Murphy Chamber Ribbon Cutting Free food served Drawing: (4) Tickets* with parking pass to see the Texas Rangers on Thursday, April 17 @ 7:05pm Drawing: (2) Tickets* with parking pass to see Lakers vs. Mavs on Wednesday, April 9 @ 6:30pm 12:00 pm 12:15 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm *Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must provide both a valid email address and phone number to enter. Entry form must be completed in person at Victory Paint, a Benjamin Moore Retailer, on Friday, April 4, 2025, prior to drawing. One entry per person. No purchase necessary to win. Can’t make the party? We understand. Redeem this for 20% oħ your ģrst gallon of paint in April of 2025!
4 In & Around | Showers of Blessings | April 2025 inaroundmag.com “Like” us on Facebook at: In & Around Lifestyle & Home Magazine. CONTENTS In & Around | April 2025 Letter from the Editor In & Around Magazine Editor-in-Chief Sonia Duggan Graphic Design & Art Director Debra Engstrom Advertising Chad Engbrock Janice Martz Contributing Writers Sonia Duggan, Carrie Dunlea, Bob Wieland Contributing Photographers Karen Chawla/Unsplash, Danika Perkinson/ Unsplash, Poiema Foundation, Andrew Rivera/ Unsplash, Bob Wieland To Advertise with us: cengbrock@csmediatexas.com Telephone – 972.442.5515 ext. 29 How to reach us: Mail – P.O. Box 369, Wylie, TX 75098 Telephone – 972.442.5515 Editorial comments and suggestions sduggan@csmediatexas.com Advertising information advertising@csmediatexas.com In & Around Magazine is published by C&S Media, Inc., a Texas corporation. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. We accept no responsibility for returning unsolicited materials. In & Around Magazine, Northeast edition, is distributed monthly to each household, business and post office box in Farmersville, and Princeton. Additional copies are available for $6.95 per copy, plus postage. Publisher & President Chad Engbrock Associate Publisher & Vice President Sonia Duggan For our other publications go to www.csmediatexas.com 6 I&A Champion Shining a Light in the Darkness 8 I&A Travel Summer Fun Starts Here 12 I&A Local Backyard Chickens 16 I&A Food Creative Easter Desserts 8 S pring is o cially in full swing, and it’s hard to believe how quickly the seasons change. e longer days, warmer breezes and vibrant blooms signal that it’s time to get back into the garden—a task my son Colin has been eagerly preparing for once again this year. With re ned garden plans, a sprinkler upgrade from last season, and one nal raised bed in the works, we’re ready for another bountiful year. Colin’s dedication to gardening continues to grow, along with his TikTok following, and hopefully, before long, we’ll all see the fruits (and vegetables!) of his labor. is month, we shine a light on an organization close to my heart—Poiema Foundation, our April Champion. I rst featured this nonpro t in 2018, and since then, they have remained steadfast in their mission to combat human tra cking through education, community engagement, and survivor empowerment. eir work makes a tangible impact, and I invite you to read more about their e orts. If you’re dreaming of a summer getaway, our Travel feature is packed with inspiration. Planning ahead can mean the di erence between a last-minute scramble and a thoughtfully curated adventure the whole family will cherish. Whether you crave the great outdoors, a relaxing beach escape, or a destination rich in history and culture, we’ve got ideas to make your trip unforgettable. In Food, we celebrate the Easter season with delightful desserts perfect for family gatherings. And if you’ve been considering raising backyard chickens, you won’t want to miss Bob Wieland’s piece on Backyard Chickens: A Fresh Solution to Egg Shortages. What started as a pandemic project for Bob and his wife has turned into a rewarding venture, and he shares valuable advice for anyone ready to take the leap into chicken keeping. As we approach Earth Day on April 22, I encourage you to re ect on ways you can take action to protect our planet. How will you make a di erence this year? Check out Earthday.org for more ideas. Until next month,
Find a specialist Leave the guesswork for game night. Getting women’s healthcare shouldn’t be a puzzle. From pregnancy to menopause, it’s easier to navigate every stage of your journey with a team that supports your needs and connects you to the right specialists and services. That’s care that clicks into place. Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2025 Baylor Scott & White Health. 18-MK-1312350 DT
