Lake Cities Living Magazine April 2018

APRIL 20 - MAY 18, 2018

DONNA MOSS HGTV DESIGNER

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

The

Smile

GURU Dr. PETER LAN There’s a

T-REX

Walking

Top 10

Gadgets

For MEN

Mother’s Day

DINING Options

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

DSW Productions/

Jurassic Events Read story on pg 20 photos courtesy of DSW Productions/Jurassic Events

You’re Invited to the Total Eye Care Trunk Show

May 9th 10am-7pm Come check our discounts on the latest designer eyewear & eye exams Call ahead to schedule For more details call 940.488.4228 3111 Unicorn Lake Blvd., Ste. 100 Denton, TX 76210

Take a look at some of the brands we carry!

4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

LakeCitiesLiving.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Writer & Editor Steve Gamel

Advertising

Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Stephanie Hansen Savannah Halfmann

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 YourCandidMemories.com

Letters

Lake Cities Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email artwork@murray-media.com www.murray-media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Lake Cities Living is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by

advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles

or advertisements do not necessarily reflect

What Can I Say?

I Have Many Offices to Write In

M

y wife has been getting on to me lately for bringing my work into the bedroom. It’s not an every night thing, but at least a few nights a week I am turning my laptop on, propping a few pillows up against the headboard, and typing away on my writing projects.

For me, it’s perfect because the house is quiet and sitting up in bed while typing helps me relax.

For my wife, it’s aggravating.

I can’t blame her. Having to listen to the tap, tap, tap on the keyboard when you’re trying to sleep is annoying. Not to mention, I spent a decent amount of money buying furniture for my office downstairs. My wife even prettied up the space to make it more inviting rather than looking like some boring man cave I crawl into to write my next masterpiece.

That’s just it, though. I’m a writer, and writers need a change of scenery every so often to gain a fresh perspective and keep those creative juices flowing. I like to think I have many offices at my disposal.

Some of my favorites include:

• • • • • • • •

Coffee shops The library Our backyard Our bedroom A waiting room Our living room A fast food joint My car

I’m sure there are more places I’m not thinking of, but you get the point. It beats sitting at the same desk every day staring out the same window searching for inspiration. And I’m not the only writer who seeks out different sanctuaries for creative comfort.

I read once that Sir Walter Scott crafted his epic poem, Marmion, on horseback. Maya Angelou was known for writing in hotel rooms.

I am no Sir Walter Scott or Maya Angelou, but I prefer unusual writing settings, too.

Unfortunately for me, the bedroom may be off limits.

We hope you enjoy reading this month’s magazine. If you’ve got a story you’d like to see, send me an email at steve@murray-media.com.

the opinion of the publisher. Lake Cities

Living is not responsible for omissions or

information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its

agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may

be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2018 Murray Media Group

6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

Sincerely, Steve Gamel Writer & Editor steve@murray-media.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover is: Donna Moss HGTV Designer and Dr. Peter Lan owner of Vanilla Family Dentistry

FEATURED:

THE SMILE GURU DR. PETER LAN ASK THE EXPERTS

ARTICLES

14 Makeover with Cloud 9 Salon

08 Top 10 Gadgets For Men

26 Edit This with Steve Gamel 27 Gardening with Complete Solutions 30 Fitness with Jesse James Fit

PHOTOS FROM LAKE CITIES

EDITORS PICK:

There’s a T-Rex Walking Down the Street

10 Inside Community 11 Inside Education 13 Future Farmers of America 15 Lake Dallas Basketball All-District

04 DSW Productions / Jurassic Events

18 Mother’s Day Dining Ideas

19 You Submit We Print

22 Foodie Friday: Barley & Board

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

28 The Must-Haves for

12 Jay Marks Real Estate

20

THIS MONTH: We’re focusing on man caves. You think you have the perfect man cave? Look for the icon to read the must have’s for men today.

Your Man Cave APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

Man Cave Article

Top 10 Gadgets

FOR MEN

2018 In

by Madison Reid

Y

ou might be looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day, an anniversary or a birthday. In any case, there is a variety of must have options introduced in 2018 that appeal to men having many different interests. You are bound to find the perfect gadget for the man who has everything.

1. Fitbit Charge 2 The Fitbit Charge 2 is an economical option for fitness buffs. The sleek, slim style of the device features an easy-toread display that monitors your heart-rate and other activities throughout the day.

2. Logitech Tunable Gaming Mouse Gaming enthusiasts will love the Tunable Gaming Mouse

by Logitech. The device has balance/weight adjustments, DPI shifting, surface tuning calibration plus 11 buttons that are easily programmed to fit the needs of gameplay.

