Lantana Living Magazine January 2018

JANUARY 2018

Coaching

CHAMPIONS

Rescue ME Good Decisions in a

Not-So-Good

WORLD

New Year

Roof NEW

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

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| JANUARY 2018

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LantanaLiving.com

Just

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Listen

Administration Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne

Staff Writer

Susan Neuhalfen

Contributor Steve Gamel

Advertising

Lizzy Hoffman lizzy@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Stephanie Hansen Savannah Halfmann

Photography

by Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

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

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property of Murray Media Group.

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Flower Mound, TX 75022 Lantana Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. 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. © 2018 Murray Media Group

W

hile attending a recent party I found myself surrounded by “story toppers”.

It’s a Seinfeld tribute term referring to the

person who can’t wait to top the story you or someone else is telling. They stopped listening after your first two sentences

Anymore, listening has become a lost art. Even when you’re in conversation with someone they are constantly checking their phone, computer or people watching. Heed this advice; the next time you’re dying to tell your

so they could tell their story because it’s

story just stop and listen. Listen without

bigger and better than yours.

checking your phone. Listen without

Let’s be honest we’ve all done it. It’s only

interrupting. Listen without solving

natural to want to talk about yourself.

anyone’s problem. Just listen.

This happens in business as well. I

In this day and age when everyone is so

remember sitting at an event with a

salesperson who spent the entire evening talking about himself. He wanted my

money (or rather my client’s money) so

you’d think he would have been interested in my client or how we could work

together, but instead I heard all about

were his crazy antics, his kids, his wife, his

busy being divided and not listening to one another, now would be a great time to open your mind. Don’t react. Don’t get mad. Just listen.

By being completely present for the conversation, you just might learn

boat, and the list goes on.

something about your friend or client that

Needless to say, I didn’t do a lot of

later leads to an incredible opportunity or

business with him.

adventure. Just listen.

Sincerely Susan Neuhalfen

Writer and Editor for Argyle Living, Lantana Living and Lake Cities Living Susan@murray-media.com 972.899.3637 Ex. 101 6 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

TABLE OF

CONTENTS THIS MONTH: We celebrate our pets.

Look for the paw print.

32

On the Cover from left to right: Audrey, Katie, Chris and Kason Mortimer

22

FEATURED: New Year New Roof

EDITORS PICK:

FAMILY

LIFESTYLE

YOURSELF

08 Inside Community

24 Texas’ Answer to Groundhog Day

48 Making Good Decisions

09 Inside Education

26 Tasty Treats

50 Take Out From the Gym

10 Rescue Me

28 Oh What a Year

11 Preventing Infection

30 Gardening with Complete Solutions

12 Gizmos & Gadgets

36 Girl Scouts are Smart Cookies

14 Counseling with Acorn Counseling

41 Denton Downtown Mini Mall Fire

16 Guyer: All-District Team

42 Valentine’s Day

18 College Prep with Vanguard

44 Treats for The Big Game

20 Edit This with Steve Gamel

46 Handmade Treasures

Coaching Champions

53 The Weight Loss Secret for Baby Boomers 54 Dentistry with Dr. Matt 56 Fitness with Jesse James Fit 60 Makeover with Cloud 9 Salon 62 Restaurant Reviews

Photos from Lantana 40 Holiday Family Pictures 58 Wildcats 2nd Grade Football JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 7

KNOW

Be in the

Family

INSIDE COMMUNITY

LANTANA RUN RAISES 12K FOR RHR The 8th Annual Run Lantana 5K and 10K raised over $12,000 for Ranch Hands Rescue, a non-profit organization that practices animal therapy as well as many expand programs for kids, families and veterans and will be introducing new initiatives for their current clientele as well as those victims of sex trafficking.

SMART KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Elizabeth Smart, the Salt Lake City resident whose 2002 kidnapping made national headlines, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Women’s Health Fair at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Flower Mound on February 3. The fair will also feature many booths including free screenings for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and more. The Health Fair will take place from 8am until noon at the Courtyard Marriott located behind the hospital.

PURCHASE WITH PURPOSE Now Argyle residents can purchase with a purpose.

Divine Finds Upscale Resale located on 377 near Liberty Christian, features high-end furniture, home furnishings, fashionable clothing for children and adults, handbags and more. All proceeds from sales go to support Pregnancy Help 4 U centers as well as many other local, national and international charities. For more information go to lifeguards.pregnancyhelp4u.org/divine-finds.

GET FIT Join us Saturday, January 27 for the free Body Bionics Fitness preview in the North Group Fitness room from 9am until noon. Body Bionics features fitness programs for every member of the family and includes four-week boot camp sessions with activities such as push-ups, squats, running, drills, circuits, and weights. This is open to Lantana residents only.

photo courtesy of www.texashealthflowermound.com

other forms of therapy to help heal victims of trauma. RHR is continuing to

INSIDE EDUCATION

CHILLY CUBS

A big shout out goes to Cub Scout Pack 802 that spent a chilly Saturday morning in December picking up trash at Adkins Elementary. The pack is located in Lantana and serves 1-5th grade students from Adkins, Blanton and EP Rayzor Elementary Schools.

DENTON ISD EVENTS

They are part of the Frontier Trails District and Longhorn Council.

photo courtesy of Denton ISD

For more information go to www.lantanacubscouts.com.

GUYER AP SCHOLARS

82 Denton ISD students were named Advanced Placement Scholars, excelling at college level courses and exams. Andrew Winn of Guyer High School was named a National AP Scholar, scoring 4 or higher on eight or more exams. Liet Bourbon, Nathan Gates, Lauren McKinney, Arik Palileo, Meredith Wilder, Andrew Winn were named AP Scholars with Distinction, earning an average score of 3.5 or higher on all AP exams.

DISD Band All-District Band Concert January 19th at Strickland Middle School starting at 7pm

“Donut for Watch D.O.G.S.” January 23rd at EP Rayzor Elementary from 7:15 - 7:40am

LAWYER GIVES BACK

WIN A CAR

Local personal injury lawyer Rocky Haire

The Harpool Middle School PTA is selling

paid Strickland Middle School’s lunch deficit

$2 raffle tickets for your chance to win a

for students who still owed money on their

new Honda or Toyota valued up to $30,000.

lunch accounts. Haire had originally wished

Tickets are on sale at the front office and

to remain anonymous but came forward in

during all home basketball games from

the hope that other business leaders might

6:15pm until 7:15pm in the athletic hallway.

do the same for other schools. To donate,

All of the money raised will stay within

contact Beverly Martin, Denton ISD Child

the PTA, and will help with Harpool’s 10th

Nutrition Accountant at (940) 369-0275 or

Anniversary Spring Celebration. You must be

email her at bmartin2@dentonisd.org.

18 to win.

Daddy Daughter Dance February 2nd at EP Rayzor from 6:30-9:30pm

Daddy Daughter Dance February 2nd at Blanton Elementary from 7-9pm

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 9

Family

photos courtesy of Sancho & Lola’s Closet

RESCUE ME

by Susan Neuhalfen

S

ometimes we have to go through a rough patch in life to find our purpose. That’s exactly what

happened to Bartonville resident Lynette Cano. To be fair, though, Lynette always believed that helping animals was her

purpose. However, her story led her in a direction that even she didn’t expect.

Lynette and her husband had adopted two German Shorthair Pointers named

Sancho and Lola from Texas GSP Rescue.

What might have sent other people into a

For the first year she worked alone and the

and a new mission. She began

employees. Now, less than three years

depression, set Lynette on a new course studying holistic nutrition and made an unnerving discovery.

