Southlake Style December 2023 by Southlake Style Magazine

best of 2023

SOUTHLAKE

F O L L O W YO U R H O L I D AY D R E A M , H O M E .

$6,600,000 1000 County Road 904 24 Acre Ranch With Golf Course Roxann Taylor

$3,450,000 JOSHUA 817.312.7100

2101 Ainsley Court WESTLAKE Create Your Own Custom Estate Home Brad Crouch 817.846.4789

$2,500,000 901 Winchester Dr. Fabulous Southlake Estate Living Roxann Taylor

SOUTHLAKE 817.312.7100

$2,299,999

2,275,000

213 Eastwood Dr. SOUTHLAKE One-story Home On 3.5-Acre Homesite Brookie Robbins 214.886.3233

2024 Vail Road SOUTHLAKE Estes Park — Five Bedroom With Pool Brad Crouch 817.846.4789

$1,385,000

$1,317,000

$1,779,000

104 Enchanted Isles Cir. MABANK Gated Island Home At Cedar Creek Lake Roxann Taylor 817.312.7100

801 Old Dominion Dr. SOUTHLAKE Meticulously Updated — Four Bedrooms Amber Butcher 214.770.2175

109 S. Moore Road COPPELL European Style — New Construction Chris Shortino 214.641.1890

$980,000

$1,718,000

$735,000

636 N. Dove Road GRAPEVINE Park-like Wooded Homesite — Four Bedrooms Debbie Howe 817.689.3230

117 S. Moore Road COPPELL Modern Farm House — New Construction Chris Shortino 214.641.1890

3581 Mercury Dr. GRAPEVINE Renovated Three-Bedroom Near Lake Grapevine Muska Saleem 214.773.3010

Engel & Völkers | Dallas Ft. Worth 1111 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 460 Next to Glorias | 817.416.2700

$1,850,000 809 Brighton Ave. Shady Oaks Four-Bedroom Estate Kevin Holmes

SOUTHLAKE 817.980.9327

2023 SUPER AG E N TS

D F W. E V R e a l E s t a t e . c o m ©2023 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

OPENING LETTER

S TA F F & C O N T R I B U T O R S

PUBLISHER Mike Tesoriero Mike@SouthlakeStyle.com SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Nicole Tesoriero Nicole@SouthlakeStyle.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR David Dunn David@SouthlakeStyle.com STAFF WRITER Cassidy Reich Cassidy@SouthlakeStyle.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bruce Sons ADVERTISING SERVICES MANAGER Andrea Summers Andrea@SouthlakeStyle.com SALES DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVES

wrapping up In addition to spending holiday time with family and friends, I really look forward to reflecting on the year that was and looking forward to the year ahead. The year started with great anticipation for the growth of pickleball in our community. As the months rolled on, we celebrated a decade of the city’s School Resource Officers (SROs), record-setting support for local business in our Readers’ Choice awards and 60 years of the award-winning Emerald Belles. We also toasted to 30 years of Classic Cafe and bit into the supremacy of Dan’s Bagels — all while welcoming new taste sensations like Postino Wine Cafe and Handel’s Ice Cream. Through it all, we most enjoy highlighting folks like Abby Waterstreet, Renni Burt and all the women behind The Gifting Project. They collectively bring our community together to ensure that area children in need feel the joy of the holiday season. Read more about them and their mission in the pages that follow, and we hope you consider making a donation. As we wrap up 2023, we want to say thank you for allowing us to shine a spotlight on the people, places and things that make life around Southlake so great. While we look forward to our 250th issue to come in 2024, we couldn't be happier to continue sharing all the good news, deeds and accomplishments our area has on display.

Yours in Southlake Style,

Olivia Harris Olivia@SouthlakeStyle.com Landry Smiley Landry@SouthlakeStyle.com

Mike Tesoriero | Publisher Mike@SouthlakeStyle.com

OFFICE COORDINATOR Kelly Rose CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Matti Pennington CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AYE Creator BluDoor Studios Mike Lewis Photography

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Southlake Style is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and agencies assume all liability for advertising content. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

DEC 23 • 01

Happy Holidays Merry Christmas TO YOU AND YOURS

Susan Mathews and Family

Amy Page and Family Nanette Ecklund-Luker and Family ALLIEBETH.COM

Daphnie Pilgrim and Family

The Wynne and Perry Moore Family

Dona Robinson and Family

James Keoughan and Family

Leslie Moore and Family

contents features

BIG GIVERS The Gifting Project is spreading joy this season

56 THE VALUE OF PLAYTIME Toy Maven celebrates 10 years in Southlake

66 MERRY & BRIGHT Sky Elements Drones light up Grapevine

56 23

04 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

HOME for the HOLIDAYS

AVAILABLE

104 San Jacinto Court Southlake | $1,098,500

821 Fall Creek Grapevine | $750,000

Amy Page

Nanette Ecklund-Luker

972.467.0340 amy.page@alliebeth.com

817.235.8260

AVAILABLE

1903 Cranbrook Drive S Colleyville | $1,375,000

2201 King Fisher Drive Westlake | $4,250,000

Nanette Ecklund-Luker

Gabriella Miller

817.235.8260

214.212.1707 gabriella.miller@alliebeth.com

nanette.ecklundluker@alliebeth.com

AllieBethAllmanAssociates

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contents departments 08

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MEDIA NOW

SPOTLIGHT

DOT COM

SHOP IN STYLE

Toys for grownups 61

ARTS & CULTURE

Area happenings 69

LOCAL FLAVOR

Acquario Italian Seafood 76

OUT AND ABOUT

BOARDING PASS

PARTING SHOT

VOL 18

best of 2023

ON THE COVER Holiday Homes

SOU

THLA

Photo by Adrian Cortes LAKE

SOUTH STYLE

DEC • 23

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SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

style’s SNIPPETS the TICKET

listicle 10 Biggest Openings of 2023 Meow Wolf at Grapevine Mills

BACKSTREET BOYS Locals take scenic routes to avoid holiday rush hour traffic along 1709.

Talking Animals Books North Texas Performing Arts Center Gallery 19C GREAT GATSBY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY THE WESTIN SOUTHLAKE DEC. 31 Step into the Roaring Twenties and ring in the New Year with all the glitz and glamor of the Great Gatsby era! The Westin Southlake has pulled out all of the stops for an all-inclusive countdown to 2024 for guests 21 and over. Sip top-shelf cocktails as you dance the night away to the sounds of the Backbeat band. Then enjoy late-night snacks and a complimentary champagne toast at the midnight countdown. This promises to be a night of elegance you will never forget! Tickets are $125 per person and are available at 817Tix.com.

SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

Velvet Taco

MEANIE GREENIE The Grinch takes over ICE! at The Gaylord Texan.

Postino’s Wine Cafe Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

HISTORIC FLAGS FLY The first season of Lady Dragon Flag Football was one for the record books.

Chama Gaucha Parlor Doughnuts Mister O! Extraordinary Pizza ‘TIL YOU DROP Southlake Town Square welcomes four new stores just in time for the holidays.

DEC 23 • 07

travel with STYLE

DECEMBER

Let It Snow! The Scott family skis through Whitefish, Montana with style.

We'd like to go with you on your next adventure. Take along your copy of Southlake Style, and snap a photo. Share the image with us, and you might see yourself in our next edition! Be sure to include names of those pictured and your destination.

Upload photos at SouthlakeStyle.com or use the QR code.

08 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

A GAYLORD HOTELS ORIGINAL EXPERIENCE

ICE! is a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Come experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Texan. Tickets and packages are on sale now. Secure your tickets before they are gone. NOV. 10 - DEC. 31 ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com TM & © 2023 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved.

media NOW

TAKE A BOW

FERRARI THE CROWN The reign of Queen Elizabeth II comes to an end with the sixth and final season of this Primetime Emmy Award-winning series. Both Claire Foy and Olivia Coleman return alongside Imelda Staunton to portray the queen at all stages of her life one last time.

Adam Driver becomes Enzo Ferrari in Michael Mann’s first sports drama since “Ali” starring Will Smith more than 20 years ago.

In Theaters December 25

On Netflix December 14

WAITRESS

THE COLOR PURPLE

CLASS

Sara Bareilles reprises her role as the waitress Jenna in this live stage recording of the Tony-nominated musical. You’ll love seeing what sugar, butter, flour and baking can do in this special five-day theatrical event. Photo by Bleecker Street

Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, Taraji P. Henson, H.E.R. and Halle Bailey all team up to bring Alice Walker’s iconic novel back to the big screen. Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures

Author Stephanie Land publishes a memoir of motherhood, hunger and higher education after penning the “New York Times” bestselling novel “Maid.”

In Theaters December 7

In Theaters December 25

In Bookstores Now

10 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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DEC 23 • 11

The Gift of Giving

(L-R) Lexie Callies, Abby Waterstreet, Shelley Perdue, Liz Carlton, Renni Burt and Robyn Daniels

12 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

Southlake Moms Spread Joy Through The Gifting Project BY DAVID DUNN

PHOTOS BY ADRIAN CORTES AND TRUE HOMES PHOTOGRAPHY

ecember is a busy time for everyone. From decorating the house and shopping for presents to preparing Christmas dinner, families dedicate a lot of time and effort to make sure the holidays are special for everybody. But many go above and beyond their own households, donating food, gifts and their time toward local causes to ensure no family gets left behind during the most wonderful time of the year. One group of Southlake women came together two years ago for that very mission. But unlike St. Nick who appears only once every year, their season of giving lasts all year long. Working with several other agencies, businesses and partners within the community, The Gifting Project is a volunteer-led organization that provides gifts to those who need them most not just during December but also on every birthday in between. With their work benefitting over 600 children in the metroplex, their cause is important to them because the kids they serve go to the same schools as their children. “We have a strong connection to Southlake,” board member Abby Waterstreet says. “Most of our donations come from Southlake, so we want to make sure those kids are experiencing that their community loves, supports and values them. It’s very personal to us.” GIVING SPIRITS While The Gifting Project is a relatively new initiative, its members have been active in the community long before its founding. As a former associate with the nonprofit consulting firm M. Gale Associates, Abby has helped several charities in North Texas with their fundraising efforts. One of the biggest fundraisers she helped bring to Southlake was Engel & Volkers’ Holiday Home Tour, which welcomed over 500 guests in five houses fully decked out for the holidays in 2019. “I had done some fundraising for the PTOs, and a friend asked me to come help with their fundraising,” Abby says. “I started reaching out to people, asking them if they’d be willing to share their homes with us, and it became so successful. It was a great event and everyone had fun, which was really important to me.” But Abby wasn’t the only one who coordinated philanthropy efforts within Southlake. Fire prevention officer Renni Burt regularly organizes the donation drives at Southlake DPS facilities. She always loved getting an early glimpse at what presents children would receive on Christmas day. “I loved walking in every morning, seeing what people have dropped off and what would be going to a kid who otherwise wouldn’t have anything,” Renni says. “The excitement was just amazing.” The rest of the founding members – Shelley Perdue, Lexie Callies, Robyn Daniels, Liz Carlton, Kristi Dyer and Jana Schleif – all were active in other local volunteer initiatives but were looking to have a greater impact.