3. Logitech Harmony Home Control The Logitech Harmony Home Control is the 2018 must have gadget for electronic tech enthusiasts. Along with being able to control the systems in your entertainment center, the Logitech also links with other electronic devices to control thermostats, lighting and more than 200,000 devices.

4. Rif6 Cube Convert a mobile phone into a projector that produces an impressive 120-inch display. You simply link your smartphone to the cube and watch Netflix movies or YouTube videos.

8 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

6. Life Straw The pocket-sized water filter ensures that outdoor recreation participants always have safe drinking water at their disposal. The device filters up to 1,000 liters of water and weighs a mere two ounces, which makes it easily portable.

photos courtesy of Amazon.com, Kegworks.com, Rif6.com, Bluesmart, Fitbit.com, Lifestraw.com

5. Sidebar Liquor Dispenser The Sidebar Liquor Dispenser is perfect for dispensing up to six different liquor or drink mix bottles to make your favorite cocktails.

Each button also easily customizes to dispense the precise amount of liquid.

7. Utility Wagon The Mac Sports Folding wagon quickly folds to a mere eight inches in height, which makes it easily portable.

The heavy duty frame handles loads of up to 150 pounds and the fabric is washable.

8. Divoom Voombox Whether outside enjoying a cold brew, entertaining friends or on a camping trip, the Divoom Voombox wireless speakers allow you to link your mobile devices to play your favorite music lists.

9. Bluesmart Luggage The internal GPS system tracks the piece to each destination using a mobile app. A built-in power pack also enables users to charge mobile devices. There is a special place to hold a laptop and an abundance of storage inside.

10. Jabra Elite Sport earphones The Jabra Elite Sport wireless pieces provide comfortable freedom, offer exceptional sound quality and stay in place.

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

INSIDE COMMUNITY THE MIGHTY THOMAS CARNIVAL The Mighty Thomas Carnival from Austin, TX will be returning to Lake Dallas City Park May 10-13th. With excellent food, entertaining games, and exhilarating rides, this is an event the whole family will enjoy. Wristbands and individual ride tickets will be available at the carnival’s ticket booth, unlimited ride wristbands are $15 and will by sold at City Hall and LD Public Library. Proceeds will help pay for the Lake Cities 4th of July fireworks.

19TH ANNUAL KIDS N’ COPS This year is the 19th Kids n’ Cops event where Lake Dallas Police officers and volunteers host a health and safety fair where children and families interact on a personal level with police and other public safety professionals. The event is completely free of charge and takes place on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 11am-3pm at the Lake Dallas Municipal Complex.

Calling all Crafters!! The Crafters of Lake Dallas and your Lake Dallas Public Library are hosting a Craft Fair on May 5th from 11am-4pm. The Craft Fair will be held outdoors at the Community Park. If you are interested in becoming a vendor for the fair please contact the event coordinator Whitney Rupe at w.rupe@yahoo.com or (940) 442-3076.

10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

LAKE CITIES SENIORS Thanks to local community support, the Lake Cities Seniors enjoyed an egg-cellent Easter celebration! Our senior citizens had a hopping good time in the community room at Lake Dallas City Hall! Every-bunny and their peeps wore their favorite Spring hat as they played an egg-citing game of Chickenfoot, danced the Bunny Hop, and feasted on all the Easter treats!

photo Courtesy Digger Crofford via Faceboook

OUTDOOR CRAFT FAIR

INSIDE EDUCATION WHAT IS GRAD NIGHT? Grad Night is an all-night celebration for Guyer’s graduating

seniors. Graduates will spend the night of Friday, May 25, 2018

enjoying games, music, bowling, pool, miniature golf, laser tag, refreshments and drawings for amazing prizes at Main Event in

Lewisville. It promises to be an unforgettable night for our seniors, the perfect send off after 13 years of hard work. Ticket prices will be announced.

LDISD

EVENTS LD Varsity High School Baseball vs.

READY FOR THE WILDCAT WALK Attention Guyer HS parents and family members, join our traditional celebration of our Graduating Wildcats. Seniors are recognized for awards and will do their symbolic last walk through the Guyer halls. Check in through the front office at Guyer, and then make your way to the Wildcat gym. April 27th @ 9:30 am

MEDICAL TRANSPORTS

FFA SHOWMANSHIP WINNERS

Lake Dallas Independent School district

Junior FFA member and 8th grader Blakelyn

would like to thank PHI Air Medical for

Erwin, pictured on the left, wins Intermediate

helping simulate medical transports with the

Showmanship at the Denton County Live-

EMT & Fire Academy students! This was an

stock Show. Corinth Elementary 3rd grader

amazing opportunity for each student able

Aubrey Caldwell,on the right, wins Junior

to particpate, allowing them to gain real life

Showmanship at the Denton County Live-

experience. Photo courtesy of the Lake Dallas Independent School District Facebook Page

stock Show. Photos courtesy of Lake Dallas Independent School District Facebook Page

