photography by Kacee Anderson Photography
Cozy Coffee Houses
5 Places to Visit in Tarrant County Cozy Coffee Houses
by Craig Hewitt
For coffee aficionados and casual sippers alike, Tarrant County is brimming with cozy cafes and coffee shops. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil spot to read or work, or a vibrant cafe to meet friends and family, these five coffee houses stand out as must-visit destinations. Take your taste buds out for a flavorful journey through Tarrant County, where each cup tells a story.
Sip Stir Coffee House
1301 Solana Blvd Ste. 4108 Westlake, TX 76262 | 469.518.1117
SipStirCoffeeHouse.com
Sip Stir Coffee House embodies the essence of a modern workspace and gathering hub. Offering an extensive menu of handcrafted drinks and light bites, this cafe has become a local favorite. With its inviting, stylish decor, spacious layout, and free Wi-Fi, this popular coffee house encourages creativity for those working remotely or for those just looking to catch up with friends or colleagues.
Good Company Coffee
5723 Golden Triangle Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76244 | 682.250.2809
GoodCompanyCoffeeCo.com
Designed for connection and conversation, this popular cafe offers a wide variety of brews and delicious pastries. With inviting seating areas, Good Company’s cozy atmosphere is enhanced by regular community events and workshops, fostering a sense of belonging among locals. Enjoy your favorite beverage while making new friends in this welcoming environment.
Roots Coffeehouse
9101 Blvd. 26, North Richland Hills, TX 76180 817.503.7344 | RootsCoffeehouse.com
Roots Coffeehouse offers a warm and inviting retreat that combines comfort with exceptional coffee. Renowned for its locally sourced brews and homemade pastries, this cafe caters to all tastes. Enjoy community art displays, free Wi-Fi, and friendly baristas who bring a personal touch, making it an ideal spot for meetings, studying, or catching up with friends.
Kindred Coffee Company
8700 N Tarrant Pkwy.,109, North Richland Hills, TX 76182 | 817.581.4444
KindredCoffeeCo.com
At Kindred Coffee Company, you’ll discover a passion for quality coffee and community. This thoughtfully designed cafe serves exquisitely crafted coffee from ethically sourced beans, along with an array of delicious vegan options. With a welcoming environment, complete with ample seating and a tranquil garden, this eclectic coffee shop invites lingering chats, creative thinking, and peaceful moments.
Black Rock Coffee Bar
2305 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, TX 76092 833.843.5776 | BR.coffee.com
Black Rock Coffee Bar elevates the coffee experience with its bold flavors and stylish ambiance. Known for its signature drinks and innovative options like its nitro-infused coffee concoctions, this cafe also features a laid-back vibe ideal for meeting up with friends. The inviting interior and outdoor space complement its friendly service, making it a go-to spot for coffee lovers.
by Local Results Media
6 Ways to Prep the Home for holiday hosting
The holidays are coming, and you’ve got family coming. Or you just plan to have a party at your place. Before you defrost the turkey or trim the tree, take a close look at your home from a visitor’s perspective and determine what you need to do to transform it from family-friendly to guest-ready.
Here’s six ways to prep your home for holiday hosting:
1. START AT THE CURB
Go out to the street and pretend you’re visiting your home for the first time. What needs to be spruced up? It may mean removing annuals that have had their time, adding mulch to bare spots in the flower beds, or simply sweeping the leaves and acorns from your driveway and front walk.
Don’t forget to look up — did wasps or spiders leave anything to clear away?
2. THE ENTRYWAY
The porch and foyer are like a gateway into a person’s soul – okay, that might be a liiittle dramatic. But the state of your entryway really can influence how your guests perceive you! Are the kids’ muddy shoes and backpacks sprawled across the foyer? Maybe the lights are flickering on the porch? Your house doesn’t need to look unlived-in, but paying attention to little details like this will improve your guest’s experience.
This is also the time to consider where your guests will put their jackets. Do you need to clear outof-season outerwear from the coat rack or add hangers to the coat closet?