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“Many clients would age out at eighth grade, but teenagers know what they’re not getting,” Lexie says. “They feel left out and they will sacrifice more so that younger kids can have what they don’t. We have to serve high schoolers because they deserve it too. That’s something I really champion.” All of these ladies crossed paths on many occasions, but in 2021, they decided to branch out and begin their own volunteer initiative together. That was when The Gifting Project was born. “We really aligned on the importance of serving those kids who slipped through the cracks,” Abby says. “We wanted to reimagine how we focused our efforts and really channel that into supporting the community.” SMALL BUT MIGHTY As a new nonprofit starting from the ground up, Shelley says The Gifting Project’s first year felt intimidating. “There were other organizations that have been around for much longer, so you don’t really know how people are going to react,” Shelley says. Renni echoed this sentiment, emphasizing just how small their operation really was. “We literally started with nothing,” Renni says. “All we had was each other, plus $50 that Shelley donated so we could open a bank account.” Luckily, each other was all this group of miracle workers needed to get started. Utilizing their nonprofit and business connections within Southlake, The Gifting Project organized a robust network of in-kind sponsors who donated gift cards, food and toys to help stock up for the season. While they accepted a decent amount of cash donations, no fundraiser was needed for their first year – all they needed was their friends and word-of-mouth. “We knew a lot of different people,” Shelley says. “[We all have] a wide reach, so we knew plenty of people who could help.” One of the ways they helped consolidate their efforts was with their food donations. While most pantries would accept all kinds of food donations, Abby says The Gifting Project simplified their list by limiting it to snacks and non-perishables. “We didn’t want to be a food pantry when there were other food pantries that were more equipped,” Abby says. “We tried to keep it kid-focused and fun as opposed to staples or basic needs. We looked for cookie mix, hot cocoa, fruit snacks, granola bars, cereal – stuff they can use for snacks when they’re out for Christmas break.” By the time January came around, The Gifting Project had provided gift bags to over 550 children in Tarrant County – and they’ve only grown from there. “We never said ‘no’ to anything,” Abby says. “Whatever the community could support, we would facilitate. We worked with what we had.” MAKING A LIST The Gifting Project begins like the holiday season does through the eyes of children – by making a list. Starting in September, the organization sends wish list forms to local agencies so they can share them with kids ages 3-18 who are either at or below the poverty line. “People are surprised around 95% of the time when I tell them,” Lexie says. “It’s very small, but they are still there.” SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 15

After they get the wish lists back, The Gifting Project will review the lists and pass them off to school PTOs to begin shopping for the child. Once they’ve received the gifts, they check the list twice to ensure every present is accounted for. If there’s an item that’s missing, one of these ladies will make an extra trip to the store to get it. “We get so many gift cards, so if a child got a wrong item, then we can use those donated gift cards to go and shop for that child and put it in their bag,” Liz says. “After that, we open every single bag, organize the gifts and check everything off.” When they’re not busy during December, The Gifting Project is also organizing gift bags for children through their birthday project, which they introduced in fall 2022. “One thing we wanted to ensure is that we did things year-round – that’s why we started the birthday project,” Lexie says. “These kids want something fun and special on their birthday, so we put together these bags that have candy, cookies and two gift cards so they can buy themselves gifts. The kids love it. It just makes them feel special because it’s always unexpected.” A GIFT FOR EVERYONE The ladies behind The Gifting Project never see the children their bags go to. Every December, they hand them off to their agency liaison, who ensures their bags get properly delivered one by one. What they do receive are handwritten thank-you messages, and those serve as affirmations for all of their hard work. 16 • DEC 23

“Sometimes we’ll get a note back from a family saying how amazing it was and how grateful they are,” Shelley says. “That fuels us and feeds us to do this kind of work. We just have to rely on that and have faith that it went to the family who needed it most.” A like-minded Lexie agrees, emphasizing that you don’t have to see the children to know you’re doing something to help them. “In years past, we’ve heard people say that children love getting their food bags this time of year because it’s the one time of the year when they don’t see the back of a pantry,” Lexie says. “The ability to give that to children who might not be able to experience that otherwise is amazing. That’s one of those things that sticks with you.” For Abby, The Gifting Project doesn’t just give presents to children. “For me, what we’re providing most for these kids is making sure that they know that they are worthy and that they are loved,” Abby says. “That’s the best gift you can give anyone.” After bringing back the Holiday Home Tour with Engel & Völkers following a four-year hiatus, The Gifting Project has even more exciting expansions on the horizon, including branching out into surrounding school districts and introducing a back-to-school drive. Until then, their focus remains on the same people they’ve served since day one – the children. Volunteer or donate toward the initiative by visiting TheGiftingProjectSouthlake.org. SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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SPOTLIGHT

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Southlake sisters

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DEC 23 • 19

SPOTLIGHT community

CARROLL ATHLETIC HALL OF HONOR ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2023 A new class will be inducted into the Carroll ISD Athletic Hall of Honor next spring. This year will see 11 new inductees enter with the class of 2023, including the 1993 football team and the 1982 baseball team. Football inductees include Tre Newton and Adam Ulatoski, while women’s basketball inductees include Kennedy Leonard and Kathy O’Brien. This year’s softball inductee is Whitney Riley Adair, while the men’s soccer inductee is Domenic Mediate. The track and crosscountry inductee is Reed Brown, the women’s diving inductee is Grace Kazmierski and this year’s fan inductee is Bob Beauvais. The new class will be honored during the 2024 Hall of Honor banquet on March 23 at the Carroll Senior Fine Arts Center.

SOUTHLAKE FILMMAKERS DEBUT FEATURE FILM Two Southlake filmmakers are hitting the road for their debut feature film. Founding their production company Three60 Films in fall 2022, Hannah and Psalms Wimbrey are two up-and-coming film producers who previously graduated from KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts. Last month, Hannah and Psalms released their debut drama film “Summer of Violence,” which tells the story of a college graduate who turns down law school to focus on poetry. Winning Best Picture awards from the DTLA Film Festival and the Tallgrass Film Festival, the duo now turns to focus on the film’s world premiere at the American Black Film Festival on June 16, 2024.

20 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKE LIGHTS TREE AT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Southlake Town Square got into the festive spirit during Home For The Holidays on Nov. 18. Over the weekend, families came together to explore town square as it was all decked out for the holiday season. From carriage rides to snow tubing to arts and crafts, there were plenty of fun activities for the whole family to participate in. Little ones even got to visit Santa and take pictures with him in his sleigh. Then at night, the Christmas tree lit up in a stunning display of seasonal colors while a fireworks show capped off a wonderful evening.

GRACE WELCOMES NEW CEO A new CEO has joined GRACE Grapevine just in time for the holiday season. Bringing with her 23 years of community service experience, Rebecca Cox is the third person to be named CEO throughout GRACE’s 36-year history. Prior to joining GRACE, Rebecca served as chief executive of the Victory Therapy Center, an equine-assisted therapy agency for special needs children and adults. Now presiding over GRACE’s Christmas Cottage, Rebecca looks forward to serving the community alongside her team at GRACE Grapevine. “Any good work is only accomplished through collaboration and mutual understanding,” Rebecca says. “My passion always has been and always will be empowering those who are struggling in need and to see them not only survive, but thrive.” LIBRARY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES “FUNOPOLY” READING PROGRAM The Library Foundation of Southlake is introducing a new literary challenge for readers to participate in this winter. All month long, the Library Foundation is hosting “Funopoly,” a board game filled with a variety of reading challenges for participants to complete. The contest is eligible for children kindergarten through eighth grade, and winners will receive prizes from local businesses such as Toy Maven, Talking Animals Books or 1956 Pizza. “The beauty of Funopoly is that it gives kids a lot of choices about the types of books they read,” president Lori Burr says. “We would love to see readers exploring new genres and types of books.” Interested participants can register and pick up their game boards from the Southlake Public Library anytime before Jan. 8.

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT community

CITY HONORS HOMETOWN HEROES ON VETERANS DAY The city of Southlake hosted a special Veterans Day ceremony for the first time on Nov. 11. During the ceremony, the Southlake city council invited veterans to the front steps of Southlake Town Hall to receive special thanks for their service and dedication. The community band played a special march, city staff customized pole banners to commemorate veterans around the community and distinguished Vietnam War veteran Lt. General Richard E. Carey gave a moving keynote address. “Many people don’t realize how many veterans we have in Southlake and how much they bring to our community,” says Robert Briggs, a veteran and city operations manager for special projects. “This is our way of saying thank you.”

PLUMBING

h o m e

DRAGON FOOTBALL ADVANCES TO STATE QUARTERFINALS The Southlake Carroll Dragons are fighting for the state championship as they head into the postseason. After wrapping up a 9-1 regular season with a 63-0 victory over Fossil Ridge, the Dragons advanced to the playoffs with strong back-to-back wins against Boswell and Frenship. After they defeated Highland Park 45-14 on Nov. 24, the Dragons cued up to avenge their only loss against Byron Nelson on Dec. 2. The winner will advance to the semifinals, with the state championship scheduled for Dec. 16. PEROT MUSEUM DISCOVERS NEW DINOSAUR SPECIES IN GRAPEVINE A new dinosaur species was recently discovered alongside the sandy rock exposures of Lake Grapevine. Identified as a small, herbivorous dinosaur based on a partial lower jaw bone finding, Ampelognathus coheni was discovered by Perot Museum volunteer Murray Cohen during an expedition in Grapevine last month. With Ampelognathus translating to “Grapevine jaw,” the 2-inch-long fossil indicates that the herbivore likely measured less than 6 feet long and weighed no more than a medium-sized dog when it roamed around the DFW area approximately 96 million years ago.

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DEC 23 • 21

SPOTLIGHT

METHODIST SOUTHLAKE TO PROVIDE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR DRAGON STADIUM Methodist Southlake Medical Center is entering a new partnership with Carroll ISD. During the board of trustees meeting on Nov. 13, the district welcomed Methodist Southlake as Dragon Stadium’s newest sponsor. As part of the agreement, the medical center will begin providing in-kind care and services for Carroll ISD students, staff and athletes in exchange for new signage at Dragon Stadium’s main entrance, press box and visitor-side seating. The contract is expected to generate $190,750 over two years.

SNOOP DOGG GOES SMOKELESS WITH SOLO STOVE Legendary hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg announced his intent to “give up smoke” last month — though maybe not the kind you might be expecting. Teaming up with the Grapevine-based brand Solo Stove, Snoop Dogg is unveiling a new lineup of smokeless products as its newest “Smokesman.” The limited edition Snoop Dogg x Solo Stove bundle includes a bonfire pit, fire pit stand, a Snoop bucket hat and a Snoop x Solo sticker pack. "I love a good fire outside, but the smoke was too much," Snoop Dogg says. “Solo Stove fixed fire and took out the smoke. They changed the game, and now I'm excited to spread the love and stay warm with my friends and family.” ATHLETIC FIELDS TO RECEIVE NEW TURF Playing outdoors will look different for Southlake residents in 2024. Last month, the community services and public works department confirmed that new artificial turf will be installed on 11 fields between Bicentennial Park and Bob Jones Park. The project includes four baseball fields, four softball fields and three multipurpose fields, as well as new fencing and dugouts and is expected to be completed by spring of next year. “We can’t wait to see our athletic association partners taking full advantage of the fields once the project is complete,” community services director David Miller says. “We’re looking forward to the kids enjoying the updated spaces.”

22 • DEC 23

business

PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS DONATE $100,000 TO LOCAL CHARITIES Park Place Dealerships handed out an early holiday gift to 18 nonprofits in North Texas. Earlier this fall, the dealership launched its third annual Season of Giving campaign, where it committed to awarding $100,000 to local nonprofits for their work in education, medical research, children’s advocacy and the arts. After reviewing 400 applications, Park Place awarded 18 grants total ranging between $2,500 to $10,000. “For more than 35 years, Park Place has partnered with local charities that serve Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding areas,” experiential marketing manager Kara Connor says. “We are excited to learn more about these new recipients and learn how we can work together going forward to help them achieve their goals.” SENIOR HELPERS COMES TO SOUTHLAKE High-quality senior care has arrived in Southlake. Owned and operated by Abel and Jonna Anaya, Senior Helpers is an at-home personalized care service that caters to residents 60 or older. Located between Southlake Town Square and Texas Health Southlake, Jonna says their mission is to provide a high quality of life for her clients and their families. “As a family, we have always had a deeprooted passion for senior care,” Jonna says. “Our journey has been a labor of love, and now we are excited to share our offerings with the wonderful residents of Southlake.” Senior Helpers is open now at 1723 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 140. PEOPLERESULTS ACQUIRED BY IRI CONSULTANTS One of the area's most successful consulting firms was recently acquired by IRI Consultants in Plano. Founded by Southlake resident Patti Johnson in 2004, PeopleResults is an exclusively women-led business that offers innovative solutions for business management and human resources, working with high-profile clients such as 7-Eleven, McKesson and PepsiCo. “At PeopleResults, we are committed to helping clients achieve their goals,” Patti says. “We’re grateful for Clearsight’s guidance to find partners with our same values in IRI and Clearview Capital. The Clearsight team was a fantastic advisor throughout the process and skillfully navigated us to this exciting next chapter.”

