Lakeside, TX August 2024

Loving

on Our Kids and Pets

Soaking Up the Dog Days of Summer

As the summer months draw to a close, it’s time to get the kids ready to go back to school and to get into the new routines of pickups, drop offs, and afterschool activities. The leisurely mornings with our children will come to an end, and the late evenings playing in the yard with our families and pets will be replaced with homework sessions and practices.

I’m thrilled to showcase what the Lakeside community has to offer for our beloved kids and pets as the heat of summer wanes. While being a parent is never easy, the joy our children and four-legged companions bring us is priceless. Their innocence and unwavering love is a stark reminder to keep us in the moment and enjoy precious time with our families.

Children are not just a beacon for a brighter future; they naturally propel us forward. I think of my son and stepdaughters who inspire me daily to be the best version of myself.

It means making myself slow down with the hustle and bustle of daily life and showing up for the small moments. It means spending quality time with our two rescue kitties, Rosie and Layla, and enjoying our daily play time together. It means being present, because I know I cannot get that time back.

In these pages, I hope you find ways to enjoy time with your children and pets. For memories that will last a lifetime, a photography session with esteemed Growing Sprouts owner Amber McMahan is a sure way to capture your children’s personalities while having fun in a tailored studio environment.

Of course, the ultimate way to enjoy the last rays of summer with our kids and pets is to keep cool by the pool. For those looking to upgrade their pool game during the last warm weeks before the chilly weather arrives, America’s Swimming Pool Company owner Joel Davis knows the best options to keep your pool kid and dog friendly.

However you decide to spend time with the special kids and pets in your lives, we hope the memories are as special as they are.

Enjoy!

ALEXIS JACKSON, PUBLISHER @LAKESIDECITYLIFESTYLE

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Alexis Jackson | alexis.jackson@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Gabrielle Bailey | gabrielle.bailey@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Vashti Moore | vashti.moore@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shannon Spake, Vashti Moore

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amber McMahan, Alexis Jackson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

Spiritas Ranch

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

with other local businesses at Little Elm's Brew and Que. 2: Little Elm Chamber celebrate a ribbon cutting at Conspiracy Ink

a 4 1/2-year-old Yorkie, and Ruger, a 3-year-old Micro Yorkie, enjoy pool time. 4: Kids enjoy a cold treat during at hot day at the Union Park Celebration. 5: Aubrey Chamber's Jana Temple hangs with a camel at Bella Cavalli for the monthly luncheon. 6: Snappy's

serves up a cold treat as the temperatures rise. 7: The Little Elm Splash Pad is a hit with families during the steamy summer days.

business monthly

Centurion American

Since 1990, Centurion American has developed over 100,000 single-family lots in premier North Texas communities. Their award-winning master-planned developments feature parks, golf courses, and trails, and are located in areas with strong job growth, excellent schools, and convenient shopping. With a proven track record, Centurion consistently delivers exceptional value and ROI for investors, builders, and homeowners, creating vibrant, sustainable communities. For more information, visit www.CenturionAmerican.com

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Olivia Clarke Homes

Olivia Clarke Homes is now selling homes in the low $500s! North Square at Uptown Celina is conveniently located two blocks north of historic downtown Celina and has spacious 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage homes up to 2,500 square feet. Experience living within walking distance to local coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants. Enjoy half off upgrades up to $30,000 via its grand opening sale. For more information, call 469-833-6341 or email NorthSquare@ OliviaClarkeHomes.com.

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Play Outdoors Texas

Reconnect, play and thrive with a customizable wooden or vinyl playset from Play Outdoors Texas. Determined to provide outdoor fun for everyone, they offer premium residential and commercial playgrounds, trampolines, sheds, and metal buildings. Visit them at 4290 S Highway 377 in Aubrey, call 945-468-2100 or visit www.playoutdoorstexas.com

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE BAILEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER MCMAHAN

AMBER MCMAHAN'S NATURAL RAPPORT WITH KIDS OF ALL AGES PROMPTED HER TO START GROWING SPROUTS PHOTOGRAPHY

GROWING PRICELESS MEMORIES

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and for Amber McMahan, this saying rings true. As the owner of Growing Sprouts Photography, she cherishes creating memories for families that will last a lifetime.

