The Westin Southlake rolls out the red carpet for the whole family!
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.
I grew up with Boxers and Mandy had Dachshunds. When we got married we settled on English Bulldogs so that we had both desired qualities of being short but still a "bigger" dog. We have had 6 bullies over the years; once we ended up rescuing 3 at the same time from a fabulous bully breed rescue in the area, Lonestar Bulldog Rescue. We have had a plethora of vastly different personalities of our pets over the years; each pup was special in their own way and all have been dear family members that were valued during life and deeply missed and mourned when they crossed the rainbow bridge to heaven. Our young daughter Ava has helped us welcome a new member to the family, her puppy Rosie, a Frug, a cross between a Frenchie and a Pug. Ava has embraced her role as "Momma" and Rosie has added such joy to our lives, she is energetic and happy and wakes each day ready to play.
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.
PUBLISHER
Jon Calvin | jon.calvin@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Mandy Calvin | mandy.calvin@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Samantha Farris | samantha.farris@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jennifer Brown-Thomas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Samantha Farris, Mallory Shelton Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
3:5-6
Get the Benefits of Real Estate without all the headaches Cash Flow | Appreciation | Equity Growth | Tax Benefits Invest in our current multifamily fund which already
1: Colleyville Woman’s Club hosted its 37th Fashion Benefit, themed “Miami Vibe,” featuring local spring/summer styles. 2: The Colleyville Fire Academy Alumni supported the Memorial Day Remembrance at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, honoring our fallen heroes with pride.
3: Colleyville Garden Club hosted its annual Plant Sale, offering herbs, perennials, annuals, and member-grown favorites.
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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ARTICLE BY ST. JUDE AND MANDY CALVIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ST. JUDE AND SAMANTHA FARRIS
SOUTHLAKE CELEBRATES CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE FOR ST. JUDE DREAM HOME SHOWPLACE
The Southlake community and the five Carillon Parc home builders came together in a powerful show of support for a Stud Signing Cookout, a meaningful step towards the completion of five custom homes that will make up the debut St. Jude Dream Home Showplace Community in Southlake’s Carillon Parc neighborhood. This milestone marks a major step forward in a landmark fundraising initiative aimed at generating one million dollars to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
“One message read, “Blessings to all the kids and families of St. Jude”; another was a heartfelt message in a child’s handwriting, “Ava loves St. Jude.”
The event brought together local leaders, builders, volunteers, and supporters for an afternoon of food, connection, and purpose. Attendees wrote messages and words of encouragement onto the wooden frames of the homes, leaving a lasting imprint of hope and support to live within the walls of each residence. One message read, “Blessings to all the kids and families of St. Jude”; another was a heartfelt message in a child’s handwriting, “Ava loves St. Jude.”
The five participating builders, Atwood Custom Homes, Beckett Graham, Heritage Homes, Kensington Custom Homes, and WillowTree Custom Homes will bring their signature craftsmanship, style, and heart to this unprecedented project. Each builder, along with its trade partners, vendors, and suppliers, has pledged to raise $200,000. The five homes are expected to open to the public in spring 2026. Funds raised will support groundbreaking research and treatment by St. Jude for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
The St. Jude Dream Home Showplace Community would not be possible without the commitment of its builders and the continued support of national sponsors including Brizo, Shaw Industries, Trane, Bosch, Kichler, and foundation sponsor Middleby.
Visit St. Jude Dream Home Showplace Community to learn more and get involved.
KENSINGTON CUSTOM HOMES IS RAISING MONEY FOR ST. JUDE CHILD:
Coraliz was ten years old when she became a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Her treatment for a type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma included chemotherapy and surgery to remove the affected bone. She also underwent physical therapy to help her regain strength and mobility in her leg. Coraliz returns to the hospital every 3-4 years as part of the St. Jude Study. She’s a senior in college, studying medical laboratory science and loving her major. Her dream is to return to St. Jude, work with the research team and help save kids as they saved her. When Coraliz is not busy with her classes, she loves to paint and draw.
