Discover North Texas Magazine | December 2023 | Issue 0

DISCOVER NORTH TEXAS MAGAZINE December 2023 | Issue Number 0

WHAT IS DISCOVER NORTH TEXAS MAGAZINE Discovering the people & businesses that give Texas its charm BUILDING A FUTURE JR’s Countertops & Remodeling is a local family owned company

NEW YEAR GOAL OF GETTING IN SHAPE? Davis Martial Arts offers many classes to help meet your fitness goals.

DID SOMEONE SAY DESSERT? Two local women aim to help with your sweet tooth.

SMALL TOWN CHARM Greenwood Texas offers more than just small town charm

laura bradley

MEET THE OWNER & PUBLISHER OF DISCOVER NORTH TEXAS MAGAZINE

DISCOVERNORTHTEXASMAGAZINE.COM 940-390-3911

Editor-in-Chief Laura Bradley

Marketing & Advertising Laura Bradley

About Discover North Texas Magazine

Content Director Laura Bradley

Art Direction Laura Bradley

Photographers Laura Bradley Taylor Reyes Copyright 2023

Web: DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com Email: discoverntmagazine@gmail.com Phone: 940-390-3911 1217 North Saint James Circle Pilot Point Texas, 76258 1

Welcome to Discover North Texas Magazine, your online source for everything North Texas! Each monthly issue will be filled with local small businesses, Mom & Pop shops, local services, inspirational people and more. We aim to bring attention to North Texas businesses and events and the people behind them to keep you in the know!

Our publication reaches thousands of subscribers and has new content every single month and subscribing is FREE! To subscribe and receive your free copy every month, head on over to our website and hit subscribe on the home page. You’ll be glad ya did! Let our advertisers know you saw them here.

To be featured or to nominate someone for a future story, email us at discoverntmagazine@gmail.com

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FROM THE EDITOR “THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS NOT TO BE HAPPY. IT IS TO BE USEFUL, TO BE HONORABLE, TO BE COMPASSIONATE, TO HAVE IT MAKE SOME DIFFERENCE THAT YOU HAVE LIVED AND LIVED WELL.” ― RALPH WALDO EMERSON

My entire life I have had a burning desire to help others see their true potential and to succeed at whatever they put their mind to. I created Discover North Texas Magazine to do just that!

Each month I will showcase local business owners and their stories. I hope you are just as inspired by these individuals as I am and maybe I can introduce you to a business you did not know about. Come along on this journey with me and lets learn together!

Laura Bradley Editor-in-Chief 2

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Call us for your free estimate 940-391-3264

SouthernLifeLiving.com Powered ByDHS Realty 3

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IN THIS ISSUE

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LAURA BRADLEY

See What’s In This Months Issue

Meet Laura, Our Editor & Owner

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DAVIS MARTIAL ARTS Meet Cameron & Jessica Davis

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JR’S COUNTERTOP & REMODELING Meet The Villegas Family

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DID SOMEONE SAY DESSERT? Meet Two Ladies Who Decided To Start Their Own Baking Business

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EVENTS Local Holiday Events

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SHOPPING

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PLACES TO STAY

The Historic Downtown Denton Square

Rustic Apartment Located On Historic Denton Square

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TRAVEL & OUTDOORS Visiting The Small Town Of Greenwood TX

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HEALTH & WELLNESS The Holidays & Mental Health

FAITH & FAMILY What Is Christmas & What Does It Mean To Me, Pastor Matt Brown

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FINANCIAL TALK Financial Stress & The Holidays

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ALLISWELLSTJO.COM 9214 FM 677, Saint Jo, TX howard@stjocabins.com

DHS REALTY (940-368-6196 taylorreyesrealtor@gmail.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

Laura Bradley, Owner & Editor

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Welcome to our very first issue of Discover North Texas Magazine! In this issue you will learn about our magazine, how it came about and what our vision is for the future. I will also introduce you to some local business owners who have stepped out in faith to pursue their dreams. You will meet The Davis Family, Owners of Davis Martial Arts & Fitness in Pilot Point, The Villegas Family, Owners of JR’s Countertops & Remodeling then we will get our sweet tooth fix by meeting two local women who have started their own business making sweet treats! Join us as we travel to Greenwood TX, a small town with big charm!

With the Holiday Season upon us, I have asked local Pastor’s, Matt & Jamie Brown, Pastors of The Homestead in Aubrey, to share with us their meaning of Christmas. We will also learn how the Holidays can affect us mentally and how to be proactive to better prepare ourselves for it.

