Kiddos and Pets!
Dear Neighbors,
This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than just the future—they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, their curiosity, and their potential shape the world in ways we can’t fully measure.
As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us—they bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives.
But we also cannot overlook the powerful role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between kids and their pets can be transformative, fostering deep emotional connections that last a lifetime.
At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth—they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.
I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.
Here’s to our future, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better. Cheers!
RACHAEL FENTON, PUBLISHER @CROSSTIMBERSLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Rachael Fenton | rachael.fenton@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Mallory Newell | mallory.mckeever@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sophie Betzhold, Amy Young, Isabella Van Trease
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
EAT | DRINK | LIVE MUSIC
Our company mission is to be a hub for community and coming together, sharing smiles and good times, supporting working musicians and showcasing uniquely talented acts. Our doors and tables are open to all to enjoy the rustic charm of our space. We offer free coffee and encourage people to come and fill their cup and enjoy “The Store”. Each space is unique: the open air front patio, relaxed main dining area, enclosed back porch (home to our unplugged open mic night every Wednesday at 6), and the outdoor back patio. It’s a place where strangers turn into friends.
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URGENT CARE PRIMARY CARE
MINOR EMERGENCY
SPORTS PHYSICALS TELEMEDICINE
LEMONADE STANDS AND Business Plans
ARTICLE BY MALLORY NEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ICEY’S INFUSIONS
FOUR JOBS FOR ALL KINDS OF KIDS
For the Academic
Work at your local library stocking shelves or tutor kids at school to earn a check in a more peaceful environment.
For the Sweet Tooth
Run your favorite sweet shop like Andy’s or Marty B’s Ice Cream and take a bite home with you.
For the Stylist
Stock shelves or check customers out of your favorite retailer while earning a discount for yourself.
For the Athlete
Officiate or keep the book during the offseason at any of your school’s youth sports leagues.
For the Foodie
Wait tables or host at a nice restaurant in town for great tips and new friends.
FOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES FOUNDED BY KIDS BUT RUN LIKE PROFESSIONALS
Spotless Windows
Led by a young entrepreneur, Shimmer & Shine Window Washing is run like a professional and has stellar reviews from customers.
Sweet and Sour Treats
Treat yourself to a delicious and unique snack from a Mesquite teen’s creations at Icey’s Infusions with bold flavored pickles, pineapples and juices.
Handmade Goods
Be on the lookout for the next Children’s Entrepreneurship Market in DFW that highlights children-owned businesses like Madeline’s Place that sells homemade brittle and handmade gifts.
Luscious Lip Oils
Keep your lips hydrated and shiny with JustJaycee’s premium lip oils founded by a Dallas teenager.
ILLUSTRATING LIGHT
Artist Margie Averill Earley depicts the magical and joyful
ARTICLE BY MALLORY NEWELL
If you peruse her social media and website, you will find an array of custom character watercolor portraits, the kind eyes of an ink and charcoal bear, hand-sketched cards from her online store, and even sneak peeks into the process of the book she is illustrating. You will also see some of her favorite pieces, her own version of characters from her favorite childhood stories. Depictions of gentle-eyed Aslan, spunky Rapunzel, cheeky Han Solo and cozy Dobby and so many more meld together in a story of creativity as seen through the eyes of local Lewisville artist, Margie Averill Earley.
“One of the things I get really excited about is stories that I grew up with and illustrating [them] how I
The Art Teacher
envisioned them as a kid.” Her habit of capturing the magical and light-filled is a haven in a dark world. “I feel like a lot of art nowadays is very heavy, and there’s no problem with that because we need that kind of art,” Margie shares. “But right now, I love sharing art that is more whimsical with an underlying [sense] of joy.”
From the beginning, art has been about joy for Margie. As a kid with a learning disability, school was hard, but art made it possible. “I’ve always done art. I’ve never considered anything else,” Margie’s voice bright with a smile. “God gave me a gift for creating stories in my mind and putting them on paper. I am very grateful and blessed to utilize that for God’s glory.”
And doing something you were made to do, a dream you’ve always dreamt, makes the work all that much more fulfilling. For example, Margie’s grandmother passed away when Margie’s mother was young. For her mother’s 40th birthday, Margie created a work of art depicting her mom and her grandmother both at age 40, the only adult picture of mother and daughter together. “Sometimes photography can’t capture things that art can,” Margie says. Like depicting the story of a family whose stillborn baby still lives on as part of the family or personalized portraits of a child as his favorite superhero.
