Lantana Living Magazine August 2021

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021 THE WOMEN OF INFLUENCE ISSUE

Pretty SITTIN’

on

Cloud Nine

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

TABLE OF

Contents ASK THE EXPERTS

17 Travel with Terri Guthrie 22 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental 35 Fitness with Outlaw Fitcamp 38 Gardening with Complete Solutions 46 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing 50 Home Decorating with POSH Home Staging & Redesign 58 Edit This with Steve Gamel BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 15 Shelly’s Advanced Skin Care 24 Geico: All Your Insurance Needs Under One Roof 60 The Birch + Bloom: Breathing New Life & Creating Beauty ARTICLES 08 10 Hot Weekend Spots for Girls 10 Foodie Friday DFW: Clink Wine Bar + Bites 12 Inside Community & Education 18 Something to Quack about!

27 Beauty, Wellness & Community 28 7 Things You Didn’t Know: Ashtin Slovak 29 Women in Business Inspirational Quotes 31 TGCA Legacy All-Star Ranci Willis 36 Broiled Mexican Street Corn Recipe 40 7 Sleeping Tips for Kids 44 5 Things to Try 49 Signs of Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke 54 North Texas Fair and Rodeo Ready for Full Crowds 56 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 62 Setting the Stage for the Future of Denton County www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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Pretty SITTIN’

on

Cloud Nine Cover Image The Cloud 9 Salon Team

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 5

Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

YAY!

THE KIDDOS

T

ARE BACK TO

SCHOOL

here is so much to talk about with our latest issue!

Not only are we justifiably highlighting women of influence in our community, but the kiddos are officially back in school! If you remember — and I know you do — last year was a little iffy when it came to the start of school because of COVID-19. Some kids were in person, others were learning virtually, and the traditions of school supplies, new clothes, carpool lines, and big yellow school busses each morning looked drastically different.

All opinions aside about the pandemic, I really do have a heart for working parents who stepped in as homeschoolers, the teachers who shifted lesson plans, administrators who tirelessly worked behind the scenes, coaches who kept our kids in the game, and the students who found a way to roll with the punches.

Our kids deserve nothing but the best — now and well into the future. And I know they will continue to make us proud during the 2021-22 school year.

We hope you enjoy the latest issue. Along with back-toschool stories, we are celebrating women in business.

Many of the women I have interviewed for this issue all spoke of being true to themselves and having strong allies in their corner. They spoke on balancing work and home life — how it comes with ups and downs but to focus on the positive and find ways to do the things that make you happy.

I wish you and your family the best of luck as we start the new school year!

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Editor & Writer Steve Gamel

Writers

Caylie Howard, Diane Ciarloni Jade Kensington, Jean Eisenmann Leena Duwadi, Mark Miller

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Cayla Thompson Michele Cunningham-Scott

Photography

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

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 Inquiries Call 972.899.3637 or email editor@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. © 2021 Murray Media Group

Stay well, stay kind, and be blessed.

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

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AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 7

HOT

WEEKEND SPOTS

FOR GIRLS

1. Fredericksburg

Are you looking for a hot spot for your weekend’s girl trip? Fredericksburg is the perfect spot for you. Fredericksburg is known for its wineries. You can stay in one of their quaint bed and breakfasts, shop and explore the town during the day, and relax with a glass of wine in the evening. It’s the perfect place for you to unwind with your girls for a weekend.

2. Granbury Granbury is the perfect getaway for any girl’s weekend. They have a cute town square with lots of shops and restaurants for you to enjoy. If you’re looking to cool off during the day, they are also home to Granbury Lake, where you can boat, water ski, and more. If you’re looking for a unique nighttime experience, you can also check out their historical ghost tour that they host on the square. Granbury is sure to show you and your girls a great time!

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3. Dallas You don’t have to travel far to experience a fun weekend with your girlfriends.

Dallas is home to some amazing history. You can check out any number of their

museums, eat delicious foods at any of their fabulous restaurants, and experience some amazing shopping experiences. A weekend in Dallas is just what the doctor ordered for your hot girl weekend!

4. Fort Worth If you’re looking for a boot scootin’ good time with your girls for a weekend, then look no further than Ft. Worth. You can take a tour of the historical district of this fun little

town during the day, and then dance the night away at one of their country dance halls

and bars. And don’t forget to take a stroll in the Ft. Worth Stockyards. Ft. Worth is a girl’s trip you won’t forget!

5. San Antonio San Antonio is a fun way to spend a weekend away with your girls. You can remember the Alamo by taking a tour of the historic building, enjoy delicious food from their

variety of restaurants, then take a River Walk boat ride in the evening. This trip is a surefire way to ensure that you and your girls have a fantastic weekend getaway!

6. Salado Salado is the perfect little town for your relaxing girls weekend getaway. You can stay at

the historic Stagecoach Inn, explore the Royal Street District, Browse Unique Boutiques, and enjoy some delicious wine. This is the perfect little trip for you and your girlfriends to experience a weekend of memories.

the Galveston Island Historic Pier in the evening, and dine on some delicious food. This is the perfect little town for a weekend at the beach with your girls!

9. Dripping Springs Are you looking for a sip and relax girl’s weekend? If so, Dripping Springs is the place for you. They are home to some of the best wineries and breweries. You’ll get to experience unique tastes and flavors that you will only find here, in Dripping Springs. If you and your girls are wine connoisseurs, this is the trip for you!

10. Austin

7. Waco Are you and your girlfriend’s wannabe fixer uppers? Waco is the home of the original Fixer Uppers, Chip and Joanna Gaines. You can take a stroll around the Magnolia

Silos, enjoy a delicious Magnolia cupcake at their bakery, and even eat at the Gaines’

restaurant in Waco. Waco is the perfect place to live out your redecorating dreams with your girls!

8. Galveston Are you in need of a beach vacation with your girls? Galveston is a great little town

to explore with your girlfriends. You can relax on the beach during the day, explore www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

The capital of our beloved Lonestar State is a great weekend getaway for you and your girls. You can experience the history of our home state by taking a tour of our capitol building. If you’re looking to cool down, you can take a swim in the Barton Springs Municipal Pool. You can also enjoy some delicious cuisine that is unique to Austin. Austin is more than just our state capital, it’s a great girl’s weekend destination!

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CLINK Wine Bar + Bites

by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

I

t all started with a dream and a desire to fill a void Laura Black felt was missing here in the Flower Mound community.

At CLINK, you can find 16 wines on tap, which Laura says is important for two reasons. Number one - it keeps the wine fresh so the first glass is just as fresh as the last. Number two - Laura believes in being

signature dishes for us while we were there, including Roasted Vegetables

CLINK Wine Bar + Bites is, at its core, a wine bar. But it really is so much more than that. It’s a place to come enjoy a fun night out with friends or for a date night with your significant other. You can even attend one of their paired wine dinners or rent out the back room for your own private event.

In addition to creating an atmosphere people are already raving about since they opened, Laura has a couple other tricks up her sleeve that make her wine bar unique.

Chef Greg prepared a few of CLINK’s

served over cannellini bean hummus

with za’atar and a pomegranate syrup; Warm Ricotta made with fresh herbs,

lemon zest, and black garlic powder and

drizzled with a hot honey; and the Sicilian Flatbread made with their signature naan dough, coppa, soppressata, herbed a good steward of the earth, and using these reusable wine kegs cuts down on waste.

In addition to those 16 wines on tap,

CLINK also has 16 more wines you can purchase by the glass, and many more you can purchase by the bottle. And if you’re not a wine connoisseur at all, they also have beers on tap.

Another thing that makes CLINK different from just about any other wine bar is the fact that the food is not at all an afterthought. Laura has Chef Gregory Stockdale running her kitchen, and there’s no one who could do it better. He has years of experience working in some of the best and most prestigious restaurant kitchens in the country, and now we get him here in Flower Mound!

ricotta, caramelized onions, and drizzled with that same hot honey.

This food is incredible. It is most certainly not an afterthought. Each dish was

perfectly created to pair with the wine

of your choice. And you will never leave CLINK hungry.

We love that Laura finally decided to fulfill her dream of opening a wine bar here in Flower Mound. And she told us that

she loves getting to see people enjoying moments big and small every day. She

also loves putting her sommelier expertise to good use by helping you find the perfect glass or bottle.

So, go visit CLINK Wine Bar + Bites.

Whether it’s for the wine, the food, or the

atmosphere, we know Laura and her team will make sure you love your experience.

