Lake Cities Living Magazine December 2018

DECEMBER 14, 2018 - JANUARY 18, 2019 Do You Really Need

Multivitamins?

Need last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas?

The Dive Bar & Restaurant

THE

EDITING WRITING & EDITING SERVICES

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

Life:

TAKING A

LEAP OF FAITH

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

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

The Spirit of

CHRISTMAS

FOOD DRIVE

W

e had an amazing turnout for the 2018 Spirit of Christmas food drive, sorting, and distribution. It was well organized by the churches and the LDISD.

The can sorting went quickly and, thanks to Toyota of Denton and RCI providing reusable bags, we were able to save

landfill space and offer our families multiuse bags which will serve a variety of purposes for them.

scouts, girl scouts, Freedom House in Denton, and Beta Alpha Psi UNT. Mike’s Bakery provided goodies for the canned good sorting, then Angelina’s provided a wonderful lunch for the volunteers at the food distribution.

There were so many volunteers from

the local churches, the cub scouts, boy

4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

photos courtesy of Suzanne Barnhart

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

LakeCitiesLiving.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Emily Mitchell

Writers & Editor

Steve Gamel Susan Neuhalfen Barbara Scott-Kolb

Advertising

Kylee Harper 469.265.4228 Kylee@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 YourCandidMemories.com

Letters

OUT WITH 2018

&

IN WITH

2019 T he holiday season is in full swing, and 2019 is fast approaching where did the time go? It seems

like just yesterday we were sending the kiddos back to school in triple-digit temperatures, and I can remember

ringing in 2018 with family and friends

like it happened last week. They say time

Lake Cities Living invites reader

flies when you’re having fun and, while

and general comments.

favorite thing to look back on are all of

feedback, story suggestions

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of

Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email

artwork@murray-media.com www.murray-media.com

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

Lake Cities Living is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Lake Cities Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2018 Murray Media Group

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

I’d be willing to bet that you still learned

That’s what I love about life – you never know what the next day is going to bring (or in this case, the next year) and often the unexpected challenges are the ones that help us grow the most. So we’ll make our resolutions, and we’ll try to keep them longer than a month, but we should also remember not to be too hard on ourselves and instead take life as it comes. Enjoy your family, cherish your friends, always be kind, laugh often, and make the best of the bad days.

this year. I know I did.

Happy Holidays & Cheers to 2019!

I definitely had a lot of fun this year, my the things I learned and all of the challenges I overcame.

As we start to ponder on New Year’s

resolutions and how we’re going to make 2019 better than the last, I urge you all to reflect on 2018 – the good, the bad,

and the ugly. Regardless of whether you

nailed every one of your 2018 resolutions, and grew in ways that you never expected

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

TABLE OF

CONTENTS ARE YOU

16

On the Cover is: Steve, Christian, Leslie and Jackson Gamel

The Editing Life: Taking A Leap of Faith

FEATURED:

ASK THE EXPERTS

12 Inside Community

10 Organizing with Cloud

13 Inside Education

Nine Organizing

18 Fitness with Jesse James Fit BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 08 The Dive Bar & Restaurant

20 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

20 Holiday Worship Services

04 The Spirit of Christmas Food Drive

24 Foodie Friday DFW with

Gift Ideas?

11 Easy Chocolate Cookie Mix in a Jar

Are You Naughty or Nice?

19 Festive Drinks For The Holidays

22 6 Easy-To-Do To For

10 Need last-Minute Holiday

EDITORS pick:

14 Holiday Stress Getting To You?

PHOTOS FROM LAKE CITIES

ARTICLES

28

New Year’s Resolutions Jay Marks Real Estate

26 Elf on The Shelf 27 Pet Adoption 30 Do You Really Need Multivitamins?

THIS MONTH:

We’re focusing on New Year’s resolutions. Look for the icon to find out organizational tips and new healthy lifesyle habits for the upcoming new year.

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

Business Spotlight

940.320.3483 3350 Unicorn Lake | Denton, TX 76207

by Steve G

amel

So when Banks, now 47, decided to pour

it opened Nov. 9. Part of what has made

and restaurant called The Dive – which

years has been his ability to fill a void.

slightly older age group – you can bet he

what college kids wanted and set out to fill

that same magic into a neighborhood bar

Banks’ ventures so successful over the

he hopes can be the go-to hangout for a

Back when he was 25, he felt like he knew

got everyone’s attention.

those needs with his bars and live music

“It’s funny because in all the years I’ve

been in Denton doing stuff, for a long

time there it seemed like I still had to beg

for attention,” Banks said. “Even at Rockin’

Rodeo, we had some big acts – even some

venues. That plan worked to perfection,

but now that he’s older, he finds himself looking around wondering what’s out there for the older crowd?

Sure, there are places to go eat, but where

national acts – come through there all the

can you go to eat, relax, have a few drinks,

write-up on any of it.

The Dive Restaurant answers that

time. But I could barely get anyone to do a “Now that I’m getting all this attention [for The Dive], it’s a pleasant surprise.

