Texas Style
STYLE + BEAUTY
WESTERN NIGHTS
SHOPPING
ARTS + CULTURE BACK STAGE WITH KODY WEST
HOME + DESIGN
FALL INTO FASHION BROKEN BOW: STAY IN STYLE










STYLE + BEAUTY
WESTERN NIGHTS
SHOPPING
ARTS + CULTURE BACK STAGE WITH KODY WEST
HOME + DESIGN
FALL INTO FASHION BROKEN BOW: STAY IN STYLE
Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style shows in every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.
Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities. This is true in our personal lives as well as in our community as a whole.
In Celina, I find a sense of Western style blends with Southern flair permeating through the warm autumn days at the ball fields and into evenings downtown. The western stars in the sky light up our nights and the sounds of country music fill our senses on the Square. As Rachel Baty of Annie Jack describes, we are "Texas Chic".
In this issue, we explore local style in so many ways. Lauren Bell's Honeysuckle Rose Boutique brings us the latest in Western fashion for the fall season and Annie Jack's Rachel Baty shares her top picks that are "Texas Chic". Traci Miller, owner of Terramania, shows us how to build the perfect southwestern tablescape for your seasonal dinner party.
Our newest arts editorial contributor, Katelyn Briscoe, shares with us the talent of musician Kody West. We learn how he is making his mark on the Texas music scene.
We meet Daniel and Trisha Puente and hear how their beautiful chaos benefits local businesses and homeowners and their design dreams. While Complete Landsculpture creates outdoor visions of beauty.
Finally, we don't only find style at home but we can find it on vacation in the woods of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Learn more when you read "Broken Bow: Stay in Style".
We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths in your style or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Celina to remind you life is better in boots!
Thank you for reading and see you around town!
BARBARA IRELAND, PUBLISHER @CELINA.LIFESTYLEScan QR code to visit our Instagram
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Danielle Poche' | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jennifer Haveman | Jennifer.Haveman@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Holly Farrow
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sharla Davenport, Katelyn Briscoe, Niki Carbajal, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Emily LeVine
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nicole Wierick, Katelyn Briscoe, Adele Clarke
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
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Where neighbors can see and be seen.
It is with great pleasure to announce the Outstanding Student Athlete of the Month as selected by the Celina Independent School District Athletic Coaching Team. This month’s selection is Jamisen Driver. Jamisen is a senior at Celina High School. He began his high school football career on Junior Varsity his freshman year as a running back then moved to Varsity his sophomore year where he started as safety which continued his junior year. This year he will be playing both sides of the ball as safety and receiver.
Jamisen has received many awards, however his most memorable is getting Player of the Week three times his sophomore year from the Quarterback Club including the Air Ground Award. He has also received Second Team All District for the last two years, received Best Defensive Back award and was highlighted in various media outlets. He has received Top Defense Returning
Player in 4A to look out for this coming season. Being with a legendary group his sophomore year known as “The Stunnas” made an impact on his life.
Jamisen started playing football in Houston with the Steelers in 5th grade and has been playing ever since. He also plays on a select 7-on-7 team DFW. Jamisen has played soccer (outside of school) and basketball. Jamisen’s faith is rooted in Jesus and has a strong foundation. He attends church every Sunday at Movement Church and strives to live like Jesus. The pain you feel can’t compare to the joy that is coming. (Romans 8:18)
Jamisen likes outdoor activities as he has always been an outside kid and likes to be physically active. Jamisen has received two offers to continue playing football in college. He plans on pursuing a college degree in Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Venture Innovation (SEVI). Congratulations to Jamisen Driver and his selection as the September Outstanding Athlete of the Month!
The mission of Atomic T-Shirts And Signs is simple: Quality, Speed and a Smile. Atomic T-Shirts is a locally-owned screen printing and sign company located at 412 N. Oklahoma in Celina. They offer custom tees, embroidery, promotional products and signs. Atomic T-Shirts offers marketing solutions that put you ahead of your competition with promotional products with staying power and advanced printing techniques. With excellent customer service, Atomic T-Shirts And Signs will blow you away! AtomicTShirts.com
Local Spirits, Beer and Wine has opened their doors at 1225 S. Preston Road in Celina! They are located next door to the new Browning Safes Showroom on Preston Road. Local Spirits specializes in high-end spirits as well as your go-to spirits, beer and wine. The first hand-selected barrel of Angel's Envy bourbon was offered at the grand opening including complimentary custom engraving. Drink responsibly, Drink local. Learn more at LocalSpiritsTX.com Scan
Troubadour Festival will return to Old Celina Park on October 21st. This Texas BBQ & Music fest pays homage to the traveling songwriter and the worldwide popularity of the Texas BBQ scene. They are bringing together the best barbecue joints along with some of the biggest names in country music. Country music superstar Chris Young is headlining the third Troubadour Festival in Celina. More details and ticket information at TroubadourFestival.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Celina
Our local neighborhoods are the heart of Celina. Andy “Hop” Hopkins, owner of The UPS Store, is highlighting one of many of Celina’s finest communities on a monthly basis.
