BOOK

“Island Treasure is my first book that showcases the work, dedication and love that went into developing one man’s dream of owning an island and pursuing the challenges which led to the creation of an amazing resort.  I feel Island Treasure demonstrates how investing in something that one deems valuable is important in everyone’s life.  Developing your dreams and following them to fruition, not only results in conveying the message to yourself that you have what it takes to accomplish your goal but inspires others to do the same, something I highly recommend.” 

I was commissioned to write this book by the owner of this exclusive private island.  Buy it on Amazon.

ARTICLES

I worked as a freelance writer to Wag!, the premier nationwide dog walker and dog sitter service.  Here are just a few of the HUNDREDS of articles I have written for them, including TRAIL ARTICLES, DOG ARTICLES, AND DOG PARK ARTICLES!  Here is just a small sampling:

https://wagwalking.com/lifestyle/trails/birdwalk-trailhead

https://wagwalking.com/lifestyle/trails/cannell-meadow-trail

https://wagwalking.com/breed/top-mixed-dog-breeds-for-families

https://wagwalking.com/breed/top-goofiest-dog-breeds

https://wagwalking.com/lifestyle/parks/main-street-dog-agility-park

https://wagwalking.com/lifestyle/parks/pacchetti-dog-park

https://wagwalking.com/dog-walking–holland–ma

https://wagwalking.com/dog-walking–haydenville–ma

 

BLOGS
Here are a few blogs from a recent client of mine

Stoney Creek Community in Sunnyvale, Texas!

• Getaways Close to Home

• Are you tired of unpacking? Now might be the perfect time to get out and explore the Sunnyvale area. Whether you are looking to take a quick break or wanting to treat yourself to an entire day off, you are close by many fun adventures!

  If relaxation is tops on your list, head to the Sunnyvale Library. This quaint library offers a place to access reading material, a chance to connect to the internet until your service is installed and plenty of adult and children’s programming to educate and entertain.  Be sure to check out a few movies while you are there!

  For a short outing, Sunnyvale is home to three parks – Towne Center Park, Samuell North Park and Robert Lee Vineyard Park!  Offering a variety of amenities, there is something to please everyone.  Why not pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under the shaded pavilions?  Afterwards, take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the scenic hiking trails. There is even fitness equipment to turn your stroll into a complete work out if you’d like! Be sure to stop at the playgrounds to let the children play before heading home or bring a good book to read near the picturesque ponds. You might even see some of your new neighbors here as well. 

  If you are looking for a bit more adventure, take a short drive to beautiful Lake Ray Hubbard where water activities are all on the day’s agenda. With over 27,000 acres here, there are endless possibilities to make your day outstanding. Do you water ski, paddleboard or sail?  If so, this is your place to get out on the water.  Boat rentals are available if you don’t want to haul your own.  Cool yourself on those hot Texas days with a swim in the lake and don’t forget to bring your fishing pole to catch yourself some dinner!

  And finally, any day of the week is perfect for taking a drive. Find some back roads, stop for a bite to eat and familiarize yourself with what the neighboring towns’ have to offer.  Mesquite offers the Heritage Trail for hiking enthusiasts with over 4 miles of paved paths which meander through the town, and Celebration Station is your go-to amusement park for fun! Children will enjoy the Gentle Zoo in Forney where rescued animals now live in a caring environment. Educational programs geared for the younger crowd are offered daily. And don’t forget to check out Hawaiian Falls Water Park in Garland is a great option for anybody who loves to get wet and stay cool!

  All these choices are available within a 10-to-15-minute drive from your new home.  The only question that remains is – “What do you want to do today?”

• Big City Family Fun Close to Stoney Creek

You won’t have to travel far from your lovely home to experience big city fun any time of the year!  Stoney Creek is located close to the cities of Forney, Mesquite, Garland and Dallas where you will find an assortment of annual festivals and events to entertain the whole family. Check out each town and the activities they have in store for you!

FORNEY

May and June’s daytime temperatures might get a little hot, but the evenings are the perfect time to enjoy being outdoors. Check out the Movies and Music in the Park series at Forney Community Park for Thursday night concerts and Friday night flicks! For those of you with a competitive spirit, be sure to participate in the BBQ Cook-Off and Festival in June! Taste your favorites from locals around the area while listening to live music and joining in family-friendly activities. Better yet, the proceeds benefit the local food pantries.  And don’t forget the Independence Day Celebration where a spectacular firework display lights up the sky for the 4^th, and the Trail of Treats, featuring costume contests and treats for the spooky Halloween holiday! Forney is fabulous all year round!

MESQUITE

Summertime was made for fun and the town of Mesquite kicks it off in high style with their Summer Sizzle Celebration! Head to Paschall Park for all-day family activities and events including a volleyball tournament in the mud! Fireworks and music top off the evening festivities. Movies in the Park are another great way to get outdoors for some much-deserved entertainment. From June through September, bring a blanket and picnic dinner to enjoy under the stars! And don’t forget about your pawtastic friend this summer. Head to Doggie Splash Day held every August at Vanston Pool. Pup swimsuit contents, swim races and an overall great time paddling with your pup will fill your day with excitement! And finally, who doesn’t like a great camping trip? The Haunted Camp Out lets you and your family enjoy supernatural surprises, campfires, and zip lining at the local campground for a weekend in October! Decorate your tent and wear your best costume while competing for prizes! Dinner and breakfast is included! Mesquite is turning up the heat for a super summer of fun!