I’m very grateful.”

Banks has been juggling media requests with working long days running the

show at The Dive, which has received an

incredible reaction from customers since 8 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

and be adults for a few hours?

question. Located at 3350 Unicorn Lake

Blvd., this is a place where customers can eat great food off a menu that includes a

wide selection of burgers, wings, chicken fried steak, and blackened salmon. They can also enjoy a full-service bar, music,

big-screen televisions, and a decked-out patio for those who want to sit back with

a drink and watch the sunset on the lake with friends.

And because he doesn’t want to ignore his past completely, Banks has created a must-see dance floor similar to the Rockin’ Rodeo days for those customers who want to stick around and have even more fun after dinner.

“And there’s still so much more that we’d like to do with this place,” he said. “There’s the nightclub vibe, the restaurant, the bar, and then there’s the patio. If you don’t fit into one of those, then I’m not sure what to tell you. I don’t know if The Dive will become ‘an institution’ like Rockin’ Rodeo or anything like that, but I sure would love for it to be here for a long time. I wanted to create something that literally could be cool forever.”

The Dive is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

photo courtesy of The Dive Bar & Restaurant

L

loyd Banks has a knack for catching lightning in a bottle. If you’ve been around Denton as long as he has, perhaps you remember venues like Groovy Mule, Rockin’ Rodeo, and The R Bar, all of which became “the place to be” by the late 1990s and in their unique way were shots in the arm for a college town that sorely needed a bar and nightclub scene.

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

Ask The Expert: Organizing

STEP 2 - SORT YOUR CLUTTER INTO

Organizing The

P R O C E S S

and keep. The relocate pile consists of

items you want to keep, but don’t belong

in that particular area. The revisit items are

the ones you’re having a hard time making a decision on. The trash, donate, and keep piles are self-explanatory.

G

STEP 3 - DECLUTTER. After you have

de-stressed, and simplified is now a way

like-items together.

etting organized is a popular New Year’s resolution. This was actually my personal New Year’s

resolution a few years ago. Once I got

started, I couldn’t stop! Living decluttered, of life for me, and I enjoy teaching others how to do the same.

If getting organized is your 2019

resolution, I have an efficient organizing

by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

FIVE PILES: Relocate, revisit, trash, donate,

process to share with you.

STEP 1 - MAKE A MESS. It’s necessary to drag everything out and create one big cluttered pile.

completely sorted the clutter, it’s time to get things moving.

STEP 4 - SORT ALL YOUR “KEEPERS.” At this point, you should only have a

keep pile hanging around. Group all STEP 5 - TIME TO MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL!

This is the step we usually see on Pinterest.

This is when we get to decide how we are going to display or store everything.

Overwhelmed? Crystal can guide you through the organizing process and

create a personalized organizing plan just for you.

NEED LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS?

by Steve Gamel

W

e’ve all been there. It’s a few days before Christmas Eve, and you’re

trying desperately to find the perfect gift for mom, your wife, husband, or even an employee who has spent the entire year making you look good.

Alicia can help you find amazing skincare lines, color cosmetics, body care

to make you look good.”

items, fragrances, cologne, and even sun

Mary Kay products are a great gift idea

care products – many of which she has on hand, which means you won’t have to wait in long lines or travel far and wide to

The problem is you don’t know

find what you need. She’ll even do the gift

wandering aimlessly around the mall is

anywhere in the U.S.

where to start, and the thought of

overwhelming. Here’s a thought: have you tried calling your local Mary Kay

consultant? Alicia Mathney, a Corinth

Alicia added, “At the end of the day, I want

wrapping for you and offers free shipping “You can definitely go to a department store or jewelry center and find tons

resident, business owner, and active

of amazing gifts, but everyone loves a

has been with Mary Kay since 2003 and

residents who need that guiding hand for

help in a pinch. And usually, it happens

for any holiday or occasion, not just

Christmas. This includes anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s

Day, Boss’s Day, Client gifts, Teacher Appreciation, etc.

“It warms my heart that clients here and

all over the country come back to me year after year,” Alicia said. “ Christmas is the

giving season, and even if you tend to wait until the last minute, I will guarantee you

member of the Lake Cities community,

gift that comes from the heart and is customized to them,” Alicia said. “I love

look like a hero.”

has quickly become the go-to choice for

when someone comes to me needing

To contact Alicia this holiday season,

all their gift-giving needs.

this time of year.”

10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

email her at amathney@marykay.com or call or text 512.350.3010.

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY CORINTH DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE Join the city of Corinth for their Annual Daddy Daughter Dance. This year’s theme is Candy Land and will feature 2 different event times: one will be formal and include dinner, the other is informal and includes light refreshments. The event takes place February 2, 2019 at the Global Spheres Center in Corinth. Advance registration is now open until January 18, 2019. Tickets can be purchased online at corinthspecialevents. eventbrite.com. Hurry because tickets will not be available at the door.

