tsgplanoandfrisco

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A Day with Kaitlin the REALTOR

As a working mom myself, I love hearing how other moms balance it all.  Kaitlin Lovern is so inspirational - she’s a top producing realtor, wife, mother to young Lincoln and a total rock star. Kaitlin shares some very practical tips on how she structures her day, sleep trained her baby and even shares an easy dinner recipe!  I’m so excited to introduce you to Kaitlin!

XO, Caroline

4:50am | The buzzer sounds off. I get up and get dressed in my workout gear. I spend the next few minutes in my quiet time before I head to workout at Sweat Society- POD. Getting up is hard no matter when it is. If its 5:00 or 6:30, so I figure it is best to get in the gym, get my heart pumping and start the day with a little pep. The book The Miracle Morning has transformed the way I structure my mornings and I highly recommend it. 

6:30am | I made it home with enough time for me to enjoy a cup of coffee, start a load of laundry, kiss Maxx goodbye as he heads out the door for work and take a quick scroll through the fresh listings that just hit the market. Knowing your inventory is key for any successful REALTOR. 

7 am | Lincoln gets up has his milk and we get dressed for the day. Thanks to the scheduler Mom’s on Call our son, Lincoln is super predictable with his routine and gets up right around 7:00. He has slept through the night since 10 weeks old, Praise Jesus!  Seriously, if you have a first time mom in your life, BUY this book for them, they’ll thank you later!  

8:30 am | After I drop Lincoln off at day care I head to my office. Once I get there I make my daily to-do list,  answer emails, return calls, follow up on feedback from yesterday’s showings, set up new buyers with their home search, finalize a comparative market analysis for a listing, add recent contacts to my CRM, and prepare for the showings I have later in the afternoon. I love time at my desk. In the world of real estate, you are always on the go so the hours I punch in behind my desk are so valuable. This week I have three listings that will be going active and even with the digital era there is still A LOT of paperwork involved. 

11:00 am | Meet the photographer at my newest listing that will be hitting the market this week. I am super picky when it comes to capturing a home. It’s really important for each shot to showcase the features of the property without distractions. I walk through every frame with my trusted photographer to ensure we’ve captured my client’s home perfectly. In today’s world, your first showing is no longer when they come through the door, it’s when they see it online!

12:00 pm | Arrive at Sixty-Vines to celebrate a past client turned best friend for a birthday lunch. One of my favorite lunch spots with delicious food and a fantastic atmosphere.

1:30pm |  Meet up with Amber and Phillip to finalize their offer on their new home. They will be relocating here from California this summer and we’ve spent the beginning portion of the week looking at over 20 homes. I love relocation clients because you really get to show them the keys to the city.

4:00pm | I am headed to a round table power hour with other top producing agents. I love being able to collaborate with other real estate professionals that I admire in the industry. Real estate is a one man show and it is always welcoming to brainstorm, work through problems, and strategize together.

Ranch Cheddar Chicken Recipe

5:30pm | I made it back home and am making a mad dash to whip together dinner before I have to get little man from daycare. Tonight I am whipping up a FAIL-YOU-NOT recipe. SERIOUSLY try it. It is SO easy and super tasty (takes less than 5 minutes). I’ve always loved spending time in the kitchen. There is so much love that goes into a homecooked meal. These days any recipes that are quick and tasty with as little clean up as possible – are G-O-L-D-E-N!  (Oh, and throw the clothes in the dryer from this morning)

6pm | Lincoln plays real estate assistant as we stop by my listing that is being photographed at dusk. It’s a quick twilight shoot and the sky just happened to smile at us this evening. Isn’t she pretty? 

 6:30 pm | Finally sit down and eat dinner with my favorite person in the world, Maxx, and recap our day.

7:00 pm | Bathe Lincoln, read him a goodnight story, say our prayers and tuck him into bed! We survived another day!

8:00 pm | Tackle any unanswered emails from the day and begin the data entry for the properties that will be going live later this week.

9:30pm | FINALLY time to unplug. I do my evening routine to get ready for bed then curl up with Maxx and watch 10-15 minutes of a good flick before I am out like a light!

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A Day with Nicki Cooley, Owner of Sweets on a Stick Frisco

With March being National Women’s History Month, we thought it would be fun to give you a peak into a day in the life of some of the amazing women and business owners in The Scout Guide Plano & Frisco!  

Nicki Cooley, the insanely talented head decorator and owner of Sweets on a Stick Frisco, graciously agreed to go first!  Nicki started Sweets on a Stick in 2012 in her home kitchen and in 2017 expanded her business into a darling little house in old downtown Frisco. Enjoy spending the day with Nicki!!  She makes custom sweets, hosts classes and caters events

XO,

Caroline

8:00 AM  |  I am not a morning person. Doesn't really matter when you have kids, not to mention a business to run. My husband wakes me at 8. He's this wonderful rare specimen of partner who gets up with the kids, makes their school lunches, and gets them dressed every morning. I get up, get ready, do the girl's hair and we're out the door by 8:45. I drop them at pre-school, and then head to the bakery. Usually I eat a banana and some nuts, or a granola bar in the car. Sometimes I like to walk over to Summer Moon and grab a chai tea for a little caffeine boost. 