6 In & Around | Showers of Blessings | April 2025 inaroundmag.com H uman tra cking thrives in the shadows, preying on society’s most vulnerable. e statistics are staggering—Texas ranks second in reported tra cking cases, with an estimated 79,000 minors victimized by sex tra cking. Amid these grim realities, Poiema Foundation is shining a light where it is most needed. Founded in 2012 by Rebecca Jowers, the Rockwall nonpro t is making a tangible impact in the ght against modern-day slavery with a mission built on three pillars: educating the public, engaging communities and empowering survivors. Education and Outreach Education is at the heart of Poiema’s mission. From training healthcare workers to speaking at churches, businesses and schools, the foundation equips individuals with the knowledge to identify and prevent tra cking. Poiema’s agship training, Human Tra cking 101 (HT101), covers all aspects of domestic sex tra cking and is o ered to anyone—in-person and monthly via Zoom. Speaking to Farmersville Rotarians last month, Natalie Alonzo, Poiema’s education and outreach director, told the group, “You may come in with a little bit of knowledge or a lot about human tra cking. Wherever you are on that education journey, we’re going to talk about just what is it and how do we spot it in our everyday lives.” Human tra cking involves controlling a person through force, fraud and coercion, to exploit them for sexual or labor services, or both, said Alonzo, explaining that laws di er signi cantly for those 18 or older. For minors, any involvement in commercial sex automatically makes them tra cking victims. Many victims don’t realize they are being tra cked; some are manipulated by false promises, threats, or nancial dependency, while others are controlled through violence or psychological coercion. Alonzo, who previously worked with child tra cking victims, emphasized the importance of education before sharing rsthand accounts from her work with them. “My everyday working in that job was taking 13, 14, 15-year-old kids to the doctor for STD testing,” she said. “Meanwhile, in the car, they’re telling me how many times they’ve been sold for sex that day. It was extremely heartbreaking and heavier than I could ever communicate to you.” For Alonzo, it fostered her passion to teach people about human tra cking. “Because there’s still so many people in our world today that don’t know this exists, and furthermore, don’t know that it’s happening right in our backyards.” Tra cking in ltrates small towns, suburban neigh- borhoods and online spaces, she added. Her presentation challenges the stereotype that human tra cking mainly involves kidnappings, like in the movie Taken, which accounts for only about 1% of cases in the U.S. Instead, 99% of traf- cking cases are relationshipbased and familial-based. While protecting children from kidnappers is still important, the real danger o en lies in online and personal relationships, said Alonzo. Parents should monitor their children’s social media interactions and be aware of who Poiema Foundation’s Fight Against Human Trafficking Shining a Light in the Darkness I&A CHAMPION By Sonia Duggan
inaroundmag.com they are talking to. Alonzo and the Poiema team also teach a class on Internet Safety, highlighting the risks online platforms pose to minors. “When we give a kid a cell phone with full internet access, we’re also giving perpetrators access to them,” Alonzo warned, urging parents to use monitoring apps. e foundation also addresses the link between pornography and tra cking. “It’s extremely tied into human tra cking because that’s o en where the demand starts,” Alonzo said. Many perpetrators begin by consuming explicit content, then escalate to purchasing sex. Armed with years of education and knowledge gained through her work, Jowers developed a curriculum for healthcare workers, now approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Anyone with a medical license—whether you’re a massage therapist, dental hygienist, doctor, or nurse—must complete mandatory human tra cking education every two years,” she said. Additional trainings offered by Poiema, such as Survivor Care Training and Realities of A ercare Training, teach trauma-informed care. “Understanding why traf- cking victims return to their perpetrator is crucial,” Jowers said. “Taking away the stigma and judgment is a huge part of our mission.” Poiema’s outreach e orts extend beyond education, mobilizing communities to search for missing and exploited children. Partnering with 17 churches in 16 cities, along with law enforcement and private investigators, volunteers distribute posters