LOCATION: Located in the heart of Celina, Texas, this community is found across from Old Celina Park [OCP] in the downtown area.
OVERVIEW: Location, Location, Location! This community boasts natural beauty in a premier location with close proximity to all that historic downtown Celina and Old Celina Park offer. Feeding into Celina ISD schools, the first homes started closing in the Fall of 2016.
AMENITIES: Parkside has a small retention pond for their residents to fish as well as meandering trails and green space. This August, a Pavillion project with the city was completed!
EVENTS: Every year there is a holiday hayride to look at Christmas lights and decorations in the neighborhood while also collecting canned goods/food for those in our area who are in need. Parkside also boasts a front row seat each year for the fireworks at Splash and Blast in OCP. Residents gather on their driveways or in the 8+ acres of green space to watch the fireworks show.
GIVING BACK: A school supply drive for Lykins Elementary School is held each year to provide supplies that can be useful for teachers as well as families with students who are in need.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS: HOA President, Scott Goldsworth says Parkside is special as it “is a small pocket community of only 200 homes. The small community gives us a chance to get to know each other while also being able to look out for one another.” Local resident, Kasey Strait, says, “The thing I love most about living in Parkside is the close proximity to the Square. We are a mile away, which makes it easy to take advantage of all the great events, restaurants, and shops!”
From our doorstep to yours, The UPS Store Celina with Andy Hopkins, is connecting neighbors. We look forward to meeting you at Parkside!
ARTICLE BY SHARLA DAVENPORT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADELE CLARKE
Organized chaos. That’s how Daniel and Trisha Puente lightheartedly describe their life. Understandable considering they’re balancing four children, own two small businesses while Daniel serves full-time as a Dallas Fire Department Captain. It’s a busy time, but one the Puentes try to manage successfully.
The Puentes have lived in Celina since 2010. Married for twenty-one years, the couple are parents to Katelynn (19), attending University of Arkansas, Kennedy (17), Khloe (13) and Knox (3). All the Puente girls were or are current cheerleaders for Celina schools adding to the Puente’s busy calendar. And the addition of Knox, now a preschooler, results in an even more active home life.
The couple met in Dallas, dated while Trisha was in college, and married shortly thereafter. Trisha worked in accounting while Daniel served as a firefighter for Dallas Fire Department (DFD), a job he has held for 24 years where he ultimately became Captain.
During this time the couple also pursued their passions on the side - construction and interior design. Trisha, previously profiled in Celina Lifestyle, owns Humble Home Designs, an interior design and remodel service. Daniel has always loved construction having worked his entire life with his family’s construction jobs. He remembers tiling his first home (his sister still lives there) when he was twelve learning skills from a Home Depot VHS video! Of course, his training and experience has improved since then. In fact, he credits his firefighter experience helping him really understand building structure, roofing, and configuration. His experience also includes assisting another firefighter with roofing projects and building homes.
After decades of working for others, Trisha suggested Daniel start his own company called Puente Construction Services, a general contracting and roofing business. Trisha proudly says, “I knew he could do it and run his own business.” Daniel agrees, “My dad ran his own
business, so I knew how to do it. I have known and been around construction all my life, and I certainly have no problem being on a roof,” he joked. “The best way to learn is from family and by doing.”
The word has gotten out and the Puentes have been extremely busy the last three years with residential and commercial projects. The company now combines Daniel’s construction business with Trisha’s interior design and remodel know-how into a one-stop shop for customers. When Daniel is at the fire station, the couple swap roles making Trisha not just the interior designer, but the project manager, lead contractor, and supervisor. This is nothing new as Trisha’s first construction project years ago was an entire kitchen remodel for a repeat customer. She relied then on Daniel’s knowledge and experience to help and continues to do so today.
The Puentes know you must keep learning in construction, plus hire workers with expertise. “The guy that tells you he knows it all is lying,” Daniel notes. “While I have knowledge and experience, hiring a good loyal crew is key. We have a solid crew that I trust as do my clients,” he continued.