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com

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INSIDE COMMUNITY

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @LantanaLiving

LANTANA’S FIRST FULL-TIME MAIL CARRIER RETIRES Lantana’s first full-time mail carrier, Rick Hill, has retired after 20 years of delivering mail to local residents. Hill, now 70, has lived in the Argyle area since 1969 and decided to become a mail carrier in the 90s. At the time Lantana was a new area with houses widely spread out and Hill was the sole full-time mail carrier for this location. Hills plans to spend more time with family and work on his house throughout his retirement. photo courtesy of Cross Timbers Gazette

BREEZ CARVER PERFORMS ON AMERICA’S GOT TALENT 13-year-old Lantana dancer, Breez Carver, performed on America’s Got Talent on July 6th and received a standing ovation from the crowd with her dance routine. She performed to “Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson and her routine combined ballet and jazz styles. All of the judges were highly impressed with her performance and look forward to seeing her next routine. photo courtesy of America’s Got Talent Facebook page

INSIDE EDUCATION

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @LantanaLiving

LIBERTY CHEER AT UCA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS On July 19th, the Liberty Christian School Cheer team had the opportunity to perform the same routine that earned them 3rd in the nation! And it was even broadcasted live on ESPN. They were also given National Championship rings to commemorate what an amazing job they’ve done. photo courtesy of Liberty Christian Schools social media pages

STUDENTS EAT FREE! Denton ISD students will be able to eat free all year! The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced it would extend universal free lunch to all children throughout the U.S. until the end of the 21-22 school year. This extension allows Denton ISD Child Nutrition to continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to all currently enrolled Denton ISD students.

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SOUTHERN DOLE WHIPS FOOD TRUCK

COMMUNITY WATER DRIVE SUCCESS Many residents wonder what they can do to help the local first responders so Denton County Emergency Services District #1 let us know providing water is a great way to help and our local residents delivered! There were visits, drop-offs, neighborhood lemonade stands, and groups who donated hundreds of cases of water to their station over a two-week period. We love our supportive community! photo courtesy of Denton County Emergency Services District #1 Facebook page

On August 21 from 5-8pm head over to the South Pool (10249 Lantana Trail, Argyle) and enjoy some Dole Whip from the Southern Dole Whips Food Truck! If you’ve ever been to Disney or the Dole Plantation you’ve probably enjoyed a cup of Dole Whip before and now you can get the same treat here in Lantana! Pick from 7 different flavors and 4 different toppings.

You can also add pineapple juice or Sprite to any of the flavors to make it a float!

TWO WILDCAT FAMILIES LOST THEIR FATHERS Two separate Wildcats recently lost their father. Mrs. Tisdale’s husband, Lane, passed away. If you’d like to help the Tisdale family visit their Amazon shopping list https:// amzn.to/2Wq3cMa or monetary donations can be sent to Dana Linnabary @DanaLinnabary on Venmo. Another Wildcat family is mourning the loss of their father and husband. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with expenses https://bit.ly/3yeBIXR. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of these families.

NO ACADEMIC LOCKERS AT HARPOOL Students will not be assigned an academic locker this year at Harpool Middle School.

Full-size backpacks will be allowed to carry their items and athletic lockers will be available. This is due to lockers being phased out completely district-wide because lockers are difficult and expensive to maintain and there are now fewer textbooks to carry. Additionally, many of the lockers were removed during renovations.

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Shelly’s Advanced

CARE

G

by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy of Shelly’s Advanced Skin Care

one are the days when skin care services were viewed as a luxury.

Today, consumers realize that routine treatments are essential to maintain healthy skin and prevent premature aging or sun damage.

Business Spotlight

service than other establishments they visited in the past.” Shelly’s Advanced Skin Care uses wax imported from Australia, and their service has been a fantastic success in the client’s comfort.

What keeps Shelly’s Advanced Skin Care on top is the team behind it. Pagnotta takes pride in her passionate therapists and estheticians, who are industry experts.

“If I want my customers well cared for – and I do – I need to be sure my therapists are well cared for,” she remarked. “My girls know that I think

“We also realize the benefit of completely unplugging for a time and taking time to care for one’s self,” said Shelly Pagnotta, the founder and owner of Shelly’s Advanced Skin Care.

Shelly’s has been a trusted resource for skin care, serving Lantana and the surrounding communities for 14 years.

“We pride ourselves on providing amazing skin care. However, our commitment to excellence doesn’t stop with our services alone. Our goal is to spark joy and confidence through each interaction and treatment we have with our clients,” Shelly said. “We provide quality results-driven treatments in a peaceful nurturing environment.”

Shelly has been in the beauty industry for 27 years and has brought her years of experience to this community, creating products and treatments that create true change in the skin.

972.355.2473 | 7160 Justin Rd. • Lantana, TX Anti-aging treatments are a staple in the assortment of treatments provided. Many of Shelly’s clients are amazed at the way their skin has responded with consistency in treatments and home care.

Shelly’s staff is ACNE certified and has a 90% success rate in curing ACNE through its intensive ACNE protocol.

Shelly’s is known for its quality customized facials. Custom facials all come with a professional exfoliation.

“We have several options, all dependent on the type, condition, and concern of the skin we are treating,” Shelly mentioned.“ We are known for facials, however, we also provide hair removal services and have been told by many people that they have experienced a much higher quality waxing

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they are all rock stars, and I try to make sure they realize the important role they play in the growth of Shelly’s.”

Shelly, who started her skincare journey in 1991, says she gets energy from mentoring estheticians. She loves the training process and spends at least 90 days training new hires and continues to mentor them as they grow into their role.

With skin care businesses being one of the fast-growing markets, Shelly’s is thriving with consistency, commitment, and professionalism. Shelly realizes that there are many choices in a client’s search for skin care services, and she is honored to serve each client that walks through the door with a level of excellence that sets her apart from the competition.

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Travel: Ask The Expert

Welcome To

MIAMI

The Everglades Alligator Farm - This wildlife park is an all-encompassing alligator experience. But, our favorite part was the airboat ride. We whipped around through the tall saw grass of the enormous Everglades and observed alligators in their natural habitat.

by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie

L

ooking for a well-deserved getaway? I highly recommend heading to magnificent Miami, Florida! This has been one of the hottest vacation spots in the world for almost 100 years.

Some interesting facts about this subtropical paradise are: It was actually a mangrove swamp before its development.

South Beach’s Art Deco district is the largest collection of Art Deco Architecture in the world. Its beautiful beach area is known as “America’s Riviera,” and it’s the only city in the United States that is bordered by two separate National Parks –Biscayne and Everglades. And … Miami has the largest cruise ship port on earth!

Here are a few of the fun things we did on my most recent trip: Tour of Miami by Water – We felt like a character in the TV show, “Miami Vice,” as we rode on the Thriller Speedboat and saw Miami from the boat’s unique perspective — the open ocean. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Miami.

The Wynwood Art District – This is a cultural hub! It is home to art galleries, museums, and collections and is known for its creative and colorful street art. It was once a collection of warehouses but in recent years has been transformed into one of the world’s hippest hangouts.

Robert Is Here – It has a strange name… but this place is well known as Florida’s most famous fruit stand. Here, you can taste the unusual because they have hundreds of different types of fruit year-round.

The Biltmore Coral Gables – This is an iconic Miami resort and is also a National Historical Landmark. Built in 1926, it has a fascinating history! This breathtaking property resembles a Spanish castle and an Italian palazzo and sits on 150 acres of lush tropical landscape. The Biltmore has an enormous outdoor 2,300 square yard swimming pool known as the Venetian… and it’s spectacular!

Little Havana – Here you’ll find many authentic Cuban restaurants and family owned cigar shops with ageold aficionados rolling traditional Cuban cigars just like their fathers and grandfathers once did in Cuba.

Isn’t it easy to understand why “Miami is Magnificent?” No wonder it’s one of the most popular vacation spots in the USA – and the entire world!

FOLLOW “TRAVEL WITH TERRI” ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, AND YOUTUBE. | TRAVELWITHTERRI@CHARTER.NET

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AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 17

SOME THING

QUACK TO

ABOUT!

by Jean Eisenmann photos courtesy of Mixed Media Creations

day packed with family fun is coming to Flower Mound, and we’re betting you’ll take to it like a duck to water!

A

make time to duck into Flower Mound’s beautiful River Walk development for this 4th annual charity drive.

Rhythms at the River Walk is the annual fundraiser for the Cross Timbers Rotary Club, and the highlight of this signature event is their Duck Derby race. Whatever your plans for Saturday, September 18th,

Beginning at 10 a.m., the Riverwalk at Central Park will be brimming with food trucks, music, vendor booths, activities for the kids, a duck mascot – and then there’s the duck race.

“This year, we’re anticipating 3,000 people, if not more.”

18 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

“This year, we’re anticipating 3,000 people, if not more,” President-Elect for Cross Timbers Rotary, Jim Moll predicted.

Each rubber duckie entered in the race is “adopted,” or purchased. Every adoption supports the Cross Timbers Rotary Club’s efforts to benefit our local community’s non-profits and youth organizations.

“Anyone at least 18 years old can adopt a duck,” Jim explained. “Parents can adopt on behalf of their child. That said, last year a six-year-old won first prize!”