HERITAGE CUSTOM HOMES IS RAISING MONEY FOR ST. JUDE CHILD:
In 2018, blood tests indicated that Clayton had a rare type of blood cancer called hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He began treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. But even with chemotherapy, there were still detectable amounts of disease in Clayton’s body. Seeking a lasting remission for Clayton, St. Jude doctors placed him on a type of immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy. The CAR T-cell therapy, though, did position Clayton to receive a bone marrow transplant with his mother as the donor. Today, Clayton is in remission and doing great. He’s outdoorsy and athletic and “loves life and doing all the fun things,” said his mom.
“The doctors and nurses are beyond anything I’ve seen anywhere. They’re amazing.”
In October 2017, when Kenzie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, her family turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. “We knew St. Jude offered care for free, but we didn’t realize the extent of it,” said Kenzie’s mom Paige. “The doctors and nurses are beyond anything I’ve seen anywhere. They’re amazing.” After two and half years of chemotherapy, Kenzie finished treatment in July 2020. She graduated from high school in 2022 and plans to pursue a career in nursing. Kenzie’s dream job? “I wanted to be a nurse at St. Jude,” she said. “St. Jude is my second family. It 100% means the world to me because they saved my life.”
In the summer of 2022, Rinoa was scheduled for an MRI due to headaches and other symptoms. The night before the scan, she developed double vision, and her mother, Kary, knew they would find something wrong in her daughter’s brain. It was a cancerous tumor called medulloblastoma. Following surgery at the hospital near her home, Rinoa had posterior fossa syndrome, a condition that severely limited her functioning. When they were offered a referral to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, her parents didn’t hesitate. Not only did St. Jude relieve the financial burden of treatment, but St. Jude offered proton therapy, one of the most advanced and precise forms of radiation treatment today, as part of Rinoa’s treatment plan. She has also received chemotherapy. “I love St. Jude, and I am thankful for it,” she said.
“The St. Jude Dream Home Showplace Community would not be possible without the commitment of the builders. Visit St. Jude Dream Home Showplace Community to learn more and get involved.”
TYWhen Ty was two years old, his family noticed that in certain lighting conditions, there appeared to be a flat whiteness in the center of his right eye. The eye doctor recommended Ty be taken for scans, which confirmed he had a rare eye cancer called retinoblastoma. After a referral to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, his family learned exactly what was at stake. The tumor filled Ty’s eye socket and spread to the surrounding tissues. It was necessary to remove Ty’s right eye. After surgery, he underwent chemotherapy. Even at his young age, Ty had a special interest that seemed to take his mind off treatment: art. St. Jude staff always made sure to have art supplies waiting for him in recovery from procedures. Cancer has been in Ty’s past for more than a decade now. But art is still very much a part of his life. So is St. Jude.
The St. Jude Dream Home Showplace Community would not be possible without the commitment of its builders and the continued support of national sponsors including Brizo, Shaw Industries, Trane, Bosch, Kichler, and foundation sponsor Middleby.
Visit St. Jude Dream Home Showplace Community to learn more and get involved.
WHERE REST MEETS REMARKABLE
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BROWN-THOMAS
BY
Every now and then, you walk into a place and feel something deeper than design.
It’s not just the lighting or the linens. It’s the way your shoulders drop, how your breath softens, how it makes you feel: all without explanation, and leaves you completely at ease.
That’s the magic of The Westin Southlake.
More than a hotel, it’s a sanctuary of hospitality where warmth isn’t just offered, it’s lived. Where luxury is not loud, but deeply felt. And long after your bags are unpacked and your stay is over, that feeling stays with you.
Tucked into the charm and sophistication of Southlake, this hotel isn’t just winning hearts, it’s capturing global attention. In 2024, The Westin Southlake was named the No. 1 Westin in the world for Guest Satisfaction. That’s not marketing spin. That’s the voice of real travelers: families, professionals, couples, and locals, all who’ve stayed there, felt the difference, and called it unforgettable.
