Lake Cities Living Magazine February 2019

FEBRUARY 15, 2019 - MARCH 15, 2019

BEYOND

WINS & LOSSES

In The

COURT

ROOM

WHEN IT’S TIME TO

LAWYER-UP?

SICK

OF BEING

SICK? Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

7 TIPS TO KEEP KIDS

SAFER

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

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

CLASSIC OF DENTON

BACK

photo courtesy of Rick Wick

4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

C

lassic of Denton teamed up with Military Warriors Support Foundation and Transportation4Hero’s program. Classic of Denton presented a payment free brand new 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 to former US Marine Corps Sergeant, Kenneth Rolon. The presentation was at the UNT basketball game on Saturday February 9th.

Actual handing over of the keys was on February 21, at Classic of Denton.

| FEBRUARY 2019

Of the Month

C

laire is waiting for her forever family. She is sweet, smart, active, and loves people. She prefers to be the only dog though. She is spayed, current on shots, and is microchipped.

Her adoption fee is $75.

Hickory Creek Animal Shelter 940.465.7444 970 Main St., Hickory Creek, TX

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

photo and info courtesy of Hickory Creek Animal Shelter

GIVES

PET ADOPTION

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | 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 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

Lake Cities Living invites reader

Having A Legal Partner

YOU CAN TRUST

O

ne of the things I have always loved about our magazines here at Murray Media Group is how

quickly so many local business owners come together and get to know one

another. In this day and age, having those relationships is a valuable thing.

Think about it: who looks in a phone book anymore to find a new plumber, lawn care

feedback, story suggestions

specialist, financial services rep, or even

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

It’s no one. We all rely on a combination

and general comments.

a babysitter? I can tell you the answer.

All submissions become

of word of mouth, referrals, in-person

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. © 2019 Murray Media Group

networking, and social media to build

relationships with people we know, like, and trust to take care of us – no matter what that product or service may be.

This month is our legal issue, and the topic of this blog post is perfect for our lawyer friends out there. It is so

refreshing to know that no matter what

need we have in the legal world – divorce,

adoption, business legal concerns, etc. – that there is someone close by who can

handle those concerns for us in a caring, trusting, and compassionate way.

I am sure I will leave someone out,

so please forgive me in advance, but

some of the lawyers and attorneys who immediately spring to mind are firms

such as KoonsFuller, Christman Attorneys, Hayes, Berry, White & Van Zandt, Nelson Law Group, and The Wright Firm.

Just these five firms alone cover the

entire Denton County area, and there are plenty more where that came from.

We hope you learn something from this month’s legal issue, and if you have a

legal concern, please don’t hesitate to

reach out to us. We’d be happy to refer

any of our friends to these great law firms.

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover: Charla Bradshaw of KoonsFuller Family Law

FEATURED:

Beyond Wins & Losses In The Courtroom ASK THE EXPERTS

10 When It’s Time to Lawyer-Up?

18 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing

12 Inside Community

26 Fitness with Jesse James Fit

13 Inside Education

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

15 Irish Beer Cheese Soup Recipe

14 What’s That Guys Name?

Guy T Photography: AwardWinning Photographer Captures Craftsman Degree PHOTOS FROM LAKE CITIES

04 Lake Cities Resident Photos ARTICLES 04 Pet Adoption of the Month 08 Foodie Friday DFW with Jay Marks Real Estate www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

20 EDITORS PICK: Nearby Family

Fun Adventures for Spring Break

22 7 Tips to Keep Kids Safer 24 Sick of Being Sick?

27 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 28 12 Questions Steve Holzwarth of the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce 30 ReImagine Inspiring Through Transformation

The Legal

ISSUE Look for the icon above to learn more about the law.

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

Foodie Friday DFW: Tierney’s Cafe & Tavern

TIERNEY’S

Cafe & Tavern W e are so excited to re-feature one of our original Foodie Friday locations from five years

ago - Tierney’s Cafe and Tavern in Old Town Lewisville.

If you’re a meat and potatoes kind of

person, you should definitely give one of Tierney’s steaks a try. On Saturdays they serve up prime rib (so sad we weren’t

there on a Saturday), but any other day

We always love meeting with owner, Greg Tierney. He’s been a staple in Old Town Lewisville for 24 years - 13 years at Mill Street Cafe and 11 years at Tierney’s.

There’s something about Tierney’s that’s just – special. It could be the hundred-

year-old house it’s located in. It could be

the feeling of family you get each time you

of the week you can order other steak options like their Blue Steak.

You’ve probably also heard that Tierney’s has a fantastic outdoor patio where you can enjoy live music on the weekends.

This place really is so much more than just

a restaurant - it’s also a true venue. They’ve hosted reunions, graduation parties,

step inside. It could be their Potato Chip

wedding rehearsal dinners, and even

more than just a restaurant. But really -

But all of that goes back to the fact

Chicken, or the fact that they’re so much it’s a combination of all of those things

headed by Greg and his amazing staff.

actual weddings!

that Greg and his staff have created a spot in Old Town Lewisville where

As we mentioned, if you’re familiar with

everyone feels welcome, everyone feels

probably already know about their Potato

and enjoy themselves.

Tierney’s Cafe and Tavern at all, you

taken care of, and everyone can relax

Chip Chicken, which is absolutely one of

So, get yourselves on down to Tierney’s

their top-sellers. Greg told us whenever someone walks in the door and doesn’t need a menu, 90% of the time he can

guarantee it’s because they’re there for the Potato Chip Chicken. And there’s a

972.353.2109

Cafe and Tavern, order up some of that

Potato Chip Chicken, a salad, and a slice of

pie and just enjoy this incredible Old Town Lewisville staple.

