Lantana Living Magazine January 2019

JANUARY 18, 2019 FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Putting The

HUMAN

TOUCH BACK INTO

FINANCIAL

SERVICES

THE DUO

DRAG RACING

READY FOR

TAXES?

VALENTINE’S DAY

DINING IDEAS

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

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JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 3

Celebrating the

in Lantana

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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.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 5

LantanaLiving.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

Guy T Photography 469.500.5657 WhatsThatGuysName.com

Letters

Lantana Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

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 Lantana 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. Lantana 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

TAKING

ACTION

IN 2019

T

he holiday season has passed, and as we settle into the new year we start to think about what we could better ourselves on. One of the big things that I hear everyone talking about is finances, and even though every person has a different problem with their financial standing, it all boils down to action.

For example, my friend has a terrible

Every person has a problem with this and it may not be in the financial area, but in a different area like staying on a diet or going to the gym. We all have our excuses for not fulfilling our goals, and even if they are legitimate, they are still excuses nonetheless. Wishing for a better life isn’t going to get you one. You have to be able to put it into action. In this issue, there are many different articles that can help you find a solution to your 2019 goal, like

things wasn’t working. So she had to

bettering your finances. You still need to put what you read into action, and that all comes down to you. If finances are your weak points you may need to have drastic rules in place to help keep you in check.

weakness when it comes to impulse

buying. She doesn’t even realize just how much she is spending since it’s just a

little here and a little there, but the little spontaneous purchases will add up to a whole lot of problems. She needed

help and telling her to just stop buying do something drastic. She gave herself a predetermined cash allowance every

month to spend on those spontaneous items. If she ran out before the month

ended, that was it. She wasn’t allowed to buy anything else.

It seems strange for an adult to have to

put such a rule in place, but sometimes that’s what we need.

When you think about what you want to change in 2019, think more about the

actions that need to be taken. Learning

your strategy is half the battle – the other half is taking action.

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS The Financial

ISSUE

Look for the icon and get tips and tricks on how to manage your finances.

32

On the Cover: Glen Smith of Glen D. Smith & Associates | Raymond James

Putting The Human Touch Back into Financial Services

FEATURED:

ASK THE EXPERTS 14 Edit This with Steve Gamel 18 Fitness with Jesse James Fit 24 Home Design with ML Group 38 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing 40 School Days with Valorie McGilvra 42 Gardening with Complete Solutions 52 Counseling with Hopemead Counseling 62 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

22 EDITORS PICK:

The Duo Drag Racing

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 20 Proper Design Home Improvement: Covering Your Every Home Improvement Need

28 Ready for Taxes? 5 Common Tax Items You Need

PHOTOS FROM LANTANA 04 Lantana Resident’s New Years 44 Lantana Resident’s New Years 54 Lantana Resident Photo Page

34 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas with The Flour Shop

ARTICLES 08 7 Tips on Teaching Your Kids About Money 10 Inside Community 11 Inside Education 12 Easy Valentine’s Day Recipe 16 Guyer Football All-District List 26 20 Questions with Cynthia Holsclaw-Francis

30 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

42 Pet Adoption of the Month 46 Foodie Friday with Jay Marks Real Estate 47 Cannabidiol, & Why Is It So Popular?

48 Valentine’s Day Dining Ideas 50 Christian’s Canine Care 56 7 Tips to Train Your New Puppy 58 Liberty Christian Football Back on the Map 60 Congrats to Debbie Sardone JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 7

7 Financial Article

TIPS ON HOW TO START TEACHING YOUR KIDS

ABOUT MONEY

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by Steve Gamel

M

any of us vaguely remember the day mom and dad first grabbed an old mason jar from the cabinet or bought a cute piggy bank from the dollar store and began taking the first steps toward teaching us about money. It was a critical time in our lives as we learned what money is, the value of it, and the importance of saving.

Looking back, those memories should also be a perfect reminder that it’s never too early to teach our own children.

But where do we start? Is it literally as simple as grabbing a piggy bank and a few quarters and nickels? The short answer is yes, but there are so many other tips and tricks that can make the process easy for both yourself and the kiddos.

In no particular order, here are seven

tips on how to start teaching your kids about money:

ENCOURAGE SAVING Yes, you can still grab a clear jar to create a visual experience for your child as they

GIVE THEM AN ALLOWANCE Remember, though, that an allowance

is something that’s both a privilege and

earned. As financial guru, Dave Ramsey, once wrote, “Don’t just give your kids

money for breathing.” Give them money

see their money grow, but piggy banks

for chores they complete around the

like PointBank even offer a free piggy bank

up their bedroom. More importantly, set

kids fill up their piggy bank on their own

chore is worth a dollar while another is

the bank. The important piece here is to

BREAK OUT THE OLD-SCHOOL

watching. They see what your spending habits are – good, bad, and indifferent

– and they are listening when you argue about financial troubles with your

significant other. Don’t just talk to your

kids about money, take it a step further by living what you preach every single day.

And if you mess up, don’t be shy about

work just fine, too, and many local banks

house, like folding towels or cleaning

if you open a kids’ savings account. Your

a value for each chore – perhaps one

EDUCATE THEM ON

time, and they look forward to taking it to

worth 50 cents.

As your children take hold of a debit

make a big deal out of it and reward them for how much they save.

PAY YOURSELF FIRST

Kids are so used to playing their Nintendo

pros and cons of credit and how to make

Switch or Playstation nowadays, but us

the adage of paying yourself first. Your

chance to physically hold “play money”

old enough to have a job and pay their

It’s a great teaching tool and something

to take a percentage out and immediately

another fantastic teaching tool.

first item on this list, it’s important to stress

Games like Monopoly give your kids a

kids will understand this more as they get

as they work through different scenarios.

own bills. With each paycheck, teach them

you can do together. The game Life is also SET A GOOD EXAMPLE

used to pay her 50 cents for a chore only

Even adults make poor choices with

savings account.

remember that if you have kids, they are

to take 25 of it away and sock it in her

card for the first time, it’s easy for them to think money just magically appears

adults grew up playing board games.

here at Murray Media told us how her dad

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS

BOARD GAMES

To piggyback (no pun intended) off the

put it in their savings account. A coworker

explaining the consequences to them.

money; it happens all the time. Just

on it every time they use it. Explain the

responsible decisions, particularly with their bank accounts.

BE PATIENT

This is perhaps the most important tip of them all. Your children will undoubtedly be exposed to different scenarios, wins,

and even losses as they continue to learn

about money and saving. It is important as the parent to be patient and to keep the communication lines open so your child

feels like they can talk freely with you. This is huge when it comes to money.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 9

INSIDE COMMUNITY LOCAL CRAFT BEER EXCHANGE Grab a 6-pack of your favorite beer and come out to have a few beers with your neighbors on Thursday, January 31st, at 7:00 pm in the North Group Fitness Room.

Denton County Brewing Company will be the special guest and they will offer tasting and sampling. The entry fee is a 6-pack of your favorite beer to share with your neighbors. There is limited space so please RSVP via the community website calendar.

BRUSHES & BOARDS CLASS Mark your calendars! Enjoy wine and dessert with friends and neighbors while you create a custom sign. Knabe Woodwork will be hosting a Brushes & Boards class on Wednesday, January 30th, at 7:00 pm in the North Group Fitness Room. They will have 3 board styles to choose from, priced between $45 and $55, which you can view via the photo courtesy of Knabe Woodwork facebook

community calendar. There is limited space so be sure to email aslovak@insightam.com to reserve your spot.

SENIOR LUNCH WITH BUMBERSHOOT BBQ On Thursday, January 24th, at 12:00pm there will be a Senior Lunch in the North Group Fitness Room. Enjoy lunch from Bumbershoot BBQ while getting to know fellow Lantana

POKER NIGHT IN LANTANA

On Saturday, January 26th, at 6:00 p.m. come out and enjoy Poker Night and a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament in the North

residents. Space is limited and a $10 RSVP is required before

Group Fitness Room. It will cost $5.00 to play and $20 to

January 20th if you wish to attend. Email aslovak@insightam.

buy in. Pay out will be dependent on attendance. BYOB

com to RSVP and find out the lunch options. photo courtesy of Bumbershoot BBQ facebook 10 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP via the community website calendar.

INSIDE EDUCATION ONE-ACT PERFORMANCE OF THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE On February 6th at 7:00 pm there will be a one act performance of The Women of Lockerbie at Harpool Middle School. Loosely inspired by a true story and written in the structure of a Greek tragedy, this is a poetic drama about the triumph of love over hate. The play is rated PG and will be about 40 minutes long with no intermission. General admission will be $5 and tickets will only be available at the door.