Though Margie still substitute teaches at the local Studio Art House, she has recently moved from full-time art teacher to
The Prophecy
Goodbye Naomi
full-time illustrator. Recently, she has delved into abstract work and dreams of experimenting with plein-air landscapes. With a repertoire of 6 illustrated books, this year she will celebrate the publication of a new book with 60 pages of illustrations, all hand-drawn by herself. But the next few months hold two of Margie’s most exciting projects of all.
This year, Margie will be illustrating a children’s book co-written by herself and her husband. Born from an idea Margie had a few years ago, the story is set in the Scottish Highlands where a Shetland pony stumbles upon a Clydesdale colt. As she adopts him as her own, the pony grows increasingly bewildered regarding what to do with him as he grows larger and larger. And late 2025 will bring the ultimate critic of Margie and her husband’s book, their first baby.
The future of Margie’s portfolio looks as light-filled and full of joy as it has in the past.
Contact Margie: margieaverill.com // @margieaverill_illustration // margieaverillcrosby@gmail.com
Mindy's Lab
The Hologram
Brag Bear
Food, Fun and Fido
Dog-friendly locations to enjoy with friends and family
ARTICLE BY AMY YOUNG
Here comes the inevitable question, “What’s for dinner?” After a busy day of work, kids and errands, the family decides a night out is what is on the agenda. You grab the keys and the jingling sound alerts your furry friend that it is time to load up in the car for an adventure. Looking down into those soulful, longing eyes, how can you possibly say no? Luckily, there are fun places nearby that welcome four-legged family members for dining.
For breakfast or brunch, Cracked and Crepe offers a menu from healthy to hearty and everything in between. Opening in 2023, it has quickly become a go-to location for a delicious breakfast or lunchtime meal. Your furry friend will enjoy relaxing on their patio as your child enjoys a Mickey Mouse pancake.
For casual dining, Fido is welcome at Underdogs on the river walk in Flower Mound. Enjoy the pathway along the water and a stop for fried pimento cheese balls and the Underdog’s burger flight to sample their unique flavor styles. And if you “accidentally” drop a piece, your dog has clean-up handled.
Lakeside in Flower Mound is a bustling hive of activity with shopping and restaurants. A casual stroll may find you stopping at The Tavern at Lakeside to enjoy drinks, appetizers and laughs with friends on their dog-friendly patio. After cooling off with a strawberry pineapple margarita and finishing with the delicious signature schnitzel, you and your dog will be relaxed and ready to continue your evening together.
Slow and Sweet Shows
6 WHOLESOME TELEVISION SHOWS FOR KIDS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
ARTICLE BY MALLORY NEWELL
1. Trash Truck // Hank and his best friend, Trash Truck, love to explore the world with their animal friends // Netflix
2. Little Bear // Little Bear and his group of forest friends rely on their imaginations and strong friendship to have the best adventures // Paramount Plus and YouTube
3. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie // Based on the beloved books, Mouse and his friends are always having the most unexpected adventures // Prime Video
4. The Adventures of Paddington // The charming character Paddington lives a life of curiosity and kindness alongside his loving family // Paramount Plus
5. Rolie Polie Olie // Robot boy, Olie, and his sister Zowie, learn the values of friendship and family while growing up in their geometric world // Prime Video and YouTube
6. Puffin Rock // Puffin siblings Oona and Baba love to explore their Irish island home with their friends and family // Netflix
There is much debate on which shows are overstimulating, which ones aren’t, and even more debate on whether the speed and quantity of colors and noises in a show even make a difference in the development of your child at all. Though I can’t make any claims to the advantages of the colors, noises, or frames per second of these shows, I can attest to their wholesome and gentle content that promotes kindness and learning, some that I watched during my own childhood and some more modern takes on the trending topic of “slow TV”.