TierneysCafeAndTavern.com 208 E. Main St. Lewisville, TX 75057

reason it’s so well-loved - it is delicious!

Tierney’s also makes some fantastic salad options like their signature

Tierney’s Salad made with mixed field greens, strawberries, pecans, onions, and blue cheese. We’re also fans of their Salmon Salad served with the Raspberry Vinaigrette.

8 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

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

| FEBRUARY 2019

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Congrats to the LCFD employees celebrating monumental work anniversaries this year. Thank you all for your service and dedication to the Lake Cities Fire Department!

5 Years - Adam Scott, Brian Bellows 10 Years - Tracy Tutt, Dan Shaw 15 Years - Bradley Richardson, Chris Haney 20 Years - Chad Thiessen, Teresa Fairfield, John Doyle, Gregory Ward photo and info courtesy of Lake Cities Fire Department Facebook Page www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

Legal Article

When

IT’S TIME TO LAWYER-UP? Eight Common Sense Do’s and Don’ts

by Steve Gamel

T

here may come a day when you or a family member are faced with having to go to court. And regardless of whether you are the victim and simply there to collect damages, or you’ve been summoned because of a dispute or something you allegedly did wrong, it’s guaranteed to be a stressful situation as you wait to see how the legal process plays out.

None of us are expected to be masters of the courtroom. After all, that’s what lawyers are for. But there are a few common sense do’s and don’ts to consider when it’s time to lawyer up and protect our best interests.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

The Do’s

WITH LAWYERS HIRE AN ATTORNEY The option is there to represent yourself in court, but there’s a reason why attorneys went to school for all those years to learn about everything from family law to personal injury law, criminal law, etc. So hire one. Lawyers are highly trained to understand all the nuances of a court case and can help negotiate fair settlements, challenge evidence, keep costs low, and be a trusted advisor every step of the way. As yourself what’s at stake and bring in a lawyer who is an expert in the area you need help with.

ASK ABOUT LEGAL FEES UP FRONT Many people do not realize how quickly attorney fees, court costs, and other miscellaneous expenses can add up in a court case. Therefore, it’s common sense to know what to expect before you get into a legal battle. What are court costs and what do they include? Does your attorney bill by the hour or as a flat fee? When is payment expected?

The Don’ts

WITH LAWYERS DON’T LIE TO YOUR LAWYER This is the most common sense tip of them all. Always tell your lawyer the truth, as it arms them with all the necessary information to construct a solid case on your behalf.

The consequences of lying can include something as simple as losing your case to jail time, penalties and fines, or having to spend more money finding a new lawyer because the old one won’t work with you anymore.

DON’T TALK ABOUT YOUR CASE WITH ANYONE Except your lawyer, of course. There is a myriad of people that could reach out to you during a court case, from insurance adjusters to defense lawyers, and family and friends.

Believe it or not, talking too freely with loved ones in person and even on social media can come back to bite you in the rear. Any lawyer will tell you it’s better to keep your mouth shut and let them do the talking for you.

DO WHAT YOUR LAWYER ASKS OF YOU Last but not least, trust that your lawyer knows what is best for you. Now is not the time to let egos get in the way by challenging their decisions.

KEEP GREAT RECORDS Talk about an easy way to save money throughout the legal process. By maintaining great records, and being willing to seek out some of the information gathering stuff for your lawyer, you will cut down on how much time your lawyer is spending on the case. This can include everything from bank account information to bankruptcy paperwork, and even pictures or other evidence that might be pertinent to your case.

DON’T BE LATE TO COURT You will not put yourself in a positive light if you are late to your court case or any pretrial hearings. This is a no-brainer, so be mindful of its importance and put your best foot forward.

DON’T LET YOUR EMOTIONS GET THE BEST OF YOU It is very important that you remain calm before, during, and after court. Divorce cases and custody battles are perfect examples of cases where emotions run high, and parties in a case begin making rash decisions. Stick with the facts of your case.

*The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended to be considered legal advice or take the place of what would otherwise be advised by an experienced lawyer. Always consult with an attorney before moving forward in any legal situation.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY DOWNTOWN DENTON WEDNESDAY WINE WALK Wed., Feb 27th | 6 - 9:15pm | Downtown Denton 110 W Hickory St. • Denton, TX 76201

If you enjoy a good glass of wine you should mark the Denton

Wine Walk on your calendar. Take a nice walk around Downtown Denton and purchase a wine glass to enjoy wine samples from different merchants. You can also sign up to win different door

prizes from the local businesses. Tickets are only $10 to $40 and

you can purchase wine glasses online or at the square that night.

For tickets and info visit their facebook at Denton Wine Walk.

LAKE DALLAS

MARDI GRAS

VOLUNTEER INCOME

TAX ASSISTANCE

Fri., Mar 1st | 5 - 9pm | Lake Dallas City Hall

Every Monday | 4 - 6:30pm | until April 15th 302 S. Shady Shores Rd. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065

Celebrate Mardi Gras with the city of Lake Dallas! Enjoy music, parades and food while wearing your festive greens, purples and golds. Catch as many beads as you can while the amazing floats pass by during the parade. There’ll be vendors, a mask contest, crawfish eating contest and more.

Remember “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!”