9:10 AM |  I get to the bakery a little after 9:00. I've got two amazing ladies who work with me and keep me sane. We've got a busy day, so one is rolling and cutting cookie dough, while the other is tidy up from the weekend's cookie classes and resetting the classroom for tonight's class. We've also got icing to make and cake pops to decorate.  

12:15 PM | We then work on packaging all of the Valentine's sweets for our "Valentine Shop". Lots of pre-ordered cookies, plus single cookies, cake pops, and other fun treats to be purchased during our special holiday "pop up". Since most of the time we are only doing custom orders we have a lot of fun preparing and coming up with designs for these special days we are open to the public.  I focus on making sure everything is ready to go for Valentine's pick ups - everything is packaged, and each bag is labeled with the customer's name to make things go smoothly.

 2:00 PM | Both employees leave, and I sit down to eat my lunch, answer emails, and send pick-up reminders to customers who pre-ordered for the holiday. Usually I bring a lunch, but the upside of working in Frisco's Rail District is I often grab a quick bite from one of the many amazing restaurants downtown. My favorite lunch spots are 5th Street Patio Cafe, or Mariana's for tacos. (And Eight 11 if I'm feeling leisurely or need an indulgent middle of the day glass of wine!)

Usually I leave around 4:15 to pick my kids up from school and head home to make dinner, but this afternoon I've got a private class of girl scouts coming, so my husband is on pick up duty. We've already got the classroom set up for class, so all I need to do before they arrive is set out cookies. I switch gears to this weekend's orders. I arrange the order forms, and any inspiration pictures or sketches on the fridge and make baking lists. I also work on finishing up a few more items to include in tomorrow's shop - brownies, pretzel rods, and edible cookie dough are all on the menu! 

3:45 PM | Just before the girl scouts arrive I place cookies at each spot, cut open the icing bags, make sure my projector is working, and of course turn on some party music! Just before 4:00 the girls begin to arrive, they decorate aprons until everyone is there, then we begin!  After an hour of decorating, everyone has 4 cute cookies, and it's time for them to go home.  I clean up the mess, and mop the floor. 

Then I rearrange the tables for the Valentine's shop. We are getting in a little early tomorrow to set up for the Valentine's Shop, so I wash the last few dishes, tidy up, and leave it at that for tonight. 

7:30 PM | Then I head home, my girls are just about to go to bed, and there's a stew in the crockpot that's calling my name. I tuck the kids in then head down to some quiet time with my husband.

9:00 PM | After dinner I answer a few more emails, make sure all the products are set up correctly on our POS, create price tags for all the sweets, make weekly to do lists, shop online for supplies needed for future orders, etc. 

12:15 AM | I usually go to bed after midnight, I like to play a few games on my phone before falling asleep to take my mind off of work (otherwise it would stay there all night!) I set my alarm for tomorrow, but most likely I'll just ignore it... and wait until my husband wakes me at 8...

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What’s In Her Bag: Shay Geyer IBB Design Fine Furnishings

Shay Geyer is the dynamic Designer and Owner of IBB Design Fine Furnishings, based right here in Frisco!  Known for her use of color, pattern and texture – clients rave about her ability to transform a house into a welcoming happy home!  Shay is insanely talented and productive, working on residential and commercial projects across the country, launching her own rug, fabric and floral line and supporting various local charities!  Shay is the wife to Brian, mama to two daughters and three fur babies.  

We honestly don’t know how she does it all!!  We thought it would be fun for Shay to give you a sneak peak in her handbag!  Let me tell you, this handbag is seriously a Mary Poppins bag of tricks!  

XOXO, Caroline

THE BAG | Louis VUITTON ALMA EPI, I purchased this handbag in 2013 when emerald was the Pantone Color of the Year. I fell in love with the perfect green hue. The size allows me to carry just about anything I need, making it an ideal bag to carry for work. 

ON THE GO“TOOLS”| I am constantly on the go, between our IBB Fine Furnishing showroom and office, design projects across the world and at market.  As a result, my bag essentially is a tool bag with everything I might need for work regardless of where I am.   The main things I always keep on hand are:

Branded stationery | I try to write thank you notes immediately. Otherwise, I get busy and forget. I usually keep about five notecards and envelopes along with several of my signature blue sharpies in my bag. 

Cell phone | My cell phone keeps me in touch with my family, staff and clients. It is a key part in keeping me efficient. My screen saver is a photo of my hubby and I from last year’s ARTS Awards when IBB won for Best Furniture Store in the country.  The photo is a great reminder and motivation to help me achieve our goals. 