3. THE CLUTTER
Don’t leave your personal belongings lying around for guests to observe. Do a walk-through of all of the rooms your guests will see or be in and remove any unnecessary or unsightly items (that tangle of charger cords — we’re looking at you.) Tidy up the horizontal surfaces that seem to scream “leave it here!”
Also put away anything that you don’t want accidentally broken or spilled on — your laptop, the irreplaceable candy dish your grandmother left you, that wonky objet d’art your kid made you in elementary school. Not only would you be heartbroken if something happened, but the guest who had the accident would leave feeling terribly guilty.
4. THE RESTROOM
Now, this might be the only room you want to look like you’ve never used. The guest bathroom should always be a comfortable place for your guests, so they don’t feel like they’re invading your space while doing their business.
Put the family’s personal items in a basket under the sink, and remove anything from the medicine cabinet you don’t want nosy Nellys to know about — people are curious and WILL peek!
Restock the toilet paper with a new roll, light a candle or install an air freshener, and hang up freshly clean towels and a nice soap bottle.
5. THE SMELL
Those commercials that talk about nose-blindness don’t lie. You likely don’t notice your home’s unique odor until you return from a vacation. Since you spend so much time there, your nose becomes acquainted with pet odors and mustiness. Take advantage of the three perfect days of autumn weather to open the windows and air out. Use a lemon-rosemary mixture to make it feel crisp and clean. Simply
boil a pot of water and add lemon slices and fresh rosemary. Or add something beautiful smelling — like warm apple cider or mulled wine with cinnamon — to the menu for the gathering.
6. THE WINDOWS AND MIRRORS
You may look out your windows all the time, but when was the last time you stopped to look AT the window? Storms, pollen, and even pets pressing their noses to the glass, will all leave their mark. Even if you’re hosting an evening gathering, clean windows will reflect candlelight and bring a warmth to your home. Also take the time to wash and iron your curtains, as they provide the frame for those sparkly, shiny windows.
10 HOT: Wineries
10 HOT: Wineries
by Craig Hewitt
Adestination for wine and spirit enthusiasts, Tarrant County offers an exciting array of local wineries and distilleries. Each establishment showcases unique flavors and artisanal craftsmanship, inviting both connoisseurs and casual sippers to explore their delightful offerings. From picturesque vineyards to innovative distilleries, these top ten venues promise unforgettable experiences that will awaken your senses and inspire your next adventure.
3 Vino
206 Main St., Roanoke, TX 76262 | 817.491.9463 | 3vino.com
A unique boutique bistro and wine shop located in Roanoke, 3 Vino specializes in a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and purchase unique bottles to take home, all in a cozy and sophisticated environment. The knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the perfect varietal for any occasion.
Messina Hof Grapevine Winery
201 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051 | 817.442.8463 messinahof.com
Messina Hof Grapevine Winery carries nearly 50 years of winemaking experience in Texas. Located in the historic Wallis Hotel in downtown Grapevine, the winery offers an array of award-winning wines crafted from Texas-grown grapes. Visitors can partake in 40 different wines, premium flights, and special events year-round, making it a perfect spot for both wine enthusiasts and newcomers.
Bingham Family Vineyards
620 S Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051 | 682.651.8668
binghamfamilyvineyards.com
One of the premiere wineries in Texas, Bingham Family Vineyards focuses on creating high-quality wines from grapes cultivated in their own vineyards. Known for their commitment to sustainable practices, they offer tastings that highlight the unique characteristics of their wines. Located on Grapevine’s historic Main Street, this winery is ideally situated next to over 80 local restaurants, boutiques, jewelry stores, and art galleries.
Cross Timbers Winery
805 N Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051 | 817.488.6789 crosstimberswinery.squarespace.com
Located in a historic farm house in Grapevine, Cross Timbers Winery is a popular setting for special events or one-off visits. Known for its diverse selection of handcrafted wines made from Texas grapes, the winery features a beautiful tasting room where guests can sample a variety of wines in this classic setting. Cross Timbers also hosts special events throughout the year, including a calendar of live musical performances.
