GOOD TIMES

By Kimberly Blaker | ContributorAre your garage, basement, and closets overflowing from the heaps of stuff you’ve been saving “just in case?” Then it may be time to put it to good use—in someoneelse’shome. Garagesales are a great way to clear out, recycle, and make some extra cash. Follow these suggestions for a successful sale and a clutter free home.The storefrontA garage is usually the best place to hold a sale offering shelter and requiring little daily set up and tear down. If your garage is hard to get to, hidden from view, or contains valuables that can’t easily be hidden, use a covered porch or patio or your yard. Keep plenty of tarps available to protect your goods from rain and for covering at the end of the day.All in the timingPlan your sale when temperatures are between 60 to ...

From vacation Bible school to an on-site mission trip and a multi-day sleepaway camp, summer programs offer fun and engaging activities for those in Pre-K to 12th Grade.PLANO, TEXAS – May 21, 2021 –St. Andrew United Methodist Church invites children and youths to participate in its summer programming, including Vacation Bible School, June 22-25; an on-site mission trip, June 7-12; and the annual Camp Impact, a sleepaway camp, July 21-25.“It’s been a long, tough year for everyone, and St. Andrew is looking forward to safely hosting children and youths for our summer fun 2021 programming,” saidRev. Kim Meyers, associate pastor, Family Ministries. “Additionally, if you are someone who would like to serve as a volunteer, we would love your help in our Vacation Bible School program, which will ...

Hot Diggity Dog! This summer was filled with twists and turns, but our pets have a way of bringing some relief, levity and joy to our complicated lives.Thank you to everyone who took the time to share photos of your “best friend” enjoying the Dog Days of Summer. We had a ball – and a lot of laughs – looking through over 100 entries. It was nearly impossible for our editors to select the winners, but we did, and here they are:1st PLACE: SadieSadie will receive a $100 Gift Card and one day of Doggie Day Camp at Man’s Best Friend plus a custom portrait and free desserts for 4 at Andy’s Frozen Custard.2nd PLACE: DukeDuke will receive a $50 Gift Card to Man’s Best Friend plus $25 to Kenny’s Italian Restaurant and free desserts for 4 at Andy’s Frozen Custard.3rd PLACE: BurritoBurrito will receiv...

Smokin’ HotIf your Dad is the King of the Grill, he will love this stellar smoker with perfect heat diffusion and adjustable venting for precision temperatures to smoke, sear or grill. Add a “Chicken Throne” (we kid you not!) too.Ed Kellum & SonMultiple LocationsEdkellum.comRaise the BarClassic bourbon with a spicy edge, like it’s namesake. Available at all major spirit retailers.J.R. Ewing BourbonJRewingbourbon.comChamp of the CampIf dad is the outdoorsy type, enhance his adventurous spirit with this backpack cooler and steel growler set.eddie bauerWatters Creekwatterscreek.comKing of the RemoteOh, go ahead, you know he wants it. 43-inch Sony Smart TV with 4 K picture quality.starpowerMultiple DFW locationsStar-Power.comStar TreatmentCheck out this Sonos Playbase for widescreen sound ...

More than $120,000 was raised for the efforts of the Taylor Hooton Foundation as over 250 supporters attended the Third Annual All-Star Gala on March 25th at Lamborghini Dallas. The Taylor Hooton Foundation is dedicated to educating North America’s young people about the dangers of anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs. The friends and family of Taylor Hooton formed the foundation in 2004 after his untimely death at 17 years old following his use of anabolic steroids.taylorhooton.org Photo Credit: Life/Art Photography by Nikki GlasgowTHF Board Member James Iley with Former NFL Linebacker Akin Ayodele2017 Legacy Award Recipient Former Special Agent S. Jack Robertson, Steve Duncan, THF Founder Don Hooton and ESPN SportsCenter Co- Anchor Neil EverettGala Host...

Sparkle and ShineDesigner Sarina Schick has perfected the art of handmade wire wrapping jewelry. And, her personal service ensures you’ll make the perfect choice.Designs By SarinaShowroom by appointment.Call 214.493.10934100 Spring Valley Rd, Dallasdesignsbysarina.comPearls of WisdomClassic and contemporary designs of authentic pearls by Martha Anderson and benefiting the Cancer Support Community or charity of your choice.mpowered pearlsBy appointment or book a home show: 214.725.7499Mpoweredpearls.comFeel the BeatBose Quiet Comfort Wireless HeadphonesstarpowerMultiple DFW locationsStar-Power.comSchool SpiritPersonalized pillows say it all.holidaze and gifts3400 Preston Road, Planoholidazeandgifts.comPack ‘Em UpSend them off in style with personalized Jon Hart luggageholidaze and gifts3400...

A Real GemSelect from a gorgeous assortment of semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals and pearls (and now diamonds too!) custom-crafted by Dallas designer Sarina Schick.Designs By SarinaShowroom by appointment. Call 214.493.10934100 Spring Valley Rd, Dallasdesignsbysarina.comSpa Oh La LaCustomize a day of indulgence and self-care.regional skin & laser center3201 E. President George Bush Hwy, Suite 105, Richardsonregionalskinlaser.comSwell GiftKeep her coffee hot or her iced tea icy cold. Hundreds of other gifts here too.holidaze and gifts3400 Preston Road, Planoholidazeandgifts.comWorks of Art Kellie Rode Designs (shown here) and many other local and national artists showcased in one stellar gallery.The Artists’ Showplace Gallery15615 N. Coit Rd, Dallastheartistsshowplace.comTexas-Si...

A Great Book Club Experience and a Toast to Friendshipby Deb SilverthornThe glass needn’t be half-full or half-empty, simply refillable. With the September 13th publication of Craig and Kathryn Hall’s A Perfect Score: The Art, Soul, and Business of a 21st-Century Winery, you’ll have your heart refilled with the love story of two people who made their dreams come true. The Halls own HALL Wines and WALT wines, working alongside their children. They are excited to be returning to Dallas to share this book about love – their love, and the love of working relentlessly toward a vision and then seeing it pour forth freely, and literally.Hall St. Helena“Most mornings when I wake up in our home on the Sacrashe Vineyard, I reflect on how lucky I am to be living this life with Craig, growing grapes a...

Some Holds BarredGraduation Party Ideas & Suggestions that Nobody will Regret Laterby Bobbie Ames | Section Editor‘Tis the season for high school graduation, and there will be no shortage of parties to go along with the milestone celebration. Should you host a party? How do you make it memorable but also set boundaries to keep everyone safe?Whatever you plan to do, a bit of extra foresight and planning will make it a memorable and meaningful celebration. My point of view on this is very simple. You can host a party without it being one of those parties, but you’re going to have to be really smart about it. When parties are held without an adult in the home (or worse, the adult is home and turns a blind eye), things get carried away, questionable decisions are made and there is a real p...

The Importance of Family Traditionsby Kristin Cicciarelli | ContributorThe holidays are just around the corner and that means it’s time to celebrate our love for Walt Disney, Apple electronics and Wii games. Wait—there’s something wrong with that statement! Aren’t holidays really supposed to be about family and friends? Shared experiences? Perhaps a time to reflect on life? And how about an opportunity to express gratitude for that which you already have?The answer of course, is yes. But try telling that to your wistful children whose gift lists are as long as the Magna Carta and whose friends are “all getting the latest (fill-in-the-blank)”. How do parents navigate around the fact that we do live in a material world, yet successfully teach children to be more about giving than receiving?M...