What sets Growing Sprouts apart from other photography businesses is its emphasis on photographing chil-

She had her own studio out west, which gave her the creative freedom to establish a home base and ensure her clients were comfortable and happy. However, McMahan easily can work with families and kids outside or in a location of their choice.

McMahan received a degree in marketing and advertising, quickly real-

“I GET TO CREATE ART FOR THESE FAMILIES AND FOR THEIR HOME."

dren in all stages of life. From newborn pictures to those sassy tween snaps, McMahan’s ability to connect with kids is depicted beautifully in her one-of-akind photographs.

“I can be as silly as I want, and they don't care,” she said, laughing. “I see kids these days who just don't have confidence. They're getting bullied. They're getting bombarded by everything, and they're not allowed to be kids.

“At my studio, they're allowed to be kids. They're allowed to run around. They're allowed to have fun.”

Growing up in California, McMahan always had an interest in photography. She credits her mother and grandmother for sparking her love of photographs since they always had family photos on display in their homes. She loved seeing the history behind each picture and realized that she can create art and memories at the same time with the click of her camera.

izing that the visual aspects are what appealed to her. Now that she has been a professional photographer for over 18 years, she's photographed people of all ages, but the clientele that brings her the most joy are kids and their families.

When she moved to Aubrey three years ago, she set out to find a studio that would allow her to interact fully with her customers to see that she gets the best snaps possible.

"I love being able to control the environment and just fun with lighting and backdrops," McMahan explained.

McMahan's favorite and most popular shoots are her imagination sessions. During the pre-consultation, she learns about the child's favorite activities, dreams, and the theme of their room. She wants their creativity to run wild in these sessions, letting them be anything or go anywhere.

She might ask them to pretend to be a princess, ride a bumblebee, or play

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with a dragon, letting their creativity take over. The photos that come out of these sessions are usually priceless.

McMahan explained, "We have a special approach for every session with every child. During our pre-consultation, we ask what the child's favorite color is. On the day of the session, we use a backdrop in that color for their personality shoot. This helps them warm up to the camera and realize they can be silly with me.

“We might say, 'Okay, you're going to act like a monkey,' and then we make monkey faces. Then we might say, 'How do you get angry? Get angry.' Of course, they can't stay angry for more than half a second, but we capture that angry shot and then that smile."

McMahan appreciates the excitement parents feel when their children’s personalities are captured in a natural, fun way. As a mother of three young kids, she understands how time can fly by.

“I get to create art for these families and for their home so that they can just have those moments,” she explained. “Also, being able to have the flexibility to be home with my family while helping

“AT MY STUDIO, THEY'RE ALLOWED TO BE KIDS."

other busy moms and bringing joy to their home gives me happiness.”

As a lover of history dating back to those days looking at photographs in her grandmother’s house, McMahan appreciates that these photographs will create a legacy that generations will cherish.

So how does McMahan manage to be a mom, wife and business owner? The answer is simple, yet profound.

“Prayer,” she said matter-of-factly.

That prayer has allowed other ventures to come McMahan’s way. She and her husband, along with some close friends, have helped start a local church, where McMahan works with the worship team.

Outside of her faith, family and business, McMahan and her family love having game and card nights with their longtime best friends and their family, who live less than 20 minutes away.

To learn more about Growing Sprout Photography’s services or to book a session with McMahan, visit growingsproutsphotography.com.

ASP POOLS OF FRISCO OFFERS QUALITY POOLS FOR TEXAS HOMES

Deep in the People Business

ARTICLE BY SHANNON SPAKE

“We have some wonderful people we have the privilege of serving in the area.”

Building a successful business is no small feat. It requires dedication, hard work, and most importantly, integrity. This is the foundation on which Joel Davis and his son, Hunter, have built ASP Pools of Frisco. Providing a service is one thing, but delivering it with genuine care, fairness, and compassion sets them apart from other pool companies.

“Word of mouth will make or break your brand,” Joel stated. “We’re not just in the pool business, we’re in the people business, and we have some wonderful people we have the privilege of serving in the area.”

With an impressive client-retention rate of over 95%, the Davises are clearly doing something right. Joel Davis transitioned into the pool business after 25 years in the corporate telecom world. And, after a particularly challenging day, he discussed with his family the need for a career change.

