Southlake, TX November 2025 by City Lifestyle

Grateful for this wonderful Southlake community.

In this season of gratitude, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving encourages us to slow down, embrace the present, and appreciate the people and moments that bring us joy.

This month, I’ve been especially grateful for the small, everyday moments that make life beautiful: the laughter of loved ones, quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, and the chance to be part of such a vibrant community here in Southlake.

Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, giving back, and celebrating the people and organizations that make Southlake such a special place. We’re endlessly thankful for our advertising partners, whose support allows us to bring inspiring stories to your doorstep each month, and for the readers who make it all worthwhile.

As we prepare to gather with loved ones, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly brings meaning to our lives. This holiday season, may we find contentment not in possessions or accolades but in the connections we nurture and the good we do for others.

Wishing you and your family a season of gratitude and grace,

JON CALVIN, PUBLISHER

@SOUTHLAKECITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Jon Calvin | jon.calvin@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Mandy Calvin | mandy.calvin@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Samantha Farris | samantha.farris@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Brown-Thomas, Mandy Calvin, Michael R. Briseño, M.D.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Samantha Farris

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

North Texas Gives Here

Brad Chapman, Cheryl Chapman, Sandra McGlothlin and Mark McGlothlin

Building More Than Homes

North Texas

Own Real Estate Passively

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

NOVEMBER 2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-4: Heels for Haute Meals brought shopping, bingo, and joy—all supporting Metroport Meals On Wheels seniors. 5-9: City of Southlake honors 9/11 heroes and lives lost with reflection, unity, and gratitude.

MIKE LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY

MIKE

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Bubble Planet comes to Grapevine.

Bubble Planet, an immersive sensory experience filled with vibrant colors, interactive installations, and larger-than-life bubbles has come to Grapevine! It features 12 captivating rooms for guests to journey through, including new attractions like the Hanging Balloons Room and the Kaleidoscope Room. "Bubble Planet brings a sense of wonder and delight that fits beautifully in Grapevine,” City of Grapevine Mayor, William D. Tate, said. “Grapevine Mills continues to grow with imaginative and family-friendly attractions.”

Kurt Sacks helps save shelter dogs nearing their last days.

Kurt Sacks, a retired financial adviser, volunteers at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, dedicating time and love to the eldest and less-adoptable shelter dogs. Passionate about pit bull mixes, he walks, comforts, and promotes dogs on social media to help find them homes. His compassion has led to multiple adoptions, including three of his own. Sacks is celebrated in the “52 Faces of Community” series for his selfless impact on animals and staff alike.

Fashion and culture come together at Commodities in the heart of downtown Arlington.

Commodities, a boutique in downtown Arlington founded by Brandon Avaroa, blends fashion and culture through vintage and streetwear. Originally a sneaker-sourcing side hustle, it became a full-time business in 2022. Avaroa emphasizes identity, community, and connection, offering curated pieces and original designs. The shop stands out for its hospitality and aims to make customers feel at home while celebrating fashion as a form of self-expression.

Photography by Channel 8 Website

Photography by Fort Worth Report

Photography by Arlington Report

St. Jude Dream Home Showplace at Carillon Development

Building Hope: 5 Visionary Designs for St. Jude

Nick Smith Kensington Homes Founder

Travis Franks & Jody Alumbaugh WillowTree Founders

Jon Atwood Atwood Custom Homes Founder

John Webb Founder Heritage Custom Homes

Paul Moss Founder & Kyle Moss Beckett Graham Luxury Homes Founders

WillowTree Atwood

Heritage

Kensington

Beckett Graham

Golden PAWS offers retirees opportunities to volunteer at Arlington animal shelter

Golden PAWS, a volunteer group in Arlington, creates and sells handmade blankets, toys, and crafts to support local shelter animals. Founded in 2010, it offers retirees like Lynn Elliot and Judy Repman a way to give back through sewing and woodworking. Proceeds fund shelter needs like heartworm treatment. The group welcomes all ages and skill levels, and will sell items at three October craft fairs. Donations of anti-pill fleece are currently needed.

New all-abilities field to host Miracle League Baseball at Keller Sports Park

Keller’s new Miracle Field at Keller Sports Park offers inclusive baseball for children and young adults with disabilities. Spearheaded by Stephanie Heady and inspired by Southlake’s field, the Miracle League of Keller promotes community and friendship. The field hosts games six Saturdays each fall and spring, and is also available for private rentals. Part of a $40 million park expansion, it reflects Keller’s commitment to accessibility and family-friendly values. Volunteers can sign up online.