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

ESTELLE SPA & WELLNESS OPENS IN SOUTHLAKE An innovative new wellness spa has come to the Southlake community. Specializing in state-of-the-art infrared and body-sculpting services, Estelle Spa & Wellness is a destination for immune and nervous system restoration, as well as fat removal and transferring services. Treatments like the infrared sculpt pods cleanse the body of toxins, reproduce healthy cells, improve mobility, enhance recovery and more for a balanced, healthy lifestyle, and sessions are offered in 15- to 30-minute intervals. You can check out the new spa now at 2801 State Hwy. 114, Suite 17 inside Salons By JC.

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SOUTHERN TIDE 409 GRAND AVE. E. SOUTHLAKE 855.890.8334 | SOUTHERNTIDE.COM Coastal classics meet Southern charm at this new retailer. IKEA 1041 E. SOUTHLAKE BLVD., SUITE 100 888.888.4532 | IKEA.COM Plan, order and pick up at Southlake’s newest furniture format store.

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DEC 23 • 23

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STYLIN’ PETS 2024

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CELEBRATING

YEARS of growing together We planted our roots in Grapevine in 1953 and are honored to be a part of this community. Thank you for trusting us with your health and the health of your family.

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2023

style GUIDE EVENTS | HAPPENINGS | PROMOTIONS

PÜR LIFE MEDICAL CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING Over 70 people welcomed PÜR Life Medical to the Southlake business community last month! During the grand opening, attendees visited doctors and learned how they could help them treat obesity, hormonal imbalances, pain management, nutritional deficiencies and more. The center’s five-minute PÜR Scan was also a big hit during the event, scanning people and providing them with their biological age. With food, drinks, raffle prizes and more, Southlake is happy to have a new medical center that focuses on preventative care within the city. PURLifeDFW.com

26 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

shop in STYLE

WHAT’S NEX? Toys to put in your

stocking this season

SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 27

SHOP IN STYLE stuff you'll love

toys for GROWNUPS TOO

POWERUP 4.0

Control these RC paper airplanes through your smart device. POWERUP | $60

WOODEN MECHANICAL SAFE

Practice your safe-cracking skills with this 3D puzzle. Ugears | $60

SELFIE SERIES ACTION FIGURES

Put someone’s face on a Star Wars, Marvel or G.I. Joe figurine for your favorite action hero in your life. Hasbro | $50

NEX PLAYGROUND

Shoot hoops or play Whack-A-Mole with this interactive gaming system for the whole family. Nex | $200

INSTAX PAL

A miniature digital camera for all of life’s big and small moments. Fujifilm | $200

28 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

Unique markets — and the agent who gets them. Traditional seasonality is reflected in the market spotlight from late summer to early fall. Recently, we have seen an uptick in activity and mortgage rates appear to have normalized. I expect the year to finish flat with modest gains.

Market Spotlight YEAR TO DATE OCTOBER 2023 vs. 2022 SOUTHLAKE HOMES SOLD 525

AVG SALES PRICE $1,075,722

DAYS ON MARKET 48 days (average)

WESTLAKE HOMES SOLD 51

AVG SALES PRICE $2,626,578

DAYS ON MARKET 116 days (average) 1715 WISTERIA WAY | WESTLAKE, 76262 | $3,500,000 | 1715WISTERIA.COM

214.908.4724 jsmith@briggsfreeman.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

-2% -4.7% +52% +2% +15% +13% Source: NTREIS

SHOP IN STYLE luxe

This Is How We Roll Segway’s Ninebot S Will Take You Anywhere

DETAILS

Segway Ninebot S Dimensions: 1’8” L x 10.5” W x 2’ H Weight: 28 lbs. Price: $400 Segway.com

30 • DEC 23

et ready to roll out with the Segway Ninebot S self-balancing scooter that’s similar to a hoverboard but without the risk of face-planting. Both safe and stylish, its quiet, robust and user-friendly design is built for everyone. Powerful dual engines keep you balanced and moving with ease, while the knee control steering bar helps you navigate like a pro. Travel up to 13.7 miles at a top speed of 10 mph, all while feeling like you're cruising on air. The battery management system will keep you on track by monitoring everything from speed to wheel tilt and battery power. With 10-inch tires and 3-inch ground clearance,

no terrain is too tough for this scooter to handle. Whether you're riding down smooth roads, tackling hills or venturing onto uneven ground, bumps in the road won’t get the best of you. Like a high-tech copilot, the Bluetooth-enabled mobile app takes convenience to the next level. Tech-savvy tools enable users to learn how to ride, customize the LED lights and stay up-todate with vehicle diagnostics and firmware installments. Plus, you can adjust steering sensitivity and speed controls to fit your personal style. No matter the journey, the Ninebot S allows you to harness the freedom to explore.

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

3 2 0 2 f o ST

Southlake Style readers set the standard.

This year’s special section

exclusively highlights the best area businesses that were previously highlighted in one of our Readers’ Choice, Super Agents, Top Docs, Top Dentists or Top Lawyers recognition programs in 2023.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 31

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Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

CORINTHIAN WELLNESS & MED SPA A Calming Atmosphere

My experience at Corinthian Wellness Spa was AMAZING! You get the whole spa experience — a robe, champagne and a relaxing waiting area. It’s a super calm and relaxing atmosphere. I got a massage, facial and a pedicure and I would give my whole experience way more than five stars. I didn’t want to leave! I will definitely be going back. — Kelly T.

Perfect

It was perfect! Friendly and professional staff. Great massage. Relaxing atmosphere. I will definitely be back! — Sandy P.

Can’t Wait To Go Back

This place is amazing! Alecia did my Botox and did an amazing job! I can’t wait to go back. — Hannah M.

Uber-Relaxing

I love this spa, the employees and the services. They are super friendly, organized, knowledgeable and easygoing. The environment inside is uberrelaxing and calming. I’ve had facials, mani-pedis, massages and laser treatments. I’ve been coming here for years and highly recommend it. — Brooke G.

A Top-notch Spa Experience

Corinthian Wellness Spa provides a relaxing and top-notch spa experience. The staff is great from the time you walk in. — Jacklyn W.

A Hidden Jewel

What a wonderful hidden jewel in the heart of Southlake! Thank you ladies, it was awesome. — Mary H.

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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DAN HOLMES ENGEL & VÖLKERS

Absolutely Stellar

Dan was absolutely stellar during the entirety of the process. Throughout every aspect of the process, he took charge and helped with everything that I had questions about. Dan took the time to explain every part of the process and answered every question that I had, and offered me plenty of options to choose from. When we finally landed this house, he took the time to explain every next potential step in the process and what I would need for each step. He was the best help I could have asked for as a first-time home buyer and I will recommend him every chance I get. Dan knew the local area like the back of his hand, and explained every region in detail, helping me pick the area that was best suited for me and my needs. Dan Holmes will always be my realtor for the Dallas area for as long as I live here. — Logan V.

Knows The Area

We have bought and sold three homes in the Southlake area through Dan Holmes, and bought one lot. Our son bought his home through Dan Holmes. If we ever sell our house again, we’ll be sure to use Dan Holmes. Dan knows the area and it is always a pleasure doing business together. — Frank K.

Super Agents 2023

1111 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 460 | 817.528.4606 | DanHolmes.EVRealEstate.com SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 33

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Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

D-FLAWLESS CONCIERGE JEWELERS

I Love D-Flawless

I feel so fortunate to have found Darla and her team, because they love jewelry too. They take the time to get to know what I’m looking for and help me find it. They have an eye for quality at an amazing value. — Ginger M.

Blinged Out

D-Flawless goes above and beyond with their customer service. My husband and I have been customers of Darla’s for 20-plus years, and we always get so many compliments on all of the pieces we’ve purchased. If you want a trustworthy and high-quality jeweler, Darla and her amazing staff are where you need to go. — Kelly R.

Simply Fabulous

Darla Stapleton has been my go-to superiorquality concierge jeweler for over 15 years. My wife has a fabulous collection of pieces, some of which were designed by Darla. Her attention to detail, fair pricing and uncompromising service set her above any other jeweler in Southlake. — Al Y.

Superior-Quality Jewelry & Service

I immediately fell in love not only with Darla, but with all of the beautiful pieces that she has. When a person goes into her shop, they make you feel like family and take as much time as you need. I refer everyone I know to D-Flawless because of the quality of their jewelry and their outstanding service. — Julie W.

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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TOMMY PENNINGTON REALTY GROUP

Couldn’t Be Happier

After living in Southlake for 16 years, our boys left for college and we became empty nesters. We decided to downsize and start a new life in Naples, Florida. We have come to know many great real estate agents in town over the years, but when the time came to sell, there was no doubt we would use Tommy Pennington. Tommy guided us through the selling process and provided great advice. He and his team were always responsive to my texts, regardless of what day of the week or time it was. The net result is that we showed our house for three days and received competing offers over asking price. My wife and I could not be happier. I highly recommend Tommy Pennington and his team if you are considering buying or selling a home in Southlake. Having an agent that has lived in town for years with great local market knowledge matters! — Mike G.

A Delight To Work With

I cannot say enough about the Tommy Pennington Realty Group. They’re downto-earth, level-headed, responsive, wise, even-keeled, proactive, trustworthy and knowledgeable of the market. They go to bat for their client, work the offers and have honesty and integrity. — Shelly & Peter H.

Super Agents 2023

550 Reserve St., Suite 650, Southlake | 817.416.9000 | TommyPennington.com SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 35

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Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner, Top Dentists 2023

TOLLESON ORTHODONTICS

Brighter Smiles

Wonderful Care

Top-Notch

A Positive Experience

Dr. Tolleson worked magic! His skills and attention to detail ensured that my daughter had the perfect smile! I loved Dr. Tolleson’s work so much, I had my smile perfected by him! Thank you Dr. Tolleson for making our smiles brighter! — LaKendra L.

We have nothing but good things to say about our experience with Dr. Tolleson and his staff. Two of my daughters did Invisalign here, and it has been an exceptional experience. Top-notch professionalism and care all the way around. — Nicole R.

We have had great experiences at Tolleson Orthodontics! My husband, daughter and son are all patients. Dr. Tolleson and his staff are welcoming and kind, and they provide wonderful care. We definitely recommend Tolleson Orthodontics! — Tracy G. Dr. Tolleson and his entire staff are incredible. My daughter has been seeing them for about a year and actually looks forward to her appointments! The team makes sure she’s comfortable and explains everything they do. It makes having braces a much more positive experience than when I was a kid. — Laura H.