 IBB at Home | Our quarterly design magazine is our best marketing collateral. I always keep a copy in reach to give to a new client or potential advertiser. 

 IBB tape measurer | I’m notorious for losing these so I’ve got them tucked in every nook and cranny in my home and office as well as in my handbag. It’s obviously an essential tool for our work. 

Fabric samples | There are always fabric samples in my bag and since launching my fabric collection last year even more so!  Whether referencing color or presenting a design scheme to a client, a designer is always armed with a plethora of fabric samples!

Paint chart | We pick paint colors to sample on a daily basis so keeping paint charts close by is a must!

Scale | You never know when you’ll need to double check a measurement!  We’re out on job sites keeping an eye on our design details throughout the week so I always have one handy. 

Portable charger | I’m constantly on my phone texting and communicating with clients, trades and manufacturers so I use a lot of battery power. It’s not uncommon for me to have to re-charge on the go so a portable charger is a must!

FOR THE FACE | We made these cosmetic bags out of my Genesis fabric as a promotional item and I can’t live without mine!  It’s the perfect travel size for keeping up with necessities for touching up between appointments. 

Favorite Product | Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color | I love it because it lasts all day, goes on beautifully, and you can control how much sparkle you put on

Lips | I always have a bright a lipstick in my handbag to be prepared for spur of the moment meetings or events.

FOR THE BODY | With a hectic travel schedule, these are the must haves that keep me feeling good and healthy regardless of where I am.

Riccola lozenges | I have horrible allergies so I carry these with me for whenever my throat gets dry. I talk a ton throughout the day so these all-natural lozenges are a life saver for me!

Atkins Shake | We’re on the go so much that it’s rare to have time to stop for lunch. I keep Atkins shakes and other healthy snack options so I can eat on the run and avoid making poor choices at a drive-thru!

Hand sanitizer | My mom taught me to never be without hand sanitizer. We created this promotional item over fifteen years ago and it is still our most popular! 

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Q&A with Dr. Bhaumik from Stonebrook Pediatric Dentistry

Since February is National Children's Dental Health Month, we thought it would be the perfect time to sit down with Dr. Bhaumik, the Dentist and Owner of Stonebook Pediatric Dentistry in Frisco.  Dr. B is my children’s dentist and they will be the first to tell you - they absolutely LOVE him!  Dr. B is sweet and funny and instantly makes kids feel comfortable.  Read below and you will see for yourself how passionate Dr. B is about pediatric dentistry!  

TSG:  How do you make dental visits less intimidating for kids?

Dr. B:  I love this question because I find many people really do not enjoy going to the dentist and some parents subconsciously pass along their anxiety and fears to their kids!  I am big on sensing the child’s energy, pre-existing level of anxiety and giving kids control. I think we can all agree that we tend to be less intimidated and less anxious when we have some level of control during our day. A dental visit for kids is no different. We start our appointment by a personal greeting-acknowledging the children. As they walk past our brushing station (with their parents), we immediately give them control by handing them an oversized dental mirror. Lastly, before we jump into any kind of dentistry: whether it is a simple checkup or cavity treatment, we spend time just talking to kids about their life (school and what they are up to for fun). I genuinely believe we need to respect children’s pre-existing level of anxiety and not push kids too far just to get it all done! 

I think some dental offices push little ones through the x-ray process or dental treatment (again just to get it all done) and if you simply LISTEN to kids and ask them how they are feeling, they will tell you their fears and worries. If more dental practices would simply slow down when working with children and spend time earning their TRUST, the rest is actually very easy.  

TSG:  How long should children brush their teeth?

Dr. B:  Kids should brush for 2 minutes 2x/day. For each brushing session, one minute should be spent for the top teeth and one minute for the bottom teeth.  Putting extra emphasis on the back molars is a great idea since those back teeth are most prone to getting cavities. Around 6 years of age, kids get their first set of adult molars in the back. I find that a lot of kids forget to move their toothbrushes further back and brush the new adult teeth since they are not used to it!

 TSG:  Do you have a favorite toothpaste brand for children?

Dr. B:  A lot of parents have told me their kids love the TOMS brand for toothpaste. TOMS does make fluoride free and toothpaste with fluoride. So it is a great brand for parents who want to control their fluoride intake and is a brand that has many flavor options for kids.

 Dr. B:  TSG:  When should children start going to the dentist?

Kids should start seeing their dentist by 6 months of age or when their first tooth comes in. This is what the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends. The only exception to this rule is if you have been told by your lactation consultant, primary care provider or your own motherly instinct tells you that your child is tongue-tied. In this situation I highly recommend finding a pediatric dentist or ENT doctor who is skilled using a CO2 laser (not scissors). I wrote an article actually on our website: www.stonebrookpediatricdentistry.com about this topic!

 TSG:  Do you have any books you recommend on children’s dental health?