Unchained hero: How Jonathon Perkins empowers other veterans

Inspired by a Vietnam veteran, Jonathon Perkins vowed at 18 to serve and give back. After a 24-year Army career, he now helps fellow veterans access benefits, housing, and support through the American GI Forum and his nonprofit, Unchained 4 Veterans. Known for his compassion and hands-on help, Perkins continues to impact lives far beyond office hours, staying true to his mission of service and connection.

Photography by Arlington Report

Photography by Community Impact

Photography by Fort Worth Report

John Webb’s Mission to Serve

BUILDING MORE THAN HOMES

The best homes hold far more than walls and windows; they carry the laughter of every story told around the dinner table and the hush of quiet moments that make a family whole. For John Webb, the visionary behind Heritage Homes, that truth runs deep. His life, shaped by adoption, early loss and the later discovery of siblings, has shown him that family is never defined by blood alone. It grows through resilience, through bonds forged in both joy and heartache, and through a love that keeps widening its circle. Every custom home he builds stands as a living tribute to that belief, proof that the most beautiful spaces are those that invite people to truly belong.

John’s path to family has never followed a straight line, yet it is the very richness of that journey that gives his story such depth. Adopted as an infant, he grew up with an older brother and sister, and later a younger

sister who quickly became his closest confidante. “We talk almost every day,” he says with a smile that holds decades of shared memories. When John was nine, his father passed away. Four years later his mother remarried, and four stepbrothers and a stepsister gathered around their table. “It didn’t take long before we were a tight-knit bunch,” John recalls. From those early years he learned a truth that echoes through the homes he builds today: love only grows stronger when it is shared.

In 2012, after his mother passed away, John began a journey few undertake: reconnecting with his biological roots. He discovered siblings on both his mother’s and father’s side— two sisters and a brother from his father, and a sister and brother from his mother. While they do not speak daily, one sister from his father’s side has become a treasured part of his life.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BROWN-THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FARRIS AND HERITAGE HOMES

John Webb of Heritage Homes

Their first meeting still lives vividly in his mind: a simple dinner where conversation flowed as though they had been catching up for years. “Family isn’t about bloodlines,” John reflects. “It’s about connection, resilience and the stories you share along the way.”

Today his own daughters carry that legacy forward. Keaton, one of his two adult daughters, works beside him at Heritage Homes and is learning the business from the ground up. He delights in watching her discover the art and challenge of custom building, knowing she is absorbing not only the craft but the heart behind it. Mackenzie married her college sweetheart, now a devoted Abilene firefighter, became a fourthgrade teacher and in August welcomed a baby boy. When John speaks of his new grandson, his voice softens. Holding the tiny boy for the first time felt like life completing a gentle circle, a quiet affirmation that every turn in his own story had led him to this moment of new beginnings.

Life for John moves in a rhythm of hard work and moments of pause. No two weekends look quite the same. Some are spent quietly at home with takeout and a chance to recover from the demands of a

chaotic schedule. Other days find him on the water, taking the boat out on Grapevine Lake or laughing with friends over good wine. He loves the sound of the water against the hull and the way a Texas sunset glows across the lake at the end of a long week. He squeezes in a stress-relieving workout when he can, and while not an avid golfer he occasionally trades his work boots for a day on the course. Family vacations have their own familiar pattern: sun-splashed days in Destin, Florida, or crisp mountain air in Colorado during the summer. He treasures the early mornings there; hot coffee in hand, the quiet of the mountains wrapping around him—moments that feed the soul and ground him in the very connections that inspire his work.

John entered the homebuilding industry in 1989 and quickly earned a reputation for craftsmanship and enduring value. What began as a dream to create custom homes in Southlake soon stretched across Tarrant and Denton Counties. From the start, Heritage Homes carried a singular vision: to design homes that honor timeless architectural roots while embracing modern life. Traditional homes— marked by symmetrical layouts, warm exteriors and

simple rooflines—remain a signature. Yet John and his team are equally adept at delivering the clean lines and open floor plans of today’s modern aesthetic. Flooded with natural light and designed for easy living, these homes reflect an understanding that beauty is found not only in what you see but in how a space makes you feel. “Our vision,” John explains, “is to be recognized for inspirational design, exquisite quality and an exceptional client experience on every project.”