Landon Winery
(7 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area) | landonwinery.com Recently named one of the top wineries by Fox News’ American Wine Club, Landon Winery prides itself on a community-oriented approach, crafting exceptional wines from grapes sourced both locally and across Texas. Yet another must-visit winery in
Tinsel, Treats, & Trouble
TFoods & Décor that Could Turn Holiday Fun into a Vet Visit
he holidays bring warmth, joy, and plenty of treats — but some of those festive favorites can be dangerous for your furry family members. Before the celebrations begin, take a moment to make sure your holiday home is pet-safe.
RICH FATTY FOODS: Chicken skin, turkey skin, and gravy can cause your pet’s pancreas to become inflamed, which is an essential part of their digestive system.
BONES: Cooked bones are extremely hazardous for your pets to swallow. When bones are cooked, they absorb moisture and become brittle, which can easily break and get lodged throat and intestines. Check with your vet to see if they have a safer recommendation, as raw bones and rawhide may both be dangerous depending on your dog’s chewing habits.
ONIONS & GARLIC: Onions contain a component that can damage the red blood cells in dogs and cats over time. Just a small amount may cause gastroin-
testinal irritation. This includes all members of the onion family, such as shallots, garlic, and scallions.
CHOCOLATE: Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs because of caffeine and other components that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In serious cases, they may develop arrhythmias or seizures.
GRAPES/RAISINS: This is an unexpected food that is known to cause kidney failure in canines. Signs of poisoning are vomiting and hyperactivity.
XYLITOL: A sugar substitute found in sugar-free candy, gum, and baked goods that can be deadly even in small amounts.
YEASTY DOUGHS: Raw doughs that contain yeast can expand in the stomach, causing severe bloating or alcohol poisoning from yeast fermentation.
MILK PRODUCTS: Cats and dogs weren’t built to digest lactose the way most humans can. Like a lactose-intolerant human,
milk products will cause acute intestinal distress in pets.
POINSETTIAS, MISTLETOE, AND HOLLY: Holiday greenery adds beauty to your home, but not all plants are pet-friendly. Poinsettias, while rarely deadly, can irritate your pet’s mouth and stomach. Mistletoe and holly are more dangerous, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiovascular problems.
TINSEL, OR SMALL ORNAMENTS: These can be irresistible but are major choking and blockage hazards. Keep breakable ornaments out of reach, and skip the tinsel altogether if you have a curious kitty.
Amid the excitement, pets can become overwhelmed by guests, noise, and changes in routine. Create a quiet, cozy spot where they can relax, and remind visitors not to sneak them any treats. With a little preparation, you can ensure a happy, healthy holiday for every member of the family — four-legged ones included.
Jerry D. Hollingsworth, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD
In this season of thankfulness, I’m thankful for each student!
As the crisp November air begins to settle in and our campuses hum with the rhythm of learning, I’m filled with gratitude for the momentum we are building together. Students are deeply engaged in project work, discussions, performances, and games. The routines, connec tions and community spirit we’ve constructed are more than just daily tasks. They are the foundation of success and belonging.
One cornerstone of that foundation is simply being present. Students who are absent frequently, even in the early grades, face long‑term challenges in achievement and social development. Our campaign, “Here Today, Ready for Tomorrow,” is a reminder that every day mat ters. Each day present in school threads a connection to instruction, to peers, and to growth.
As we deepen our commitment to attendance, I’m excited to share more about our new districtwide initiative, the Premier Pathway. In partnership with Tarleton State University, beginning in the 2026 2027
school year, this pathway allows our high school students to earn up to 45 college‑credit hours before graduation, meaning they can enter college “Core Complete.” When a student is “Core Complete,” those credits transfer to any public college or university in Texas. It is an ex traordinary opportunity for students in EMS ISD as we work to ensure all students are college, career or military ready.
In this season of thankfulness, I’m thankful for each student who shows up, each teacher who guides, each parent and guardian who supports, and each community partner who invests. Together, we are cultivating a culture of achievement, connection, and belonging, and that matters more than ever.
Thank you for trusting us with your children, for championing the im portance of attendance, and for embracing the promise held in pro grams like our new Premier Pathway. The next chapter of our story is bright, and it is written when we walk into school, together, every day.