FATHER - DAUGHTER DANCE Dorothy P. Adkins Elementary will be hosting a Father Daughter Dance “To The Moon And Back� on Saturday, February 9th.

Tickets go on sale January 21st for $20 per father/daughter couple plus $10 for an additional daughter. They will be available at this price until February 8th. If you purchase tickets at the door there will be an additional $5 charge per person.

Check the school Flight Check for more information.

IN LOVING MEMORY Diego & Daniel Rivera

GUYER

EVENTS Varsity Basketball vs Keller Jan. 25th at 7:30pm Guyer Main Gym Varsity Basketball vs Eaton Jan. 29th at 7:30pm Eaton High School Varsity Basketball vs Byron Nelson Feb. 1st at 7:30pm Byron Nelson

their beloved goalkeeper, Diego Rivera, 17, and his little brother,

Varsity Baseball vs Forney

Hickory Creek Road on the evening of Tuesday, January 8th. The

Feb. 4th at 5pm at Forney High School

The Guyer soccer team is mourning a tragic loss as they honor Daniel, 14. The two brothers were killed in a car accident on

car was found submerged upside down in the creek around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning after a search had been issued for the two boys. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Denton ISD honored the brothers and their family with a moment of silence and a prayer on Thursday, January 10th during an afternoon soccer game against Lewisville High School. Diego was a senior at Guyer High School and Daniel was in the eighth grade at Calhoun Middle School. A Go Fund Me page was set up to help the family with funeral expenses and donations exceeded $30,000 as the community rallied around the family in support. Unfortunately, this is not the first tragedy that has unfolded on Hickory Creek Road and the community has started a petition urging officials to find solutions to make the road safer for drivers. The team at Murray Media Group sends their condolences to the Rivera family during this difficult time.

Varsity Baseball vs Grapevine Feb. 8th at 5pm at Guyer High School Varsity Baseball vs Lake Dallas Feb. 12th at 5pm at Guyer High School Martin Luther King Day Jan. 21st No School for Denton ISD Students JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 11

Valentine’s Day RECIPE EASY

BY

Italian Roast Beef Crescent Ring

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 8 servings

photos courtesy of The Fit Fork

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 2 cans (8-oz each) Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Roll Dough

Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.

Lightly spray large baking sheet with cooking spray.

• 1 lb. Roast Beef Deli Lunch Meat (Thinly Sliced) • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach • 6 oz. Provolone Cheese Sliced and Halved into “Semi Circles” • 2 oz. Sun-dried Tomatoes (Cut in Thin Strips) • 2 tbsp. Italian Blend Herbs • 1 cup Ranch Dressing (For Serving)

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Unroll both cans of crescent dough and separate into 16 triangles along perforations.

Arrange triangles (with narrow ends of triangle pointed outward) on cookie sheet to form a heart shape with approximate 6-inch opening in center.

Fat ends of triangles will overlap a bit.

Fold up roast beef slices and pile up along the heart-shaped inner perimeter of crescent dough.

Top beef with spinach, halved slices of cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.

Pull each pointed end of dough up and over filling, tucking in underneath to secure. Some of the filling will be showing through, that’s okay.

Sprinkle top of dough with Italian herbs and garlic salt.

Bake at 375 F degrees for 20 to 22 minutes or until lightly golden brown and cheese melting. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into slices.

Find More Recipes at: TheFitFork.com

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 13

Ask The Expert: Edit This

WRITING YOUR WAY Into the Hearts of Clients

W

e are less than a month into 2019, and all those New Year’s resolutions – especially the ones that have to do with the future of our small businesses – are still fresh in our minds.

Maybe you have aspirations of hiring at least two more employees or a renewed focus on getting out from behind the desk and taking part in more networking and community service projects. There’s also the opportunity to add products and services to what you’re already doing and even pick the brains of entrepreneurs who have been in business longer and enjoy giving free advice.

No matter what your goal is, don’t delay.

Furthermore, don’t underestimate the power of writing your way into the hearts of your clients in 2019. It’s yet another great way to think outside the box on the future of your small business, and you can’t truly understand its impact until you try it.

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Just a few of the content writing

strategies you can do this year include any of the following: • Blogs • Revamped website content and copywriting

• Monthly or quarterly newsletters • Press Releases • Articles in magazines and newspapers

And that’s just a short list. I talk a lot about

giving your business a clear and authentic voice, and there’s a bunch of ways to do

that using the written word. By doing any of the above, or a combination of two

or three, you are sparking engagement

They are more inclined to read your newsletter, follow your blog online, and check out your website before doing any business with you. By showing them your personality and flair, you are proving how invested you are in them – and how different you are from the competition.

How do you start? Start by writing something, anything, and putting it out there for the masses to enjoy. Maybe it’s one blog every other week, or an article in a neighborhood magazine to share your story. Once you get the hang of it, simply add from there.

Many business owners will find they enjoy writing various pieces on their own, and others will find it more difficult given their schedule. And that’s OK – just don’t give up. If you find there simply isn’t enough time in the day, consider hiring a local content and copywriter to spread your message. Having someone local you can turn these content writing pieces over to will allow you to focus on your customers while the message is still being delivered.

Edit This® is that writing and editing services company every small-business owner needs.

Give us a call today to see how we can help your business grow in 2019.

and building trusting relationships with

your clients. Having this mindset is critical in this day and age as more and more customers prefer to know who they

are working with as opposed to simply picking a name out of a phone book.

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 15

GUYER

FOOTBALL DISTRICT 5-6A ALL-DISTRICT

TEAM FOR 2018

MVP: RB TJ McDaniel, Sr., Southlake Carroll OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

QB Will Bowers, Sr., Southlake Carroll DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: LB Michael Parrish, Sr., Southlake Carroll OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: QB Eli Stowers, So., Guyer DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: CB Deuce Harmon, So., Guyer CO-UTILITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DB/WR RJ Mickens, Jr., Southlake Carroll CO-UTILITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DB/WR Wyatt Rohmer, Sr., Keller Fossil Ridge COACH OF THE YEAR: Riley Dodge and the Southlake Carroll staff

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE: • QB Sloan Henry,

• WR Glenn Mitchell,

• OG Devon Mack, Jr., Guyer

• RB Kaedric Cobbs,

• WR Calvin Wiggins,

• OT Henry Mossberg, Sr., Southlake Carroll

• RB Tre’Jon Henderson,

• WR Gage Haskin,

• OT Kirk Ford, Sr., Keller

• RB Enoch Ntchobo,

• WR Seth Meador,

• OT Jaden McGee, Sr., Keller Fossil Ridge

• TE Chad Aune,

• C Addison Penn,

• OT Andrej Karic, Jr., Southlake Carroll

• TE Blake Smith,

• C Chett Beach,

• K Eduardo Mercado, Sr., Fossil Ridge

• WR Damon Smith,

• OG Cameron Hataway,

• K Joe McFadden, So., Southlake Carroll

• WR D.J. Graham,

• OG Grayson Williams,

Sr., Keller

Jr., Guyer

Sr., Trophy Club Nelson Jr., Keller

Sr., Guyer

Jr., Southlake Carroll

Sr., Keller

Jr., Keller Central

Sr., Southlake Carroll Sr., Byron Nelson

Jr., Keller Timber Creek Jr., Guyer

Jr., Southlake Carroll Jr., Guyer

Sr., Southlake Carroll Sr., Keller

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE: • DT Rafael Hernandez, Sr., Keller Fossil Ridge

• OLB Preston Forney, Jr., Southlake

• DT Alex Kingston, Sr., Southlake Carroll

• Carroll Sean Payne, Sr., Keller

• DT Quentin Bunten, Jr., Southlake Carroll

• OLB DeMarcus Jones, Sr., Keller Fossil Ridge

• DE Colton Hunter, Sr., Southlake Carroll

• OLB Conner Patterson, Sr., Southlake Carroll

• DE Klein Mulongo, Sr., Keller Fossil Ridge

• OLB Kayden Steen, Sr., Keller

• DE Lawrence Norton, Sr., Guyer;

• DB Brent Jackson, Sr., Guyer

• ILB Marco Olivas, Sr., Keller Fossil Ridge 16 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

• DB A.J. McGill,

Sr., Keller Fossil Ridge • DB Ben Furgal, Sr., Southlake Carroll • DB Manace Kabongo, Sr., Trophy Club Nelson • DB Tyler Atkinson, Jr., Keller; • DB Oscar Moore, Jr., Haslet Eaton • CB Kacee Williams, Sr., Keller Central • CB Brandon Howell, Jr., Southlake Carroll

• CB Tim Benson, Jr., Keller Fossil Ridge • CB Avery Crawford, Jr., Trophy Club Nelson • Jaden Fugett, So., Guyer • P Devin Brock, Sr., Keller Central • P Kayden Steen, Sr., Keller

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 17

Ask The Expert: Fitness

New You, NEW YEAR,

with Jesse James Fit

A

lot of advice will be given in the next few months about financial planning: year-end contributions to IRAs, tax preparation, retirement planning, etc. And that’s all important.