It’s not just one shining moment. The hotel has also earned top rankings across nearly every major guest experience category in the U.S. and Canada for two years running: cleanliness, food and beverage, staff service, maintenance, and Marriott International’s intent-to-recommend, based on guest satisfaction. These aren’t small wins. They’re proof that excellence here isn’t occasional, instead it’s embedded in the culture.
But those accolades are only a small part of the story.
Because what makes The Westin Southlake truly remarkable is the heart and soul behind it.
General Manager Volkan Tekinkoc leads with intention and empathy—qualities that earned him Marriott’s Full-Service GM of the Year for the U.S. and Canada. Under his leadership, hospitality becomes more than a service, it becomes a relationship. Every team member, from the front desk to housekeeping to room service, operates with a shared purpose: to help guests feel better than when they arrived.
And they do.
Guests return not only because the beds are comfortable and the food is memorable, but because they’re remembered. Birthdays are celebrated with handwritten notes and sweet surprises. Business travelers are greeted by name. Families with young kids find highchairs waiting before they even ask. The staff pays attention. And that’s exactly where the magic lives: in the quiet, thoughtful details that say, “We’re here for you.”
With every passing check-in and check-out, this commitment continues to extend far beyond the lobby.
At Jellico’s, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Executive Chef Calisxta Reyes and Chef de Cuisine Mark Denz Guzman have curated a globally inspired menu that fuses bold creativity with deep cultural roots. The end result? A dining experience that feels as thoughtful as it is delicious. You can taste the care in every plated dish along with the warmth of Reyes’ Mexican-American heritage, the finesse of Guzman’s international training, and the passion of a team that cooks with soul.
For a more relaxed setting, Curve Lounge offers everything from locally curated wine lists to extra dry martinis, with live music on select nights and an intimate atmosphere that invites you to linger. It’s the kind of
place that doesn’t rush you. You may come for a cocktail, but you’ll stay for the ambiance.
And then there’s the pool.
On summer Saturdays, it comes alive with sunshine and laughter. Families gather for splashy fun and lawn games. Friends relax in shaded cabanas, toasting with prosecco and sparkling water. Kids cannonball. DJs spin. It’s resort-style fun without ever leaving town, and coupled with the VIP cabana experience makes it feel like your own private island escape.
The Westin Southlake was designed with every type of traveler in mind. Families enjoy kid- friendly menus, giant outdoor games, poolside basketball, and spacious suites. Pet lovers are met with designated pet-friendly rooms, welcome treats, and Heavenly® pet beds. Business travelers and wellness enthusiasts appreciate the Pelotonequipped Workout Suites, in-room yoga gear, and lavender balm placed thoughtfully at each bedside.
And sometimes, it’s the little things: a robe waiting at just the right moment, a fresh cup of coffee delivered with a knowing smile, and a quiet “welcome back,” that turn a simple hotel stay into something deeply personal.
The Westin Southlake doesn’t just serve its guests, it serves its community. The hotel supports youth programs, partners with local nonprofits, donates to fundraisers, and actively participates in and sponsors golf tournaments that raise money for local causes. The team is often found not just working in the city, but standing with it. They attend school events, champion women-led businesses, sponsor festivals, and contribute auction packages that fund real change.
Because here, hospitality doesn’t end at the guest room door. It pours back into the town it calls home.
That’s the true magic.
You could come for the awards: AAA Four Diamond, U.S. News Gold Badge Winner, a Top 10 Texas Hotel by TripAdvisor, Best Hotel in Dallas by Travel + Leisure. But what stays with you isn’t the accolades. It’s how this place made you feel.
Seen. Cared for. Restored.
At The Westin Southlake, hospitality isn’t a transaction. It’s a promise.