A New You: How Oakley Aesthetics Is Changing The Way People See Themselves
by Craig Hewitt
In the world of aesthetic medicine, many options are at your disposal, but if you are looking for someone you can truly trust, few names resonate with as much experience and integrity as Rebecca Reece-Porter of Oakley Aesthetics. With over 22 years in the industry, she has made a name for herself through an unwavering commitment to excellence and a patient-centric approach at Oakley Aesthetics, a one-ofa-kind med spa located in Fort Worth.
Rebecca got her start working in the medical field, from doctor offices to operating rooms in Colorado. Driven by a desire to do something more upbeat and more fulfilling, she began to explore the field of aesthetic medicine, performing pro bono tattoo removal for underprivileged clients.
Armed with an extensive medical background, she expanded her expertise by becoming a certified laser specialist (CLS) and an advanced certified injector (ACI). A true pioneer in the cosmetic industry, Rebecca has been at the forefront of innovations in aesthetic treatments since their introduction in the early 2000s, making her a trusted authority in cosmetic procedures.
lies a deeply personal mission to help others. Years ago, Rebecca suffered the loss of her daughter, Amy, who, like her mother, was an operating room nurse with
personal — it marked the end of a shared dream. In honoring Amy’s memory, Rebecca continues her mission to help others heal, carrying forward the compassion and vision they both held.
The moment you walk in the door at Oakley Aesthetics, that commitment becomes evident. Rebecca’s top priority is to get to know you on a personal level, which begins with a complimentary consultation. “At Oakley Aesthetics, we build relationships,” she said.
With a commitment to understanding her clients’ unique needs and desires, each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring that the results match the client’s expectations. Most importantly, Rebecca strives to educate her clients.
Yet beyond her professional achievements
a growing passion for medical aesthetics. She was preparing to take over Rebecca’s Colorado practice when she unexpectedly passed away. Her loss was not only deeply
What truly sets Oakley Aesthetics apart is Rebecca's conservative approach. “My goal is not to change how someone looks but rather to define and enhance how they look,” she said, illustrating her philosophy of delivering effective results without compromising safety or aesthetic integrity. Many clients come to her for deeply personal reasons, seeking transformations that not only enhance their appearance but also boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Among the many transformative stories Rebecca has witnessed, one client shared how she struggled to find employment due to her hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating. A few weeks after receiving a Botox treatment at Oakley Aesthetics, a bouquet of flowers showed up at the med spa with a note. “I got the job!” the note read.
Such stories exemplify the profound im pact Rebecca has had on her clients’ lives, reminding her of why she embarked on this journey.
To that aim, Oakley Aesthetics offers an array of quality services dedicated to en hancing your natural beauty and well-be ing. These services include FDA-approved neurotoxin injectables such as Botox, Xeomin and Dysport, which are designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with a more youthful appearance.
For those looking to add volume and con tour to their features, their dermal fillers
provide a subtle yet effective enhance
Of course, Rebecca doesn’t just focus on aesthetic enhancements. She remains committed to helping others with her pro bono work, assisting individuals in removing tattoos that may hinder their job prospects. Her compassionate and altruistic approach further solidifies her standing in the community. “I want to give people a second chance,” she said, reflecting the core values that drive her business.
For anyone considering an aesthetic treatment or seeking guidance on their skincare journey, Oakley Aesthetics offers not just services but a supportive partnership in the pursuit of personal confidence and well-being.
Visit Oakley Aesthetics in North Fort Worth to experience the difference that Rebecca’s artistry and care can make in your life. Embark on your own journey to enhance your confidence with a complimentary consultation today.
“At Oakley Aesthetics, we build relationships”
LOCAL COMMUNITY EVENTS, UPDATES, SCHOOL UPDATES & NEW BUSINESSES FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @287NorthLiving
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Lake Worth High School is hosting their annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The Fair will be open 9am-3pm. Our Career and Technology Education groups will be showcasing their programs, and Santa will be here for Pictures until 1pm. The Fine Arts Boosters will also be hosting their car show during that time. Free admission and all are welcome.