One duck can be adopted for only $5, but to increase your chances of winning, there are plenty of options for purchasing: Bundle of Ducks: 6 for $25 Flock of Ducks: 12 for $50 Brood of Ducks: 24 for $100 Flight of Ducks: 50 for $200 Dynasty of Ducks: 125 for $500 www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

It all started early in 2018.

“At that time, our incoming Cross Timbers Rotary Club President and Co-Founder,

Chuck Elsey, and former Charter President

“Anyone at least 18 years old can adopt a duck...”

and Co-Founder, Andy Eades, traveled

to Graham, Texas and visited their duck derby,” Jim reflected. “From that, they

concluded Flower Mound didn’t have

to be limited solely to a duck race, but

something bigger, and it would become a signature event for the community.

That’s how Rhythms at the River Walk came to be.”

“Our goal for 2021 is to sell 25,000 ducks,” Jim declared enthusiastically.

At the rate these ducks are flying off the shelves, that goal could become a reality.

“Typically, the Duck Derby race begins at 12:30 with the Duck Drop,” Jim announced. The race begins when the river becomes awash with a mustardyellow hue, as thousands of ducks www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

descend onto the water, bobbing like buoys toward the finish line. The first

lucky duck to reach the designated finish

line will win a $2,500 VISA gift card for its owner – complete with bragging rights!

Ten additional VISA gift card prizes will be awarded: 2nd place = $1,500, 3rd place = $1,000, and gift cards for 4th through 10th places!

Founded in 2015, Cross Timbers Rotary is the largest rotary organization in

Denton County, with 130 members.

Their mission is to “provide services to

others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and

peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”

“In March of each year, we issue a grant request to any non-profits in Denton

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 19

County. Beneficiaries are chosen in April, and grants are awarded in June,” Jim pointed out. “We presented 24 different grants from 2020’s event proceeds.”

Every number is unique to a duck.

Rhythms at the River Walk’s Duck Derby is the highlight of the day.

“Attendee estimates for 2018-2019 were about two thousand people, and 15,000 ducks were sold,” Jim said. “Last year, even during COVID-19, folks attended.”

In addition to adopting a duck – or ducks – online, if you can’t get your ducks in a row to adopt early, they can be adopted on race day. But keep in mind they are subject to availability.

Another avenue to duck adoption is the Buck-a-Duck program. Many nonprofit organizations have chosen a team name for the event, and they are selling duck adoptions, too. For every duck they sell, Cross Timbers Rotary gives that organization a buck to be awarded in October.

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“Twelve teams already have formed for this year,” Jim mentioned. “In 2020, 4,000 ducks were sold through our non-profit partners.”

No sitting ducks among this group, a lot of work behind the scenes goes into the event.

A randomly computer-assigned identification number is placed on the

bottom of each duck using waterproof tags. Every number is unique to a duck.

“On the Thursday before the race, we hold a tagging party for rotary members and volunteers to tag the ducks,” Jim said.

September 18th will be here before you know it, so adopt some ducks and have some fun while helping the Cross Timbers Rotary contribute to so many worthwhile organizations.

THIS YEAR’S EVENT WILL BE ALL ITS QUACKED UP TO BE AND MORE! Visit www.rhythmsattheriverwalk.com or www.duckrace.com/crosstimbers

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Ask The Expert: Dentistry

Dental Keeping Your

COOL

I

contain sugar, but are acidic as well.

Bacteria use sugar for food and produce acid which causes tooth decay. In addition, bacteria prefer an acidic environment.

Once again, our old friend saliva can buffer the acidity and remove bacteria, but this becomes difficult when we constantly sip on sugary or acidic drinks.

Many cold treats are great to enjoy during the heat of the day, but remember to moderate indulgences like ice cream and popsicles that are packed with sugar.

You may consider certain cold fruits or vegetables as alternatives.

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

t’s August in Texas which leaves us with only two temperatures, hot and hotter.

Believe it or not, hot weather and the summer season can affect your dental health depending on your routines. Here are a few tips on how to keep your dental cool while having fun under the sun.

Staying hydrated is extremely important, not only for your overall health, but for your dental health. Poor hydration can result in poor saliva production which can lead to dry mouth. When bacteria and plaque look to accumulate around your teeth and gums our saliva flow

helps wash out bacteria, and keep it from adhering to vital oral structures.

Saliva also helps with bad breath and maintaining the mineral of our enamel.

In staying hydrated, be careful in using water alternatives. Beverages like soda, sport drinks, or seltzers may not only

Using ice to cool off is great, but not necessarily for your teeth. It goes without saying that chewing ice can cause permanent damage to our teeth. Long term ice chewing can cause tooth wear, and one unfortunate bite has the potential to fracture a tooth.

Finally, the best way to keep your dental cool this summer is to keep up good habits. Brushing, flossing, and a good diet will help ensure a “chill” dental visit. Enjoy the rest of your summer and happy smiling!

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

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Business Spotlight

ALL YOUR

INSURANCE NEEDS

UNDER ONE ROOF

L

by Steve Gamel | headshot photo courtesy of Laura Ferring

aura Ferring never imagined getting into the insurance world. Now she can’t imagine doing anything different. Ferring, a Lantana resident and your friendly do-it-all-insurance agent and owner of GEICO in Flower Mound, started her career on a whim 21 years ago. As the story goes, she was looking for a job when she stumbled upon a GEICO kiosk. A single mother at the time with zero insurance background, she figured it’d be a temporary job until she got settled.

“I went in and interviewed, fell in love with the company, and here I am 21 years later,” Laura said. “I absolutely love this company and what we do for our customers. I don’t necessarily need to be here all the time, but I want to be.”

She permanently moved to Denton

Ferring and her team are exactly who you want and need when it comes to your insurance needs — especially since she’s right around the corner by the new River Walk in Flower Mound. She’s done just about everything during her time at GEICO, from being an agent and supervisor to a zone manager and top producer who has traveled all over the country to help grow different markets.

auto, home, and boat insurance to

County in 2007 and jumped at the chance to run her own branch in Flower Mound last year.

On top of all that, her branch is a

one-stop shop for everything from can’t-be-beaten policies for RVs,

personal watercraft, rental property,

and more. Overall, GEICO has over 17 million policyholders, a 97% customer satisfaction rate, and prides itself on

having local offices all over the country for its customers to turn to.

Laura’s staff is unique in that it is truly a

family in every sense of the word. Not only does her son-in-law, Eric, work for her, but her husband, David, is also onsite and an integral part of their success. David has

over 20 years of experience with GEICO

and met Laura shortly after she joined the company. They’ve been married since

also in the perfect spot in Flower Mound.

Just the other day, we had a pilot who got off work on a Saturday, saw our sign, and stopped in to get everything switched over. He kept saying, ‘I love that you’re right here. It’s so easy and convenient.’ I wouldn’t have invested everything into this if I didn’t truly believe that I would be here for a very long time.”

“I absolutely love this company and what we do for our customers. I don’t necessarily need to be here all the time, but I want to be.”

2006 and have three children.

For Laura, that means her customers can be confident that their needs will always be taken care of.

“We take a personal approach to every customer, and we make sure they are

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Beauty, Wellness &

COMMUNITY

by Leena Duwadi | group photo by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com) & headshot courtesy of Studio 360 Med Spa & Your Candid Memories

S

tatistics show that almost 80% of women suffer from hormonal imbalance.

Unfortunately, many women live with these imbalances without even realizing it.

A holistic approach to women’s health is the need of the hour.

containing testosterone or estrogen.

Hormone pellets are placed subcutaneously in the body and release a continuous stream of hormones.

The treatment can help relieve many age-related health issues such as joint pain, fatigue, and many more. Hormone replacement can also increase one’s energy, strength, and weight loss, enhancing mood, memory, and mental clarity. In addition, hormone optimization can restore your libido and improve relationships.

Testosterone is not a male-exclusive hormone; it is the most abundant gonadal hormone throughout a woman’s life. As we age, hormone levels naturally decline. For most women, replacing testosterone is just as important as estrogen. “Every patient has unique symptoms, so each dosing is customized to the needs of our clients,” Holt said.

The team at Studio 360 measures hormone levels using comprehensive blood work, then tailor dosing and treatment plans based on the lab results and symptoms.

“Most women in our community are concerned about the quality of their health and understand the importance of practicing healthy behaviors,” said Princess R Holt, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG at Studio 360 Med Spa. She has a diverse background in nursing, expanding over 15 years. “One thing that all the ladies have in common, a decline in hormones that profoundly impacts how they feel and function every day.”

For the last three years, Studio 360 is committed to providing the best services to the community. From day spa solutions to body treatments, they have it all. An extremely skilled and experienced bunch of experts is ready to help you look and feel your best.

Hormone therapy at Studio 360 has been the top choice for beautiful results. “Our clients are amazed by how MUCH better they feel after having their hormones replaced. Many of our female clients also send their spouse or significant other to come in to have their hormones replaced also,” Holt shared.