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Purchasing gifts online is incredibly convenient but leaving packages in plain sight

lures holiday thieves. Here are 3 easy tips to keep your packages safe. Use Amazon

Locker for all your Amazon deliveries. Simply select the locker closest to you, add it

to your address book, select the locker location when you order and use the pickup code to open the locker. You can also choose to have your packages delivered to

your work address since there is usually someone there to receive them. Lastly when placing an online order, include special delivery instructions like leaving it behind a shrub or a cleverly placed pot.

HOLIDAY CARDS FOR COPS

COOKING AROUND THE WORLD

Show your support for our officers this holiday season

On January 12, join other food enthusiasts at your Lake

by helping the city of Lake Dallas in making cards for cops.

Dallas Public Library for an exploration through their newest

Mark your calenders for Thursday, December 20 at 4:30p.m.

database: A to Z World Cooking. They will discuss food and

They will provide the materials, you provide the love! This

drink culture from different countries and plan out recipes to

event is perfect for all ages so bring everyone from the kids

make and share every month. This event will take place from

to your grandparents. Want to show some extra support?

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 12. This program is best

Bring a gift or two.

suited for ages 13 and up.

12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

INSIDE EDUCATION CONGRATS LD MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

Lake Dallas Middle School band students recently competed with 1,369 other students from Denton, Lewisville, and Northwest ISDs for a position in the Region 2 Middle School All-Region Band. Congrats to Trevor Watkins (bass clarinet), Matthew Paro (percussion - alternate), Trey Phillips (tuba), Dylan McKinney (euphonium), Levi Koele (tenor saxophone), Junhwi Goo (flute), John Anderson (tuba), Jacob Dunn (trumpet - alternate), and Naomi Kitamura (bassoon).

LDISD EVENTS

Corinth Elementary School PTA Chick-fil-A Spirit Night Dec. 19 from 3-8p.m. vs Denton High at Chick-fil-A in Corinth

GUYER PTSA CELEBRATES MILESTONE The parents and students of Guyer came out in support of their school by joining the PTSA. Not just a couple hundred people

Community Story Time Dec. 20 from 10-11a.m. at Shady Shores Elementary’s Volunteer Depot

joined, 548 of them. With their increased numbers they can continue to support Wildcat Breakfasts, Renaissance (honor roll), Senior Scholarship fund, and Reflections amongst other things.

They also send their well wishes to all the seniors that submitted applications for the Texas PTA senior scholarships. They are

Families and children ages 0-5 years are invited for story time, snacks, arts and crafts, and play time.

super excited to post the senior scholarship info in January 2019.

LD MIDDLE SCHOOL SUCCESS

GUYER REGION BAND MEMBERS

Many Lake Cities families enjoyed a

Congratulations to the 2018-2019 region

Thanksgiving meal due to the generosity of

band members. They prepared music in

the Falcons at Lake Dallas Middle School.

addition to their marching band obligations

The campus hosted a canned food drive

all fall and earned a place in one of 3

that collected 114 boxes of food items for

ensembles or the 9th Grade Region Band.

the Lake Cities Food Pantry. Mrs. Baird &

Congrats to everyone and all their hard work!

NJHS coordinated the efforts with help from

Jordan Meza and Brent Jackson will advance

Mr. Fabro, Teen Leadership, & Girls CC who

to the next round of auditions in January

gathered, sorted & boxed all 4237 items.

for a chance to place into the 2019 TX All

Way to go everybody!

State Band!

GUYER

EVENTS

Early Release Day Dec 19-20 8:50 a.m. - 1:05 p.m.

No School Dec. 21 First Day Back from Break Jan. 8

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

Holiday New Year’s Article

S

T

R

E

S S

GETTING To YOU?

by Susan Neuhalfen

‘T

Problem:

Having to be with family tends to be a

really big stressor for many. One may have to have Christmas dinner at her husband’s house but she hates her sister-in-law, etc.

How do you cope with family stress?

Solution:

Remind yourself that you’re not going to

see the family, you’re going to spend time with your husband and it’s important to

him. Now, pull back and think about who

else will be there. Do you hate all of them?

Chances are, you don’t. Reframe your

perception of the idea or activity; stop

focusing on the negative (i.e., your sisterin-law). The stress will not be eliminated,

but by not focusing on the negative, you

is the season for present-giving, New Year’s resolutions, eating, parties and, of course, family.

What should be one big happy couple of weeks can become very stressful.

Life in Castle Hills sat down with Wayne Cagle, a licensed professional counselorsupervisor at Lifeworks in Carrollton.

Mr. Cagle listed some of biggest contributing factors to holiday stress, but instead of just discussing the problems that arise, he gave solutions as to how to deal with these issues:

If you have lost your job, see where you can cut back. Take some time and make a list of all of your expenses monthly, weekly, annually, etc. What can you do without?

will lessen the stress and make the activity

Finally, find out if there is a way to “pass” on some of the Christmas presents this year. In some families, the adults don’t exchange presents. See if that is acceptable within your family.

Problem:

LOSS OF RELATIONSHIPS

baked, it isn’t the end of the world. This

Problem: Many people lose their jobs just before the holidays and there isn’t a lot of hiring going on during the holiday season.

