McKinney & Prosper, TX July 2023

Set Up Sparkly Summer Fun

The Why

Choosing a realtor seems like an easy process, but not all realtors are created equal. It starts with THE WHY, which encompasses not just the agent, but the brokerage. Linda Baker embodies THE WHY. With extensive experience, tenacity, and an unprecedented skill level, along with brand recognition, strategic marketing advantage, and unrivaled online exposure with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, your experience will get you what you need: RESULTS.

“She is the best agent on the planet! Unbelievable guidance and consultation throughout the entire process.” - Paul R

Securing Summer Fun

Sure, fall includes favorite flavors and scents, winter has cozy charms, and I can't deny the beauty of spring's freshness. But when the summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the ocean or floating on a boat.

Even if summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults) we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate summer bucket list and curling up with a new favorite beach read.

Just like this warm, sun-filled season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s edition will enrich and enliven your experience of the McKinney and Prosper area this summer.

Hooray for summer,

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Sharon Duffy Thomas sharon.duffy@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

William Thomas | william.thomas@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Laura Hamby | laura.hamby@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Alexis Jacobs | alexis.jacobs@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Brown Patton, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Jenna Oxford

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

life skills classes through culinary exploration for adults with disabilities.

intellectual and developmental disabilities in a cafe setting.

a wonderful evening at

enhance the lives of adults with disabilities.

provides the opportunity for adults with disabilities seek work in culinary/hospitality industries.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @mckinneyandprosperlifestyle

We value the specific needs of each individual client. Our commitment to provide a superior level of service and attention to detail will be evident as we partner with you through every step of the process.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Open The Door To Monte Cristo Ironworks

Monte Cristo Ironworks specializes in designing and manufacturing ornamental iron doors. Their work is handcrafted with a mixture of traditional techniques and complemented by the use of modern applications. Quality and durability have not been overlooked in any of Monte Cristo’s door systems while offering top-of-the-line elegance and beauty. They work with builders, remodelers and home buyers, and are located at 7502 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 20, in McKinney. Visit: MonteCristoIronworks.com

Self-Care Professionals At Neuline Aesthetics Offer Cosmetics, Personal Wellness Options

McKinney Chamber of Commerce members welcomed Neuline Aesthetics through a ribbon cutting ceremony at their location, 2740 Virginia Parkway, Suite 200. The clinic handles services and treatments, such as facial balancing, chemical peels, clinical weight loss, fillers, IV infusions, dermaplaning, microneedling and at-home wellness products. Consultations can be booked online at NeulineAesthetics.com.

Oak Hollow Golf Course (Only) Closes For Renovations

Oak Hollow Golf Course, the City of McKinney municipal course, will undergo a series of renovations to improve the greens, collars, tee boxes, restroom facilities and other property areas to provide golfers with premier public facilities and amenities. The driving range, practice greens and clubhouse will remain open throughout the construction project, and instructional programs will continue throughout the summer. The project is expected to be completed around Sept. 1.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/McKinneyandProsper

Husband

Father Of One Girl

Lover Of Cars And Airplanes

Singer In A Choir Tap Dancer Living In Prosper, TX

YOUR SMILE

is our specialty

So you’ve been thinking about orthodontics as an adult. It can be scary to take the next step, but after hearing all the reasons to get adult ortho at Jensen Orthodontic Arts, you’re going to run (not walk) to your free consultation with Dr Jensen. Consider why orthodontics should be on your to-do list:

1. It’s Trending: Google “Ortho as an adult” and you’ll learn two things: It’s never too late to get your teeth straight AND, you aren’t alone if you want to get started as an adult.

2. It’s Affordable: You deserve the power of a beautiful smile and the fees shouldn’t hold you back. We provide excellent orthodontic treatment at reasonable prices.

3. It’s A Confidence Booster: The difference a straight grin can make in your personal and professional life is so impactful that you won’t want to push this item off your to-do list.