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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THOMAS & SHARON MICHAEL

Exceeded Our High Expectations

We’ve seen Thomas and Sharon’s thorough and professional work for many years throughout Southlake. It was always evident to us that they do such an incredible job and take an immense amount of pride and care in their efforts. It was never a question for us who we wanted to work with when it was our turn to sell our home. Our expectations were high given all we have already known about their work. Yet somehow, they still went above and beyond and beat all our expectations. Literally everything they told us came true, from their market expertise to timeline, prep work and process. They were both honest, professional, experienced, knowledgeable, incredibly responsive and very clearly caring about us and our family. If I had to do it over again, there is not one thing I would change about the experience and process. Thomas and Sharon guided the process in an incredibly smooth and professional manner from start to finish. Thank you guys for all of your hard work! It was truly a joy to work with you on a very important step in our family’s life. — Gil L.

Professional And Personable

Sharon and Thomas are the best! We’ve bought three houses with them and they’ve sold two for us. Each time, they made it all work smoothly and to our best advantage. They are very professional yet personable. We absolutely recommend them and would not use anyone else. — Barbara H.

Competence And Clarity

Sharon and Thomas are both fantastic. They are crafty negotiators, and they are a ton of fun to talk to! Phenomenal people and representatives. They don’t just live in Southlake — they are involved in the community. — Megan K. Super Agents 2023

950 E. State Hwy. 114, Suite 160, Southlake | 817.807.6555 | DFWeliteRealty.com SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 37

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HILTON SOUTHLAKE

Professional And Attentive

Many things add up to having a phenomenal and wonderful meeting experience. The amount of attention and professionalism exhibited by the staff at Hilton Southlake is at the top of my list. The event planners and hotel staff work with you to ensure all of your meeting details are handled both before and during the meeting. Every one of their team members is attentive to your banquet, catering and A/V needs to make sure the meeting is a huge success. This level of service is what me and my team always experience at Hilton Southlake. We love the relationship we have with Hilton Southlake and we look forward to having another great event there in the near future. — Janis G.

Close To The Action

Located in the newer Southlake Town Square, this property is nestled amongst several restaurants and entertainment venues all within walking distance. The town center layout is a great design and the hotel puts you where you want to be in Southlake. Friendly, helpful staff, with a great dinner and breakfast service plus a nice bar. Enjoyed the quality fitness center with the Peloton bikes. Daily housekeeping is appreciated and they did a great job. Clean rooms, great conference facilities, with two elevator banks to get your rooms efficiently between breaks. Would enjoy another visit to this property very much. Strongly consider the Hilton Dallas Southlake if in this part of Texas. — F.T. Bill

Readers’ Choice 2023 Finalist

1400 Plaza Place, Southlake | 817.442.9900 | Hilton.com 38 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Super Agents 2023

RANDY WHITE REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Premier Real Estate

Randy White is the premier real estate agent in Dallas, Fort Worth and beyond. His integrity is impeccable, his attention to detail is unfailing and his boundless energy is remarkable! — Jimmy D.

Powerhouse Professionals

Randy and his team are a powerhouse! His extensive history and experience in the area have been very helpful, and he is always really responsive. Randy helps multiple community organizations, including my synagogue, and we are thankful for his involvement. — Amy H.

Trustworthy

Randy White is one of the most amazing, honest, trustworthy men I know. He values his customers

and would bend over backward to make sure they are thrilled with their purchase or sale. — Shonda S.

Friendly Staff

Randy has been our realtor of choice for over 10 years. We are just now completing our seventh transaction with him. He and his entire office are professional, reliable and friendly. — Steve G.

Smooth Process

Randy was wonderful to work with and is very knowledgeable about the metroplex market. His office staff were always easy to speak with and quick to return our phone calls or emails when necessary. The process went as smoothly as it could have in today’s uncertain economy. — Holly R.

DEC 23 • 39

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(L-R) Brandy Hoffman Strange, M.D.; Alan Dennington, M.D.; and Keith McInnerney, PA-C

Readers’ Choice 2023 Finalist

BETTER FASTER URGENT CARE

I Was Impressed

The facility was very clean and the staff was kind, attentive and friendly. I was impressed with how quickly I was seen and the thoroughness of the doctor. The doctor was honest, caring and informative. I also felt the price was very fair and affordable. I have worked in the medical industry for over 20 years. It is hard to impress me, but this place managed to do just that. — Mary R.

Never Had To Wait Long

Great and quick. Nurses have wonderful bedside manners for my kids and myself. Been multiple times now for flu tests, strep and just general cold issues. Never had to wait longer than five minutes. Clean location as well! If you need urgent care, this is a great place, especially for the kiddos! — Meredith M.

My First Choice Twice in three days. My 8-year-old son’s rash was quickly diagnosed as an allergic reaction to antibiotics last week. Today, my clumsy DIY project resulted in seven stitches to my finger — in and out in about 45 minutes. Both visits with no wait, super friendly and professional staff. Definitely became my first choice for urgent family medical needs. — David F.

Easy Check-In And Check-Out The staff was very professional. My visit was very fast with easy check-in and check-out. I will definitely come back. It’s very hard to find good customer service and people who truly care about their patients. I found that special touch here. — Miranda P.

630 N. Kimball Ave., Suite 100, Southlake | 817.506.7195 | BetterFasterUrgentCare.com 40 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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MARIA DIAZ SIERRA (DUQUE)

Knowledgeable And Professional

Maria is an exceptional real estate agent. We have been working with her on several occasions for primary residence and investment properties, and every time, she impresses us even more. She listens to what you want and quickly zones in on the relevant homes and neighborhoods. She makes herself available and adapts to our needs. She has great business sense and gives practical input to find the right properties. We recommend Maria to anyone. She is the best of the best! — Edward F.

Experienced And Detail-Oriented

We were very lucky to connect with Maria when we were looking for a home. She is very experienced and knows her craft very well. With Maria, we never felt pressured to buy a home. She really had our best interest at heart. Maria took into account all of our family’s needs when it came to choosing a neighborhood. From our lifestyle and commute time to our children’s interests and activities, she took every detail into account. She was extremely generous with her time and made sure she had answers to all of our questions. Empathy, knowledge, experience and an obvious love for what she does makes Maria a great professional. — Elena R.

Super Agents 2023

2106 E. State Hwy. 114, Southlake | 917.365.5507 | MariaSellsHomes.KW.com SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 41

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OPAL ESTHETICS

My No. 1 Choice

There are simply not enough kind words of compliments to send Leslie’s way. She was recommended to me, and I am so thrilled to find her lovely spa. I have a redhead’s complexion complete with years of sun damage, dark spots and chemical sensitivity. Leslie is so knowledgeable about skin, products, treatment and what works best for each individual. She is such a delightful person with a true interest in her clients’ needs and well-being. — Patti P.

Loved It So Much

I had a hydrafacial done by Leslie last week, and it was one of the best facials I’ve ever had. She gave the best massage, and I was left with absolutely no pores! — Megan C.

The Very Best

I can’t say enough amazing things about Leslie! She’s super fun and so informative and knowledgeable about skin. She literally gives you the skin goals you want. If you were thinking about booking, just do it! Spoil yourself! Leslie will have you glowing 24/7. — Elizabeth H.

Five Stars All The Way

I have been seeing Leslie at Opal Esthetics regularly for about two years now, and I am addicted. The little extra touches like bubbles and her homemade collagen balls make the experience that much better! I would definitely recommend Leslie to anyone who is really interested in having better skin. — Susan W.

Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

2231 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake | 817.992.9233 | OpalEsthetic.com 42 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Top Docs 2023

TEXAS ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS

Trusted, Capable Hands

I feel very comfortable in the hands of these professionals. They treat you with a smile and a feeling that everything is going to be alright in their capable hands. A positive attitude is important for our recovery, and they instill this with their professional and kind attitude toward their patients. — Steve C.

Friendly And Helpful

Everybody I’ve come in contact with is very friendly and helpful. I would recommend anybody in need of a specialist to this place. — Mary E.

Honest, Genuine And Passionate

Always a great experience working with the team. They’re honest and genuine people who are passionate about their care for you. — Chris D.

Kind Professionals

This office is very kind and professional. The doctors take the time to explain and listen. I really appreciate that. — Diana W.

Phenomenal People

Very professional, informative, active listeners and extremely personable. Just good people all around. — Jack R.

Exceeds Expectations

Very professional and outstanding in every category. My surgery and recovery both exceeded my expectations. — Robert W.

Highly Recommended

I’ve had a hip replacement and rotator cuff surgery, and I highly recommend all doctors and staff at Texas Orthopedic Specialists. — Pat V.

Alliance/Keller | Bedford | 817.540.4477 | TXOrtho.net SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 43

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BEST

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Readers’ Choice 2023 Finalist

GRUBBS INFINITI

Five-Star Service

Customer service is always wonderful, fast and efficient. Service like this is what keeps us incredibly happy customers. A wonderful team that helped us with everything we needed and more. Five-star service every visit, every time. — Allen D.

Highly Recommended

Grubbs definitely has the friendliest staff I’ve ever met coupled with a top-tier facility that’s large and clean. The snack bar certainly helps too. Overall, I would recommend Grubbs to anyone buying a car. The best service I’ve ever received. — John C.

Efficient, Accommodating And Friendly

I always have a great experience at Grubbs! The service department is efficient, and the staff is accommodating and friendly. I will always take my Acura to Grubbs for service. — Tracey S.

1500 E. State Hwy. 114, Grapevine | 888.4.GRUBBS | GrubbsInfiniti.com 44 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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LAW OFFICES OF KATE SMITH

The Best In The Industry

Custody and divorce battles are never good, but I can assure you that the services provided by Kate Smith’s law firm are the best in the industry. I wanted Kate Smith with me at all times during my court hearings simply based on her experience and having a resume that is overqualified. She is a bulldog in the courtroom when she needs to be. I’m a very satisfied client, and I believe you will be too. — John C.

Providing A Smoother Path

I have recently started services with the Law Offices of Kate Smith and was very refreshed with the plethora of ideas and concerns that Kate brought to the table. On an initial prepaid office visit, she exceeded the allotted time by almost an hour to make sure I understood what things I needed to do and what I would encounter with the plaintiff’s representation. I enjoyed our meeting and we shared many interesting stories that related to the divorcee experience. Family matters are at the top of my priority list, and she had specific recommendations that will help our family heal. I’m just starting on the tumultuous journey, but I already feel that a smoother path has been provided for me. — Denton G.

Top Lawyers 2023

1205 Hall Johnson Road, Suite 1, Colleyville | 817.479.0534 | KateSmithLaw.com SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

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SHARON HODNETT

An Absolute Pleasure

Working with Sharon was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Throughout the whole process, Sharon was professional, highly knowledgeable and made sure I always felt like a priority. Sharon is one of the very best in DFW. — Lola B.

No Stone Unturned

Sharon and her team are phenomenal! Sharon meticulously itemizes every detail of your home to market it at the highest level. She leaves no stone unturned. Her market knowledge and expertise are unmatched. Sharon’s promptness and responsiveness were incredible. There was never a time I could not get in touch with her. If you are looking for the best, look no further than Sharon Hodnett. — Dawn W.

A Knowledgeable Professional

Sharon worked tirelessly and was available around the clock to get our searches organized. Within two short weeks, we were able to get under contract in a fast-moving market. I fully recommend her for her astute taste and sound knowledge. — Josephine M.

You’re In Good Hands

My first impressions of Sharon were that she was a consummate professional, understood the economic landscape and knew how to attract the right potential buyers for my property. The most encouraging thing she said to me on day one was “Things may have slowed down, but people are still buying and selling houses every day.” — Deborah B.

Super Agents 2023

2106 E. State Hwy. 114, Suite 101, Southlake | 817.994.7152 | Sharon.TeamHodnett.com 46 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

TRI BEST SPECIALTIES

Above And Beyond

Tri Best Specialties has been volunteering for North Richland Hills’ Fix It Blitz for the past couple of years. They have volunteered to help fix up the exterior of homes for some of our neediest residents in the city. They have gone above and beyond, and the workmanship is fantastic. We’re thankful for our partnership with Tri Best Specialties. — Kristin J.