Prosper Baseball April 27th at 7:30pm at LDSH Falcon Field Female LD Varsity High School Golf Class 5A Region II Tournament April 25th at 9am at the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club

GUYER EVENTS Boys Region 1 Track Meet @ UTA Maverick Stadium April 27th - 28th Girls Region 1 Track Meet @ UTA Maverick Stadium April 28th - 29th APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

Business Spotlight

“I’ve sold real estate surrounding happy times and sad times, and in good economies and bad economies. And no matter what the circumstance may be, my job is to help our clients achieve their goals,” said Jay.

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE,

BIG SERVICE ks ar

yM

Ja by

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE, Knowledge & Community.

T

hat’s the mantra Jay Marks Real Estate of Flower Mound lives by with each and every one of their clients, whether they are going through the home-selling and buying process for the first time or are well-seasoned.

Selling and/or purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions anyone will make in their lifetime and it is also typically very emotional.

After working in the real estate industry for nearly 25 years, Jay Marks and his team are fully equipped to help with whatever your real estate needs may be.

972.724.2540

JayMarksRealEstate.com 2624 Long Prairie Rd, Flower Mound, TX 75022

12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

Jay grew up learning about the importance of customer service and entrepreneurship from his parents and grandparents, who owned and operated gas stations in Northern Oklahoma. And that entrepreneurial spirit has followed him throughout his life.

At a young age, Jay joined the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, which is where he continued to learn the importance of dedication, leadership and persistence.

In 1993, he began his career in real estate and has helped thousands of families over the last 25 years buy, sell, and invest in real estate.

His boutique brokerage in Flower Mound consists of five team members who are all highly-skilled and trained in their various roles.

Jay and his team are also highly active in the local community, featuring local restaurants in their weekly Foodie Friday DFW reviews (see page 22 to read his latest review) for the last four years and local nonprofits in their new monthly Denton County Giving features.

“As a small business owner, I know how important it is to have the support of other small business owners. I love that

I get to call attention to these local businesses and nonprofits that deserve to be in the spotlight.

Does it help my business?

Sure. But more than that, it helps me feel like I’m giving back to our community by helping others enjoy success.”

Future

FARMERS America

of

R

by Adelyn Smith

photo courtesy of Adelyn Smith

aising animals and being truly involved in FFA takes a different breed of people.

A person has to be willing to put the group’s needs before theirs and be prepared for anything and everything at any given time.

People who raise livestock are so passionate about FFA not for what they can get out of it, but seeing what they put into it become something more.

When stock show season makes its way around, many stock show kids are hectic and diligent in their preparations for it.

The kids with projects prepare their animals, themselves, and study up on

what they need to do. When the time comes, families all across America load up their dreams into a trailer and head out to a stock show.

Stock showing is a hard life of late nights, early mornings, forgetting things, running out of something, meeting new friends and old competitors, and still giving 110% no matter what. Stock shows teach kids how to lose gracefully and how to win humbly. Pride, respect, leadership, and being the best they can be are just a few of the qualities FFA kids learn and possess.

An FFA family is one of the tightest knit families in the world. They play, fight, cry, win, and lose together. It makes them hard to find and even harder to break apart.

Stock showing is a lifestyle as well as a passion. It shows you what a person is truly made of and what they’re capable of.

Stock showing is a hard lifestyle for those truly in it, but every FFA kid I know wouldn’t trade it for the world.

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

Ask The Expert: Makeover

MAKEOVER OF THE MONTH

LU ANN WAHL

BEFORE

AFTER Makeover and clothes provided by

Want to be the next Makeover?

Email cloud9salon@cloud9salon.com and tell us why you deserve it!

14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

Hair Cindy Martin Cindy decided to do an all over color and added depth into her hair where she was heavily hi-lighted just in front of her face. Lu Ann’s hair was very fine so she reshaped her short hair to get some volume.

Lauren Reyes- Makeup

Lauren added full coverage makeup all over the face, but gave her a soft contour to highlight her natural beauty. She went for a dramatic eye look including a full set of strip lashes. For her lips she added a soft nude/pink to keep with her soft look. Massage Bee After a thorough consultation Brigit decided to focus on a relaxing therapeutic massage. Research suggests that massage therapy can help with dozens of physical, mental, and emotional stresses making it beneficial for anyone.

photos courtesy of cloud 9 salon

214.415.4806 www.cloud9salon.com

L

u Ann is a 56 year old writer and telehealth nurse who hopes to one day meet someone special, but after trying a bunch of dating sites nothing seems to have clicked for Lu Ann. She is hoping that makeover will bring back that spark and extra confidence to find someone to enjoy life with. Cloud 9 was happy to assist Lu Ann.