“The more I learned what was toxic for

my body, the more I found the same toxic

second year they grew to include another later, they have five employees and the

business shows no signs of slowing down, though they have had their share of setbacks.

ingredients were used in most dog treats

“My Amazon account got hacked and it

treats sold by reputable companies.”

said Lynette. “When the Houston hurricane

and chews,” said Lynette. “These were

The dogs had been abused and seeing

In 2015 Lynette started Sancho & Lola’s

other dogs. However, she was having

specializing in natural, chemical free

took forever to get it straightened out,”

victims called for help, we had to donate product instead of cash, but everything

their struggles inspired Lynette to help

Closet, a boutique brand of pet treats

struggles of her own.

treats and chews for dogs, owned and

Her “little business” was supposed to just

or limited ingredient dog chews that

days a week, allowing her to contribute to

wheat & corn, soybean oil, thickeners like

about. To date they have donated over

BHA and BHT, bone meal (MBM), artificial

well as dogs in crisis with no official rescue

to contribute to inflammation or cancer

Sancho & Lola’s closet is strictly an

After years of burning the candles at both ends with work and exercise, Lynette

found herself sidelined. She was suffering from a debilitating joint and adrenal

condition and unable to work for 4 years, having multiple procedures/surgeries on her knees, neck and wrists while in leg braces.

operated in Lewisville. They offer single

be a side project that she worked a couple

do not contain products such as GMO

local dog rescues that she was passionate

Carrageenan, synthetic preservatives like

$18,000 in cash and product to rescues as

flavorings and colors, all known

helping them.

in dogs.

purchased through Shopify store, Amazon

out of her condo in Castle Hills. After 3

Facebook page.

sell on Amazon and started the business

and Chewy. They also have a website and

months, her inventory had grown so much

So what’s next for Sancho & Lola’s Closet?

an office building they owned in Old Town Lewisville.

“I could bring Sancho and Lola, so I agreed,” laughed Lynette.

| JANUARY 2018

ecommerce business. Products may be

Lynette took an ecommerce course to

that her husband insisted she move into

10 | LANTANA LIVING

worked out. We were just glad to help.”

“We are continuing to expand the product

line. As of 2018, our portfolio has doubled in size,” said Lynette. “Meanwhile my team (CEOs Sancho and Lola) will keep up their strict testing standards.”

L Re anta sid na en t

Understanding the Spread of Illness and

PREVENTING

INFECTION

by Dr. Rebecca Butler

FLU

C

SE IS H ASON Plea ERE s . you e sche dul r flu sho e ts.

old and flu season is taxing on the entire family and our office gets many questions regarding maintaining health and containing germs when one falls ill. Understanding when, how long, and under what conditions an infection is contagious is an important part of disease prevention and treatment.

Sponsored Content

Most viral and upper and lower respiratory infections are spread by respiratory routes. Those who are in close quarters with someone who is sick may inhale droplets from that individual when they cough, sneeze, talk, laugh, etc. The droplets may also come to rest on a nearby surface where they continue to thrive and infect those who make touch that surface and then their own face, nose or mouth. If a child (or adult) covers their cough or sneeze with their hands, this increases the risk of transmission by contaminated surfaces. Children should be taught to sneeze or cough into the crook of their elbow or a tissue.

A child should be excluded if the draining lesion cannot be covered and/or drainage contained. Please seek the advise of your pediatrician.

National Institute for Health has a more conservative

is identified as the cause of diarrhea, states and local

In general, school-aged children without a fever, a rash, or signs of severe illness do not require exclusion from school or other activities unless specifically directed by your doctor.

Exclusion from school for ‘Pink Eye’ is not usually necessary and should be determined case by case.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) can be bacterial or viral. The incubation period for bacterial conjunctivitis is 24 to 72 hours and in most viral cases it is closer to 5 days. Both bacterial and viral pathogens are highly contagious, but only bacterial infections respond to topical antibiotic treatment. Regardless, many schools do require 24 hours of topical antibiotics for a child with any eye discharge before the child can return to school. This is an appropriate measure to decrease risk of infecting others in the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, but it will not impact risk of spread of viral conjunctivitis.

A doctor should evaluate any skin infections to determine contagiousness and need for treatment.

This includes boils, abscesses, cellulitus, and other new, recurrent, or chronic skin rashes. Skin infections (i.e abscess and other sores) are usually contagious if the infected area is open and draining.

Diarrheal illnesses with and without vomiting are very frequent among children, and can spread very easily. Most cases of diarrhea are viral and the specific pathogen is not necessarily identified. Younger children who are not reliably toilet trained should stay home until diarrhea has resolved for 24 hours. The

recommendation and advises exclusion until 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhea.If a pathogen jurisdictions may have different laws governing exclusion and return to school policies.

Finally, ‘strep throat’ is an infection most people with school-aged children have experienced

more than once. The incubation period is 1 to 3

days and is spread by large respiratory droplets of a child with an infection, or direct contact with nasal/ throat secretions. Current guidelines in many school systems advise exclusion until the completion of 24 hours of antibiotics and avoidance of close contact with other students.

When your child becomes ill it can impact the entire home with rearranging schedules and preventing other members of the family from becoming sick. Use good sanitary measures and talk with your doctor about contagiousness and prevention.

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.

940.455.7200 www.LantanaPediatrics.com 74 McMakin Road, Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226

Mon-Thurs: 7:30am-6:00pm • Friday: 7:30am - 5pm Saturdays: 9am - 12pm

Family

Gizmos & Gadgets

for Your Fluffy Friends

by Susan Neuhalfen

LINK AKC™ SMART COLLAR It’s a Fitbit for your dog, designed to track location, activity, and more all controlled from your smart phone.

Features include: •

GPS and location tracking

•

Activity monitoring (how much your dog has exercised)

•

Remote-controlled light (to help the owner find their dog in the dark)

•

Scrapbook adventures to share on social media

•

Temperature alert if dog may be in an environment that is too hot or cold.

With the LINK AKC™ smart collar, pet owners can make sure their dogs are getting the right level of activity for the dog’s breed, age, and size. Visit LinkAKC.com to learn more. Photo to the right courtesy of Amazon.com.

PETCHATZ Connect with your dog or cat via two-way video chat with PetChatz. This video monitoring system hooks up to the wall and allows you to have conversations with your pet via your computer. Just press the chat button and your dog or cat will see you on the full-color LED display. There is a treat button to drop treats during your conversation to reward your pet.

You can even record your call to share or watch later.

Visit Petchatz.com to learn more. Photo to the left courtesy of Petchatz.com.

APPS FOR CATS If you’re too tired to throw a ball of yarn around and want some “close” time with Fluffy, there are a variety of cat play apps for electronics. Fluffy can play on the iPad or phone while on your lap. Here are a few free ones: •

Game for Cats – iPad (on iTunes)

•

Crazy Cat – Android (on GooglePlay)

•

Friskies Games for Cats – play online or download to Android or IOS www.gamesforcats.com

•

Paint for Cats for iPad - (on iTunes) is not free but worth an honorable mention. Your cat chases a rainbow colored mouse on the screen and its paw leaves splatters of paint. So not only does your cat get to have some fun, but Fluffy creates a masterpiece that you can save and share.

12 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

DOG BOWL WATER BOTTLE In the Texas heat, it’s hard to keep Fido hydrated. It just got easier with the Dog Bowl Water Bottle. With just a squeeze of the bottle, the attached dish fills with water for your dog to easily drink. It’s leak-proof and excess water drains back into the bottle to minimize waste. An adjustable velcro strap lets you attach the bottle to a backpack, belt, or wrist. Fits any standard car cup holder. Visit www. uncommongoods. com to learn more. Photo to the right courtesy of Amazon.com.

CATABLE Fluffy won’t feel the need to sit on our keyboard with the CATable. Those the top surface works as a desk, the rest of the table is designed with a network of smooth wooden tunnels that are just the right size for your cat to creep and crawl through. This is just one of many zany ideas. Visit boredpanda.com/cat-furniture and prepare to have your mind blown.

Designed by Koichi Futatsumata, photo below courtesy of boredpanda.com.

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 13

Family | Counseling

R

elationships are precarious by nature. Calm and refreshing one moment, and rapidly changing

direction the next. Once someone

equation, all the elements of a potential storm are present. The interaction

will cause an attuned adjustment, or

both sides will rise to create towering

thunderclouds. So, what about you and your significant other? What is in your

were not positive or responsive, we learn to question the intentions of others and

protect ourselves more relationally. The mistrust creates an anxious style of relating to others and/or we avoid emotional connection.

Differences in these most basic

orientations are at the heart of most misunderstandings. As humans we

“relationship cloud”?

are wired for connection with an innate

One potential element that influences

contact with significant others throughout

our current relationship is past

experiences in our family of origin. Our

individual response to current relational stress is profoundly shaped by early

experiences with a parent or primary

caregiver. Security in these early bonds

form as our caregivers provide consistent, responsive, and emotionally attuned

care. This secure base promotes courage to explore our world and provides

motivating force to seek and maintain

our entire life span. When relational stress begins to churn, the pain of disconnection and the fear of loss or separation can

trigger a strong reaction. I wonder what your relationship cloud might look like

if you took care to answer two universal

needs with your words and actions, “Do you love me?” and “Will you be there for me?”

safety and attunement when we return

Are there storms in your life? I can help

these interactions produces a positive

about your storms and we can make a

for comfort. The resulting rhythm of

you. Call me for a free 15 min consultation

perspective about ourselves and those

plan. 940-222-8703 ext 703

14 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

photo by Cortney Lang Photography

other than you is added to the relational

around us. If these early experiences

by Laura Westbrook, LPC Intern Supervised

by Christy Graham, LPCS at Acorn Counseling Education Services 940.222.8703 ex. 703 laura@acorncounseling.services

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 15

by Steve Gamel

Family

T

he high school football season ended last month and postseason honors are rolling in. Guyer, in particular, was well represented when the District 6-6A AllDistrict team was released.