Quality Craftsmanship

One of the best things that came out of our home renovation project was being able to go on this journey with Tri Best Specialties. After purchasing our home, we wanted to do some light cosmetic renovations, but it ended up being a complete

overhaul. They were referred to us and truly became family. Every challenge that came up, they became more committed to the project. That gave us the confidence that we chose the right contractor. — Chase & Nicole M.

True Professionals

Tri Best is HANDS DOWN the best company I have ever worked with! They are true professionals! I have now done four home remodel projects with them. Their work is flawless, their pricing is reasonable and they’re amazing at communicating with their clients. They are truly exceptional! — Austin H.

1455 Bent Creek Drive, Southlake | 682.207.5057 | TriBestCo.com SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 47

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Readers’ Choice 2023 Finalist

CONNECTIONS WELLNESS GROUP

Transformational Work

When I started going to Connections Wellness Group, I was drowning in depression and anxiety, and I was just overall not myself. Now through a combination of therapy, medication and treatments, I finally feel healthy and stable. Seeking help for my mental health in this office was the best thing I have ever done for myself. — Joy N.

A Grateful Patient

Mental illness, addiction and PTSD do not care who you are or take into account everything you’ve had to overcome. I cannot say enough good things about the psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, medical staff, director or my treatment at Connections Wellness Group. The best thing I can say to them is “Thank you!” — Jessica O.

Truly Caring

I don’t know how I found Connection Wellness Group, but I’m grateful every day that I did. I love every member of the staff. They make me feel that they truly care about me. I would recommend this team of amazing, genuine people to anyone who needs this type of personal support. Thank you Connections Wellness Group for helping me get my life back on track. — Gina D.

Loving Life Again

This program was life-changing, and I am forever changed. Thank you to Connections Wellness Group for giving me this opportunity to love a new chapter of my life again. — Frankie H.

1100 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 200 | 817.756.1293 | ConnectionsWellnessGroup.com 48 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

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LUCAS FUNERAL HOMES

Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

Guide Through Grief

I could go on and on about Lucas Funeral Homes. They've helped my family through loss for over 50 years! I lost my mother just a few weeks ago and could not have done this without Crystal. She has been a planner, counselor, therapist and advocate. I could not have had a better person to guide me through this, and of course, the Lucas family has also been right there with me. The personal touch has been incredible. — Julie E.

I Couldn’t Have Done It Alone

The amazing staff helped me plan and carry out services for my parents, who passed away within three months of each other. Eddie was so calming and kind. I couldn’t have done anything without him. The entire staff is wonderful! — Katherine A.

Grapevine, Hurst, Keller | 817.284.7271 | LucasFuneralHomes.com

MOXIES No. 1 Cheeseburger

The Salmon Avocado Cobb Salad was amazing. They have the No. 1 best-loaded, melt-in-yourmouth, worth-every-bite cheeseburger! Brooke was such a delightful waitress. We’ll be back soon. — Chrissy S.

Above And Beyond

I enjoyed a magnificent brunch at Moxies this weekend! Moxies has now become an absolute favorite. From the ultra-cool dining area, perfect service and food well prepared with fresh ingredients, Moxies is a treat. It goes above and beyond the higher-tier establishments serving weekend brunch crowds. I cannot recommend Moxies enough, and I plan to make it a regular on my weekend rotation. — Kevin B.

One Of My Favorite Restaurants

This is becoming one of my favorite restaurants. The food and drinks are always terrific! Haley, our waitress, was wonderful. Perfect for a girls' night or a date night. — Sheryl R. Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

1472 Main St., Southlake | 817.764.2767 Moxies.com DEC 23 • 49

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ALLURE INTIMATE APPAREL Outstanding Customer Service

The best bra-fitting experience I've ever had. The staff was so knowledgeable and pleasant. They listened to my preferences and brought me lots to choose from. I also received a lovely thank you card in the mail from Allure. They have outstanding customer service. — Susan G.

VIP Client

The ladies made me feel like a VIP client. They measured me and showed me how to make my bra fit properly. This is my first time purchasing luxury bra sets, and I must say that I'm officially spoiled. — Trina P.

Best Shopping Experience

Readers’ Choice 2023 Finalist

1236 Prospect St., Southlake | 817.410.1011 | AllureFits.com

Visiting the Allure store in Southlake was one of the best shopping experiences I've had. The staff works hard to make the experience a success. I didn't feel rushed or pressured, and I found several bras to my liking. — Sydney T.

5600 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 139, Dallas | 469.399.1456

IMPACT PERFORMANCE & FITNESS

Best Fitness Training I’ve Ever Had

I have been a member at Impact Performance & Fitness since it opened. I have been at many different clubs, but never have I found the professionalism and knowledge that this club displays on a daily basis. My trainer, Money Mosbey, is the best trainer I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a trainer since 2000. If you’re thinking about a new gym, I strongly recommend Impact Performance & Fitness! — Rob H.

A Fantastic Gym

Readers’ Choice 2023 Finalist

This has been my favorite gym I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve had memberships everywhere, and nothing comes close to this gym. The staff is phenomenal. They all take pride in their skills, the place is spotless and I love the amenities provided. I will always support this gym as my home gym. I can’t see myself going anywhere else. Y’all have to come check this place out. I promise that you will love it. — Colin T.

525 S. Nolen Dr., Suite 100, Southlake | 817.416.3838 | ImpactPerformanceSL.com

50 • DEC 23

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COMPLETE CARE

Top-Notch Care

What a great experience! Dr. Peebles and his staff were wonderful as they cared for me when I had an ear infection. It got to the point that I couldn’t sleep. They ran tests to rule out anything rare but serious if undiagnosed. Antibiotics and pain relievers, and I was on my way. I slept like a baby and woke up with the pain almost completely gone, and within 24 hours, I felt like a new man. — James R.

Kind And Empathetic

From the moment I walked into the line to the time I was discharged, I was thoroughly impressed with the entire staff. Not only did they treat my emergency condition, but they also showed much empathy and kindness. Thank you all, you beautiful people! — Chanel G.

Readers’ Choice 2023 Finalist

321 W. Southlake Blvd., Suite 140 | 817.241.1206 VisitCompleteCare.com

BLIND AND SHUTTER GUYS Karl Stefansson, owner

Outstanding

I have contacted Karl over the years for multiple window projects. He is a very nice business man who runs an excellent company! He is knowledgeable and has an eye for what the window and room need! The workmanship and quality are outstanding. The attention to detail and communication throughout the projects are always top-notch. The time frame between ordering and installation always beat my expectations! I highly recommend Karl and look forward to working with him in the future. — Jamie R.

Great Service

Karl and his crew provided great service in a timely manner, good price and a great finished product! I will recommend them to all my friends, and I will use them again for the rest of my window needs! — Debbie B.

Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

817.251.4940 BlindAndShutterGuys.com DEC 23 • 51

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JANA SCHLEIF INTERIORS An Absolute Dream

Working with Jana Schleif Interiors on our new home construction was an absolute dream. Our home is cohesively beautiful, yet uniquely ours. We have received overwhelming compliments, but most importantly, we love living here. — Ashley & Tim V.

My House Is A Home

Jana made the whole process so much fun and truly took the time to get inside my head and learn my style. She is a stickler for details and never lets a space just exist. My beautiful house is a home because of the love and care she put into it. — Becky C.

Excellent Taste & Execution

I am extremely happy with the designs and concepts developed by the Jana Schleif Interiors team for our new home construction. They have excellent taste and an even better execution of the vision. — Misti M.

Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

502 N. Carroll Ave., Suite 150, Southlake 214.210.6376 | JanaSchleifInteriors.com

DAVID COFFIN, PLLC A Resolution For You

David Coffin and Alejo Pacini are honest, knowledgeable and will work diligently to get a resolution for you. This is the best team to work through any issues with the IRS and provide you with the knowledge needed to avoid future issues. – Shar A.

The Best Decision

My husband and I hired David Coffin's law firm to represent us in dealing with the IRS. Absolutely the best decision, best law firm and best people. It is scary when dealing with the IRS on any tax matter, big or small, but the staff is top-notch, thorough, knowledgeable and highly responsive. – Renee G.

An Advocate On Our Behalf

I cannot say enough about the caliber of expertise, customer service and professionalism this law firm offers. Alejo was an advocate on our behalf, and he handled a complicated situation for us with ease. Highest of recommendations for this law firm! – Rebecca W. Top Lawyers 2023

52 • DEC 23

300 Miron Dr., Southlake 817.756.1792 | DavidCoffinLaw.com SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

3 2 20 BEST

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BILLYGO

Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

Best Customer Experience

Great group of guys who always make sure to provide the best customer experience! Would definitely recommend to friends and family in the DFW area! — Chase D.

Professional, Friendly Service

Our AC broke late on Saturday. BillyGO was the only company that truly promised to send someone the same night. We had great service. The technician

provided professional, friendly service, and we were back on in no time. Thank you billyGO. — Louise H.

Amiable And Professional

Edward was fantastic. Took the time to fully understand the problem and worked to find the solution that kept us from having to spend the next couple of nights in a hotel. Very amiable and professional. Saved what was left of a very bad day. — Charles A.

923 Minters Chapel Road, Grapevine | 817.722.6151 | billyGO.com

THE WESTIN SOUTHLAKE

New And Modern

This hotel wildly exceeded my expectations. Very new and modern with a really great restaurant and bar area – one of the best I’ve seen. If I ever need a place for my friends and family to stay in this area, The Westin Southlake will be at the top of my list. The Westin should be really proud of this location. – Victor V.

Preferred Treatment

The newer modern yet sophisticated hotel is an excellence and preferred choice in the Metroplex. – Sojourn L.

Great Customer Service

This hotel and staff rock! My entire family came into town for my daughter’s wedding, and everyone was appropriately accommodated. The bar even stayed open an extra hour to let us continue celebrating! They understand what great customer service means. – William D.

Readers’ Choice 2023 Finalist

SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

1200 E. State Hwy. 114, Southlake 817.873.1900 | Marriott.com DEC 23 • 53

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THE EXERCISE COACH

Everything In 20 Minutes

I love that I can get a complete workout, strength training, stretching and cardio in 20 minutes. In one year, I have gone from walking with a cane to running up the stairs. My pain level has gone from an eight to a one. You will not be disappointed! – Dan W.

Something To Look Forward To

The Exercise Coach is convenient for busy people. The workouts are challenging and personally goaloriented. I look forward to each session! – Paula H.

A Forever Client

I have been a client at The Exercise Coach for over three years, and I will be a client forever. I have seen my strength increase dramatically, and I just had a bone scan that verifies that fact. The staff are amazing trainers and encourage me to do my very best every workout. – Lisa L.

Readers' Choice 2023 Finalist

1500 N. Kimball Ave., Suite 140, Southlake 817.764.3431 | ExerciseCoach.com

THE AESTHETICS SOCIETY It Couldn’t Get Better

The Aesthetics Society is my favorite place to get every service I need. By far, it has the most caring staff I’ve ever had who makes every client feel and look amazing. Each time I think it couldn’t get better, but it does. I would never go anywhere else for my services. — Kim P.

A Range Of Services

This is hands down the best and most beautiful medical spa I’ve visited. The ambiance is so relaxing, and the ladies who work here are exceptional. I love the range of services they offer. You owe it to yourself to give them a visit. You’ll definitely keep going back! – Miller M.

Personalized Care

Readers’ Choice 2023 Finalist

The Aesthetics Society is truly a one-stop personalized shop with caring attitudes from the entire staff. We are so lucky to have their team as part of our Southlake community! – Abbie S.