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program through The United Way of Denton County will file your taxes for free if you make less than $58,000.00. Bring your tax paperwork, a valid photo ID, completed form 13614-C, checkbook with routing and account number for direct deposit and a Social Security Card (no copies – must present the original card).

For more info go to www.unitedwaydenton.org/VITA

212 Main St. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065

12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

INSIDE EDUCATION LD BAND ITALIAN DINNER & SILENT AUCTION Sat., Mar 2nd | 6 - 8:30pm | LDHS Cafeteria Support the Lake Dallas Falcon Band Boosters by attending their Dinner & Silent Auction Fundraiser. You can also make a tax deductible donation of items/services/gift cards towards the silent auction which would be greatly appreciated. Tickets are only $8 per person. You can pay at the door or go to www.lakedallasbandboosters.orq and click the Donate tab.

LDISD EVENTS

Battle of the Bridge 2019 Special Olympic Competition Feb 20th from 10am12:30pm at the Competition Gym

CORINTH ELEMENTARY PENNY WAR

Lake Dallas High School will host the Special Olympic Competition between Lake Dallas and Little Elm.

Corinth elementary had a Penny War between

their grades for a gourmet popcorn party. Each penny brought was counted as one positive

point towards that grade, and any silver coin brought was counted as a negitave point

toward a competing grade. The school’s lucky

winner was first grade with 5,465 points! In total

over a thousand dollars was raised which will go towards a poster maker for the school.

4TH ANNUAL GUYER BAND MATTRESS FUNDRAISER Sat., Mar 2nd | 10am - 5pm 7501 Teasley Ln., • Denton, TX 76210 Join the Denton Guyer High School Band for

their annual mattress fundraiser. All mattresses are brand new with full factory warranties.

Different sizes will be available along with

various firmness and pillow-tops. Financing is available. Sleep in comfort while supporting your local high school band. For more information visit bit.ly/beds4dghs. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

GUYER

EVENTS Varsity Softball vs Lake Dallas Feb 26th at 7pm at Guyer Wildcat Softball Field

Varsity Softball vs Keller Central Mar 5th at 7pm at Keller Central HS Varsity Softball vs Southlake Mar 8th at 7pm at Southlake Carroll FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

Business Spotlight

Award-Winning Photographer

CAPTURES

CRAFTSMAN DEGREE

by Steve Gamel

F

or Guy T, being a photographer means so much more than simply looking through a viewfinder and delivering professional results day in and day out. It’s about using his talents to give back through selfless service and education. If he happens to be recognized by his peers with awards and accolades along the way, then that’s just part of the journey.

“What gets you there is far more important to me,” said Guy T, owner of What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T. “Being able to share

something I know with others who don’t know it yet, or being able to take someone from Point A to Point B and elevate their skill set is what’s important. The journey is far more special than the destination. They are just nice enough to give me an item I can hang around my neck. It’s nice to be recognized by my peers.”

Photography above by ‘What’s That Guy’s Name?’

The “they” Guy T referred to is the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), which awarded him with his long-awaited Craftsman degree on January 21st at a ceremony at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. Guy T walked across the stage to receive a degree he’s been pursuing for more than two years. It is yet

14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

another symbol of his passion for life, photography, and the expectations he has placed on himself since leaving a 26-plus year career as a corporate educator just more than six years ago.

According to the PPA, “Awarded for service as a speaker, author, or mentor, this degree shows that you have gone beyond the creation of images and dedicated your time to move the industry forward and encourage education.”

The Craftsman degree is one of a litany of accolades for Guy T, who is constantly in the know on the latest trends and techniques that separate good photographers from the best. Beyond numerous local awards and rave reviews from happy customers throughout Denton County, he has been named an Associate Fellow of the Texas Professional Photographers Association. Guy T will also step in as an instructor with the Texas School of Photography, an affiliate of the PPA, April 28th-May 3rd to teach an Adobe Lightroom class called “Unlock Lightroom (And Upgrade Your Life!).”

Bottom line, photographers can be found at every turn these days. But if you’re in the market for a corporate event photographer, quality headshots, professional images of you and your business to enhance online presence, portraits, senior photos, and fine art, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who approaches his full-time job as a photographer with as much experience, passion, personality, and commitment to his clients as Guy T. “I don’t think I’m done yet,” Guy T said of his willingness to continue learning and sharing his knowledge with others.

“When I can learn more and produce even better results for my clients, that’s really the reward.”

469.500.5657 www.WhatsThatGuysName.com www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Irish

BEER

Cheese

Soup

by A Spicy Perspective

Servings: 8 Servings | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 20 mins

NUTRITION FACTS Amount Per Serving (1 cup) % of Daily Value Calories 334 Total Fat 25g

38%

Saturated Fat 15g 75%

C

reamy Irish Beer Cheese Soup for Saint Patrick’s Day! This easy beer cheese soup recipe is rich and alluring, with only a handful of necessary ingredients.

Cholesterol 82mg

27%

DIRECTIONS

Sodium 1001mg

42%

1. Set a large sauce pot over medium heat.

Add the butter, onions, and garlic, and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Scoop the softened onions into the food processor (or blender) and add one cup chicken broth. Puree the onions and broth until completely smooth.

Potassium 281mg

8%

Total Carbohydrates 8g

3%

Dietary Fiber 0g

0%

Sugars 3g

photos courtesy of A Spicy Perspective

Protein 17g 34%

INGREDIENTS •

1 large onion, peeled and chopped

•

2 garlic cloves, minced

•

1 tablespoon butter, or bacon grease

•

2 – 12 ounce bottles Harp Irish Style Lager

•

32 ounce chicken broth

2. Pour the onion mixture back into the sauce pot, and add the remaining broth and both bottles of beer. Bring to a boil.