The experience of working with Heritage Homes often surprises people with how personal and effortless it feels. John and his team love the quiet milestones in each build— from the day the framing goes up and a client finally walks through the skeleton of the rooms they imagined, to the way a new homeowner’s eyes fill when they cross the threshold for the first time. He believes these moments, when a dream begins to feel like home, are as important as the finished woodwork or the perfect line of stone. Clients often say that working with John feels less like hiring a builder and more like partnering with a trusted friend who shares their excitement at every step. CONTINUED

Inside the Heritage office you will find more than design boards and construction schedules. You will find a culture alive with creativity. John encourages every team member to bring ideas to the table, whether it is a construction manager proposing involvement in the St. Jude Dream Home project or an office manager capturing professional-quality photos of finished homes. The design team is especially inspired to think beyond the expected, often crafting never-before-seen elements—a striking custom fireplace, a kitchen layout that pushes the envelope, a unique entryway to garner immediate attention.“Diverse perspectives and open-minded collaboration are what push us forward,” John says. “When everyone feels safe to experiment and share ideas, we all grow.”

He loves the small, spontaneous celebrations—a shared meal when a project wraps, a quick toast when a client’s keys are handed over—that remind everyone why their work matters. It’s an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed, continuous learning is expected and innovation thrives.

Heritage Homes also carries its commitment to community beyond the jobsite. The team volunteers and donates to local charities, from faith-based

groups to animal rescue organizations. Their recent partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has deepened their desire to make a lasting impact. John still recalls the first time he toured a St. Jude home, struck by the knowledge that every beam and nail contributed to a mission far greater than any single project. “To build something that directly supports the fight against childhood cancer,” he says, “reminds us why we build in the first place. It is about creating hope.”

At the heart of Heritage Homes is John himself, quietly shaping more than houses as he meets with clients, works beside craftsmen, and tends to every detail with care. He leads with the understanding that building a home is really an act of building relationships. The spaces he creates will one day cradle bedtime stories and Sunday dinners, first steps and gentle goodbyes. His own journey has shown him that love follows no single blueprint; it grows wherever people choose to gather and call each other family. And so every Heritage home opens its door already alive with promise—built not just for living, but to hold the memories and the love that will grow within its walls for generations to come.

ARTICLE BY BY MICHAEL R. BRISEÑO, M.D.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY NORTH TEXAS ORTHOPEDICS AND SPINE CENTER

Grateful for the wonderful local doctors that help cure pain.

Orthopedics

North Texas and Spine Center

BACK PAIN

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people self-treat and/or seek medical care. It will affect approximately three in four adults during their lifetime. It is caused, directly or incidentally, by a significant number of health conditions, which may make teasing out the root cause of back pain exceedingly difficult. Many cases are self-limiting and go away on their own, but some cases linger for months or even years.

WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF THE SPINE?

Learning about spine anatomy can help you understand your back pain on a deeper level. There are three main areas of focus: the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back) and lumbar (lower back) spine.

Between the neck and tailbone, there are 24 levels of the spine. This includes vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, bilateral facet joints, stabilizing ligaments, supportive muscular structures, the spinal cord, and nerve roots as well as blood vessels. The “spine” is more than the sum of its parts, and its anatomic complexity can lead to multiple different disease processes.

Vertebrae are a series of small bones that make up the backbone to which the muscles attach, each separated by an intervertebral disc. Every vertebra is made up of two parts: an anterior vertebral body that protects the spinal cord and nerve roots and a posterior vertebral arch which accommodates the canal and also safeguards the spinal cord. Back muscles fall into three groups:

• Intermediate muscles make up something called the erector spinae, which includes the longissimus, iliocostalis, and spinalis muscles. These muscles help to flex/extend and laterally bend the spinal column.

• Intrinsic muscles stabilize the vertebral column and are located underneath the erector spinae; also known as the “deep” muscles of the back and control the movement and posture of the vertebral column.

• Superficial muscles are directly underneath the skin and attach to the bones of the shoulder, aiding in neck and shoulder movements along with controlling upper limb movements. There are several other parts of the spine worth considering when you are identifying your back pain. These include:

• Ligaments and tendons. While tendons are part of the muscular structure attaching a muscle to bone, ligaments attach bone to bone with no intervening muscle. Both ligaments and tendons contain elastic fibers.

By Michael R. Briseño, M.D.

• Intervertebral discs, which act as miniature shock absorbers that sit between vertebrae and prevent bone-on-bone friction. Discs can naturally degenerate over time.