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
At Community Link, we’re reminded every day of the power of neighbors helping neighbors. As the need for food assistance continues to grow more families are turning to us for help. Your support right now makes a real difference. Every dollar you give provides 3–4 times more food than it would at the grocery store, helping us keep shelves stocked and hope alive in Northwest Tarrant County. Scan the QR code to give today and help us meet the growing need.
HOLIDAY MARKET
The Holiday Market at the Switchyard will be Saturday, December 13, 8am-2pm. We will have tons of vendors and delicious food. It’s the perfect start to your holiday season! This event is free and open to the public. It is located at the Food Truck Park located at 752 S. Knowles Drive, Saginaw.
A FESTIVE EVENING IN SAGINAW
Join The City of Saginaw for a festive evening at their Holiday Celebration, Saturday, December 6. The parade will come down Knowles and end at the Switchyard followed by a drone show, tree lighting, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be a variety of Food Trucks at the Switchyard! This is a great way to be part of our community and share the holiday spirit.
The Ties That Bind: How Serving Our Seniors Keeps Hearts Connected
by Colleen McCullough | photos courtesy of Serving Our Seniors
For more than four decades,
Serving Our Seniors (SOS) has stood as a quiet but powerful force of compassion in Northeast Tarrant County.
Founded in 1981, the nonprofit began when two social workers noticed a heartbreaking pattern — elderly patients missing medical appointments simply because they couldn’t get a ride.
Moved to action, they petitioned local churches for small donations, and from that spark, Mid-Cities Care Corps was born. Over the years, it evolved and expanded into what is now Serving Our Seniors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has faithfully supported seniors for 44 years.
At the helm today is Executive Director Elizabeth Grace, who stepped into leadership in 2020 — the year the world came to a standstill. While many organizations were forced to pause, Grace and her team leaned in with creativity and courage, finding new ways to keep serving their aging neighbors during an unprecedented time of isolation.
“We’ve always been about connection,” Grace said. “Even when the world shut down, we knew our seniors couldn’t be left behind. Many were already living alone. Our mission became even more vital.”
A Mission Rooted in Independence and Dignity
Serving Our Seniors provides essential services to adults aged 65 and older (or
60+ with disabilities) across 11 cities in Northeast Tarrant County. Their mission is simple but powerful — to help seniors remain independent and in their homes as long as possible, free of charge.
Their transportation program is one of the organization’s cornerstones. More than a ride service, it’s a door-to-door, heart-toheart connection.
Volunteers don’t just drop off seniors at appointments — they stay with them, providing companionship along the way.
“Our volunteers might take someone to the doctor, the pharmacy, or even to get their hair done,” says Grace. “It’s about quality of life as much as mobility.”
another major challenge for aging adults — home maintenance. Volunteers provide minor home repairs that make daily living safer and easier, from fixing leaky faucets to installing grab bars or wheelchair ramps. Recently, the program has expanded to tackle larger needs, such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical repairs, by building
The service is free, and nonprofit partnerships such as RideNSafe help extend the reach to those who need it most. For many seniors who no longer drive, this support means independence, dignity, and safety.
Helping Hands, Healing Homes
The Helping Hands program addresses
partnerships with certified technicians and local businesses.
“Falls are one of the biggest threats to a senior’s health,” Grace said. “We try to get safety installs of necessary items done before someone falls, not after. Our goal is prevention.”
Assessments are made in each home to prioritize repairs that promote safety,
UNIQUE
THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS
by Local Results Media
Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with good food, family, and traditions. It’s a time of reflection, giving back, and thanks. Every family has their own unique way of celebrating this festive season. But just in case you’re looking for a few new unique ways to celebrate, here’s a list of Thanksgiving traditions to add to your family holiday this year.
COLLECT CANNED GOODS
Food banks are usually overrun with volunteers during the holidays. Instead of volunteering, have every person bring a food item to donate. You can even have the kids decorate a box to deliver the goods in so that everyone can take part.
HAVE A FESTIVE COCKTAIL COMPETITION
Many families like to enjoy a drink with their Thanksgiving dinner. Why not make it a fun competition? Have everyone make a festive cocktail, and the one voted the best is what is served for Thanksgiving dinner.
TRY A RECIPE FROM A DIFFERENT COUNTRY
It will be nice to see all of the generation’s signatures for years to come.