A promise that wherever you are in your journey, whether celebrating, reconnecting, escaping, or simply pausing—you’ll be met with grace, intention, and a sense of peace you didn’t know you needed.
And that’s what makes it more than the best Westin in the world. That’s what makes it your home-away-from-home.
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There is a sacred stillness in the middle of the night, when the world is quiet but a mother is wide awake. Her brand-new baby stirs, and so does she. She’s learning to be everything all at once — healer, feeder, comforter, protector. Her body aches, her eyes burn, and her heart is bursting with a love so big it feels like it might break her.
This is the just the beginning of motherhood.
And in those fragile, beautiful weeks, what every mother needs most is not more advice. She needs rest. She needs support she can trust. She needs someone to say, “You’re doing an amazing job, now go get some sleep.”
That’s the foundation and heart behind Newborn Nightingales, a Fort Worth-based company founded in 2012 by Melissa O’Neill, a Registered Nurse with over fifteen years of experience in Neonatal ICU and Labor & Delivery. As a mother of three, Melissa knew firsthand how much caring for a newborn can be both life-changing and deeply exhausting. After her first child was born, she became captivated by the science of infant sleep and the power of a quality postpartum support system. What began as research turned into a calling. And what began as a calling became a company that has changed countless lives.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BROWN-THOMAS
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MALLORY SHELTON
PHOTOGRAPHY, SAMANTHA FARRIS
Newborn Nightingales offers in-home overnight newborn care, daytime doula support, and personalized consultations. Their team of highly trained professionals step in during the hardest, sleep-deprived moments and care for your baby while you recover. They do the feeding, the burping, the changing, and the rocking. They clean bottles, wash pump parts, and keep a detailed log of how the night went. Most importantly, they create a safe environment where parents can breathe again as they transition to the next chapter.
And it’s not just about sleep. It’s about mental wellness. It’s about walking into a home where the mother hasn’t felt like herself in days and offering her more than just relief — offering her hope. Guidance. Compassion. And, grace.
The Newborn Nightingales team is made up of trusted caregivers, including Registered Nurses, doulas, lactation consultants, and newborn care specialists. Every Nightingale is personally trained in developmentally appropriate care, newborn soothing techniques,
and healthy sleep routines. The team works closely with families to match them with the right caregiver, one who fits their schedule, values, and comfort level. One who becomes part of the family the moment they step through the door.
Most families begin care around 9 p.m. and sleep soundly until 6 a.m., often for the first time since coming home from the hospital. And for those who need longer shifts or daytime support, Newborn Nightingales meets them where they are — physically and emotionally.
What sets them apart is not just their experience. It’s their compassion. They’re the ones who answer questions in the middle of the night. The ones who notice when a new mom hasn’t had a moment to cry or breathe
or process. They are the steady presence when everything normal feels as though it’s shifting undern their feet. It feels new, terrifying and overwhelming, and that’s exactly where Newborn Nightingales changes the conversation.
Some families use the service once a week. Others use it every night for multiple weeks. And some of the most thoughtful loved ones purchase gift cards as a baby shower present, knowing that a few nights of true rest can mean everything to a family adjusting to their new rhythm.
One mother recently said, “I didn’t know how badly I needed help until I let someone in. And then I wondered how I ever did this without them.”
Newborn Nightingales isn’t just a service. It’s a sanctuary. A quiet kind of rescue for the mothers barely hanging on. A light in the dim hours when the world is asleep— but you aren’t.
Because the truth is—no mother was meant to do this alone. Not in the quiet hours when exhaustion steals your joy. Not in the moments when you’re pouring from an empty cup, praying the baby stays asleep just a little longer. Newborn Nightingales steps in when the world goes quiet and the weight feels too heavy, offering more than rest. They offer restoration. And every mother deserves that, not just to survive these early days, but to feel whole inside them.
Some vacations are relaxing. Some are adventurous. But the best ones? They’re messy, joy-filled, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable. That’s the kind of trip you’ll find at Jellystone Park Tyler.