Lake Dallas Basketball ALL-DISTRICT LIST

by Steve Gamel

DISTRICT 14-5A BOYS 2018

First Team

RJ Hampton, Little Elm

Taveion White, Prosper

MVP:

Offensive MVP:

Josh Davis, Prosper Kahliel Spear, The Colony

Zach Wrightsil, ProsperÂ

Morgan Cannon, Carrollton

Defensive MVP:

Parker Brehm, McKinney North

Bryce Okpoh, The Colony

Newman Smith Zach Frazier, McKinney North

Newcomer of the Year:

Manny Brown, Lake Dallas

DISTRICT 14-5A GIRLS 2018 MVP: Jordyn Oliver, Prosper

First Team

Offensive Player of the Year: Tamia Jones, The Colony

Mackenzie Hewitt, Prosper

Defensive Player of the Year: Aaliyiah Clark, The Colony Amanda Fields, McKinney North

Chloe Adame, The Colony

Jarren Cook, Carrollton Newman Smith

Javion Williams, Little Elm

Morgan Helixon, Lake Dallas Jewel Spear, The Colony Mekayla Holley, Creekview Chelsea Wooten, McKinney North Ashia Pool, McKinney North

Second Team Brandon Frazier, McKinney North Malik Perry, McKinney North Brandon Crossley, Little Elm Ike Egwu, Little Elm Kyle Jessen, Prosper Keith Miller, The Colony Luis Rodriguez, The Colony Bryndon Looney, Carrollton RL Turner Kyrece Williams, Carrollton RL Turner Jalen Mullen, Carrollton Newman Smith Second Team London Scott, Newman Smith Maddie Cleary, Prosper Kennadi Harris, Little Elm Kennedy Ryan, The Colony Maiya Barker, McKinney North Aaliyah Castillo, Creekview Dorian Norris, Lake Dallas JoJo Elliott, Lake Dallas

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

The

Smile

GURU Dr. PETER LAN

by Steve Gamel

photo courtesy of Vanilla Family Dentistry

“What can I say? He saved my smile,” Mrs. Moss said.

“He’s my rock.”

940.387.2273 www.vanillafamilydentistry.com 3969 Teasley Lane, Suite 1500 Denton, TX 76210

The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network

16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

I

t was a typical Monday afternoon, and Dr. Peter Lan D.D.S. found himself sitting patiently in his office answering a myriad

of questions for an article on him and his practice. As the proud owner of Vanilla Family Dentistry in Denton, Lan, a soft-

spoken and self-professed perfectionist, had a lot to say, and he handled that

interview with grace and confidence. photography by Your Candid Memories (yourcandidmemories.com)

Yet as the interview was nearing its end,

Lan knew there was still a crucial piece of the story that hadn’t been told yet.

A few minutes later, Lan began grinning from ear to ear as

one of his patients,

Donna Moss, finally came walking into

his office. He quickly

of patients, including those right here in

with each client, and because he stays

to any other dentist office.

in dentistry, he can provide alternative

Denton County, who can’t imagine going “It’s like my hairdresser. I follow him

options for patients who come in fearful

said with a laugh. “When you develop a

tooth extraction are the only options.

around no matter where he’s at,” Moss

relationship with a dentist like I have with Dr. Lan, you’ll go wherever he’s at. It’s a relationship. He wants his clients to be

happy, and he’s not going to be satisfied

until you’re totally happy. That’s what sold me on him.”

Vanilla Family Dentistry is located in the Lakewood Square shopping center

photo courtesy of

on Teasley Lane in

Vanilla Family

Denton. Lan treats

Dentistry

patients ages six

gave up the seat

months through 90

behind his desk –

while focusing on

signifying that Moss

general and cosmetic

was the real star of

dentistry such as

the interview.

crowns, veneers,

and root canals to

“What can I say?

implant restorations,

He saved my smile,”

Invisalign, wisdom

Mrs. Moss said.

teeth extraction, laser

“He’s my rock.”

whitening, and full-

Lan, who moved from

mouth rehabilitation.

China to America

with his family when he was nine years

DonnaMossDesigns.com

old, stood by the

doorway blushing like that small boy from

many years ago as Moss spent the next 15

to 20 minutes crediting her favorite dentist for saving not only her smile but also

her career. Moss is a renowned interior

decorator and designer, and the host of

HGTV’s Donna Decorates Dallas. She also has a new show called Bling It On airing

this summer on The Design Network. Her smile and charm can brighten any room, yet she has quietly battled behind the

scenes through numerous and complex

procedures to combat what she referred to as hereditary tooth decay.