Pull up a chair and a cup of coffee and lets dive in!

Davis Martial Arts & Fitness

Villegas Family

DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com

WHAT IS DISCOVER NORTH TEXAS MAGAZINE? By: Laura Bradley

Like most of my ideas, they come out of nowhere, and are more often that not, crazy.

Discover North Texas magazine was one of those crazy ideas that came to me out of sheer boredom and the burning desire to help others!

One Saturday morning I was complaining to my husband Greg, about not being “busy enough” and begged him to help me come up with ideas on new business ventures (I am a serial entrepreneur by nature). While scrolling online, searching for “at home service industry businesses to start” an online magazine idea came to me! Not just any online magazine though, an online magazine that showcases local North Texas business owners and their inspiring stories. That is how Discover North Texas Magazine came about! Saturday I quickly went to work on a name and a logo, Sunday afternoon I started creating the content and by Monday afternoon... The first issue was 90% complete!

Each month every issue will be full of EVERYTHING North Texas and will feature inspiring and hopefully thought provoking stories of our neighbors. I hope that these stories encourage you to reach out to them and their services and maybe even entice you to submit your own story or nomination for a future story.

To be featured in our magazine, email us at discoverntmagazine.com or visit our website at DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com 8

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TAYLOR REYES PHOTOGRAPHY Taylor Reyes, Photographer Offering Family & Event Photography Cell: 940-368-6196

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laura bradley 10

EDITOR & OWNER OF DISCOVER NORTH TEXAS MAGAZINE Photography by Taylor Reyes

DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com

laura bradley

By Laura Bradley

Hello! Let me introduce myself, I am Laura Bradley, the squirrel of a brain behind Discover North Texas Magazine. I grew up in Aubrey, a small North Texas town located about 30-45 minutes north of Dallas.

My family and I now reside in Pilot Point which is about five minutes north of Aubrey.. I didn’t move very far!

I was born to a mentally challenged mother and ended up being adopted at the age of five years old. From a very early age, I have always had the burning desire to help others and to see them succeed. I believe this desire comes from my past experiences and the fact I was able to change the entire course of my life by changing my mindset. I now use my past to advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, speaking at different organizations to help bring awareness to this sometimes silent issue.

My desire to help others, led me to become a Texas REALTOR® in 2012 and my favorite part of the job is helping others! I have a servant’s heart and I love to serve other people!

To learn more about my Real Estate Services, visit my website at SouthernLifeLiving.com

Growing up and being a REALTOR® in North Texas, especially the Dallas / Ft Worth area, I have discovered businesses and restaurants that I love and frequent. My Husband Greg and I are major foodies and travel fanatics and we love Texas Country Music! We are always finding an excuse for a weekend get away at a new, unique and fun location. We have stayed at countless Airbnb’s over the years and some we loved so much we have gone back two or three more times! I have to say, our favorite places to stay are cabins in the woods or places within walking distance to local restaurants and hang out spots. Here are a few of our favorite stays: Stockyards Hotel, Celebrity Suite Photos courtesy of Stockyards Hotel

Cypress Valley Canopy Tours Treehouses In Austin 11

Photos courtesy of Cypress Valley Canopy Tours

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All Is Well Resort Saint Jo TX Photos courtesy of All Is Well Resort

Elm Creek Manor, Muenster TX Photos courtesy of Elm Creek Manor

My desire to help others coupled with our love of travel and food, is what helped bring this magazine to life. My goal for this magazine is to share stories of local businesses and the inspiring people behind them. I hope that by sharing our adventures and experiences, you will be encouraged to visit local businesses and maybe share your own experiences with others. North Texas is full of friendly people and there are tons of businesses that strive to serve our local community that you may not know about. I hope to bring attention to each of them and hopefully help them grow and flourish.

There is a lot to discover here in North Texas, and I am excited for you to go on this journey of discovering with me. If you know of a place to visit or a business you would like to learn more about, reach out to us! Thanks for joining me as we discover all of the hidden treasures North Texas has to offer.

A Little bit about me: I am married to my best friend, Greg and we will soon be celebrating 23 years of marriage. Our two year old grandson is the center of our attention and our world revolves around him. I have a very unhealthy obsession (more like an addiction) of strong, black coffee and chocolate. Greg and I attend and serve at North Rock Church in Aubrey and when we are not spending time with our girls and their families or selling real estate, you will find us at the deer lease or traveling. We are major foodies and enjoy trying new local restaurants and when the weather is beautiful, a nice outdoor patio.