Scheduling and budgeting are also crucial for a successful project. Daniel believes it is the strength of the business. Scheduling, obviously, to make sure crew is available to get work done. And, the couple notes, the crew wants to get paid. You must have liquid funds to pay the contractors and crew, or they will go elsewhere. “Our contractors are very good to us because they know we pay and get projects done. We are reliable,” says Daniel.
Trisha believes that is part of what makes the couple work so well together. “I have an accounting background from early in my career,” she notes. “We fall into our roles working well together. We discuss every project together. I talk about my vision and Daniel will say yes or no because the ceiling has low bearing beams
“The best way to learn is from family and by doing.”
or something like that. We complement each other,” she continues. “We naturally match our strengths and weaknesses,” Trisha laments.
Puente Construction Services and Humble Home Designs recently partnered with a finance company to help clients. This being unique as many small businesses cannot offer this service. Daniel states, “It’s a stepping stone in our growth to help people reach their remodeling/ construction needs who might not be able to do it otherwise.”
The Puentes hope to continue to serve Celina, as well as the DFW area, becoming a household name (pun intended). “We have the reputation and now we want our two brand names to be just as known,” says Trisha. They also desire to continue to grow the commercial side of the business.
So how does the couple balance it all? The couple admits that they often “sneak in a date” after client meetings. It’s beneficial to have older kids help with the younger kids, plus as mentioned, “really good scheduling.”
Daniel admits it is hard to come home when Knox is asleep, and Trisha often gives up sleep to exercise in the mornings, something she believes is good for both mental and physical health. They both agree it’s equally difficult at times.
The Puentes admit a lot of people can’t work together. Trisha exclaims, “We are no Chip and Joanna; we’re real and not edited. It is HARD to work together.” She continues, “It’s a challenge, but we squeeze in our time together and our family keeps us grounded.”
Balancing a large family, marriage, two businesses and being a firefighter is complicated. But the Puentes are grateful and realize their “organized chaos” is a blessing they will forever cherish.
Humble Home Designs
214.934.9012
Puente Construction Services
214-546-1042
Celina Star Cafe located at 709 East Pecan Street is serving up breakfast all day! Local residents share with us their favorite dishes to order. How do you take your eggs at breakfast, lunch or Sunday brunch?
LuxeBlades, LuxeBlades.com
“I like my eggs scrambled or as a Bacado omelette!”
COACH TUCKER
Celina High School
“Eggs over medium on a breakfast skillet, ALL DAY!!!”
OLETA SCHRANZ
Preston Family Healthcare, PrestonFamilyHealthcare.com
“Two eggs over medium on avocado toast!”
DEBBIE HOPKINS Local Resident
KEITH BRUMFIELD
Fire Captain Celina FD
“I love the classic breakfast with eggs over hard, hash browns and sausage.”
“Eggs over medium on the side of a Belgian Waffle with Nutella, strawberries, blueberries and powdered sugar. It’s not technically on the menu but you can ask for ‘Toni’s special waffle’.”
Find The Hottest Western Trends At Honeysuckle
Rose Boutique
Step into the season with the latest fashions from Honeysuckle Rose Boutique. Dress yourself from your hat to your boots.
Honeysuckle Rose Boutique
322 W. Walnut Street, Celina
HoneysuckleRose.com
Morgan (left)
Navajo Necklace
Paige Wallace Cuff
Navajo White Buffalo Cuff
Double D Ranch Vest
Kaeley (middle) Charlie 1 Horse Hat
Juan Antonio Jacket
CITY Boots
Navajo Pearl Strand
Kut from the Kloth Jeans
Rachel (right)
Paige Wallace Bolo Tie
Double D Ranch Leather Jacket
Mudpie Faux Leather Leggings
CITY Boots
Morgan
Tasha Polizzi Button Down & Skirt
Juan Antonio Purse
Navajo Vintage Squash Blossom
Navajo Turquoise Cuff CITY Boots
Cheek Heart Boot by CITY Boots
Bone & Good Heart Boot by CITY Boots
CONTINUED >
Kaeley Charlie 1 Horse Hat
Double D Ranch Jacket Stetson Hat
Juan Antonio Purse
Oscar Betz Cuff Vintage Squash Blossom
Models:
Kaeley Duncan
Rachel Primm
Morgan Stroud
Makeup Artist: Jessica James Beauty
Venue: Bella Terra
1384 Kerfoot Drive Gunter, TX
Celebrate Celina High School Homecoming The Weekend Of September 21st
Homecoming in Celina is a tradition that brings our community together each year. On Thursday, September 21st, the festivities will begin with a community pep rally at the stadium. You will enjoy an exciting fireworks show sponsored by REX Real Estate, KMI A/C and Heating and ENT and Allergy Centers of North Texas. Meet us on the square on Friday the 22nd for the Homecoming parade! See your favorite floats, enjoy the sounds of our Bobcat Band and cheer on the Bobcats as they prepare to take the field for their Friday Night game!