But something else is just as important to your future — investing in your health. Without good health, all that planning for retirement isn’t going to mean much. It’s vital to make sure you’re also investing in a healthy lifestyle and fitness.

We’re going to encourage you to make 2019 the year for making health and fitness a priority.

LET’S HIT ON SEVEN IMPORTANT ONES: 1. Exercise Controls Weight

This is a benefit you already know:

physical activity burns calories. But learning the most productive way

to work out maximizes the results of weight loss or maintaining weight —

whichever one you’re working on. Our personal trainers at Jesse James Fit

will teach you the most efficient way to work out.

people, as well as for those suffering from persistent fatigue and other serious illnesses.

4. Exercise Improves Sleep

Regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster and get deeper sleep. One study found that 150 minutes of

moderate-to-vigorous activity per

week provided up to a 65 percent

2. Exercise Combats Poor Health and Chronic Disease

Regular exercise helps prevent and manage a wide range of health

problems including stroke, metabolic problems, high blood pressure,

Type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, many types of cancer, arthritis, and

falls. Exercise also keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases

your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Exercise Boosts Energy

Studies have proven that regular exercise increases energy levels

giving you more energy for work and 18 | LANTANA LIVING

daily chores. This is true for healthy

| JANUARY 2019

improvement in sleep quality.

5. Exercise Contributes to Brain

Health and Improved Memory

Working out improves blood flow

to the brain and helps brain health and memory. Exercise causes the hippocampus, a part of the brain

that’s vital for memory and learning, to actually grow in size. And it’s also been shown that exercise reduces

known to produce positive feelings. This leaves you feeling happier, more relaxed, and less anxious. Exercising regularly improves your mood and reduces feelings of anxiety and depression.

7. Once You Get Hooked, Exercise Can Be Fun And Social Most people who get into the habit of exercising regularly report that it’s enjoyable. Physical activity can help you connect with others in a fun social setting.

A Key to Success: Don’t Go It Alone At Jesse James Fit, we’ve made a commitment to help people get fit together. So, what are you waiting for? Call us at 972.355.2639 for our holiday specials.

changes in the brain that can cause Alzheimer’s disease.

6. Exercise Improves Mood

Physical activity increases the

production of endorphins, which are

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

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 19

Business Spotlight

Stori and Eric welcome that take-charge

HOME Covering Your Every

IMPROVEMENT NEED

mindset, but working with them means

you can avoid opening yourself up to all

the first-time mistakes DIYers fall into. For example, maybe you bought three items from Home Depot but only needed one

of them. Or, you bought five units and two didn’t fit or were the wrong materials.

“Maybe you have a brother-in-law who

installs cabinets. But we could measure for you onsite, tell you what materials

you need, order everything for you, and arrange to have it delivered to you or ready for you to pick up here.”

by Steve Gamel

create a one-stop shop that can handle

any home renovation need – for rookies and professionals alike. That includes

kitchens, bathrooms, custom cabinet work, hardwood flooring and tile, and window

treatments. Proper Homes sells materials and installs them. They also have four

experienced interior designers on staff.

“We have people who come in, and they

aren’t sure what color tile they should get, or if wood floors will look good in their

N

ot too long ago, Stori and Eric Olson were on a casual dinner date when the couple they were with excitedly shared the news that they were in the middle of a kitchen remodel. The Olsons couldn’t have been happier for their friends, but the first question that ran through their minds was, “How come they didn’t call us?”

Stori and Eric have owned Proper Design Home Improvement in Flower Mound since 2014, and Stori has been an interior design guru longer than that. On top of that, those same friends previously had them work on a

bathroom renovation.

Naturally, confusion set in.

“They just said, ‘Oh, we didn’t want to spend a

because we like the small ones, too. If you want to do it yourself … great. But you can still get everything from us. We pride ourselves on catering

We pride ourselves on catering to the Do it Yourself-er just as much as we work with the person who needs someone to take the lead.”

lot of money and figured we

could do it ourselves. We didn’t

want to bother you with such a small

project,’” Stori recalled. “We cringe when 20 | LANTANA LIVING

people say they don’t want to bother us,

| JANUARY 2019

to the Do it Yourself-er just as much as we work with

house,” Stori said. “We help them shop for color, flow, durability, and lifestyle.

If you decide to work with an interior

designer, we come to your house to look at everything and even measure for you.

Other places don’t do that.”

She added, “We just want to make sure

people know that whether they are new to remodeling, or they want to handle a renovation themselves, they can come

here and find everything they need under one roof.”

the person who needs someone to take the lead.”

It used to be that nearly every homeowner relied heavily on professionals, but

an increasing number of people these days don’t mind tackling a home improvement project.

972.539.8777

www.ProperHomeDesign.com 870 Parker Square Rd.

Flower Mound, TX 75028

photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

Stori and Eric opened Proper Design to

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 21

The

DUO

DRAG RACING

by Steve Gamel

That sparked a passion for the sport Jeff has held onto throughout his adult life.

“When I was old enough to go to a race with my father, I found a passion for it.

I would help him with the tires, to refuel the car, everything you needed to do between rounds – and it became an infectious thing for me.”

When Jeff turned 16 years old, the duo decided to construct a race car. They have been assembling, engineering, and racing these cars together ever since.

Years and years of experience in the sport has turned these men into somewhat of race car savants, with knowledge of all the intricacies involved in racing and modifying “purpose built” race cars.

photographed above is Jeff Woodfin and his family 22 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

Jeff and his father built the engine, transmission, and the components that power the car they currently own, but the two shared a vision of what the chassis (the frame of the car) should represent.

They wanted a loose rendition of a classic production car from the 30s, a 1932 Bantam Altered. Making a father-son road trip across country, they found the perfect race car chassis builder to produce the car they envisioned.

photos courtesy of the Woodfin Family

I

t started in an auto repair shop in East Texas. This is where Jeff Woodfin fell in love with cars. His father, a race car enthusiast and automotive expert, owned the shop for over 40 years, and Jeff spent his childhood watching him meticulously modify automobiles into powerful, well-engineered race cars. Around age 10, he attended his first drag race and saw his father blast down the track while reaching an incredible velocity within seconds.

“We purchased the frame because it had to be so exact and precise, so we wanted the professionals to do that. Then my father and I assembled it and put the components we built in.”

The car is extremely light; it weighs roughly 1800 pounds with Jeff inside. It is powered by a 406 cubic inch, small block

Chevrolet engine that produces around 900 horsepower. Racing one-eighth of a mile, or 660 feet, this car will fly down the track around 135 mph and reach the finish line in 4.85 seconds.

“If you research facts about those fast cars such as a Ferrari or Corvette, the street legal production car goes 0 to 60 mph in about three seconds. Our cars are going 0 to 60 mph in less than a second,” Jeff stated.

There are several raceways in DFW, but Denton’s North Star Dragway, Texas Motorplex in Ennis, and Texas Xtreme Raceway Park in Ferris are the main tracks to go see an exhilarating drag race. The sport is currently in its offseason but will return to action in late February.

Jeff Woodfin began his journey to racing through his father and they have had the privilege of sharing love of the sport throughout their lives. Jeff certainly has the competence and knowledge to race professionally, but he would prefer to continue racing for fun, as it has created an even closer bond within the Woodfin family.

“I certainly love racing, but I will not do professional racing. For me, this is about a family hobby. When we go racing, my family, my father, my sister, and her family is all there. It has become our family gathering spot.”

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 23

Ask The Expert: Home Design

WHY BUYING HOUSE PLANS

ISN’T A SMART

INVESTMENT

G

city. If you give generic house plans to a builder, he’s just going to take them

nothing we as homeowners can’t do on

to his preferred architect to ensure

our own with a little elbow grease. They

everything is up to code.

make everything look so easy, too, whether

it’s remodeling a home, flipping a house, or designing one from scratch.