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Me, Greg & our grandson Anthym

Our daughter Taylor, her husband David & their son Anthym

Our daughter Brianna & her husband Jimmy

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PilotPointKravmaga.com 8620 HWY 377 Pilot Point TX

940-305-3965 davismartialartstx@gmail.com

Real Estate, Probate, Estate Planning Elder Law, Corporate Law, Guardianship

DOSTER LAW GROUP Tel: 940-382-8200 525 S. Locust St, Ste 400, Denton Tx info@dosterlawgroup.com 13

Fontaine Doster Attorney & President

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DAVIS MARTIAL

By Margarita Perez.

Photography by Francois Mercer

ARTS 14

& FITNESS

8620 HWY 377, Pilot Point Texas Ph: 940-305-3965 PilotPointkravmaga.com davismartialartstx@gmail.com

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Photography By Taylor Reyes Photography

Editor: Laura Bradley Contributing Writer: Cameron & Jessica Davis

“OUR DOJO IS NOT ONLY A GYM, BUT A FAMILY.”

Offering Krav Maga, BJJ & Fitness Classes 15

When you meet The Davis Family, you instantly fall in love with them! Cameron & Jessica have three beautiful girls, Aubrey, Riley and Mackenzie and they own and operate Davis Martial Arts & Fitness in Pilot Point. The Davis Family carry their love of family into their facility and you will almost always find Jessica running around with Mackenzie on her hip or you will find yourself being “coached” by Riley. They make sure their Dojo (as the gyms are known as in the Martial Arts world) is not only a gym, but a family friendly environment for everyone who walks through the doors.

The Davis Family opened Davis Martial Arts and Fitness in January of 2023 with the hopes of not only fulfilling Cameron’s lifelong dream of owning his own martial arts facility but to also help build a community and help other people reach their fitness goals.

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Cameron and Jessica both grew up in North Texas, the Carrolton / Farmers Branch area. They met through mutual friends during the summer of 2006, the day before Jessica turned sixteen. Their first date was at Main Event followed by dinner at Joes Crab Shack and they have been inseparable ever since, getting married in 2012. They welcomed their first baby girl, Aubrey in 2014 Riley in 2018 and Mackenzie in 2022.

After lots of prayer and a really good sermon at church, Cameron and Jessica decided to take a leap of faith and open DMA, Davis Martial Arts. Cameron has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, Jessica however, not so much.

With this new business though, she felt so at peace and excited for Cameron to do something he was already so passionate about. He was able to put his notice in with The Department of Homeland Security the day after they had Mackenzie and they spent Jessica’s maternity leave getting the dojo up & running. “We LOVE the community the gym has built and truly think of everyone as a family.” Jessica says. Jessica says that Cameron gets so much enjoyment from helping people better their lives & themselves. The saying "It's not work if you love what you do" has held true for Cameron this last (almost) year. They have had to organically learn the business & marketing side of things but believe if they hold true to their core values, cover the business with prayer, and are intentional with making genuine connections, it will continue to grow.

Cameron is the Lead Instructor and has a long list of certifications behind his name. He has trained in various martial arts for many years including Krav Maga, Kali, BJJ, Boxing, Mui Thai and Tactical Pistol training. He currently holds a fourth degree Blackbelt in Krav Maga, a Blackbelt in Karate, and a Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. He is a certified instructor of Jiu Jitsu through Carlos Machado as well as an instructor in Mui Thai, Kali and Modern Arnis. Cameron is a 5 time inductee in various martial arts hall of fames around the world, from USA to London and all the way to Israel. Cameron has an extensive background in security and is a current bodyguard registered with the state of Texas and has contracted with The Department of Homeland Security for almost a decade before opening his gym.

I can tell you from personal experience, this Dojo is legit, as my husband and I currently train there.

PILOTPOINTKRAVMAGA.COM 16

940-305-3965 8620 HWY 377, Pilot Point TX davismartialartstx@gmail.com

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FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

Obstacles help us grow and get better JR’s Countertop at adapting to & Remodeling, LLC becoming better problem solvers Contributing Writer: Jorge Villegas, Jr

Editor: Laura Bradley

Photography Taylor Reyes

The Villegas Family of Pilot Point Texas own and operate JR’s Countertop & Remodeling specializing in full kitchen and bathroom remodels. What put them on the map is their stellar countertops and tile installations. Their custom designs are making them well known in the Dallas Fort Worth Region and has landed them jobs in states like Florida. Jorge Villegas, JR states that “art is one of my passions. I enjoy painting and drawing. I love to admire all types of artwork from jiu jitsu to tattoo designs”. Jorge’s love of tattoos and mixed martial arts has led them to gain many tattoo artists and jiu jitsu practitioners as clients.