She also mentioned that the average age of female hormone replacement clients tends to be mid-30s to mid-50s - most with complaints of fatigue, insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, and low libido.

Hormone replacement can also restore moisture to the skin.

BioTE® Hormone Therapy is customized hormone optimization using bioidentical hormone pellets

Apart from the beauty and wellness practice, the spa strives to give back to the community. Every year, they have an

Princess R Holt MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG open house and give away thousands of dollars in merchandise and services.

“Outside of Studio 360, I give back through a local non-profit organization, providing free medical exams,” Holt shared.

972.318.3600 | Studio360MedSpa.com | 2300 Highland Village Rd., Ste. 300 • Highland Village, TX 75077 www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 27

THINGS ASHTIN SLOVAK Title

COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR LANTANA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

City you live in?

DENTON

How long have you lived there?

BORN AND RAISED

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

you didn’t know

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

COFFEE AND MY DOGS (MIA, BEN AND BAM!)

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

TACOS

What was your first job?

FUZZY’S TACO SHOP CASHIER!

FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES BY GARTH BROOKS

28 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

INSPIRATIONAL

QUOTES photos and info courtesy of each respective person

Stacey Miller - BISTECCA – An Italian Steakhouse

Growing up as a young girl in the 1960’s I remember watching “The Wonderful World of Disney” every Sunday night. Fast forward MANY years and I learned that (in spite of Mr. Disney’s wonderful fantasies) you don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for.

I truly believe that work ethic is the most important component of being successful!

This was never more evident than last year during the pandemic. All the years of hard work and being a part of this amazing Community paid off when the Community embraced us and supported us during what was the most difficult time in the history of the restaurant! You get what you work for!

YVONNE D. STEWART - Owner of The Woodhouse Day Spa, Highland Village The hardest part when you are new to being a Small Business Owner, male or female is the unknown! It is always going to cost more than you thought, there are going to be hiccups in construction, licenses and recruiting a brand-new staff.

I focused on 3 Key parts to start my business. Brand, everything the guests sees,

hears, and feels about your business. In the shop, from your team, your marketing & merchandising, store front everything. If you do not have an accountant, get one! Last but certainly not least Talent, the team you create starts with you! Be a Servant Leader by listening, having empathy and awareness. Create a culture of Trust and encourage diversity of thought and foster leadership in others! Never stop recruiting! Great people are hard to find, and you want to know what GREAT people look like!

MANU SHAHI - Founder, Homework In a Café The Covid-19 crisis has disrupted corporate America in ways we have never seen before. As we all head back to work, we WOMEN need to keep in mind to adjust performance expectations, establish new norms for remote work, educating employees on gender bias, and providing allyship and anti-racism training. As a LeanIn Network Leader and Business owner, I know the issues are real and together we should help make this community stronger with diversity and inclusion training on an ongoing basis.

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AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 29

KRIS WISE - Keller Williams Realtor Nobody prepares you for the 24/7 of owning a business. You put blood, sweat and tears into your business and if you don’t learn about work life balance, you can end up working yourself to death. I decided to make the second half of 2021 to not be about top sales agent awards and more about my health and fitness. I see other women on that same path. Hire out as much as you can to help your home run efficiently. I choose to not hire out those areas because in the end it doesn’t matter who cooked the meals...it matters who was at the table and the conversations you have while there. You can have it all when you are intentional with where you spend your time. Choose wisely.

GINGER EADS When you own a small business, you hold every position. You are the CEO (Chief Executive Officer), the COO (Chief Operating Officer), the CFO (Chief Financial Officer), the CMO (Chief Marketing Officer), the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) and many times, the Executive Assistant too. It can be overwhelming and hard to balance these different functions. Make appointments on the calendar for your own desk time to intentionally focus on all of these areas each week.

Many times, a small business owner will function as only the CEO, but if these other areas are dismissed, the business will have a hard time keeping the doors open. Try it – schedule time with yourself as COO, CFO, CMO, CTO and Executive Assistant. You will see a difference very soon in the sustainability of your business.

30 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

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TGCA Legacy All-Star

RANCI WILLIS

F

“...Nobody is born a great softball player.

If you put the work in, you’re going to get great results.”

by Steve Gamel | photo courtesy of Jeff Woo with the Denton Record-Chronicle

ormer Guyer softball pitcher Ranci Willis may be done with high school and on her way to pitch at Texas Tech, but that hasn’t stopped her from being recognized for her dominant senior season just a few more times.

Willis, who broke the Lady Wildcats’ single-season school record for strikeouts with 287 punchouts while leading Guyer to the Class 6A Region I quarterfinal, was one of only 20 seniors from across the state named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 5A-6A Legacy AllStar team on June 9. She followed that by being named the Denton RecordChronicle’s All-Area Softball MVP less than a month later. “[My biggest takeaway] is definitely competing — just having a mindset of wanting to win,” Willis told the DRC after her latest accolades. “You never know when your last game is going to be.

You have to play your heart out now.”

Willis...was one of only 20 seniors from across the state named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 5A-6A Legacy All-Star team. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

Willis transferred to Guyer from Boerger following her freshman season.

Her breakout season came in 2021 when she started 27 of Guyer’s 30 games and finished 22-1 in the circle.

Her stats were video game-esque as she boasted a 1.10 ERA while allowing just 30 hits. That made her a no-brainer for both awards, especially the TGCA honor.

TGCA Legacy All-Star team members are selected by softball member coaches of the association.

Willis was the only softball player from Denton County to make this year’s TGCA Legacy roster.

“We always say there’s no secret formula to this. Nobody is born a great softball player. If you put the work in, you’re going to get great results,” Guyer coach Keith Medford said of Willis in an interview with the DRC. AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 31

Pretty SITTIN’

on

Cloud Nine

by Diane Ciarloni | photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

T

he expression of sitting or walking on “cloud nine” always means one thing: Feeling fantastic!

Kim Cloud Skidmore devotes her time, energy, and focus to making her clients feel pretty enough to dance on that magical cloud when they leave her Cloud 9 Salon, Spa and Boutique’s new location in Bartonville. She also channels dedicated support to her 45-member team, doing everything she can to keep them happy, secure, creative, and motivated.

“That’s been my life for the past 43 years,” Skidmore said, “and I love it. I’m 60 years

“I don’t like looking backward and I don’t like standing still.

That leaves just one direction, and that’s forward.”

old, and I still enjoy being behind that

stylist’s chair. I don’t like looking backward and I don’t like standing still. That leaves just one direction, and that’s forward.”

Skidmore locked her gearshift in drive in 1991 and left it there. She was 20

years old and out of cosmetology school.

Nathan, her son, swung from her hand in an infant carrier. She was on the hunt for

a salon and found a small one for sale for $5,000 in Lewisville.

“I went to the bank used by the shop’s

owner,” Skidmore recalled. “They took a

quick look at me and said no. I racked my brain for answers, finally asked my dad to

co-sign, got the loan, and bought the tiny shop – 700 square feet for eight stylists and nail techs.

“I had to move a while later and

decided to work for a mentor for more

experience. That lasted 10 years before I was fired.” Oops!

Skidmore set up shop in another cramped

space but left the gearshift in drive. She hit the gas in 2005, when faith guided her to leap into the purchase of land in Flower Mound with plans to build an 8,500

square foot, full-service salon. This time, the bank didn’t turn her down.

“The location was perfect, and Flower

Mound welcomed us with open arms,”

Skidmore said. “New homes and people came into the area. Our business grew.

We became a fixture in the community.”

It was full-steam ahead with no slowdowns until COVID-19 hit.

“I learned a lot during the two months we were closed,” Skidmore mused.

“That’s when I learned I was nothing

but a name without my team. I’m just a stylist. I always believed in teamwork,

but now there’s a new dimension. I want them to know I have their backs, and

I’ll do all I can to make them successful

and to keep them safe. They don’t worry about housekeeping or answering the

telephone. I have a staff for those things.

32 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

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972.317.4384 www.Cloud9Salon.com 7160 Justin Rd., Ste. 200 Lantana, TX 76226 (Beside Anytime fitness)

407, about six miles west of the Flower Mound location. Christopher investigated and said thousands of new homes are going in that direction. The new building is 16,000 square feet, with some rental space, and 80% of our team shares the new vision.”

The whole process again! Selling the Flower Mound building. Buying the new property. Drawing plans. The banks.

All the hoops. A list of complications and compromises from the buyer extended the process, but the move should happen next fall. For now, Cloud 9 operates from a temporary 4,200 square foot facility in Lantana.

Their job is to focus on their craft while

Nathan and I worry about everything else.”

Nathan Dean, Skidmore’s infant son from

the carrier days, became a stylist. Now, he manages the business and is a huge part

of the daily operations, including bringing in a line of Cloud 9-branded products for the salon.

Today, Skidmore is in love with and married to Christopher Skidmore.

He’s her partner and steadfast supporter, even now when she’s about to make another huge leap.