of missing minors to high-risk locations every Saturday throughout Dallas and surrounding areas. e tip line listed on the posters is monitored by a private investigator associated with 4theONE, a Carrollton nonpro t dedicated to rescuing missing teens. Each outreach team includes an experienced leader, a driver, a data collector and a prayer warrior. Poiema’s outreach has even expanded to South Carolina, thanks to a connection through a volunteer. During Jowers’ rst weekend training session in South Carolina, a hotel employee called her a er recognizing a girl from one of their posters. “She was in a trailer a mile and a half away from where I was staying,” Jowers recalled. e hotel employee warned her, “ ere are guns, drugs, and the man with her father is on house arrest with an ankle monitor.” What followed was a jurisdictional dispute between law enforcement agencies, complicating e orts to help the girl, said Jowers. “It got law enforcement talking to each other,” Jowers said. “And that’s how our outreach started. Now, that church is one of our strongest campuses. ey’re faithful.” A Haven for Healing Over a decade ago, Jowers was asked to help form an anti-human tra cking ministry at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall. Her research revealed a critical unmet need— housing for survivors of sex tra cking. “It’s a huge problem,” she said. “No single church can support a safe house alone.” Because true recovery requires a safe space for healing, Poiema opened its safe house for tra cking survivors in 2017. Initially, the house had two bedrooms, each shared by two residents, but the team soon realized that healing happens more e ectively when women have their own space. “We wanted to accommodate women with higher recovery needs by giving them a private room and bathroom,” Jowers said. In 2022, four bedrooms and bathrooms were added to better serve survivors with severe trauma. e upgrade signi cantly reduced recidivism and increased the average stay to a minimum of six months said Jowers. “Some women had such traumatic experiences that they couldn’t sleep at night,” she explained. “ ey would wake up screaming from night terrors.” Private rooms made a profound impact, allowing survivors to process emotions in privacy. “ ey can cry, scream, get angry, re ect—and most importantly, rest,” she said. For many, having their own space is a new experience. “One young woman grew up moving from extendedstay motels to overcrowded apartments,” Jowers said. “When she walked into her bedroom for the rst time, she just stood there in tears, unable to believe it was truly hers.” Looking ahead, Jowers, who will complete her doctoral dissertation next year at Dallas eological Seminary, is focusing on the power of storytelling in healing from human tra cking—a concept she believes could also bene t sta and volunteers. Additionally, she’d like to create training programs and a model for those working with survivors, including domestic violence and anti-tra cking shelters and foster care providers. “My heart is to really equip and train people, and a lot of that has to do with them dealing with their own trauma rst,” she said. She emphasizes the need for sta to be properly supported, as many are drawn to this type of work due to personal experiences. Eventually, Jowers envisions stepping into a founder’s role, focusing on teaching, training, fundraising and sharing Poiema’s mission. “When I opened our safe house, there weren’t safe houses,” Jowers said. “We were all trying to gure it out together…what does this look like and how do we do it? We’ve come really far in the past decade.” E National Human Trafficking Hotline 888-373-7888 or text info to 233733 To shine a light in your community, visit poiemafoundation.org
8 In & Around | Showers of Blessings | April 2025 inaroundmag.com A s the days grow longer and the school year winds down, families everywhere begin to anticipate the joys of summer vacation. Planning ahead can mean the di erence between a rushed, last-minute trip and a thoughtfully curated experience the whole family will cherish. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors, relaxation on a picturesque beach, or a destination lled with history and culture, these locations o er something special for every traveler. Tucked away on the serene shores of Kezar Lake in Lovell, Maine, Quisisana Resort is a one-of-a-kind retreat that blends elements of summer camp, ne dining, and live entertainment. e picturesque town of Lovell overlooks the White Mountains of New Hampshire and was rst settled during the American Revolution and incorporated in 1800. Its population swells in the summer as seasonal residents return to take advantage of the area’s natural beauty. Kezar Lake, the largest body of water in the region, provides a stunning backdrop for boating, shing and lakeside relaxation, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a peaceful retreat. Beyond its breathtaking surroundings, Quisisana is a haven for music lovers. e lakeside Music Hall, located on Gershwin Lane, features Broadway-caliber performances throughout the week, o ering a rich cultural experience right in the heart of nature. Guests can choose from a variety of charming cottages—some nestled in the woods and others with panoramic lake views. For larger families, the Woodland Lodge provides ample space with seven private bedrooms and a cozy shared living area. With no televisions or telephones, families can fully embrace the beauty of nature and the joy of being present with one another. e scent of pine lls the air as loons call across the water, setting the perfect scene for relaxation. Quisisanaresort.com For families who thrive on outdoor adventures, Stowe, Vermont is the perfect place any time of the year, and the Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge is the perfect launchpad. Located near the Cady Hill Forest, this boutique hotel o ers direct access to some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the Green Mountain State. Kids will love the BluebirdKIDS! program, which includes welcome gi s, scavenger hunts, and exciting activities designed to keep little adventurers engaged. A er a day of exploring, families can unwind in the indoor or outdoor pools, soak in the hot tub, or enjoy a game of shu eboard. e Great Room Bar provides a cozy space for parents to relax while kids enjoy the on-site game room. With stylish mountain lodgeinspired accommodations, Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge is an ideal home base for yearround exploration. bluebirdhotels.com/hotels/ cady-hill Few experiences are as >>> continues on page 10 Summer fun starts here By Carrie Dunlea I&A TRAVEL
April 2025 | Showers of Blessings | In & Around 9 inaroundmag.com
10 In & Around | Showers of Blessings | April 2025 >>> continued from page 8 Summer awe-inspiring as walking among towering, centuries old redwoods. Redwoods National and State Parks in Crescent City, California, offer an enchanting landscape perfect for family hikes, with stroller-friendly trails like the Prairie Creek/Foothills Trail Loop making it easy for even the youngest explorers to join in. From mid-May to midSeptember, Junior Ranger programs introduce kids to the wonders of the natural world, fostering a love for conservation and adventure. For those who prefer not to camp, the historic Hotel Arcata provides a charming stay in the heart of an outdoor paradise. Located near some of California’s most stunning beaches—including Moonstone Beach, Clam Beach, and Agate Beach— families can enjoy everything from tidepool exploration to whale watching. Arcata’s vibrant farmers’ market, Arcata Community Forest, and local playhouse provide additional opportunities to soak in the town’s rich culture and natural beauty. hotelarcata.com A trip to Zion National Park in Utah o ers many opportunities for families to explore, learn and connect with the park. Whether hiking on a trail, having a picnic, or attending a ranger-led program, you will nd something that is great for your family. Several trails in Zion Canyon are rated as easy and are a great t for families, o ering short hikes along a paved surface that o er breathtaking views of the canyon. Some of these trails have minor dropo s and may include steep sections, so it’s best to check trail conditions in advance. For an unforgettable experience that blends luxury with the great outdoors, Under Canvas Zion o ers safari-inspired accommodations near the park. e stunning red rock landscape serves as the backdrop for this glamping resort, where families can sleep in fully furnished tents complete with plush king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves. Under Canvas takes outdoor dining to the next level, with locally sourced meals, cra cocktails, and nightly reside s’mores. Families can participate in guided hikes, stargazing experiences, and adventure excursions in the surrounding desert landscape. It’s the perfect balance of rugged beauty and upscale comfort, making Zion an extraordinary summer destination for families who love nature without sacri cing modern conveniences. undercanvas.com/camps/ zion/ For families looking to mix sun and science, Cocoa Beach, Florida, o