4. You Have Esthetic Treatment Options: Clear braces, Invisalign, Lingual (tongue-side) braces.

5. Your Teeth May Have Shifted After Braces: What else on our bodies doesn’t change with time?! Teeth wear, settle and shift over time if you don’t do something about it.

6. It’s Good For You: Enjoy better tooth health, avoid potential jaw pain, headaches, digestive issues, or even sleep apnea.

At Jensen Orthodontic Arts, we don’t let anything hold you back from getting the straight smile you deserve. Whether you’re seven or seventy-two, Dr Jensen and his team are here to give you the results that make you happy.

BEAUTIFUL, NOT FORGOTTEN, WOMEN

–CHANGING LIVES, ONE PERSON AT A TIME

BELLE AND SPARROWS

Empowered women empower women. Since its conception in March 2017, Belle and Sparrows’ representatives committed to making longterm relational investments in women. Based in McKinney, Belle and Sparrows is a ‘by women for women’ nonprofit that reaches women, both locally and globally.

Lynde Griggs and Tiffany Utech founded Belle and Sparrows after Lynde says she saw a lack in women serving women, and wanted to assemble an organization to help bridge that gap.

“Each story may be different, but we all want to be seen, be known, be valued, and live a life of dignity,” states Lynde. “Getting to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with these women who are rebuilding or coming out of situations is a gift.”

The organization’s name is not without meaning and purpose. The word “belle” means beautiful in French, and “sparrows” are referenced in the Bible as small birds that are not forgotten. When forming the organization, Lynde and Tiffany say they wanted to make sure every woman knew they were “beautiful, not forgotten.”

Belle and Sparrows’ supporters help women change the trajectory of their lives. The group assembles teams of women to serve other women. Belle and Sparrows’ leaders partner with local organizations that are typically residential programs for women who are rebuilding or coming out of certain types of situations, such as being homeless, fleeing domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, were formerly incarcerated, having left the sex industry, having been human-trafficked, or are living in abject poverty.

Lynde says most of the time these situations are cyclical. Meaning if there is one, often there are others. “They all have a part in each other. Belle and Sparrows works to help keep women from returning to this cycle.”

The heart of Belle and Sparrows is twofold. The first is to equip women on short-term trips to know their worth and to step out to serve marginalized and forgotten women. The second is to share love with the women the organization serves, letting them know they are beautiful and worthy and then experiencing the joy of lives transformed.

To date, Belle and Sparrows has served 2,094 women with 66 local and global trips. The organization served women in four countries through 18 different ministry partnerships. Some of these ministry partnerships include local organizations, such as Exodus in Dallas and Emily’s Place in Plano. Outside of the DFW region, they also work with Hope is Alive and Rose Brooks, both based in Kansas City, Missouri, alongside Christ for All Nations in New Mexico serving a local Navajo Native American community. Globally, the team works with women in the Tabacal village in Guatemala, teaching them simple card-making crafts and helping provide economic stability.

Without programs in place to assist with unemployment and recovery gaps, industry statistics indicate most women fall back into addictions or crime. “Belle and Sparrows is committed to filling that gap and offers employment and job skill training to women who’re rebuilding their lives through The Stella Projects candle line,” says Lynde.

“Belle and Sparrows is important because not only are we raising awareness about troubles facing women in the areas we serve; we are, in our small way, making a difference,” adds Lynde.

The organization operates and fulfills its mission solely through the support of individual donors, churches and volunteers. Lynde says the organization is grassroots and organic.

Belle and Sparrows hosts three fundraising activities a year, which include Birdies for Belles, a spring-held golf tournament, Boots and Belles, a line dancing event, and a fall “Ungala.” While financial donors always are needed, the group’s leaders share people’s donation of time is just as important.

“Our mission is to help one woman at a time, and change the direction of their life,” exclaims Lynde. “If we can help their lives be changed for the better, we will keep doing that.”