This family ran business has over 30 years of experience and consists of parents Jorge Sr and Martina Villegas, daughters Gloria and Maria and sons Jorge Jr and Luis, with Jorge Jr being the Chief Operator.

Jorge Jr has always been around the countertop & remodeling industry. His story begins growing up in Farmers Branch Texas and spending his summers from middle school to high school going to pilot point, working with his father. Jorge Sr worked as a fabricator and installed kitchen countertops for a living. Back then, Jorge Jr did not like spending his entire summers working, he 18

Gloria, Jorge Jr, Jorge Sr & Luis

DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com wanted a normal summer like his friends.

Ultimately, these summers spent working with his father were a blessing as they taught him the trade, how to work hard, and how to be a man. Growing up, Jorge faced obstacles and challenges which led him to decide what he wanted to do with his life in order to get it back on track. He decided to implement all that he had learned from his childhood, work experiences with his father and shadow his uncle for several years to learn more about the industry. He used all of this knowledge to open JR’s Countertop & Remodeling.

Six years later, the Countertop & Remodeling business is going strong and Jorge gives credit where credit is due to his success. “With the help and support of my family we have become a strong and successful business. Our journey as a company is still being written. We look forward to growing and servicing our community for a very long time.”

jrscountertops.com 972-670-3577 remodels@jrscountertops.com

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111 N Elm St, Denton, TX

940-387-7706

CHANCE KIRBY BROKER / OWNER 1255 S HWY 377 Pilot Point, TX 20

940-300-6900 PilotPoint.com

FLOWERS, TREES SHRUBS & SEEDS

12804 Pelzel Road, Pilot Point TX 972-954-8580 RootedIn.com

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DID SOMEONE SAY DESSERT?

By Laura Bradley Photography by Lauren O’Tool & Jodi Nortman

TWO LOCAL WOMEN STEPPED OUT IN FAITH TO CREATE THEIR OWN CUSTOM CREATIONS AND TREATS. 18

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PROVIDING HAND CRAFTED GOODS & PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HOME, NEXT EVENT OR CREATIVE PROJECTS.

Lauren & Ryan O’Tool are using their creative talents to bring sweet treats and creative wood projects to life with O’Tools Custom Creations. Created in 2023, all of the food items are made from family recipes passed down from generation to generation.

The O’Tools both have a long history within the hospitality industry which provides them with lots of experience. Their experience of helping people allows them to share their love for baking and creating custom items which include custom wood products.

The O’Tool’s have three boys and believe in giving back. You will often find them participating in local fundraisers to help raise money for youth sports.

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LAUREN O’TOOL (512) 906-5506 Located In Anna Texas otoolsrestorations@gmail.com 23

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CREATING SPECIAL SWEET TREATS AND CUSTOM CLOTHING

Jodi Nortman’s love of family inspired her to start creating and baking goods other families could enjoy as much as her own. Her specialty of wedding and event cakes, have really set her apart and gained her a lot of attention locally.

Jodi’s Creations was created from the many health challenges that have left her unable to work a fulltime job but the need to stay busy and earn an extra income.

If you have an idea for a baked good or custom apparel, Jodi can most definitely bring your idea to life!

When she is not baking or creating, you can find her loving on her precious granddaughter or at one of the local functions supporting great causes.

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JODI NORTMAN 940-315-1145

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Pilot Point Coffee House 110 W Main St Pilot Point TX 940-553-0075 pilotpointcoffeehouse.com

200 S. Washington St., Pilot Point TX M-F 4pm-12am | Sat 11am-1am | Sun 11am-12am 26

940-200-1439 lowbrows.texas@gmail.com

104 W Main St., Pilot Point TX 940-367-8120 shop-notoriouslyyours.myshopify.com

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CITY OF DENTON’S 32ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHTING FESTIVAL

By DiscoverDenton.com

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Events

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CITY OF DENTON’S 32ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHTING FESTIVAL

By DiscoverDenton.com

CAPTURE THE TRUE SPIRIT OF A SMALL-TOWN HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WHEN December 2nd, 2023 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM WHERE Downtown Denton Square 110 W. Oak St., Denton, TX 76201 DETAILS Winter Wonderland at Williams Square Waltz into a Winter Wonderland behind the Wells Fargo building off the square where a line of food trucks await. Watch your step, the forecast predicts snow in this area atop our twelve-foot-tall snow slide! Visit the Winter Wonderland to relax, take a ride down the slide, ride the trackless train, see your favorite holiday character, listen to some fun music, grab a bite to eat and maybe even find a Christmas present, too!