The Wildcats finished with nine selections

named to the Texas Associated

superlative honors. Leading the charge

as an honorable mention.

to this year’s team, including two

for Guyer was sophomore running back Kaedric Cobbs. Cobbs, the primary

workhorse in what has always been a

Below is the complete All-District team for District 6-6A.

district’s offensive newcomer of the

DISTRICT 6-6A ALL-DISTRICT TEAM

steady rushing attack, was named the year with McKinney Boyd freshman Collin Drake.

Cobbs, who transferred from Melissa in

the offseason, was an absolute monster all year and finished his first year

with the Wildcats having rushed for 1,362 yards and 25

touchdowns. He was also a great pass catcher out of

the backfield, catching 10 balls for 135 yards.

He was joined by

sophomore Grant Mahon, who was

named the defensive

newcomer of the year.

John Lanz, a recent TCU signee, was

one of three first-

team selections for

Guyer. Lanz was also 16 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

Press Sports Editors all-state team

District MVP: Matt Gadek, McKinney, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Brock Sturges, Allen, Sr. Defensive Player of the Year: Tkai Lloyd, Allen, Sr. Special Teams Player of the Year: Blair Zepeda, Plano East, Sr. Offensive Newcomer of the Year: Kaedric Cobbs, Guyer, So.; Collin Drake, McKinney Boyd, Fr. Defensive Newcomer of the Year: Grant Mahon, Guyer, So. Coaching Staff of the Year: Allen

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

Quarterback: Grant Tisdale, Allen, Jr.

Quarterback: Jonathan Taylor, Plano, Sr.;

Running Back: Brock Sturges, Allen, Sr.; Kaedric Cobbs, Guyer, So.;

Brandon Mallory, Plano East, Jr.; Rashad Dixon, Wylie, Jr.

Matt Gadek, McKinney, Sr.;

Running Back: David Addo, Wylie, Sr.;

Receivers: Carson Schleker, Allen, Sr.;

Receivers:

Andrew Nwachakwu, Wylie, Sr.

Donavan Ollie, Wylie, Jr.;

Kyron Cumby, Plano, Jr. Theo Wease, Allen, Jr.; Tight End/H-Back:

Josh Nicholson, Guyer, Sr. Center: Kirubel Taddesse, McKinney, Sr. Offensive Line:

Kingsford Quaye, Wylie, Sr.

Quinton Quirrenbach, McKinney, Sr.; Jalen Anderson, Plano East, Jr. Tight End/H-Back:

Andrew Magee, Allen, Sr. Center: Akanimoh (AK) Inyang, Plano, Sr.

Mason Grosser, Allen, Sr.;

Offensive Line:

John Lanz, Guyer, Sr.;

Caleb Gill, Guyer, Sr.;

EJ Ndoma-Ogar, Allen, Jr.;

Tai Brooks, Allen, Jr.;

Zuri Henry, Wylie, Sr.

Kris Estep, McKinney, Sr.;

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE Defensive Tackle:

Jason McConahey, McKinney, Sr.; Joseph Farrer, Plano, Sr.;

Trey Hermpstead, Plano East, Sr.; Kyler Coker, McKinney, Sr.

Jayden Jernigan, Allen, Jr.; Arian Bhat, Guyer, Sr.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

Defensive End: Austin Price, Allen, Sr.;

Defensive Tackle: Seth Mason, Allen, Jr.;

Keyon Hurse, Plano, Jr. Inside Linebacker:

Ryan Angeloni, Allen, Sr.; Jordan Hunt, Wylie, Sr. Outside Linebacker:

Colton Manning, Allen, Sr.; Kevin Watts, Wylie, Sr.

Cornerback: Jevon Jones, Allen, Sr.; Gaseven McGrue, Wylie, Sr.

Justin Stewart, McKinney Boyd, Sr.

Defensive End: Grant Mahon, Guyer, So.; Jackson Hill, McKinney, Sr.; Chris Shaw, Wylie, Sr. Inside Linebacker:

Tre Turner, Guyer, Sr.;

Brent Matiscik, McKinney Boyd, Jr.;

Cameron Maddox, McKinney Boyd, Jr. Outside Linebacker:

Safety: Taj Bickham, Allen, Sr.;

Dylan Bourey, Guyer, Sr.;

De’Ray Darthard, Guyer, Sr.;

Cornerback: Seth Meador, Guyer, So.;

Tkai Lloyd, Allen, Sr.;

Kentavious Bradley, Plano, Sr. Kicker: Blair Zepeda, Plano East, Sr. Punter: Jack Grimes, Allen, Sr.; Gavin Baechle, McKinney, Sr. Deep Snapper:

Cody Crist, Plano, So.

Andrew Pitts, McKinney Jr.

Safety: CJ Johnson, Allen, Sr.; Kyle Hinds, Plano West, Sr.

Kicker: Brady Ellsworth, Allen, Sr.; Gavin Baechle, McKinney, Sr.

Jake Smith, McKinney, Sr.

Punter: Jack Swearingen, Plano West, Jr.

Returner: Taj Bickham, Allen, Sr.

Deep Snapper: Scott Vallee, Allen, Jr. JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 17

Family | College Prep

V

How To Get Into Your TOP CHOICE FOR COLLEGE

anguard College Prep has been working to provide holistic preparation in the Denton community over the last 5 years. Instead of a taking a cliche one-sizefits-all approach prevalent in the education industry, we address the college application process through meaningful test-prep, individualized college counseling, and essay consultation that is tailored to each student.

When it comes to competitive college

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLLEGE

to getting into your dream school.

you’re interested in, keep in mind class-

admissions, these are the three key steps KNOW YOUR STUFF

In showcasing your smarts, there’s no

faking it. The best way to achieve high

scores is through engaging in meaningful learning with the content and aligning your focus to the test. Discover your

areas of weakness, and seek to better understand those concepts. Keep

practicing, and take full, timed tests.

18 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

While you build the list of colleges

size, location, and program specialities.

Consider what you’re looking for from a social and academic environment. Visit

negligible has never been more important for families. Start early. Find out your Expected Family Contribution to know how much to save. Know what scholarships you qualify for, and prep wellwritten essays to win.

colleges early, so you have a chance

to see these factors in action. Discover what you want, and work to tailor your applications to the colleges that fit.

PLAN FINANCIALLY

As tuition costs rise, keeping debt

Vanguard College Prep 214.488.4333 www.vanguardcp.com Rockbrook Dr., # 307 Lewisville, TX 75067

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 19

Family | Edit This

W

hen I had my Edit This® website rebuilt from scratch a few months ago, the biggest

concern I had was making sure I didn’t lose all my blog content.

I had roughly 60 individual blog posts covering all sorts of topics related to

blogs add to the current blog’s topic.

For example, a month ago I wrote a post

telling readers that Edit This is the perfect choice to help write or edit their next

blog. In it, I included a link to a blog on 7 reasons why I love to blog. This provides depth to every post.

writing and editing – and there were more

Write follow-up blogs on a

real estate that I worked hard on. Naturally,

You can write follow-up posts that are

on the way. That’s a ton of valuable online I wanted every bit of it saved.

I had a smart web designer in my corner and it all worked out fine, but all that stressing got me thinking about the

previous topic

related to an older and perhaps more

Create a presentation

In February, I was asked to use an older blog as the topic for a speaking engagement. Not only was the topic something I was incredibly passionate about, but the content was done. All I had to do was create a slideshow. I did something similar for a radio interview, and I’ve been asked to do the same presentation two more times.

detailed post. In some cases, you can have

Email your older blog content to clients

the main one.

where I’ll be sitting down with a client and

five or six related posts branching off from

There have been plenty of instances

a particular topic comes up that I know

importance of repurposing old blogs

Repost older blogs on social media

on breathing new life into their content.