BelleAndSparrows.org

Creating An Outdoor Oasis

COMPLETE LANDSCULPTURE

GIVES HOMEOWNERS

ALFRESCO LIVING SPACES OF THEIR DREAMS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PROVIDED BY COMPLETE LANDSCULPTURE

IS SUMMER A GOOD TIME FOR HOMEOWNERS TO BEGIN THINKING ABOUT IMPROVING THEIR OUTDOOR SPACES? IF SO, WHY?

Yes! The best time to start planning/ designing a project is now. Depending on the project, scope involved and the time to design and build–a project can take many months. Many landscape projects can be accomplished quickly, and if there are seasonal-related concerns regarding hot or cold weather our experienced consultants are here to guide the timing of the project.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT COMPLETE LANDSCULPTURE CAN HELP HOMEOWNERS IMPROVE THEIR OUTDOOR SPACES SO THEY MAY GET THE MOST OUT OF IT YEAR-ROUND?

We strive to be a complete outdoor solution for our clients so they can maximize their enjoyment of their outdoor spaces. Our approach is to ask questions and understand the needs and vision of each client. We tailor our designs and services to achieve the goals of each client. We have deep experience and a wide portfolio of projects that we can draw from to help our clients achieve the environment they want

to create whether it’s a pool with outdoor living, to a fireplace with an outdoor kitchen, to a sport court or bocce ball court, or to a zen garden for relaxing. We are proficient in both residential and commercial applications for full landscape designs.

DOES IMPROVING AND EXPANDING OUTDOOR SPACES INCREASE ONE’S PROPERTY VALUES?

With the events of the past few years, we have seen a trend in people and businesses investing in their own properties to maximize their enjoyment of where and how they spend most of their time. The feedback is they are traveling less and creating spaces that fit their individual needs. While this has created more enjoyable spaces while our client is in their home, this has upped the stakes for competitiveness when residential properties go up for sale. Property owners who have invested

in their outdoor spaces often cut their timeline on the market and command top dollar for their properties.

HOW DOES COMPLETE LANDSCULPTURE HELP HOMEOWNERS DESIGN AN OUTDOOR SPACE THAT IS PERFECT FOR THEM?

We start by connecting with our clients on how they want to get the most out of their outdoor space from the moment they arrive at their property to what activities they enjoy most while home. We often say, ‘We will build the dream. You create the memories.’

WHAT SERVICES DOES COMPLETE LANDSCULPTURE PROVIDE?

We provide complete landscape maintenance services for both commercial and residential properties. We provide

We have deep experience and a wide portfolio of projects that we can draw from to help our clients achieve the environment they want to create whether it’s a pool with outdoor living, to a fireplace with an outdoor kitchen, to a sport court or bocce ball court, or to a zen garden for relaxing.

complete services; typically people think of lawn and bed maintenance, irrigation services, fertilize and weed control, seasonal color and mulching. In addition to what I think most people will think of when they read this, we also have our tree care division that provides anything from an assessment of the trees on a property to any recommended treatments, fertilizations, pruning, tree removal or recommended tree installation. We have experienced arborists on staff who are happy to help with any questions.

WHAT ARE SOME SPECIFIC PROJECTS THAT ARE ON-TREND RIGHT NOW WHEN IT COMES TO OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS?

There are quite a few over the last few years now that people have spent more time at home, but I would say they tend to center around fire and water. We design and build custom pools and fountains, as well as outdoor living areas that often include kitchens with grills, smokers and flatirons. We are generally including some type of fire feature to compliment the pools and outdoor living areas like fireplaces, firepits and fire bowls. Items that aren’t quite as trendy, but we have seen an uptick in is activity based features like sport courts and bocce ball courts. I’m anticipating we’ll start seeing more sport courts set up for pickleball moving forward.