•

14 ounces Irish cheese,

3. Toss the shredded Irish cheese with corn starch. Add the shredded cheese, cream cheese, and dijon mustard to the broth.

Whisk to melt the cheese and break up the cream cheese cubes. Whisk until the soup is completely smooth and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed. Serve as-is, or garnish with bacon and chive if desired.

•

shredded (Dubliner, Irish Cheddar, Skellig, etc.)

14 ounces low fat cream cheese, cut into cubes •

2 tablespoons cornstarch, or arrow root powder

•

1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

•

Garnishes: crumbled bacon and chive

Notes: The beer broth will foam up quite a bit when boiling. Make sure to use a large pot, so it doesn’t boil over. For more recipes and information go to ASpicyPerspective.com www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

BEYOND

WINS & LOSSES

In The

COURTROOM

by Steve Gamel

W

hen you’re facing one of life’s difficult decisions, and it’s time to seek help from a family lawyer with unrivaled knowledge and success in the courtroom, the easy choice will always be Charla Bradshaw.

What potential clients can’t be reminded of enough, though, is Bradshaw’s commitment to education and insistence on preparing them for possible legal roads ahead.

“It concerns me to think about what people don’t know,” said Bradshaw, the managing shareholder at KoonsFuller’s Family Law office in Denton. “That’s one reason why I really enjoy doing articles like these because we always get good feedback that the information was helpful.”

“Thankfully, we talk about things people are really interested in. Some are scared of what’s next; and most citizens don’t know the law.”

Having a lawyer in your corner who is willing to offer tips and advice – many times before the client even has a chance to ask – is top of mind now that we have all turned the page to a new year. Statistically, this is the time of year when family law offices like KoonsFuller are at their busiest.

16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

Divorce filings spike shortly after the

holidays and into the first of the year, and at a minimum, more people are seeking guidance on a variety of topics.

With that said, we were reminded of some of the educational tools Bradshaw has

published in Lantana Living magazine.

Like the cover story last February that

discussed the growing trend of many

spouses being woefully unprepared when it comes to their household finances –

specifically, knowing where their accounts are located, what bills need to be paid,

etc. Usually, this happens because most couples have one spouse in charge of

the finances, and in the case of a divorce or death, the other spouse is placed at a

disadvantage as they are forced to get up to speed in a stressful situation.

Another article featuring Bradshaw

provided useful tips on how divorcing

spouses can handle those first difficult

steps, especially if it’s a situation where

one spouse wants a divorce, and the other

different set of hesitations and obstacles to overcome.

“We enjoy being that practice people can turn to if they need questions answered,” Bradshaw said. “And at this time of the

year, I think it’s smart if people who may

have potential family law matters consult with a lawyer and find out what the real

rules are. What are the laws? There is so

much out there on the Internet, and I hear clients say all the time, ‘I read this’ or ‘I

read that,’ and I am quick to explain that

the information just isn’t correct. Laws are different from state to state, and overall, there is incorrect advice out there. Not

being informed or being misinformed can send you down the wrong path because you might operate on information that’s not even the law. And, everyone’s case is different.”

So, what are some practical tips and advice from Bradshaw?

•

one does not.

Questions such as, “what will happen to my house?” or “how will I support

myself?” consume their lives. And if there are children involved, there will be a

First and foremost, get educated on what the laws are in Texas and how they pertain to your case.

•

Know your finances and keep

accurate records in case of death and

divorce, to have peace of mind and to lessen attorney’s fees.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

•

If you’re considering divorce or have already been through it,

make sure to seek guidance from

a counselor who can help you work through the emotional side. This is

for the divorcing spouses as well as their children.

•

Never represent yourself in a

family law case – ever. Always hire a family lawyer.

•

Know how different laws or

agreements can come into play in your case. For example, there are ways to divide property among spouses without a divorce, and

without dividing the entire estate.

•

Ask your lawyer what types of

relationships they have with outside professionals. KoonsFuller recently

hired a full-time licensed professional counselor who provides litigation

support for KoonsFuller clients, and who can put clients in touch with resources to suit their needs.

More and more people are seeking

out KoonsFuller for those questions.

KoonsFuller has five offices: Denton,

Plano, Houston, Dallas, and Southlake.

The Denton office has five attorneys, including Bradshaw, Sarah Darnell, Sean Abeyta, James Logue, and

Nicole Carroll. Bradshaw is at the center of it all and has gained a state-wide reputation while litigating some of the most

difficult cases, both locally and

internationally. Bradshaw has all but her thesis in a masters in

marriage and family therapy: she went on to law school

before completion. Her vast

experience in family law has made her a clear choice as

an expert for speeches and

appearances, with regard to family lawrelated matters.

“I love my job and helping people through

www.Koonsfuller.com

a most difficult time in their life. It’s why I went to law school,” Bradshaw said. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

Ask The Expert: Organizing

How To Be Productive

IF YOU

WORK

FROM HOME

I don’t find this to be the case. You may

get things done more quickly, but dividing your focus among multiple tasks can lead

to sloppy work and costly mistakes. Focus on finishing one task at a time. You’ll be

more efficient and happier with the result.

Make sure your office is free of distractions.

You may need to close your office door and post your office hours to remind

family members that you are working.