For Terramania owners Traci and Andrew Miller, the struggle has definitely been a part of the story. After Traci was furloughed in 2020, due to COVID, she began to think while she was at home.
“I love to entertain, so decorating and entertainment, and giving parties is really my first true love,” Traci says. She began to ask herself and take note of what it was about her home that people she had over loved about it so much. “I noticed it was the earth tones, and just the textures and the way I layer things and use quirky things throughout my home, so I came up with the word ‘Terramania.’”
‘Terra’ means of the earth, and ‘mania’ means crazy about. Together, they took a leap of faith, registered the name and waited. During those three months, Traci took down all the décor in their home and transformed her house into her storefront. She invited her Facebook friends to shop over champagne and food, but quickly realized she also needed to reach strangers. Her husband Andrew built her a 10x10 space for pop-ups, and people were hooked. In between pop-up shows, and maintaining the storefront at their house, though, Traci ended up going back to work. The Millers did this for about a year and a half before they were whooped.
So, Traci quit her job. The last day she worked for her company was June 30th of 2021 (remember that date). She didn’t know
where she was going, yet she knew it was going to be Celina. Traci began to pray for three things: a crusty, old building, a community to serve and 3,000 square feet. And she Got. All. Three. By January of 2022, the keys were theirs. Then, exactly one year after Traci’s last day at work, Terramania held their soft opening on June 30th of 2022.
Another year later along her faith-based journey just chasing after a dream, Traci and Andrew came full circle to celebrate Terramania’s first anniversary on July 15th. Among other blessings, their staff has grown to five, and Traci says God continues to show her that Celina and Terramania are where they are meant to be.
Terramania is now selling Natured-Inspired Seasonal Home Décor Boxes to be delivered quarterly! Learn more and subscribe on their website at terramaniashop.com or stop by their store Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Traci says the first step to styling a table for hosting any gathering is to pick your theme. For this tablescape, she picked a Southwestern Fall theme. Known for its earthy color palettes and rustic accents, the Southwestern style gives a beautiful homage to the rustic charm of the “wild” American West. “I’ve used everything from cowhides, blankets, or a typical
runner and placemats – but I love having a textile on the table, and I chose rabbit pelts,” Traci says. “Putting that first layer down is your first step.”
The second step is the centerpiece. Traci says she did something a little different with this centerpiece, opting for a paper mâché bowl. Where most people choose vases or several little things around the table, she loves the round texture of the paper mâché along with the stunning arrangement spilling out of it. “We popped in a few little candlesticks just to add some ambiance, too, to our centerpiece. And then, the lava rocks that are spilling out on the table – we have lava rocks in that bowl, so we thought that was a good echo,” Traci says. They also added some brass beads to the centerpiece to add a bit of glam. “I love that little juxtaposition of something kind of earthy and then something, you know, shiny next to it.”
The next step is picking your dishes. The feathers neatly tucked in with her golden silverware pays tribute to her Southwestern theme, contrasting well with the muted green glasses and moody black plates. “For fall, I chose the matte black because I thought that would look really cool popped against those really light pelts on the table but still sets that mood,” Traci says. “Picking your dishes is fun, too. It’s all part of the décor.”
4)
And last, but certainly not least, is selecting your food and including a party favor. “I love guests to go home with something, and what’s better than a party favor that’s made by you and thought out?” Traci says. For this setting, she went for Southwesternthemed watercolor paintings atop the rusty orange napkins as her favor and food to match. “I always say, for décor, you could just use food as your centerpiece. I’ve done that before, too.” Traci says choosing food that will be passed around is important to make sure it blends in as part of the décor, so she chose to serve earthy, darker, moodier foods to go along with fall: tomatillos, chili-lime covered mango pieces and cut up figs.
“I love guests to go home with something, and what’s better than a party favor that’s made by you and thought out?”
Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?
Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves.
We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be. “We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says.
“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.
If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life.
Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type?
