Mindful and Musical
CHILDREN BEGIN TO BLOOM AND BLOSSOM AT ANY AGE
Ready, Set, Rock n' Roll
I know fashion, design, architecture, art, real estate, food, and almost everything we put into each issue very well. I also know kids and pets, this month's theme, more than I thought I did. Although I am not a parent to either, I have 6 nieces and nephews and I had 2 dogs in my life. One of my dogs lived in my Fraternity house in college and moved to Dallas with me as I began, at least at that time, what I thought was the beginning of my adult life. I personally constructed this "Kids and Pets" issue with ease because I am blessed with several "honorary" nieces and nephews that I continue to watch grow and develop before my very eyes. I am fascinated and intimidated by most of them but I am grateful to be a part of their lives. It was even more fun to discover and learn about our PHCL partners that offer an array of services and experiences to children and teens, and the parents that are raising them in an environment so different than what we grew up in. Enjoy this issue that is definitely more "Kids" than "Pets" but introduces Rodman Steele, a musical powerhouse that offers so much more than a music lesson and Jacquelyn Maitland who motivates and meditates. August means Back to School and that is like New Year's for children and parents, an opportunity to resolve, reset, and raise the bar.
BRET MCKINNEY, PUBLISHER
@PRESTONHOLLOWCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Bret McKinney | bret.mckinney@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Melissa Mullen | melissa.mullen@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Rod Patten | rod.patten@citylifestyle.com
Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Lauren Gillan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick W. Bettinger, Gittings Photography, Elizabeth Schultz, Whitney Rogers
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
BOHO Bliss
Chiropractic Care
Align your spine, improve mobility, and relieve pain naturally
Physical Rehabilitation
Personalized programs to restore function and strength
EMPOWERING YOUR JOURNEY TO OPTIMAL HEALTH
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Cy Brooke and Kloe Barkus 2: Isabelle Eggert and John Liptack 3: Katherine, Key, and Olivia Coker 4: The 2025 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutatntes 5: Barbara averitt, Ginger Sager, Terry Loftis, and Dixey Arterburn 6: Brooke Barnes and Jennifer Lancashire 7: Audra, Elle, and Terrence Chavis Photography by Gittings Photography
business monthly
Figure out your FEMINOLOGY
Dr. Priya Patel has worked with women and treated them for years. Priya has created a new destination for Women's Wellness and so much more. Feminology offers every possible service to women and solutions and answers to everything in a cozy and beautiful boutique environment in Preston Center. Visit Priya and her top notch team of experts at Feminology where they enhancing and evolving women's health on every level.
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Refresh your Roof
Is your roof in good shape after the spring and summer storms? The roof over your head is not only the crown of your home but an important asset to your property value. Enhancing or updating your roof can add value and curb appeal to your home. Swordsmen Roofing and Construction is your go to source for restoring or refurbishing the roof over your head. Contact Swordsmen for a complimentary consultation!
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The Compass School of Texas
The Compass School of Texas is a co-ed private school serving pre-k through third-grade students. The school will expand through 8th grade by 2029. When envisioning the skills our graduates will need, we believe students should have an entrepreneurial spirit, confidence to explore innovation, and a character rooted in integrity to solve problems collaboratively and independently. Immersing students in experiential learning. For more information email kdoherty@compassschooltx.org or Scan the QR Code.
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THE Music MAN
WHEN DID MUSIC FIRST COME INTO YOUR LIFE? WAS IT VOCAL OR WHAT INSTRUMENT DID YOU START OUT ON?
As I look back and see what fate was put in front of me as a musician, I was surrounded by music my entire life, for sure. From the time I was very little, my two uncles -both of whom were professional traveling musicians- would have jams at my house and bring over other musicians (I remember Kelly Clarkson's drummer was over a lot playing bongos, for instance).
By the time I got into middle school, I fell in love with Beethoven and started playing cello, and to this day, my favorite discourse still has to be the Classical tradition. At the same time, Musical theatre was truly an interest of mine, to the point where I was actively looking for roles in theatre productions my sophomore year at Highland Park, and it just so happened that you got better parts in the plays with a choir/vocal background, which led me to joining the HPHS choir. This ended up being my favorite form of musical expression!
Music develops every part of your well-being; it is arithmetic, it is science, it is artistry, and it is community. It helps you learn how to better communicate, relate to others, and enjoy being here with others. How does it not enrich the Human experience?
ARTICLE BY BRET MCKINNEY
Meet Rodman Steele, connecting kids and music
TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOUR MUSIC CAREER AND EXPERIENCE.
When college considerations began to take place, I was torn between theatre and music, but ultimately leaned into music as I found I liked the people in that space more (Theatre kids were just a tad dramatic!). Coming out of my high school band, Subtle Stubble, I was playing bass in a rock context, but seeing that I was applying for a classical arts school (SMU Meadows), it seemed to make more sense if I applied with a vocal focus, as All-State choir was the highlight of my musical résumé at the time. While at Meadows, as much as I loved studying Voice, I couldn't resist joining another band (playing bass guitar again), and
by my 21st birthday, we were in Austin recording our first record and touring different colleges and festivals across the southern US.
