Children at Play
STUDENTS AT THE COMPASS SCHOOL
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Already August
This year just continues to fly by just as the summer months are slipping away. The kids are going back to school and fall sports are right around the corner. Our annual Kids & Pets Issue celebrates many of our local favorites that provide education and events for our young readers. I hope you enjoy our features on The Compass School of Texas shaping our young minds into tomorrow's movers and shakers, the introduction to Texas Ballet Theater's new Dallas school location in Preston Center and the benefits of Mindful Meditation for kids starting as young as three years old. Grab a popsicle or an ice cream cone and sit back and enjoy the last days of summer thanks to our great partners at Preston Hollow City Lifestyle.
BRET MCKINNEY, PUBLISHER @PRESTONHOLLOWCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Bret McKinney | bret.mckinney@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Melissa Mullen | melissa.mullen@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Jennifer Jameson | scottjens@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lacey Land, George Fiala, Stephen Reed
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Compass Kids
Texas Ballet Theater Glides into Dallas
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469.305.2179
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Caroline Harrison Leohr and Capera Ryan at La Fiesta benefitting The Compass School of Texas 2: Leisa Street, Francis Harrison, Carla McKinley, and Sheridan Reeder 3: Francis Mitchell and Hassie Harrison 4: JSX Plane for guests to explore during the event 5: Bernhard and Michelle Nussbaumer 6: Ryan Bingham performing at La Fiesta benefitting The Compass School of Texas 7: Olivia and Jeff Kearney
http://dallasauctiongallery.com/
Water Damage?
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The Music ManRodman Steele Studio
At Rodman Steele Studio, our team proudly offers a dual experience, providing top-tier music education while also being your go-to destination for mesmerizing live performances. Scan the QR code for a complimentary FIRST lesson today!
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9D Breathwork is a revolutionary healing experience that combines breathwork, sound, and immersive visuals to unlock the power within you. This 1 hour transformational experience is equivalent to four months of therapy.
TRIED EVERYTHING? YOU HAVEN’T TRIED 9D! JOIN A BREATH BY DESIGN CLASS AND UNLOCK THE BENEFITS OF BREATHWORK LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
THE Interior
Dallas’s Premier Destination for Home Furnishings and Decor
ARTICLE BY BRET MCKINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BLAZE
The Interior proprietor Mark Lafferty
“At The Interior, we specialize in creating beautiful and comfortable spaces. Our comprehensive design services cover everything from interior design to luxury home renovations and remodeling. With our team of skilled tradespeople, we will transform your home efficiently and effectively. Trust in our expertise to handle your project with care and precision.”
When it comes to your home there is one destination in Dallas that is hands down the ultimate destination for anything you could possibly need to enhance your home. Whether you are looking for simple updates like lighting or rugs to a full scale remodel of your space down to the studs, the Interior is your ultimate resource. The Lafferty family and their team at the Interior are experts in providing you with the knowledge and customer care that are rarely found these days. They believe that design must seduce, shape, and most importantly evoke an emotional response at first glance.
The team at the Interior will take you step by step through the renovation and remodeling process to truly understand the changes and updates needed to curate your vision for your home starting with a complimentary consultation of the space you want transformed and take into consideration each detail that needs to be carefully planned.
The Interior is first and foremost the ultimate resource for all the products to enhance your home. Many of the top brands including John Richard, Hunter Douglas, Bernhardt, Sherrill. and many more fill The Interior’s impressive showroom and storefront space located at 7807 Inwood Road at Lovers Lane right in between Park Cities and Preston Hollow. The showroom displays all of the exclusive products and premier brands available in the industry. When you enter the store you are always greeted by one of their lovely team members as your senses come alive with the multitude of visual splendor that rotates and changes regularly reflecting The Interior’s fresh selections of new inventory arriving weekly. Stop by for a throw pillow or a sofa, a console or a sideboard, fine rug or fine art, and you can also discover a vast array of gifts and home accessories to brighten up any room in your home or satisfy anyone on your gift list for a special occasion. Stop by the showroom today to explore their selections and meet the team to begin your concierge experience in home design.
HOME FURNISHINGS
The finest offerings in Home furnishings are a plenty at The Interior with selections and availability from top lines including John Richard, Bernhardt, Sherrill, Hickory White, Lexington, Lilian August, Eleanor Rigby, and Hancock & Moore. Traditional to contemporary, their furnishings are sourced from U.S. manufacturers and renowned brands.
RUG GALLERY
The Lafferty family’s beginnings in home interiors began in the world of rugs and carpeting. Mark's vast knowledge and history of textiles and fine rugs make the Rug Gallery at the Interior the ultimate destination for updating your floor coverings.