GARLAND

Plan a relaxing day by the water at Garland’s Gone Fishing annual March event. Children and adults are welcome to compete for prizes at Ablon Park. Make sure you don’t let the ‘big one’ get away! And the Easter Bunny shouldn’t be the only one who gets to gather eggs. Take your little ones to the Garland Egg Hunt for some ‘egg-citing’ competition finding those candy-filled delights. Of course, the bunny himself will be there for photos. Fanciful face painting and bouncy houses top off the festivities for fun! Garland offers a great time for all!

DALLAS

Like art? Grab your toddler and check out Stroller Tours at the Dallas Contemporary Art Museum once a month.  Story time entertains the kids while the art tour sparks conversation for the adults. Fun, Fantastic and Free!  For flower lovers, be sure to stop and smell the roses at Dallas Blooms, the largest floral festival in the area. Over 500,000 blooms are bursting forth from the earth to delight people of all ages from the end of February through the beginning of April! Bring a basket of lunchtime goodies to this year’s theme of ‘Life’s A Picnic’! And if you enjoy a good motion picture, Dallas Film hosts North Texas’ largest International Film Festival in April. View the many presentations and decide who will take home the top prize. Lastly, no summer would be complete without a visit to the Texas State Fair. Check out the rodeo, livestock exhibits and award-winning food.  Live music, barbeque and chili challenges top off the activities during this late September and October event. Why not try to win a blue ribbon to display in your new home by entering your prized recipe in the cooking contents? Dallas is delightful anytime of the year!

Big City Family Fun is just minutes from your home in Stoney Creek. Pack up the family and meet some friends at one of the many events and festivities your nearby towns have to offer!

• STONEY CREEK LIFESTYLE PAGE

   The Stoney Creek Lifestyle

   Sought-after homes in Stoney Creek make the perfect place to settle down in this well-appointed community.  Large lots of up to ½ acre in size with impressive 100-foot widths leave plenty of room to entertain outdoors and an abundance of space for a growing family to enjoy cookouts, recreation and quality time together. 

  Exclusive amenities make Stoney Creek’s 1100 acres not only the perfect place for your home but a luxurious community to live.  For some cooling off during those warm-weather days, choose one of the two outdoor pools to indulge in, fully enclosed by decorative fencing.  Wade into their large shallow zones or swim a lap in the deep end while enjoying the soothing sounds of the bubbling water fountains.  Your children will most certainly delight in playing in the adjoining kiddie-sized pool!  A remarkable Community Center boasts an amazing 2100 square feet of indoor space which features the perfect spot to work out in their fitness center. 

  Or spend some time at the outdoor living area situated adjacent to the community’s western side pool.  Bring some burgers to grill and devour under their shaded pavilions while relaxing at water’s edge.  All pools have luxurious reclining loungers for your comfort and restrooms are conveniently located at both locations.   Two shady playgrounds are in close proximity and will top your child’s list of places to play.  

  You will love taking a walk or bike ride each day to get some fresh air and sunshine, while keeping fit on the dedicated greenbelt area of Stoney Creek.  Miles of walking and cycling trails meander throughout the community for your enjoyment.  Let your children learn how to safely manage their first bike here or take the baby for a ride in the stroller.  And if you like to fish, look no further than Stoney Creek’s own 5-acre lake, where enjoying a catch and release day could not be more relaxing!  All these amenities and more are carefully placed within this exceptional community you call home. 

   If your work takes you into the city of Dallas or Plano, it is a quick 20-30-minute drive home.  Enjoy this alone time as a chance to unwind, renew and reenergize yourself.  Stoney Creek is an escape from the booming metropolises, but you are still close enough to commute each day or enjoy an excursion to the city’s nightlife, theatres and museums.  The nearby towns of Mesquite and Garland are both just a 5 to 10-minute drive, and the city of Richardson is 15-minutes  away. 

  Schools

  Stoney Creek is located within the highly-regarded Sunnyvale Independent School District.  Your children are in good hands throughout each grade level from pre-kindergarten to high school and will be well-prepared at graduation to enter the workforce or move onto college.  And there is a long list of ways they can become involved in their school’s extracurricular activities including sports, band and choir, to name just a few.

   Your Town

  The Town of Sunnyvale is unique and welcoming.   With access to exceptional health care close by and a variety of denominational places to worship within a few minutes’ drive of Stoney Creek, the town prides itself in offering a welcoming environment for all.  Community events are planned throughout the year and there is a host of restaurants and shopping to satisfy your discriminating tastes.  For a splendid day of relaxation and reading, be sure to take advantage of the Sunnyvale Library.

  For additional outdoor recreation, Sunnyvale offers Town Center Park.  Meet your friends and play some basketball or challenge them to a tennis match.  If sports are not your passion, why not take a hike with your dog or bike on their ¾ mile trail.  You can also plan a celebration at one of their rentable pavilions or take a picnic and relax the day away.

  An active living environment is yours at Stoney Creek.  With so much to do, what will you choose first?

  Nearby Recreation

  For outdoor enthusiasts, the eastern boundary of Sunnyvale adjoins beautiful Lake Ray Hubbard, featuring over 27,000 acres of water recreation. In addition, there are six separate lakeside parks scattered throughout with marinas to put in your motorized or non-motorized boat. If you don’t own your own, rentals are available. Why not hire a fishing guide and try your hand at catching the ‘big one’ in the special spots they point out? And after a long day enjoying your outdoor activities, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from featuring a unique array of dining experiences. 

  Adventures are only a few minutes away from your home in Stoney Creek!

MORE BLOGS