ers the perfect blend of beach fun and space exploration. Home to the Kennedy Space Center, kids can witness rocket launches, tour the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and even meet real astronauts. A er a day of exploring the cosmos, unwind on the sandy shores of Cocoa Beach, where gentle waves and warm waters create a perfect playground for young swimmers and surfers. Cocoa Beach boasts a variety of family-friendly resorts, from oceanfront hotels with lazy rivers to cozy vacation rentals with private beach access. One standout option is the new Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, a Polynesian-themed retreat located just down the road from Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. is fully immersive resort features a hotel waterpark, a lazy river, an adults-only chill zone for cocktails, and easy access to sun, sand, and surf—all just steps away from the white sands of Cocoa Beach. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing getaway, this resort o ers the perfect mix of fun and tranquility for families. westgateresorts.com What could be better than a vacation centered around chocolate? Hershey, Pennsylvania—also known as e Sweetest Place on Earth—is a dream destination for families. Hersheypark features thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and kid-friendly attractions, while Hershey’s Chocolate World allows visitors to create their own candy bars and embark on a chocolatetasting journey. Beyond its sweet attractions, Hershey o ers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped Hershey Gardens, visit the interactive exhibits at e Hershey Story Museum, or explore the wild residents of ZooAmerica. For a truly indulgent experience, parents can book a treatment at e Spa at e Hotel Hershey while kids enjoy the resort’s family-friendly pools and activities. For lodging, Hersheypark o ers three unique accommodations. e Hershey Lodge provides a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere, while e Hotel Hershey is a oneof-a-kind historic property o ering elegance and charm. For a more rustic experience, the Hersheypark Camping Resort allows families to enjoy the great outdoors with all the perks of staying at an o cial resort. Guests at e Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge receive complimentary admission to select Hershey attractions, while preferred pricing is available for those staying at the camping resort. hersheypark.com From the majestic redwoods of California to the chocolate-scented air of Hershey, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences for families seeking summer fun. Whether you prefer lakeside tranquility, mountain adventures, desert luxury, or beachside bliss, planning ahead ensures a stress-free and memorable vacation. Start mapping out your summer getaway now—adventure awaits! E I&A TRAVEL
April 2025 | Showers of Blessings | In & Around 11 inaroundmag.com www.collin.edu/academics/alliance Academic Alliance COLLIN COLLEGE Save Thousand$ New degrees*are coming to Collin County this fall. *Pending approvals from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges NEW
12 In & Around | Showers of Blessings | April 2025 inaroundmag.com I f you’ve done a double take at the price of eggs lately, you’re not alone. With costs soaring due to supply shortages, more people are considering a di erent approach—raising their own backyard chickens. Imagine stepping outside each morning to collect fresh eggs, knowing exactly where they came from and what went into producing them. Backyard chickens aren’t just about saving money. ey’re fun, full of personality, and surprisingly easy to care for once you get the basics down. But before you dive in, there are a few things to know—from choosing the right breeds to setting up a coop and keeping your ock safe from predators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my wife Kris and I decided to take the leap, ensuring a steady supply of eggs while also enjoying the perks of raising hens. What started as a practical decision quickly became a rewarding— and pricey— experience. Choosing which chickens to buy took some research to nd breeds that would be good egg layers while hardy enough to survive 100-plus Texas summers and subfreezing winters. So, we settled on Leghorns, white chickens that lay white eggs, along with three breeds that lay brown eggs: Barred Plymouth Rocks, Black Australorps and Bu Orpingtons. Each was about $3. We placed an order for 10 chicks in February 2021 and received them a few weeks later in a cardboard box. Chicks are shipped right a