PIE FOR BREAKFAST
Have you ever gotten so full from all of the delicious food from dinner that you didn’t have room for pie? Why not play it safe and start off your day with a slice or two? This ensures that you don’t miss out. And holiday calories don’t count, right?
THANK YOU JAR
Why wait to give thanks once a year? Try creating a thank you jar. All year, write down something that you are thankful for, and then on Thanksgiving Day, you can open up the jar and read all of the notes that you’ve added throughout the year.
if you don’t have time to prepare it, you could put together a Thanksgiving dinner kit with everything the family will need to make it themselves.
MAKE A GRATITUDE GARLAND
Running short on decorating ideas for your Thanksgiving festivities? Cut some colorful construction paper into thick strips, and have each person attending write something that they are thankful for on them. Then loop them all together until they make a chain and display your gratitude garland for all to see.
START A THANKSGIVING JOURNAL
festivities? Try adding a dish from around the world to your table this holiday season. It’s a fun way to enjoy good food and experience new cultures.
INVITE SOMEONE CELEBRATING ALONE
The holidays aren’t always a joyous time of year for some people. Not everyone has family to celebrate with. Whether their family has passed on, or they live too far away, it can be hard to spend the holidays alone. Why not invite them to celebrate with you? It’s an easy way to brighten
Thanksgiving isn’t a world-wide tradition, but why not bring the world to the someone’s Thanksgiving Day.
SIGN THE TABLE CLOTH
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect back on the past years. It’s a time to remember the people that you’ve lost and to reminisce about the good times had. Try having everyone that attends sign a table cloth.
HOST A PIE MAKING PARTY
Making a full Thanksgiving dinner can be extremely overwhelming. Add on a whole list of desserts and you’ve got a stressful day. Have everyone come over the day before Thanksgiving for a pie making party. That way, you’ll have a delicious display of pie on the day without all of the work or stress.
DONATE A THANKSGIVING DINNER
The holidays can be financially hard for a lot of families. Not everyone is able to afford a Thanksgiving feast. You could donate a Thanksgiving dinner to a family that can’t afford one. Even
A great way to reflect on not just the past year but also generations of past years is to have a Thanksgiving journal. Each year, have every member of the family write what they are thankful for in the journal. You can even have young children draw pictures so that everyone is included. These journals will be wonderful to look back on for years to come.
Hello Darkness My Old Friend,
I’ve come to talk with
by Colleen McCullough
Who is the CEO of sunrise and sunset? I would like to set up an appointment to voice my grievances. Twice a year, like clockwork (pun absolutely intended), society loses its collective mind over the “time change” — Daylight Saving Time (note: no “s” on Saving, because grammar matters).
This is where the clocks play their wee twice-a-year prank on us all — and I, for one, despise it. Every spring and fall, the same thing happens. We “spring forward” or “fall back,” and for the next few weeks, we all wander around like we have forgotten how time works. We all want to be in bed at 6 thinking it “feels like midnight.” I like light. Sun. And every time it happens, I find myself asking the same thing — Why are we still doing this? Really? Must we?
Let’s
Some say the history of this nonsense started for the farmers. Well, bless those farmers’ little hearts… but I am pretty sure
you again...
they were up at the crack of somebody’s dawn no matter what the clock said. Cows didn’tcare if it was six or seven; when they were ready to be milked, they were ready. They were udderly full. (See what I did there?) Roosters didn’t reset their cocka-doodle-do’s, and there was no telling the corn “hey wait another hour okay,” for peak picking time. Luckily now our phones adjust automatically, but my truck clock is often set in last season.
But it’s 2025, folks, and aren’t a lot of houses smart nowadays? Well not mine, as we know by the line of contractors that seemingly are always here….but other houses are smart, right?
I thought Texas had a fail safe electrical grid…(enter smirk here).
do the time-warp again!
It’s just a jump to the left and a step to the right….
Let’s start with the obvious — time change is an unnecessary, outdated, completely illogical form of chaos. “Spring forward” sounds cute until we all stumble through the week half-asleep, trying to remember what day it is. I can’t spring out of bed at almost 59, who are we trying to kid. With or without progesterone.
