look different than it did Monday morning.

This is an area of the home that is constantly changing because we are always eating our food and buying new food.

Make it a habit to pay attention to your current stockpile and straighten up the pantry on a weekly basis. Taking a few minutes to straighten and rearrange will only make life more pleasant as you are baking those holiday cookies or simply planning the next day’s family meal.

CLOUDNINEORGANIZING.COM

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DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 43

Ask The Expert: Home Decorating

DESIGNING

TABLES

ENHANCES

AMBIANCE

by Allison Fifer, POSH Home Staging & Redesign

E

veryone has accepted your invitation to your annual and festive dinner party!

The excitement is mounting as the date approaches. You have the perfect menu selected and your wine is on order. Now it is time to create an atmosphere to complement your entertaining style, and designing a beautifully decorated table will enhance the ambiance and put the finishing touches on your evening!

Before the decorating begins, preparation of the space is a must. Preparing to decorate is just as important and includes decluttering and organizing the space, making things orderly, and cleaning.

Once you have prepared your space, the decorating begins. Be sure to add any necessary table leaves to accommodate your guest list prior to decorating.

BELOW ARE 5 TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR TABLE 1. Start with your Purpose, Occasion, or Inspiration. Designing a table begins with your event. What is the purpose, and who are your guests?

Or maybe it is something that inspires you — a color, a lantern or a decorative plate, for example.

This will help set the tone of the evening, and the mood will radiate throughout the room. I know for me, as soon as I identify this element,

my mind begins rolling with ideas on how to transform my table.

2. Use Layers. Using fabric as a foundation is great for adding dimension and interest to your table.

I prefer a tablecloth for a more elegant look. However, a table runner is an option as well. Adding a simple charger in white, silver or gold with a white plate will set the base of your design. To enhance your setting, add your splash of color with a decorative salad plate, soup bowl or brightly colored napkins. Set the table with your silverware and glassware so you know the amount of space you have to work with for decorating.

3. Add a Centerpiece. Conversation is key to your guests enjoyment of each other during dinner and as you gather around the table. Avoid a tall, full floral centerpiece or anything that would impede conversation across the table. Greenery, wreaths, hurricane lamps, lanterns and

candles, or even eucalyptus and twinkling mini lights are nice

accessories to balance a table.

You can add floral picks appropriate to the season or special celebration.

4. Add a Splash of Color.

Sometimes, color can be as simple

and inexpensive as fruit. For example, a fresh pomegranate adds the right touch of red for the holidays while

red berries, oranges, and cinnamon

sticks can help accentuate your decor.

It will not only look festive, but will smell incredible!

5. Keep it Simple. Stick to the basics with white or cream plates, neutral

chargers, a nice set of wine glasses, and a quality set of silverware.

Simplicity is key to your success

and does not feel overdone. After all, you want your guests to enjoy you and each other and the ambiance

which is created – without the decor standing out as the focal point.

Your table setting and decor contribute to a room and the ambiance of the meal as much as the food and wine served. With these five simple tips to designing your table, you are sure to wrap up a festive holiday evening.

940.765.2684 | POSHHOMESTAGING.COM | ALLISON@POSHHOMESTAGING.COM

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DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 45

Nostalgic ON CLOUD NINE

A

Look

BACK TO OUR FUTURE

by Allison Fifer | photos courtesy of Kim Cloud

V

ision, faith, and true grit make the dream work. Cloud 9 Salon, Spa & Boutique has the key ingredients for success — a unified team, a loyal clientele, and a faithfilled leader. Owned by local entrepreneur Kim Cloud-Skidmore and managed by her son, Nathan Dean, the salon has grown immensely since its inception in 1991.

And now, they have secured the ultimate location, a beautiful one-acre strip of land off of FM 407 in Bartonville next to Marty B’s Restaurant and the Bartonville Town Center.

what they love each day — making people feel beautiful.

As a community leader, Kim radiates when talking about the local community, its

people, and giving back. She understands firsthand about being a beneficiary

of those who give back. She turned a negative time in her life into another It all started with a dream, and over

extended menu of salon and spa services.

positive by creating Cloud 9 Charities,

determination, perseverance, and faith.

the down payment come from to purchase

this year.

the years grew boundlessly with grit,

Today, Cloud 9 Salon, Spa & Boutique

has an amazing team of 60 talented men

and women who provide beauty and spa

services for thousands in our community.