• Facet joints, which are hinge-like joints that connect each of the vertebra to the one above it and the one below it. They provide the optimal combination of mobility and stability: Each vertebra can move independently, but since they’re all connected the spine can act as a whole. There are four facet joints per vertebra—two on top and two on the bottom.

WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENT TYPES OF BACK PAIN?

The first thing you should probably know about back pain is that it can last anywhere from a few days to years, and that timeline makes a big difference in how your pain is diagnosed and treated.

• Acute back pain is defined as severe but lasting a short time, usually seven to 10 days.

• Subacute pain can last from two to six weeks.

• Chronic back pain usually occurs every day and sticks around for longer than six to eight weeks. It can be severe and last months or even years, but may be characterized as mild, deep, achy, burning, or electric-like.

Beyond the when, there’s also the where. Mechanical pain means that the source of your pain may lie in the facet joints, discs, soft tissues, or vertebrae.

Back pain that travels into another part of the body, such as the leg, may be consider radicular pain, particularly when it radiates below the knee. This scenario is commonly called a lumbar radiculopathy (e.g., sciatica). Fortunately, not all occurrences of back pain include leg pain.

BACK PAIN RISK FACTORS

The two biggest “modifiable” risk factors for back pain are obesity and smoking. The increased mechanical forces that your spine joints and supporting structures are subjected to with obesity can lead to early acceleration of degenerative changes as well as increased inflammatory pain within the joints themselves. Smoke causes an adverse impact on the vascular system and is associated with increased severity and frequency of back pain. Smoking impairs the delivery of nutrients to structures in the spine and can also make healing from back injuries or surgery more difficult and less effective.

Other risk factors include:

• Age

• Fitness level

• Genetics

• Jobs or activities

• Sedentary lifestyle

BACK PAIN CAUSES

There are several diseases, disorders, and illnesses that can cause back pain. They fall into a few broad categories.

STRUCTURAL ISSUES

Structural issues are, collectively, a top cause of back pain. We can define structural issues as any condition that affects the spinal column itself or any part.

Our spinal column is comprised of individual vertebrae.

This includes a diverse array of structures and tissues, including:

• The vertebrae

• The intervertebral discs

• The facet joints

• The spinal canal

• Soft tissues (muscles and ligaments)

Conditions that can be considered structural issues include:

• Herniated Disc

• Arthritis Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

• Facet joint arthropathy

• Compression and Wedge Fractures

• Spondylolisthesis (spinal instability)

• Spinal Stenosis

• Lumbar Radiculopathy

• Cauda Equina Syndrome

SPRAINS AND STRAINS

Many experts believe that sprains and strains are the most common cause of back pain, especially acute episodes that resolve by themselves. Strains are injuries to the muscle or the tendon that connects it to bone, while sprains are injuries to ligaments, which connect bones

MOVEMENT AND POSTURE

People in modern Western society sit a lot. A sedentary and inactive lifestyle can cause a whole host of problems, not least of which is back pain. Because of its potentially negative effects on your overall health, it is often said that “Sitting is the new smoking.”

Movement (or lack thereof) and posture problems such as “tech neck” may cause one or more structure problems, muscle strains, or other back-pain-causing condition. Other incorrect movement and posture patterns can include:

• Lifting incorrectly (with the back instead of the legs)

• Excessive or awkward bending and twisting

• Long periods of sitting, standing, or driving

• Poor office work habits

PREGNANCY AND BACK PAIN

Between 50% and 80% of pregnant women experience back pain. This greater susceptibility to back pain is the result of a number of factors, including:

• Weight gain

• A shift in the center of gravity

• Hormonal changes resulting in ligamentous laxity

BACK PAIN SYMPTOMS

The hallmark symptom of back pain is pain anywhere in the back—either along the spine or off to the sides, and in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. This may or may not include symptoms (pain, numbness, tingling) radiating down the arms or legs.

OTHER SYMPTOMS

Sometimes, back pain doesn’t show up alone. Other symptoms can appear along with it, and there are some that can be concerning. While pain radiating in the legs is a fairly common symptom that accompanies back pain, others can be concerning, including:

• Bowel or bladder issues

• Fever

• A recent injury

• Sudden and unexplained weight loss

• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in legs

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR

The symptoms listed above may indicate a medical emergency. At the very least, call your doctor right away, but be prepared to head to the ER. Additionally, if you’re experiencing pain for longer than a few weeks, or pain that doesn’t go away even though you’re treating it, you should speak with your doctor to find out what’s causing your back pain.