Believe it or not, you

can even bypass hiring a licensed architect by

• It’s impossible to find

...homeowners who buy house plans on their own thinking that they are getting off on a cheap date spend more money in the end...

in a book – Online plans or those from a book

aren’t likely to be exactly what you want. So you

end up settling or mixing and matching different

if you want a custom home, isn’t

online or in a book at your nearest Barnes

choosing a plan from a book or online

& Noble. While this seems incredibly cost-

defeating the purpose?

effective on paper, is it the best idea?

The quick answer is no. I realize we are

your exact style and taste

plans. Not to mention,

purchasing house plans

•

The plans might not fit your desired

partial to architects here at The ML Group,

plot of land – Simply put, this would

plans on their own thinking that they are

ultimately, leads to increased costs.

but most homeowners who buy house

getting off on a cheap date spend more money in the end than if they’d had

an architect customizing the process from the start.

force you to start from scratch, which We realize you have a choice when it

comes to hiring an architect. Working with experienced architects will ensure your

project meets all building requirements

Here are three reasons why:

and is designed for the way you live.

•

Give us a call today to discuss ideas for

Those house plans likely aren’t up to

code – Building codes and inspection

24 | LANTANA LIVING

photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

requirements differ per state and per

iven the popularity of home improvement and DIY shows these days, it seems like there’s

| JANUARY 2019

your next custom home.

by Mike Love ML Group, LLC. 972.355.8700 MLGroupTexas.com

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 25

20 Questions

teve

by S

el

Gam

With Photographer

CYNTHIA HOLSCLAW-FRANCIS

S

ince 2007, Cynthia Holsclaw-Francis with Your Candid Memories Photography has quickly become a go-to photographer for anything that has to do with family

also a Best of Denton County winner, which means she must be doing a lot of things right.

In a recent interview with Lantana Living, Cynthia was

gracious enough to play an old-fashioned game of 20

Questions, where she dished on everything from being a loving wife and mother to photography and why she wouldn’t ever fight a bear or a lion.

1. Lantana Living:

What is it about photography that you love so much?

I love working with people, creating memories for them, and bringing a smile to their faces. pictured above is Cynthia Holsclaw-Francis (left) and her teammate Lyndi Augustine (right) 26 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

photo courtesy of Cynthia Holschaw-Francis

portraits, maternity pictures, newborns, and children. She’s

6. Lantana Living: Now for even

more off the wall

questions. If you had

to Karaoke one song in

front of a packed crowd, what would it be?

buy some land to put

Vogue by Madonna or

anything by New Kids on the Block.

7. Lantana Living:

If you had to fight a bear or a

2.

Lantana Living:

Did you go to school for

photography? Or are you a natural?

I did take a couple of classes, but

most of it was learning while in the environment. My grandfather was

an aerial photographer, so I did look through many of the books that he has.

3. Lantana Living:

If you could do any job besides photography, what would it be and why?

I would have to say something in

the medical field, either in labor and

delivery or emergency room stuff. All of that fascinates me.

4. Lantana Living:

What is your favorite thing to shoot?

Is it bad that I can’t narrow it down to one thing? I love everything I

photograph for different reasons.

5. Lantana Living:

You are just now coming off the

holiday season. Is there another

time of year that is busier, or does Christmas take the top spot?

I would definitely say March through June is also really busy. Spring is the last-minute senior sessions, lots of

weddings, and also bridal sessions.

Plus, everything is green, and people love that.

lion, which one would you pick and why?

What the heck! Do I have to fight

either one? I love animals, so that’s my answer to that.

8. Lantana Living:

What is your favorite color?

Turquoise

9. Lantana Living:

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

10. Lantana Living:

What is your favorite food?

Mexican food – enchiladas and guacamole. Basically, all of it.

11. Lantana Living:

What is your biggest pet peeve?

a studio on, donate some

of it, and then put the rest in the

bank and toward college funds.

14. Lantana Living:

I hear all the time how guys are just not very good at household chores.

What would you say your husband does exceptionally well at when it comes to chores?

He’s really good at folding the laundry and putting everything away.

15. Lantana Living:

What is your least favorite chore?

I hate doing laundry.

16. Lantana Living: Superman or Batman?

Batman

17. Lantana Living:

Captain America or Iron Man? Iron Man

18. Lantana Living:

People who like to micromanage

What is your #1 guilty pleasure?

rude people.

out to eat or being lazy and reading

me. Also … I don’t appreciate 12. Lantana Living:

What is a deep, dark secret about you that no one knows?

I have been known not to be a very organized person. It’s not like I’m a

hoarder or anything, I just have a lot of stuff, and I’m not as organized as people think.

13. Lantana Living:

If you had a million dollars, what would you spend it on?

A million dollars runs out pretty quick, but I would pay my house off, try to

It’s kind of lame, but I guess it’s going a book.

19. Lantana Living:

What do you do in your free time?

I love hanging out with my kids and

husband. I also love going to movies and hanging out with my friends.

20. Lantana Living:

If you were stuck in an elevator

with one person, who would that be?

I would have to say either my dad or grandmother because both of them have passed away.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 27

Financial Article

Ready For Taxes?

Y U NEED

by Steve Gamel

5 COMMON TAX ITEMS

W

e’re barely through the first month of 2019, so let’s talk about taxes, shall we?

You’re probably saying to yourself that it’s way too soon to talk about that and, in many ways, you’re right – tax day isn’t until April 15, and even then, you can always file an extension. But waiting until the last minute only makes things worse. So why not start now?

Here’s a simple, yet important list of five common tax items everyone should be rounding up right now:

ALL DOCUMENTS THAT PROVE WHAT YOU MADE IN 2018 This includes everything from W-2 forms to unemployment income, investment income, rental property income, social security benefits, and even 1099s depending on if you’re an employee working for someone or if you own a business or received money for contract work.

PERSONAL INFORMATION If you’re doing a single filing, this is as simple as knowing your social security number. But if you’re married and have children, you will need the same information for each person in your family. If you’re relying on a CPA to handle your tax return, make sure they have birthdates, etc., and have previous years’ tax returns available.

A DETAILED LIST OF ALL YOUR DEDUCTIONS This is a perfect example of something that will take some time, especially if you are relying on crumpled up receipts between the seats of your car. Be mindful of anything that can help out your case, including 28 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

childcare and educational expenses, property tax and mortgage interest, retirement accounts, etc.

A LIST OF ALL YOUR CREDITS Credits are another great way to lower your tax burden, but you need documentation to prove you deserve them. Examples of common credits include child credit, premium tax credits, and lifetime learning credits.

DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION Assuming you are one of the lucky ones to get money back on your taxes, make sure you have your bank account information handy. This includes routing and account numbers.

We’d be silly if we didn’t add in here that Murray Media Group is not tax advisors.

This is merely a basic list of information you should consider pulling together now rather than waiting until the last minute.

There are plenty of qualified CPAs in and around Denton County who can help answer specific tax questions as they relate to your situation.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 29

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

T

he Denton County Sheriff’s Office hopes everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We want to start 2019 by introducing you all to our communications team. They are the men and women who work hard behind the scenes.

The Communications section is managed by one communications manager, one assistant manager, one training coordinator, one criminal justice information coordinator, and 26 dispatchers. Our shift supervisors and relief supervisors also train the new dispatchers; training of new hires is between six and eight months.

Communications is covered 24/7/365 to maintain the safety of the citizens of Denton County as well as the Deputies, Police Officers, EMT, and Fire Fighters.

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

During the day and evening shifts, there are six dispatchers plus one supervisor, during the night shift there are four dispatchers plus one supervisor working at once answering all types of calls. When calling 911, the first question asked is, “What is the address of your emergency?” The communications officers need to make sure of the address to send the first responders to the correct location. So make sure of your address or location!

Our communications officers answer 911, Police, and Fire calls then dispatch the appropriate first responders to the location. Our communications officers are trained to help callers before first responders arrive.

We answer an average of 900 telephone calls per day, 1,000 calls for service per day, which includes officer-initiated calls. Are you looking for a career in law enforcement as a communications officer? We will be trying to fill four vacancies in 2019.

We will be offering the Woman’s Empowerment Program on February 16 and March 23, 2019. It is a free self-defense class for women. Registration is required at WEP@dentoncounty.com.