This causes an extra amount of stress for people during a time where more money is spent than usual.

Problem: Whether it be divorce, death, or simply the loss of a relationship, people realize that something is missing during the holidays.

With the loss, traditions change, and change is always hard. The thing is, grief doesn’t actually go away, it just changes.

Some may not even go into the grief consciously, it’s the holidays that remind them subconsciously.

Solution: We don’t have control over losing a job; we only have control over what we do.

Before you find yourself in this situation, take a good look at your lifestyle. If this happened, how long could you survive?

Try to take yourself out of debt and, if possible, put some money into an “untouchable” savings account now.

Solution: The good news is that with the passage of time, things get better every year.

Instead of turning that moment into grief, celebrate the person you’ve lost.

Remember the good times and start a new tradition in order to remember the best in that person. This will help everyone to cope.

LOSS OF WORK

14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

FAMILY STRESS

| DECEMBER 2018

easier. Many times, the things we dread

the most aren’t anywhere near as bad as we think they will be.

STRIVING FOR PERFECTION The perception that you’re a bad person if your children’s Christmas isn’t perfect is hogwash. If the tree isn’t perfectly

trimmed and the cookies aren’t perfectly isn’t a competition.

Solution:

Think back to your favorite holidays. Were they great because of a gift? Were they great because the turkey was perfectly cooked? The best gifts are memories.

Try this: let your kids decorate the tree

however they desire and leave that way.

The memory of the activity will likely

stand out longer in their memory than a perfectly trimmed tree.

The most important thing to remember,

according to Mr. Cagle, is to focus on the positive. Your expectation automatically assumes reality. Stress cannot be

completely eliminated. You have to have

stress in your life; the trick is to manage it so it doesn’t manage you.

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

THE

EDITING

Life:

TAKING A

LEAP OF FAITH

by Susan Neuhalfen

S

teve Gamel loves to tell a good story, but anyone who knows him will agree he’s usually too busy writing heartwarming tales about local residents and the good deeds of smallbusiness owners to take the time to talk about himself in print.

Trust us when we say, though, that his story is just as worthy of the spotlight.

WRITING & EDITING SERVICES 16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

Most people don’t know that Steve left a stable job in banking in 2014 to pursue his dream of owning his own writing

and editing business, Edit This®. He had

been a freelance writer for years and was

content juggling that with his full-time job until one day, with a wife and two small

children in tow, he took an uncharacteristic leap of faith.

“I quit the bank and said, ‘Writing is what I’m going to do, and it’s going to work,’” Steve said while reminiscing about the

day he told his wife, Leslie. “Anyone who

knows me will tell you I don’t jump unless there’s a giant net under me. It was scary; my family was nervous, too. But I didn’t

want to look back 20 years from now and say I’d missed my opportunity.”

And Edit This was born.

Edit This is a writing and editing services

company that specializes in helping smallphotography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

business owners come up with the right spark engagement, build relationships, and more importantly, tell their story.

Steve handles anything involving the written word – it could be content for brochures,

property descriptions for realtors, press releases,

ghostwriting and editing

for novelists, and more. In addition to creating the

best content for Internet marketing, he uses the

With more than 20 years of writing and editing experience, Steve has created content across many industries. He has written articles and features for the Dallas Morning News, Denton RecordChronicle, and Murray Media Group, and has won awards from both the Associated Press Sports Editors and Texas Associated Press Managing Editors for his sports writing. For the last two years, Edit This was awarded Best Writing and Editing Service and Best Blogger for Best of Denton County.

His clients include banks, lawyers, aviation experts, architects, up-andcoming novelists, website developers, and more who depend on experienced content writers. He’s also local, which means he knows the area, the audience, and the competition. He sets himself apart by meeting in person with business owners to truly understand their unique message.

words to communicate with customers,

blogs and website copy,

Steve added, “If you’re going to go into business for yourself, go all in. Put your story out there. People will be drawn to it.”

“If you’re going to go into business for yourself, go all in.

Put your story out there. People will be drawn to it.”

right keywords to help his clients be found first.

“If a customer is looking for your business, it’s my job to help them find you,” Steve said. “And that’s half the battle. The

other half is making sure the content is

engaging and unique. You want to give

people a reason to do business with you.”

469.360.3611

|

“I believe I am better at what I do and more valuable to business owners today because of the industries I’ve written about and the fact that I meet with people in person,” Steve said. “I mean, I could tell you everything you want to know about family law and what real architecture looks like on a custom home – way more than I ever imagined.

Business owners know they need to have

Steve@EditThisLLC.com

|

a consistent message getting out to the

masses and may even have ideas about what they want to say. But most don’t

have the time to do it themselves or know where to begin. I take those worries off their plate.”

Steve’s wife, Leslie, loves that

her husband is doing what he was meant to do.

The two of them have been married since

2005 and have two boys, Christian and Jackson.

“I look back at

his decision to

chase his passion,

and he’s happier than

he’s ever been,” Leslie said.