“Our Flower Mound salon was frontage in the beginning,” Skidmore said, “but later we were covered by buildings all

around us. It was time to move west. We

discovered property in Bartonville on FM www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

“...I learned I was nothing but a name without my team.

I’m just a stylist.

I always believed in teamwork, but now there’s a new dimension. I want them to know I have their backs...”

Skidmore’s other passion is her Cloud 9 Charities. This is a story in its own right but, briefly, she’s always believed in giving back to the community. She established Cloud 9 Charities in 2004, raising over $2.6-million.

Bedtime Rescue was born in 2012, housing moms, kids, and entire families in crisis. In February of 2020, Cloud Charities became devoted exclusively to Bedtime Rescue, providing nearly 2,000 nights of housing so far.

All Skidmore sees in front of her is future. There’s no stop sign in sight.

At least, not until that magical cloud nine has enough sittin’ room for herself and Chris, for Nathan and his family, for her entire team, and for all the other people who need her.

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 33

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Positivity

INNER

Fitness: Ask The Expert

AND THE BENEFITS OF SELF CARE

W

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Outlaw Fitcamp

hether you realize it or not, you talk to yourself all day. Self-talk is something you do naturally throughout your waking hours. It’s the thoughts that you have in response to everything happening. These conversations you have with yourself can be destructive or beneficial. They influence how you feel about yourself and the world around you, and how you respond to the events in your life.

Researchers have shown that positive self-talk is a powerful tool for increasing your self-confidence and sense of wellbeing. People who have positive self-talk are more confident, motivated, and productive.

with you. You don’t consider that it’s

because something came up or they’re just too busy.

Catastrophizing You always expect the worst. For example,

•

Increased vitality

•

Greater satisfaction with life

•

Improved immune function

•

Reduced pain

•

Better cardiovascular health

•

Less stress

•

Better physical wellbeing

It seems clear that if you don’t naturally use positive self-talk (and some people just naturally do), then you need to retrain your brain toward a more positive outlook.

NEGATIVE SELF-TALK IS HARMFUL

if you have something bad happen to you

HOW TO MAKE THE SWITCH

Before you can start trying to practice more positive thinking, you need to be able to recognize your negative self-talk.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are four types of negative self-talk:

all day that you’re having a horrible day.

You either see things as perfect or terrible.

If it doesn’t come naturally to you, you’ll need to work at starting to talk to yourself more positively. Try to make these types of changes in your reactions:

temper, you beat yourself up for being an

Negative: I didn’t eat well today. I knew I’d fail at trying to eat healthy.

If you find yourself falling into any of these

Positive: I didn’t eat well today, but I have most of the week. I’ll get back on track tomorrow and I’ll be fine.

Filtering You magnify the negative part of every situation. If you gained two pounds this week, you beat yourself up and forget about the fact that you’ve lost 10 pounds in the previous weeks.

Personalizing You put the blame for everything on yourself. If your friends cancel dinner plans, you assume it’s probably because they didn’t feel like spending the evening

first thing in the morning, you’ll complain Polarizing

If you get mad at your child and lose your awful parent.

four categories often, you need to take the steps to change your self-talk to be more positive. That change in attitude has a lot of benefits.

POSITIVE SELF-TALK IS

GOOD FOR YOU

Positive self-talk has been proven to have the following health benefits:

Try to become more aware of the way you’re talking to yourself. You may not even realize how much negative self-talk you have each day.

Just remember—you can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you react to it.

972.355.2639 • OUTLAWFITCAMP.COM | LOCATIONS: FLOWER MOUND • LITTLE ELM • HICKORY CREEK • MCKINNEY • PLANO • KELLER • FORT WORTH

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AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 35

BROILED MEXICAN

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES | YIELDS: 6 EARS

STREET

CORN M

exican street corn is commonly served with Cojita cheese, which is a crumbly, salty cheese made from cows’ milk. It is often available in larger grocery stores or specialty shops. If it is unavailable in your area, crumbled Feta cheese is a common substitute.

Note: Mexican street corn is often slathered in a delicious mixture of seasoned Mexican crema and mayonnaise. If preferred, you can also use this mixture sparingly, as shown here, for a great pop of flavor without all the extra calories and added fat. If you can’t find Mexican crema locally, regular sour cream can be used as a substitute.

PRO TIP

If Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes are popular in your house, make double or triple batches of the taco seasoning to use later. Excess seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for several months.

MAKE DOUBLE OR TRIPLE BATCHES OF THE TACO SEASONING TO USE LATER.

36 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

TA C O S E A S O N I N G : 2 T. chili powder 1 T. ground cumin 1 t. ground coriander 2 t. garlic powder 1 t. smoked paprika 1 ½ t. fine sea salt 1 t. ground black pepper ½ t. ground white pepper ¼ - ½ t. cayenne pepper INGREDIENTS: 6 large ears of corn 3 T. unsalted butter, melted ½ c. Mexican crema or sour cream ½ c. mayonnaise 3 T. fresh cilantro, chopped, divided 1 T. taco seasoning (see above) Sea salt and black pepper, to taste ¼ c. Cojita cheese, crumbled 1-2 t. ground chipotle or smoked paprika www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

RECIPE DIRECTIONS 1. Place the top oven rack in the second

Remove from oven and carefully rotate the

chopped cilantro in a medium bowl. Add

“High.” Line a large, rimmed baking sheet

placing under the broiler again. Broil for

stir to combine. Set aside.

position from top and pre-heat broiler to with aluminum foil and set aside.

2. Husk the corn and remove the silk.

Rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining

corn one-third of the way around before

another 5-6 minutes, then rotate and broil for another 5-6 minutes. (Total cook time should be 15-18 minutes)

silk and pat dry. Arrange on the prepared

4. While the corn is broiling, prepare

melted butter on all sides.

ingredients in a small bowl. Stir to

baking sheet and brush with the

3. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for 5-6 minutes, or until the top of the corn is slightly charred.

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the taco seasoning by combining all combine and set aside.

5. Combine the Mexican crema (or sour

cream), mayonnaise, and two tablespoons

one tablespoon taco seasoning and 6. Remove the broiled corn from

the oven and brush evenly with the seasoned Mexican crema mixture,

using all or a thin layer according to your preference. Serve immediately

topped with crumbled Cojita cheese, the remaining cilantro, and a sprinkle of ground chipotle or smoked paprika. Enjoy!

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 37

Ask The Expert: Gardening

Hiring a

CONTRACTOR

T

by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions

his summer has been pretty good to us so far. But just because we’ve enjoyed moderate temperatures, don’t get too comfortable. After all, it is Texas, and we could get that heat wave at ANY TIME.

It’s been a strange year to say the least.

But as summer vacations come and go, it can be a great time to get the ball rolling on that outdoor space or landscaping project before the fall rush hits. As you do remember to protect yourself by keeping an eye out for quality, ensure the estimates you are entertaining are going to be able to deliver on what’s promised and not drag you through a long list of change orders and weeks of frustration!

As we all know, any projects success isn’t viewed by the price but more importantly by the experience, outcome, and follow up.

ANYONE CAN SHOW YOU A BUNCH OF PICTURES AND SAY THEY BUILT IT...

of comfort moving forward with anything we do. Make us work for it. Look through the initial pricing and into the company behind it. Go through the details in comparison to the finish product you’re being promised, check references, look at some jobs, and speak to your neighbors.

Anyone can show you a bunch of pictures and say they built it, but a reputable contractor will have no problem bringing you into their location or taking you by a couple of active projects and or completed jobs to give you a real-time view of their work and how it comes together. Make sure your contractor has an anchor in the community or gives back in someway. The only way to make our community better is to SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE GIVING BACK TO IT! Just remember when organizing your next project don’t put yourself in a situation where you’ve paid less and then left hoping for more...

We ALWAYS preach to look through the lowest price and into the company behind it.

We say it every year, but it still amazes me how many patio and the landscape companies that pop-up here in our area early spring looking to make a fortune but are gone by winter.

As a contractor, it’s our job to establish ourselves in the community, build a solid reference list, and give you a level

EXTERIOR: 214.735.1363 | COMPLETESOLUTIONSDFW.COM

38 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

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AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 39

Sleeping T i p s Fo r

KIDS

by Steve Gamel

R

aise your hand if you’re still having to “gently” pull your screaming and groggy child out of bed so they can get dressed and make it to school on time. Wow; that’s a lot of hands. For many parents, the struggle is real, especially during the first couple of weeks of the school year when our kiddos are still used to lazy summer days of staying up late and sleeping in.

Getting up early for school is difficult for any kid or parent, and while you probably should have introduced a new sleep routine a week or so before school started, all is not lost. Many of the same tips still apply now that school has started.

Here are a few you can try right now to give your kids the rest they need and make those mornings a tad easier.

...struggle is real, especially during the first couple of weeks of the school year...