Dr. B:  Yes! I love the book called: Sugarbug Doug: All About Cavities, Plaque and Teeth by Ben Magleby. Anytime we do dental presentations for kindergarteners or 1st graders, I like to read this book to them. We can get really animated with this book and this book is filled with creative art work which makes it easy for kids to understand why we need to brush our teeth!

 TSG:  What is your favorite part of being a pediatric dentist?

Dr. B:  I love everything about being a pediatric dentist and this is my dream job since I was 17 years old. I was a shy and anxious kid with zero confidence in high school. I had ADD (still do) and wasn’t the best student for a long time. I thank God everyday for helping me discover my purpose and passion. Once I discovered my purpose, I was able get tunnel zoned on my goal and able to concentrate in school for 10 plus years to become a board certified pediatric dentist. Being a pediatric dentist is something very personal for me because I didn’t always believe in myself. I see myself now as a mentor and role model for all the kids out there that struggle with anxiety/depression, have trouble concentrating in school, feel average or don’t believe in themselves. I was that kid growing up for a very long time.

My favorite part of being a pediatric dentist is the fact that I get to be my true self everyday, lead an incredible team of people who share my love for serving children and provide the best customized dental experience for children.

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Monthly Home Maintenance Guide

I’ve partnered with Melissa Renfro, broker and owner of Melissa Renfro Realty Group to bring you a monthly checklist to help you better maintain your home!    I have personally worked with Melissa on multiple real estate transactions and I love her non-nonsense approach to real estate.  She swears by having a routine maintenance schedule to keep the value in your home. 

January:  Change your HVAC Filter

Try to change your filter every 4-6 weeks to help your HVAC System run efficiently. 

February:  Wash the inside of your windows

Use glass cleaner or distilled white vinegar on the glass.  Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and dish soap to clean windowsills.  

March:  Change the batteries in your smoke detectors

Do this at least once each year and test smoke detectors monthly.

April:  Inspect your plumbing

Check for dripping faucets, leaks under sinks and water spots on the ceiling.  Hire a plumber if you find any issues. 

May:  Paint a room

Use canvas drop clothes to protect your floors and inexpensive paper or plastic ones to cover furniture. 

June:  Examine your home’s exterior

Look for cracks in the driveway, holes in the siding, and tree branches or roots that are too close to your home. Call a professional for anything that needs attention.

July:  Wash the outside of your house

Power washers can damage your siding, so use a siding cleaning kit attached to a regular garden hose instead. 

August:  Treat for pests

Hire an exterminator to treat for termites, spiders and other pests.  Consider setting up a monthly or quarterly contract. 

September: Clean the gutters

Clear out leaves and debris.  Have a professional inspect the gutters and downspouts and make repairs if necessary. 

October:  Inspect the chimney

Hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney, even if you don’t use the fireplace often.  

November:  Get organized

Clean out kitchen cabinets and organize overflowing closets to prepare for the holidays.  

December:  Deep clean the floors

Shampoo carpets and give wood floors a good cleaning.  Check for exposed nails or boards that need to be repaired.  

Website // melissarenfro.com

email //  melissa@melissarenfro.com

phone // 214.364.9227

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Neighborhood Spotlight: Newman Village

Photo Credit:  Carol Riell Photography for The Scout Guide Plano & Frisco Volume 1

It’s impossible to introduce you to Newman Village without talking about the Newman Family and a little Frisco history.  The Newmans have been a part of Frisco since before Frisco actually existed.  

John Lenox Newman

John Lenox Newman and his wife Catherine came to Texas from Tennessee in 1841 in a covered wagon.  They acquired a tract of land and began a legacy of farming that would extend five generations, up until 2001, when Dale became the last Frisco farmer to farm his own. 

In the early 2000’s, Jim Newman had a vision for his family’s farmland and the surrounding Frisco community.  He could see that growth from Dallas and Richardson was going moving northward and would eventually hit Frisco.  Some thought he was crazy, and how can you blame them?  At the time, Frisco was a sleepy town of 30,000 and a lot of farmland.  But Jim had the foresight to begin planning a gated community in West Frisco.  

What differentiated the Newmans from many of the other farming families developing their land around the same time was their expertise in real estate and zoning.  Jim Newman envisioned a neighborhood out of a movie (think, It’s a Wonderful Life), with manicured lawns and children playing in cul-de-sacs. To bring his vision to life, Jim and Dale Newman teamed up with Darling family.   They knew they wanted to partner with a family business that would stand the test of time and their core values and vision aligned.

[Note:  Having worked with Newman Family in Volume 1 of the Scout Guide Plano & Frisco, one thing I can tell you about them is this family has integrity in everything they do.  Their approach to developing their land was no different.]

Sculpture by Massimo Pizzoleo

Newman village is truly a master planned community. It is built around a Central Plaza, a 2.6 acre park designed to serve as an anchor for the community. The Newman’s incorporated outdoor sculpture exhibits, gallery-styled art displays, an amphitheater, and walking trails.  All intended to bring the residents outside.  