STABLES, SADDLES & SUPPORT
The power of equine therapy at Mane to Tail Therapy
ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BETZHOLD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PIXEL PERFECT ROSE
Though it may be a less common household pet, the horse’s prevalence in this area is undeniable. Whether in a neighbor’s yard or seen walking down the road, there is an abundance of equine friends here in North Texas, especially right down Cross Timbers Road at Mane to Tail Therapy of Texas, an equine-therapy center that uses Hippotherapy and other techniques to positively influence patients. At first glance, the horses grazing in the vast open field may seem like any other, but these beautiful creatures are used for a much deeper purpose than meets the eye. These horses provide a unique therapy experience by harnessing the dynamic power of equine movement that provides whole brain activation
for positive communication, social/emotional, sensory, cognitive, functional and physical outcomes, among other benefits.
A therapist’s words in a clinic can only go so far in each session, so at Mane to Tail Therapy, they let the horses do the talking. Alongside their team, Speech/Language Pathologist Melanie McDonald and co-owner, PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, daughter Morgan McDonald of Mane to Tail Therapy, practice Hippotherapy, speech therapy using horseback riding to regulate systems, impact human neurophysiology, encourage new communication pathways, build relationships, and improve various motor skills and social functions.
Most of the patients at Mane to Tail Therapy, the only Hippotherapy for Speech Therapy practice in North Texas, are individuals with Autism, some verbal and others who need more encouragement. Others have rare genetic and chromosome disorders, speech/ language disorders/delay, including sensory, social skills, receptive/expressive language, articulation, and fluency disorders.
At Mane to Tail Therapy, each session is catered to the child’s abilities using various techniques to help kids improve communication. With hippotherapy, the children are encouraged to ride the horse right away in order to regulate their nervous systems, calming the body to be ready and open to instruction. Once regulated, they are encouraged to instruct the horse how to proceed.
“Some are vocalizing to make the horse move and some are just looking in a direction,” McDonald says, “whatever response they give us, we shape that response for more universal communication.” Based on the child’s ability, they will instruct the horse to move through verbal commands, using their communication devices, or simply gazing a certain way to move, alerting the therapist that they want to tell the horse to go. This interaction strengthens communication and cognition for the kids by demonstrating the necessity of conveying their wants and needs through both verbal and nonverbal cues.
By interacting with the gentle giants on the property, the kids are engaged by completing tasks, focusing on their movements and listening to instructions, which leads to lower stress and an open mind. The connection between the child and the horse’s movement alone results in “whole brain activation that regulates the children much faster, so that they are able to learn,” McDonald says, “they know how the horse is going to make them feel - they get excited.”
“Every single thing we do has purpose and meaning and is teaching communication,” McDonald says. They offer therapeutic riding sessions that focus on teaching the skill of horseback riding to improve balance, strength, sensory integration and circulation. They take the kids to feed animals down at the neighboring ranch, owned by Jeff York, who has been supportive and generous in letting them use his beautiful property. Clients assist with chores to teach responsibility and structure. They work on food aversion by taste testing different foods with horses and therapy dogs. The connection between the animal and child has countless benefits and each is explored with direction on the open field at Mane to Tail of Texas.
COOL BITES
HOT DAYS FOR
ARTICLE BY ISABELLA VAN TREASE
Lunch boxes kids love
Whether you’re savoring the last weeks of summer or gearing up for back-to-school, your kids will be ready to take on the day with these creative lunches in tow. From day camp to classroom to lazy afternoons at home, smart lunch boxes should be cool, colorful, and ready to grab and go. Bento-style and protein-packed boxes make eating fun—and keep things simple for you. These lunch box recipes are easy to prep and even easier to love.
MINI CAPRESE SKEWER BOX
For the budding foodie, thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto toothpicks to create bite-sized Caprese skewers. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or leave as is. On the side, include whole grain pita triangles with a scoop of hummus, plus crisp apple slices dusted with cinnamon. Finish with a small handful of roasted chickpeas for extra crunch and protein. This Mediterraneaninspired box is light but satisfying—ideal for kids who love finger foods and fresh flavors.
RAINBOW VEGGIE WRAP BENTO
Spread plain or herbed cream cheese on a whole wheat tortilla, then layer in baby spinach, shredded carrots, cucumber strips, and thin slices of red bell pepper. Roll tightly and slice into pinwheels for a veggie-packed main. Add a handful of grapes, a bundle of pretzel sticks, and a low-sugar yogurt tube for sides. Slip in a small square of dark chocolate for a treat. This colorful combo is crisp, light, and refreshing.