30 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 31

lla, ting star s, Gise e v o ca th. d ab s Lu i h ture e left i lia Sm n Smit c i P a e h h l t t G a from and N esy of t n Gle o cour t o h P

e h gT

n tti u P

N A

M U H C U

HO T

32 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

L A

I C

C A B

N AS

l me

a eG v e t

N I RVI

FSE

TO

N KI

S by

E C

A

s Glen Smith sits in his office on a rainy Thursday afternoon, he hesitates for just a few seconds and rubs one hand across his face. He wants to share a funny personal story, but he’s worried about how quickly it could backfire.

“All the stories that I think of don’t paint me in the best light,” he says with a laugh.

469.212.8072 | www.glendsmithandassociates.com 1029 Long Prairie Road, Suite C | Flower Mound, TX 75022

Yet he takes a deep

breath and continues

anyway. As the story goes, it’s

2003 and Glen is close to graduating

from Sonoma State University in California.

He interviews for a management position at Wells Fargo Bank and comes away

feeling pretty good about it. He’s even

satisfied with what he thought was a safe yet rock-solid answer to the question,

“What is unique about you?” when he said confidently, “I’m a hard worker.”

Surprisingly, he never got a callback.

“I eventually got a job at Lehman

Brothers, but a year later, my wife, Gisella, interviewed for the same role in the same building at Wells Fargo and not only got

the job but was offered more money,” he

said. “I asked what her answer was to that

question, and she says, ‘I just told them I’m flexible.’ I was like, ‘What? I totally should have said that instead!’”

He added, “I told our kids that story, and they think it’s the funniest thing.”

Glen, now the managing partner for Glen D. Smith & Associates and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)

professional for Raymond James in Flower Mound, admits he’s always been playing a game of catchup with his beautiful bride, who has an MBA, was the Valedictorian

of her class at every level, and is a former Miss Guayaquil.

The lovebirds grew up in Ecuador and met when they were eight years old. They dated off and on starting at age 14, but even when their long-distance relationship got serious in college, Glen’s friends teased that they didn’t think she was real.

“My roommate told me when he finally met Gisella, ‘I seriously thought you made her up,’” Glen said. “I married up.”

“We have 250 clients, and while there

are some similarities here and there, not everyone is the same – especially when money is involved. It takes experience;

you can know numbers, but it’s that human touch that’s needed when someone says, ‘Hey, Glen, I’m concerned.’ That makes all the difference.”

He added, “When I’m getting to know

Not only did Glen prove that he got the girl, but he also showed how flexible he was after all.

my clients for the first time, I love asking

For more than 14 years, Glen has combined his passion for number crunching with helping people responsibly build wealth through longterm planning, methodical decisionmaking, and personalized service. He’s the go-to advocate for high net-worth clients who need guidance with everything from investment management and retirement planning to estate planning, trust services, and more. That commitment to the client and being able to adapt to any situation is a breath of fresh air in today’s environment, where it can be difficult to remember what personal service feels like.

has to do with managing their money, but

But Raymond James has long been a different kind of financial services firm.

And Glen has proven to be the perfect fit.

“You have to be super nimble, flexible, and customize everything because everyone is so different,” Glen said.

questions like, ‘What does money mean

to you?’ and “What was money like for you growing up?’ They may wonder what this

in my mind, it helps me understand where they’re coming from. Some people are super conservative; others are not.”

Outside of the office, Glen and

Gisella are just like anyone else –

which is another reason why his clients

gravitate toward him. The Smiths live in

Flower Mound and are trying their best

to raise two beautiful children, Nathalia,

12, and Lucas, 10. Born in California, Glen grew up in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where

his parents are still career missionaries.

He remains active in the Guayaquil

community supporting an organization that feeds malnourished children.

And yes, he enjoys being flexible – both in his personal life and for his clients.

Learn more about how Glen can help you at www.glendsmithandassociates.com

Steve Gamel and Lantana Living are not affiliated with Raymond James. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Steve Gamel is not a client of Glen D. Smith & Associates or Raymond James Financial Services.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Glen D. Smith & Associates is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 33

Valentine’s Day GIFT IDEAS with

LET YOUR VALENTINE KNOW HOW SWEET THEY ARE WITH THESE DELICIOUS GIFTS!

VALENTINE’S DAY CUPCAKE BOX* Available in box of 6 or 12 6 for $18.00 12 for $36.00 *pre-order only. no substitutions

HEART DESSERT SAMPLER

25.00 Iced cut out cookies are also available individually w/o packaging $

2.50 - $4.00 each

$

GIVE YOUR TEACHER A SPECIAL THANKS THIS VALENTINE! Teacher Cookie 2 Pack $ 5.00 each

34 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

photos and info courtesy of The Flour Shop Bakery

972.355.3600 | https://theflour.shop/ 6100 Long Prairie Rd. Ste. 200, Flower Mound, TX 75028

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 35

Ask The Expert: Organizing

Getting Your Home

Office

ORGANIZED

W

hether you use your home office to run a small business, pay personal bills, or do craft projects, it’s a good idea to keep it organized. An organized home office space inspires productivity and efficiency. Here are a few things you can do to create a more organized home office.

Purge: The first step to getting your office

you can quickly and easily find what you

don’t need. Take stock of your supplies.

identify document categories. It’s also

organized is to get rid of things you really Do you have hundreds of paperclips, so

are looking for. Color coding also helps important to keep business and personal

many pens that you can’t count them all,

files separate.

several boxes of unopened file folders,

Deal with the old documents: Make

and several broken staplers? This is pretty common in a dirty workplace. Let go of all the unnecessary office supplies. It’s true that the extra box of staples only takes up four inches of space, but let it go. You aren’t using them. A local school or church would benefit from your donation. Getting rid of the small stuff is a big step in the right direction.

shelves by storing older, important documents inside portable file boxes that can be put away in the attic or a storage closet. Another great option is to scan older documents and store them digitally.

If stored digitally, documents can be easily accessed, and they take up absolutely no space in your office.

Have a filing system: You can use file

folders or a binder system to keep your important documents organized. Label each file folder or tab with bold print so 38 | LANTANA LIVING

room in your filing cabinet, desk, or

| JANUARY 2019

Use a shredder: Always securely

and safely dispose of documents with sensitive information. Don’t leave these hanging around.

Make your office comfortable and inviting: If your office is a place you have to spend hours working then make it a place you enjoy being. Hang pictures of loved ones and art that inspires you.

Use furniture that is comfortable and represents your personality. Maybe even play your favorite music while you work.

Always clean up: At the end of each project put away all work supplies. At the end of each day clear off your desk. Put pencils back in pencil holders, throw scrap paper away, put files back in the filing cabinet, etc.

This is your area, so make it work for you. Increase your productivity by surrounding yourself with an inviting, clutter-free workspace that represents your personality. A productive day is a great day!

by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 39

Ask The Expert: School Days

THE MOST

IMPORTANT INVESTMENT OF YOUR LIFE:

YOUR

CHILD

R

by Valorie McGilvra, Certified Teacher and Life Coach

emember the birth of your child? Your emotions were all over the place.

Excited, happy, nervous? As you were holding your baby, did you wonder what kind of parent you were going to be? Were you wishing for a manual?

The only reference material we had was from our own upbringing, good or bad.

If you grew up in the 70s and 80s generation, you may remember hearing wise advice about money, character, making the right choices, and how to respect others.

40 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

•

Lessons on finance: “Money doesn’t grow on trees you know....”

•

Or about learning good habits: ”Close the door! - were you raised in a barn?”

•

Or when your parents told you not to do something and you asked why?

“Because I said so.”

However, that was another time. Since

then, the Internet and cellular technology have sent parents of today a few curve

balls. It is quite challenging to keep up with it all. Gaming, Social Networking, YouTube… and there still isn’t a Child

Rearing Manual. But fortunately, there are

lots of websites, blogs, and other experts, such as teachers who can provide us with guidance.

As an educational coach and teacher for 16 years, I’ve had many conversations

with parents and fellow teachers about how our kids are changing. There are many areas in which we can help our

children but the most important is T.I.M.E. (Technology, Interest, Model, Equip) Technology

We see so many students getting Smart

Phones at a younger age every year. My

son’s buddy was given a phone for his 8th birthday. I asked if there were restrictions

on his phone. He said no my mom doesn’t know how to do that. I know from my

own pains of trying to find ways to put

restrictions on my older son’s phone that it is impossible to completely protect

your child when they have access to the

internet. With just a touch of a button, they

can see, hear and read anything. It is worth your time to add restrictions.

Use it wisely, set parameters, monitor activity. Have a family plan for all

electronics. When, where, and how

are questions that need to be clearly

established with your child. There is an

excellent website called, “Healthy Child” which has an awesome fill in the blank form (with suggestions) that you can

complete with your child in just a matter of moments.