The Newmans also wanted their development to be architecturally diverse – unlike a lot of the neighborhoods going up in suburbs at the time.  In Newman Village, no home can have the same exterior.  Residents instead can choose from a unique blend of architectural designs including French Revival, Spanish Eclectic, Colonial and American Classic.

Photo Source:  give.childrens.com

The Newmans are truly dedicated to getting homeowners outside of their homes connecting.  Originally, they hired a community relations manager to organize community and holiday events.  This role was subsequently taken over by a very active social committee.  There are activities happening year-round:  movies on the lawn, jazz nights in the park, 4th of July BBQ’s, and campouts.  The Newman Village children even came together to start an annual lemonade stand to raise money for pediatric cancer.  

The latest expansion of Newman Village, and perhaps the most special, is the Homestead at Newman Village.  Built on the last piece of the family farm, the Homestead will be divided into 33 lots, all over half an acre, with custom homes over $2 million.  Consistent with the rest of Newman Village, the Homestead will be anchored with a special park where the Newman Farmhouse once stood. 

The legacy of the Newman Family in Frisco remains strong to this day.  Six generations of the family have lived and worked in Frisco, actively supporting the community and schools.  Today, the Newmans are proud to be raising the 7th generation of their family in Frisco.

Newman Village // newmanvillage.darlinghomes.com

Homestead at Newman Village // nvhomestead.com

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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

I know it feels like we just woke up from the holidays, but Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!  It’s double fun at our house because our twins were born on Valentine’s Day!  I’ve partnered with PERFECTLY GIFTED FRISCO - our local gift giving experts - to bring you the best gift ideas for all of the loves in your life.  

XO, Caroline

Portrait by CAROL RIELL PHOTOGRAPHY  for The Scout Guide Plano and Frisco VOLUME 1

Hi!!  We are Amy and Ewa of Perfectly Gifted Frisco!  We know that you have a crazy busy life, but you still want to give thoughtful, personal gifts!  That’s where we come in!  Our online boutique is designed to deliver trendy, personalized gifts and gift boxes and offer convenience for any occasion. Below are our favorite picks for Valentine’s Day, but you can also visit our website and we can design an custom curated box just for your loved one!  

XO, Amy & Ewa

For Him

We love this All in One Tech Organizer for your traveling man. At $50, this personalized carry all case is a versatile travel accessory with room for his laptop and accessories. Zippered for easy opening with lots of compartments and comes with a USB iPhone charging cable.  Link to buy!

For their Teachers

This monogrammed bright bag is perfect for a teachers gift and includes the adorable tassel, $30.  Add a gift card or her favorite snack and you have the PERFECT teacher gift!

For your Bestie

These matching monogrammed trucker hats are perfect for your bestie or the entire squad!  $25  Link to buy!

For your College Girl

If you want to send your favorite college girl a Valentine Surprise, the monogrammed PGF waffle robe in their school colors is the perfect way!  So cute and just $48!  Link to buy!

For the Tween

Your daughter will love this glittery box, hand curated by PFG. It includes a glittery monogram pouch with tassel, stainless steel tumbler, day dream believer diffuser and candle.  Just $65!  We canl ship all over the country for $7, so this is the perfect niece or granddaughter gift!

For Anyone!

The heart shaped monogram makes this glittery tumbler the perfect little gift for just about anyone - friends, teachers, daughters!  

Website // perfectlygiftedfrisco.com

Instagram //  perfectlygiftedfrisco

Facebook  //  perfectlygiftedfrisco

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Grow Strong in 2019

I know it sounds cliché, but one of my family’s resolutions for 2019 is to clean up our eating by incorporating more fresh veggies, fruits and herbs.  So when I saw these tips from Design Roots, I had to share!  They even incorporate the fresh herbs into a must try cocktail - WINNING!   

XO, Caroline

Guest Post by Tara Chambers of Design Roots 

It’s that time of year for fresh beginnings and goal-setting! So many of us resolute to live a healthier life and what better way than to incorporate homegrown herbs and vegetables into your meals?

A VEGGIE-PLAN

Winter isn’t the ideal time to grow plants outside, but it’s a perfect time to germinate indoors so that you can transfer in the spring! Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding process that connects you to your plants… and helps to make your cold, dark winter days a little brighter!

Start seed germination now, then transfer outdoors and plant in the spring. 

GERMINATE INDOORS IN THE WINTER

Be sure that your home temperature doesn’t spike or drop dramatically. Herb seedlings will germinate best at the following temperatures… 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum and others) 65-85 °F

Coriander or Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) 55-70 °F

Dill (Anethum graveolens) 60-70 °F

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) 60-70 °F

Kale (Brassica oleracea acephala) 45-75 °F

Lavander (Lavandula angustifolia) 65-70 °F

Mint (Mentha spp.) 68-75 °F

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) 72-77 °F

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) 50-85 °F

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 80-90 °F

Sage, Common (Salvia officinalis) 60-70 °F

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris and others) 60-70 °F

PLANT OUTDOORS IN THE SPRING

Dallas is in hardiness zone 8a. If you’re not here in Dallas, you can look up your hardiness zone here. Check for ideal planting dates in your hardiness zone before transferring outside! This will ensure that all your hard work indoors doesn’t go to waste.