er hatching and can go several days without food or water. e U.S. Postal Service has been delivering live chickens since 1918, so there was no problem getting them. But the postage cost more than the birds and is now $75. Chicks require special care. We set up a cardboard enclosure in a spare bedroom, putting tarps on the oor and covering them with pine shavings that we cleaned daily to prevent the spread of bacteria. Poultry experts advise against keeping chickens indoors around people, so sheds or garages would be better options. We bought a starter feeder, water dispenser and a warmer for them to huddle beneath. Chick feed is more expensive than feed for grown chickens, but it comes in small bags. e chicks grew quickly, and we soon realized we could not keep all 10. So, we gave ve to members of a local club for Collin County residents who have backyard hens. Most cities allow a certain number of hens per residence, but not roosters, and with certain restrictions. Within weeks, the chicks began to seek someplace to roost, so we placed a low stool in the enclosure. As the weather warmed Backyard chickens: A fresh solution to egg shortages By Bob Wieland I&A LOCAL
April 2025 | Showers of Blessings | In & Around 13 inaroundmag.com up, we bought a wooden chicken coop kit from Tractor Supply and assembled it in the backyard. e directions were simple, and the only tool required was a screwdriver. It came unpainted so we painted it to match our house. At the time we bought it, the coop was about $350, but the price is now double that amount. We rst used shavings but later switched to hay which is easier to scoop up for disposal. We installed water bottles and gravity-fed feeders and moved the chickens into their new home. We had two white Leghorns, one Black Australorp, one Barred Plymouth Rock and one Bu Orpington. Two of the chickens were named a er my wife’s great aunts, Ethel and Millie. Our granddaughter named two hens Cloud and Shadow and the Orpington is known as Bu y. While the coop was rated for 10 to 15 chickens, we decided to give them more room by placing them daily into two wire dog runs that we moved around the yard. e hens scratched happily, looking for worms and bugs in the St. Augustine grass. We eventually ditched the dog runs and let the chickens roam around the fenced back yard. Chickens can y short distances, but we never needed to clip their wings as they were content to stay in the yard. ey appreciated a patch of dirt where they could roll for a dust bath to clean their feathers and skin by removing excess oil, dirt and parasites like mites and lice. Predators were our biggest concern. Despite the fence, we’d seen raccoons and possums in the yard, along with hawks and owls overhead. To keep the hens safe, we placed the coop on a layer of quarterinch metal hardware cloth, which also extended a foot outward to prevent digging. We reinforced the doors with extra slide bolts and used a snap bolt for added security. Egg production starts around six months old. Eggs are smaller at rst but become larger as the chickens mature. We got our rst egg in August 2021 and estimated it cost about $500 when factoring in the coop, feed, supplements, and accessories. e Leghorns were our best layers and could produce one egg per day when not ill or molting, or about 300 per year. e other hens laid at least every other day, so we suddenly had a huge surplus of eggs and the price per egg continued to drop to nearly zero. e only continuing cost was $25 for a 50-pound sack of Purina Layena pelleted feed every month. We also provide them DuMOR ve-grain scratch at $10 per 10-pound bag and dried black y larva, $25 for ve pounds. Manna Pro egg cleanser lasts a long time and is diluted to make a soaking solution. My wife began baking more to help use the abundance of eggs. We experimented with scrambled, fried, boiled and poached. Omelets, eggs Benedict, French toast, quiches and di erent deviled egg recipes. Our neighbors gladly accepted free eggs and we took them to work in sixegg cartons labeled “just got laid.” Fresh eggs from free range chickens with a varied diet have darker, bright orange yolks and have a distinctly richer taste. Although the U.S. Food & Drug Administration recommends eggs be refrigerated to keep longer, we learned many other countries store unwashed fresh eggs in the open for weeks. Eggs can also be frozen if beaten and sealed tightly. e average lifespan of a chicken is three to 15 years, depending on the breed, and they generally lay for three to four years. We now have three chickens le and Shadow, the Black Australorp, still produces