HOURGLASS FIGURE:
• V-necklines
• Cinched-in waistlines
• Tailored/fitted dresses
PEAR OR TRIANGLE
FIGURE:
• Tailored dresses
• Off the shoulder
ATHLETIC FIGURE:
• Embellished
• Ruffles
• Empire waist
• Volume is your friend
APPLE FIGURE:
• Drop waist
• A-line
The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI
ALTHOUGH BLACK IS A timeless, classic LOOK, THAT DOESN’T MEAN IT GOES WITHOUT personality . YOU CAN MAKE IT YOUR OWN STYLE BY accessorizing TO INFUSE NEW LIFE INTO A DRESS THAT YOU ALREADY OWN.
Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is a popular family-friendly destination just two and a half hours away from Celina. A nature lover's dream, Broken Bow offers countless activities including hiking, fishing, rafting, horseback riding and boating. There are many options when choosing where to stay on your visit. When it comes to quality, privacy and proximity, Broken Bow Family Cabins are a cut above the rest!
Celina residents, Gavin and Kelly George, are the owners of three properties which make up Broken Bow Family Cabins. Kelly has found a love of design after owning thirteen homes. When it comes to styling her cabins, quality is at the top of her list. All beds are made up with Egyptian cotton sheets, and each pillow is selected for comfort. The upscale furnishings are handpicked for comfort and style. Careful consideration is taken when choosing everything from shampoo to silverware. The kitchens are fully equipped with all you need to enjoy a meal at home.
Cleanliness is imperative, and the homes are professionally cleaned and sanitized after each stay. Two of the homes are fit with infrared air purifiers, giving the homes hospital grade air.
Outside of each of the three homes, you will find pull-through driveways for ease of use for towing boats and trailers. All of the homes have firepits, are supplied with firewood and are hard piped with propane so get ready for bonfires and a bbq. Relax at the end of a day full of play in your own spa on the deck.
It’s a family affair! All cabins are personally managed by Kelly, cleaned by her mother and maintenance is handled by her brother. When you stay at one of their homes, they welcome you as an extension of their family.
Each of the homes is located in the most prime location so you'll have access to everything that Broken Bow has to offer. Whether you want a family getaway or an escape with friends, Broken Bow Family Cabins have everything you will need for the perfect vacation. The hardest part will be choosing between Humble Beginnings, Simplicity in the Pines or The Silo!
Find more information and to book now, visit BrokenBowFamilyCabins.com mention #CELINA in the promo code or comments section to show support for Celina-owned businesses. CONTINUED >
I love Celina! Just ask my family, friends and clients and they will tell you how much I love Celina. I fell in love in 2003 and got here as fast as I could, as the saying goes. I love that I get to sell Celina not just as a real estate broker but as a proud citizen, neighbor, and friend. It is an exciting time to be in Celina! There are so many amazing neighborhoods and more on the way. I’m so grateful that I get to help my clients stake their claim in Celina and call it home!
ARTICLE BY EMILY LEVINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY FARROW
It’s hard to be productive and have a clear mindset when everything in your home is cluttered! That’s where Shay Morgan comes in. Owner of Sort Home Design Group, Shay can take even the messiest of closets and turn them into a Pinterest-worthy wardrobe.
Since she was young, Shay has been organizing and decluttering nearly everything. Living with siblings, she developed a passion for ensuring their home was well-maintained and it soon became one of her passions. Home design has been a part of her family for several generations. Shay adds a unique touch to interior design by combining home-staging and organizing, creating her own business in 2019: Sort Home Design Group.
Shay looks for inspiration everywhere she goesanything from hotels to open house showings. Her Pinterest boards are generous, but her heart is even more so. She wants you to love your space again and feel freedom from the chaos and clutter of day-today living.
When you schedule an appointment with Shay, she will get right down to business. After a video call and a tour of the room needed to be organized, you and Shay will develop a game plan to turn the desired space into an organized masterpiece. She will then work alongside you to compartmentalize and create organized storage systems uniquely catered to you and your home’s needs.
Shay adds a servant’s heart to her business, setting her apart from the rest. When organizing your spaces, she creates different collection piles based on what her clients want to keep or discard. Not only that, she adds a “donation pile". If her clients have extra unwanted food from their pantries, clothes from their closets or other items from their cabinets, Shay will donate them to local charities and foundations that ensure they go into the hands of people who need them the most.
When it comes to decluttering the chaos in your world and regaining your peace of mind, reach out to Shay Morgan and get ready to feel clarity again!
Schedule your virtual consultation today at SortHomeDesignGroup.com
Experienced thrifters know where to find the hidden gems for high-end fashion brands at bargain prices.
