GOOD TIMES

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” -George R. R. MartinMy book club meeting is one of the highlights of my month. I look forward to it not only because of my great love for reading, but, because it is a chance to socialize with intelligent and interesting women who share my appreciation of books. I am fortunate to be in a group with women who are also great cooks and entertainers, which immensely contributes to the enjoyment of these meetings!Book clubs can serve different purposes for you at various stages of your life. If you live with tweens or teenagers, book club might just be the quickest escape route from the crazy train of hormones that comes barreling through your house with little or no warning.Whatever your motivation for wa...

Temperatures are cooling down, the days are starting to get shorter, and the holiday season is just around the corner. The best part of the year is finally upon us!by Madison Cook | Staff WriterBesides the school break, delicious food, and loads of gifts, what is it that makes this time of year so special? Why is it that our fondest family memories can be traced back to this period? The answer is simple: Traditions. We all have them and love them, no matter how cheesy or childish they may be. Elf on the shelf? Christmas cookies left out for Santa? Potato pancakes and the dreidel game? The rituals we carry out year after year surrounded by our loved ones add a personal aspect to our holiday spirit. Whether new or old, these traditions bring us together and help us create fond memories.With ...

Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society Presents $50,000 Check Towards Endowment at Highland Park Education Foundation “Shaping the Future of Our Past” Over the past four years, PCHPS has expanded its commitment to education in the Park Cities. In 2011, the society’s board voted to allocate funds from the Historic Home Tour and the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon to fund an endowed scholarship with the Highland Park Education Foundation for a deserving HPHS graduating senior. The award is given annually to a student interested in architecture, history, decorative arts, or a similar classical pursuit which reflects our organization’s passion for the significance of historic preservation.PCHPS and its supporters reached the initial goal of $100,000 for the scholarship fund in 2014. The...

Taking time for your girlfriends makes the best of YOU!By Cecily Knobler | ContributorYou know that friend you have who just completely “gets” you? She makes you laugh until your ribs hurt, until you’ve smiled so much you can’t feel your face? Yes? Call her right now, and make a plan for a night out. It’s time to reconnect to the gal-pals who recharge your spirit. You know, the ones who love you, even when you’re having “a day” or you’ve got toothpaste on your shirt. The truth is that sometimes you just need a friend to stand in for your sister…or your mother…or you conscience…or your iPhone text decoder. Someone to explain how Snapchat works or to tell you the truth about your “Mom Jeans.”“Feelings” isn’t a curse word with our girlfriends. They understand that sometimes after a grueling d...

Family Fun in Your Own Backyardby Kimberly Blaker | ContributorIt’s the season your kids have been waiting for, so how will you maximize the long lazy days of summer with your family? Celebrate the carefree season to its fullest with these outdoor activities and adventures your whole family will enjoy – right in your own backyard.Under the starsTake full advantage of the peaceful summer nights and campout in your backyard. Kick off the evening by watching the sun set, then build a bonfire (in a fire pit), roast marshmallows, and gaze at the stars. Bring out your guide to the stars and see what you can spot: the Little Dipper, Hercules, or Sagittarius.Croquet champsSet up this classic outdoor game that the whole family can play. Then hold a summer’s end family croquet match. Give handicaps ...

The Plano ISD Board of Trustees on May 19 recognized Toyota for its generous contribution of $1,000,000 to the Academy Programs of Plano through the Plano ISD Education Foundation.Karla Oliver, Plano ISD assistant superintendent for government, community and planning initiatives, introduced the recognition at the school board meeting.“On behalf of the Plano ISD Education Foundation and the Academy Programs of Plano, I am delighted to introduce our new corporate sponsor whose generous financial contribution will help to support innovative learning opportunities at our Academy Programs of Plano,” said Ms. Oliver. “These programs allow Plano ISD to serve an even greater variety of student interests and needs. Understanding the need to be progressive and innovative in our financial management,...

Schools Out, Now What?by Madison Cook | ContributorExams are over, the weather is finally warming up, and SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE! Late nights, sleeping in, Netflix marathons, and 12 hour tan sessions! What could be better?Well… About a week of this “summer fun” and suddenly, school doesn’t seem so bad after all. Three months of no school means lots of time for relaxation, but how much is too much? It seems as if teens are always struggling to find the perfect balance between complete relaxation and finding ways to be productive during this time off. With an increasingly competitive college admissions process and the current business landscape overtaking young adults of the 21st century, the importance of making effective use out of summer is greater than ever. But what exactly is the “prod...

How Courage and Fortitude Transformed Adversity Into a Positive LifeFor Christopher Bianez of the Plano Police Department, this is an understatement.by Karyn Brodsky | Staff WriterOfficer Bianez uses his life experiences to prove that negative influences don’t have to shape who you are. He turned his incredible story of adversity into a triumph and reaches out to teens like no one else can.Growing up in California, Christopher figured out his life’s work by age 10. “I wanted to be a police officer and rid the world of drugs,” says Bianez. Unfortunately, that innocent idealism was shattered when he turned 12 and learned his parents were drug addicts.Playing football as a child, Christopher was mentored by a 20-year-old man. One day he told the man he wanted to be a police officer. The man l...

We could all use a little more flavor,a little more heat and a little more zestby Bobbie Ames | Food & Entertainment EditorPreserved LemonsWhat is it? Typical in Middle Eastern and Moroccan cuisine, these are whole lemons preserved in a brine of salt and their own juices. With the aging process they become intensely lemony, yet mellow. The pulp can be used, but the peel is most valued. In recipes calling for preserved lemon, grated lemon rind is acceptable but not a truly satisfactory substitute. They are simple to make and last for months and even years in your refrigerator.How should I use it? Preserved lemons provide a strong and bold citrus flavoring. Use with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts or sautéed greens. Add to salad dressings and marinades. Excellent stirred into steamed ...

Making the Grade with GradsA+ Suggestions for Gifts They’ll LoveAre your friends’ kids graduating from high school or college?Do you want to find something a personal yet also practical?Here are some gift suggestions that are good for the dorm or apartment.Soundrise from Soundfreaq is the ultimate modern Bluetooth bedroom speaker and alarm clock that combines design, functionality and award-winning sound quality. Perfect for a dorm room.soundfreaq.com $80.KitchenAid® Personal Brewer Coffee Maker comes with its own travel coffee mug so your collegiate can make a cup in the dorm room for a java on-the-go. bedbathandbeyond.com $80.Go a little retro with this Impossible Polaroid One-Step Close-Up Camera. It’s a whole new (although old) way to capture the fun.urbanoutfitters.com $180Show some s...