I need to do more of moving forward.

expresses interest, I offer to email them a

much like a fresh coat of paint and elbow

repost a blog from 2016 on pluralizing

to it later.

and how some people miss the boat

This is also incredibly easy and something

Your older blogs can be repurposed –

On the day after Thanksgiving, I did

grease can transform your old dresser

last names. It was fun seeing it gain new

to your faithful readers while reaching a

Repurpose blogs with updated content

into a bookshelf – to provide more value potentially larger audience and building your brand.

Instead of linking back to an old post or reposting the original content to social

Here are 6 ways I have repurposed blog content for my business: Link to old blogs in new posts

I work in at least one or two links to

previous blogs I’ve written every time

I write a new blog – especially if those 20 | LANTANA LIVING

traction on Facebook.

| JANUARY 2018

media, take the idea of the original blog and freshen it up with new and updated material. This is especially true for blogs that are five or six years old. Maybe

concepts that were popular back then are now outdated. Refresh your content and add new elements.

I’ve covered in a prior blog. If the client link to the blog post so they can refer back My challenge to you is to incorporate at least one of these blog tips into your routine – whether you have 600 blogs, 60, or 10. And if you need help with the writing and editing of your blog posts, give Edit This a call. You won’t be disappointed.

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 21

Family

Coaching Champions

by Susan Neuhalfen

photos courtesy of Michael Carver

T

hey’re the Lantana dream team of coaches and they have just gone undefeated and won the Super Bowl. Again.

In addition to practicing twice a week,

Lantana residents Michael Carver, Craig Mikolacjack, Todd Arnold, Corey Austin, and Ivan Posada have now won multiple championships for the Lantana Wildcats Youth Football League. The funny thing is, none of them has a kid on the team.

that it helps them to understand what to

“We coached our own kids from 4th

job every time,” said Carver.

on Saturdays (game days). Carver explains

rather impressive level. It also helps them to understand their job on the team.

“We always preach to them about doing their job and getting better at their

Second grade is the first year that tackle is allowed in this league and these coaches are all USA Heads Up Football certified.

This is a very intensive training that each of these coaches has taken, making sure that football is taught the right way and that safety comes first. When asked his thought on 2nd graders playing tackle, Carver has very strong feelings.

Having well-trained,

“The game has changed for the better,” said Carver. “I would much rather my kid learn the right technique of how to tackle early in his career than when he’s playing against kids over 150 pounds.”

Association (LWYFA) has leagues for

www.lantanawildcatsfootball.org.

Carver and his team will begin practice again in August, back with the now 3rd

look for, bringing their “football IQ” to a

“It’s a great life lesson, the

| JANUARY 2018

Interested parents can find out more at

well as their opponents’ games, usually

through 6th grade and they all now play for Harpool Middle School,” said Carver.

“We loved coaching together so much, we decided to start over with the 2nd grade team.”

22 | LANTANA LIVING

that feeds into Guyer High School.

these kids watch film of their games as

grade team. They plan to follow them through their Lantana Wildcats’ careers until they, too, reach middle school age and move on. In the meantime, they are looking forward to getting back on the field. Going from seeing them three times a

harder they work

week to occasionally at

at their job, the

the store isn’t cutting it

better they will be

for Carver. Truth is, he

each week.”

misses the boys.

So what is best thing

unbiased coaches has

about working with kids

to be a dream for the

this young who want to

parents as well.

learn football?

“Yeah, I hear that a lot,” said

“The best thing is that they are so

Carver. “The parents like having

coaches without kids on the team.”

eager to learn the game and want to play the game the right way,” said Carver.

The Lantana Wildcats Youth Football

“Then there’s the fact that they have so much fun doing it. It’s great to be a part

all elementary school ages K-6. Flag

football for K-1st and tackle for 2nd - 6 . th

It is a recreational league and is open to any student from an elementary school

of this.”

See more photos on pg 58

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 23

TEXAS’

Answer to

Lifestyle

Groundhog Day

by Susan Neuhalfen

G

roundhog Day is an annual

happens coincidently on Groundhog

tradition made popular by a

Day. In Bee Cave, Texas, just west

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania,

of Austin, Terry had his property

newspaper editor who promoted

declared the “West Pole” by none

the town’s groundhog as the official

other than the Texas State Legislature.

mascot named Punxsutawney Phil. As

There, Bee Cave Bob is the star. The

legend goes, if the groundhog sees

Armadillo is kept inside a pen in

his shadow he will go back into his

which he has accurately predicted

den for another six weeks to nap until

not only the weather, but the political

winter is over. If he does not see his

climate in Texas as well for eight

shadow, then spring will arrive early.

straight years.

Not to be outdone, Texas has two of spring. The first is the unofficial mascot of Texas, the armadillo. The second is a 13 foot-long alligator named Big Al. Armadillo Day Because the weather in Texas is so unpredictable, not to mention so far from Pennsylvania, Texan Terry Boothe and the Benevolent Knights of the Raccoon started a tradition known as Armadillo Day, which

emerges from his hole, it will be an early spring. He determines the political format in Texas by whether he turns right or left upon leaving his cave.

Bee Cave Bob the Armadillo has his own Facebook page if you want to keep up with all of the activities that day.

photos courtesy of Bee Cave Bob the Armadillo Facebook Page

ways of determining the coming

Here’s how it works: if Bee Cave Bob

Gator Day Gary Saurage, owner of Gator Country in Beaumont decided that instead of trusting weather predictions to an oversized rodent, he would use the appetite of an oversized alligator instead.

Big Al is a 13 foot-long alligator and a resident at Gator Country. Alligators

On Gator Day, Gary dangles pieces of chicken in front of Big Al. If Big Al eats the chicken, that means that he is ready to come out of “hibernation” and spring is near. If he refuses (and he has in the past), that means six more weeks of winter.

Follow Big Al’s predictions on the Gator Country Facebook page.

react to the cold by slowing their metabolic activity during the winter. It’s similar to hibernation in that they don’t

photos courtesy of Gator Country Facebook Page

eat when it gets below 70 degrees and when it gets even colder they will go so far as to dig out the equivalent of a den and go dormant.

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 25

Lifestyle

Tasty Treats

by Susan Neuhalfen

CHICKEN AND BISCUIT DOG TREATS INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• 2 cups whole wheat flour or white

• Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Batter will be thick and sticky.

whole wheat flour

• Drop batter by level tablespoons on parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten each using back of spoon.

• 1 5.3-ounce container nonfat plain

Greek yogurt

• 3/4 cup water

• Bake 12-14 minutes

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Courtesy of twohealthykitchens.com

• Cool completely. Store in fridge

or freezer.

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER DOG TREATS •

2/3 cup pumpkin puree

•

1/4 cup peanut butter

•

2 large eggs

•

3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed

•

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

•

Use the paddle attachment on the electric mixer and beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until combined. Gradually add flour (2 ½ cups) and keep adding additional until dough is no longer sticky

•

Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough and roll it out to cut desired shapes.

•

Bake 20-25 minutes and let cool completely.

26 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

Courtesy of damndelicious.net

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 27

Lifestyle

Oh What a

YEAR!

by Susan Neuhalfen

L

antana’s Sadie Keller has had quite a year. After finishing another successful Sadie’s Sleigh Toy Drive, the 10 year-old childhood cancer advocate began distributing milestone gifts to other patients, marching and speaking in Washington, D.C. appearing on national news in New York and finally distributing nearly 11,000 toys to other cancer patients and their families for Christmas.

Oh, and did we mention she is finally off chemo after 2 ½ years and in remission?

Let’s take a look back at her incredible 2017 in only their first full year of the Sadie Keller Foundation:

Sadie lobbied at Capitol Hill on behalf of those with childhood cancer twice this year (spring and fall) along with Texas Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) for the Race for Children Act, which was PASSED by Congress and signed into law.

28 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

front of thousands at Curefest, a weekend event centered on making childhood

cancer a national priority. It includes a

walk, candlelight vigil, live music and lots of entertainment as well as celebrities.

Sadie spoke to the Childhood Cancer Caucus in Washington, D.C.

The foundation held its first annual art show and luncheon which will now become an annual event. The show featured original art all done by Sadie herself.

photos courtesy of Sarah Keller

Sadie launched her milestone gifts campaign. When a child of cancer reaches a milestone in his or her cancer treatment, Sadie either sends or delivers a milestone gift to the child. In their first year, they delivered over 280 milestone gifts.

While in Washington, D.C. Sadie spoke in

So what’s next for Sadie and her family?