It’s also a great idea to disengage from

social media during office hours. Another big distraction is clutter. File all important documents, have a special place for

current projects and throw away trash.

Have a smart filing system.

Everyone’s idea of a good filing system is different. Asking a professional organizer for advice on a filing system is a great idea, but it has to make sense for you

because you are the one that will use it.

The keyword here is “use.” You have to

use your system once you have it in place.

Immediately file important documents,

so they are handy when you need them.

I highly recommend keeping work and personal files separate.

W

hen you step into your home office, are you being as productive as you could be, or

do you find yourself getting sidetracked and distracted?

working. Working long hours can be

counterproductive because it causes

fatigue and impacts family life. Try setting the alarm for yourself to act like your five o’clock whistle.

Even if you feel like you’re an organized

person, you can still use these five tips to help you become even more productive and efficient while working from home.

Establish office hours.

Beginning and finishing your workday at reasonable hours encourages

productivity. Starting work at the same

time each morning helps you get into a

habitual, productive mindset. If possible,

clean up or empty the trash can after you leave the office. Before you leave your office, take a few minutes to declutter

Wake up, make your bed, get dressed,

to address tomorrow morning.

Make it a habit of getting ready for work. have breakfast, grab a cup of coffee, tell the family good-bye and head to your

office. The act of “getting ready for work” creates a mental association with being productive and can help you stay on

projects are organized and ready for you Set yourself up for success by working in

a decluttered office and using productive systems that make sense to you and your work style.

schedule. Pajamas are great, but they don’t always encourage productivity.

very important to know when to stop

tasks at a time will increase productivity.

| FEBRUARY 2019

there won’t be any custodians coming to

and straighten up. Make sure current

Avoid multi-tasking.

18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

Yes, every day. You work from home, so

Get dressed for work.

schedule personal appointments around your business hours. Conversely, it’s

Declutter your office every day.

Many people believe that doing multiple

by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

Nearby

FAMILY FUN ADVENTURES

FOR SPRING BREAK

by Steve Gamel

M

any families are looking to do something fun for Spring Break, but

there’s simply not enough time to go out of state or even somewhere exotic. The

good news is there are plenty of options relatively close to home.

Here are a few of those fun family

ideas – all located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area:

and Las Colinas) where players race

rocket ride that sends you straight into the

escape their mystery room. Your team will

foot propeller with speeds up to 60 mph

against the clock to solve all of the clues to be charged with solving a series of codes, locks, and puzzles that reveal clues to

enable the escape. This is especially good

for older kids and fun for the whole family.

LEGOLAND

dallasfw.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

For kids who love Legos, it’s a no-brainer.

There are rides, Lego build and play

zones, a 4D cinema, and a mini-city all to explore. It’s geared toward younger kids

ADVENTURE ALTITUDE TRAMPOLINE PARK www.altitudedenton.com/

This is incredible for kids of all ages. Go crazy with 30,000 square feet of foam

pits, gymnastics tumble tracks, a kid zone, basketball dunking lanes, dodgeball, and more. The facility is located across from Golden Triangle Mall in Denton.

ESCAPE ROOMS HQ escaperoomshq.com

Escape Rooms HQ is a one-of-a-kind

fantasy entertainment facility (Lewisville 20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

but is enjoyable for parents, too. Tickets online can be cheaper, and they have group discounts.

air at 70mph and being strapped to a 165in just seconds. We’re talking 4Gs of force.

Talk about your wild rides.

GREAT WOLF LODGE IN GRAPEVINE greatwolf.com/grapevine

Talk about a family getaway that doesn’t break the bank! Located in Grapevine near Grapevine Mills Mall, Great Wolf Lodge Resort offers everything from

indoor waterslides and pools to arts,

crafts, food, entertainment, lodging, and shopping. Stay for a day or stay in the luxurious hotel to maximize your fun.

ZONE ACTION PARK

thezoneactionparktexas.com/

There are go-karts and putt-putt golf as

well as loads of games and fun inside. It’s nothing fancy, but it is fun. Groupons are sometimes available.

ANIMALS & AQUATICS

ZERO GRAVITY THRILL PARK

DALLAS ZOO

For the older kids looking for some

The zoo is always fun, and there’s plenty

jumping, a 16-story free fall, a sky-coaster

Encounters and Training Demonstrations

www.gojump.com

www.dallaszoo.com

serious thrills, there’s this: bungee

for the kids to see and do. The Keeper

that glides 100 feet off the ground, a

are always interesting for a behind-the-

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

scenes look. There’s even a guide to

great venue to have a birthday party at or

Pokemon Go on their website. You can

even have a private guided tour.

save with CityPass if you’re planning to

SHARKAROSA WILDLIFE RANCH IN

experience other nearby venues.

FORT WORTH ZOO

www.fortworthzoo.org This is the oldest zoo in Texas, and yet, this is so much more than just a zoo. There’s the Yellow Rose Express Train, a carrousel, a petting zoo, the Play Barn playground and climbing area, a shooting gallery for

PILOT POINT

www.sharkarosa.com/

Another hidden gem in North Texas,

Sharkarosa is a non-profit ranch licensed and regulated by the USDA. Families

can get an up-close-and-personal zoo

experience featuring endangered exotic wildlife – without spending an arm and a leg.

THE DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

www.dallasarboretum.org/

The Arboretum is beautiful with

breathtaking gardens at every turn.

For the kids, there is the Rory Meyers Adventure Garden for Children

overlooking White Rock Lake. This is a

great opportunity to experience all the beauty that surrounds us.