261 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 100 | 817.500.0557 | TheAestheticsSociety.com 54 • DEC 23

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WILLOWTREE CUSTOM HOMES

Readers’ Choice 2023 Winner

True Visionaries

We cannot recommend WillowTree Custom Homes enough. With quality workmanship and professionalism from start to finish, they have truly blessed us with our dream home. Their team took the stress and worry we had in the building process and created a positive experience for our entire family. We value their honesty and integrity and cannot thank them enough for making our vision come to fruition. — The Williams Family

An Exceptional Experience

We have built several custom homes before, but our experience with WillowTree has been exceptional. The communication, attention to detail, responsiveness and overall process made the experience amazing. This is a professional first-class operation. We love our new home! — R.O.

680 N. Carroll Ave., Suite 100, Southlake | 817.617.9105 | WillowTreeTX.com

SOUTHLAKE DERMATOLOGY Amazing Staff

On several occasions now, members of my family have been able to see Dr. Bowers quickly about urgent skin issues. She and her staff are amazing, and we are so lucky to be part of the Southlake Dermatology community of patients! – Connor D.

Couldn’t Be More Satisfied

Most efficient, professional, compassionate and knowledgeable reception and treatment from personnel, staff and doctors! I highly recommend Southlake Dermatology to anyone needing dermatological treatment and therapy! The doctors are excellent at examining, detecting, diagnosing and treating skin disorders. This is the best place to trust your medical issues pertaining to healthy dermatology. – Dennis A.

Caring, Considerate And Professional Top Docs 2023

Every person I interact with at Southlake Dermatology is caring, considerate and professional. If you want quality care from physicians and staff, please consider this outstanding group. – Robin S.

431 E. State Hwy. 114, Suite 300, Southlake | 817.251.6500 | SouthlakeDermatology.com SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 55

a TOY STORY

BY CASSIDY REICH | PHOTOS BY ADRIAN CORTES

laytime has a different meaning for every child. For some, it’s shooting hoops with friends or tea time with their favorite dolls. Others might mention a competitive board game to play with family. No matter what playtime means to you, one familyowned toy store in Southlake has stood at the ready for over a decade. With one of the largest toy selections in DFW, The Toy Maven caters to every passion, interest, hobby and niche. Owned and operated by the Williams family, this business strives to put the right toys in the right hands, encouraging growth, pleasure and learning for every child. Today, The Toy Maven continues to give back and meet the needs of every person who walks through its doors with a warm welcome and endless inventory.

56 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE TOY MAVEN BRINGS A WORLD OF FUN TO KIDS OF ALL AGES

FROM THOUGHT TO SHOP Following her six-year career as an elementary school teacher, Candace Williams began educating children about the history, culture and chemistry of cooking through her first brick-and-mortar, Kids Cooking Company, in 2005. Shortly thereafter, Candace decided to start selling retail items in front of the store as a bonus for inquisitive young chefs and their parents. So, when the space next door was listed for sale, something else inside Candace clicked. “I opened up The Toy Maven and as a natural extension of that,” Candace explains. “It wasn’t really about selling and retail. I enjoyed matching kids, their interests and their learning and developmental stages to products [by] sourcing them and putting them in the right hands.” A business born from passion, The Williams family – Candace, her husband Wes and their daughters Helen and Elaine – first opened The Toy Maven in Preston Hollow in 2007. Now expanded into three storefronts across the Metroplex, including the launch of its Southlake location next to Central Market in 2013, The Toy Maven offers something for everyone. “It [grew] beyond our expectations from what was a small store,” Wes reflects. “It’s been a surprise and a big commitment. A lot of hard work from good people.” With over 100 brands across 48 categories, many visitors are often overwhelmed with the vast array of toy selections lining the walls, shelves and floor displays. From sports setups and robotic toys to miniature animals and novelty items, every staff member has full knowledge of the store and knows where to point people in the right direction. “We love helping people solve problems and grow,” Candace says. “Parents come in, and they’re like, ‘My child is working on language skills,’ or ‘They’re really having trouble [with] some motor skills,’ and they want things that can help that child further develop. That’s what we really enjoy.” MORE THAN A TOY Although toys are frequently placed in a child’s hands as a form of entertainment, their real value lies in how they enhance growth. Studies by Queensborough College suggest as learning and playing coexist, children become less indifferent to learning and more open-minded and creative. Many experts also view playing as a critical component of mental, physical and social development. As a former educator herself, Candace pursues only the most productive and impactful toys. Defining “play value” as how well a toy inspires cognitive activity, she sources products that act as more than just amusement alone. Toys such as Battat Education’s EggXpress and Learning Resources Inc.’s Kanoodle are imaginative and fun, yet they also improve emotional intellect and teach children color, object and language identification. “My mom has put a lot of work into making sure that everything she does and brings into the store doesn’t only serve the purpose of play — it serves the purpose of growth,” Helen remarks. “She sneaks in the educational value even when a lot of kids may not realize they’re actually learning. She has a vision for that. It’s a science and an art.” While having a diverse range of options takes precedence over what’s popular, staying ahead of industry trends is also essential in maintaining a refined selection.

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DEC 23 • 57

a TOY STORY To do this, the Williams family explores local, national and international merchandise every year, from markets in Dallas and Atlanta to toy fairs in New York, Las Vegas and as far away as Nuremberg, Germany. That very passion and persistence is what earned The Toy Maven two excellence awards from the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) in 2011 and 2019 for the highest level of service and commitment to the specialty toy industry. Candace believes that reaching beyond toy associations and connecting with like-minded individuals and companies is essential to productive toy sourcing. “When you really get to know the manufacturers [and] companies, a lot of them are still family-owned, and that’s really unique. So [when] you learn about the company, you learn about what their priorities are,” Candance asserts. “We work with some of the best companies out there. They’re very committed to safe design, using the best products and plant-based dyes or sustainable wood.” From big-name brands like FisherPrice to independent businesses such as Melissa & Doug, The Toy Maven relies on trusted relationships in its quest to retain educational, developmental and environmental value. Despite facing large competitors such as Amazon, Target and Walmart, The Toy Maven harnesses the one thing those retailers don’t have – a sense of community. THE BIGGER PICTURE For Candace and her team, success is measured through what they can give to the people they serve. “It’s about the people around the store, the customers, children, schools and nonprofits,” Helen says. “The responsibility that The Toy Maven has to serve the community and serve those families is a big part of it.” One major initiative for The Toy Maven is creating Camp-In-A-Box for the Summer Santa program in Southlake. Originating in 2020 to keep kids engaged and stimulate creativity, hundreds of boxes are filled to the brim with fun and educational items that are delivered to families in need. Now an annual endeavor, The Toy Maven continues to supply these generous gifts to those in Southlake and surrounding areas. “We’re able to do so much more than I would be as an individual, and that’s an important part of being a member of the community,” Candace says. Candace also stresses how shopping locally builds lasting relationships, helps the community evolve and boosts the local economy. When customers check out at The Toy Maven, they are met with a sign that says “Thank you for shopping local” as a nod to how small businesses rely on their community to support growth. “We always appreciate when people remember, ‘Hey, we love going to our brick and mortar, our local store,’ and that’s something that we define as success and [we] hope it’s a positive win for the community as well,” Candace notes. 58 • DEC 23

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

The Toy Maven will become a resource for many during the holiday season, whether they’re getting a jump-start on gift shopping or searching for last-minute finds. Not only does The Toy Maven stay open seven days a week yearround, but when the holidays arrive, Candace, Wes and their two daughters will sometimes stay after hours to ensure everyone’s covered. On the rare occasion that a customer forgets to pick up their pre-ordered gift, Candace will even leave her personal number on the front door if they come knocking. “It’s not just dollars in the door - we are making the holidays happen for families and for our communities. And we take it seriously,” Candace says. UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD Although much of the dialogue surrounding The Toy Maven involves children, a crucial aspect of its objective is reaching audiences of all ages. A common misconception with toy stores is that they’re only meant for young children – a stigma that often discredits one’s inner child, causing many adults to deny the small “kiddy” things that still bring them joy. Inspired by the George Bernard Shaw quote, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing,” Candace makes it a point to destigmatize the inherently playful, child-like parts of ourselves and encourage reconnection. SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

DEC 23 • 59

Identifying as “a world of fun for kids of all ages,” The Toy Maven offers games like “GENSMAK!” which even reads “ages 10 to 120.” As adults enter the store, they often embark on a trip down memory lane, where the most common reaction is “I remember those!” “It’s an opportunity to revisit their childhood and remember that part of themselves that really was carefree and liked to play,” Candace says. Many products are also intended to further the cognitive development of adults. Memory games, large puzzles and building blocks support individuals who have suffered a brain injury, elderly and disabled persons, as well as those who utilize play as a form of respite. “Playfulness is a part of human nature,” Candace says. “It’s good to hit all ages, and that’s what we strive to do.” GROWING UP As The Toy Maven evolves, it hopes to bring the community along and pay forward the love that has been shown over the past 16 years. Whatever the future holds, the store’s foundational principles will never be sacrificed to achieve the next goal. If anything, they will only grow stronger. “I’m of the belief that you celebrate what you do well, but then you’re always looking to see how you can improve,” Candace says. “You’ve got to continue evolving and getting better, and we’re always looking for ways to do that.” Although The Toy Maven’s success is made possible by a team of individuals – from family and staff to community and friends – it’s evident that one person’s dedication remains the biggest driving force behind it all. “Everything [my mom] put into making the magic happen, she’s given from herself, her time, energy, love and passion. I’ve seen her give so much to this store, and I don’t know how she still has so much more to give,” Helen shares. “I look up to her as an example of doing something that makes you happy [and] proud, something that you love, that adds value and gives back. I’m really proud of her. She’s my role model for sure.” 60 • DEC 23

Tracey Justice

Preserving your legal rights and protecting your family. FAMILY LAW WILLS & PROBATE MEDIATION DIVORCE (Including Collaborative Divorce) CLIENT TESTIMONIAL “I have used the Justice Law Firm team on numerous occasions throughout the years & they have always been responsive, communicative, and results-driven with my proceedings. They will continue to be the Law Firm

— Zane

CALL 817.421.0300 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT 1100 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 400, Southlake JusticeLawDFW.com SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

arts and CULTURE

FROZEN FLUME Icy adventures await at the Gaylord Texan

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DEC 23 • 61

ARTS & CULTURE focus

The Most Wonderful Tour Of The Year Pentatonix Brings Harmony, Holiday Hits And “Hallelujah”

ne of America’s favorite a cappella groups is coming to town with their highly-anticipated Most Wonderful Tour of the Year. After releasing their 12th full-length album, “The Greatest Christmas Hits,” the talented quintet known as Pentatonix will perform 23 of their most beloved holiday covers, as well as eight brand-new original songs. Rising to fame after their victory in the third season of NBC’s “Sing Off,” Pentatonix is an Arlington-based group consisting of former Martin High schoolmates Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado and Mitch Grassi. Since bringing on second bass Matt Sallee and beatboxer Kevin Olusola, the group has experienced unparalleled success in the music industry with three Grammy Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. Their enchanting harmonies have helped them sell over 10 million albums, as well as perform in prestigious venues such as The White House, the Hollywood Bowl, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Cen-

62 • DEC 23

ter Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Their remarkable records include consecutive No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 for “Pentatonix” and “A Pentatonix Christmas.” Their iconic covers of “12 Days of Christmas,” “Mary, Did You Know?” and “Little Drummer Boy” have made their music as irresistible around the holidays as Nat King Cole and Mariah Carey, and listening to them live is even more powerful than watching them on YouTube. Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic of Pentatonix at Dickies Arena, where you’ll be singing “Hallelujah” along with everyone else. Photo by Elizabeth Rajchart

DETAILS

Dec. 20 Dickies Arena

SOUTHLAKESTYLE MAGAZINE

DALLAS BITES & SIGHTS TOURS

ARTS & CULTURE events

DECEMBER 2-30 DALLAS | Unwrap the holiday spirit and satisfy your sweet tooth with Dallas Bites and Dallas by Chocolate tours. This season, tour guides will take you through the best holiday lights and local dessert venues through downtown Dallas, Park Cities, Frisco and Addison. You can ride on cozy heated buses as you take in the beautiful lights and sip on hot chocolate along the way. One thing’s for sure — these tours are more tempting than a box of chocolates!