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Know How Much Sleep They Need The first step in determining when your child should go to bed is determining how much sleep they need. The National Sleep Foundation recommends different hours for different age groups. For example, teenagers need roughly 8-10 hours of sleep versus a preschooler, who needs 10-13 hours of quality sleep.

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Adjust Slowly

Don’t Let Them Nap After School

Move Everything Else Up, Too

Once you know how much sleep your child needs, you may be thinking the answer to making up ground is to enforce a ridiculously early bedtime right off the bat. On the contrary, a solid tip is to work them into the new pattern gradually – start with moving the time up by 20 or 30 minutes, then push it up 45 minutes to an hour.

Try to avoid allowing your child to take a nap after school, as it will only make going to bed later that much more difficult. You can avoid the midday snooze by keeping them active with sports, putting a priority on getting their homework done, or even putting them to work with a few chores around the house.

Another way to help get the kids into bed earlier once school has started is to move all the busy household chores up an hour or so. For example, have them do their homework as soon as they get home from school, so it’s out of the way, then try having dinner as a family at 5:30 instead of 6:30 p.m.

You can also adjust your own bedtime, so your child realizes it’s time for everyone to go to bed. This creates a calmer mood throughout the house as bedtime approaches.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends different hours for different age groups. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 41

Get Into A Routine

Cut Out Caffeine

Limit Electronic Screen Time

As we all know, caffeine can even make grownups jumpy and wide awake. So you can imagine that allowing your child to drink soda at dinner may be counterproductive if you’re trying to get them to go to bed earlier. Choose water instead.

Our kids are used to watching TV, playing video games, or talking to friends on their phones. This extra screen time, especially right before bedtime, makes it harder for them to fall asleep. Eliminate screen time at least an hour before their new bedtime, or better yet, immediately after dinner.

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Creating a routine that your child can count on every night will help them wind down and mentally prepare for bed. A perfect example for younger kids is having them take a bath, brush their teeth, get their pajamas on, and read a book. You can even have fun with this and create a bedtime chart, complete with pictures and “good behavior stars.” For older kids, you can replace some of these steps by just sitting with them in their room and let them talk about their day.

What tips do you have to make getting your child back on a sleep schedule less stressful? Share them with us on our Facebook page.

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AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 43

Things 5TO TRY little orange fish 601 S. Main St., Ste. 101 • Grapevine, TX little orange fish is a fun-filled children’s boutique that carries children’s clothing in girl’s sizes 0-12 and boy’s sizes 0-8.

They have many different brands to suit a variety of styles and carry high-end lines as well as budget-friendly fashions.

No matter what you or your child is looking for, you’ll find it here.

Heaven Sent Boutique & Gifts 2585 MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 1100 • Lewisville, TX

Heaven Sent Children’s Boutique has been outfitting children in fun, upscale clothing for the past 15 years. They carry clothing for boys and girls from infants to age 14 years old. They also carry a huge assortment of unique gifts and accessories to complement each outfit.

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Janie & Jack 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Ste. 425 Grapevine, TX Janie and Jack is a design house with every kid at its heart. They make clothes that last, that you can pass down from sibling to sibling. They carry clothing for boys and girls from newborn to age 16 years old. Their collections feature modern twists on class fashion.

Pickled Pink Children’s Boutique 148 S. Elm St. • Keller, TX

Half-Pint Children’s Boutique 108 W. Oak St., Ste. 102 • Denton, TX

Pickled Pink Children’s Boutique is owned by Texas native, Shannon, who opened up this children’s boutique in 2009. It consists of multiple vendors and a wide selection of personalized clothing and gifts, giving customers the ultimate shopping experience. They also carry many exclusive lines you can only find at Pickled Pink.

Half-Pint Children’s Boutique carries many different brands to suit a variety of budgets and styles. They have clothing items for boys and girls from newborn to size 6, and toys and accessories for a variety of ages. They also offer monogramming services to customize your children’s clothing and accessories.

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AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 45

Ask The Expert: Organizing

Reprioritizing

That being said, none of us expected

the interesting chaos and confusion that

the COVID-19 pandemic brought into all our lives. As a result of this unexpected confusion, your priorities may have

shifted; what used to feel urgent can wait and what used to feel important is taking a backseat to other concerns.

Now that Texas businesses are back to

full operation and residents are getting

comfortable with venturing out, you may

Productive A

by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing

s an organizing expert, I totally appreciate the importance of being productive and staying organized. But as a wife and mother, I also realize that life is never ever going to be completely organized and perfect. In fact, I usually embrace the small bit of happy chaos that keeps life interesting.

46 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

be tempted to start adding activities,

obligations and distractions back into

your schedule. We are all excited to start feeling “normal” again, but as you start

making future plans, I encourage you to take a look at your priorities before you start overloading your schedule.

Ask yourself a few questions: • Is what was important to me before the pandemic still important to me now?

• Have I stopped doing something during this pandemic that I don’t really miss?

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• What tasks do I do that take me a long time but don’t add much value to my day?

• What tasks really get me closer to my goals?

If you have ever noticed that you are exhausted at the end of each day because you are super busy, but you don’t feel like you’ve actually accomplished anything, it’s time to reprioritize. Always being busy but unproductive will eventually take a toll; mentally and physically. You’re going to crash and burn.

In his highly popular book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey explains the Time Management Matrix and how effective

people spend more time in Quadrant II, minimize time spent in Quadrant I, and worry very little about Quadrants III and IV. Many people allow urgent tasks to interrupt their progress because they haven’t taken the time to pay attention to their priorities. All you need is about 10 - 15 minutes every day to plan ahead.

Look at your next day’s schedule and decide if there is anything in Quadrant III or IV that can be delegated or deleted.

So, as you adjust to your changing priorities, learn to say “no” to the tasks that are not important to the overall quality or success of your day.

Always being busy but unproductive will eventually take a toll; mentally and physically.

CLOUDNINEORGANIZING.COM

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Signs of

HEAT EXHAUSTION & HEAT STROKE

by Dr. Rebecca Butler (Lantana Resident), Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics

T

he heat of the summer has definitely arrived. Summer is a season of fun – pool parties, park days, and family barbecues result in long days of playing outside in the heat and in the sun. Additionally, athletes are often preparing for the upcoming season with training camps and outdoor workouts.

Spending time outside is great, as long as your child is protected by sunscreen, proper hydration, protective clothing, and frequent rest periods to avoid heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Signs of heat exhaustion in children may include:

It’s important to treat heat exhaustion immediately, as it can develop into heat stroke. If your child shows symptoms of heat exhaustion, you should:

•

Confusion, disorientation

•

Flushed, hot and usually dry skin

•

Loss of consciousness

•

Bring your child to a cool, shaded place

•

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

•

Encourage them to drink cool fluids that contain salt (like sports rehydration drinks)

•

Rapid heartbeat and breathing

•

Severe headache

•

Apply a cold wet towel or sponge to the skin

•

Seizures

•

If your child complains of painful muscle cramps in his or her legs, arms or abdomen, you can also gently stretch or massage sore muscles.

•

Weakness and/or dizziness

If your child is unable to drink or seems to be losing alertness, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.

Signs/Symptoms of heat stroke in kids:

•

An elevated body temperature, usually less than 104˚ F

•

Cool, clammy skin

•

Chills, despite the heat

•

Fainting, dizziness or weakness

•

Headache

•

Increased sweating

•

Increased thirst

Signs of heat stroke in children may include:

•

Irritability

•

•

Muscle cramps

A body temperature that rises dangerously high – above 104 degrees

•

Nausea and/or vomiting

•

Absence of sweating

Heat stroke is a severe type of heat illness that occurs when a child’s body creates more heat than it can release.

This results in a rapid increase in core body temperature, leading to brain damage or death if not promptly treated.

940.455.7200 | LantanaPediatrics.com 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226

Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-6pm | Wed: 7:30am-1pm | Fri: 7:30am-5pm Sat: 9am-12pm

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If your child shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 and: •

Bring your child indoors or into shade and undress him or her right away.

•

Begin rapid cooling by immersing him or her in a bathtub of cool/cold water.

•

If not available, apply cold towels over much of the body replacing them frequently

•

Avoid pushing fluids unless your child is conscious and alert

It is important to seek immediate emergency medical treatment.

Be safe, have fun in the sun, enjoy the summer with your children. BUT be aware of the extreme dangers that can occur with high heat and dehydration.

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!

RAPID AND PCR TESTING AVAILABLE

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 49

Ask The Expert: Home Decorating

What’s Trending

Under Foot

by Allison Fifer, POSH Home Staging & Redesign 940.765.2684 | POSHHOMESTAGING.COM | ALLISON@POSHHOMESTAGING.COM

A

re you thinking of updating your home to sell or to fall back in love with where you live? Maybe you are one of the unfortunate souls who are renovating due to the after effects of Snowmaggedon. Either way, follow along as we discuss the latest options in flooring.