Moss happily travels nearly two hours

from her home in Arlington – just to see

Dr. Lan. She represents a growing number

up to date on the latest advancements

Dr. Lan graduated

from the University at Buffalo School

of Dental Medicine

and averages roughly 30 to 40 hours of continuing education each year. To put

that into proper perspective, Texas only

requires 12 hours per year of continued education to maintain a dentistry

license. That broad knowledge of dental specialties allowed him to complete a

fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

He was also voted by his peers as the Best Dentist in Dallas by D Magazine in 2017.

But as Moss said, at the heart of all that education and dedication to his craft is

that invasive actions such as surgery or “Since my mother is a doctor, I often have conversations with her when I am stressed out about certain clinical situations,” Dr. Lan said. “She understands and supports me, and the pearl of wisdom she gave me is to definitely treat all patients well and make my work as close to ideal as possible, but also learn to relax a little.”

Dr. Lan added, “I give my patients options. If it’s something that I know they need, I will tell them. I explain the pros and cons to everything, and ultimately do what’s best for them.”

That includes referring his patients to local specialists if the situation calls for it.

Donna Moss is a perfect example of that, as she has worked with Dr. Lan and an oral surgeon multiple times throughout the years.

“I’m very proud and particular about my work. It’s craftsmanship, and at the end of the day, it’s the patient’s needs that matter more to me than anything. So I want to make their visit as special as possible,” Lan said. “I”m so blessed that I get to wake up every day and say to myself, ‘Wow, I get to practice dentistry.’ I enjoy this a lot.”

For loyal patients like Moss, that commitment to a craft speaks volumes for Dr. Lan. She recalled how she went to 10 or 12 different dentists and specialists as she was searching for the right person.

a man who believes in comprehensive

“I’ll be a life-long client,” she said. “The

environment. Lan develops relationships

coming back. He’s my smile guru.”

dental care in a compassionate

trust I have with him is a big reason I keep

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

Mother’s Day Dining Ideas

by Steve Gamel

I

f you’re looking for dining options for Mother’s Day, there are a variety of local favorites and hidden gems throughout

Denton County. Below are just a few.

For you Italian food lovers out there,

VERF’S GRILL AND TAVERN

of Lake Cities, Genti’s offers everything

972-317-3390

Genti’s is a can’t miss. Located in the heart from pizza and pasta to seafood and

traditional Italian entrees. And let’s not

forget desserts like cannolis, cheesecake and tiramisu.

DOUGH BRO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN 2851 Plano Pkwy., The Colony 469-353-8182

1701 Shoal Creek Dr., Highland Village 972-317-2250

versions of your favorite classic dishes – all made with the finest fresh,

resolution, Jesse James Fit has his own

Mound 972-539-1902

recommends to stay on track. Start with the smoked Old Fashioned.

THE CLASSIC CAFE AT ROANOKE

504 N. Oak St., Roanoke 817-430-8185 This is not only a great place to eat,

best of Texas on your plate or in your glass – so how can you go wrong with that. They offer wine and beer on tap and a full menu.

fresh from the local farmers, so your food

choices are always different and fabulous.

RESTAURANT 972-899-9779

Give your pallet a kick with KANZI. The

GENTI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

bound to take home some leftovers.

940-497-5400

with your beautifully plated meal.

portions are big, which means you are

| APRIL 2018

blow your mind. Their slogan is enjoy the

is created daily depending on what is

accurate hours.

18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

817-464-8181

only upscale, but very unique. The menu

2560 King Arthur Blvd. #142, Lewisville

3700 FM 2181, Hickory Creek

CRAFT AND VINE

Bank, this hidden gem has food that is not

includes cooking classes and monthly dinner – be sure to check their website for

soon forget!

Tucked away in the plaza behind Compass

KANZI SUSHI AND HIBACHI

wine tastings. Join them for lunch or

a long list of wines. It’s a meal you won’t

5810 Long Prairie Rd., #200, Flower

but the owners also go out of their way to create a complete experience that

scrumptious. They also carry a full bar and

This taproom and eatery is guaranteed to

around. They focus on serving modern

It’s casual, it’s fun, and the food is fantastic.

JJ mark on the menu with dishes that he

pasta and enchiladas and all of it is

while being served by the friendliest staff

PRIME FARM TO TABLE

For those still sticking to their New Year’s

everything from steak and seafood to

310 S. Oak St. #300, Roanoke

local ingredients.

This is just an all-around great restaurant.

The extensive menu at Verf’s carries

Dough Bro’s is another Italian favorite that is sure to quench your appetite

SHOAL CREEK TAVERN

2221 Justin Rd., Flower Mound

Customers may also BYOB to go along

BISTECCA STEAK HOUSE

2300 Highland Village Rd., Lewisville 972-318-0515

This is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is delicious, serving

everything from steaks to pasta, and the service is impeccable.