Additionally, this team stands apart from

others — they are like family and devoted to each other and the community. Having served the Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Highland Village areas for over 42 years,

the salon is embarking on a new era and upgrading its amenities and access to better serve its patrons.

The daunting question was where would

which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary

land and build a home for Cloud 9

“I feel it is the responsibility of business

Salon? Remarkably, her clients not only encouraged Kim’s dream but offered

to provide personal loans that were all

paid back within two years of opening its doors. The salon thrived for years then

hit a rough patch nine years ago with an

unforeseen walkout. Surrounding herself with trusted team members and a local businessman who provided valuable

guidance and unwavering mentorship,

Kim rebounded, and her salon began to

“Cloud 9 Salon” officially opened its first

flourish once again. Twenty years ago,

square feet, and they quickly learned that

After all, Nathan grew up in the salon. It

time to expand once more in 2004, it

it was a natural fit for him to step into the

her proud father by her side, met with

manager retired. Both Kim and Nathan are

a new building — one that would offer an

they are also “behind the chair” doing

location in 1991. That location was 700

Kim’s son, Nathan Dean, joined the team.

more room was needed. When it came

was home for him. Then four years ago,

was a huge leap of faith. Kim Cloud with

role of Salon Manager when the former

an architect to have plans drawn up for

more than administrative team members,

46 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

| DECEMBER 2020

owners in our community to give back,”

she said. “Find ways to volunteer or help

another in need. Our community provided a way for our business to thrive, and now we have that same responsibility to pass on to others.”

Kim has always had a heart to help those

less fortunate. For years, she worked with various charities, giving her time and

money until several of her friends and

family suggested she start an organization that could raise monies to donate to the various local charities throughout the

metroplex. Cloud 9 Charities was formed and has made a huge imprint on Denton County over the years with its leadership

and presence. The charity was established with a handful of faithful friends and

colleagues hosting Cut-a-thons for Kidd Kraddick’s Foundation, Kidd’s Kids, an

www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

annual fashion show and numerous galas.

Over time, the organization has morphed into an official non-profit charity with

18 board members who have a passion for giving back to our community. Also included where hundreds of part-time

“I feel it is the responsibility of business owners in our community to give back. Find ways to volunteer or help another in need.” volunteers, including her husband and

biggest supporter, Christopher Skidmore.

This board hosts two annual fundraising events - the Annual Giving & Golf

Tournament during the spring and The Best Little BrewFest in Texas in the fall

(this year ingeniously re-created as “The

Best Little BrewPass in Texas” to offset the challenges of COVID-19). The charity has raised over $3 million, and 100% of the

net proceeds now fund BedTime Rescue, a Cloud 9 Charities Initiative which

provides shelter for homeless families in Denton County.

Today, the salon building which has

housed Cloud 9 Salon since February of 2005 as well as Cloud 9 Charities, Inc. is currently located in Flower Mound.

Sitting silently on the market for over two years, Kim never lost faith. This building

underwent an extensive remodel spanning the last four months and quickly sold

before the finishing touches were even completed. With a quick sale pending, Kim and her amazing team are rapidly

pivoting and will relocate to a Pop- Up

Salon on the edge of Lantana to continue

to serve their valued clientele. This Pop-Up Salon will continue to offer all the same

services while its team eagerly awaits their new “Forever Home.” As for now, Kim and Christopher Skidmore, along with Nathan and their incredible team, are walking

on Cloud Nine. The dream continues to grow as Cloud 9 Salon, Spa & Boutique

will break ground in the thriving town of Bartonville, Texas in January of 2021. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

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chemistry and physics that goes in to each roast. Each bean variety is different.”

The company currently offers four different types of blends; Breakfast Blend, Espresso, Single Origin, and Decaf.

Coffee

JT and his wife, Amy, have two children and have been residents of Lantana since 2006. Ryan and his wife Erika have three children and have lived in Flower Mound since 2007.

THE

While roasting and producing premium coffee is their passion, their day jobs are a bit different. Thomas works in software sales while Schroer works at American National Bank in Flower Mound.

G U Y S

Ryan is also a board member of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber was a critical part of getting our business up and running.” he says.

by Caylie Howard photos courtesy of www.blackmarkcoffee.com

T

wo years ago, long time friends John Thomas (JT) and Ryan Schroer began their journey of producing high-quality, freshly roasted coffee. JT had been roasting his own coffee for many years, and one day after church, Ryan proposed a business partnership.