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT/LOUIS TUSSAUDS PALACE OF WAX

kids, rock climbing and much more.

www.ripleys.com/grandprairie

DALLAS WORLD AQUARIUM

miss out by not checking out the unique –

Adults and children alike would definitely

www.dwazoo.com

and odd – attractions at Ripley’s. Ever seen

Much like the zoo, it’s hard to go wrong with a trip to the aquarium. It’s educational, it’s fun, and it’s cool to see sharks. There also aren’t a ton of lines, so you and the family can go at your own pace and enjoy every exhibit.

FRANK BUCK ZOO IN GAINESVILLE

www.gainesville.tx.us/index.aspx?nid=108 Dubbed the Star of North Texas, the Frank Buck Zoo offers all your traditional zoo experiences and more without having to drive into Dallas or Fort Worth. This is a www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

a two-headed animal, a shrunken head, or

MUSEUM FUN PEROT MUSEUM

www.perotmuseum.org

When you think of museums, you

think quiet and sometimes boring.

But NOT the Perot Museum. This is

anything but boring, and the kids will love it. There are lots of interactive

things to do, and it’s great learning for everyone. Even the building is radical.

hung out with wax replicas of Superman

or Cher? Here’s your chance. It’s worth it.

THE SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM AT DEALEY PLAZA www.jfk.org

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from

social media, it’s that people don’t know

their history. So let’s change that with our

kids. Teach them about what happened on that fateful November day. In addition to historical information, there are special exhibits.

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

7SAFER

T ips To K e e p K i d s

by Steve Gamel

A

s parents, we want nothing more than to keep our kids safe and healthy. But these days, it feels like our eyes and ears are on the lookout for too many threats than we can keep track of, whether it be online predators, safety concerns at school, the authority figures they put their trust into, and even who they are hanging out with when we aren’t around.

Those concerns are overwhelming because it’s a lot to keep track of, and we didn’t have to worry about the same concerns growing up. The biggest piece of advice our parents gave us was Stranger Danger, which may have worked like a charm 30 years ago but sadly falls way short in today’s world.

We’re not going to lie; keeping our kids safer takes hard work and diligence. But here are 7 tips to get you started.

REALIZE THAT STRANGER DANGER

media, and the Internet in general, can be

cheerleading practice, volunteer at school

a dangerous place, and your child needs to

in Watchdog programs, the PTA, etc.,

be aware of that. Parents should set house

attend other school functions, or follow up

come in many forms. While they should be

rules and have access to any passwords

with teachers and babysitters. Predators

mindful of strangers, not all strangers are

their child has for online accounts or cell

can’t attack if parents are involved.

bad people. In fact, many predators these

phones. You should also consider having a

days are people they know and would

list of sites your child visits regularly. Limit

normally feel comfortable with. To keep

them safe, teach them what is and is not

your child’s time online and what sites they

safe behavior. If something doesn’t feel

are allowed to visit, and install content blockers on all PCs.

ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH ANYMORE

Your children must realize danger can

right, they should trust their gut.

KEEP THEM EDUCATED

Not only should your children know their

name, your contact information, important phone numbers, addresses, etc., but they should be educated on the law, what is

acceptable behavior versus what is over the line, how to protect their privacy

online, how to be more aware of their

surroundings, and yes … what sex is and

MAINTAIN AN OPEN LINE OF COMMUNICATION

EDUCATE YOURSELF There are plenty of resources online to help parents become more educated on the dangers their children will likely experience on a daily basis and how to spot predators. Knowing what questions you should ask and how to anticipate

Your child needs should feel like they can

potential dangers will go a long way in

talk to their parents about anything, even

protecting your child.

the most sensitive of subjects, without fear of getting in trouble or not being taken seriously. Talk openly and often, and consider using role play to go over various scenarios they could face.

TEACH THEM TO TRAVEL IN GROUPS Whether they are walking home from school, going to the mall, or even to a friend’s house, your children should always travel with at least one or two other

how to properly understand their bodies.

GET INVOLVED

MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND WHO

You should always be aware of what

where they must walk alone, ensure they

is going on in your child’s life, beyond

have a cell phone and that they are talking

just asking questions about their day

or staying in contact with you until they

at the dinner table. Go to baseball or

reach where they are supposed to be.

THEY ARE TEXTING

Nothing is off limits when it comes to your child’s privacy and safety online. Social 22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

friends. If they are stuck in a position

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

Sick of

BEING SICK?

by Steve Gamel

N

o one has time to be sick, right? Not only is being laid up in bed with the cold or flu a total bummer, but we’ve all got busy lives – kids need to get to school on time, that to-do list at work is getting longer, we’ve got an important meeting. So we keep pushing through, ignoring the early warning signs, until our body forces us to stop.

The flu season alone peaks between December and February, but can last as late as May. At the same time, there are a variety of other illnesses that can bog us down, from the common cold to respiratory infections, ear infections, and stomach bugs. So here we are lying in bed with two hoodies on, the blankets pulled up just below our eyes, and we’re watching re-runs of Dr. Phil. Whatever this is – the cold, the flu, or something else – just won’t go away.

So how do we get to feeling better? There are plenty of well-known remedies, including getting the flu shot, being religious about washing your hands, taking medicine, eating better, and getting more than enough rest to recharge those batteries. Here are a few more options that might get you back on your feet even faster:

USE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR We’ve mentioned several natural remedies. Apple cider vinegar in water helps kill bacteria in the body. You can get the similar benefits from coconut oil, garlic, fermented cod liver oil, a spoonful of honey, and elderberry syrup.