“What types of flooring materials should I put in my home if I’m planning to sell?”

Oh boy…that is the million dollar question! If you are considering selling right after remodeling or 3-5 years down the road, take note as there is usually not one right answer. But there are most definitely some wrong ones. As a homeowner, you have what may seem like endless possibilities when it comes to types of flooring materials. Some of the choices are wood, vinyl, laminate, tile, and carpet. Those choices alone can be overwhelming, especially since every option has its own set of pros and cons.

...hardwoods are popular for their timeless elegance, durability, and high return on investment.

50 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

HARDWOOD The first step in choosing the best types

of some of the most popular types of flooring for each room of your home.

needs of your space. Does it get a lot of

HARDWOOD FLOORING

(e.g., don’t install carpet in the kitchen or

Hardwoods are classic, durable, and ageless. Available in a variety of colors and types of wood, it can be refinished and re-stained as needed. Typically, hardwoods are not recommended for areas prone to moisture, but many brands now claim to have scratch and waterresistant options. Though expensive,

of flooring is determining the specific foot traffic? Is it a high moisture area?

bathroom — that’s just an open invitation for mold and stains). Additionally, you’ll

want to balance what works best with your style and budget.

To get you started, we’re going to walk

you through the benefits and drawbacks

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hardwoods are popular for their timeless elegance, durability, and high return on investment. They also look great when paired with a gorgeous rug! There are generally two types of hardwood flooring: 1. Solid hardwood flooring is constructed from one solid piece of 100% hardwood. Because of this, it can be sanded and re-finished many times over its lifespan. It is milled with interlocking tongues and grooves on opposite edges and is always nailed down to a sub-floor.

Solid hardwood is generally considered the “gold standard” in flooring.

2. Engineered hardwood flooring is comprised of a top layer of hardwood veneer over a plywood, hardwood, or HDF (high density fiber) core. It’s quite durable and can even be re-finished once or twice before the top veneer layer is exhausted. Engineered hardwood is usually less costly than solid hardwood.

It’s also easier and less expensive for DIYers to install. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

LAMINATE FLOORING If you want a flooring product that looks like real tile, wood, or stone but has a more affordable price point, take a look at laminate. Laminate flooring mimics the look of other flooring materials, but its interlocking tongue-and-groove assembly makes the installation process far simpler. Laminate can’t be refinished like hardwood flooring. However, the higher quality stuff is durable enough to hold up to wet areas and wear and tear and typically requires less maintenance

than other types of flooring. This makes it a popular choice with homeowners.

PRO TIP: if you’re planning to sell your home soon and want to use laminate, invest in highquality boards. Low-quality laminate tends to look more artificial and can be a turn-off to potential buyers.

LAMINATE

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 51

VINYL FLOORING Vinyl has come a looooong way, baby!

Made out of synthetic materials, such as fiberglass, PVC, and plasticizers, vinyl flooring is stain and scratch-resistant, waterproof, and highly durable. Vinyl is available in tiles, sheets, or planks as well as a variety of styles and colors. It is also easy in to install directly over most

existing floors, making it a beautiful and

...vinyl flooring is stain and scratch-resistant, waterproof, and highly durable.

economical choice for many homeowners.

A popular trending option is luxury vinyl

plank, or LVP. This is because it imitates the look of hardwood floors. Vinyl tile, another homeowner favorite, mimics the look of more costly stone like travertine.

When comparing vinyl flooring, take

note of the top surface, or wear layer,

of the flooring, typically a clear coat of polyurethane. This layer generally has

a thickness ranging between 4 and 40

millimeters. It is what makes the flooring

scratch-resistant or waterproof. A thicker wear layer is generally more sensible for high traffic or high moisture areas.

TILE FLOORING When it comes to a room that gets

wet often, like a kitchen, laundry room,

bathroom, or basement, tile may be the

VINYL

52 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

winner. A durable, low-maintenance

option, tile is available in an endless

variety of colors, patterns and textures.

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TILE Porcelain tile is the most durable and longest lasting. It’s higher density makes it more water-resistant than ceramic tile, but it also tends to be more expensive.

Ceramic tile is a mixture of water, sand, and clay, and is tough enough for most interior spaces. Compared to porcelain, ceramic tile is more porous and has a higher absorption rate. This means that it may chip or damage more easily than porcelain tile.

Natural stone tile is beautiful, elegant, and expensive. It’s a bit less slippery than other types of tile and offers a reasonable amount of insulation, helping your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. While durable, some types of natural stone are quite brittle and scratch or chip easily. Other types of natural stone are porous and require regular maintenance to prevent water damage or staining.

Selecting the best flooring type for your home should be based on a combination of your goals (are you selling soon or staying long-term?), the way you live in, the use of your space, and your budget.

And do not forget, especially if you are selling, select flooring that is characteristic of your neighborhood! www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 53

North Texas Fair and Rodeo

DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT

READY FOR

FULL

CROWDS

by Mark Miller | photos courtesy of Kelsey Hodges

A

fter being held last year in October and conducted under COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the North Texas Fair and Rodeo returns to its August roots while welcoming as many people as possible in 2021.

54 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

The 93rd rendition will take place Aug. 20-28 at the North Texas Fair Grounds north of U.S. 380 in Denton.

In 2020, crowd sizes and areas were regulated, 100 hand sanitizers were placed throughout the grounds, and plexiglass was installed at the concession stands. Everything was sanitized daily, and masks were mandated at all the gates.

“There was a lot of added expense with a lot of decreased crowds, but it was 100 percent better than not having it,” said Executive Director Glenn Carlton.

While hand sanitizers return this year, and there will be plenty of places

“There was a lot of added expense with a lot of decreased crowds, but it was 100 percent better than not having it.” to social distance for those still apprehensive about the virus, Carlton expects 200,000 or more people to enjoy themselves over the nine-day run.

Back after a seven-year absence will be Tumbleweed Crossing, a wild west stunt show that will be conducted every day. Another popular attraction that has delighted attendees for years is Swifty Swine, the swimming pig who also will take part in the pig races. Talley Amusements will again operate the midway as it has for 10 years.

Probably the biggest attraction will be the music with a stellar list of top country artists including Aaron Watson, Terri Clark, Michael Salgado, Jake Hooker, Giovonnie and the Hired Guns, Randall King, Midland, Flatland Cavalry, and Sawyer Brown. Most nights will www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

“We’ll be able to host road shows and youth sports.

It’s going to be multipurpose.” feature three acts on two stages in addition to the daily rodeo including the PRCA, Invitational Ranch, 21 and Under, Bull Blowout, and Mutton Bustin.’

“I think the all-inclusiveness is the big thing,” Carlton said. “You get the rodeo and the music and the whole fair for one price. And along with the great entertainment, you get other things like the livestock show and creative arts. You get to see a lot of Americana and a lot of community.”

“They have been the strength and backbone of this organization forever,” said Executive Assistant Nanci Kimney.

The event has been conducted at its current 33-acre site since 1945 when Dr. W.C. Kimbrough sold the property to the Denton County Fair Association for $5. Before that, it was held at other Denton County sites but primarily featured horse and mule races.

“Right now, we’re a 100-acre fair on 33 acres,” Carlton said. “The new location will be more than a fairgrounds nine days a year. We’ll be able to host road shows and youth sports. It’s going to be multipurpose.”

ADMISSION Aug. 23-25 | $15

for anyone age 12 and older Aug. 20-22 & 27-28 | $20 Aug. 26 | $30 Military and those age 55 and older receive a $5 discount each day Children 6-11 are $5 and 6 and under free throughout the fair.

This year’s sponsors include Miller Lite (music), Coors (rodeo), Samsung (carnival), First State Bank (livestock barn); Commercial Bank (exhibits), First United (Fun Zone), Peterbilt (Kids Zone), and DATCU.

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DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT

Helping Carlton and his small staff will be a corps of about 800 volunteers focused on making the fair/rodeo a success.

Within the next five years, the fair is expected to move to a 109-acre property purchased in 2014 at I-35 and Ganzer. It most likely will be a joint effort between the fair and Denton County. Until then, however, people can enjoy all the North Texas Fair and Rodeo has to offer.

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 55

SHERIFF’S W I T H

S H E R I F F

T R A C Y

WE ARE CURRENTLY HIRING

DETENTION OFFICERS!

D

etention Officers perform specialized law enforcement work in the care and security of inmates to ensure their constitutional rights and welfare are safeguarded in the County Jail. A typical work day could involve admitting and booking inmates, supervising trustees, ensuring security of inmates and the Jail, performing commissary duties, receiving and maintaining an inventory of inmate property and supplies, performing control operations, performing inmate classification duties, and preparing and transporting inmates. Additional responsibilities may include monitoring cameras, monitoring emergency systems, performing various life and fire safety activities, performing telephone and radio communications and performing duties as a member of the Extraction Team.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in a career in Law Enforcement, and you meet the following minimum qualifications, you can apply online.