a medium brown egg every two to three days. Even without producing eggs, chickens are interesting pets. ey come running for treats or curiously follow you around the yard when you are gardening. One thing to remember is the increased threat of avian in uenza spread by wild birds, so make sure the chickens’ feed and water does not attract visitors. Before investing in your own ock, check with your local animal control department for speci c regulations and take one of the chicken tenders education courses o ered by local farm supply stores. We’re planning to add ve new chicks in June, while our older hens will go live with our daughter and granddaughter. Raising hens is rewarding, but don’t expect instant savings. e rst egg might cost you $500—but it’s worth every penny. E Suggested resources for chicken owners: mypetchicken.com mannapro.com local Tractor Supply stores Wells Brothers Pet, Lawn & Garden Supply in Plano
14 In & Around | Showers of Blessings | April 2025 inaroundmag.com Loretta & Charles Smith Pre-arrangements available | Pre-Needs Honored from other Funeral Homes | We Own & Operate Our Own Crematory A ordable • Credit Cards Accepted | cwsfuneralhome.com 2343 Lake Road (@ Hwy 78) • Lavon 972-843-4000 2925 5th St. • Sachse 972-414-5050 601 S. Tennessee St. • McKinney 972-562-7788 660 E. Hwy 380 • Princeton 972-736-2400 Family Owned & Operated General contractors specializing in residential remodeling & home repair with over 30 years of experience. 945-786-0026 Laurence & Ian Ferguson Owners Firewood • Flagstone Rocks • Gravel • Dirt • Sand Organic Mulch • Bermuda Sod Excavation • Site work Concrete Work “WE DELIVER” Family Owned & Operated • Quality Customer Service OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Same Day & Next Day Delivery Available DUMP TRUCK & TRACTOR SERVICE Get it Delivered or Pick Up & Save! 972-442-6231 5390 Pleasant Valley Rd., Sachse, TX www.EubanksSandandGravel.com
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16 In & Around | Showers of Blessings | April 2025 inaroundmag.com I&A FOOD Celebrate the holiday with tasty desserts and time with family Creative Easter Desserts Carrot Cheesecake | 1 cake Cake: 1 box spice cake mix 1 cup grated carrot 1 cup coconut 4 eggs 1 stick butter, melted 2/3 cup vanilla Greek yogurt Cheesecake: 1 cup heavy whipping cream 3 tablespoons sugar 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ cup powdered sugar Topping: ½ cup chopped walnuts ½ cup chopped white chocolate chips Heat oven to 350 F. To make cake: Mix cake mix with carrot and coconut. Using hand mixer, blend in eggs, butter and yogurt. Pour mixture into greased springform pan and bake 30 minutes. Let completely cool in pan. To make cheesecake: Using hand mixer, whip whipping cream and sugar to form whipped cream and set aside. Using hand mixer, whip cream cheese, vanilla and powdered sugar. Add in whipped cream and mix. Pour onto completely cooled carrot cake in springform pan. Let set in refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight before unspringing pan. For topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts and chocolate chips on cake before serving. Tip: For extra festive appearance, add desired Easter candy on top. Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Source: Culinary.net
April 2025 | Showers of Blessings | In & Around 17 inaroundmag.com Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake | 1 cake 1 pint fresh blueberries, rinsed 1 box lemon cake mix 1 stick butter, melted 4 eggs 1 cup milk Glaze: 3 tablespoons melted butter 1 cup powdered sugar 3 tablespoons milk Heat oven to 350 F. Grease bundt pan and place rinsed blueberries in bottom. Mix cake mix, butter, eggs and milk; pour on top of blueberries. Bake 35 minutes. Let cool and remove from pan. To make glaze: Mix butter, sugar and milk then pour over cake. Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Fun Mini Easter Bundts | 24 mini bundts 1 box confetti cake mix 1 stick butter, melted 4 eggs 1 cup milk Chocolate Toppers: 1 cup each color melting chips of desired colors silicone Easter candy molds of desired shapes 1 pouch ready-made green icing Heat oven to 350 F. Mix cake mix, butter, eggs and milk. Pour into greased mini bundt pan and bake 20-25 minutes. Let cool and remove from pan. To make chocolate toppers: In bowl for each color, melt melting chips in 1-minute intervals in microwave until thoroughly melted. Pour into baggies and snip corner. Pipe melted chips into molds and freeze 15-20 minutes. Pipe green icing onto mini bundt cakes for “grass” then place chocolate mold pieces on top. Substitution: Save time on toppers by replacing with store-bought chocolate bunnies, eggs, crosses or marshmallow bunnies. Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” (FAMILY FEATURES) No-Bake Cheesecake Eggs | Serves 2 Base 1 medium chocolate Easter egg 2 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter 1/ 3 cup digestive biscuits Filling 1 cup full-fat soft cheese, at room temperature such as cream cheese or neufchâtel ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons icing sugar ½ cup double cream ¼ cup cocoa powder Decoration ¼ cup milk chocolate, melted Easter chocolates Sprinkles Base Carefully split the Easter egg into two halves. Melt the butter in the microwave in short bursts or in a small pan over a medium heat. In a food processor, blitz the biscuits to a fine crumb, add the melted butter and pulse a few times until the mixture is well combined. Divide the mixture equally between the two halves of the Easter egg, and very gently press down, without breaking the shell. Filling In a large bowl, whisk the cheese, vanilla extract and icing sugar until smooth. Add the double cream and cocoa powder and whisk again until smooth and thickened. Divide the mixture evenly between the two Easter egg halves and smooth over as carefully as possible. Chill in the fridge for an hour or so until set. Decoration Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the two halves and decorate with some Easter chocolates and sprinkles. Editor’s note: Icing sugar also is known as confectioner’s sugar or powdered sugar. In the United States and Canada, “double cream” may not be readily available. Double cream has a higher butterfat content and is primarily sold in the UK. If double cream is not available, try substituting with heavy cream with the highest fat content you can find, but note that the consistency of the finished product may be slightly different. Recipe, courtesy of “Jane’s Patisserie Celebrate!” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn.
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972-414-0719 • Jeanie@MartenRE.com • 6306 Hwy 78 • Sachse, TX 75048 www. MartenRE.com Jeanie Marten, GRI, e-PRO, ABR @JeanieMartenRE Spring isn’t just about blooming flowers—it’s prime time for real estate. But why? The answer lies in psychology. Longer days, warmer weather, and a fresh start mentality make buyers more active and motivated. Understanding these factors can help sellers position their homes for a faster and more competitive sale. 1. Longer days and more free time mean more showings With extended daylight hours, buyers have more time to visit homes after work. Unlike winter, when darkness limits showings, spring allows for more flexible, stress-free house hunting. More light also enhances curb appeal, making homes look brighter and more inviting. Buyers can better evaluate outdoor features like patios and landscaping, which are major selling points. Additionally, with fewer holiday distractions, many buyers see spring as the perfect window to make a move before summer plans take over. 2. Warmer weather, warmer feelings Studies show that sunshine increases dopamine and serotonin, improving mood and confidence. When buyers feel good, they’re more likely to make quick decisions and place competitive offers. Warmer weather also makes the house-hunting process more enjoyable, encouraging buyers to explore multiple properties in a single outing. A home that feels bright, airy, and comfortable in pleasant weather creates a strong emotional connection, making it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there. 3. A fresh start mentality Spring symbolizes renewal, and many buyers see it as the perfect time for a big life change. Just as people declutter their homes, they also seek a fresh start—often in a new home. Families, in particular, aim to move before the next school year, making spring an ideal time to buy and settle in. Additionally, tax season provides many buyers with extra funds for down payments, fueling home purchases. Spring is selling season—leverage it! Sellers can take advantage of buyer psychology by maximizing natural light, boosting curb appeal with fresh landscaping, and highlighting outdoor spaces. A well-staged home that embraces the energy of spring will stand out in the market. With longer days, better moods, and a sense of renewal, spring isn’t just the best time to sell—it’s when buyers are most ready to act. Ready to make the most of the season? List your home now! How longer days & warmer weather influence buyer psychology
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