The Sadie Keller Foundation along with

the Lantana Ladies League held their first

Sadie will be taking her Make a Wish

annual breakfast with Santa event that

Foundation trip to Australia this year.

benefitted Sadie’s Sleigh.

You’ll be sure we’ll have plenty of pictures to share.

The Sadie Keller Foundation set up the

first annual toy shop at Children’s Medical

As the Sadie Keller Foundation continues

Center in Dallas at so that kids with cancer

to grow, they are looking for volunteers

could come and shop for the gifts they

to work a few flexible days a week.

want from Sadie’s Sleigh. As Sadie pointed

Please contact Sarah Keller if you or

out, there isn’t a lot of smiling in chemo

someone you know would be interested

so it was good to see so many smiles from

at Sarah@sadiekellerfoundation.org or by

the children.

messaging their Facebook page Sadie

Keller Foundation. 2018 Sponsorships are On Fox News national television Sadie appeared with Congressmen McCaul

also available. All donations may be made at www.SadieKellerFoundation.org.

to talk about getting more funding for childhood cancer as well as Sadie’s Sleigh.

Sadie’s Sleigh set the audacious goal of 10,000 toys for four hospitals in the DFW area. Just when it seemed it wouldn’t happen, a last minute effort ensued and, as usual, everyone pulled for our girl. She collected nearly 11,000 toys.

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 29

Lifestyle | Gardening

W

e hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a great start to an outstanding 2018!

Our first quarter schedules have come out and it’s going to be a busy one.

Projects can be exciting and the rewards

enjoyed for years to come. Just remember, as we always say: “Good labor ain’t cheap

over, leaving mulched leaves sitting on

example - 70 one day and high of 32 the

leaves returned back to the turf are

annual color types you’ll probably need

the lawn. Studies prove that finely ground actually beneficial for both soil and grass.

Leaving these finely ground leaves in the

soil increases microbial activity and better water filtration. Studies also show that

when the leaves were returned to the soil,

the grass greened up quicker in the spring

and cheap labor ain’t good”. By hiring

and had fewer dandelions. You just want

protect your investments and give yourself

pieces of the leaf in your lawn that will

money are going towards quality.

fall, mow more frequently to ensure they

legitimate, local contractors, you can

to make sure that you’re not leaving large

piece of mind, ensuring that your time and

smother the grass. Grind it up and, as they

Here are some recent calls that

might just answer something you’re wondering about:

Q: So with the weather being so back-

and-forth, our trees haven’t cooperated and we still have quite a few leaves

blowing around but don’t want to pay for someone to come back out and bag.

A: There’s a couple options here but the easiest would be to mow them back in

to the lawn. Use your lawn service or set

your mower to mulch and run everything 30 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

break down as needed.

Q: With the recent freezing temps do we need to shut down or drain the sprinkler system?

A: Yes and No. It is Texas, and we never know what we are going to get, but I

wouldn’t be too worried about draining

the irrigation system. If installed properly,

next. Depending on rain amounts and

to water at times throughout the winter

if you want to enjoy some color. On your sprinkler system, flip the controller to off

when freezing and back on when we are going to see a couple of warmer days in a row. That way everything can get what

it needs. Obviously, if we experience rain (depending on how much we get), that

may supplement the need for water for a few days.

We are off to a GREAT start here in 2018 and SO EXCITED about what’s to come!

As you’re sifting through your various

projects lists remember you’ve got some of the best contractors in the Denton

County right here, so shop local for your

next project. Wishing you the best of luck in 2018!

your lines should be able to withstand some freezing temperatures without

issue. Just ensure that your cover/wrap any exposed valves and or shut-offs

during freezing temps. Take last week for

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 31

New Year

Roof NEW

by Susan Neuhalfen

W

e’re approaching the one-year deadline to file any home claims after the big hailstorm that hit North Texas in 2017.

For those who were waiting in case another storm hit or wanting to miss the rush, you need to act now. That means, first and foremost having someone in your corner to help you understand what damage was done and what is owed to you by the insurance company.

“The roof is the main variable in

filing a claim,” said Lantana resident

Chris Mortimer, owner of Halo Storm Restoration. “You always want to

have someone on your side to be your advocate.”

one time so we’re not having to go back and forth.”

The good news is, if the adjustor misses

something or, if you’ve

already had the adjustor

Chris and his wife moved to Lantana

come out, it’s not the end

family. They love living in Lantana and

always file a claim later,

their neighbors. Even Lantana resident

is approaching, it’s best

almost two years ago to be closer to

of the world. They can

especially love the opportunity to help

but because the deadline

and RE/MAX agent Cassandra Homer

said that it was Chris, up on her roof to inspect it after the storm, who pointed out a lot of things that the insurance adjustor did not see.

to act now.

Halo Storm Restoration

will come to your house

it’s best to have Halo Storm Restoration come and make sure

Even Lantana resident and RE/MAX agent Cassandra Homer said that it was Chris, up on her roof to inspect it after the storm...

for free. Chris himself

claim. Then let Chris and his team help you understand the process for roof claims and rebuilds. How often have you been through this process?

For most, this is the first time. Halo Storm Restoration does this

but the damage to your gutters and

take to not only get you a new roof, but a

“We want to point out all of the damage at

other materials surrounding the house.

| JANUARY 2018

been reported on the

daily so they understand the ins and outs

the roof and inspect not only the roof,

32 | LANTANA LIVING

that everything has

(or one of his trusted crew) will get on

“It is a lot easier if I can be there when the

insurance adjustor comes out,” said Chris.

Even if the adjustor has already filed,

of working with insurance what it will better quality roof.

“These people in Lantana are my neighbors. I’m going to see them every day so I want to build their roof the exact same way my roof is being built.” — Chris Mortimer, owner of Halo Storm Restoration pictured from left to right: Audrey, Katie, Chris and Kason Mortimer

For Halo Storm Restoration, it’s all about quality. Chris keeps a loyal crew on his

roofing team. He pays more to keep the

Sponsored Content

photography by Your Candid Memories (yourcandidmemories.com)

same group because they know exactly

how to do things to his tough standards.

Halo is also certified through GAF - a top roofing manufacturer for shingles, felts and more - which means that by using only their products, everything comes

with a 50-year warranty. They are also the

only brand that is stocked at Home Depot, so if you ever wanted to add a patio it

would be easy to match the shingle. It is

important to Chris that every roof has the

quality of materials they require as well as the best crew to install it.

“These people in Lantana are my

neighbors,” said Chris. “I’m going to see them every day so I want to build their roof the exact same way my roof is being built.”

When it comes to putting on your new

roof, Halo Storm Restoration doesn’t cut

corners. They remove everything down to

the decking to make sure that there’s no rotting on the wood. They install a superior felt that is breathable so that the attic is ventilated as well. Most importantly, they make sure the homeowner is involved every step of the way.

“We make sure the homeowner understands exactly what to expect and when,” said Chris. “We are transparent with everything, from process to pricing.”

They also believe in keeping everything on the up and up. They have an A+ rating with the BBB and are a Christian-based company who believe in doing the right thing. Besides, they have already fixed over 100 roofs in Lantana, so if you need a reference just ask a neighbor.

“Call me today and just let me know where you are in the process,” said Chris. “We’ll come out and inspect your roof for free. We’re your neighbors. We want to help.”

214.546.5101

www.WeFixHolyRoofs.com 5900 South Lake Forest Dr., Suite 300 McKinney, TX 75070

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 33

34 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 35

Lifestyle

Lantana Girl Scouts Are

Smart Cookies

by Susan Neuhalfen

I

t’s that time again…time for the Girls Scouts to begin their cookie sales and Lantana’s Girl Scout troop 7879 is ready!

The troop will be going door-to-door with cookies on hand to sell to their

Lantana neighbors. They will also have the usual “cookie booths” in front of Kroger, Walmart (in Highland Village and on Loop 288

Juniors. Coker also has help from her daughter who is a Cadette Scout in a

different troop. She attended Girl Scout

leadership training this fall and now she helps with the meetings and events.

scouts in the troop (4th and 5th graders)

will be working with Apollo Animal Rescue

participating in the Trinity

is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior

began with members of the troop River Living Science

Center’s Scout badge

Club on University in

is also an online option

helping the animals. The Bronze Award can achieve. The Juniors work in a team on a community project. They choose

day, where volunteers

their project based on a need within

Daisies, Juniors and

consultation, they work toward a solution

had programs for

Denton. Finally, there

co-leads the troop.

