Life + Culture

Nonprofit of the Month: The Source of Hope

Serving Every Zip Code with Local Roots and Global Reach Article by Courtesy of The Source of Hope | Photography by Photography Courtesy of The Source of Hope At its heart, The Source of Hope exists to meet people where they are and walk alongside them toward stability, dignity, and hope. Founded more than16 years ago, the organization officially became a 501c3 nonprofit on April13, 2013, and has since grown into a multifaceted organization serving communities locally, nationally, and...

Local Services

Love Makes a House Home

Local Realtor Nylsa Shivers Transformed Loss into Belonging—and Now Helps Others Find the Their Meaning of Home Article by Deborah Dove | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Malerie Veillon The saying goes, “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built of love and dreams,” and no one knows this better than Nylsa Shivers. Not only is she a realtor dedicated to helping her clients find the perfect home for them, but she also knows firsthand the difference a home filled with love can...

Home Services

Making Homes Perfect

Rooster General Contractors Uses Integrated Flex-Spaces to Improve the Home You Love Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Rooster General Contractors When John Ratley and Justin Farrell opened Rooster General Contractors in July of 2023, they had one goal in mind: turn houses into better homes with zero guesswork. It seems like a lofty ambition. After all, what is perfect for one family’s home may not translate to another. But this is exactly the challenge that...

Home Services

Local Experience

Discover local gems, create memories, and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Deborah Dove Debby’s Complete Services – (469) 667-6501 or debbygowen.weebly.com/ Treat your home to a professional spring cleaning. Nothing says spring like sparkling bathroom fixtures, a freshly deep-cleaned kitchen, and spotless floors. The AB Effect – (972) 849-5324   If messy drawers, disorganized closets, and an overabundance of “stuff” seem overwhelming, the AB Effect can help you...

Home Services

Keeping It Cool

Local Experts Share Tips to Protect Your HVAC System, Improve Efficiency, and Avoid Costly Breakdowns Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Big D Mechanical As North Texas temperatures climb, homeowners and business owners alike are preparing for months of heavy air conditioning use. But before the first triple-digit day arrives, HVAC professionals say now is the time to take preventative steps that can protect your system, and your wallet. “A lot of people think...

Life + Culture

Proposed with Love

Two Local Couples Share How He Popped the Question Article by Valerie Merrick Love is my job. As a wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by it constantly, and it never gets old. If anything, it makes me want more: more stories, more moments, more “wait, tell me everything” energy! The following stories come straight from members of our own community, and they celebrate the many ways couples take that big, brave step toward forever. Some proposals went exactly as planned...

Beauty

Love Is in the Hair

Blo Blow Dry Bar Plano's Love Letter to the Women of Plano Article by Shannon Myers Ambrozy | Photography by Heather Caplick: Heather Lanae Photography Love manifests in many ways—love for friends and family, romantic love, self-love, and even loving what you do and where you live. For me, Blo Blow Dry Bar Plano encompasses all of those. Plano has always been home for me. Opening Blo Plano wasn’t just a business decision; it was deeply personal. After an injury and surgery, I found myself...

Education

PALs in Plano ISD

Building Student Leaders Through Service and Connection Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia The Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) program is one of Plano ISD’s most impactful initiatives, offering students a meaningful opportunity to grow while serving others. Designed as an elective course, PAL equips students with essential life skills while strengthening school communities across the district. Offered to eighth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth...

Food + Beverage

Local Experience

Discover local gems, create memories, and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Deborah Dove Truluck's - 7161 Bishop Rd, Plano, TX A lively ambiance with piano music, impressive cocktails, and fantastic seafood set the stage for the perfect romantic date night.   Better Than Sex Desserts - 1010 E 15th St, Plano, TX Cap off your night with decadent desserts and drinks at this fun dessert restaurant in downtown Plano. Dark and seductive, the menu abounds with...

Education

Teacher of the Month

Angelica-Jasmine Bates Leads with Heart Through PAL Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia For Angelica-Jasmine Bates, teaching leadership starts with connection. As a Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) teacher in Plano ISD, she brings energy, empathy, and lived experience into the classroom, helping students grow into confident, compassionate leaders. Ms. Bates’s journey with PAL came full circle. She was once a PAL student herself, graduating from...