“I knew he would be successful.

It’s fun watching him get so excited about his work.”

Ironically, it was the job he left that

helped prepare him for his future as a

small-business owner. The community

banking industry taught him about the

importance of networking and building

relationships. He learned from talking with other business owners about the do’s and don’ts of owning a business. He also saw

first-hand the passion with which they ran

their companies and saw himself following in their footsteps.

As a result, more and more business owners are turning their writing and

editing needs over to Edit This to make

them look good and create a voice they’ve never had before. For Steve, it’s all about

telling a good story, and no matter where

his story goes from here, his family will be at his side – with every leap he takes.

“I mean, who quits their job to be a writer?

But it worked, and Leslie was my rock

since Day 1,” Steve said. “I love living and working in Denton County, especially when I can be close to my family.”

EditThisLLC.com

Edit This

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

Ask The Expert: Fitness

You’re On Your Own: You must realize

this is your journey and yours alone – your goals and no one else’s. You cannot rely on anyone to achieve these goals for you – it’s your work, dedication and discipline, not your friends, family or even a fitness

R E V E t f Gi The Best

O IS THE GIFT T

I

LOVE YOURSELF

t’s the new year, and everyone seems pumped about going to the gym, eating clean, and exercising. A large portion of those at the gym and around you may be New Years resolutioners --- good for them. But remember: being consistent is an important factor of success with any weight loss program or goal setting as well as a strong support system from family, friends, and co-workers.

We’ve seen it year after year, a large

Let your friends, family and co-workers

out of the gym and lose interest or find

coach them on how to be supportive

portion of those resolutioners will trickle reasons why they cannot go to the gym.

If you are serious about losing the weight, you must stay consistent daily, weekly,

and monthly. Ideally, an active lifestyle

know that this is important to you and

for you. Ask them to give positive input and not negative reminders of being on a “diet.”

shouldn’t be a trend in your life but rather

Get your spouse involved: Have them

body and spirit.

Compromise with them … if they eat

a common habit for your health, mind, Decide how bad you want to

achieve your goals, then make a

decision and stick with it. Know that

this is your journey and that you choose

to live healthier for yourself and those you love. It is time to love yourself and put

become an active part of your program. healthy five days out of the week with

you, you will then let them choose one

meal of choice their choice. Make your

spouse feel invited to participate in your

activities, and if all else fails, remind your spouse that sex is cardio that can burn

yourself on your to-do list. For the ones

lots of calories. That should get them on

loss goals, have a chat with them and

Develop healthy incentives: Instead of

making comments about your weight remember these guidelines below:

board if nothing else works.

movie or set up a vacation as motivation

family, friendships and their surroundings,

you reach one of your small goals. These

women struggle with negativity from

– a goal to buy new gym clothes when

which can hinder their personal growth.

incentives will help keep temptation away

| DECEMBER 2018

reward is yours.

Why It’s called a Journey: During the time period of your weight loss goal

from beginning to achievement, you will go through a transformation. This transformation can be many things from building confidence, your physical appearance, your surroundings and your mindset. This means taking care of yourself and being comfortable in your own skin to where you can say to yourself “I LOVE MYSELF” and honestly feel that way. If you feel some are dragging you down with negativity, this is a cleansing time and most likely the best time to distance yourself from negativity because it can be the worst obstacle along your journey.

The message I want everyone to know is taking care of yourself starts in the mirror, the person staring back needs your help more than you realize. Until you release the negative obstacles around you, can you begin to truly find happiness with yourself, friends, family, work, love and life?

As you become healthier you become stronger, physically and mentally. This journey has a way of opening up the mind with belief in yourself and confidence.

Every person deserves that!

Love yourself in 2019 by staying consistently determined to make progress in your health and wellbeing!

rewarding yourself with sweets, go for a

Build Your Support Team: I’ve seen many

18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

professional. The choice is yours and the

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

FESTIVE DRINKS The weather’s turned cold, neighborhoods are alight with decorations, and everywhere you go, you see evergreen trees. That can only mean one thing: Christmas is right around the corner. So, to celebrate the holiday season, Shell Shack has concocted two new drinks that taste as festive as they look.

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Candy Cane Hot Cocoa • Spiked Apple Cider Hot Chocolate • Rumple Minze Hot Apple Cider • Silver Star Honey Whiskey www.shellshack.com DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER T

with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

he Denton County Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Unit consists of one Captain, a Personnel

Assistant and Administrative Assistant,

training, and manages the Denton County

Firearms Training Facility. The unit consists of one Lieutenant, a Training Coordinator, and one Training Deputy. Training is very

important in keeping our skills sharp. We

train mentally and physically every day to maintain the highest mindset. Nothing is

“routine” in Law Enforcement, we all want to make sure we go home to our families after our shift.

into all internal and external applicants

The Quartermaster is responsible for

Office. We are currently hiring Detention

management of uniforms, equipment, and

who apply for positions within the Sheriff’s

the acquisition, maintenance, inventory

Officers to work all shifts. Our Detention

surplus of all Sheriff’s Office personnel

and three Background Investigators.