In the coming months, the Junior-level

in Justin to earn their Bronze award by

Lowe’s and Sam’s

who along with Julie Ryan

its surroundings.

December alone was a busy month. It

in Denton), JoAnn’s,

according to Julie Coker

learn more about the tower and

Brownies as well as Cub

Scouts at all levels. Each

had the opportunity to earn

badges and awards. Julie’ girls worked

their community. Through research and

and learn that they can make a difference.

“Girl Scouts isn’t just about camping

and crafts, it’s about building courage,

confidence and character and teaching

“We want to continue to develop each

on their Hiking Badge and nearly finished

each girl, with permission and a little

Their December meeting was focused on

help them build this foundation as they

of Meals on Wheels. They went to the

of fun.“

scout’s interest in STEM,” said Coker. “So help from her parents, will have their own online cookie store where family and friends may order cookies.”

another badge.

face challenges. Besides that, it’s just a lot

Nutcracker and even managed to squeeze

Lantana is looking to start a Daisy troop

in a trip to Reunion Tower GeO-Deck. The

overseas. With a $4 donation for each box,

the girls performed a scavenger hunt to

the Girl Scouts send cookies for them to

Troop” - from Girl Scout Troops to Military Troops. All of the proceeds help send the girls to camp.

It’s a wonder they even have time given all of their activities. The Lantana-based

multi-level troop consists of girls grades 3rd through 5th who are Brownies and 36 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

fog didn’t stop the fun or the learning as

for Kindergarteners in Lantana elementary schools. Interested parties should contact Julie at 913.707.0044.

photo courtesy of Juile Coke

enjoy. This program is called “Troop to

they grow into adults, it’s important to

making handmade cards for recipients

Cookie lovers also have the option to

purchase boxes of cookies for the military

girls about leadership,” said Coker. “As

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 37

Lifestyle

HOLIDAY Family Pictures

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.

40 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 41

Lifestyle

Valentine’s Day I

f you’re looking for some good Valentine’s Day ideas for you and your sweetheart, there are a variety of different ways to spend the day while still staying close to home.

SHOAL CREEK TAVERN

SAVORY BISTRO

by Susan Neuhalfen

CLOUD 9 SPA AND SALON

1701 Shoal Creek Dr., Highland Village 972-317-2250

2650 FM 407, Bartonville Town Center 940-584-0255

1651 Justin Rd., Flower Mound 972-317-4384

This is just an all-around great restaurant.

It’s casual, it’s fun, the food is fantastic. The biggest problem will be decidingwhat to have. Just make sure to share. For those still stickingto their New Year’s resolution, Jesse James has his own JJ mark on the menu with dishes that he recommends to stay on track. Start with the smoked Old Fashioned. You won’t regret it.

At Savory Bistro on Valentine’s Day you will have your table for the night so there’s no feeling rushed, it’s just a calm, romantic evening full of great food and wine. They make sure it’s a special night for their customers by serving a wildly romantic chef tasting menu with paired wines. They are taking reservations and have since before Christmas so you’d better call now.

His and hers pedicures are always a nice way to start a date night or how about his and hers massages (you won’t be in the same room, but you’ll be relaxing at the same time)? There are also facials and other amenities and the atmosphere is very comfortable for men so there’s no chance he will feel uneasy. It’s a wonderful way to relax together.

THE WILDHORSE GRILL

LOGAN’S FISH HOUSE

9400 Ed Robson Blvd., Denton 940-246-1080 This Texas style ranch has a beautiful, hunting lodge atmosphere with amazing food. It’s warm and cozy and you won’t have traffic problems or parking issues because you’re in the opposite direction of the busy shopping areas.

BARLEY AND BOARD

100 W. Oak St., Denton 940-566-3900 Located in the Denton Square the atmosphere is amazing and you can get anything from a cheeseboard to slow roasted port tenderloin. They also have a huge variety of beers and cocktails. Make sure you have reservations…and not just for Valentine’s Day. 42 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

721 E. Hundley, Lake Dallas 940-498-7711 This is a more casual date night, but just because you can dine in jeans doesn’t mean the food isn’t first class. You can dine on ahi tuna but you can also enjoy all-you-can-eat-catfish. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the hushpuppies.

MOVIEHOUSE AND EATERY

951 Lone Prairie Rd., Flower Mound 972-355-6363 The food is really good along with a full bar and endless popcorn. Enjoy the movies without kids this time and see something rated higher than G. You definitely need a reservation so go to themoviehouse.com/flowermound/ movies to purchase tickets.

PRIME FARM TO TABLE

5810 Long Prairie Rd., #200, Flower Mound 972-539-1902 Tucked away in the plaza behind Compass Bank, the food is not only upscale but very unique. The menu is created daily depending on what is fresh from the local farmers so your food choices are always different and always fabulous.

THE TABLE

3701 Justin Rd., #150, Flower Mound 972-874-1010 If you’re looking for downtown Dallas quality without the drive, this is the perfect place. The food is extraordinary. They offer everything from pierogies and schnitzel to pan seared Scottish Salmon. This restaurant is usually booked well in advance…and for good reason. Make reservations now.

HANNAH’S OFF THE SQUARE

1111 W. Mulberry St., Denton 940-566-1110 Located just off the Square in Denton, Hannah’s is described as casual, fine dining but it truly is a romantic, beautiful restaurant with extraordinary food. Call in advance for Valentine’s Day reservations.

ESCAPE ROOM HQ

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!

CINNAMON CREEK RANCH

1565 W. Main St., #495, Lewisville 469-312-8777

13794 Old Denton Rd., Roanoke 817-439-8998

If you want to try something different for Valentine’s Day, this is it. Race against the clock to put together the clues and escape one of the many themed rooms. All of their escape rooms were designed by a former Army Ranger intelligence officer turned undercover police officer so these rooms are based on real-life mysteries, offering you and your Valentine an unforgettable night. It’s also a great way to meet people if you don’t have a date.

Here’s a new twist to Valentine’s Day: Couples by the Creek which is date night at Cinnamon Creek Ranch (and it’s not just Valentine’s Day, they have it every month).

Have a great time with archery including archery tag and archery hover ball. The food is spectacular, prepared by owner Joe Musacchio and it’s BYOB. At $100 per couple for food and archery, you just can’t beat that.

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.

COYOTE DRIVE IN

1901 Midway, Lewisville 214-222-9208 Cuddle up with your date in the car for a drive in movie. Bring a blanket and some snacks and you’ll have a night you won’t soon forget.

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 43

Lifestyle

Treats for THE BIG GAME

by Susan Neuhalfen

CAN’T MISS 7-LAYER DIP INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

•

16 ounces refried beans

•

1 (1 1/4 oz.) package taco seasoning

Mix refried beans with taco seasoning and layer in casserole dish as follows:

•

1 cup sour cream

•

1 cup guacamole

•

1 cup salsa

•

1 cup lettuce

•

1 cup Mexican blend cheese

•

1 cup tomatoes

•

refried beans with taco seasoning

•

sour cream

• guacamole • salsa • lettuce • cheese • tomatoes

INGREDIENTS:

HERE’S HOW TO MAKE IT:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in Italian seasoning, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese • 2 - 5 oz bags mini pepperoni slices, divided • 3 green onions, thinly sliced • ½ cup chopped, cooked bacon • 1 4 oz jar diced pimientos, drained and patted dry 44 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

By hand, mix in half (one - 5 oz bag) of the pepperoni slices, green onions, bacon, and pimientos.

Spoon cheese mixture into a bowl lined with plastic wrap. Wrap the cheese ball firmly in plastic wrap, transfer to cutting board or hard surface and shape into football.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and cover with remaining pepperoni, pressing gently. Top with cut cheese slices to look like football laces.

Serve with breadsticks, crackers or veggies.

Recipe courtesy of www.momontimeout.com

photos courtesy of www.momontimeout.com

• 8 oz finely shredded mozzarella cheese

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 45

Lifestyle

T

Handmade Treasures

for Your Fur Baby

by Susan Neuhalfen

here's very little in life more fun than spoiling your fur baby. After all, they are an extension of their owners and, unlike children, won't fuss when dress them up. In honor of our little rascals, here is the latest in handmade couture. These pieces are perfect for pictures or special occasions.