He and Hunter explored various business ventures, emphasizing the need for robust support as new entrepreneurs in a field that they would not only enjoy, but where they could help the community. The search led them to ASP Pools, a well-renowned franchise based in Macon, Georgia, which prides itself on quality work.

“ASP Pools provides comprehensive support and education, which is crucial for someone like me, who has never run a business before,” Joel explained.

The network of franchise owners is incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. With Hunter continuing

to grow with the business, Joel is confident that his legacy will continue for generations, and the Davises have been very pleased with what ASP Pools offers to support their franchise.

“ASP is the brand that most closely represents everything we want to be for our clients. They are dependable, honest, and help to grow each locally owned business into a smooth running machine with room to learn and grow,” Joel shared. “They not only helped me work my business, they helped me learn to work on it, not just in it. This brand is what drives home who we are as a company.”

ASP Pools of Frisco offers a full spectrum of pool services. Whether a client dreams of a custom-designed pool with a pool deck and waterfall or they need repairs and maintenance for an existing pool, Joel and Hunters' team is here to help. They specialize in both gunite and the increasingly popular and more affordable fiberglass pools, ensuring a perfect fit for anyone's backyard oasis.

Joel is a fan of fiberglass pools due to its low maintenance and longevity. With these pools, clients are able to receive a faster installation, have a more durable product that is less likely to chip or crack, is easier to maintain, and no liner replacement or resurfacing is needed. Overall, its long-term return on investment can save a pool owner thousands of dollars.

The company’s commitment extends beyond just building pools; they are dedicated to freeing up a

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“ASP is the brand that closely represents everything we want to be for our clients." “ ”

customer's time so they can enjoy their investment with friends and family without the worry of having to schedule a maintenance appointment.

“We have a few slots available for monthly services for both commercial and residential,” Joel said.

These services include nearly a dozen personalized options that allow pool owners to keep their pools in top shape. No matter the pool size, budget size or lifestyle, ASP Pools works with each customer to make sure the pools are in working order.

Having organically grown this business from the ground up, ASP Pools’ reputation and commitment to providing pool owners with the most comprehensive approach using the LSI formula, which calculates the saturation point of the water in the pool by adjusting

the pool's water chemistry to maintain a balanced state. This helps prevent issues such as scaling, corrosion, and excessive chlorine demand, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

Choosing ASP Pools of Frisco means choosing a team that values integrity, quality and customer satisfaction above all. For those considering building a pool or would like a consultation about professional maintenance, look no further. Contact ASP Pools of Frisco and dive into a hassle-free pool experience tailored to individual needs.

All inquiries, maintenance, cleaning, repair and renovation requests can be found on their website at www.asppoolco.com/frisco or by calling 972-366-4594.

Our Kids’ CURATING PASSIONS

One couple strives to bring fine arts to all kids

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO

Todd and Heather Parks wanted to bring a vision to life when they founded the New School of the Arts. With a combined 50 years of experience in the fine arts, they wanted to create a healthy, fun environment for learners of all ages who are passionate about the arts.

Founded with the concept that it’s never too early or too late to become immersed in the fine arts, New Song School of the Arts offers yearround private and group lessons for students of all ages in music, theater and visual arts. Additionally, the beautiful campus hosts special spring break and summer camps for kids.

“Our dream is that people everywhere may experience the beauty of the arts. Our hope is to do that in a profound way and with a high level of excellence here in North Texas,” shared Todd.

The pair also understand and promote the longterm benefits of introducing children to the fine arts early in life. Through these creative outlets, children hone fine motor skills, learn to positively express emotions, develop critical thinking skills, and begin to understand and appreciate the diversity of the world.

“As parents, we often wonder how we should be investing in our children, how we will see the best return on the resources we’re investing in them or question what is the point of a certain extra curricular activity,” said Heather, who has been playing piano since she was 4.

“Although we don’t know what the future holds for them, whether or not a child grows to be a famous artist, concert musician or Hollywood star, we want to get them under the influence of the fine arts as young as possible and retain them as long as possible so they can gain the benefits academically, socially, and emotionally as long as possible. Through this influence, they will have enriched, healthy, and more wholesome lives.”

With over 60 knowledgeable and accomplished instructors, the opportunities are vast but uniquely tailored to different areas of the schools of music, theatre, and visual arts.