Children want and need to know your

expectations. They may gripe or complain initially, but in the long run, they WILL

thank you. You and your child will benefit from creating a Technology Plan in three important ways:

1. It provides the foundation for building a strong relationship with your child.

2. You will learn what they believe is a “fair” consequence, acceptable

solution or approach. (which means buy-in).

3. There is nothing to argue about

because expectations have been agreed upon.

she would rather be in her room at a desk where it is quiet.

Model

Like the song by Rodney Akin, “I’ve been

watching you, dad,” our kids see the good and the bad and all the in-between. Step back for a day and look at your life in the

To ensure your wishes are followed, set-

eyes of your child. What are the behaviors

internet router, or using an App such

your child do?

up the rules/restrictions through your

as Net Nanny. If your child has a game

platform like Xbox you can use a Microsoft account, it will send you a report of your child’s activity daily or weekly. If they

break a rule follow-through with your

predetermined consequences. And why is this all advisable? Well according to

Professor Jim Taylor, Ph.D., in his article in Psychology Today, entitled, “How

Technology is Changing the Way Children Think and Focus,”:

that you do that you would not want to see Commenting with offensive language and/ or actions to another driver. (Remember,

they can’t see or hear you, but your child can.) Try, “see, that driver was not being

courteous on how they cut in front of me.

When you drive you to need to...”

Don’t talk about someone in a negative way. Show them how to change their attitude about a situation, because

EVERYTHING is a situation and it is how

The bottom line is that too much screen

you think and feel about it that makes it

as reading, playing games, and good old

later article).

time and not enough other activities, such unstructured and imaginative play, will

result in your children having their brains

wired in ways that may make them less, not more, prepared to thrive in this crazy new world of technology.

Interest

Take interest in your child’s life. Watch or

play the games they play or watch movies or view what they watch on YouTube. Be on all of their Social Media Accounts. If

they use Apple products you can easily

do this through the “Cloud.” Know their friends and support their hobbies or

favorite things to do. Make it a game in

the car to “Guess My Favorite…” each of you take turns, give three choices and one is correct.

positive or negative. (More on this in a Equip

Equip your child with the tools to be

successful in life. Teaching your child

responsibility and respect will go a long

way. In education, it is called, “Scaffolding.”

Just like a carpenter uses scaffolds to

reach high places, you provide support

and training so your child will learn how to

reach their greatest challenge. Teach them step by step and slowly remove scaffolds as they meet each new goal. If they fail, that’s ok it just meant that they weren’t

quite ready or needed a different path.

Teach your child to say Thank You when speaking to others. This one action can go a long way epecially when using a

I remember one year I gave my students

cell phone, opening a door, waiting their

was, “How do you like to study and do

common courtesy and manners aren’t

parent shared with me that they always

hope. Our children are like a piece of clay

what their child preferred. But after

wonderful, productive adult. All they need

a survey and one of the questions

turn to speak. It seems strange to say but

homework?” At a parent conference, the

the norms anymore. But there is still

thought sitting at the kitchen table was

that is just waiting to be sculpted into a

reading the survey, the parent saw that

is your TIME.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 41

Ask The Expert: Gardening

Welcome TO 2019!

W

e hope everyone had a GREAT CHRISTMAS and that you’re looking forward to this new

year. As the 2019 to-do lists come out, keep in mind projects can be exciting and the rewards enjoyed for years to

come. But just remember, as we always

say: “Good labor ain’t cheap and cheap labor ain’t good.” By hiring legitimate,

local contractors, you can protect your

investments and give yourself peace of

mind – ensuring that your time and money are being well spent.

January is a great time to get that soft screen planted. Larger shrubs and

cedar or iron screen walls and accent

rocks are all great for personalizing your space. If you’ve experienced standing

water or drainage issues with the heavy

rains we had this season, a dry creek bed

might be a great option for you. A contrast of materials, colors, and texture add so

much to the bed spaces as things come alive in the spring.

If you don’t have an outdoor space

that’s covered, January could be the perfect time to get that patio cover

drawn up and moving forward. Getting to enjoy a dinner on the patio (rain or

that majority of root growth happens

under cover is an experience you’ll look

due to stored nutrients and the fact

shine) or an evening next to the fireplace

in winter. Everyone appreciates some

forward to repeating!

level of privacy, especially in our larger communities where the lots are closer cooler temps and get to work!

While things are dormant, it’s also a

perfect time to get in your beds and add 42 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

ADOPTION Of The Month

some structure. Pots, water & fire features,

trees do well when planted in winter

together. So take advantage of the

PET

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

Hi, my name is Coco!

I like to be active, especially run in the yard and chase a ball. I am a 6 year old spayed female and the volunteers at the shelter say my fur is like velvet. I am friendly and greet everyone with tail wags. I am available for adoption at the Flower Mound Animal Adoption Center, please come meet me!!

972.874.6390 3950 Justin Rd, Lewisville, TX Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri | 10am3pm on Sat Info and photo of Flower Mound Animal Adoption Center

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 43

Celebrating the

in Lantana

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.

44 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 45

Foodie Friday DFW: Mike’s Bakery

MIKE’S Bakery I

f you know, you know. And everyone who’s been to Mike’s Bakery in Corinth knows that everything Mike bakes is full of “love and tenderness.” That’s a direct quote. But you’ve got to watch the video to get the full effect.

Owner, Mike Dauti, moved to the area

agreed to make her a wedding cake by

almost exactly one year ago to be closer

the next day. Basically, he saved the day.

to his grandchildren. And upon his arrival, he determined that there was a great need for a made-from-scratch bakery. So, who better to bring baked goods full of “love and tenderness” to the community than him?

His cheesecakes are... notorious. And it’s because they’re so light and fluffy.

We are sorry to say that the

That’s just Mike’s personality. In the short 60 minutes we were with him, we already felt like we were best friends. He has the ability to make every

That’s just Mike’s personality. In the short 60 minutes we were with him, we already felt like we were best friends.

only bit of Mike’s secret to

person who walks through his bakery doors feel like they’re a part of his big, extended Italian family. And we love that. And that’s what people in the community love about him.

his delicious cheesecakes we were able

So, the next time you’re in need of pastries

to get out of him is that he bakes them for

like danishes and croissants, pies, cakes,

four hours. But just go eat them. Let him

cheesecakes, or cookies - make the trip up

do all the hard work.

to Mike’s Bakery for some sweets and an

Mike’s also well known for his beautiful assortment of cakes. And he can make a cake for any occasion. Wedding cakes,

experience you’re not likely to forget any time soon.

940.218.6979 4251 FM 2181, Corinth, TX 76210

engagement cakes, first birthday cakes you name it, he’ll make it. We were wowed by a story he told us of a bride who called him the day before her wedding because something happened with her original wedding cake. No questions asked, Mike

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

46 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

cannabidiol lowered inflammatory

L Re anta sid na en t

and neuropathic pain without causing significant psychoactive side effects

or analgesic tolerance. Clinical trials

investigating cannabidiol’s effect on chronic pain in humans have just begun.

CANNABIDIOL, &Why Is It SO POPULAR?

Dr. Rebecca Butler is Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

She is proud to be a resident of Lantana and the owner of Lantana Pediatrics. For more information on Lantana Pediatrics, Dr. Butler and/or Melanie Bitzer, CPNP or to schedule an appointment with one of these providers, call the office at 940.455.7200.

C

annabidiol can now be found as an ingredient in all sorts of over-the-counter products, including body lotion, face scrub, bath bombs, lip balm, bottled water, beer, vape oil, olive oil, gummy candies, coffee, jam, and even dog treats. But what is it? And why is it suddenly so popular?

Cannabidiol is not cannabis. But it is

claim it has all sorts of benefits, such as

of the cannabis sativa plant, otherwise

relieving chronic pain, treating PTSD,

one of the many chemical components known as marijuana. The psychoactive

improving sleep, easing cravings for

compound in marijuana that causes a

harmful drugs, and other benefits that are

in cannabidiol.

many of these claims come from websites

“high,” tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is not Most manufacturers that put cannabidiol

Sponsored Content

lowering inflammation, reducing anxiety,

making it popular among patients. But selling cannabidiol products.

as an ingredient in their products source it

Thus far the scientific research on

marijuana that yields cannabidiol. Recently

are as follows:

from the hemp plant, a botanical cousin to

cannabidiol’s effects in different conditions

the US Drug Enforcement Administration

•

approved cannabidiol as a classification of drugs with an approved medical use and low potential for abuse.