Ryan and JT both enjoy a smooth cup of coffee but had trouble finding some locally that they enjoyed. This is where the idea of Black Mark Coffee Company began.

They buy their beans from sources in Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Brazil. They then custom-blend and package them locally in their Flower Mound facility.

After 10 months of preparation that included certification, building a website, and attending three days of roasting school in Chicago, Black Mark Coffee Company was ready to launch in August of 2019.

JT and Ryan decided to stay true to their locally made roots by paying tribute to the Edward Marcus family farm, Black Mark Farms. This was the first farm of Flower Mound and where the Black Mark Coffee Company’s name was born.

Both JT and Ryan believe that the quality of the beans makes all of the difference in your product. Black Mark Coffee Company prides itself in buying the highest rated variety.

Black Mark Coffee Company is a subscription-based service that sells to individuals and businesses that appreciate premium, top-quality coffee. Subscriptions are based on the type of blend and quantity each buyer desires and is delivered monthly. Their top seller is the whole bean single origin Guatemalan, enjoyed by most for a smooth, luxurious blend. Schroer said, “Our limited time only Kenyan blend is my current favorite.”

They pride themselves in being the official provider of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce coffee bar.

Thomas and Schroer had originally planned to branch out from solely being a subscription-based service in 2020. They were in the process of expanding to retail outlets when COVID-19 hit. Because of the virus, those plans have been put on hold with hopes to make that a reality in the near future.

In the meantime, JT and Ryan will continue to bless communities near and far with top quality, locally roasted coffee.

“Roasting the beans really is an art and a science.” Ryan said. There is a lot of www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 49

Heart S

HER

N G I N G

OUT

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Jessica McVey

J

essica McVey was 26 when she went to an Illinois bar with a few friends and entered into a karaoke contest. One by one, contestants were eliminated by a lively but tough crowd with high standards. That is, except for McVey.

McVey made it to the finals that night, and as a treat, she got to sing with a live band.

“I performed Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar, and I ended up winning the competition,”

said McVey. An Illinois native, she moved to Flower Mound in 2014. “I knew the

owner, and they came up to me and said, ‘Hey, so … we had no idea that you could sing like that. Do you think you can get a

band together so that we can book you?’”

The rest, as they say, is history.

For the last 12 years, McVey has been

selling out shows in venues ranging from Piranha Killer Sushi in Flower Mound to

House of Blues in Dallas and Lava Cantina in The Colony. She labels herself as a

country music singer and songwriter; she

does killer renditions of Miranda Lambert

and Carrie Underwood that you absolutely must hear. But to be honest, McVey loves

all music genres and can pretty much belt out anything. She’s continually booking sold-out shows locally, giving us a true

music sensation right in our own backyard.

“It’s been so much fun,” McVey said. “I’ve

always been a very social person, so music is a great way for me to connect with 50 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

| DECEMBER 2020

people. We’ve played in small venues and big ones, but it doesn’t matter how many people I am playing in front of. It’s the

energy you get from those people. Music

takes them away from regular life — even if just for a moment.”

Having an escape — especially in the

form of music — is very important in this

day and age as we continue to fight as a nation against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thankfully, singers and musicians like

McVey have continued booking shows at local venues near and far. In fact, McVey

said she performs roughly 200 shows per year, including a few house parties and

private events, and is quickly developing a following for tunes such as Haunting

Melody and John Deere in the Headlights.

McVey said music truly is an escape for people, and she takes a lot of pride in what she does.

“I’ve been blessed with every event I’ve been able to have this year,” she said.

“This is when we need music the most,

and being able to sing in front of so many people means the world to me. I have a

hard time relaxing when I get home after www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

It doesn’t matter how many people I am playing in front of. It’s the energ y you

get from those people. Music takes them away from regular life — even if just for a moment.

a show because I’m still so excited about

“He’d always win. Every time,” she said

her long to find a few new bands to sing

that night.”

appreciate all types of music.”