Cornerstone ReSale, tucked away in a shopping center off Coleman in Prosper, is one such gem. Shoppers find popular brands like Lululemon, Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines, and Free People. The boutique-style resale shop receives donations from the community and arranges them in attractive displays reminiscent of upscale specialty shops. The shop sells new and like-new donations with the goal to cover all operating expenses of Cornerstone North Central Texas to enable all financial donations to go directly to neighbor support.
Cornerstone ReSale has a specialty boutique section, children’s clothing and shoes, toys, men’s and women’s clothing and shoes, accessories, home goods, linens, and small furniture pieces. Not to be missed are the seasonal items, think “man cave” for Father’s Day and red, white, and blue for patriotic holidays, typically displayed near the front of the store. Kristin Franks, ReSale store manager, varies sales each week and has expanded
to offering certain items on Facebook Marketplace and eBay to make the most of the generous donations and their impact on Cornerstone’s financial well-being.
Cornerstone Assistance Network of North Central Texas is a faith-based non-profit committed to helping local neighbors in need. Established in 2010 in northern Collin County, the organization works to provide temporary financial assistance, job assistance, mentoring, coaching and budget accountability to help neighbors affect lifelong changes. Cornerstone NCT relies on partnerships with churches, businesses and other non-profits to provide neighbors with short-time assistance and long-term guidance. The ReSale store partners with Cornerstone NCT’s initiatives that include the Backto-School Bash clothing shopping for kindergarten through 12th grade students and throughout the year when neighbors have clothing or shoe needs.
Cornerstone ReSale depends on community donations and volunteer involvement. Visit CornerstoneNCT.org for more information.
Before Luxe Blades stepped in, our yard was nothing short of a disaster. With poor drainage and constant mud, it was impossible for our family to truly enjoy the outdoor space. But Luxe Blades worked their magic, and now our yard has become the envy of the neighborhood and the ultimate destination for family fun.
WESTERN SUMMER NIGHTS WITH A HOMETOWN MUSICIAN
Making it a priority to maintain its homage to the (real) cowboys and farmers who built our little slice of heaven from the sweat off their backs, the town of Celina has welcomed the influx of Western style with open arms. Popularity of the American Neo-Western drama Yellowstone has just been one indicator of the collective reminiscence of the Old West. From cowboy boots and hats to the rustic themes found in homes and architecture around town, Celina takes every opportunity to show off its southern charm and Old Western influences. Celina is not unique in this, however, as it isn’t the only North Texas town that likes to stay in touch with their origins. In the next town over, Western Son Distillery, home of Western Son Vodka, is Pilot Point’s paragon of all things Western.
The most recent display of their love of all things “American Frontier in Texas” was at their sold-out
“Western Summer Night.” The evening featured some of Celina’s favorite small-town activities: listening to live music, enjoying local food trucks and vendors, and, of course, keeping cool in the Texas heat with an ice-cold vodka cocktail. Coining themselves as a liquor “where Southern hospitality meets a smooth and rebellious spirit,” Western Son prides itself in its Texas roots and now, in their hometown musician: Kody West.
Kody grew up in Denton, Texas and is now known by many for his homegrown, guitar-driven country-rock music. Aside from the three years of guitar lessons he took starting in third grade, he says he mostly taught himself. He started playing out near the end of his senior year of high school at places like Fuzzy’s Taco Shops or “…any bar that had a patio that would let [him] play for a couple of hours…” From there, his music career morphed into something bigger as Kody went on tour with Dalton Domino & the Front Porch Family Band as their tour manager. Eventually, he started opening for them, which led to his debut EP in 2016.
“I recorded the Higher Ground EP, and then formed my own group of guys…” Kody says. “We’ve been plugging away, just playing shows ever since – just slowly growing.”
Since releasing Higher Ground, one might say there’s been quite a “West”-ward expansion. Kody has played many of his dream venues, but the moment he says he is the proudest of is headlining Billy Bob’s (which he and his band have now done three times) and recording a live album.
“…The fact that [Billy Bob’s] introduced us to that and gave us the opportunity to do that was so – seemed like it was so far out of my grasp, and it’s, to say the least, a dream come true that we were able to do that.”
Kody’s most recent EP is another live album that was released in July. Recorded at another local DFW venue and in Kody’s hometown, The Acoustic Sessions (Vol. 2) is a mixture of both studio acoustic recordings and live recordings from one of Kody’s shows at Dan’s Silverleaf in Denton.