Tucked away in the Piney Woods of East Texas, this CampResort isn’t about five-star pampering. It’s about barefoot mornings, marshmallow nights, and the kind of memories that don’t need souvenirs to be remembered. It’s about ditching the to-do list and letting your kids stay up past bedtime because they’re too busy chasing fireflies or riding wagons with Yogi Bear.
The newly added Rosa and Oak Trail Cabins sleep eight to nine and offer everything you need: full kitchens, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and sleeping lofts your kids will claim immediately. Each cabin includes a fire pit and outdoor grill, perfect for s’mores and a smoky sunset after a day spent splashing and exploring. Traveling with a big crew? The Three Bears Lodge sleeps sixteen and has a porch that practically demands pancake mornings and board game nights.
Water fun takes center stage here. The swimming pool and water playground are newly renovated and open from spring break through Halloween. A bonus for parents: the water playground is heated.
No shivering kids. No bracing yourself before jumping in. Just endless cannonballs and belly laughs.
RV families are covered too. Whether you want a simple site or an upgraded setup with a pavilion, picnic table, and twinkling string lights, there’s an option that fits. Red Carpet RV Sites include paved patios for a polished setup. Add a golf cart rental and a poolside cabana and suddenly camping feels a little more like a resort stay.
But the real heart of Jellystone Tyler lives in the moments you don’t plan for. Foam parties that turn into giggle marathons. Candy Bar Bingo where everyone wins something sweet. Themed weekends that turn the whole park into a storybook, from Pirates and Mermaids to Christmas in July.
Left page, top: The three bears of Jellystone. Middle: A Jellystone cabin.
Bottom: The giant bouncy bubble, so fun!
This page: The fabulous waterpark, included in your stay!
Then there’s Halloween. Six straight weekends of it. Haunted mazes, trick-or-treating, decorated golf carts, and kids in costumes running wild with excitement. No one is asking what time it is. No one is begging for an iPad.
Because here, there’s too much life happening in real time. Hungry? Grab something quick and easy at the Campfire Canteen. Forgot toothpaste or promised your kid a stuffed Yogi? The Ranger Station has you covered with snacks, essentials, and enough souvenirs to make the car ride home a little quieter. There’s fishing. There are trails. And there is that rare kind of stillness that sneaks in after a day full of noise and fun. The good kind. The kind that lingers on the ride home. The kind that makes you say, “We’re doing that again next year.”
Even after the bags are unpacked and the last marshmallow is gone, this trip will stay with you. Because the best part of Jellystone Park Tyler isn’t just what you do while you’re here. It’s how you feel when you’re together—and how much closer you are when you leave.
This data is a sampling of sold properties from July 2024. Source: IRES MLS system.
AUGUST 1ST
Hooky Southlake
50 Plaza Place, Southlake, TX 76092 | 9:00 AM
Enjoy the last days of summer at Hooky Southlake. Featuring bowling, an arcade/ games room, a restaurant and bar, a concession stand, in-theater dining, luxury recliners in the theater, laser tag, a rock climbing wall, a virtual reality Hologate and private event space. Visit hookyentertainment.com for more information and full hours of operation.
AUGUST 2ND
Southlake Public Library | 10:30 AM
Art isn't just about coloring in the lines. Join a group of CISD high school students who will share the joy of art and creativity with our community. All ages welcome. While supplies last. No registration required. More information available at cityofsouthlake.com
AUGUST 14TH - 17TH
Arlington ISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts - 900 E. Sanford Street, Arlington TX 76011 | 7:30 PM
The Music Stand Arts Festival (Aug 14–17 in Arlington) features the premiere of The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music, a cultural showcase with Arlington Jones & The Soul Chamber Band, a live performance by Grammy-winner Lisa Fischer, and the jazz-soul chamber opera Promise of the Heart. More details and tickets available at themusicstand.org.