Toy Drive Once again, the festival will be hosting a toy drive. Toys gathered will be distributed to families needing assistance during the Christmas season in Denton County through Elves Shelves. Toys may be donated to the Elves Shelves truck parked on the square. If carrying a toy with you seems cumbersome, that’s ok!

WHAT'S FREE & WHAT REQUIRES A WRISTBAND A big goal of the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival is to provide free entertainment and holiday fun for adults and children of all ages.

The following destinations are free to the public: - Downtown wassail tasting / Who-Ville arts and crafts booth / Winter Wonderland bounce houses /All the joyful performances spread throughout the downtown square - So what’s the wristband for? In order for the Holiday Lighting festival to pursue its purpose and put on a fantastic show every year, several of the rides require a $10 or $35 wristband per person (lap children are free). You may pre-order wristbands in advance through Eventbrite, but we will also sell wristbands on-site at each location that requires them. This wristband provides unlimited access to the following rides: All Access Wristband: Winter Wonderland Trackless Train / Downtown Square Horse Carriage Ride / Winter Wonderland Snow Slide / On-site photograph with Santa / VIP Access Wristband: Everything in the All Access Wristband / Denton Holiday Lighting Festival official t-shirt Commemorative ornament of the year / Priority line access and provides unlimited rides

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Events

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MERRY CHRISTMAS GOAT YOGA Information & Photos Courtesy Of Facebook Event Merry Christmas Goat Yoga

Saturday December 23rd 3pm - 4pm Texas Ice House 301 Eldorado Parkway,#100,McKinney Join us for Merry Christmas Goat Yoga at The Stix Icehouse in McKinney, TX! Come for the goats, stay for brunch and beverages!

YOU are invited to GOAT YOGA in McKinney, TX hosted by The Stix Icehouse ! Come and get your GOGA on while our tribe of pet goats graze and jump around (or on) you!

Come dressed for the holiday weather as the event will be outside.

Proceeds from this class directly benefit our animals and our local nonprofit initiatives.

CHRISTMAS SIP & STROLL DALLAS STAR DISTRICT 29

6655 Winning Drive, Frisco

Information & Photos Courtesy Of Facebook Christmas Sip & Stroll Dallas Star District

Come celebrate the most wonderful time of year during the Christmas Sip & Stroll in The Star District! Enjoy festive sips, Christmas music and photo moments, gift shopping, exclusive offers, hot cocoa, and and much more during our sip & stroll featuring 15+ participating shops & restaurants in The Star District.

Guests will check in and pick up their illustrated stroll map featuring special offers from participating restaurants & shops, an exclusive seasonal tasting glass, and a holiday shopping tote, then head out into The Star District for a variety of seasonal-inspired sips, shopping, entertainment and more.

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Helping families achieve their goal of home ownership.

MARTIN GENERAL STORE 101 S JEFFERSON ST PILOT POINT TX 940-324-6068

311 W Broad St, Pilot Point TX 940-324-6567

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Sharkarosazoo.com

11670 Massey Rd Pilot Point, TX 940-686-4600

Shopping

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Shopping At The Historic Denton Square by

laura Bradley

Built on rich history, the City Of Denton’s Historic Downtown Square is over 160 years old and offers many shopping, food and drink experiences for everyone to enjoy. The Courthouse on the square is Denton’s most famous landmark and it is surrounded by Coffee Houses, Restaurants, Shops, Boutiques, Bars, Clubs, Music Venues & much more.

Discover Denton

all Photos Courtesy Of Discover Denton

Atomic Candy

Recycled books

The Shopping opportunities are endless on the Denton Square! Men’s, Women’s & Children clothing, home decor, toys, candy, books and more!

Located less than 40 miles north of Dallas-Fort Worth, Denton is easily accessible by three major highways, I-35E and I-35W, and U.S. Highway 380.

The Historic Square is located in the center of Elm, Locust, Oak & Hickory Streets

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Places To Stay

Information & Photos Provided By Brandy With Scott Brown Properties Via By AirBnB

LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE GET AWAY?