Fletcher Moudy and band members Gary

what happened in the performance

Wowing crowds with her passion for

music is nothing new for McVey. She grew up in a family of musicians; her parents were in a Christian rock bank in the

1980s and regularly toured the country.

with a laugh. “I learned early on to After her first-place finish in that

aforementioned karaoke contest, Jessica teamed up with her younger brother BJ

with. She’s currently teamed with guitarist

Ishee, Dave Farrell, Billy Davis, and Magen Miller, and they’ve been rocking venues together ever since.

and created a country band. They sang all

“We’ve done a lot of fun stuff together

one of the top bands in

getting to the point where I’m busy all

Jessica’s fiancé, Adrian

I think I will always be doing something

Dallas. Despite having to

You can learn more about Jessica at

over Illinois and quickly became

in and around this area,” she said. “It’s

the area. A few years later,

of the time, and I love every minute of it.

An avid volleyball player, Jessica would

Wallace, got a job offer in

with music.”

long car rides to tournaments.

start over, it didn’t take

Jessica started out singing at her church and credits her parents for teaching her everything she knows.

play Name That Tune with her dad in those

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@jessicamcveymusic on Facebook.

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C H R I S T M A S

Traditions & WHY THEY ARE

I M P O R T A N T

by Contributing Writer

C

hristmas is a time when you can come together as a family. It’s a way that you can enjoy the scents, the sights, and the food with each other and make memories that can last for years to come. Christmas is also a time when wrapping paper finds its way on the floor or when there’s just a little too much food left from a special event or meal. Traditions are something to look forward to whether they are simple or feature several components. They can also grow as your family continues to grow over the years. Here are a few traditions that you might want to consider starting with your family that are merry and bright.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE One tradition that many families look

forward to is finding just the right tree.

You can spend an afternoon visiting a tree

match as a family. If you don’t want to join

in, you can give your children a special gift on Christmas Eve of pajamas, popcorn,

and a movie so that you can sit together

farm so that you cut down the one that

and enjoy the night until Santa arrives.

can venture out to a store to find a tree

by wearing the same pajamas as a family

you want. If you don’t want a live tree, you

Another way to carry out this tradition is

that the family enjoys, spending the rest of

and taking fun pictures together.

rest of your house.

BREAKFAST ON CHRISTMAS MORNING

the afternoon decorating the tree and the

PA JA M A S A tradition that has gained attention in recent years is wearing pajamas that www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

What better way to start Christmas than by fixing a delicious breakfast that your

family can enjoy. You can decide whether

you want to prepare breakfast before

gifts are opened or after the excitement is over. Try to prepare a meal that includes family favorites or a sweet treat, such as

cinnamon rolls that are decorated with red and green icing.

SERVE OTHERS You can come together as a family each year to help others in need. It can be a tradition that you start a few weeks

before Christmas arrives so that you have

everything you need to give to a family or an organization. If you choose to adopt a family, find out what the children like or need as well as the parents so that

no one is left out. Spend an afternoon together shopping for the family, as it

will show your children that it can be fun to serve others. If you plan to donate

to an organization, consider supplying

wrapping paper and gift bags that can be used with the gifts as well.

DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 53

Fresh Ideas EASIER M A K I N G C O O K I N G AT H O M E

by BPT | photo courtesy of BPT

W

ith family members on different schedules, virtual learning in full swing and working from home showing no signs of slowing, it’s challenging to have meals and snacks ready when hunger strikes. And when time is short and your crew is tired, the last thing you need to be doing is spending ages in the kitchen.

ready to eat each evening. Just cooking

up some make-ahead dishes like a Cheesy Shrimp Bake or a Crab Quiche during the

weekend could free you from kitchen duty

Here are some solutions for making cooking at home easy - and delicious. All it takes is a little planning, a few kitchen tools, and a few family-friendly recipes.

is planning ahead. Preheat your air fryer

before adding your food. Simply turn the air fryer on to the temperature that you

need and set the timer for 2 or 3 minutes.

When the timer goes off, the air fryer has

1. Use your air fryer It’s time to pull that air fryer out from the back of the pantry. Many people own this unique tool, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming to use it. The key to getting the most out of your kitchen equipment

preheated and is ready for your food.

A pro tip we like to share: Don’t overcrowd the basket of your air fryer or else you’ll

a night or two during the week.

If you don’t have time to prep entire meals beforehand, there are still some little

things you can do to help reduce your daily cooking time. For example:

• Marinate proteins a day or two ahead of time.

prevent foods from crisping and

• Peel and cut veggies and store them in

You can easily convert some of your

• Mix up any spices or sauces you might

browning evenly.

favorite meals from conventional cooking to air fryer usage. The good news? You

can make an air fryer meal for any time of

day and enjoy a meal without getting any dishes dirty.