TOOLS, TOYS & TRAMPOLINES
ARTICLE BY MALLORY NEWELL
NATURAL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS OF KIDS WITH ADHD
According to United Healthcare, ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which causes such things as difficulty focusing, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. The CDC gives us a few hints as to whether this might be something your child struggles with. Common behaviors include frequent daydreaming, forgetfulness, fidgeting, excessive talking, impulsivity, and difficulty waiting turns or getting along with others. Individuals may struggle to stay organized and focused, complete tasks, follow instructions, or pay attention to details. As always, we recommend talking to a medical professional before beginning any sort of treatment, but here are a few resources that aren’t medication to aid you and your child on the journey of becoming the best version of themselves!
LOCAL PROGRAMS
With locations all over the U.S., Brain Balance offers brain training, personalized nutrition services, and personal coaching to help your child improve focus, anxiety and behavior. The online program BrainWorx is known for helping thousands of both adults and children. Their natural approach focuses on reducing anxiety, developing emotional regulation, and fostering focus, learning and joy.
EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
Here are a few of our favorite educational resources that offer understanding and reallife solutions dealing with ADHD. Parenting ADHD Podcast offers weekly insights and actionable strategies on parenting neurodivergent kids. Hacking Your ADHD shares practical tips on working with ADHD to do more of the things you want to do. ADHD Aha! features the unexpected and emotional stories of when both kids and adults understood that their ADHD was real.
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TOOLS
02
TOYS AND GAMES
Toys can play a powerful role in supporting children with ADHD by promoting focus, movement, and problem-solving. Such toys as a mini trampoline or The Sturdy Birdy game offer a fun way to release excess energy and improve coordination and body awareness, which can help with attention and regulation. Other brainy games, such as snap circuits and Rubik’s cube engage kids in hands-on learning and building concentration and problem-solving skills.
There are countless tools available to help your child manage attention, increase focus, and bring about more structure in daily habits. Such tools as weighted blankets and noise-cancelling headphones can help improve focus and regulate the nervous system. Other tools like responsibility charts or Brili Routines can help create schedules, guide routines, and build independence.
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What Makes Primrose Special
HOW TWO PRIMROSE SCHOOLS IN DENTON COUNTY LEAD THE CHARGE ON EXCELLENT EDUCATION
With hearts for service, education and loving on little people, Sheldon and Dr. Shelley Connell own two Primrose Schools in Denton County. Though they are two different locations, Primrose is truly unified, combining their campuses, Old Orchard and NE Flower Mound, into ONE campus. These sister schools are affectionately known as Primrose ONE to the staff and families they serve. Their dedication and service here in our community and with their students are steady and strong. Here are 5 reasons why Primrose Schools outshine all the rest.
1. STAFF THAT STAYS
The staff and leadership at these local Primrose Schools have invested their heart and soul into their daily work. With some staff reaching twenty years of service at the same location and an average of 6.2 years of service per staff member, the team is in it for the long run. Not to mention, some of their former students now teach in the same classrooms they once learned in.
2. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Primrose ONE lives life right alongside their students, walking side by side with their community. Over time, they have consistently influenced a call to action for change and compassion in their community. Their yearly donation averages go to show the strong connection the staff and students have with their community:
• 2,250 bottles of water and Gatorade collected and donated to local Lewisville and Flower Mound Fire Departments
• 2,000 food items collected and donated to LovePacs to help with elementary school food insecurity
• 1,850 books collected and donated to Book Drive for Kids
• 250 toys collected and donated to Christian Community Action’s Christmas Drive
At the core of Primrose schools everywhere is the belief, “who children become is as important as what they know.”
3. THE VALUES RUN DEEP
The core principles at Primrose ONE are deep and permeate every aspect of their education. They are laser-focused on continuing to be the premier child care organization in Lewisville & Flower Mound through compassion, excellence, integrity and collaboration. At the core of Primrose schools everywhere is the belief, “who children become is as important as what they know.”
4. ENGAGED AND HANDS-ON OWNERSHIP
From greeting parents, giving high-fives to little hands, making personal relationships with parents and planning family events and activities, the Connells are with their team in the nitty gritty day-today work at Primrose. In the community at large also, Shelley, as a member of the Primrose Children’s Foundation Board of Directors, and Sheldon, as President of the Flower Mound Rotary Club, are not afraid to get involved.