Check Out This Rustic Apartment Located On

The Historic Denton Square

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Rare find in the heart of Downtown Denton! Built in 1882, the Scripture Building holds a meticulously renovated 1,100 square foot loft with vaulted wood ceilings, exposed original brick walls, built-in industrial shelving, and over-sized windows for tons of natural light. Stunning views look out over the Denton Square where you can find dozens of dining, shopping, and nightlife options just steps from your door. *ask aboutVeteran and first responders discounts The space Located directly on the downtown square with courthouse views. The open floor plan boasts a fully equipped conference room for 10, perfect for holding a meeting or formal dinner. The modern kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops overlooking the living room - fully stocked with any cookware you might need.

The master features vaulted ceilings and a beautifully updated master bath with an over-sized rain shower.

Washer/dryer and half bath are located in the back of the loft. Located just minutes from both UNT, Apogee Stadium, TWU, the Denton Convention Center, and more. We've stocked this loft with all the essentials you will need for your stay from coffee to toiletries to plush towels and high quality linens.

Places To Stay

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“The pictures in the listing do not capture how beautiful and unique this apartment actually is.

There were snacks and water provided which was thoughtful. This is a historic area with several restaurants within walking distance. I plan to return in the future and absolutely recommend!”

Robin via AirBnB

This Airbnb was amazing! The aesthetic was amazing, the airbnb was spacious, everything was clean, the office was amazing since I went there for business.

The location was walking distance from food, activities, and views. Brandy made everything simple and mainstream. I will 1000% stay here again!

Liban via AirBnB

FOR BOOKING INFORMATION:

Click Here To Be Taken To The Airbnb Listing

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Specializing in metal buildings & custom homes

DOUBLE B BUILDERS Brandon Beaty 940-395-6441 Gage Beaty 940-391-0701 600 HWY 377 Pilot Point TX brandon@doubleb-builders.com gage@doubleb-builders.com

UNCLE BETOS 34

940-686-0143 108 HWY 377, Pilot Point TX

NICK’S ITALIAN 940-686-2520 1340 HWY 377, Pilot Point TX

Travel & Outdoors

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Explore The Charm Of Greenwood TX Small Towns Have A Warmth And Charm That Cannot Be Found In Big Cities

One Saturday afternoon, driving home from showing property in Wise County, my husband Greg and I decided to visit the tiny, quaint Texas town of Greenwood. Greenwood is located on the beautiful, winding Farm To Market Road 1204, 14 miles North East of Decatur. I had seen Greenwood Grocery & Grill pop up on Facebook, but never really knew where it was or what it was for that matter. By all assumptions, I thought it was a tiny grocery store for the locals. Boy was I surprised!

Driving down the tree lined country road on this warm summer day, immediately took me back to childhood memories of Sunday afternoon drives. Sunroof open, windows down and the smell of fresh cut hay filled the air. We drove for what seemed like hours before arriving at our destination, where we both looked at each other thinking we were at the wrong place. This was not just a grocery store, this was the cutest little town we had ever visited!

After parking in front of the grocery store, we walked around

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looking at all of the rich history this little town had to offer.

Greg is a history buff, me not so much, BUT I still found everything about this place very interesting and exciting! On the main road in town, sits three buildings: The Urquhart Museum - which is a privately owned museum that once served as the towns General Store. It is now filled with artifacts representing the long history this town has.

The town post office Greenwood Grocery & Grill - more than just a grocery store, this little gem offers made to order, homemade breakfast, lunch & dinner plates along with a display case full of the best desserts you have ever laid eyes on ! In addition to their fabulous food, they regularly hold events such as live music, catfish nights and their famous car shows.

Written By: Laura Bradley Photography Courtesy Of Greenwood Grocery & Grill’s Facebook And Urquhart Museum’s Facebook

Travel & Outdoors

After exploring the museum, post office and park area, we decided to try out the food at the famous grill. As soon as we walked through the doors we were greeted with the warmest, most southern “Hi ya’ll, welcome in!” The inside reminded me of my late grandmothers home, as it was filled with old retro tables and chairs and lots of homemade decor. Little old men sat talking about old times and striking up conversations with everyone who walked through the doors. The atmosphere of this little place brought back a flood of childhood memories, sitting and listening to my grandparents tell stories of the past.

We both decided on the famous burger and fries, and let me tell you... they were the best burgers we had ever had! The desserts are homemade, made fresh daily and literally call your name from the large case they sit in!

If you are ever out on a drive in Wise County, I highly encourage you to take a short drive over to Greenwood Texas and see for yourself what this tiny, quaint town has to offer!