Within the School of Music, children under 4 and their caregivers can participate in Music Together, which is an early childhood introduction to music class. For children 4 to 6 1/2 years old, MusiksCOOL is a preschool piano program designed to be age appropriate and adaptive. For students older than 6 1/2, there are a variety of voice and instrumental lessons offered in private and group settings. Musical group classes focus on garage band, worship band, orchestra and a female vocal ensemble.

Lessons in acting, musical and traditional theatre, television and film fall under the School of Theater. MainSTAGE theatre productions in the facility’s black box theater give students the opportunity to act on stage in a full cast.

The School of Visual Arts hosts private and group lessons for students of all ages using a variety of mediums to spur creativity. Offerings include special events such as art competitions and paint and sip parties. These are all held in the new visual arts center.

“We're reaching families and enriching lives from newborns all the way to senior adults,” Todd said. “Our youngest student is 8 months old and our oldest student is 85 years old.”

Included on campus are several spaces that are also available for rent, including the recital hall, black box theater, and the Arts Center. These spaces provide a versatile backdrop for birthday parties, bridal showers, galas, fashion shows and other events.

“We love being able to enrich the world around us by what we have to offer,” shared Heather. “God is using us to bring light to the community through the fine arts, and we are so blessed to serve the community with the beauty of the arts.”

The New Song School of the Arts is located at 1624 FM 407 E. in Argyle. For more information, visit newsongschoolofthearts.com or call 214-915-2787.

Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.

ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”

Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”

Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.

“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.

• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it , but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.

• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.

DOG

SOCIALIZING TIPS:

• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.

• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.

Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.

• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.

• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.

• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.

• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.

HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:

summer is POPSICLE SEASON

KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.

SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES

ingredients:

Makes 18 to 24

• 2 quarts Concord grape juice

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 12 whole cloves

• 4 cinnamon sticks

• 3 tablespoons whole allspice

directions:

Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.

CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES

ingredients:

Makes 18 to 24

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup lime juice

• 2 cups tart cherry juice

directions:

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.

AUGUST 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

AUGUST 3RD

Movie Screening: Luca

Pilot Point Community Library | 11:00 am

Enjoy some movie time with your little ones with a free screening of Disney’s Luca! Join Luca, a young sea monster boy with the ability to assume human form while on land, as he explores the town of Portorosso, Italy, with his new best friends. All ages are welcome, and kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

AUGUST 8TH

Little Elm Meet and Greet

The Brass Tap | 1951 FM 423 Ste. 900, Frisco | 11:30 am

Join the Little Elm Chamber of Commerce for its monthly luncheon as the organization welcomes speaker Jessica Hammock, a licensed professional counselor. The discussion will center around wellness and mental health for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Registration can be found at business.littleelmchamber.com

AUGUST 9TH

Live Music: Ed Herl

Pilot Point Coffee House | 8:00 pm

Enjoy a glass of wine or a cold domestic beer and listen to the classic rock and country vibes of Ed Herl as he makes his debut at Pilot Point Coffee House. There is no cover charge, all ages are welcome, and the kitchen will be open late for late-evening bites.

Chatham Reserve

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AUGUST 17TH

Live Music: Courtney Elayna

Pilot Point Coffee House | 8:00 pm

Starting in the heart of East Texas, Courtney Elayna worked her way through church choir to Christian rock. She is finishing up her much anticipated first solo record this year and will sing her own soulful tunes at Pilot Point Coffee House. This event is free and all ages are welcome.

AUGUST 24TH

Cody’s Meet-and-Greet Pet Adoption

Hollywood Feed | 1618 FM 423, Suite 300, Frisco | 12:00 pm

Looking for a new furry friend to join the family? Meet up with Cody’s Friends Rescue at Hollywood Feed as they bring some of their adoptable pets looking for their forever homes. To view adoptable dogs and puppies, please visit the Available Dogs Page at www.codysfriendsrescue.org. Inquiries about a specific dog can be sent to adopt@codysfriendsrescue.com.

AUGUST 31ST

Texas Barbeque and Bourbon

Omni PGA Frisco Resort’s Ice House | 12:00 pm

Get a taste of a premier barbecue experience and learn from an accredited barbeque pitmaster on how to expertly smoke an authentic Texas brisket. Finish it off with a private one-onone tasting with a Garrison Brothers expert while sipping on their famous Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Must be a registered hotel guest to book this experience. For more information, call 469-305-4552.