DIAGNOSING BACK PAIN

Whether you back pain falls into the “seek urgent medical care” list above, or you are following your gut reaction that says, “Go see your doctor,” below is what you can expect.

• A review of your medical history, including immediate family members who have back problems. Some back problems (e.g., degenerative arthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis) have a genetic component.

• Discuss when back pain started, what you were doing when pain began, current pain severity and characteristics (e.g., stabbing, burning), how pain may have changed since it began, and other questions.

• Physical examination including a comprehensive musculoskeletal and neurological examination.

After a thorough review, your doctor may order an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Sometimes lab tests are ordered too. Keep in mind that an accurate diagnosis is essential to a well-developed treatment plan.

Once a proper diagnosis is made for your condition, your doctor will then discuss and plan with you an appropriate treatment plan to alleviate the issue. Please check out ntxortho.com for more information or call North Texas Orthopedics and Spine Center at 817-527-0397

The experienced doctors at North Texas Orthopedics and Spine Center can help you get back into living your life by helping ease pain throughout the body.

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

Southlake is fortunate to offer one of the only Gymboree Baby Labs in the country!

Grateful for Gymboree GYMBOREE

Southlake is fortunate to have one of the most exceptional brain development programs for young children right here at Gymboree – Baby Lab. Baby Lab is designed especially for babies ages 0–8 months and their caregivers. Each class offers a safe and nurturing space where babies can explore and learn through play, while parents connect and share this exciting stage together.

THERE ARE A MULTITUDE OF BENEFITS TO AN INFANT'S GROWING BRAIN THAT MAKE THIS GYMBOREE PROGRAM INVALUABLE.

Sensory Experience – Touch, sight and sound let babies learn and develop from early sensory experiences. We utilize textures, music, movement, sound and words to engage the senses.

ARTICLE BY MANDY CALVIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY GYMBOREE SOUTHLAKE

Coordination & Balance – Babies learn basic coordination and balance skills on our baby-friendly state-of-the-art equipment.

Whole-child Innovation – Babies will learn in a safe, healthy and supportive environment that supports intellectual growth and social development.

Problem Solving – Babies solve problems by movement — crawling towards mom, grasping a toy or making a hand gesture. The Baby Lab encourages curiosity and teaches persistence.

Togetherness – Babies engage with parents and one another creating important early social bonds that last a lifetime.

Baby Lab is about exploration and engagement while encompassing age-appropriate sound, visual and reflex stimulation. It gives very young children the opportunity to experience play and learning in a fun, supportive space with parents and peers as their partners. The benefits of Baby Lab will follow children throughout their lives by providing the building blocks of education and play.

GYMBOREE

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

Around the Block Clothing Program

HOW TO: seasonal home scents

L ESSENTIAL O I L C OMBINATION

Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting from sickness prevalent in the colder season. Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.

immune boost

DIRECTIONS :

Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).

INGREDIENTS:

• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic

• Lemon: Uplifts; Kills Bacteria Reduces Inflammation

• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant

• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing

HOW TO USE:

Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.

home defender

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the following essential oils.

INGREDIENTS:

• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial

• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing

• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System

• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory Fatigue

HOW TO USE:

Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.

ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO

Jon turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

Southlake

City Lifestyle

Published by Jon Loved by Southlake

SEASONAL

a simpler

RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN

HONEY ROASTED CARROTS WITH LABNEH AND FRESH DILL

Ingredients: 10 carrots, ½ cup fresh dill, 3 sprigs of thyme, 1 cup labneh, 2 tablespoons honey, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.

3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.

4. Add salt and pepper

5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes

6. Take them out of the oven and set aside

CRISPY POTATOES

7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik.

8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top

9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing

Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mindreader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”

Ingredients: 10 small yellow gold potatoes, 1/2 tablespoon baking soda, olive oil, salt, rosemary, garlic, chives (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to

HONEYNUT SQUASH

a baking dish. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.

4. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy

5. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives

Cooking tip: “I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”

Ingredients: 3 honeynut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, pomegranates

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds

3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes

4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve

Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”

FLAVORS

CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

Crust

• 12 graham crackers

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar

Filling

• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)

• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar

• 5 large eggs (room temp)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F

Crust

• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• zest of whole lemon

Caramel

• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar

• 1-1⁄3 cup water

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.

2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides

3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base

4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes

Filling

1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!