I started Rodman Steele Studio in May of 2018, where first and foremost I wanted to make a great place for me and other high-caliber musicians to work in this city. While this gave me exposure to all forms and genres of music, my heart still very much desired to express the Classical tradition, leading me to audition and join the Dallas Symphony Choir, North Park Presbyterian, and the Highland Park Chorale of Highland Park Presbyterian, all as a bass vocalist- it is many musical hats to wear, but I love all of these roles greatly!
WHAT ARE A FEW THINGS YOU WOULD TELL A PARENT OR KID CONSIDERING LEARNING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?
Let me put it like this: I find it easy in this day and age to forget that the world of music is so much bigger than the apps on our phone. For the vast majority of the Human experience, the way you have appreciated music is by physically playing it yourself, or hearing others perform it in a live setting. Not everyone who has picked up an instrument did so in pursuit to be the most skilled player of all time on that instrument; I think the best way to approach playing is for the pure joy of it, and that's certainly the case at our studio. When you walk in, we're here to meet you wherever you are in your musical journey, and our destination is to find what your greatest joy can be in music.
WHAT INSTRUMENTS OR TYPES OF LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE AT RODMAN STEELE?
Voice (Classical, Theatre, Pop), Bass, Guitar (Jazz, Classical, Contemporary) a lovely Piano department (Jazz, Classical, Contemporary), Songwriting, Drums, Production and Performance Skills.
HOW DO YOU FEEL LEARNING TO PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CAN ENRICH A CHILD'S OR PERSON'S LIFE?
It's quite blatant to me: Why are we here? It continues to be one of the greatest joys in life- find me someone who doesn't like eating an exquisite meal, or listening to a great album. Music develops every part of your well-being; it is arithmetic, it is science, it is artistry, and it is community. It helps you learn how to better communicate, relate to others, and enjoy being here with others. How does it not enrich the Human experience?
Rodman in Action!
BACKTOSCHOOL NUTRITION
This one is for the kiddos: What you eat for breakfast sets the tone for your day. Parents, I get it… there’s no shame in a delicious speedy breakfast. A bowl of cereal, oatmeal, or a piece of buttered toast more easily fits with everyone’s hectic morning schedule but high carb breakfasts with little to no fiber, protein, healthy fat and a chock-full of synthetic vitamins, minerals and refined grains can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels, leaving everyone feeling wired and then tired and hungry, making it hard to focus.
Instead, offer up a glass of room temperature water upon waking, to rehydrate the cells, before that glass of milk, or juice and aim for something naturally rich in protein— be it scrambled, organic eggs, with a side of organic turkey bacon, cottage cheese, or yogurt with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey, or a sprouted piece of toast with sun butter and sliced banana.
Simple Tips for Moms and Kids as the School year commences
ARTICLE BY LAUREN GILLAN
Lauren Gillan in the Kitchen
Most kids are still growing until they hit 16, so it is essential to give their bodies something that will properly fuel that growth. When we provide the body with the proper nutrients it needs to thrive, we can establish more stable energy, moods, sleep and overall well-being.
Parents: This one’s for you.
Back to school can be a chaotic time of the year. In some regards, it can feel like training for an Olympic sport. If you are like most of my patients with children, you often prioritize everyone else’s needs and settle for mediocre nourishment in between tennis matches and after-school activities.
Note to self: It is not selfish to prioritize your own well-being, in fact, it is paramount to being a good parent.
While there may be lunches to pack and never-ending schedule adjustments— this year, instead of waiting for January to reset, create a morning routine that offers balance.
Start your morning with at least 8 ounces of room temperature water, prior to caffeine and then, prioritize a simple, single ingredient protein before 11am, instead of nursing a coffee until lunch.
When you choose to enjoy a simple serving of protein, you can better balance blood sugar levels, prevent cortisol spikes and thus have more sustainable energy, enhance metabolism and prevent those 2:00pm energy lulls that have us thinking about carbs. Need some ideas? Try a Good Culture cottage cheese, Bellwether Sheep yogurt, or 1-2 fried organic eggs.
Find me @laurentgillan for more nutrition and wellness tips.
ARTICLE BY BRET MCKINNEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY ROGERS
@WHITNEYROGERSPHOTOGRAPHY
BOHO Bliss
LOCAL ARTISANS AND MORE AT PRESTON HOLLOW VILLAGE’S BOHO MARKET
“WE
Preston Hollow Village is excited to bring back The Boho Market again next month on September 20th.
The Boho Market brings one-of-a-kind goods from local small businesses to venues in 15 (and counting) cities across the state.