7th grader Gavin Pearson is the District Champion in the 1600 meter race.

CONGRATULATIONS to Amanda Young for being Lake Dallas HS Teacher of the Year

Photos were submitted by area residents. If you’d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com.

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

T-REX

WALKING Down The Street

by Steve Gamel

L

ast month, Lake Dallas resident Dalles Wielenga put on a family event in front of The Original Joey O’s in

Corinth. Similar events are put on all the time by companies and local

versatile enough to cater to the average consumer for everything from kids’ birthdays to grand openings and various other social or corporate events.

businesses looking to spur

So when Wielenga unveiled

foot traffic, but this one didn’t

March, it was no surprise that it

community involvement and

his “toy” in front of Joey O’s in

have the traditional rides and

was such a scene-stealer.

games you’re used to.

“It’s random, isn’t it? And

“People were on their phones

you’re right. But it looks like

saying, ‘There’s a dinosaur

walking down 2181! You have to come see this,’” Wielenga

said with a laugh. “There were

Dalles Wielenga

people in their cars stopped at

the light taking pictures. I’m just

glad I didn’t cause an accident.”

Allow us to introduce you to DSW

Productions/Jurassic Events, a new

photo courtesy of DSW Productions/Jurassic Events

There’s a

See more photos on pg 4

Three years ago, he came across several comical dinosaur videos on YouTube

where people were pranking innocent

victims. The pranks were harmless and very popular, which made Wielenga

wonder if he could formulate a similar

concept and use it on a kid-friendly level.

“Those dinosaurs were larger, so I

wondered why can’t I take the same

concept and break it down to cater to the average consumer in the community?”

the community is warming up

Wielenga said.

to it,” Wielenga said. “We did

Since that first event in March, DSW

one event, and the Mayor of Lake Dallas showed up and was

literally there all day long interacting with the people and the dinosaur. I love being in the community and meeting people. It’s my passion. This dinosaur gives me a way

Productions/Jurassic Events has spread like wildfire and plans are to eventually

add more dinosaurs to the mix (can you say Raptors?). DSW was there for the

grand opening of Legacy Boxing Gym

in Lake Dallas on March 24 and has also

to do that.”

been asked to do a similar event for

based production company. It features a

Wielenga’s out-of-the-box idea adds even

Police Department, Liberation Coffee, and

roars, and is so lifelike that Denton County

company. DSW Productions specializes

it and business owners are searching for

videography for weddings, sporting

division of Wielenga’s Lake Dallas-

mechanical Tyrannosaurus Rex that walks,

more flavor to his existing production

residents are falling head over heels for

in high-quality photography and

excuses to have it in front of their store.

events, major competition events, and

Wielenga’s man-operated baby T-Rex can

more. Wielenga’s passion is capturing

13 feet in length (from head to tail). And

smile and sometimes cry. In his words,

talking about a movie-quality dinosaur

door into another life and adventure.”

get up to 9-feet tall and is approximately

moments in people’s lives that make them

keep in mind this is NOT a costume. We’re

“Each client I work with is a story and a

20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

another local business. The Lake Dallas

the Palestine Police Department have also expressed interest.

“I love to see people’s faces warm up

when they see the T-Rex, and I have to say thank you to Lake Dallas Mayor Michael Barnhart and his wife, Suzanne. Without them, we wouldn’t have generated as

much traction as we have,” Wielenga said.

“I am incredibly thankful for all the support we have received.”

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

Foodie Friday: Barley & Board

Barley &

BOARD

F

or years, everyone has been telling us we must feature Barley & Board on Denton Square here on Foodie Friday DFW. We are happy to announce that this week is your week, Barley & Board fans! (Also, thank you for the recommendation because our lives have now been changed for the infinitely better after having visited there.)

Barley & Board is located in the old Lacy

munchies like their signature bread and

Hotel on the Square. When they were

butter pickles, roasted nuts, pickled

refurbishing the building for Barley &

mustard seeds, and candied apricots.

Board, the original brick interior walls

I love cheese boards and this one was

were carefully excavated and brought

definitely the mother of all cheese boards!

back to life to help tell the story of

We also got to try out their incredible

Denton’s past. Everything inside of the restaurant is handmade by specialized artisans - from the furniture to the decor and even the plates your food comes served on!

The way they see it, there’s a little bit of love in everything

I love cheese boards and this one was definitely the mother of all cheese boards!

at Barley & Board - and

B&B Burger, which has been named the Best Burger by D Magazine two years running.

And after eating this guy, we can see why!