“In humans, cannabidiol exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or

dependence potential,” according to

a report on cannabidiol by the World

Health Organization. “To date, there is no evidence of public health related

problems associated with the use of pure cannabidiol.” Proponents of cannabidiol

•

•

Anxiety. Preclinical evidence

“conclusively demonstrates” that cannabidiol effectively reduces

symptoms of a variety of anxiety

disorders—including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder,

and social anxiety disorder. These

studies mostly involved acute dosing, so further research is needed to

determine whether chronic dosing of cannabidiol is similarly effective.

Just like any parent, I am sure you are

concerned about the safety of CBD oil for your children. As I read through online

forums, I couldn’t unearth any reputable

site that points to negative side effects of CBD among children.

However, it is important that you do not

administer just any CBD product to your children. Ensure that you only buy from

trusted, reputable, and reliable sources.

More than anything else, prioritize your

child’s safety rather than the price and talk with your pediatrician regarding uses and dosing. CBD oil is most effective when

administered sublingually, but parents

Epilepsy. The most research on

should choose the best mode of delivery

focused on its use to treat epilepsy.

It is important to note that any product

solution of cannabidiol (Epidiolex) for

loses some of its efficacy.

cannabidiol’s effectiveness has

depending on their child and preference.

The FDA has approved an oral

that goes through the digestive system

the treatment of seizures.

Research is ongoing and more and more

Chronic pain. Given the current

products are becoming readily available,

for newer therapies for chronic pain

tell your doctor what supplements

produce unwanted side effects. In one

medications and supplements are

opioid crisis, researchers are looking

so talk with trusted sources and always

because so many of the current drugs

you are using when other prescription

trial in mice, researchers showed that

being considered.

940.455.7200 | www.LantanaPediatrics.com | 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226 Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-5pm • Wed: 7:30am - 12:30pm • Fri: 7:30 - 4pm • Sat: 9am - 12pm

FLU SEA SO I N Plea S HER E. se s che you dul r flu sho e ts.

seasonal cuisine. Everything is made in-house from the steak sauces to their breads. They also have a wonderful lineup

V AL ENTI NE’ S D A Y

of drinks that are worth a try.

Dining Ideas

by Steve Gamel

photo courtesy of Prime Farm to Table facebook

I

f you’re looking for dining options for Valentine’s Day, there are a variety

of local favorites and hidden gems throughout Denton County.

wine tastings. Join them for lunch or

dinner – be sure to check their website for accurate hours.

BELOW ARE JUST A FEW.

972.317.2250

This is just an all-around great restaurant.

photo courtesy of Genti’s Ristorante Italiano facebook

940.497.5400

3700 FM 2181, Hickory Creek

For you Italian food lovers out there,

Genti’s is a can’t miss. Located in the heart of Lake Cities, Genti’s offers everything from pizza and pasta to seafood and

traditional Italian entrées. And let’s not photo courtesy of the Classic Cafe at Roanoke facebook THE CLASSIC CAFE AT ROANOKE 504 N. Oak St., Roanoke 817.430.8185

This is not only a great place to eat,

forget desserts like cannolis, cheesecake, and tiramisu.

J2 STEAKHOUSE

119 E Main St., Lewisville 972.537.5547

but the owners also go out of their way

Make the evening special with this

includes cooking classes and monthly

atmosphere is paired with award winning

to create a complete experience that

48 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

fresh from the local farmers, so your food choices are always different and fabulous.

resolution, Jesse James Fit has his own recommends to stay on track.

Tucked away in the plaza behind Compass

is created daily depending on what is

GENTI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

JJ mark on the menu with dishes that he

Mound 972.539.1902

only upscale, but very unique. The menu

It’s casual, it’s fun, and the food is fantastic.

For those still sticking to their New Year’s

5810 Long Prairie Rd., #200, Flower

Bank, this hidden gem has food that is not

SHOAL CREEK TAVERN

1701 Shoal Creek Dr., Highland Village

PRIME FARM TO TABLE

amazing steak house. It’s historic

Check a restaurants Facebook page to see if they’re having a special Valentine’s Day event.

KANZI SUSHI AND HIBACHI RESTAURANT

2560 King Arthur Blvd. #142, Lewisville 972.899.9779

Give your pallet a kick with KANZI.

The portions are big, which means

you are bound to take home some

leftovers. It is also regarded as one

of the best steakhouses for authentic Argentinian lunch.

VERF’S GRILL AND TAVERN

2221 Justin Rd., Flower Mound 972.317.3390

The extensive menu at Verf’s carries

everything from steak and seafood to pasta and enchiladas and all of it is

scrumptious. They also carry a full bar and a long list of wines. It’s a meal you won’t soon forget!

photo courtesy of Craft and Vine facebook CRAFT AND VINE

310 S. Oak St. #300, Roanoke 817.464.8181

This taproom and eatery is guaranteed

to blow your mind. Their slogan is enjoy

the best of Texas on your plate or in your glass – so how can you go wrong with

that. They offer wine and beer on tap and a full menu.

BISTECCA STEAK HOUSE

2300 Highland Village Rd., Lewisville 972.318.0515

This is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is delicious, serving

everything from steaks to pasta, and the service is impeccable.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 49

CHRISTIAN’S

CANINE CARE

by Barbara Scott-Kolb

A

young entrepreneur has recently achieved his dream of creating his own business to serve the residents of Lantana. At the ancient age of 7, Christian Rachaner told his mother that it was about time for him to grow up and start making his own money. Christian has a deep love for animals, and after discussion with his mom, he decided to start a pet sitting business to look after animals while their owners are away at work, vacation, or simply need a getaway.

After dreaming about the business, Christian’s Canine Care was born.

Christian is homeschooled, so he is available and happy

His love for animals paired with his entrepreneurial, go-getter spirit makes this a perfect business endeavor for the young man. Christian’s Canine Care is officially open for business!

Christian is dedicated to treat your best friend like his

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| JANUARY 2019

He will visit your home, walk your pet, give them attention, and serve them with treats. His job is to provide exercise and affection for the animals while their owners are occupied at work.

“I love playing with the animals and taking care of them,” Christian said.

His mother, father, or sisters always accompany the young businessman on his jobs. Christian’s regular clients own

puppies in need of a great amount of care and attention.

Christian’s Canine Care aids all that your pet may need.

A pet becomes a best friend and a part of the family.

own. He requests just ten dollars to serve your animal. You can leave for work or vacation with no worry or hesitation, knowing Christian’s Canine Care is just a phone call away and prepared to take care of your furry loved one while you are away.

The young man takes pride in his service and you will not be disappointed when you invest in

Christian’s Canine Care. Call or text 972.834.6732 to schedule appointments.

photos courtesy of The Rachaner Family

Just a short time after launch, Christian has already expanded his business to cater to different types of animals. He has taken on new clients with fish and guinea pigs and he is prepared to take care of any type of pet.

to cater to pets in the Lantana community any time of day.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 51

Ask The Expert: Counseling

The

GIFT

of Being

J

anuary begins for most of us with the promise to follow through with our New Year’s resolutions. We start

this endeavor with enthusiasm and hope – this is the year we will finally follow through, and it will culminate

Goals are excellent guides to get us to move towards the change we are trying to make and that we need to give ourselves the space to falter, as well as give ourselves the grace and understanding that we

with our dreams coming

would give our best

true and our life

changing for the

better forever. Oh, and there will be

world peace! My

point is that each

year we set goals with unrealistic

expectations, which

tends to lead us to give

Give yourself the gift of becoming your own cheerleader, and be as kind to yourself as you would be to your best friend.

up on them shortly after we

make them. I want to propose

that perhaps the best way to follow

through with your New Year’s resolution might be to give yourself the grace of

friends. You would never berate a friend for being unable to perfectly execute their plan to attain their goal; instead, you would encourage and help them get back on track with empathy and support.

Give yourself the gift of becoming your own cheerleader, and be as kind best friend. Next time you find yourself

look a little different on any given day or

on the way to your goal, what would be

and that each step towards your goal will

berating yourself for having a misstep

any given moment.

the harm in talking to yourself kindly?

| JANUARY 2019

Being kind and giving ourselves grace is not something we are often told as children or adults, so I understand it may be a bit foreign and uncomfortable.

Society gives us a lot of external information on what and how we “should be.”

Let 2019 be the year you practice giving yourself grace and treating yourself kindly on the pathway to attaining your New Year’s resolutions!