24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

USE A HUMIDIFIER Humidifiers put moisture back into the air, significantly reducing the ability of airborne viruses to cause flu infections. Using a humidifier while you sleep – whether you are sick or not – has a myriad of benefits including improved sleep, faster healing, and decreased sinus issues.

DETOX BATH AND HOT SHOWERS Try detox baths with a few dashes of Epsom salt even when you aren’t sick, as it is known to draw out toxins while easing stress, improving sleep and concentration, and reducing muscle inflammation.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

SALINE OR WARM WATER WASH This may seem like an unpleasant experience, but using saline, a Neti Pot, or simply filling your hands with warm water every morning and inhaling the water, clears your nose and nasal cavities. This can help with general colds, allergies, and sinus infections. Give it a try.

GARGLE WITH SALT WATER Getting a large glass from the kitchen and gargling with salt

water provides instant relief for a sore throat, sometimes faster than over-the-counter medicines or throat lozenges. It also has preventative benefits, so try it before you get sick or when you experience early warning signs.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT If you want to be healthier next winter, start eating more foods that support a healthy gut. A healthy gut makes it difficult for bacteria that cause colds, the flu, and other viruses to gain traction and wreak havoc on your life. You can do this through probiotics/shopping or healthier foods.

PUT VICKS VAPORUB ON YOUR FEET, CHEST, AND NOSE Vicks VapoRub has been around forever, and everyone knows its benefits as a decongestant for your chest and throat as well as being a remedy for headaches and achy muscles.

But have you tried rubbing it on your feet and covering them with warm socks? Do this before bedtime, especially if you have a nagging cough.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

Ask The Expert: Fitness

Get Your

COMPREHENSIVE

FITNESS SCORE! W

e’ve got a lot of exciting things going on at Jesse James Fit—and we can’t wait to tell

BODY COMPOSITION ASSESSMENT •

Fat mass

•

Total body water index

•

Visceral fat (fat around organs)

brand new, state-of-the-art wellness scan

•

Basal Metabolic Rate

information this scan can give you. It’s

•

Cardio Assessment

•

Determination of biological age of

you about all of them! But one of the

things we’re most excited about is our

machine. You will be amazed at the health unlike anything you’ve ever experienced!

With our new innovative technology,

we’re offering advanced, comprehensive

wellness scans— not only to our clients but to the public as well.

This specific wellness scan analyzer is only the fourth device available in the United

States, the first one in Texas, and the first available at a fitness facility! Providing

the heart

STRESS AND FATIGUE ASSESSMENT •

Stress level of the brain

•

Fatigue level of the brain

•

Vertebral Assessment

•

Neuromuscular assessment of the spinal column

CIRCULATION ASSESSMENT

the very latest in healthcare technology,

•

Circulation markers in the upper and lower limbs

information that is unprecedented for

•

Arterial stiffness index

•

Comprehensive Wellness Score

•

Clients receive a comprehensive wellness score that gives key information for determining endurance, efficiency, and

the scan measures important fitness

people who want this type of data without going through their doctors and paying exorbitant medical fees.

This Scan Provides Unbelievably Detailed Fitness and Health Information

The fitness score provided by this

wellness scan is unprecedented for its

availability and cost. Among many other things, this scan will provide you the

following important health information: (for more details go to https://discover. whatsmyfitscore.com).

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

physical performance.

And this is where our team of trainers comes in...

DETAILED FITNESS INFORMATION HELPS US HELP YOU

For our clients at Jesse James Fit, the

information we get from your wellness

scan lets us tailor your workout more than ever before. By looking at your detailed health information, we can determine where it’s safe to push you, and where you should take it slower.

“When we can actually see your spinal health, we will adjust the weight-bearing exercises during your training program.

When we can see that your heart is strong, we can push fat- burning cardio or challenging intervals. After seeing your scan information, we may see that you need to take in more water, focus on heart health more than fat burning – all sorts of things we can use to guide us in developing a better suited customized

program designed specifically to that client. When your trainer gets a detailed look at your fitness score, it lets them tailor your workout accordingly.” – Jesse James PRICELESS INFORMATION This comprehensive wellness scan and results consultation are available to the public for $225 and follow-up scans to monitor health improvements can be done for $169. Current clients of Jesse James Fit or Outlaw FitCamps receive a member reduced rate.

KNOW YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS SCORE Everyone—Jesse James clients and non-clients—can take advantage of this wellness scan. You can then track your fitness progress with optional follow-up scans every six to eight weeks, quarterly, or whenever you want to monitor your progress.

Take charge of your health this year! Our new state-of-the-art wellness scan can help us tailor a fitness program for you and then measure your progress.

Call 972.355.2639 Discover.WhatsYourFitScore.com

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

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER C

with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

Unit, and a School Resource Officer.

aptain Douglas Lee supervises the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division. Under

Not only do we enforce state laws on state highways, but we also enforce

Captain Lee’s command, there are

three Lieutenants, five Sergeants, three Corporals, and currently 41 Patrol

state laws on our local lakes and farm to market roads.