THE TEXAS TENORS: DEEP IN THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

dec 10

DECEMBER 10 SOUTHLAKE | Get ready, because the Southlake Holiday Home tour is coming to town! Benefitting The Gifting Project and Special Olympics Texas, the tour will feature four homes in Southlake that have stunning interior design and inspirational holiday decor throughout. Come and check out the spectacular wreaths, ribbons, garlands, ornaments, stockings and Christmas trees that exemplify the holiday spirit. You won’t regret seeing how Southlake goes allout to celebrate the season.

dec 11-14

DECEMBER 11-14 PALACE THEATRE | The three-time Emmy Award-winning Texas Tenors are coming to Palace Theatre to take the audience on a magical journey through the holiday season! Featuring vocalists JC Fisher, Marcus Collins and John Hagen, this talented trio first wowed the nation with their mesmerizing performances on the hit competition show “America’s Got Talent” in 2009. Since then, they have performed in over 2,000 concerts, recorded five studio albums and produced two PBS specials. Listen to their take on “Mary Did You Know,” “Joy To The World” and “Dreamer” as the Texas Tenors take you deep into the heart of Christmas.

ANNUAL GRAND NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Join Us For An Evening of Fun & Elegance Reliving The Era Of The Great Gatsby

$125 PARTY TICKETS e $95 NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER e $400 GOLD PACKAGE (2 Party Tickets, Room & Breakfast) e $550 PLATINUM PACKAGE (2 Party Tickets, Dinner for Two, Room & Breakfast)

SCAN FOR TICKETS

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12.31.2023 DEC 23 • 63

ARTS & CULTURE events

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON DECEMBER 19 WHITE'S CHAPEL UMC | Are you looking for a fun way to make this season even more special? The APEX Arts League is hosting an extraordinary family-friendly concert featuring the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. And the best part? It’s happening right here in Southlake! Let the holiday spirit fill your heart as you listen to timeless favorites like “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls” and more! It’s a Southlake tradition you won’t want to miss out on.

THE POLAR EXPRESS IN CONCERT DECEMBER 15-17

dec 15-17

MORTON H. MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER | All aboard for an unforgettable adventure on the Polar Express! This Academy Award-nominated Christmas classic based on Chris Van Allsburg’s popular children’s book is truly enchanting, and it gets even better with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra performing live alongside the film. You’ll be transported through incredible adventures as the Polar Express travels up and down mountains, slides across ice fields and crosses mile-high bridges. You’ll experience the joy of believing in a way that only the DSO can deliver.

TRB

THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW

Happy Holidays to the

TEXAS CHRISTKINDL MARKET THROUGH DECEMBER 23 GLOBE LIFE FIELD | Centuries after the first official Christmas market took place in Dresden, Germany in 1434, Texans have warmly embraced this holiday tradition through exhibitions like the Texas Christkindl Market. This annual attraction draws inspiration from European holiday markets and features handcrafted gifts, exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise and designs from Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village. While you browse the artisan booths for the perfect gift, indulge in mulled wine and authentic German treats as you get into the Christkindl spirit.

Home & auto. Bundle & save.

Caroll Dragons Students & Residents! Enjoy the Winter Break

SOUTHLAKE | DFW | HOUSTON | HILL COUNTRY | SOUTH TEXAS Mimi Tran

Southlake Market President 817.678.2618 NMLS# 821457

2025 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, TX | 817.678.2618 trb.bank 64 • DEC 23

I can save you time and money when you bundle your home and auto insurance. Call, click or stop by for a quote today.

Jocelyn Hope Agent

414 N Main Street Suite 106 Grapevine, TX 76051-3395 Bus: 817-778-4504 www.insurewithhopesf.com

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

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EXPLORE LUXURY SENIOR LIVING IN SOUTHLAKE

SANTA’S VILLAGE

through dec 24

THROUGH DECEMBER 24 SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE | Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus right in the heart of Southlake Town Square. With rosy cheeks, a gleaming red coat and a belly full of cookies, Santa is all set to sprinkle some Christmas magic your way at his own village. You can take a picture with him in his sleigh, share your Christmas wishes with the jolly old fellow and even send a letter to the North Pole with your wish list. What are you waiting for? Stop by and say hello to Santa before his busiest day of the year. ICE! AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN THROUGH DECEMBER 31 GAYLORD TEXAN | Get ready to experience a heartwarming and nostalgic holiday treat at ICE! At The Gaylord Texan. Based on the beloved book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss, you’ll be amazed by the extraordinary ice sculptures carved from a staggering 2 million pounds of ice. Just remember to bundle up as the exhibit is kept at a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

RETIRE IN

STYLE Whether it’s exceptional dining in our signature eateries, engaging events, or personalized care you’re seeking, our luxury senior living community allows you to thrive.

THROUGH JANUARY 1

through jan 1

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY | For many people, driving around to see Christmas lights is a beloved holiday tradition. But why bother with searching for the right neighborhood when you can take a trip to Texas Motor Speedway for the Gift Of Lights? This spectacular drive-thru experience is anything but ordinary with over 2 miles filled with nearly 3 million lights. With KLTY’s festive Christmas music playing, one carload can enjoy all the festivities for the price of one admission. Fasten your seatbelts, because it’s going to be a spectacular ride!

SOUTHLAKESTYLE.COM

This is HarborChase. Come celebrate with us. SCAN TO EXPERIENCE HARBORCHASE

SOUTHLAKE (682) 305-0301 DEC 23 • 65

FIVE MINUTES with ...

Sky Elements Drones Reaches New Heights

his holiday season, Sky Elements Drones will light up Historic Downtown Grapevine with its seasonally-inspired Merry & Bright Shows. Earning a Guinness World Record for largest drone performance, Sky Elements pushes the boundaries of entertainment with breathtaking aerial displays nationwide. Returning to the Christmas Capital of Texas on Dec. 2, 16 and 19, company president Rick Boss sits down to discuss how his drones help keep the holidays magical. DRONE SHOWS ARE A… fantastic way to engage the audience more deeply — to tell the story more effectively. There are multiple drone shows that we've produced where the emotional reaction is so strong audience members are left crying. When you touch somebody, when you can tell their story in the sky, it's very personal, engaging and impactful. OUR TYPICAL PROJECT TAKES… six to eight weeks to bring to life. We have a storyboard process we go through to make sure all the elements that will be a part of their show, from music to voiceover, are impacting correctly. Once the storyboard is complete, our animators get to work. In a typical 300-drone show, it might take 60 to 120 hours to animate each one of those dots. At the end of that process, there's a video rendering of exactly what the show looks like. Since it's flown by computer, we know exactly what they'll do in the sky. Then it's the physical part, and it’s actually less work. We typically show up about five hours before the show and set up all the drones to ensure everything is working properly. ALL OF THE SHOW IS… animated in 3D animation software. Each one of those [LED] dots is animated individually. Then the specific path that they follow is downloaded into the drone, and one pilot controls it all. We can have 2,000 drones on the ground. All of it is pre-programmed, and the pilot’s job is to make sure that all the drones are healthy, everything is safe, coordinate their clocks and then send them into the sky.

66 • DEC 23

WE CAN DO… anything with the drones. [You] can be really creative in the story that you tell and how you tell it. You're only limited by your imagination. THE GRAPEVINE SHOW IS… one of my favorites. We fly 160-200 drones, and the reason it's so impactful is it's packed with everybody in the community. You hear all the kids hooting and hollering, guessing what the next shape will be. ‘It's Rudolph, Santa, a snowflake,’ and it's just so much fun. Grapevine is such a fantastic place to bring your family. The drone show has been the newest element added to that event, and it makes for a fantastic cap to the end of the night. MOST FOLKS HAVE… never seen a drone show in person. We get comments all the time like, 'I've seen them on YouTube, but I had no idea they were this big' because the drone show is massive in scale. And that's part of what really wows you. It's awe-inspiring when you see something 600 feet across and 400 feet tall flying in the sky. THE DEMAND… has been ramping up so fast over the last three years. We just saw more and more drone shows. It's going to be as ubiquitous as fireworks and laser shows. We see the market continuing to grow, and it'll continue to change. You'll see larger shows, more complex imagery and more artistic imagery. I think it's going to be a really fun space for a long time.

FIVE MINUTES

with ...

RICK BOSS

style GUIDE EVENTS | HAPPENINGS | PROMOTIONS

GRACE HOSTS 20TH ANNUAL GRACE GALA The evening sparkled as 900 guests gathered to celebrate the 20th annual GRACE Gala with fine dining, lively music and astonishing generosity. Guests listened to inspiring stories from families served by GRACE, a spirited live auction and energetic music from the band Stratosphere. The community came together to honor this year’s Angel of GRACE Award recipient, the Tom & Susan Durant Foundation. Thank you to everyone for being a part of this unforgettable event! GRACE looks forward to seeing you again at the 21st annual gala on Nov. 2, 2024.

68 • DEC 23

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local FLAVOR

CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS Watch Leela’s transform for the holidays

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LOCALFLAVOR review

Coast Of Italy

Acquario Fuses Italian Flair With Texas Hospitality

G Acquario Italian Seafood 8849 Davis Blvd., Suite 100 Keller 817.431.8323 AcquarioRestaurant.com

70 • DEC 23

rowing up alongside the coasts of Venice, executive chef Ferdinando “Fredi” Plaku has always understood the freshness you could find only in Italian seafood. Now he’s teaming up with acclaimed restaurateur Nino Rata to bring those coastal flavors to Keller’s newest fine dining establishment, Acquario Italian Seafood. Opening last month along Davis Boulevard, Acquario Italian Seafood marries expertly crafted Italian cuisine with the flair of authentic, locally sourced Texas ingredients. With over 30 years of operating restaurants in both Texas

and New York, Acquario is chef Fredi and Nino’s second collaboration after previously opening La Botte Ristorante together in the affluent Manhattan suburb of Westchester in 2020. “It was a difficult year, but we managed to survive because of chef Fredi’s culinary expertise,” Nino says. “They always say ‘If you can make it in Westchester, you can make it anywhere,’ and chef Fredi and I have certainly found that to be true.” The first thing guests will notice about Acquario is its oceanic design. With colors of teal, dark turquoise, oak wood and black throughout, stepping through Acquario feels like you're float-

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LOCALFLAVOR review

ing along the Adriatic Sea. The bar’s mosaic tile backsplash invokes the sandy beaches of Sicily, while the accompanying wine rack shows off the restaurant’s robust collection of Italian red, white and rosé bottles. Its curated list of signature cocktails is equally as extravagant, with bestselling beverages including the Mediterranean Kiss made with Figenza fig vodka and the Lampedusa Heat mixed with Diplomatico rum and passion fruit puree. When you’re ready to dive into its culinary offerings, Acquario’s appetizers keep up the coastal influence with a variety of seafood selections. The grilled calamari and octopus delivers a soft, sweet and buttery flavor, while the clams oreganata are stuffed with bread crumbs, Italian herbs, parmigiano reggiano and a zesty lemon sauce. Between Mediterranean sea bass, Atlantic amberjack, black tea-crusted salmon and the Hawaiian big eye tuna, the raw crudo options provide an authentic and uncompromising bite from the surf. The outpost’s turf selections are just as sumptuous with ribeyes, New York Strips and short ribs directly sourced from Texas hill country stock found at nearby 44 Farms in Cameron. But Acquario’s specialty is the pasta, which is made from scratch in-house with low-gluten semolina flour. Whether it is caserecce, large rigatoni, straw-shaped bucatini, tagliolini and squid ink linguini, chef Fredi is always experimenting with different pasta shapes and bases. One of his most popular specialties is a chocolate pappardelle pasta topped with a Long Island duck ragu that’s as hearty as it is savory. “It’s not just the taste that stands out,” Nino says. “You can see the freshness in the ingredients – in the delicate and intentional way that it’s plated and presented. We wanted it to be something unique and different from anywhere else. We want people to say this is the best meal of their lives.” That quality extends to the dessert menu as well, which features six sweet cocktails that are served with Tito’s vodka, Jameson, chocolate liquor, prosecco and more. Chef Fredi’s infamous tiramisu soaks ladyfingers in espresso before topping it with a thick blended layer featuring mascarpone cheese, while the Creme Catalana bakes custard over a crunchy caramelized crust. But no other dessert exemplifies the restaurant’s heritage more than the Panna Cotta Tri-Colore, which combines vanilla and mint gelatin with a layer of strawberry preserves to resemble the colors on the Italian flag. “We treat our customers like family,” chef Fredi says. “We want them to understand that we’re bringing them more than just food — we’re bringing them a culinary experience unlike anything they’ve ever tried before.”

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LOCALFLAVOR good eats

Bar None

Welcome To Leela’s Holiday House Leela’s Wine Bar is no stranger to immersive holiday experiences, but this year’s version of their wildly popular “Holiday House” aims to be bigger, better and more magical than ever before. Once again, Leela’s has invited designer Karla Gallegos to collaborate for a fourth year in bringing each bar’s holiday spirit to life. Although the largest transformation is at the Greenville location, each bar’s design and collection of spirited cocktails will set the scene of a perfect winter wonderland. Guests are immediately greeted by whimsical arched branches covered in lights and ornaments. From the outside, the buildings are covered in large gift boxes and ornaments that set the seasonal mood. Stepping inside, you’ll be surrounded by white and silver decor with pops of red throughout. Looking up from cozy seating, you’ll notice the ceilings are adorned with snowflakes, ornaments and lights that look like snowfall. Karla envisioned the holiday pop-up as an “escape from the normal chaos the holidays bring.” “Expect a decked-out snowy winter vibe this year, perfect for a night celebrating connection with family and friends,” Karla says. “Even though there are lots of places for the perfect holiday candid, this pop-up is designed to truly enhance an evening spending time with those you love.” This year’s Holiday House-themed cocktails must have been born from a mixologist’s own holiday wish list with drinks as tasty as they are creative. The Ornamint starts with strawberry and hibiscus-infused gin, Italicus, strawberry, lemon and tonic and is served in an ornament glass, while the Polar Expresso is their take on an espresso martini made with Mr. Black coffee liquor, Frangelico, cream and cinnamon. All Things Nice is another martini that makes gingerbread and espresso the star attraction, while Drink Up Grinches marries fig and cinnamon-infused Mount Gay black rum, Cointreau, lemon, rosemary and thyme for one sassy sip. Of course, a night out like this also requires some amazing food. Leela’s Wine Bar has got you covered with a menu that includes their famous charcuterie boards and an extensive list of signature thin-crust pizzas that will have you feeling merry in no time.

Leela’s Wine Bar 2980 TX-114 Frontage Road Trophy Club 817.753.0220 Leelas.com

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2022

Sunni and David with children, Madison and Grant

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DEC 23 • 73

LOCALFLAVOR small bites

A Hole Lot Of Goodness

Voodoo Doughnut Comes To Lower Greenville Whether it’s an early morning or a late night, doughnut cravings can come at any time — that’s why this sweettoothed tourist attraction is worth the drive to Dallas. This media and doughnut celebrity has received praise everywhere, from “Good Morning America” to “GQ,” and now Voodoo Doughnut’s newest location casts its confectionary spells over trendy Lower Greenville. Established in 2003, the popular Portland-based company has a growing love for Texas, with more locations operating here than any other state. Its newest sweet spot opened last month in Dallas, marking its eighth location in the Lone Star State. “I hope that we bring a little fun [to the area],” chief executive officer Chris Schultz says. “There’s a lot of really cool chef-driven restaurants and bars to hang out, but where’s the fun part? Voodoo is fun. How can you not have fun when you’re having doughnuts?” As Homer Simpson once said, “You don’t win friends with salad,” and Voodoo’s The Homer doughnut with a hefty spread of strawberry frosting and sprinkles proves that point. Fan-favorite fritters like the Memphis Mafia, made with banana chunks and cinnamon topped with glaze, chocolate chips, peanuts, chocolate and peanut butter drizzle, also appeal to every common sweet tooth. Other must-tries like Marshall Mathers will have you lose yourself in the M&M moment, while the Strawberry Go-Tart will bring on the nostalgia of Pop-Tarts with strawberry filling, vanilla icing and pop sprinkles. Now operating 23 storefronts nationally, Voodoo Doughnut continues to push the boundaries with over 50 big, bold, out-of-this-world combinations like the bacon maple bar, a raised long-john doughnut topped with maple icing and two strips of cooked bacon. If you think that’s unheard of, try turning up the heat with the Ring of Fire doughnut, a take on traditional devil’s food with cinnamon sugar, cayenne pepper and dried red chili pepper for a sweet and spicy flavor profile. With an open-kitchen concept where fresh doughnuts are baked and decorated from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily, guests are guaranteed out-of-the-oven airiness with every order. Soon, director of operations James Waldner hopes to embrace Dallas nightlife and keep Voodoo open for a full 24 hours every day of the week. “It’s all about repaying the love to the community of Dallas and the people of Texas,” James says. Photos by Allison J. Hahn and Agave Photo Studio

Voodoo Doughnut 1806 Greenville Ave., Suite 120 Dallas 945.666.0121 VoodooDoughnut.com

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out and ABOUT THE NEXT STEP

PHOTO BY DRAGON MEDIA

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BUBBLES AND BINGO

76 • DEC 23

PHOTOS BY MIKE LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY

ME SQUARED CANCER FOUNDATION AND THE HEALING CHAIR CO-HOST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

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boarding PASS

WINTER WONDERLAND Experience the magic of Ice Castles

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78 DEC 23 • 77

BOARDINGPASS frozen frenzy

Chill Out

Magical Moments Await At Ice Castles

hen someone thinks about castles, they might imagine tall walls of limestone and captivating architecture that prominently displays size and strength. Brent Christensen’s castles all have the same thing, but with one chilly twist — he uses ice instead of stone. Founded in 2011, Ice Castles builds exquisite archways, caverns and tunnels for holiday revelers to explore not unlike ICE! At The Gaylord Texan. With castles located in Utah, Minnesota, New York, Colorado, New Hampshire and Wisconsin, Ice Castles are a winter phenomenon unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

78 • DEC 23

A FROSTY FOUNDATION Ice Castles was born from making the best out of a shivering situation. After moving his family from the sunny plains of California to the freezing chill of Utah, Brent needed a way to get his six kids out of the house and play. Putting his architectural skills to good use, he built an ice cave outside to his kids’ excitement and amazement. It didn’t take long for other kids around the neighborhood to notice the icy cavern, and soon enough, Brent had a popular winter playground in his own yard. Since then, the entrepreneurial architect has expanded to building 1-acre castles through

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thousands of man-hours in several states. The Ice Castles team grows 5,000 to 12,000 icicles daily through hundreds of sprinklers filtered throughout the staging area. The construction crew takes every element under consideration, including the location, weather, sun path, wind speed and water resources to ensure everything runs smoothly during assembly. After a few days of freezing and sculpting, those ice structures will grow as high as 40 feet and as heavy as 12,500 tons, more than earning its castle comparison. ICY ATTRACTIONS There’s much to do at the Ice Castles besides admiring the hand-crafted sculptures molded by local artists. Race to the finish with one of Ice Castle’s many ice slides, or cruise downhill at lightning-fast speeds with a snow tube. Dizzying caverns and archways will lead you through a frozen maze that you will have to find your way out of, and further mysteries await in the icy crawl tunnels. The Arctic Alcove is available for parents who need to slow down and take a breather. With a stunning view of the entire scene, the alcove serves as the perfect backdrop for a picturesque moment or a grandiose proposal. Additional sleigh rides also go a long way in setting the mood for the season. After a quick trek through the wooded trail, you’ll be back at the castle for even more frozen fun. MAGIC OF WINTER Ice Castles don't lose their magic once day turns to night. After the sun goes down, the ice sculptures light up in a dazzling display of colors that make you feel like you’re experiencing the northern lights up close. The Mystic Forest is a quarter-mile trek with trees illuminating your path forward, while the Winter Fairy Forest nearby remains lit with beautiful hues of pink, white and luminescent blue throughout. Whimsical winter fairies and enchanting snow queens will also greet you and your family as you explore the castle grounds. When the adults need a break, they should make their way over to the Polar Pub, which has a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options. Hot drinks like cocoa, coffee and apple cider are available for those who need to warm up, but if you’re looking to heat things up in other ways, try the Dirty Snowman hot chocolate with caramel whiskey, or the Toasty Spiked Cider with apple vodka. The Polar Margarita or the Snowflake Sangria are also great options if you’re looking to keep things extra cool. When you’re ready to leave, the Lantern Passage will light your way out of this extraordinary winter wonderland. IceCastles.com

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DEC 23 • 79

parting SHOT

SEASONS’ GREETINGS Santa welcomes visitors at 114 and Northwest Highway

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Melissa Tyson, 214-449-7020 Robert Tyson, 817-980-0683

“For the Tysons, Christmas means spending time with family and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. We love to take our girls skiing in Colorado every year to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. This holiday is all about gratitude, faith and family.”

Brian Edwards, 817-300-0658

“On Christmas Eve, my family and I usually share a big charcuterie board and then open one gift, which is always Christmas-themed pajamas. We favor experiences over gifts, and we’re big sports fans, so we love going to Mavericks and Stars games together.” (Pictured: Brian with his wife and two sons)

The holidays at home — from the experts in home. Southlake’s finest agents, on their traditions, travels and family time.

Nancy Dennis, 817-992-7889

Eric Hacker, 972-365-1677

“Getting to spend time with my family is the best part of the holiday season. When I’m with my grandchildren and ‘grandpets,’ life is good!” (Pictured: Nancy with her two grandchildren and three “grandpets”)

“My family’s holiday traditions include baking sugar cookies, crafting gingerbread houses and drinking hot chocolate while looking at Christmas lights. I savor this precious family time and cherish these moments together.” (Pictured: Eric with his wife and three children)

Jessica Smith, 214-908-4724

“Years ago, my two boys chose a family experience over gifts. I was thrilled to share my childhood pastime of downhill-skiing with them — and now we look forward to it every year!” (Pictured: Jessica with her two sons)

Kim Bedwell, 817-229-9445

“My family loves to travel during the holidays. Disney World has been the most fun holiday destination — especially with our matching shirts!” (Pictured: Kim with her husband and two children)

Best wishes for the Holidays and many thanks for a wonderful year! HOPE

C H E E R

J O Y

2023 SUPER AG E N TS

L O V E

PEACE

817.416.9000 TommyPennington.com All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in loWKOÛ KdbMWsWdbÛ pB_OÛ do zWsVMoBzB_ zWsVdts bdsWKOà __ aOBptoOaObsp BbM pntBoO TddsBUOp BoO Bllod{WaBsOÛ Jts bds UtBoBbsOOM BbM pVdt_M JO WbMOlObMObs_| yOoW OMà 2VWp Wp not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.