IF YOU COULD SUGGEST ONE OUTDOOR RENOVATION TO ALL HOMEOWNERS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I can’t suggest one. Our clients are too diverse, and there’s no one outdoor project to recommend. What I would recommend is for anyone interested in an outdoor project, ask yourself, ‘What is the most impactful thing that would give me the most joy in my outdoor space?’ Let’s start with that!

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL WHEN WORKING WITH CLIENTS?

Our mission at Complete Landsculpture is to deliver complete outdoor fanatical client experiences. Simply put, we want to deliver on our clients’ expectations and create a relationship for life. You might need us once a week, or you might need us once every 10 years. We want to be the landscape team you trust and work with for years. Complete Landsculpture is a full-service landscape maintenance provider for both commercial and residential properties. Services include turf management, flowerbed maintenance, irrigation monitoring and full-service tree care by certified aborists. The company also is an award-winning design/build landscape provider whose projects encompass all aspects of outdoor living and landscape needs.

214.358.5296

CompleteLandsculpture.com

reheating barbecued brisket:

AN EASY GUIDE FROM HUTCHINS BBQ EXPERTS

Smoky, tender, flavorful and delicious are just a few words describing barbecued brisket, a unique cut of beef that's become an iconic cornerstone of barbecue culture in the Lone Star State. Hutchins BBQ experts say it's important to know how to reheat beef brisket correctly, so it’s just as tasty and tender as when it was first cooked.

Reheating In Oven

• Preheat oven to 325°F.

• Cover shallow baking dish with aluminum foil and spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.

• Place brisket in dish, and spoon in some liquid or plain water to keep meat from drying out.

• Cover dish tightly with foil.

• Bake brisket for 30-45 minutes or until heated through. Reheating time may vary depending on size of brisket leftovers.

Reheating In Microwave Reheating On Stove

• Place brisket on microwave-safe dish, and cover it with damp paper towel (which helps keep the meat from drying out during the reheating process).

• Heat brisket on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated throughout. A small amount of water can be placed in the bottom of the dish with the brisket before covering it with a damp paper towel.

• Find a pot that's large enough to accommodate the brisket, and place the meat in the pot with a small amount of liquid. One-quarter to half an inch of water in the pan bottom should work fine.

• Cover pot with a lid and warm the brisket over medium heat until it is heated through, stirring occasionally. Depending on the size of the cut of meat, the reheating time will vary. However, 10 minutes or so is a good rule of thumb for a single serving.

• Monitor the pot during the reheating to ensure the water doesn’t boil off.

EXPERIENCES MATTER HERE

Omni Resorts PGA Frisco Is Open For Guests

To Escape, Luxuriate And Save

Longer summer days can mean longer relaxing stays, quips Jeff Smith, vice president and managing director at the freshly opened Omni Resorts PGA Frisco at 4341 PGA Parkway.

In fact, one of the resort’s current special offers is called “Longer Days, Longer Stays,” which provides savings to guests through Sept. 28 of 10% off one night, 15% off two nights and 20% off three or more nights.

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL OFFERS INCLUDE:

• Bed and Breakfast: Experience luxurious accommodations, and be treated to breakfast each morning.

• Carried Away: Receive a $200 resort credit, plus a custom-designed summer tote by SCOUT Bags.

• Romance Offer: Experience love and luxury via enjoying a bottle of sparkling wine paired with a sweet treat and late check-out.

• Fields Ranch Championship Golf Experience: Enjoy a round of golf on Fields Ranch West, one of two 18-Hole championship golf courses at PGA Frisco and the customized swag to tout along with it.

• Texas Oasis Spa Package: Relax and rejuvenate with a tranquil getaway tailored to wellness preferences at the

full-service salon and spa offerings from Mokara Spa.

The $520 million development PGA Frisco is a four-part project brought to Frisco by a public-private partnership among the city, Omni Hotels & Resorts, PGA of America and Frisco ISD. Jeff says while the PGA manages the golf courses, Omni Hotel & Resorts owns and develops the entire property.