“That was also super special for me to do just so that, on the internet, forever, there’s always a Kody West – Live at Dan’s Silverleaf… The Acoustic Sessions was just a way to also have content to put out and just really play these songs kind of the way that they were intended,” Kody says. “The rawness of the recordings and the rawness of the takes is intentional, just because when I’m at home, or if I’m just sitting in the studio with my buddy and we’re just making up a song, like in my head and on the guitar – like an acoustic guitar – …that’s how those songs kind of sound, so I wanted to let the audience hear that and experience what they sound like and what it’s like.. what a song’s first version is before it goes through the studio and gets turned into what everyone else hears, like on the album.”
Like cowboys sitting around a campfire, most songs are born from just sitting around picking on a guitar. There’s nothing else like it. Similarly, one thing Kody has been critically praised for is his loyal Texas fanbase, many of whom travel out of state to watch his shows. That same fanbase, Kody says, is what makes it so fun to play in your hometown.
“…Any gig is fun to play that’s close to home, just because it’s like you get a mini reunion, in itself. You have a lot of friends and family that come out,” Kody says. “…It’s definitely more fun playing in the local area just because of all the people you get to see and the interaction before and after the show. And playing [at] Western Son [Distillery], it’s – I mean – with me living in Pilot Point proper, now, that’s even more of a hometown gig, so playing [at] Western Son [Distillery] is a lot of fun and we’ve got a lot of history with them over there.”
Home is where the heart is for Kody. Always remembering where you come from and keeping your hometown small are pillars that Kody and members of the Celina community hope to hold true as we both continue expanding our horizons.
Kody West’s music is available on all streaming platforms. The Western Son Distillery in Pilot Point is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 12 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
of each client. We have deep experience and a wide portfolio of projects that we can draw from to help our clients achieve the environment they want to create whether it’s a pool with outdoor living, to a fireplace with an outdoor kitchen, to a sport court or bocce ball court, or to a zen garden for relaxing. We are proficient in both residential and commercial applications for full landscape designs.
COMPLETE LANDSCULPTURE GIVES HOMEOWNERS ALFRESCO LIVING SPACES OF THEIR DREAMS
IS SUMMER A GOOD TIME FOR HOMEOWNERS TO BEGIN THINKING ABOUT IMPROVING THEIR OUTDOOR SPACES? IF SO, WHY?
Yes! The best time to start planning/designing a project is now. Depending on the project, scope involved and the time to design and build–a project can take many months. Many landscape projects can be accomplished quickly, and if there are seasonal-related concerns regarding hot or cold weather our experienced consultants are here to guide the timing of the project.
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT COMPLETE LANDSCULPTURE CAN HELP HOMEOWNERS IMPROVE THEIR OUTDOOR SPACES SO THEY MAY GET THE MOST OUT OF IT YEAR-ROUND?
We strive to be a complete outdoor solution for our clients so they can maximize their enjoyment of their outdoor spaces. Our approach is to ask questions and understand the needs and vision of each client. We tailor our designs and services to achieve the goals
With the events of the past few years, we have seen a trend in people and businesses investing in their own properties to maximize their enjoyment of where and how they spend most of their time. The feedback is they are traveling less and creating spaces that fit their individual needs. While this has created more enjoyable spaces while our client is in their home, this has upped the stakes for competitiveness when residential properties go up for sale. Property owners who have invested in their outdoor spaces often cut their timeline on the market and command top dollar for their properties.
We start by connecting with our clients on how they want to get the most out of their outdoor space from the moment they arrive at their property to what activities they enjoy most while home. We often say, ‘We will build the dream. You create the memories.’
We provide complete landscape maintenance services for both commercial and residential properties. We provide complete
services; typically people think of lawn and bed maintenance, irrigation services, fertilize and weed control, seasonal color and mulching. In addition to what I think most people will think of when they read this, we also have our tree care division that provides anything from an assessment of the trees on a property to any recommended treatments, fertilizations, pruning, tree removal or recommended tree installation. We have experienced arborists on staff who are happy to help with any questions.
WHAT ARE SOME SPECIFIC PROJECTS THAT ARE ON-TREND RIGHT NOW WHEN IT COMES TO OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS?
There are quite a few over the last few years now that people have spent more time at home, but I would say they tend to center around fire and water. We design and build custom pools and fountains, as well as outdoor living areas that often include kitchens with grills, smokers and flatirons. We are generally including some type of fire feature to compliment the pools and outdoor living areas like fireplaces, firepits and fire bowls. Items that aren’t quite as trendy, but we have seen an uptick in is activity based features like sport courts and bocce ball courts. I'm anticipating we'll start seeing more sport courts set up for pickleball moving forward.