CHOOSING YOUR EQUIPMENT

Bring the outdoors in anytime of year by sowing seeds indoors in a seed-starting tray under a fluorescent light. This will ensure ample, even light during this darker time of the year.

Once your seedling has grown, transfer to a pot that is 2” to 4” larger than the plant. This will allow it to grow larger and stronger.

https://shop.designroots.com/collections/planters/products/olivia-pot-large-by-garden-inspired-living

Once it’s time to plant outside, choose a planter made of a natural pourous material such as ceramic. This allows the moisture to be evenly distributed, unlike plastic planters that can pool water in areas. Choose a planter with a hole in the bottom or drill a hole in for drainage. We recommend these beautiful ceramic pots from the Design Roots shop.

https://shop.designroots.com/collections/planters

AND… BON APPETIT!

Below are our favorite recipes that showcase the fruits herbs of your labor!

DESIGN ROOTS ROSEMARY-ELDERFLOWER SPRITZER

2 parts - Prosecco

2 parts - Sparkling water (we love Topo Chico!)

1 part - St Germaine

Freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste

Rosemary sprigs (cut large)

Combine the first 4 ingredients and use the rosemary sprigs to stir the cocktail. Serve with the rosemary sprig sticking out of the cocktail for a rustic look.

FOREST QUICHE WITH LOX, KALE + BASIL 

1 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, sliced

1/2 cup crème fraîche

1/2 cup plain yogurt

5 eggs (free-range please!)

1/4 cup shredded kale, woody stems removed

1/2 cup smoked salmon slices (preferably wild), torn into small pieces

1 frozen pie crust

Heat the oil or butter in a medium pan over a low–medium heat. Add the onion and cook down for about 10 minutes or until soft, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, beat the crème fraîche, yogurt, and eggs together in a large bowl until combined. Stir in the kale, season, and set aside.

Once softened, remove the onion from the heat and leave to cool. Once cool, stir into the kale mix. Pour the kale mixture into the thawed pie crust (follow directions on package for thawing). Arrange the smoked salmon on top. Bake for 35 minutes at 350 degrees, or until the salmon is catching color and the quiche cooked through to the centre. Remove and allow to cool a little.

Cut into quarters and top with freshly torn basil. 

Design Roots offers exterior design services to bring your outdoor living space to life as well as a boutique shop offering tabletop items, outdoor candles, garden and pottery to furniture and textiles. Everything you have for your home, but for the OUTDOORS

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Staying Healthy During the Holidays:  Tips and Tricks from Mac Speed and Strength Owner, Nikki McCareins

If you are anything like me, it’s nearly impossible to stay healthy during the holidays.  The hard work from Summer and Fall is thrown out the window one holiday party and cookie exchange at a time.  We reached out to Nikki McCareins, Owner of MAC Speed and Strength for her advice on how to stay on track this year and I think her advice is actually doable!

Do Something Active Every Day

It can be hard during the holidays to stick to a routine when kids are out of school and the weather is bad but try to do something physical each day. Go for a bike ride or hike with the kids or sneak away from the house guests for some “me time” at the gym.  Even thirty minutes is better than nothing.  

Start the Day Right

Start the day with a healthy breakfast full of protein and fiber and try to get a workout in.  If you start the day with a healthy focus, you are less likely to make poor choices later. 

Use Moderation

Mindfully choose to enjoy yourself – Drink and eat, but only what tastes good and stop when you’re full. Avoid starving yourself because you know you are eating a big meal later – this can lead to over-eating.   

Get Back on Track

It’s okay to have a good meal or night out, just get back on track with a healthy diet and exercise the next day. Try to eliminate the excuse that “I ate poorly last night, so I’ll just keep going all week.”  

Prioritize Treats

Sometimes it’s helpful to prioritize the treats and stick to a plan. You can break down holiday treats as sweet, salty, savory and alcohol.  If you know you don’t have a sweet tooth, but prefer a few glasses of wine, then skip the dessert.  This will help you use your allotted calories wisely.  Choose you priority and then enjoy it.   

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Preparing Your Home For Guests

For a lot of us, the holidays mean houseguests!  But don’t fret -  we partnered with Britton Homes to bring you some great tips on how to make your home clean, comfy and inviting!

Extra Blankets and Pillows

Have extra blankets and pillows available to your guests if they wish to get cozy and snuggle up on the couch or by the fire. Even if a guest is not staying the night, having these items available to your guests shows that you want them to be comfortable. It shows them that “My house is your house!”

“Home-y accessories”

The last suggestion on this list is to take pride in your home and show it through the way you accessorize. Candles can create an inviting ambiance and a sign about family and friendship makes everyone feel at home. Have placemats and a nice table cloth on your dining room table to show guests that you prioritize dinner time as the time to congregate and share.

Cleaning

Some people enjoy the process, and others can’t stand it. Whatever the case may be, your guests will appreciate the extra effort. Even though a little mess in your home may not bother you all that much, a new guest will be seeing your home with fresh eyes and may notice things that you often overlook. Before having any guests over, take the time to spot-clean little areas you don’t usually give much attention to. This means dusting your knick-knacks and in-between your couch cushions. Most importantly, the bathroom and guest room should be spotless as this is where your guest will need to feel the most comfortable.

Decorating

You may have already decked-out your home according to your personal style. However, it can’t hurt to “guest-proof” your home to make it feel even more inviting. If you do not already own the following items, it might help to run to the store and pick some things up.

Welcome Mats

A welcome mat is as much for you as it is for your guest. It will be one of the first things a guest will see when they enter your home and will make it that much more inviting. It will also serve as a place to wipe your feet. Guests will be grateful for this addition because they may feel embarrassed if they track dirt into your house. Have one for any exterior door so that dirt is not tracked in.

Coat Rack

During the colder months, it is especially important to have a coat rack available to guests so that they can easily grab their coats when they’re on the go. Guests may not know where to put their coats and end up keeping them on or carrying them with them everywhere if a coat rack is not provided.

 Shoe Rack

If a guest is staying for an extended period of time, you will want to provide a shoe rack near your front door. If you want to go the extra mile, consider investing in some slippers for your guests to wear inside the house so that they don't have to walk on the cold floor.

Home is Where the Heart Is

Discover your dream home among available Britton Homes with their personalized search engine. Select a location, price, square footage, and more.

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Holiday Home Tour with Karyn Dismore

Tis the season for holiday décor! I had the privilege of touring one of the gorgeous homes decorated for the holidays by Karyn Dismore, Owner and Principal Designer for Karyn Dismore Interiors. Karyn graciously agreed to share her holiday decorating tips with us and what she does to make the holidays special for her clients and family. 

Choose a Color Palette that Compliments the Home

Karyn often opts for metallics - gold, silver, champagne - over traditional reds and greens. She pairs these with colors that tie in with the home’s existing color palette, especially in her favorite soft blues and grays. She loves to incorporate natural elements – artichokes, pine cones, berries and fruit, in the most realistic versions she can find.

Create a Statement with Holiday Collections

Karyn makes an impact by grouping holiday collections into focal statements, like this collection of antique Russian dolls. She especially loves collections with sentimental value – perhaps passed down from a loved one or collected on her clients' travels. 

There can be such a thing as too much Holiday Décor

Karyn feels you can lose the character of your home by over-decorating. This is especially important when a room needs to remain usable and practical. Karyn’s suggestion is to add subtle touches of holiday through out the house, like the greenery on this chandelier, with an eye to accessorize the room’s decorative focal point. 

Holidays are about Family

If your Christmas tree is formal, Karyn recommends creating a children’s tree that they can touch, incorporating their homemade ornaments. Although Karyn’s daughters are in high school and college, she still makes the holidays fun with trees in their rooms, gingerbread house competitions and Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve. A Dismore family tradition is their Christmas Eve ornament exchange, with carefully chosen ornaments that symbolize the prior year. 

Keep Exterior Decorations Simple and Elegant

Karyn believes outdoor holiday décor should compliment the home and not detract from the existing architecture.  Decorations should be balanced and symmetrical - if you do something on the right, you should balance it on the left.  She recommends using greenery and soft white lights. 

Invest in High Quality

Karyn recommends investing in timeless, high-quality decorations that will last a lifetime. She has found that less expensive ornaments typically do not hold up during the storage process and trendy items go out of style making them not worth the investment. If you are on a budget, Karyn recommends decorating with less, but not sacrificing on quality.

And that brings us to Karyn’s main rule for holiday decorating: “a little bit goes a long way, so in general, if it’s tacky, throw (or give) it away!"

Visit karyndismoreinteriors.com for more information about Karyn and Karyn Dismore Interiors.

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and our first annual Holiday Gift Guide is officially out!  We’ve SCOUTED Plano and Frisco for 30 of the best gifts that you can purchase LOCALLY!  And let me tell you, we have everyone on your list covered.  

The holiday season is the most important time of year to support small businesses, so spread the local love by sharing this gift guide with friends and family!

As always, don’t forget to mention that The Scout Guide sent you!  

Happy Shopping!