You can enjoy their Lunch menu Monday through Friday from 11:00am-3:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays they serve a special

that includes their menu! Barley & Board

Brunch menu from 10:00am-2:00pm. We

houses a purely from-scratch kitchen,

know we’ll definitely be headed back to

from the sauces to the cured meats.

Barley & Board soon.

Their New-American menu takes classic, traditional, homestyle foods and gives

Hopefully, we’ll see you there!

940.566.3900 www.barleyandboard.com 100 West Oak St., Denton, TX 76201

them a unique twist with an emphasis on creativity and warmth.

We got to sample some of their most popular dishes while we were there this week, starting out with their Mother Board, which is a cheese and meat board that comes fully stocked with other amazing 22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealestate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 2624 Long Prairie Rd. | Flower Mound, TX 75022

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

Ask The Expert: Edit This

Jackson: “Daddy, I love you, but I want

Gamel Funny Farm (Vol. 4)

W

elcome everyone to the fourth installment of the Gamel Funny Farm Blog. What you’ll

find below are random conversations

and hilarious moments I’ve had with my

family over the last few months. Our boys, Christian (10) and Jackson (6) are witty

and have amazing comedic timing. On

top of that, my wife, Leslie, and I are 10 percent normal and 90 percent goofy.

When you add it all up, you have the

Me: (eye roll).

Leslie: “Would you really have wanted me to use credit?”

Jackson: “Sign up for Credit Karma.

It’s free.”

Leslie: (as she types up an email) “Steve, can you spell ‘immediately’ for me?”

Me: “Why don’t we try and spell it

together? How do you think it’s spelled?”

Gamel Funny Farm.

Leslie: “I’ll just say ‘right away.’”

Me: (balancing the checkbook) “What’s

Me: “You are so sensitive. You should

this random $4 withdrawal?”

Leslie: “Oh, it was so I didn’t have to use the debit card at that random concession stand.”

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

be able to tell after 16 years when I am kidding and when I’m serious.”

Leslie: “Oh geez, Steve! Why don’t you just make me a flowchart!”

Mommy to wake me up in the mornings.”

Sitting down to help my 10-year-old with his math homework. I’m worried I won’t

know the answers. I’m just a writer, dang it! #outofmyelement

Mommy: “How was your STUCO meeting!?”

Christian: “Good.”

Mommy: “What did y’all talk about?”

Christian: “Can’t tell ya. Top secret.”

Leslie: (while at Nebraska Furniture Mart)

“Ya know, the furniture is nice, but it’s just not expensive enough.”

Me: ????????????????????????????????

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

The Secret to

Gardening :Ask The Expert

GREEN GRASS T

emperatures are enjoyably, things are starting to green up, and allergy season is in full effect......must be Spring.

This is one of the most transitional times of the year here in North Texas and can keep you pretty busy if your trying to keep up with things on the property around your home. We are going to highlight some key points when it comes to your grassy areas.

As the weather begins to change so should the aesthetics around your property. One of the most noticeable

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

is the grass starting to come out of dormancy and turn green. To help ensure you get a healthy lawn this year check out our “TOP 3”

2-Watering

A good rule of thumb is to ensure your grassy areas get on average 1 inch of

water per week. Obvious water restrictions and weather conditions should be taken into account. If you have not done so NOW is the time to get the irrigation

system on and evaluated. Broken pipes,

busted heads and/or clogged nozzles can

1-Aeration With our terrible north Texas soils ensure that you aerate every third year at a minimum. Not doing so will allow the soil to get hard, cutting off the amount of nutrients and oxygen resulting in your grass thinning and dying out. If you can’t remember or are new to the property, the quickest way to tell if it’s time to aerate is by sticking a knife down into the ground.

all lead to under or over watering. Either

If it stops 1.5-2.5” down then call your grass guy, if it goes further then your probably good for another year.

see improvements. Being realistic with

direction will have a negative result on your yard space.

3-Fertilization

Another way to ensure your grass is thick and healthy this season is to establish a fertilization schedule and stick to it.

Being consistent with this CAN offer

immediate results BUT more often will

take a few treatments before you really your goals and paying more for quality

products are two things to keep in mind.

APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

Man Cave Article

The Must-Haves for Your

MAN CAVE

by Steve Gamel

W

hether you prefer to call it a media room, den, mantuary, or man cave, every guy out there dreams of having one. They are great for watching sports, playing a game of pool with the guys, or sitting down to watch a movie on your very own big screen. They come in all shapes and sizes, and the benefits are truly endless.

So if you have a man cave, or you’re looking at purchasing a home that has one, what are the necessary items all man caves need? Well, that list can get pretty long. But here are just a few of the tamer items we came up with.