I am certain that if you practice grace and kindness towards yourself, you will feel more peace and joy while moving towards attaining your goals.

to yourself as you would be to your

knowing that eventually, you will get there

52 | LANTANA LIVING

Try instead to remind yourself that each moment is another opportunity to shift, reboot, and get back on track!

by Dr. Lori Runge LMFT-Associate Hopemead Counseling and Trauma Center www.hopemead.com

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 53

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.

54 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 55

by Steve Gamel

S

o you decided to get your children or significant other a cute puppy for Christmas. Now what? That may sound abrupt, but for many people, it can be overwhelming to have a fur baby in the house – especially if you’re a first-timer.

Perhaps the biggest question most people have is, “How do I properly train the dog?”

HERE ARE SEVEN TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRAIN YOUR NEW PUPPY:

FIDO START EARLY As is the case with anything, the earlier you start providing your puppy with basic training, the faster your dog will get used to his or her new surroundings and recognize you as the one in charge. There

are plenty of opinions out there are the exact age range to start training, but here’s a basic rule of thumb: if your puppy is old enough to open its eyes and walk on its own, it’s time to start training.

CHOOSE A NAME FOR YOUR PUPPY, AND USE IT Choosing a name is extremely fun, but it is also an integral part of the puppy training process and should be used early and often. Dogs need to hear their name often, as it not only helps them realize you are talking to them but also maintains their attention when training.

KEEP TRAINING SESSIONS SHORT Puppies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short and sweet – maybe start with five minutes at a time.

Also, remember to work on perfecting one skill at a time and avoid throwing too much on them all at once. Master one skill, then move on to the next.

BE CONSISTENT AND KEEP A SCHEDULE Don’t just train your dog for one or two days and then skip out on the rest of the week.

Stay consistent and recognize that training opportunities don’t have to stay within the confines of your house. Work on commands and other obedience training while at the park, when out for a walk, or at a friend’s house. More importantly, don’t get frustrated when your puppy doesn’t seem to be catching on at first. It all takes time, folks.

56 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

REWARD YOUR PUPPY FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR Puppy training is a process, which is why it’s incredibly important to show patience and reward them constantly – even for the smallest of steps forward in the process.

Dog treats are perfect for this, as well as lots of love and attention. Make a big deal out of a job well done; dogs are motivated by pleasing their owners.

PAY ATTENTION TO SIGNS THAT THE PUPPY NEEDS TO GO POTTY Whining, barking, and scratching at the door are all signs that your puppy is trying to tell you he or she needs to go outside to potty. Be mindful of these warning signs and don’t deny them the opportunity to go outside.

SEEK HELP FROM A PROFESSIONAL TRAINER There’s no shame in hiring a professional dog trainer. Whether it’s because you’re still having trouble doing the training on your own, or you want to make sure your dog is getting the appropriate social interaction with other animals, a professional trainer will help your puppy learn and grow.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 57

L i b erty Ch r i st i an Foot bal l

BACK ON THE MAP

by Steve Gamel

W

hen Liberty Christian hired Steven Greek as its new football coach this past offseason,

the hope was that he could provide an

instant shot in the arm for a program that desperately wanted to get back to

While the Warriors did not win

lead them to the Division I state semifinals – one step away

since 2013 and included a huge playoff win over defending champion, Plano Prestonwood Christian.

Liberty was one of only two Denton-area programs to come within a win of a title game appearance.

FOR LIBERTY

Senior running back Andre

Washington rushed for 2,064

yards and 22 touchdowns while

also adding 807 receiving yards

and 10 more scores in the passing game. Daniel Greek, Steven

Greek’s son, took over as Liberty’s new starting quarterback as a

sophomore and threw for 2,495

yards an 21 touchdowns compared to just eight interceptions.

Defensively, Liberty

had a bend-but-don’tbreak philosophy and

got production from a host of players. That

included Cristian Driver,

wins over teams they ordinarily struggle champion Brock

came to Argyle early in the season and left having been

dismantled, 21-0.

Liberty followed that

and two interceptions

His players completely

Collin Gamble racked up 42 tackles and

SEMIFINALS

Once in the playoffs, the Warriors cruised to a 56-38 win over San Antonio Central Catholic before upsetting Prestonwood 24-21 in the second round.

DENTON-AREA

though, that not all of

I STATE

win over then-unbeaten Midland Christian.

ONLY TWO

a freshman defensive

DIVISION

a few weeks later with a 41-34 statement

ONE OF

Greek would be

PROGRAMS

The win was huge for Liberty, which lost to the Lions 49-20 in Week 4. It was also big

for coach Greek, who was

the offensive coordinator at

Prestonwood before coming to Liberty Christian.

the first to tell you,

back who tallied 67 tackles

the credit goes to him.

(he returned one for a score). Cornerback

at Liberty Christian years ago. But with a

bought into his

four interceptions, including two returned

attitude, the Warriors are expecting bigger

new system and outplayed everyone’s 58 | LANTANA LIVING

six of their final seven games.

WINS

8-5 record was its best overall record

WAS HUGE

against. Former state

SECURE

from playing in the title game. Liberty’s

THE WIN

game while overcoming a 2-4 start to win

averaged 395.1 yards and 34.8 points per

LIBERTY

Mission accomplished.

in Greek’s first season, he did

Players like that helped Liberty secure

HELPED

the top of the mountain.

a TAPPS state championship

expectations. Offensively, the Warriors

| JANUARY 2019

for touchdowns.

Bottom line, the foundation of

success was already established

new head coach and a revitalized winning things in the years to come.

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 59

Congrats to Debbie Sardone ON LATEST DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

by Steve Gamel

F

lower Mound resident Debbie Sardone, owner of Buckets & Bows

Maid Service and the driving force behind the wildly-popular nonprofit, Cleaning for a Reason, recently took home the

nationwide to join the cause, resulting

A Reason with loyal clients of Buckets &

helped through the network. Debbie was

with other business owners who could use

in more than 30,000 women being

recognized for her leadership, innovation, and commitment to upholding the

cleaning industry’s highest honor as she

industry’s highest standards of service.

was awarded the Jack D. Ramaley Industry

To date, Cleaning for a Reason’s free

Distinguished Service Award at ISSA’s annual convention in Dallas.

Since 2006, Buckets & Bows and Cleaning For A Reason has provided free services for more than 300 cancer-stricken families right here in Denton County. And in that same amount of time, Debbie has recruited more than 1,200 maid services

60 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2019

house cleaning services have been valued at more than $10,000,000. Within the

last two years, the nonprofit has merged with ISSA, The World Wide Cleaning

Association, where she is on the board.

Debbie has worked tirelessly over the years to not only spread the critical

message and importance of Cleaning For

Bows, but she also shares her knowledge a mentor in a variety of areas, including using their business to give back. She recently launched a comprehensive

cleaning business training system for

residential cleaning companies that trains the owner, the trainer, and the cleaner –

making it the only training program that addresses all three areas for residential cleaning businesses.

She’s also in the middle of writing her next book, which is aptly titled, Maid For More.

Congratulations, Debbie!

JANUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 61

Ask The Expert: Dentistry

NEW SMILES for a

New Year

I

t’s a new year, and as I reflect on the intimate time spent over the holidays with family and friends, celebrating the season and appreciating those cherished moments of joy and giving, I can only sum it all up in four simple words: I ate too much. Yes, once again, we start the new year off with resolutions to shake off those habits so easily picked up during the time of merriness and cheer. Now, with the holidays behind us, we can focus on some new ways to improve ourselves, even our oral health. Here are some dental ideas for how you can start the year with a great smile.

Every good resolution starts with a solid

include setting up a reminder in your

back to the basics of brushing, flossing,

may even be helpful to place floss next

foundation. With your oral health, it’s

and regular dental visits. Brushing after

meals, or at least twice a day is a common

understanding, but flossing can be a tricky habit to start. Some tips for flossing can

phone or creating a progress chart. It

to your sink as a daily reminder to floss.

Over course, educating yourself on the

importance of flossing can be an essential motivator, as well.

When it comes to improving the aesthetics of your smile, there is a wide spectrum of dental treatment that is available. If you have never tried whitening, this is a simple and easy way to enhance the look of your teeth. If you have ever considered straightening your teeth, this may be the year to consider orthodontic or Invisalign treatment.

As you start off 2019 with new resolutions for a healthy, happier you, make sure to keep your oral health as a part of that package. Happy New Year and Happy Smiling!

by Dr. Matt owner of Country Lakes Family Dental CountryLakesDental.com

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