5. PARENT INVOLVEMENT IS KEY
Primrose Schools are of Old Orchard and NE Flower Mound are always encouraging their parents to be involved and engaged in their kids’ education. The lengths they go to to connect with parents can be seen in their countless events designed to bring families together. Such events like Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, annual EggHunt and Trunk-or-Treat events, the honoring of the Family of the Month and so much more, keep the circle of teachers, staff, kids and parents tight.
ARTICLE BY MALLORY NEWELL
Cathy's Critters
Cathy's Critters
Urban Alpacas
Window to the Wild
My Pig Filled Life
Cathy's Critters
Urban Alpacas
My Pig Filled Life Window to the Wild
DESERT HAIKU
Capture the ethereal beauty of the Texas desert with this captivating abstract painting, inspired by the unique landscape surrounding Marfa. The artwork features a harmonious blend of soft blues, warm creams, and vibrant red accents, evoking the serene yet dramatic essence of the region.
This piece is perfect for art enthusiasts seeking a modern and evocative representation of the American Southwest. It would be a striking addition to any home or office, sparking conversation and contemplation.
As a local artist, my original work is readily
and can be delivered anywhere in the
The Benefits of Man’s Best Friend
How therapy dogs bring comfort and connection
There are many ways that dogs enrich their owners’ lives: comfort, security, companionship, unconditional love - the list goes on. Though our four-legged friends at home provide emotional support in their own ways, trained therapy dogs offer their own unique benefits the furry friends in our homes may not. Certified therapy dogs are required to pass the Canine Good Citizenship test for obedience that assesses temperament, walking, recall, reaction, listening and more to determine if its overall demeanor is calm and friendly enough to qualify. Not to be confused with a service dog which is trained to provide the handler with physical assistance, the ideal therapy dog is one that “sits next to [a person] and lets itself be pet,” according to the American Kennel Club.
Therapy dogs are known to aid those struggling with mental health challenges and disorders in various ways by lowering stress levels, decreasing blood pressure and heart rate, promoting the body’s natural stress-relief system and more. Exposure to these calming companions also enhances social interactions, leading to decreased anxiety and depression, improved emotional control and a higher self-image. The dogs offer a soothing, non-judgmental presence that can build confidence in communication, improve focus and attention, development of social skills and even boost literacy skills in children.
ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BETZHOLD
On the physical side, the dopamine that interactions with therapy dogs stimulates in the human brain increases feelings of pleasure, motivation and movement. This chemical reaction improves mood, lessens pain, enhances cardiovascular health and develops motor skills among other benefits in both children and adults alike.
Though therapy dogs are not a treatment on their own, constant exposure to one can be crucially beneficial to anyone who may need or want to improve their lives. They may not wear the obvious neon vest like service dogs, but their calm demeanor and constant support has a positive impact on any who get the chance to be around a therapy dog.
A Letter From the Teacher
Loving
your
child all year long - together
Dear Loving Parent,
A new year is beginning and I am energized and rested from my summer break. I am excited to have the opportunity to help your child grow, change and become a lover of learning. You may be excited, too, but I also know that you may feel anxious or nervous to say goodbye each morning and watch your child disappear through those locked doors. Please know this: together we will mold a mind. Together we will change a life. Together we will love this child.
Your thoughts matter. Communication is the key to our positive relationship this year. You are the expert on your child’s unique gifts and fun personality. Share that with me, but trust me to respond to your child in a way that builds our student/teacher bond in a healthy manner. Allowing mistakes is more effective than coddling and an amazing opportunity for learning and growth.
Your concerns matter. Please share them with me sooner rather than later. When we stew on worries they tend to grow. My mother used to say “Nip it in the bud!” and
I am a firm believer in that logic. We may have a different response or approach, but your child’s success remains our shared goal. I will permit your child to walk through a struggle, but my safety net will be right there just in case. I know that every little struggle is one step forward. There is always success ahead, and these small steps bring the child closer to it each day.
Your feelings matter. As a parent myself, I deeply feel the need for my child to be her best self in all areas from grades, to behavior, to friendships. But as your child’s teacher, I recognize that one bad grade is not the end of the world, but an opportunity to learn from the mistake and move forward. As a team we can focus on applauding victories and offering solutions rather than constant reprimanding and candid corrections.
It is going to be a great year! And when your child comes home and you ask “What did you do at school today?” Please know that “nothing” is not an accurate answer.
Sincerely,
Your Child’s Teacher
Creative Elements
Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional,or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality
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