• Good moral character.

• Must be 18 years of age.

• High School diploma or GED required.

• Must be a U.S. citizen.

• Must attain certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement as a

Jailer within one (1) year of employment.

• Possession of a valid Driver’s License.

Must be able to obtain a State of

Texas driver’s license within 90 days.

Once hired, Detention Officers will go through on-the-job training before

attending The Basic County Corrections Class, which is on site at The Denton

County Sheriff’s Office. This is where the

certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is obtained.

M U R P H R E E

WE ARE HIRING If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization.

Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty

Detention Officers’ starting salary ranges from $38,752 - $44,952 depending on education and experience. Detention Officers receive a wide range of benefits including: health care

benefits, longevity pay, stipends for

education/bilingual proficiency, tuition

reimbursement, county retirement plan, provided equipment, exceptional Law

Enforcement training in preparation for

TCOLE licensing, and many promotional opportunities within Law Enforcement.

www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ dentoncounty

940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.GOV/707/SHERIFF 56 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

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AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 57

write Ask The Expert: Edit This

LIKE YOU MEAN IT! A

by Steve Gamel, Owner of Edit This | photo courtesy of editthisllc.com

s I’ve been proudly screaming over the past week on social media: I did a thing!

That “thing” is my debut book, Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion For The Written Word. My goal for this book, tentatively slated to release on September 14, 2021, is to have a down-to-earth conversation about writing. More importantly, I want to equip aspiring writers from all walks of life with trade secrets, versatile tools, actionable steps, and the inspiration they need to step out and write like they mean it!

58 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

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THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN NEARLY 20 MONTHS IN THE MAKING

This project has been nearly 20 months in the making, and with help from Brown Books Publishing Group in Dallas, it means the world to me that I can finally share it with you.

Write Like You Mean It is available to pre-order now at this link: https://amzn. to/3BlwHic. Over the next few weeks leading up to the launch, I’ll be sharing a few things here and there about the book to hopefully spark your interest even more.

If you are a writer, I urge you to grab a copy.

If you know a writer or teach writers, I urge you to get them this book.

JUST A FEW OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS BOOK INCLUDE: Overcoming your fear of writing What writer’s block is telling you How to become a successful freelancer Tips on how to write fiction and nonfiction How to be a better editor The art of quality storytelling How to get published And so much more ...

469.360.3611 | EDITTHISLLC.COM

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AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 59

Business Spotlight

NEW LIFE & I

BEAUTY

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Birch + Bloom Facebook

t’s a typical weekday morning, and Ryan Renner is busy inside the garage of her Argyle home. Wood chips are flying left and right as she uses a miter saw to delicately craft one of her signature designs for a client. Meanwhile, her children, Pax and Lucy, are a few feet away, watching with curious eyes to see what one-of-a-kind piece mommy has put together now.

Renner admits that it’s not every day that you see a wife and mother become a woodworking artist. As creative as she’s always been, even she didn’t see this career path coming. But when you know, you know.

“I’ve fallen in love with it,” she said. “I can’t wait to wake up, go into the workshop, and start creating something. It has turned into a real passion for me.”

Renner’s company, Birch + Bloom, is your go-to source for geometric wooden wall art, decorative wooden trays, and one-of-a-kind statement pieces for every space. Renner uses locally sourced new and reclaimed barn wood and preserved moss to create intricate and complex custom mosaics with the type of depth, texture, and detail you’d expect from someone who has been honing their craft for decades. Ironically, Renner has only been at this for about two years — and she’s 100% self-taught. No classes. No mentors showing her what to do. No prior knowledge of how to use a miter saw, brad nailer, or table saw. Just an eye for detail, a creative outlook, and a desire to create something unique.

Renner has always had an eye for creating stuff. In fact, her mother has always joked that Ryan was born with a paintbrush in her hand. She simply loves art, and she even owned a successful photography business before she and her family moved to Texas. After the move, however, Renner said she developed an itch to try something new.

...she didn’t see this career path coming... she’s 100% self-taught.

60 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

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“It sort of came up out of the blue.

We were at this flea market, and this little piece of art caught my eye,” she said.

“It was this beautiful barn wood mixed with some preserved moss, and when I saw it, I thought, ‘I can totally take this and make it my own.’ I had never done woodworking before, but I kept thinking, ‘I can do this!’”

She added, “I started with a simple design, and it’s become more complex and intricate — to the point now where I have a signature look. This signature look wouldn’t be complete without the barn wood either. I love being able to salvage this wood from our area. There is just something about the unique textures, knots, and colors of aged barn wood.

It’s something that can’t be replicated.

Renner’s signature style is interlocking diamonds, but she primarily works with custom orders and enjoys coming up with something that her clients genuinely enjoy. So if they have a particular design in mind or a color scheme in their home, she can do it. Her wood art comes in all shapes and sizes. During the holidays, she switches things up a bit and focuses on smaller, personal pieces that reflect the time of year and what inspires her most — nature.

It has to age on its own time.”

“I want to take these materials, breathe new life into them, and create something truly beautiful.”

“I want to take these materials, breathe new life into them, and create something truly beautiful,” Renner said. “That’s what tickles me the most — especially when they enjoy what I’ve created. It’s such a creative outlet for me, but that is something I have always needed. I was a stay-at-home mom for a long time, and I’ve always loved being a mother. But as you get older, you realize the need to start doing things for yourself. That’s why I started my photography business, and when I didn’t want to do that anymore after moving to Argyle, it was woodworking to the rescue.

I’m truly grateful to have a husband who supports me 100%. He has even let me take over the garage, which means so much. This is just the beginning. I intend to do this for the rest of my life.”

To learn more about Ryan Renner and her amazing wood art, visit thebirchandbloom.com. You can also email her at thebirchandbloom@gmail.com or visit her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/thebirchandbloom. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

AUGUST 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 61

Setting The Stage

FUTURE For The

O f

D e n t o n

C o u n t y

by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads

E

nsuring Denton County continues to have a thriving economy is an important part of County government and one the Denton County Commissioners Court takes very seriously.

Despite recent challenges, growth across Denton County is rapidly increasing as

new businesses – large and small – flock to

our region. In fact, new projects have been ongoing since the middle of last year, not slowing at all. Calls for available office

space are constant while major housing developments, townhome projects,

and apartments are under construction throughout the county.

With a current estimated population of

911,912, Denton County is not far from

topping the 1 million mark – a milestone

now anticipated by 2025. We are growing at a faster pace than what was projected just five years ago when our population was expected to hit 1 million in 2030.

By 2050, the latest estimates call for our

population to reach more than 2.3 million.

Jobs grew by 45,488 in the past five years and are projected to grow by

40,810 in the next five years. The median

household income, as reported in 2018, is now $83,400 in Denton County – around $23,100 above the national median household income of $60,300.

The rapid growth is exactly why we are focused on drawing high-paying jobs to Denton County and providing a diverse portfolio of positions to meet the needs of all residents. In just the last five years, we’ve attracted such top companies as Farmer Brothers, Tanger Outlets, Mary Kay, Charles Schwab, Tyson, two Stanley Black & Decker facilities, Thirty-One Gifts, Gulfstream, ASCO/Texaplex, Ariat, the PGA headquarters, Grandscape, Schluter, Ericsson, Belltown Solar, and a major expansion of Retractable Technologies Inc. Together, these projects have invested billions into Denton County, some relocating regional and national headquarters along with higher wages in an array of industries from solar power to tourism, technology and much more.

When you stop to think about it, Denton County has become THE place to live, work, and play in the region, state, and the U.S. We have also worked tirelessly in the last few decades to ensure transportation needs are being addressed as more vehicles traverse our highways. We expanded FM 2499, Interstate 35E, FM 1171, west U.S. 380 with plans underway for east U.S. 380, and much more. Soon, you will see construction along Interstate 35W in the main lanes and frontage roads as well as in the area where 35E and 35W merge. Plans are being drawn for Loop 288 West with an estimated let date of 2026 to complete the loop both east and west of I-35 in Denton.

And that is just the beginning.

We will continue to plan ahead to ensure adequate access throughout the county. We also work with the Denton County Transportation Authority to provide alternative transportation via bus routes and the A-train as well as with our cities and towns to address their ongoing needs.

The Denton County Commissioners Court also recognizes the importance of balancing this fast-paced growth and the requisite infrastructure requirements while keeping our taxpayers top of mind.

Among the top 15 counties in Texas, we have the lowest countywide tax rate at .224985 since we do not have hospital or college districts. And we aim to keep it that way.

A thriving, diverse economy coupled with meeting residents’ needs for transportation, housing, education, and income is the legacy we want to leave for decades to come. It is important we all work together to create the Denton County we can all be proud of for future generations to enjoy.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you.

940.349.2820 | andy.eads@dentoncounty.com | www.Dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup 62 | LANTANA LIVING | AUGUST 2021

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