Officer’s starting pay is $17.36 per hour

to the onboarding and out-processing of

description, requirements, and application

Personnel is the liaison between the

dentoncounty.com/sheriff.

and vehicles. The Quartermaster’s duties

Personnel handles responsibilities related

plus benefits. The Detention Officer Job

all employees within the Sheriff’s Office.

can be found on our website, www.

Sheriff’s Office and Denton County Human

Our Training Unit is responsible for

trailers. The unit consists of one Sergeant

requirements for all the agency’s 600+

employees to be outfitted with the best

maintains all training records, schedules

duties to the best of their ability.

Resources for all fleet, workers comp,

and the first report of injury paperwork.

Investigators conduct preliminary

interviews and background investigations

307 S Lake Dallas Dr. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065 20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

includes marked and unmarked patrol

cars, trucks, boats, watercraft, ATVs and

and one Vehicle Outfitter. We expect our

personnel. The Training Unit also

equipment so that they can perform their

WORSHIP SERVICES

www.fbclakedallas.com

Sheriff’s Office vehicle fleet. This fleet

meeting the training needs and

Holiday FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH LAKE DALLAS Christmas Eve Worship & Kids Pageant Service December 24th: 6:00PM

also include the management of the

THOUSAND HILLS CHURCH Christmas Eve Service December 24th: 3PM & 5PM www.thousandhillspeople.org 3201A Tower Ridge Dr. • Corinth, TX 76210

CROSS TIMBERS CHURCH AT THE LAKE CITIES CAMPUS Christmas Eve Worship Service December 24th: 4PM & 6PM www.crosstimberschurch.org 3600 Meadowview Dr. • Corinth, TX 76210

LAKE CITIES UNITED METHODIST Candlelight Service December 24th: 7PM, 9PM & 11PM www.lakecitiesumc.org 300 E. Hundley Dr. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

New Year’s Article

O D

S IP

T

s

n o luti

so e ’s R

9 1 r u O o 0 Y T n 2 w O Y o N T S I A r

ea Y w Ne

l me

a eG tev

S by

E 6

MAKE SURE YOUR

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

STICK

22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

W

e are inching closer to Christmas, which means the calendar will soon flip to the New Year and everyone will break out those pie-in-the-sky resolutions.

Sadly, very few of us will follow through.

Wow; talk about a Debbie-Downer statement to usher in 2019, right? But you and your friends here at Murray Media all know it to be true. While New Year’s resolutions are a great way to make a positive change in your life, whether it’s finally getting organized, losing a few extra pounds before next summer, quitting smoking, or taking the plunge and starting a new business, most reputable statistics show that 92 percent of all resolutions will fail by February.

That means only eight percent of us will attain whatever goal it is we set.

To make sure your New Year’s Resolutions stick, here are six tips to follow. At the end of the day, your friends here at MMG want to see you make the most out of the rest of this year and beyond.

92 PERCENT OF ALL RESOLUTIONS

WILL FAIL BY FEBRUARY At Least Initially, Don’t Get Too Lofty With Your Goals

You may want a “sky is the limit” mentality in 2019, and we are in no position to tell you differently. But mentally, it’s easier to hit goals and stick with them longer if they are smaller at first.

For example, instead of focusing on the big target of losing 100 pounds, start with the first 25-pound mark. As you get closer to hitting that first target, then get more adventurous. Sometimes, this road merely begins by being more active today than you were yesterday.

Write Your Goals Down Writing your goals down helps make them real, which leads to accountability. But don’t just write them down and stick them in the bottom of your purse or in a junk drawer – put them on the corner of your desk at work or pin them to the front of your refrigerator door with a magnet.

Seeing your goals every day keeps them top of mind and keeps you motivated.

Keep Track of Your Progress Speaking of writing things

down, tracking your progress in a journal or on a calendar

is a great way to stay mindful

of your goals and to see what

type of progress you are making.

Find an Accountability Partner Finding that one person who will hold you

accountable every step of the way, no matter what

your resolution may be, makes keeping

the promises you made to yourself at the beginning of the year so much easier to

achieve. The best accountability partner is someone who is trying to achieve the same goal you are, or has at least been in your shoes before and succeeded.

Create Smart Goals

Remember The reasons Why You Decided to Do This

We mentioned earlier about

If one of your New Year’s

not getting too lofty with

your goal-setting. It’s equally as important to make sure your goals are Specific,

Measurable, Achievable, Results-

Focused, and Time-Bound. New Year’s resolutions have a better chance of

sticking if you are clearly defining what

you are going to do, how you are going to do it, and in how much time.

Resolutions is to quit

smoking, your reasons

for doing so may include being able to have the

energy to play with your kids in the backyard, to keep your house from

smelling bad, and just overall better

health. When you start to lose sight of

your goal, think of the reasons why you got into this to begin with.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS ARE A GREAT WAY TO MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE

Clearly, this is not an exhaustive list of tips to avoid failing at your New Year’s resolutions. What are some of the tips and tricks that have worked for you over the years? Share them with us, and let’s all help each other be a better version of ourselves in 2019.