The first project component is the Professional Golfers’ Association of America headquarters, which opened during August 2022 on a 30-acre practice facility. The new building serves as the game’s commercial hub and creative engine.

The second project component, Jeff is proud to say, is Omni PGA Frisco Resort. The main building offers 500 guest rooms and suites and 10 private 4 bedroom/4.5 bathrooms. It also houses the Mokara Spa, featuring 15,000 square feet of space with 20 treatment rooms, a spa pool with eight cabanas and a cafe called Green Cactus Cafe.

Jeff says the resort has four pools in total: two family pools with an outdoor bar and grill and a splash pad for children. “An infinity edge pool on the sixth floor also features a bar on the roof.”

He says there are seven restaurant and bar options at the main building. Restaurants include Trick Rider, an upscale steak and seafood concept, and The Apron Kitchen + Bar, which features breakfast, lunch and dinner with views all oriented toward the resort’s golf courses and pools. The final two options are the lobby bar, called The Lookout, set off with seven fireplaces in the lobby, and the coffee market Toast & Tea Coffee Collective.

“For meeting space, the hotel features a 22,000-square-foot Ryder Cup Ballroom and a 11,500-square-foot Wanamaker Ballroom. Both spaces come with their own outdoor patios that connect to event lawns overlooking the golf courses,” Jeff adds. “A separate event pavilion is ideal for weddings or more intimate corporate gatherings.”

For those who have other interests than golf, Jeff highlights the third project component: a retail and entertainment district. In close proximity to the main building, the hub includes restaurants, shops and a children’s area. There’s Margaret’s Cones & Cups and Lounge by Topgolf, featuring indoor sport simulators and a bar and restaurant. Another PGA District restaurant is Ice House, which features picnic tables and barbecue menu as well as a driving range.

Approximately eight retail outlets are part of PGA Frisco spanning the resort and PGA District, including a new luxury toy store concept called Gimme Toys, Fields Ranch golf shop and a luxury leather goods store, Blue Lacy Mercantile.

PGA Frisco’s two-story golf clubhouse is part of the promenade, which features the restaurant Ryder Cup Grille on the lower level and the resort’s private club, Club 1916, on the second floor. Overlooking the golf courses are the resort’s 10 ranch houses that will be available for rent year-round.

Jeff says the final project component is the golf element throughout the property.

At the PGA District is The Dance Floor, one of the largest natural grass putting courses in the United States. “It sits at 200 yards long and 75,000 square feet,” confirms Jeff.

“Omni PGA Frisco Resort really embodies where we are going as a brand and how we can meet all of the needs of our guests,” says Omni Hotels & Resorts president Kurt Alexander. “Our goal was to capture the authentic spirit of a modern Texas ranch and bring it to life through extraordinary design, inspired food and beverage concepts, and warm, approachable service. This new flagship does exactly that.”

Then there’s The Swing, a 10-hole pitch and putt golf course designed to help introduce more people to the sport. Golf lessons, club fitting and more will be offered at the Golf Performance Center to the west of the entertainment district, and then the two 18-hole golf courses, Fields Ranch East and Fields Ranch West, are set in the center of the development. “Fields Ranch East is the only course in the United States that can boast 26 committed championship tournaments from now until 2034, including the PGA Championship in 2027,” Jeff states.

469.305.4500

OmniHotels.com/Hotels/PGA-Frisco

Monthly three times running.

We’re honored to uphold the traditions of Texas BBQ and admire the innovations of new generations of pitmasters joining the ranks. Whether you’re old school or new school, there’s something for everyone at our family table!

Visit us in McKinney, Frisco or online for your dining and catering needs.

I assess your skills, experience, likes and personality to determine the best franchise fit for you.

My services are completely FREE to you!