2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.

3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.

Caramel

1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.

2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk

3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes

4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top

Angela Bowers, MD Kathrene Tajnert, MD

SCAN to schedule both cosmetic and medical appointments—from routine skin checks to advanced treatments, we help you look and feel your best!

November 1-30, 2025 (817) 251-6500 | southlakedermatology.com

Purchase a DefenAge Holiday Bundle and receive a FREE DefenAge 12-Factor Revitalizing Lip Enhancer ($72 value)

*Limit 1 per person, while supplies last

SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN SOUTHLAKE.

events

NOVEMBER 1ST

Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting

Modern Museum of Art Fort Worth

Explore the powerful works of British artist Jenny Saville in a comprehensive exhibition at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, available the full month of November. This retrospective features fifty pieces spanning her career, from early monumental works to recent portraits blending figuration and abstraction. Saville's emotionally charged paintings challenge conventional beauty standards and explore themes of identity and the human form. For more information or tickets, visit themodern.org

NOVEMBER 8TH & 9TH

Southlake Carroll Craft Fair

1501 W Southlake Blvd, Southlake, Texas 76092 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Celebrate the 32nd Annual Southlake Carroll Craft Fair, a two-day, one-stop holiday shopping experience featuring over 170 amazing vendors! Enjoy unique gifts, festive finds, and a fun community atmosphere. Don't miss out on all the fun this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 8TH

Project Role Model: Futures In Bloom 2025

The Westin Southlake - 1200 E State Hwy. 114 Southlake, 76092 | 10:00 AM

Join us for a glamorous brunch and fashion show celebrating mentorship and community impact, a stylish fundraiser supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters. Enjoy a red carpet reception, brunch bites, runway fashion showcasing local boutiques, silent auction, and giveaways, all while honoring the positive impact of one-to-one mentorship on youth. Make a difference in your community and enjoy a day of fun and fashion. For more information and tickets, contact Ashley Johnston at ajohnston@bbbstx.org

NOVEMBER 9TH

TEDxSouthlake - Written Together: The IDEAS Among Us

6911 Lemmon Ave Dallas, TX 75209, USA | 8:00 AM

TEDxSouthlake 2025, themed "Written Together: The IDEAS Among Us", is a transformative conference celebrating the collective power of diverse ideas and voices. The event features visionary speakers, collaborative experiences, and inspiring talks on topics ranging from science to social change, technology to creativity. Attendees can engage in thought-provoking conversations and connect with like-minded individuals. Tickets and more information available at tedxsouthlake.com

NOVEMBER 9TH

Mimosa Stroll & Shop in Southlake Town Square

Southlake Town Square | 9:00 AM

Kick off your holiday shopping with the Mimosa Stroll & Shop, a fun-filled morning of before-hours shopping, complimentary mimosas, and brunch bites from favorite Town Square spots! Enjoy special deals, a gourmet coffee bar, gift bags for early arrivals, and a chance to support GRACE Christmas Cottage. More information and tickets are available at 817tix.com/organizations/southlake-town-square

NOVEMBER 13TH TO JANUARY 5TH

Holiday at the Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum

Experience a magical holiday wonderland at the Dallas Arboretum, featuring enchanting gazebos, sparkling lights, and festive decorations throughout the gardens. Families can enjoy immersive displays, seasonal activities, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for creating lasting memories. This celebration of the season offers fun for all ages. For more information or tickets, please visit dallasarboretum.org

NOVEMBER 21ST & 22ND

The Nutcracker

Texas Ballet Theater

Experience the magic of the holidays with a captivating ballet performance featuring enchanting snowflakes, a spirited battle, and the mesmerizing Kingdom of Sweets. This beloved tradition brings families together to celebrate the season. For more information or tickets, please visit texasballettheater.org.

NOVEMBER 22ND

Home for the Holidays

Southlake Town Square | 4:30 PM

Where joy meets illumination, Southlake Home for the Holidays. Christmas in Southlake kicks off the season with the grand tree lighting, twinkling Town Square, Santa photos, snow hill, and live performances. Hosted annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, it’s a free, family tradition of merry magic. More information available at visitsouthlaketexas.com

NOVEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 23RD

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Casa Mañana

Embark on a heartwarming holiday adventure with Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius in this delightful musical. Filled with festive songs and timeless characters, it's a joyous celebration of friendship and self-discovery. Perfect for families seeking a magical seasonal experience. For more information or tickets, please visit casamanana.org

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