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

Foodie Friday DFW: Hillside Fine Grill

HILLSIDE

FINE GRILL

R

esidents of Highland Village and the surrounding areas anxiously awaited the Grand Opening of Hillside Fine Grill this fall. Located in the former Applebee’s location, Managing Partner, Rick Valley, and his team completely transformed the space to provide a contemporary yet comfortable restaurant right here in Highland Village for local residents to enjoy.

The goal was to make it so that residents no longer felt like they had to travel to Uptown or Southlake for a delicious,

dishes. All of which we’ve heard fantastic things about and look incredible.

To pair with your meal, Hillside Fine Grill also houses an incredible bar and wine selection.

At the bar, you can order We had a sample of some of their ribs and one of their cocktails including their Blood those slow-smoked Orange Margarita or ribs literally fall right their famous Hillside Martini made with Tito’s, off the bone.

Cointreau, Blood Orange, Lime and a shot of Sprite.

contemporary restaurant experience.

That’s exactly what has happened, and our

community has received

them with open arms and TONS of support!

We were there at 2 p.m.

on a Wednesday to chat with Rick, and the place

was absolutely packed the

entire time we were there. Everything from birthday lunches to business meetings to people just quickly grabbing a drink and something to eat at the bar.

Hillside’s menu has something for

everyone. There are lots of fresh seafood options including their Salmon, Quinoa & Kale Salad, and their Fresh Ruby Red

Trout garnished with grilled Gulf shrimp.

We believe the success and adoration of Hillside Fine Grill can best be summarized by this Yelp review from Angie D: “We will make this a future date night spot, family night spot, out to lunch spot, you name it! Don’t wait to try Hillside, go now and see for yourself!”

972.317.9711

www.hillsidefinegrill.com

3140 FM 407 | Highland Village, TX 75077

We learned that all of their seafood is wild, not farmed, which just makes it all taste so much better.

They also offer a fantastic selection of

steaks and ribs. We had a sample of some of their ribs and those slow-smoked ribs literally fall right off the bone.

You’ll also find hamburgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and even some pasta 24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

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

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

Elf Shelf On The

by Emily Mitchell

T

he infamous Elf on the Shelf is back again to bring joy to children all over

the world and haunt the kid-free nights

of parents who just want to do nothing.

While you might assume that a well-known toy maker

originated The Elf on the Shelf, it was actually

brought to fruition by twin sisters, Chanda

Bell and Christa Pitts, and their mother

Carol Aebersold.

The idea came from

an old family tradition

they had an elf doll named Fisbee

who, according to Aebersold,

flew to the North Pole at night and

| DECEMBER 2018

write a story about the elf as a project for the two of them to bond over while her

mother was going through a rough time. In 2005 Bell, Aebersold, and Pitts selfpublished 5,000 copies

but it wasn’t until The Elf on the Shelf was pictured with

Jennifer Garner in 2007 that the idea really took flight.

Thirteen years later more than 11 million elves have been

adopted, and the brand has

186k Instagram followers, 760k followers on Twitter, 921k likes on Facebook. So if

you’re in need of some creative Elf on the

returned to his spot on the Christmas

Shelf ideas, look no further, but we also

was in 2004 when Bell had the idea to

him/her on the bookshelf all month.

tree before they awoke each morning. It

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

She suggested to her mom that they

. . .to the North Pole at night and returned to his spot on the Christmas tree before they awoke each morning.

growing up in Georgia, when

Send Us YOUR Elf on the Shelf Photos at artwork@ murray-media.com

make the tradition into something more.

won’t tell anyone if you choose to leave

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

PET ADOPTION

HI FOLKS! I’M PEPPER! I’m a Great Dane mix and I’m a sweetheart! I know that because the volunteers tell me I am! They love me up here at Hickory Creek Animal Shelter but I know this is only a temporary place. I REALLY want a forever home for Christmas. One that has a warm house with a cozy dog bed and plenty of treats and dog food!

Hickory Creak Animal Shelter 940.465.7444 Hours: M-F, 7am-3:30pm Sat & Sun 9 am-1 pm photo and info courtesy of Hickory Creak Animal Shelter

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

ARE YOU

HONEY BUTTER FRIED CHICKEN 4 servings | 574 cal/serving INGREDIENTS: 1/4 c.

All Purpose Flour

SPICES:

6 tbsp Honey

1 tbsp Smoked Paprika

1/2 c.

Milk

14 oz.

Boneless Chicken Breast

24 Club Crackers

2 tbsp Garlic Powder

2 tsp Salt

1 tbsp Corn starch 1 tsp Ground Pepper

In a ziplock bag pound crackers into crumbs and mix with the flour, spices and cornstarch.

Boil vegetable oil on stove at medium high heat.

photos and recipes by Brandon Groppi

3 Eggs

DIRECTIONS: Mix eggs and milk together in a bowl.

