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...

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

Artist of the Month

Singer Bethany Lorentzen Fosters Connection with Music Article by Ayesha Durrani | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Bryan Chatlien Photography What inspired you to be a singer? The entire reason my mother’s side of the family immigrated from Mexico was so my great-aunt could study opera at Juilliard. I like to joke that I was born singing. So, there was never really a time that I wasn’t a singer, so I can’t imagine being or doing anything else. What is your musical style? My...

Shopping

Purposeful Gifting

Bringing Meaning Back to the Art of Gift-Giving Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia As Christmas rolls around, so do the infomercials. “Buy this new gadget, it’ll change your life forever!” says the voluptuous model or the hottest cowboy you’ve seen in years. These plugs for gifts are endless; they often have nothing to do with our happiness, and instead act as exhausting intrusions on our time and our wallets. Yet in a world filled with materialism...

Education

Developing Leaders

The Lasting Value of JROTC at Plano ISD Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Plano ISD For decades, the Army JROTC programs in Plano ISD have been developing leaders, instilling discipline, and preparing students for success both in and out of uniform. Cadets gain valuable experience in teamwork and responsibility while setting themselves apart for college and scholarship applications. In recent years, these programs have undergone an impressive...

Life + Culture

First Responder of the Month

Officer and Veteran David Hogan Keeps His Community Safe Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of David Hogan As we practice thankfulness this season, it’s important to honor those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. This month, we recognize David Hogan, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Plano police officer, for his unwavering service. Inspired by his father, an Army veteran of Vietnam, Hogan enlisted in the Air Force from 1989 to 1996, where he...

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 75024 Truluck's three-course holiday menu features seasonal favorites such as roasted turkey breast with all the trimmings, elevated with a Truluck's twist. Blue Mesa Grill: 5601 Granite Parkway #1200, Plano, TX Blue Mesa’s signature brunch is dressed up for Thanksgiving with traditional favorites in addition to a street taco bar, omelet...

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...

Home + Design

The Do’s and Don’ts of Safe Holiday Decorating

Avoiding Circuit Overload When Hanging Christmas Lights Article by Fatima Durrani On any given day, we turn our stoves on to fry a few eggs or crank up the heat on our griddles to flip some pancakes without a thought. At night, we automatically flick on the light switch so we don’t stumble in the dark or turn down the temperature if it gets too hot.  Yet most people take our electricity for granted. Today, at least 1.18 billion are “energy poor” and unable to use electricity according to the...

Life + Culture

Every Child Deserves a Happy Halloween

Goblins, Goons, and Gummy Worms for All Article by Fatima Durrani Halloween is a widely anticipated holiday, but it can bring on anxiety and dread for those who suffer from food allergies, sensory overload, or certain diseases.  As a community, it’s important to educate ourselves on the physical and emotional impact these conditions have on our kids. For those children who feel excluded—and yet have to watch their costumed friends giggle as they devour Kit Kats and Snickers —we can make a...