Others around the WWI era felt if the sun sets later, people turn on lights later — saving coal and electricity. But by looking at my TXU bill, it doesn’t seem to matter if I lived in darkness for 24 hours — electricity is expensive. Don’t LED bulbs save on electricity?
My sweet Gibson stares at me like I ruined breakfast. She is so confused. She sits at her bowl at what was 5 am but now it is 6 am (or is it 4 and now 5… or maybe it’s 4:30 and 5:45 in New Newfoundland), wondering why I’m moving slower than usual. She does not care one dental bone about daylight savings.
Then we “fall back,” which sounds cozy and everyone is gushing in the sweater weather season — but my body decides to wake me up at 4 am like that’s just the way it should be. I can’t go back to sleep, so I stare at the ceiling, thinking about all my sordid life choices, deliberating the proverbial argument of “we can put a man on the moon” but not agreeing on a consistent time system. Let’s all be Arizona.
Everyone pretends they’re excited for that “extra hour,” but it’s not worth the trade. Because by 4:45 pm, the sun’s gone, the world looks like bedtime, and your body thinks we should be in pajamas. Dinner at 5? Sure. But it feels like midnight.
Even the seniors move their dinner hour to 3 in the afternoon so that they can be in bed by 5 pm.
So we light candles, turn on the porch lights, and say things like, “Well, it’s cozy season,” to make ourselves feel better. But deep down, we know we’ve entered the dark side — literally. This is why Starbucks only has pumpkin spice lattes once a year and ends mid-November. There are not enough pumpkins or spices to suffice the inevitable madness of this maleficent ritual.
Every year, the experts weigh in on the fact that time change affects our sleep, stress, and health. I can tell you that tidbit of advice without a lab coat — and for free. We all want free health advice these days.
I feel like everyone looks slightly dazed, cranky, and like they just flew in from another time zone without the tan to justify it. There’s not enough coffee in the world to fix it (and now with coffee selling for 1.3 billion dollars, who can afford the luxury). Meetings start late, kids show up to school looking stunned and disheveled, and every clock in the house is lying in a different way. Car accidents go up, tempers get short, and the only thing saving us is the promise that eventually, our bodies will catch up. We are all one step away from owning a winery.
We can do surgeries with robots, have groceries delivered by drone, cars without drivers, but apparently, deciding what time it should be is too much to handle for the government.
Pick one! Standard, daylight, brunch time, wine time — I don’t care.
I have also noticed how the time change separates folks. Some people love it — “I adore the extra daylight!” they croon. Others (the realists among us) are just trying to survive until our bodies stop rebelling. Then there are those perfectly perky types who say, “Oh, I don’t even notice.”
Well, bless their hearts. I notice. We all notice. We’re just polite enough not to say what we’re really thinking. Which really, is something we should all be practicing on a number of subjects these days.
“ Let’s do the time-warp again! It’s just a jump to the left and a step to the right….”
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Colleen McCullough owns THE VIRGINIA MAY BED AND BREAKFAST at Eagle Mountain Lake. You can follow the B&B on Instagram and Facebook @thevirginiamay .
817.739.3935 11671 Randle Ln. Fort Worth, TX 76179
We can do surgeries with robots, have groceries delivered by drone, cars without drivers, but apparently, deciding what time it should be is too much to handle.
TShop Local THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
by Kelly Murray
by Local Results Media
by Madison Reed
he holiday season can seem like it’s all about shopping, and it is easy to get overwhelmed with sales flyers, doorbuster deals, free shipping, and online offers, especially from large, nationwide chains. No matter what you need or want to buy, however, if you shop local this holiday season, you will get far more than just your purchase. And every penny you spend benefits many more people than just your family and friends. This year it is especially important to make the effort and help our local businesses as they try and recover.
WHY SHOPPING LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS IS IMPORTANT?
While it is true that an online selection might be larger and possibly less expensive than local stores (depending on shipping costs that can inflate prices), a purchase at a local store is much more than just a purchase. When you shop local, you…
• Support jobs in your community so more employees earn paychecks they can use for their families and friends as well as their own bills and necessities.