BOW TIES

APPAREL

KNITS

BaylorsBowTies

DivaDogBowtique

LyudmilaHandmade

Handmade Dog Bow Ties

Unique Handmade Dog Dresses, Bows & Formal Wear

Knit fashionable clothes for pet dogs.

photos courtesy of BaylorsBowTies via Etsy.com

photos courtesy of DivaDogBowtique via Etsy.com

photos courtesy of LyudmilaHandmade via Etsy.com

46 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 47

Making

Yourself

GOOD DECISIONS in a

Not-So-Good World

by Susan Neuhalfen

W

hat started as a book has now, as predicted, become a movement.

Inspired Right: Your American

Opportunity is about right vs. wrong.

It’s about the actions and decisions that are being taken in our world

“Parents should be teaching these

Our society feeds this epidemic,

responsibility to schools and other

media feeds on this, politics thrive on

skills but often they outsource that

entities,” said Brian. “Some parents

it. Our society resolves conflict

personal skills.”

of simply listening to find common

don’t know how to teach

Employers tell Searcy every day that

a movement to bring back the basic

candidates with basic problem

have fallen out of our society.

They won’t take responsibility

our co-workers and our children. It’s

they are unable to find qualified

principles and personal skills that

solving skills. They listen to respond.

personal skills,” said Brian Searcy, CEO of Main Street Pilot and Co-

Author of Inspired Right. “Increasing numbers of people simply don’t

know how to make good decisions

anymore. Fortunately, our company offers help through new programs and materials for every learning audience.”

How did this happen? The basic

structure of the family has changed over generations. With two parents

working, many of the personal skills

that were usually taught in the home, are simply not.

it and the current culture perpetuates

grew up without it themselves so they

today by our friends, our neighbors,

“95% of our youth today are lacking

where opinion becomes fact. The

for their actions and everything is someone

else’s fault.

“It’s an epidemic in our current

society,” said Mark Stratton, Director of Programming.

through anger and bullying instead ground with the objective of better outcomes.

Our schools teach the hard skills:

math, science, reading, writing, SATs, Staar Tests, TASC tests, etc.

95%

According to Harvard

and Stanford studies, only 15% of a

of our youth today are lacking personal skills.

“Somewhere along

the way, parents stopped

teaching their children life skills and

I’m not just talking about millennials.

The problem spans across four

generations. There seemed to be

a decline along the way of how to teach, learn and use these skills.”

person’s success

is based on hard skills. 85% of

success depends

on personal skills,

such as problem

solving and personal

responsibility, but how

do they learn personal skills

development if they are not being taught effectively?

“We are now the ‘How’,” says Mark.

The folks at Main Street Pilot have developed a number of simple

Employers tell Searcy every day that they are unable to find qualified candidates with basic problem solving skills.

and effective programs to help provide the “How,” giving anyone the ability to

accelerate the development of personal skills in new and impactful ways.

Options for teaching and learning these critical skills are available as Decision Navigation™ classes and

courses on line, with program content and materials

available for direct use by

employers to complement professional development and ethics requirements.

There are also exciting

programs for K-12 and higher education teaching and learning audiences.

Main Street Pilot’s approach to teaching and learning is by delivering content to

audiences over an appropriate period of time. These skills cannot be developed effectively without repetition and

practical use, so the content is delivered

progressively, a little at a time, to promote

and better understand decision making

Main Street Pilot is already working with

on a personal level. Programs can span 15

corporations, small businesses, colleges,

weeks for educators and up to 48 weeks for employers. Included along the way are many opportunities to put this knowledge to use with increasing confidence.

public schools and churches to help their clients develop individual, positive, self-respecting personal skills that are desperately needed in our society today.

Obviously, with their

“Only 15% of a person’s

varied client base, each

success is based on hard

program is tailored for different conditions

skills. 85% of success

depends on personal skills.”

Main Street Pilot has also developed technology-based and micro-learning content to appeal to the learning behavior of younger learners and corporate executives alike.

depending on the clients’ circumstances, but with the same basic principles.

“Everyone is experiencing these problems, whether in business or closer to home,” said Mark. “The good news is there is now a beacon of positive possibilities out there

“What our audiences are experiencing is a very personal approach to building confidence in making better decisions, whether learning on their own or in larger

for those who want to change

groups,” said Mark.

offered visit mainstreetpilot.com.

this epidemic.”

For more information on the programs

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 49

Yourself

TAKE OUT B

From the Gym

by Susan Neuhalfen

aby it’s cold outside. Sometimes it’s hard to get motivated to get to the gym and once you get there, your

motivation wanes.

What if the gym came to you? Complete

well as a degree in psychology. He has the background and education to work with any training and nutrition challenges. He will spend more time working with you on

Michael is also well versed in nutrition

Meet Steve and Kristin Clark, owners of

“One of the biggest benefits I hear from

program that comes to you.

“So many people want to reach their

goals but don’t know how to get there,” said Steve. “We make it easier to help them achieve results by tailoring a program for them.”

GYMGUYZ will come to your house,

garage, a park, or wherever you like to exercise and bring the equipment you

clients is that they have better mobility because they’re able to do things they weren’t able to do before,” said Michael

“Everyone is able to get food delivered now you can get your fitness the same way,” said Josh.

“Think of us as take out from the gym.”

need to reach your goals. They take

measurements, do a biometric read (BMI, muscle mass, body fat, etc.), discuss

nutrition and put together a package that

works specifically for you. By the way, they will train couples as well.

“There’s a certain accountability when couples train,” said Steve. “We always

recommend working out with someone.”

The trainer, Michael, is a big fit guy that looks like a bar bouncer, but don’t let

who spends the first 3-4 weeks with a client making sure that exercises are done right. “That comes from proper training. If you’re even a few degrees off, you could be exercising the wrong muscle or worse, doing damage to yourself.”

Michael explained that he has to get a lot more creative with his exercises but he thinks it makes for a better workout.

his looks deceive you. He’s a non-stop

“It breaks that stigma of waiting for a

degree in athletic training/kinesiology as

of only working on certain machines at

research bookworm with a master’s

50 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

results and you won’t do that if you’re stuck in the same routine.”

form than anything.

Texas area. GYMGUYZ is a mobile fitness

confidence a lot quicker when you see

is a stickler for exercise done right and

with a trainer to help and motivate you? the GYMGUYZ franchise for the North

the gym,” said Michael. “It builds your

machine and then getting into the habit

and loves to help clients with gradually

changing their meal plans. He prefers a comfortable approach – no binging or

starving – and whatever you do, don’t say the word “diet” to him.

“If diets worked there wouldn’t be

thousands of them,” he said frankly.

GYMGUYZ Founder & CEO Josh York said that he came up with the GYMGUYZ idea for his clients’ convenience.

“Everyone is able to get food delivered now you can get your fitness the same

way,” said Josh. “Think of us as take out from the gym.”

With no drive time, clients save at least

an hour out of their day with no back and

forth driving, traffic and no excuses to turn around or stay in bed. When asked the

craziest place he ever taught a class, Josh said that he actually conducted a class in the subway in New York. No kidding.

The Clark’s GYMGUYZ services Argyle, Flower Mound, Bartonville, Highland

Village and western Lewisville, as well as

Colleyville, Keller and Southlake. For more information call 972-538-0999.

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 51

THE WEIGHT LOSS SECRET FOR BABY BOOMERS THAT

IS GOING TO HAVE THEM

LOOKING GREAT D

on’t you hate walking into the gym and feeling like everyone is judging you? Just because you’re older doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be there. Do you feel like losing weight is a lost cause, just because you are over 60? Is it hard for you to lose weight because there is no one there to help you? I understand what you are going through. These are the most common things I hear from my patients on why they were not able to lose weight.

So what do you do? Do you go on an extreme diet that you read on the Internet? Do you follow a diet you saw on TV? Or do you just give up and not even worry about it?

Has anyone ever sat you down to really explain to you what happens when you gain weight?

MORE BAD FAT IN YOUR BODY CAN: 1. MAKE IT HARD FOR YOUR HEART TO WORK 2. MAKE YOU SICK 3. INCREASE THE CHANCES OF DIABETES 4. INCREASE THE RISK OF GETTING CERTAIN CANCERS 5. MAKE YOU FEEL SLUGGISH 6. MAKE YOU FEEL DEPRESSED

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So the real question is, are you ready to get healthy and feel good about the way you look and feel? Are you ready to show other people that they are wrong and that you can lose weight.

THE FACT THAT YOU ARE 60 OR OVER MEANS THAT YOU CAN: 1.

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BE HEALTHY LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD FEEL SEXY BE HAPPY

These are all things that I see in all of my patients that decide they are fed up with the status quo.