FINE ART
Experience The Interior’s ever evolving collection of original fine art and wall decor. From extremely large scale to smaller pieces, there is always a fabulous selection of one of a kind pieces in a variety of mediums sourced from artists as far away as Europe and the Far East to local talent right here in Texas.
LIGHTING AND LAMPS
The Interior is your premier source for any of your lighting needs inside and out with selections from top lines such as Hudson Valley, Varaluz, Europhase, Hinkley, Crystorama, Robert Abbey Fine Art, John Richard, and more. The Interior offers lamps, chandeliers, sconces, bathroom pendants, and outdoor lighting. Let the Interior update the lighting in and around your home.
ACCESSORIES, DECOR, AND CUSTOM FLORAL
Some of the greatest treasures at The Interior are the smallest ones. New and fresh items arrive every week so there is always a reason to stop by and see what's new. Lucite boxes, picture frames, soaps, candles, and throw pillows galore. New gift items from Truelux and Tokyomilk have just joined the lineup. Custom floral arrangements are a specialty as well.
BEDDING
The space that we spend about one third of our lives is ultra important. Enhance your bedroom with clean and crisp fabrics for elegant and refined lifestyles to suit your image and comfort. The curated selection of fabrics and trims at The Interior are thoughtfully selected by the Lafferty’s design team for your unique bedding needs throughout the home.
COMPASS KIDS
THE COMPASS SCHOOL IS EDUCATION AT ITS CORE
ARTICLE BY MELISSA MULLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GEORGE FIALA AND LACEY LAND
The Compass School is a co-ed private school that was founded to address the increasing demand for private education in our rapidly expanding city. Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with more people moving here than any other U.S. metro
area in the last three years alone. Compass is helping support the population growth of Dallas, although there are several private schools, they just aren’t all ideal if you are looking for rigorous acedemics. The school will expand through 8th grade.
When envisioning the skills their graduates will need, they believe students need an entrepreneurial spirit, confidence to explore innovation and a character that is rooted in integrity to collaborate and solve problems. Immersing students in experiential learning, such as hands-on nature activities, entrepreneurial projects, daily Spanish language practice, strategic thinking through chess, and farm-to-table experiences, we aim to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow who can pivot and think creatively to solve problems.
The Compass School offers a robust core curriculum with a unique blend of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and project-based learning. They define child-centered as valuing and respecting children’s thoughts, inquiries, and ideas. Educators plan and design lessons by providing multiple lenses for each topic and guiding students to explore with creativity and imagination. Striving to nurture a sense of belonging and academic excellence, Compass educators plan lessons designed with multiple lenses for each topic, guiding students to explore resolutions with data and their imaginations. Students are encouraged to love learning, and educators are committed to finding the profound potential in every student. Working in small groups to gain true comprehension of subjects, students process understanding through high-level thinking.
Parent partnership is paramount and they are committed to positively impacting families for generations to come.
“We believe in inquiry-based learning and bringing realworld experiences into the classroom.”
The School fosters student agency, inspires confidence to ask questions, and ultimately develops independent thinking. They nurture well-rounded students who exhibit academic excellence and a spirit of creative exploration and innovation. The Compass School believes that analytical thinking is at the core of learning so they completely involve students in analyzing stories, solving problems, and hypothesizing the outcome of experiments.
FARMHOUSE WITH FLAIR
Preston Hollow modern farmhouse offered by Laura Michelle
ARTICLE BY BRET MCKINNEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN REED
This month's feature home certainly does not disappoint. This magnificent fully reimagined modern farmhouse is located in the heart of Preston Hollow with easy access to Dallas’ finest private schools and the upscale shopping and dining corridors of Northpark, Preston Center, and Preston Royal.
Welcome to this exceptional, fully renovated modern farmhouse sited on a prized .41 acre corner lot in one of Dallas' most prestigious neighborhoods- The one and only Preston Hollow. Originally built in 1951 and reimagined in 2010, this approximately 5800 square foot residence blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication for the ultimate in upscale living. The lightfilled open concept floor plan showcases elevated finishes and thoughtful design throughout, including a statement fireplace that anchors the inviting living space. There is a downstairs primary suite that offers a private sanctuary complete with a spa-inspired bath and serene views of the inviting backyard and pool.