Caroline 

 Personalized Vinglace Wine Chiller from Perfectly Gifted Frisco // $95

Christmas by Design from IBB Design Fine Furnishings // $45

Monthly Board Box Membership from Fig + Goat // starting at $89

Macaron Candle from Eden Lifestyle Boutique // $13

Porcelain Flower Diffuser from Perfectly Gifted Frisco // $75

Skeem Citronella Sea Salt Incense from Design Roots // $24

  Hand Blocked Fur Felt Floppy Hat from Bay Willow Designs// $195

Marilyn Botanical from IBB Design Fine Furnishings // $1,471

Metallic Champagne Flutes from Eden Lifestyle Boutique// $32

10 -Class Pack from Barre Social // $180

SkinBetter Science Bundle from TruDerm// $395

Oi Holiday Set from Triple Crown Hair Salon// $69

SkinMedica RegiMEN Skincare System from TruDerm // $225

Feast by Firelight from Design Roots // $25

10-Pack of Barbell Cardio Classes from Mac Speed & Strength// $140

Maple  Wood Serving Board from Design Roots // $75

Personalized Convertible Bag from Perfectly Gifted Frisco // $50

Custom Swing Bed from Design Roots // Call 214.387.8333 for pricing

 The Grace Doll from Eden Lifestyle Boutique// $59

Original Melting Shark from Eden Lifestyle Boutique // $15.95

Unicorn Suitcases from Eden Lifestyle Boutique // $33

Sequin Plush Elephant from EQ Kids Club // $13

Oversized Plush Giraffe from EQ Kids Club // $80

Fight Back Canvas Pouch from Bay Willow Design// $16

  KicKee Pants Holiday Muffin Ruffle Footie from Eden Lifestyle Boutique // $39

Babies First Christmas Ornament from Eden Lifestyle Boutique// $9

Custom Curated and Personalized Gift Box from Perfectly Gifted Frisco// Starting at $50

Jellycat Robyn Reindeer from Eden Lifestyle Boutique// $30

Plan Toys Duck Racer from EQ Kids Club // $50

Christmas Train Puzzle from Eden Lifestyle Boutique// $12

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, your husbands and sons can’t go wrong with any of the gifts on our Mother’s Day Gift Guide!  The added bonus is that all of them support amazing local businesses right here in Collin County! 

I’m personally planning on taping this to my husband’s bathroom mirror!  (He notoriously “forgot” my very first Mother’s Day!)  #notbitter

There is nothing better than getting a flower delivery...except a beautiful arrangement delivered every week or month!   It truly is the gift that keeps on giving!  For the ultimate gift that will keep the mama in your life happy, visit blueposydesigns.com.  

A custom sketch of your childhood home for your own mother or a sketch of the first home that you brought your babies home to for your wife is about the sweetest gift I can imagine.  Heather at Design Roots offers custom sketches in three sizes.  Visit: http://www.design-roots.net/prints/ to order.

Just visiting the showroom at IBB Design Fine Furnishings is a treat!  The added bonus is that customers can actually shop directly from the showroom floor!  Shay Geyer has designed her own collection of permanent botanicals that are absolutely stunning. So if you are like me and kill everything green, this is the perfect gift for you.  Visit the IBB Design Fine Furnishings at 5798 Genesis Court in Frisco.  (photography credit:  Dan Piassick)

Sweets on a Stick is offering a Mother’s Day Cookie Decorating class from 5-7PM on May 12th at her adorable shop in Downtown Frisco.  The added bonus is that it is BYOB, so grab a bottle of rosé and take your sweet mama or daughter to this adorable event.  Visit sweetsonastickfrisco.com to view the entire calendar of events. 

If you know me, you know the Barbell Cardio classes at MAC Speed are my favorite workout ever!  A 10-pack of classes will have the mama in your life feeling amazing going into summer.  Visit macspeedandstrength.com/ for more information.  

Let me just tell you - your mama hair needs the Davines hair products that they sell at Triple Crown Salon.  The products are life changing.  If you don’t receive these for Mother’s Day, go treat yourself!  You will thank me, I promise!! triplecrownhairsalon.com/ 

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Scouting for Volume 1

I am so thrilled to be the Editor of The Scout Guide, Plano & Frisco!  To have a career that celebrates everything I love is a dream!  In January, I visited TSG Headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia and had the pleasure of meeting TSG Founders, Christy Ford and Susie Matheson. Their passion for local businesses and all things beautiful was so inspirational.  Charlottesville is one of the most charming towns I’ve ever visited - it needs to be on everyone’s travel list!  

The Scout Guide Headquarters is located above Christy Ford’s charming antique store, And George.  

Since I returned, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing business owners based in Collin County!  We already have an amazing collection of businesses filling up The Scout Guide Plano & Frisco!  We have an amazing launch party in the works that will be the event of the Season!  

If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining the Scout Guide Plano & Frisco, please email me at ceagle@thescoutguide.com!  

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BOOK CLUB // When the weather is chilly, I love nothing more than to curl up by the fireplace with a great new book.  Enjoy five titles on our to-read list!