How do we do it? If you’re looking for a magic bullet, stop reading right now.

There is no such thing when it comes to losing weight and getting healthy. It takes good old fashioned hard work, knowledge, fat-slimming technology, and a good team behind you that will support you.

There is no trickery, no games; just a great process that gets YOU results!

Here is what we have been able to do: 1. Help patients over 60 lose weight when all else has failed 2. Help patients get off of their medications 3. Help patients feel good about themselves 4. Help patients look good 5. We make our patients HAPPY Like I said, no games, no tricks, just doing LOSING WEIGHT the right way that makes sense.

What you can expect: 1. FDA approved therapy that achieves immediate fat loss 2. Nutritional help 3. Meal planning 4. One-on-one private in-office physical training 5. Caring help 6. Sustainable weight loss If you would like to find out if this is the right solution for you, here is what I want you to do:

If you are 60 years or older and ready to start your life of happiness and joy for 2018, CALL 940-202-1196 for a

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This offer is good for the first 21 callers only! For more information visit www.makemeskinny.info

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 53

Yourself | 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 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 foundation. With your oral health, it’s

back to the basics of brushing, flossing,

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 include setting up a reminder in your

phone or creating a progress chart. It

may even be helpful to place floss next

to your sink as a daily reminder to floss.

54 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

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 the year to consider orthodontic

or Invisalign treatment. With advances in dental technology and cosmetic

treatment, it is much easier now more the ever to improve your smile with veneers

or replacing teeth with implants. For any treatment you may have been putting off, now is a great time to discuss these options with your dentist.

As you start off 2018 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 who is a owner of Country Lakes Family Dental CountryLakesDental.com

photography by Your Candid Memories (yourcandidmemories.com)

new ways to improve ourselves, even our

Over course, educating yourself on the

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 55

Yourself | Fitness

Lasting Changes

for You, Not the New Year

R

esearch has found that approximately 50% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions,

but only 8% stick to them. Why do

most people fail at their New Year’s

resolutions? There are many reasons, including setting unrealistic goals,

of making the change, but procrastinating

Thousands of clients at one of our 4

begin change

their WHY to be healthier outweighed

and still not motivated enough to

Preparation - Ready to take action,

usually within the month and often have developed a plan of action

believing that a positive change will

Action - Specific lifestyle modifications

a resolution will motivate them to make a

and a person intends to continue moving

make their life better, and believing that

desired change. However, lots of people

have changes they want to make, but they are not necessarily ready to make.

At Jesse James Fit, Outlaw Bootcamp &

Outlaw Fit-Camp, we talk about knowing your WHY. If your WHY is not strong

enough to motivate you to take action

on your desired behavior change, it will not happen. Psychologist Dr. James Prochaska developed a model with

stages of change for making behavior changes. This model is one way to

evaluate how ready or unready a person

is to making a change and the likelihood of being successful. The stages and

a person’s readiness in each stage is described as follows:

Pre-contemplation - Not motivated and not ready for help

Contemplation - Getting ready to make a change, usually within 6 months. The

person is educated on the pros and cons 56 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

have been made over the past 6 months forward with the behavior change

Maintenance - This new lifestyle behavior is being sustained for at least 6 months with intention to maintain this behavior and avoid relapse

It all comes down to your WHY. Why do you want to be healthier? If your goal

is to begin an exercise program and you

like the idea of it, but you do not value the benefits of it enough to make the change, you are in the contemplation stage.

However, when you are tired of your poor health limiting your enjoyment of life and

locations began their training because the poor quality of life they were

living. Some clients looked for a place to train (preparation), and then began their

training (took action) because they want to look better or have more energy. But

many clients have found that the benefits of their training extended far beyond

their initial WHY. When clients experience greater outer strength, they find

greater inner strength as well. Both of these changes are so powerful that

they adopt their workout program as a lifestyle (maintenance).

Therefore, as you approach your health and fitness goals, know WHY you want to make the change before you begin

and write it down. When you have a solid WHY, you will set yourself up to make healthy changes that will last far beyond 2018!

you REALLY want to make a change, you

Say good-bye to the cliché unsuccessful

preparation stage begins and you start

changes that contribute to a New You

have just bought into your WHY and the making changes.

New Year’s resolution and hello to for life!

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit, Outlaw Bootcamp & Outlaw Fitcamp JesseJamesFit.com • OutlawBootcamp.com

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 57

READ ARTICLE ON PG. 22

photos courtesy of Michael Carver

58 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 59

Yourself | Makeover

MAKEOVER OF THE MONTH

KATHY AELING K

athy Aeling hasn’t had the easiest year. She is a dedicated mother who works very hard to provide for her family. The person who nominated her said she’s already beautiful inside and out, she just wanted to boost her spirits. Here’s to a great 2018 for you, Kathy!

Cut and style by Cindy Martin

Color by Shannon Burton Shannon added caramel lowlights in the back and blonde babylights toward the crown finishing with dramatic blonde highlights to brighten her face. Once everything processed, Shannon glazed the crown and back with shades of butterscotch.

of the weight out. She used Moroccan

Since Kathy is growing her hair out, Cindy trimmed up the ends to get some balance and slice through the layers to take some Oil’s styling serum and a flat iron to create soft waves throughout.

Wax by Lauren Reyes Lauren provided a brow, lip and chin wax with Berodin Hard Wax and then applied organic aloe Canadian willow bark calming cream.

Makeup by Lexi Ensminger Since Kathy doesn’t wear lots of makeup on a daily basis, Lexi went with hazel eyes with nice combinations of some rose gold shades. She used a light/ medium coverage on the foundation, and added a natural nude pink lip to tie the look together.

Makeover and clothes provided by

214.415.4806 www.cloud9salon.com

BEFORE 60 | LANTANA LIVING

AFTER | JANUARY 2018

Want to be the next Makeover?

Email cloud9salon@cloud9salon.com and tell us why you deserve it!

photography by Jeff Stephens

a very natural look, complementing her

JANUARY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 61

Yourself | Restaurant Review

Swirl Bakery MORE THAN Just a Bakery

214.513.1334 | 3634 Long Prairie Rd. | Flower Mound, TX 75022

W

When you’ve fully finished your sandwich

e all have a sweet tooth, some more than others. Many may resist the occasional

it’s time to move on to dessert, it’s not called Swirl Bakery for nothing. When you

cookie and office muffin but there is one

look around at all the cakes, pies, and

thing no one should be able to resist,

various sweet treats it’s easy to listen to

a chicken salad sandwich. Yes you read

your sweet tooth and over indulge. Don’t

that correctly. You can get sandwiches at

worry we have that problem solved, you

a bakery! Not just any bakery but Flower Mound’s own Swirl Bakery.

When you first walk in you might assume it’s all just cake, cookies and pie. It’s

all within eyesight, apple pie, german chocolate cake, lemon bars and even

cookies. However once you make it to the counter you’ll notice a huge menu that

features various sandwiches, bistro salads, quiches and the soups of the day. It can

be a little overwhelming but you can take your time to read what you might like.

Though there are several tasty options to

choose from, if you’re a first time customer we suggest you try one of their three

62 | LANTANA LIVING

| JANUARY 2018

can’t go wrong with pie. Not just any pie, a chicken salad sandwiches. The office favorite is the Sunday Company Chicken Salad Sandwich. This wonderful chicken salad has grapes, apples, walnuts, celery mayo and parsley. The taste of mayo is more on the subtle side and every bite you get that nice crunch of apple or grape.

Its a great combination of textures that will be sure to please. You can choose to have it on either white, wheat or croissant bread. It comes with house made kettle chips, fruit and a mini muffin, yum!

The atmosphere of the cafe style bakery is very relaxing and reminiscent of a French cafe. On special occasions you might even hear a local musician playing the keyboard piano. No one’s in a rush, and there are several local newspapers and magazines around for you to read while you wait for your food. Since it’s a very peaceful atmosphere, you’ll be sure to unwind and let go of that workweek stress as you read a newspaper and casually eat your tasty meal.

chocolate cream pie.

Their pies come in two sizes nine inch, (your kids would certainly appreciate it) and mini (if you’re of sharing with them).

So go ahead and enjoy your pie, it’s the perfect size so you don’t over indulge.

Besides everyone deserves a pie every so often.

Every visit to Swirl Bakery is like a culinary vacation for breakfast, brunch or lunch.

It’s a well deserved break from the daily hustle and bustle. So stop by, order, pick up a newspaper and relax.