Our marine unit is the busiest during

Deputies. Denton County is divided

into six sections or beats. Our deputies patrol the unincorporated areas of

Denton County but assist other agencies within the county. Our deputies are

the summertime and holidays. Many boaters are enjoying the hot Texas

weather on the lakes, and we like to

maintain a high presence during these

responsible for providing 24-hour law

times. The traffic unit not only enforces

residing in the unincorporated areas of

impaired or reckless drivers that may

comprised of three standard shifts: day

The deputies assigned to the traffic

enforcement services to the citizens

traffic laws, but they also are looking for

Denton County. The patrol division is

cause or be involved in traffic crashes.

shift (7 am-3 pm), evening shift (3 pm-11 pm) and night shift (11 pm- 7 am).

unit are also trained in accident

reconstruction and commercial vehicle

The deputies answer all types of service

enforcement. Most of our deputies

to homicides. There is not anything

officer, attended the police academy,

be mentally and physically prepared to

to the position of patrol deputy. We

happenings before hitting the streets.

detention officers, so if you

special enforcement units including the

who is, you can apply online at

calls, ranging from noise complaints

started their career as a detention

routine about this job. Deputies have to

then applied and were promoted

face their day. They are briefed on the

are currently in the process of hiring

Within the patrol division, we have

are interested or know someone

Traffic Unit, Marine Unit, Animal Control

www.dentoncounty.com/sheriff.

940.349.1600 127 N.WOODROW LANE, SUITE 300 DENTON, TX 76205 DENTONCOUNTY.COM/ DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

12 Questions with

photo courtesy of Steve Holzwarth

STEVE HOLZWARTH of the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce

by Steve Gamel

S

teve Holzwarth is a longtime realtor with Kevin Lewis Properties and has been the President of the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce for the last year.

He has quickly become one of the more influential and giving residents of the Lake Cities Community.

In a recent interview with Lake Cities Living, Steve was gracious enough to play an oldfashioned game of 20 Questions, where she dished on everything from his love for Chambers to his No. 1 guilty pleasure.

Lake Cities Living: You are a member of

Lake Cities Living: If you had a million

several Chambers. What is so special about

dollars, what would you spend it on?

Chambers and what have they done for you

That’s a great question; I’ve thought about

personally and professionally?

My involvement in the Chambers is special to me. Personally, I get to meet and grow my friendships. Professionally, I get to grow my sphere of influence both personally and professionally. It’s important to be an active member of your community.

Lake Cities Living: You are also a broker and realtor. If you couldn’t do that and needed to pick a different profession, what would it be and why?

It’s kind of interesting that you ask me this, because I was just thinking about this the other day. I’m not sure how I could make it happen, but farming and ranching would be a really interesting way to make a living – especially if there are family roots in it that have been there for a long time.

28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

that before, believe it or not. More than

likely, I would probably take 50 percent and pay off current debt and then start

paying off family debit. Then I’d take 25

percent and give to charity, and then blow the other 25 percent.

Lake Cities Living: What is one thing you would change about yourself?

I really don’t have anything that I would change about myself.

Lake Cities Living: If you had to Karaoke one song in front of a packed crowd, what would it be?

Toes by Zac Brown.

Lake Cities Living: If you had to fight a bear or a lion, which one would you pick and why?

I would have to say a Bear. I’m not sure why, but I think you’d have a better chance of getting away from a bear than you would a lion.

Lake Cities Living: What is your biggest pet peeve?

People or saying or thinking that something cannot be done.

Lake Cities Living: I hear all the time how guys are just not very good at household chores. What would you say you do exceptionally well when it comes to chores?

Lake Cities Living: What is the No. 1 song

I can do laundry, cooking, clean the kitchen up. I guess I’d say laundry is the best.

I don’t actually have a particular song, but

Lake Cities Living: What is your least favorite chore?

you must have on your personal playlist?

I would say anything that is country.

Lake Cities Living: Would you ever go

Dealing with Christmas lights.

skydiving/bungee jumping/deep sea

Lake Cities Living: Superman or Batman?

Yes. All of the above.

Neither one. Spiderman. I’ve always been intrigued by Spiderman.

diving/paragliding?

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

ReImagine Inspiring Through Transformation

by Steve Gamel

A

sk Chris Brasher about her earliest childhood memories, and she’ll immediately point to her late mother, Josie. Chris was as close to her mom as any little girl could be and happily spent hours upon hours watching her creatively repurpose older furniture and accessories around the house – many times recapturing beauty in pieces once ripe for the dumpster.

“We didn’t grow up wealthy, but our home was always so beautiful,” Chris said. “It was because of my mom.”

As the saying goes, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Chris had a knack for inspiring through transformation

30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

and is using that passion through her business, ReImagine. At ReImagine, Chris takes pleasure in transforming that yard sale steal that needs a little TLC, family heirlooms that have sentimental value but don’t quite fit your style and design, and even the ugly duckling bookshelf your husband refuses to throw away.

With a little time, imagination, paint, and passion, she’s able to create something new and functional.

“It can be difficult for people to look at something in their home and see what it can be until someone sits with them and inspires them,” Chris said. “For me, it’s all about the transformation – to see it completed and

new. I love seeing the joy on people’s faces when they see it for the first time.”

Whether it’s breathing life into tired wood and metal furniture, rearranging a room and bringing your vision to life, signs for your home, office, or special event, or other custom pieces you never thought were possible, Chris can make it happen.

To contact Chris at ReImagine, email info@reimagineitnew.com or visit her website at www.reimagineitnew. com. ReImagine also has two locations at The Antique Gallery in Lewisville and the Painted Tree in Highland Village.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

photo courtesy of Chris Brasher

ROOM REMIX • WOOD SIGNS • CUSTOM WALL DESIGN • REPURPOSE FURNITURE