A sign that says, “You are entering the man cave”

PlayStation or XBox gaming systems

Dartboard

This may seem like a very small detail, but

Depending on your age, you may be

grown up just enough not to be interested

Granted, it’s probably not a great idea to

for a guy, what says “I’ve officially marked my territory” better than a sign that says exactly what their space is designed to

be? How manteresting! Outsiders beware because anything is possible inside the man cave.

in playing video games anymore.

But these days, gaming systems like

PlayStation and XBox offer so much more while doubling as a Blu-ray player as well

It’s not a TRUE man cave if you don’t have a giant screen that could make even Jerry Jones proud. Even if sports aren’t your thing, the big screen coupled with surround sound speakers mounted in strategic spots throughout the room give

man cave if it’s inside your house. But many man caves are right in the comfort of your garage, which is perfect for one of

as allowing you to watch Netflix, YouTube,

these traditional must-haves.

Multi-function recliner

Giant, comfy couch, barstools, and bean bags

What man cave is complete without

This sort of goes without saying, right?

and even live television.

Big screen with surround sound speakers

have a regularly-used dart board in your

a state-of-the-art recliner that puts

everything at your fingertips? Control

the lights in the room, the television, give yourself a complimentary massage, and even have plenty of space to hold a few

Unless you are a minimalist who prefers to sit on the ground (no judgment), where is everyone going to sit? There are plenty of options to suit every man child’s needs.

you that instant theater-quality experience.

drinks and your popcorn. After all, the best

Memorabilia for the walls

lazy as possible.

Let there be light! Put the true finishing

A wet bar and fridge

touches on your man cave with custom

Dress up those walls and wow your guests with posters of Oscar-winning films, framed autographed jerseys, a Fathead or two, bobbleheads, custom display cases, and even shelves to display your prized GI Joe figures from when you were a kid.

Again, there are endless possibilities.

28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

part of a man cave is being able to be as

Why not go full-bore with a wet bar and

mini fridge? After all, you’re going to need

Custom light fixtures

light fixtures that speak to your style.

Maybe have a light fixture made

plenty of space to make drinks and house

completely out of beer bottles or old-

watching the big game.

are endless, guys.

all your cold items while hosting parties or

school football helmets. The possibilities

Friday, April 27th for a nine round game of golf at Timber Links Golf Club. Tickets include 9 holes with a cart, meal, prizes, goody bag, shirt, hat & hole-in-one car.

Registration starts at 2pm following shotgun at 3pm $70 per player | $280 per team Go to www.cpch.org or call 940.382.5112 ex: 245 APRIL 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

Ask The Expert: Fitness

Shedding fat and building muscle is a

long and daunting process if undertaken

Getting Summer Ready Means

STARTING

SOONER

THAN

LATER

on your own. However, within the confines of your fitness bootcamp group, you not only get pushed to a level beyond what you could accomplish on your own but discover that the greatest motivation to reach your summer body goals

comes from those around you. Healthy

competition within a group of like-minded partners is one of the best, if not the best, method of developing your physical

fitness level. In the world of professional

athleticism, not only practice, but games revolve around competition. It’s what breeds excellence.

In a hurry to get that beach-body you’ve

S

pring has sprung, the weather is warming up, and you just realized that you are nowhere close to

being ready to wear a bathing suit.

Luckily, you are not alone. Many people

find themselves wanting to get in shape,

trim some fat, and build some lean muscle all in time for those brutally hot, summer months. Unfortunately, the biggest

mistake people make is waiting until the last possible moment to hit the gym or start eating healthy. As the famous

saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

This is especially true for getting in

workouts. In a fitness bootcamp, you don’t work out as hard or as often as you feel. Rather, you exercise as intense and frequently as your group and instructor leads you. By allowing yourself to be under the guidance of an instructor as well as surrounded by encouragement within the rest of your fitness group, you can get over the mental and physical barriers you would otherwise stop at on your own. It is here that most people start to notice drastic changes in their physical fitness as well as their appearance.

always dreamed of? Consider the

benefits of a fitness bootcamp: intensity,

camaraderie, and competition. At Outlaw

Bootcamp, our members have collectively lost hundreds of pounds during our six-

week challenge. So while summer may be three months away, it is never too early to

start the long road to elite physical fitness.

Don’t wait until the last few weeks of

Spring to finally pull the trigger! If you’re ready to commit to getting in the best

physical shape of your life, give us a call

today at 972.355.2639, or visit us online at www.outlawbootcamp.com.

peak physical shape.

One of the most effective, healthiest,

and fastest ways to shed fat and gain

lean muscle is through group-oriented

training sessions. In particular, bootcamp

30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| APRIL 2018

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit, Outlaw Bootcamp & Outlaw Fit Camp JesseJamesFit.com • OutlawBootcamp.com