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GREENWOOD GROCERY & GRILL

1714 County Road 2740, Greenwood, TX, 940-466-3000

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Licensed Texas barber Se Habala Espanol

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Health & Wellness

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The Holidays and mental health Can the holiday season affect your mental health?

BY LAURA BRADLEY With the Upcoming holiday season, thinking about family gatherings may fill you with anticipation and excitement or fill you with anxiety, fear, and dread.

Depending on your family dynamics, you may or may not look forward to holiday gatherings. Thinking about shopping, travel, gift expenses, and a full calendar of invites and events, can put an enormous amount of pressure on you both mentally and emotionally.

Loneliness and grief can make you feel very isolated and all alone. All of these in their own unique way, can affect our mental health, sometimes without us even realizing it.

The holidays at our house used to be something that I looked forward to every year because they brought me so much joy. Unfortunately, there are now times when I find myself dreading them due to changing family dynamics and loss of loved ones. For some reason, it seems as if the pain is magnified and raw during the holiday season. When you look around and see loved ones are missing, it is hard to keep yourself from getting into a negative headspace.

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Health & Wellness

Small Steps, Big Impact So how do we cope with all of these and not allow them to ruin our holiday season or put us in a headspace that is not positive for our mental health? Speaking from experience of all of these, it’s not easy, but I am determined to do my very best to stay positive and be present with those who are there and who bring love and positivity into my life.

Here are a few things we can all practice, to help us enjoy and anticipate this holiday season instead of dreading and fearing it: -Surround yourself with other people who make you feel happy and bring positivity to your life. If someone brings drama and negativity to your life, don’t spend time with them. Love them from afar.

Not everyone has to be invited to your tea party…

-It’s okay to say no. Saying no gives you back your power. If you do not want to attend an event or gathering, simply say no. It’s not worth attending and being miserable or making everyone else around you miserable.

-You don’t have to attend everything you’re invited to. If your calendar is already full... Simply decline the invitation.

-With blended or large families, the holidays can be extremely overwhelming and tiresome. Trying to make it to every family event can bog us down to the point it ruins the holidays for us. Try choosing a few manageable gatherings you will attend and place the remaining ones on a yearly rotating schedule.

-When you are feeling overwhelmed at a gathering or event, step outside and take a break.

If you meditate or practice mindfulness, find a quiet spot (go to your car and sit if you must) and gather your thoughts, practice breathing, and relax.

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MENTAL HEALTH

It's a daily practice that holds the promise of a better, self.

-If you are struggling with the grief of a loved one, find a way to honor and celebrate them.

Buy an ornament in memory of them, share funny stories and memories of them.

-When you feel alone, spend time with and focus on who is there. Even if it’s just a couple people, be thankful for those two people and focus on the time you are sharing together.

Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people.

-Financial Stress… let’s be real for a minute… buying expensive gifts when we cannot afford them, may make us “look” good but they don’t always make us “feel” good. The effects of spending money we do not have, last for a very long time. Make a decision to create an affordable budget and stick to it. Don’t allow the glitz and glamour of expensive gifts to put you under financial stress that will last long of Christmas is over.

The holidays can be tough, especially when we have created a fantasy of what we think they should look like. Let’s learn to let go of the fantasy we have created and when things go a different way than what we had planned, let’s put the above practices and tips in place.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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FAITH & FAMILY

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What is christmas?

What is Christmas? What does it mean to me? As a boy my answer would have included, of course, Jesus’ birth, but more excitingly I would have gone on and on about what it “really meant”. Toys! No school! Mario Brothers, new gadgets, fun nights, and more presents. It would have been about the events, the lights, the spectacles, and the excitement surrounding the most anticipated day of the year. My childhood Christmases were still centered around Christ, just for my little heart, the excitement of Christmas was mostly centered around what I would be getting more than anything else.

As a 37-year-old husband and father to 11-year-old twins, my answer is quite a bit different from that of the early 1990’s.Christmas, now, has almost zero to do with what I “want” and everything to do with the beauty and joy of the spirit of this great day. Christmas is about hope, joy, and peace. It’s about family, new beginnings, and the reminder of the values that are so foundational to our existence. Christmas is about resetting our gaze away from the challenges, business, and stress of our modern days and realigning them with a slower pace that chooses to celebrate what matters most in this life.

For so many years this season was marked with pressure. Pressure to “do”, 41

pressure to “buy”, pressure to “one up” last year’s gifts…just pressure. Pressure to be everywhere all at once, to not let anyone down, to overdo it and never stop running.