We are passionate about the small businesses that support our community and exist to provide a platform for them to grow.
Follow Preston Hollow Village and the Boho Market on Instagram @prestonhollowvillage @thebohomarket
Shoppers check out Lolo Jewels
Handmade Crochet toys by Zendy Designs
Butters and Oils and Spreads OH MY!
Local Artisans feature an
at Preston Hollow Village
Dr. Priya Sureddi Patel, MD, FACOG, FAAMM, ABAARM, is double board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and by the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. This dual board certification gives her a unique perspective, which was the impetus behind FeminologyMD.
“I wanted to create a center for women that resets the standard of what healthcare should be.”
Her goal is to take a deeper look into your biological makeup and treat you as a whole person, not just a symptom, so she can help you feel like you again.
469.242.6292 |
OM......
FOR KIDS Meditation
JACQUELYN MAITLAND FROM BREATHE BRINGS YIN TO YOUR YOUNG
ARTICLE BY BRET MCKINNEY
Children as young as preschool ages (3-5 years old) can begin a meditation practice. They are so receptive to their environment at this age and they are beginning to develop self-awareness skills. Some practices for this age are simple breathing techniques, visualizations and body scans or even the use of sound or crystals.
When kids enter elementary school, (6-12 years old) they are at an age where they can begin introducing more structured meditation practices such as mindfulness, focusing on breath patterns and noticing with the senses. This can help develop and foster a greater sense of awareness and focus.
Teenagers, (13-18 years old) can benefit greatly from more advanced techniques such as mantras or affirmations to help self-regulate and process their emotions.
The most important thing is to make meditation fun and enjoyable for kids at any age. Rather than forcing this type of practice, make it engaging, perhaps participate with them! When we encourage a regular meditation practice for our children, it can help them to develop life-long skills such as concentration, focus, self-awareness and emotional regulation.
We DO offer private meditation sessions for kids in our studio! This is typically done with parent and child. We have had several moms bring their kids to make it a group event for the playgroup or the entire family can get involved. We are able to tailor the onehour meditation experience to meet your and your child's needs.
The entry price for a private parent/kid meditation session is $300 for a 1 hour session. We are able to host 11 parents/11 kids (22 guests in total) at approx $55 per couple which totals to about $600 for the group.
“It is to make meditation fun and enjoyable for kids at any age.”
For more information about Breathe Meditation and Wellness and their services, Contact Jacquelyn Maitland 972-850-9894
Jacquelyn Maitland
Kids can discover mindfulness in groups or with a parent
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn says that boundaries can be learned by dogs of any age.
“There’s a nasty perception along the ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ line of thinking,” she says. “While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you. Dog training isn’t just for struggling pups either. Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
ARTICLE
BY LISA MOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
STYLED BY ANGELA
BROOCKERD
“Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”
Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.
“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
DOG SOCIALIZING TIPS:
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 2ND
Rare Magic
The Adolphus Hotel
A nod to The Adolphus’ history as a mainstay for modern and exciting entertainment, the property will host an enchanting evening of mind-bending deception with Magician Drew Murray. Rare Magic combines an elegant theatrical experience with gripping storytelling and moments of impossibility for each and every guest—and has wowed audiences in sold-out shows across the country.
AUGUST 10TH
Sound Certification Training at Breathe
Breathe Meditation and Wellness
Sound Certification is back! This specialized program is designed to educate, prepare and equip you in the art and practice of using sound as a therapeutic tool and a modality to guide others in a sound bath. This Sound Training provides you with an experiential opportunity to learn how to properly align with and play various sound instruments.
Shelter Saviours
Pet Rescue Step by Step
Welcoming a shelter dog into your home is a joyous occasion, but it requires preparation to ensure a smooth transition. Every rescue pet is different and its important to remember that older pets need good homes too. Adopting or fostering an older rescue pet offers a great opportunity to introduce your children to a pet that is not a puppy but a sweet loving creature that has lots of love to give and lessons to teach. Here’s how to create a welcoming environment for your new family member:
Essential Supplies: Prepare high-quality dog food, treats, a bed, a crate, a collar and leash, ID tags, and toys.
Preston Hollow City Lifestyle supports animal rescue and proudly features rescue organizations and clinics in the metroplex. If you want more information about adopting, fostering, or featuring your organization. email bret.mckinney@citylifestyle.com
Behavior Management: Address shyness, barking, housetraining, and chewing with patience, routine, and appropriate toys.
Comfort and Introductions: Set up a safe space, maintain a routine, use positive reinforcement, and introduce existing pets gradually. With the right preparation and understanding, your dog will settle comfortably into their new home. Visit our blog for detailed guidance on welcoming a shelter dog into your home.
Here are some resources if you are considering adopting a pet.....
• recycledpoms.org
• spca.org
• thestreetdogproject.org
• thebarkingproject.com
• fidorg.org
• eastlakeveterinaryhospital.com