There is also a chef's kitchen that is a true culinary treat, featuring Wolf stainless steel appliances, Subzero refrigerator, sleek cabinetry, and an expansive island perfect for friends and families to gather. Step outside and enjoy resort style amenities including a sparkling pool, fire pit, outdoor kitchen and covered living area. This estate is truly an entertainer's paradise, a family compound and a private retreat all in one. This home is located on one of Preston Hollow's most coveted tree-lined streets. This gorgeous transitional style home offers decadent luxury, comfort, and location with no compromise. To learn more about this spectacular property or receive a tour contact Laura Michelle with Dave Perry Miller at 214-228-3854 or email laura@daveperrymiller.com
TEXAS BALLET THEATER Glides into DALLAS
Texas Ballet theater has some new digs in Preston Center. This year Texas Ballet Theater opened its first school location right here in Dallas in Preston Center. It’s not just for kids either, this location offers a full range of several types of dance and fitness classes for all ages.
“As Dallas’ premiere ballet company, we are thrilled to grow TBT’s presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with our third dance school and our first location in Dallas proper,” said Vanessa Logan, executive director of TBT. “The education and training offered through our dance schools play a crucial role in nurturing not just future dancers, but also in cultivating life skills that benefit all students. It’s exciting to be able to offer these opportunities to more students in the community.”
The new TBT school location at Preston Center is now open
ARTICLE BY BRET MCKINNEY
The Texas Ballet Theater School at Preston Center
Artistic Director Tim O'Keefe, Board Chair Anne T. Bass, and Executive Director Vanessa Logan.
Like TBT’s other dance schools, the DallasPreston Center location offers classes ranging from beginner ballet to elite professional training. TBT’s curriculum is designed to nurture aspiring artists by strengthening their technical dancing skills, creating a life-long appreciation for ballet and helping develop critical life skills such as confidence, discipline and creativity.
Classes offered for students ages three and up include Creative Ballet, Ballet, Pre-Pointe, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theater, Latin Ballroom and Contemporary. Beginning at age seven, students can audition for TBT’s annual production of The Nutcracker, directed by Tim O’Keefe, who became artistic director in 2023 after more than 20 years with TBT.
“We take a holistic approach to dance training and ensure that the choreography taught in our schools is preparing students to audition for roles in TBT productions like The Nutcracker,” O’Keefe said. “It’s always exciting to see our students take the stage for the first time in a TBT production.”
TBT’s Dallas-Preston Center school will also offer adult dance and fitness classes, including Absolute Beginner Ballet, Beginner/Intermediate Ballet, Ballet Barre, Jazz, Mat Pilates, Yoga, Tap, Yogalates and Latin Ballroom.
“We want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the joy of dance,” said Yvonne Leffel, TBT’s administrative director of schools. “Whether you’re focused on a future as a professional dancer or simply want to take a dance class for fun, all are welcome at our TBT schools.”
If you are interested in trying a class for you or your children or both, visit the website at https://texasballettheater.org/dallas-preston-center/ for enrollment information, class schedules, placement registration, and a full description of all of the class offerings.
“We take a holistic approach to dance training and ensure that the choreography taught in our schools is preparing students to audition for roles in TBT productions like The Nutcracker,”
Tim O’Keefe Artistic Director
Mini and Mindful
Jacquelyn Lewin of Breathe Meditation and Wellness offers Meditation for Kids
For many of us, meditation is something we picked up later in life. But imagine if we started experiencing its benefits at a much younger age..... At first, the idea of asking a child to meditate may seem like a laughable task. It’s hard to get many kids to sit still for 30 seconds, let alone 10 minutes. But teaching kids the fundamentals of meditation isn’t entirely out of reach. With the right approach, parents, educators, caregivers, and loving relatives can teach meditation for kids to help them understand how to calm their minds and settle into their bodies, allowing them to better process their feelings, retain new information, and improve focus — and do that much sooner than we’d think.
If you are interested in kids meditations and learning mindfulness tools email info@breathemeditationandwellness.com
ARTICLE BY MELISSA MULLEN
Ages 3+
From preschool to pre-professional, there’s a place for you at a Texas Ballet Theater School!
Visit our website to learn more.
Info@breathemeditationandwellness.com
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error,
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
When disaster strikes, we show up for each other. Flooding across Texas has uprooted lives but hope is never far when neighbors come together. City Lifestyle is helping identify and support those most affected
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Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy
A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS
We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!
SPEAK
Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.
STAY
Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.
SHAKE
Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.
AUGUST 16TH
Dallas Home Show
Dallas Market Center
At the Home Show, our goal is simple: to inspire, motivate and excite you for your upcoming home improvement - whether it's a minor renovation or a major remodel. Our events feature a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment.
AUGUST 22ND
The Boho Market at Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park | 5:00 PM
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park features onsite restaurants & food trucks, a playground, dog park, water feature, and more. Make plans to support your small business community with The Boho Market at Klyde Warren Park! Parking options can be found here: https://www.klydewarrenpark.org/parking Free admission | Dog-friendly | Family-friendly
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