We had to “be here”, “be there”, “get this gift”, “get that gift or they’re going to get their feelings hurt”; and so on and so on.

What was intended to be a season of lifegiving joy inevitably, year in and year out, turned into one of weariness and being over-extended. Thank you, Jesus, this is not the narrative any longer.

Now, Christmas in our home is about Jesus, family traditions, rest, and peace.Christmas is about the simple gospel of God with us, Emmanuel. It’s about being recentered in the beauty of His life, His love, and His willingness to come to us and reconcile the world back to The Father. It’s about the joy and hope that is, and can only be, found in His presence and love.

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Now, do we give gifts? Absolutely we do, and we love doing it. Are we still quite busy this time of year? Yes, we are. However, what is different is the internal cadence and pace by which we enter this time of year. We are committed, as a family, to enjoy every moment. To set a budget and stick to it. A budget not only of finances, but also a budget of our available time, commitments, and capacity for “doing”. This budget has a strong emphasis on being home, snuggling on the couch with movies, baking cookies, looking at lights, setting goals for the next year, and soaking in the healing that rest intends to bring our hearts.

Christmas is about seeing what, and who, matters most in life, evaluating how well we remained focused on those things throughout the year, and breathing in a fresh refocus and realignment for the days to come.

This time of year often carries for many a lot of pain, reminders of loss or heartache, or simply the feelings of loneliness. To anyone who may come across this article, I pray that the love of Jesus would touch your heart and you would know that you are so deeply loved by The Father. I pray that Emmanuel, God with YOU, would be known and that this Christmas, His hope would be so present in your home that you cannot avoid it.

Christmas is about His love, His heart for us all, and the gift of union with God that was lavished upon us all.

Matt and His wife, Jamie, pastor The Homestead Church in Aubrey, TX where they live with their daughters Emery and Finleigh (11 years old).

Matt is an avid golfer and hunter, but his life’s passion is teaching people of God’s loving nature and who they are in Christ.

Jamie and the twins show western pleasure in the AQHA and Matt joyfully serves as both stall boy and tack fetcher for their illustrious horse show exploits (shout out to the show dads).

THE HOMESTEAD 6071 New Hope Rd., Aubrey welcome@thehomesteadchurch.com thehomesteadchurch.com

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Financial Talk

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“

THE HOLIDAYS “ & FINANCIAL STRESS

CREATE A BUDGET & STICK TO IT!

By: Greg Bradley, Certified Financial Coach By Dave Ramsey Solutions

Are you feel financially stressed? When you think of your financial status do you feel stressed and anxiety? Anxiety is described as worrying about something before it happens. If you feel stressed about your finances, there is a way to turn that around.

In the first few years of our marriage, my wife and I lived in this state and I can tell you from experience, it is a scary place to be. At one point, we found ourselves $2,000 overdrawn in our checking account and counting coins to get enough gas to get to work. It was an awful time in our lives and it took a toll on us individually and our marriage. Financial stress can affect you emotionally, physically and spiritually. But, there is Good news! No matter how far in debt you are, there is a way out!

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One of the first steps to relieving financial stress, is to budget and make a decision to stick to it. I’m sure a lot of you just tuned me out when you read the word “budget”, but I am here to tell you from personal experience, creating a budget is a game changer.

As we go into this holiday season, it is very easy to over spend. Just when you think you are done gift shopping, someone shows up with a gift for you and you feel obligated to get them one in return, so you spend more money than you had planned. That’s when a budget comes in to play. In a real workable budget every dollar coming in is named, meaning it is designated as to where it will go. The realistic

Financial Talk

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budget will include emergency fund, living expenses, credit cards, other debts, entertainment, and blow money. Guess where the money for that unexpected gift will come from? Blow Money! Everyone blows some money. That daily stop at the convenience store for your soft drink and snack, that’s okay as long as you name which money will be used for that. A budget doesn’t have to be scary or burdening but instead it is a way to take control of your finances and know where your money is going. How many times do you run out of money before the next payday?

A budget can help you to control where and when money goes out. The secret to it is discipline, and to stick to it. During this time of year it is important to come up with a budgeted amount for Christmas and start saving up for it ahead of time.

Creating and following a budget is a life changer and will help you to get control of your finances instead of your finances controlling you. I can tell you from personal experience, a budget changed our lives.

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Greg Bradley is a certified Financial Coach by Dave Ramsey, Solutions.

Greg and his wife Laura live in Pilot Point with their family and Greg has made it his mission to help others going through financial stress.

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