Take chicken breast and coat them in the flour mix, egg wash and back into flour mix until fully coated.

Place them in the vegetable oil and cook on each side till golden brown.

Honey Butter (optional)

Microwave butter for 15 sec. and whisk with honey until emulsified. Place on top of finished chicken while hot.

DIRTY GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE 6 servings | 400 cal/serving INGREDIENTS: 16 oz.

Ground Beef

5 oz Smoked Gouda Cheese

1 tbsp Soy Sauce

1/4 c.

White Onion 1 tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream

1 can Green Beans

1/2 c.

White Button Mushrooms

SPICES:

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 tbsp Garlic Powder

1 tbsp Parsley

16 Slices Bacon

1 tsp Black Pepper

1 tsp Salt

DIRECTIONS: In skillet at medium heat cook ground beef, mushrooms, spices & soy sauce.

Preheat oven to 400° F. Cook bacon till slightly burnt. Crumble.

Turn oven to 375° F. Mix beans, mushroom soup, beef and heavy whipping cream in greased baking dish. Cook for 25 mins. Last 5 mins add crumbled bacon. Take out and sprinkle cheese. Let sit until cheese melts.

28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018

HEALTHY PANKO BREADED CHICKEN INGREDIENTS: 2 Eggs

1 c.

Panko Bread Crumbs

16 oz.

Chicken Tenderloins

SPICES:

2 servings | 382 cal/serving

1 tbsp Smoked Paprika

1 tbsp Garlic Powder

1 tbsp Salt

1 tsp Ground Pepper

6 servings | 139 cal/serving INGREDIENTS:

Directions: Preheat oven to 375° F. Mix panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and ground pepper in a bowl. In separate bowl beat eggs.

Coat tenderloins in egg wash first then dip into the panko mixture.

Place coated tenderloins on a foil covered baking sheet and cook for 40 minutes in the oven.

NAU G

LIGHT GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

1/2 c.

White Button Mushrooms

1 can 16 Slices Green Turkey Beans Bacon

1/4 c.

White Onion

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup SPICES: 1 tbsp Garlic Powder

1 tbsp Parsley

1 tsp Black Pepper

1 tsp Salt

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400° F. Cook bacon till slightly burnt. Crumble bacon.

Turn oven to 375° F. Mix beans, mushroom soup, mushrooms, onions and spices in greased baking dish.

H

CE NI

TY

Cook for 25 min. Last 5 mins add bacon.

CRACK AND CHEESE: 8 servings | 1,001 cal/serving INGREDIENTS: 1/2 c.

Butter

1/4 c.

All Purpose Flour

3 c.

Whole Milk

2 c.

1 c.

Panko Bread Crubs

4 c. Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

8 Slices Provolone cheese

Mozzarella Cheese

1 tbsp Corn starch SPICES:

1 lb Mac & Cheese

1 c.

Sour Cream

1 tbsp Onion Powder

1c. & 12oz Evaporated Milk

1 tbsp Mustard

1 tbsp Parsley

1 tsp Black Pepper

1 tbsp Garlic Powder

DIRECTIONS: Cook pasta al dente according to package. Strain & rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease 9”x13” baking dish.

TIP: Don’t stop whisking EVER Melt 4 tbsps of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in flour. Cook for 2 min. Turn heat to low, add milk, cornstarch, Dijon mustard then all spices.

Turn heat to medium until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat. Once thick remove from heat and add in sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted.

Add pasta and toss.

Pour half of mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Next layer the provolone cheese then sour cream. Pour remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese on top.

OPTIONAL Topping: Sprinkle the panko topping

evenly across the dish. Bake 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Let dish cool for 10 minutes. Serve.

DECEMBER 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

DO YOU

REALLY NEED

MULTIVITAMINS?

by Audrey Christie, MSN, RN

O

ne question I am frequently asked, is do I need a multivitamin? In short the answer is, probably not.

If you eat plenty of whole fresh fruits and vegetables, and are generally taking care of yourself. Then you may not need a multivitamin, but you may not need one even if you aren’t. This isn’t to say that you never need to take supplements.

There are some supplements that are very beneficial to your body and your immune health, especially during this time of year, that everyone should take. If I had to pick just three things that every person would take, it would be: Omega 3s. These are a “good fat” they help to lower inflammation, fight feelings of depression and anxiety, ease the

discomfort of arthritis, improve brain fog, and help to fight against heart disease.

Probiotics. The balance or imbalance of bacteria in your digestive system is linked to many health issues. Taking a good quality regular probiotic has many benefits including weight loss, improved digestive health, improved immune function.

Vitamin D. This one is like sunshine in a bottle! During the time of year where we get less sunshine, taking a Vitamin D supplement is an integral part of keeping your immune system healthy. Additionally vitamin D is required for your body to build strong hair, bones, muscles, and teeth.

These simple supplements will help keep your inflammation at bay, your digestive system healthy, and keep your immune system working throughout these cold months. You can find these at your local grocery store or even Amazon.com and they are a key ingredient of your wellness.

30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| DECEMBER 2018