Deora Lynn Certified Franchise Advisor

DIY Your Way To a Bug-Free Summer

Adult- and Kid-Friendly Natural Bug Repellents from A Beautiful Mess

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Adult Blend Kids Blend

(age 15 and over)

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

*The grain alcohol is used as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils, but you can also use a product like this instead of grain alcohol at a 1:4 ratio (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops Solubol) if you’d rather and then just fill the rest with water to fill the 2-ounce spray bottle.

While there can be concern about citrus oils on the skin when exposed to sunlight, lemongrass isn’t a photosensitive oil, and if lemon essential oil is steam-distilled rather than cold-pressed (Oui Fresh essential oils are cold-pressed) it can be used on the skin. So just make sure to note which one your lemon oil is and only spray on clothes if you don’t have a skin-safe lemon oil (which is an application method a lot of people prefer anyway if they are more sensitive to oils).

Find more DIYs at ABeautifulMess.com.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate to advanced musician or just learning to play is simply something you have always wanted to do, we have a place for you at The Guitar Sanctuary’s Performance Academy. Our faculty is made up of seasoned professional musicians that work in today’s music business. Our atmosphere and environment is one of encouragement and a commitment to excellence while understanding that making music and an inquisitive spirit is essential to creativity. Music is a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Discover your creative journey at The Guitar Sanctuary’s Performance Academy.

Fabulous Flatbread

Grilled Peach Flatbread with House-Made Rosemary Paneer Cheese

Yield: 4 flatbreads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 peaches cut into 8 pieces each

• 12 slices soppressata or any salami

• Fresh mint

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped

• Balsamic reduction

• 4 baked naan bread

FOR

THE PANEER CHEESE:

• 6 cups whole milk

• 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar

• ½ tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

HOW TO MAKE PANEER CHEESE:

Paneer cheese is made by curdling milk using an acidic additive such as lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer cheese does not use any kind of rennet, nor fermentation or aging.

In a pot, bring 6 cups of whole milk to 200 degrees. Once milk has reached temp., stir in the 2 tbsp. of vinegar and turn off heat; milk will begin to separate. Allow milk to curd for 5 minutes, strain whey and curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander. Transfer curds to a mixing bowl and add chopped rosemary and 1 tsp. kosher salt, mix ingredients together, reserve the cheesecloth for the next step. Place the curds back into the cheesecloth, pull the corners of the cloth together, ring out excess whey from the curds, and hang for 30 minutes to continue draining. Once the curds have drained, place cheesecloth-wrapped curds back into the colander and place a heavy item on top, in order to press the curds into shape and press more of the whey from the cheese, for 3-4 hours. Use cheese fresh or keep refrigerated up to 4 days.

FLATBREAD:

Brush olive oil onto both sides of naan flatbread, and place in oven on rack for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, or grill for 2 minutes each side. Grill peach slices for 2 minutes each side, or place in oiled sauté pan till each side begins to caramelize. On a cutting board, lay flatbread down, and place grilled peach slices around flatbread. Take small pieces of Paneer cheese and place throughout over the peaches. Be creative and find place for the soppressata or salami of your choice. Garnish with crushed pistachios and torn fresh mint. Cut flatbread, transfer to serving plates, and drizzle with balsamic reduction.

“I love the use of fresh, locally sourced peaches, and giving people the chance to make an easy, versatile cheese at home with ingredients that many already have in their refrigerators and pantries.”

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

“SLM, Sergio and his team are awesome. From proposal, to work, quality and to completion - all aspects were great. I highly recommend them. SLM also worked well with the overall project and were very flexible. I have nothing but positive things to say about SLM. I highly recommend them and they will be doing multiple other projects for me.”

“We used the team at SLM when remodeling our house. They were able to complete everything from taking down walls and remodeling our kitchen to converting our garage into an office. Sergio, Jessica, and team were incredibly easy to work with and really listened to all of our requests and concerns. I’d recommend SLM to any friends/family.”