I can’t suggest one. Our clients are too diverse, and there's no one outdoor project to recommend. What I would recommend is for anyone interested in an outdoor project, ask yourself, ‘What is the most impactful thing that would give me the most joy in my outdoor space?’ Let’s start with that!
Our mission at Complete Landsculpture is to deliver complete outdoor fantastic client experiences. Simply put, we want to deliver on our clients’ expectations and create a relationship for life. You might need us once a week, or you might need us once every 10 years. We want to be the landscape team you trust and work with for years.
Complete Landsculpture is a full-service landscape maintenance provider for both commercial and residential properties. Services include turf management, flowerbed maintenance, irrigation monitoring and full-service tree care by certified arborists. The company also is an award-winning design/build landscape provider whose projects encompass all aspects of outdoor living and landscape needs.
214.358.5296
CompleteLandsculpture.com
Your Real Estate Goals, Our Priority change description to: Welcome to your trusted partner in real estate! As a dedicated local realtor, my mission is to bring your dreams of homeownership to life and ensure that your property transactions are smooth and successful. With a passion for the community and an unwavering commitment to excellence, I specialize in two key areas: helping sellers maximize their profits by selling their homes for top dollar, and assisting buyers in discovering their ideal living spaces. But my commitment doesn’t stop there. I understand that renting can also be a crucial part of the housing journey for many individuals and families. That’s why I proudly offer my expertise in rentals, guiding renters through the process of finding a comfortable and suitable space to call their own. When you work with me, you’re not just hiring a realtor – you’re partnering with a community enthusiast who genuinely cares about your real estate goals. I am here to provide personalized attention, reliable guidance, and unwavering support throughout every step of your real estate journey. Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together and turn your real estate aspirations into reality.
212 N Oklahoma Dr • Celina TX 469.573.1936
View our events on our website littlewoodenpenguin.com
Schedule your event with us: info@littlewoodenpenguin.com
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
SEPTEMBER 3RD
Taste at Grandscape
GRANDSCAPE TEXAS | 12:00 PM
Taste at Grandscape will feature tasty bites from local restaurants and eateries. Come hungry and savor all the best eats as you stroll throughout the center and sample tastings from over 20 local food vendors. Additional event activities include live music throughout, a vendor pop-up market, and activations in our beer and wine garden. Don't miss out on this delicious experience! Grandscape.com
SEPTEMBER 7TH
DJ Trivia
LUCY'S ON THE SQUARE
| 6:30 PM
Brush up on your knowledge of movies, history, music, TV, science, and more and head over to Lucy's on the Square every Thursday! Come early, come hungry and grab a table for dinner and Trivia Night presented by DJ Trivia! This is a fun, live, interactive trivia game that includes you, your team, other teams, and a live DJ host.
LucysontheSquare.com
SEPTEMBER 8TH
Cornerstone's 1st Ever Comedy Night
3R'S RANCH | 6:00 PM
Cornerstone NCT couldn't be more thrilled to invite you to an evening filled with good vibes, great humor, and a chance to make a difference. Get ready to unwind in a relaxed environment, surrounded by friends and laughter, all while supporting Cornerstone. So come, let loose,
and experience the joy of giving back through the power of laughter. CornerstoneNCT.org
SEPTEMBER 9TH
ROLLERTOWN BEERWORKS
| 5:00 PM
Come out to Rollertown for its Third Annual Patriot Day Car Show! Enjoy live music, food trucks, and more! A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to Live to Give supporting veterans and first responders. First beer is free for all veterans and first responders! RollertownBeerworks.com
SEPTEMBER 16TH
DOWNTOWN CELINA AND THE SQUARE | 9:00 AM
Celina's Touch-A-Truck! is a FREE event on Celina's Downtown Square that offers kids of all ages an interactive and fun learning experience. Come climb, learn, explore, and honk at this year's Touch-A-Truck presented by our friends at Cook Children’s Health Care System! Representatives from various departments will be onsite with their vehicles to answer questions and hand out goodies.
LifeinCelinaTX.com/TouchATruck
SEPTEMBER 21ST
BOBCAT STADIUM | 9:00 PM
Kick off Homecoming and support our Celina Bobcats at the city-wide pep rally! Enjoy performances by the CHS Cheerleaders, Las Gatitas, the CHS Band, and more! The night ends with a spectacular firework show sponsored by REX Real Estate, KMI A/C & Heating and The ENT & Allergy Centers of Texas!
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Celina
A sample of recently sold properties in Celina.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin
• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum
• 1/2oz- Lime juice
• Topped with ginger beer
• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame
GARNISH
• Small paint brush
• Simple syrup
• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame
Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.
Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up! Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).
ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES