Health + Wellness

Little Hearts of Hope

Helping Kids Cope Through Creativity, Comfort, and Connection Article by Little Hearts of Hope | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Little Hearts of Hope Little Hearts of Hope, a faith-based 501(c)(3), has been serving children ages 4-14 since 2014. Founded by Kerri Steele, a mom of three who lost her husband to cancer, the nonprofit was born from a deeply personal mission: to help children navigate the emotional toll of a parent's or sibling’s cancer diagnosis—and to equip parents with...

Arts + Culture

Artist of the Month

Santa Bill Brings Joy to Kids of All Ages Article by Deborah Dove | Photography by Fredshots Photography After retiring from the restaurant industry, Bill Wash channeled his energy into playwriting with his son and building sets for Allen Contemporary Theatre. That led to his most rewarding role to date—playing Santa. How did you become Santa? “In 2023, Traci Markel, with the Village at Allen, contacted me, looking for a Santa for their tree lighting. I appeared at the lighting, then word...

Shopping

Holiday Candle Creations

Create the Perfect Personalized Scented Gift This Christmas for Yourself or Loved Ones Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia The power of scent is often our most underutilized sense. Scents carry information that travels directly via our olfactory nerve to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for emotions and memories. This is why the smell of home-baked cookies in upstate New York may transport you to your childhood home in...

Home + Design

Discover Local Christmas Tree Farms

Build Family Traditions and Create Unforgettable Holiday Moments Article by Deborah Dove There’s no holiday tradition quite like picking out a live tree…or the scent of fresh pine that fills your home throughout the season once the tree is trimmed.  Best of all, most local tree farms provide more than just Christmas trees.  They offer a day to unplug and connect, breathe in fresh country air, and enjoy a plethora of family activities that will delight children of all ages.  Here is a roundup...

Arts + Culture

Perfect Harmony

The Community of the Note-ably Chorus of North Texas Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Note-ably Chorus of North Texas Tucked into the heart of Allen is a chorus that’s more than just a group of women singing in four-part harmony. Note-ably North Texas Chorus is a cross-generational celebration of music, mentorship, and community connection. Note-ably, a barbershop-style a cappella women’s chorus, has been lifting voices and spirits since its founding in 2000...

Food + Beverage

No-Cook Holidays

Go from Frazzled to Dazzled This Season Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Christopher Bigenho Photography The stress and strain of getting a healthy meal on the table is an all too familiar feeling for many families. But when the holidays roll around, this tension can feel amplified. Preparing for guests, cleaning the house, grocery shopping and cooking–it all piles up, and sometimes even negates the joy of the holiday experience itself. If you find yourself in this boat, overwhelmed...

Life + Culture

Giving Back to Heroes

Organizations That Support Veterans in North Texas Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Various Organizations Veterans, the men and women who chose to defend American civil liberties, deserve our deepest gratitude and support. With more than 40,000 veterans in Collin County alone, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, their impact on our community is significant. This collection highlights local veteran-focused nonprofits...

Education

Developing Leaders

The Lasting Value of MCJROTC at Allen High School Article by Angi Burns | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Allen ISD At Allen High School, the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) program offers students far more than a typical high school elective. It serves as a powerful foundation for leadership, character development, and future success—whether that path leads to college, military service, or a civilian career. Rooted in discipline and built around service and...

Life + Culture

Veteran of the Month

Gary Bourgeois Protects His Community Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Gary Bourgeois Every day, we walk past community members who’ve made extraordinary sacrifices for our everyday freedoms. One of them is Gary Bourgeois: a local leader, veteran, and lifelong practitioner of martial arts. Gary recently retired as a master sergeant after 23 years in the Louisiana and Texas Army National Guard. His service included a deployment to Iraq, where he served as a...

Event Planning + Services

Thanksgiving Tables

Transform Your Holiday Table with Thoughtful Details and Autumn Flair Article and Photography by Mariah Leeson/Giggles Galore Thanksgiving is a holiday spent gathered around the table, so it’s important to make sure it feels welcoming and inviting for your guests.  However, setting a beautiful fall table doesn’t have to be complicated or hard. This Thanksgiving, entertain like a boss, and feel confident doing so, when you focus on these tips to create a beautiful table guaranteed to ensure...