• Enjoy higher quality items as well as more personalized customer service.
• This year, as we know, has caused major delays in postal service. When
you buy local, you can get the item immediately with no delays for shipping or problems en route. There is nothing worse than your package arriving too late for your holiday plans.
• Develop relationships with business owners that can lead to even better customer service for special deals, unique orders, and personal recommendations.
• Find more unique, one-of-a-kind options that aren’t available to everyone who has internet access or visits a big box retailer.
WHEN YOU BUY LOCAL, YOU CAN GET THE ITEM IMMEDIATELY WITH NO DELAYS FOR SHIPPING OR PROBLEMS EN ROUTE.
• You are able to help more local businesses since the business owners you purchase from are more likely to shop local themselves for all their personal and business needs. It creates a great community! Local business owners are the ones who support local charities that rely on local donations. This is unlike larger retailers that are more likely to donate to national charities and those donations usually do not help
Tarrant County.
UNIQUE PLACES TO SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Shopping local means more than just visiting big box stores and nationwide chains in your community. True local shopping means trying out one-of-akind small businesses and searching for more unique shopping options that can be pleasantly surprising with the wide variety of merchandise, gifts, and services they offer. Great options to investigate for your local holiday shopping include…
crafts, gift items, and many other unique options
• Garden centers and nurseries for holiday plants, outdoor tools, bird feeders, and more
• Art galleries that feature unique work from local artists as well as other art-themed gifts
DON’T OVERLOOK GIFT CARDS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM LOCAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS.
• Niche and boutique shops for clothes,
range of items at discount prices that often support charities
• Local bakeries are a great place to pick up gift items and also add something special to your own holiday dining plans.
• Spas and salons for locally crafted soaps, bath bombs, and other indulgent items
• Farms for fresh local produce, honey, and craft items with a rustic, nostalgic touch
• Local craft breweries for all sorts of local handcrafted items and gifts
Thrift stores for a wide
• Thrift stores for a wide
In addition to local shops for unique gift items, don’t overlook gift cards and gift certificates from local service professionals. If you aren’t sure what gift to buy this holiday season, a gift certificate for a future haircut at a local salon, a massage at a local spa, the next oil change at a local mechanic, or even holiday cleanup from a local cleaning service can be the perfect option. By shopping local, you not only give a gift to the recipient, but you also give a gift to the local business where you purchased it from and also to your community as a whole. And our goal here is to always inspire you to Live Life Local!
by Local Results Media
Step into the holidays glowing with confidence. Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday gala or that long-awaited reunion, our most sought after treatments deliver visible results that refine, smooth, and rejuvenate from within so your skin looks fresh, lifted, and luminous all season long.
Featured Treatments
VI Peel - The Glow Everyone Is Talking About
Correct up to 85% of melasma and hyperpigmentation while revealing bright, even tone with no pain and noticeable skin improvement. The VI Peel works within the skin to brighten, smooth, and stimulate collagen.
Skinwave Facial
A next generation hydration therapy that infuses your skin with hydrogen, antioxidants, and customized serums while gently cleansing and exfoliating. Perfect for dry, dull, or post summer skin, Skinwave purifies, balances, and restores radiance for a fresh, luminous finish.
SkinPen Microneedling
Stimulate collagen and renew your skin’s natural texture with precision microneedling. The SkinPen creates controlled micro channels that boost collagen production, smooth fine lines, and refine tone to reveal firmer, more youthful skin over time.
Experience the Art of Advanced Skin Care
Reserve your pre-holiday treatment today and discover how radiant confidence feels this season.
• Daxxify • Dysport • Full Facial Balancing • B12 Injections • Skinny Shot • IV Therapy
Hair Restoration • PRF/PRP Injections
• Microneedling with RPR by SkinPen • Customizable Facial • Luxury Facial • Hydrojelly Facial • SkinWave Hydrodermabrasion
• Chemical Peels • Dermaplane • LED Light Therapy • Laser Hair Removal
IPL Photofacial • Spider Vein Removal
• Varicose Vein Removal • Cherry Angiomas Removal • SkinCeuticals Medical Grade Skin Care