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JULY 1ST

Pride In The Sky Independence Day Celebration

FRONTIER PARK | 5:00 PM

This is a wonderful evening of celebration for the town of Prosper and our country, complete with Live Music, HUGE Kid Zones with inflatables, rides, games throughout the park, food, the Posting of the Flags, and Fireworks set to music!

JULY 4TH

Red, White and BOOM!

DOWNTOWN MCKINNEY AND CRAIG RANCH | 11:00 AM

Featuring a hometown parade, the morning kicks off Independence Day with downtown events that include a hometown parade and the Yankee Doodle block party on East Louisiana, and a concert with fireworks that evening in Craig Ranch. All Red, White and BOOM! Activities are free and open to the public. For further information, call 972.547.7480.

JULY 8TH

Downtown McKinney Margarita Stroll

111 N. TENNESSEE ST., MCKINNEY | 11:00 AM

Attendees will enjoy sipping and strolling through downtown McKinney streets, tasting 15 delicious margaritas. Vendors will be on the lawn at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. A scavenger hunt with a grand prize will bring attendees to each vendor booth. This event is in partnership with Hugs Café. It concludes at 7 p.m.

JULY 10TH-14TH

Volleyball Morning Camp

COCKRILL MIDDLE SCHOOL | 9:00 AM

This co-ed, skills development camp is for players who're 7 to 13 years old, as of July 14, 2023. Participants are separated into age groups for coaches to focus on age-appropriate warmups, drills and lessons. Camp ends daily at noon. Program Director Dom Howard can be reached at 972.371.0429. Camp covers improving fundamental skills and game knowledge of the sport.

JULY 18TH-22ND

D&D Summer Bootcamp

CARPE DIEM COMICS | 12:00 PM

This Dungeons & Dragons Camp is being hosted for "newish" players who are 12 years old or older. Characters will be provided, and camp includes a spiffy set of quality dice and a D&D rulebook for participants to keep. Boot Camp is five consecutive days until 4 p.m. each day. Cost is $225 per camper.

JULY 22ND

Discover Downtown: Chrome & Coffee

BROADWAY STREET DOWNTOWN PROSPER | 9:00 AM

Discover Downtown events are presented by Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Prosper Economic Development Corporation. The series began in 2022 to provide a glimpse of the revitalization happening in the heart of Prosper. Held outdoors, the events invite the community to come Downtown to get to know the 40-plus hometown businesses and merchants that call Prosper home.

EVENTS CONTINUED

JULY 25TH

Drum Corps International In McKinney

MCKINNEY ISD STADIUM

Here's the line-up of drum corps that will be visiting McKinney to perform! Watch these musician-athletes compete for points for the DCI Championships taking place Aug. 8-14 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

• The Academy, Tempe, AZ

• The Cadets, Allentown, PA

• Carolina Crown, Fort Mill, SC

• Crossmen, San Antonio, TX

• Mandarins, Sacramento, CA

• Music City, Nashville, TN

• Seattle Cascades, WA

• Troopers, Casper, WY

JULY 29TH

MRT Presents: Murder On The Orient Express

MCKINNEY PERFORMING ARTS

CENTER | 2:00 PM

The exotic Orient Express is about to go off the rails. With a train full of remarkable suspects and an alibi for each one, it’s the perfect mystery for Detective Hercule Poirot. When Agatha Christie estate representatives approached Ken Ludwig to adapt Dame Agatha’s most-enduring novel and put it on stage, he agreed with alacrity. Buy tickets from center's website.

JULY 31ST - AUGUST 4TH

Art, Art and More Art Camp

JUMP INTO ART STUDIOS | 10:00 AM

Organizers state this will be lovely creativity in the house with the last-week-of-summer fun, covering Printmaking; Ice Tie Dye; Soap Making; Pottery Wheel; Visiting Artists; Tiny Art and collage; and Ice Cream in historic downtown McKinney. Sessions conclude at 3 p.m. Phone 214.937.9153 or email jumpintoartstudios@gmail.com with questions about prices and materials.

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