2. Schedule meal prep for the weekend If you have the time, you will certainly

be happy to find your casseroles, stews, 54 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

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| DECEMBER 2020

your refrigerator.

need, labeling them clearly.

3. Keep quick, tasty options atthe-ready

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between Zoom meetings, creating a

home-gating spread to watch the game, or just having a fun date night in, frozen

seafood is a great option to keep on-hand. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

Luckily, the frozen seafood aisle has so many products to choose from.

For a restaurant-inspired experience at home, try making these Budweiser Beer Battered Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Mango Avocado Salsa. For this recipe, you could also try making the shrimp in the air fryer since you have it out of storage already.

The good news is you do not need to defrost the frozen shrimp before you start cooking them. You can just pull them straight from the freezer and pour them out of the bag into the air fryer basket!

Budweiser Beer Battered Shrimp Lettuce Cups with Mango Avocado Salsa

INGREDIENTS 1/2 of 12-ounce package SeaPak Budweiser Beer Battered Shrimp 1 Roma tomato, chopped 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and jalapeño finely diced

1/2 avocado, chopped 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro 1/2 lime, juiced Salt and pepper, to taste 8-12 leaves of bibb or other butter lettuce

DIRECTIONS • Cook Budweiser Beer Battered Shrimp in the air fryer or according to any of the other package directions and keep shrimp warm.

• In a medium bowl, combine Roma tomato, jalapeño, mango, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

• To assemble each lettuce cup, place Budweiser Beer Battered Shrimp in the center of lettuce leaf and top with the mango avocado salsa.

• Serve immediately.

Whether you’re

grabbing a quick

bite between Zoom

meetings, creating a home-gating spread to watch the game,

or just having a fun

date night in, frozen seafood is a great option to keep on-hand.

1/2 mango, peeled and chopped

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DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 55

6 PLACES SPECTACULAR

1

2 3

MAGIC OF LIGHTS™ IN LITTLE ELM

Little Elm Park Nov. 20 - Jan. 2 | 6-10pm magicoflights.com/events/littleelm 701 W Eldorado Pkwy.

Little Elm, TX 75068

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT DOUBLETREE RANCH IN HIGHLAND VILLAGE

Magic of Lights™ is a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience to celebrate the season. Take a drive and experience this magical place with your family, and all in the comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path. This magical route is overflowing with beautiful light display.

Take a stroll through Doubletree Ranch Park to see beautiful holiday lights and decorations. Enjoy the magic this season with your family and friends all month long.

The 1 ¼ mile experience runs from Thanksgiving week to New Year’s Day and is the perfect way to make memories with your family and friends this holiday season!

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| DECEMBER 2020

LONE STAR CHRISTMAS

Gaylord Texan | 817.778.1000 Christmas is back at Grapevine’s Gaylord Texan Resort. Join us with our the all-new holiday activities, shows, and events, from snow tubing and ice skating to the I Love Christmas Movies™ (holiday film favorites The Polar Express™, A Christmas Story™, Elf™, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation™, and The Year Without A Santa Claus™.)

You can even walk through iconic scenes from your favorite Christmas movies in an all-new, multi-sensory experience! www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

TO BRIGHTEN YOUR SPIRITS *We do our best to give you ideas to keep your family active and having fun, but please CALL AHEAD to check for any event cancellations.

4

HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM

5

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden dallasarboretum.org/events 8525 Garland Rd. • Dallas, TX 75218

ROANOKE’S HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

Come see the beautifully decorated Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of the 12 Days of Christmas. In the evenings, the garden comes to life for a nighttime experience with over one million lights!

Roanoke’s 1st Annual Hometown Holiday! Check out www.roanoketexas. com/ for the Event and festivity schedule.

Events include Dinner with Santa and First Responders Breakfast. Grab your tickets fast!

www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

6

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK

Six Flags Over Texas Nov. 20, 2020 - Jan. 4, 2021 www.sixflags.com/overtexas/events Holiday in the Park is filled with enchanting experiences that will help create those special family fun outings and so many family memories.

Winter wonderlands, tree lighting ceremony with Santa, Christmas in Hawaii and so much more. Fun for the whole family, and of all ages.

DECEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 57

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