Life in Castle Hills Magazine January 2021

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021-THE BALANCE & BLISS ISSUE

Colony Chiropractic

OH,BACK

MY ACHING

OR SHOULDER OR NECK

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

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JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 3

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TABLE OF

Contents ASK THE EXPERTS

11 Healthy Advice with Texas Bone & Joint 18 Home Decorating with POSH Home Staging & Redesign ARTICLES 08 10 Hot Places To Find Your Balance & Bliss 12 Inside Community and Education 15 5 Things To Do 20 2021 Wellness Trends To Find Your Bliss 22 Foodie Friday DFW: Southern Drawl BBQ 24 Fashion Guide 2021 26 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 27 Why Testosterone Replacement?

28 Come In & Sit A Spell In Castle Hills 30 Let 2021 Be The Year We Reunite

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PAGE

16

Colony Chiropractic

OH,BACK

MY ACHING

OR SHOULDER OR NECK Cover Image Colony Chiropractic Staff Member

JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 5

Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors

Following Through On RESOLUTIONS

T

he holiday season is long gone, and hopefully, that means no more cake, candy, and tables loaded with food we shouldn’t be eating. I mean, don’t get me wrong, just the sound of all that is making me hungry. But now is the time to start thinking about what we can do to better ourselves — and start anew.

Naturally, a great place to start is by recapturing your fitness goals and being healthy. But it also goes beyond that. Typical resolutions that we should all follow through with this time of year include spending less time on work and more with family and friends, living life to the fullest, getting organized, and learning a new skill or hobby. Many people use the flip to the new year as a chance to clean the slate financially — get out of debt, save money, etc.

These are all great ideas, and it can be easy for many of us to simply say, “Yeah, I’m going to focus on all of that.” My answer is that instead of biting off more than you can chew, pick one — maybe two — New Year’s resolutions and put all of your time and energy into meeting those goals. You’ll be a lot better off and more likely to follow through.

Our family here at Murray Media Group only wants the best for you, your family, and your friends. We are coming off the worst year of our lifetime, and it’s easy to carry all of that yuck into the next year. But don’t!

This is our opportunity to start anew — to create the best year yet! I believe we will.

Thank you for picking up a copy of this month’s magazine.

We hope you enjoy it.

Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor

Steve Gamel, Brooke Ezzo, Diane Ciarloni, Jean Eisenmann, Jade Kensington, Caylie Howard

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock

Alyson Modene

Cayla Thompson

Photography

Miranda Longoria Photography

Your Candid Memories Photography

What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography

Letters

Life in Castle Hills invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial Inquiries Call 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Life in Castle Hills 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 the opinion of the publisher. Life in Castle Hills 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. © 2021 Murray Media Group

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JANUARY 2021

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JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 7

HOT

Places To Find Your

BALANCE & BLISS

1. SPAVELA Taking care of your mental health is a surefire way to bring balance and bliss to your life.

At SpaVela, you can enjoy an array of high-quality services, such as massages, waxing, microdermaplane, peels, and injections. You don’t have to travel far for a luxurious pampering experience. 2800 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste. 100 • Flower Mound, TX 75022 2. THE WOODHOUSE DAY SPA When finding your bliss, it helps to surround yourself with the right environment.

The Woodhouse Day Spa offers a blissful experience from the moment you step through the door. They offer a variety of relaxing massages, facials, and other rejuvenating services that are sure to leave you with a memorable and healthful experience. 4081 Waller Creek, Ste. R120 • Highland Village, TX 75077 8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JANUARY 2021

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3. ARGYLE MED SPA & WELLNESS CENTER It’s easy to find bliss when your overall health is a priority. Argyle Med Spa & Wellness Center is operated by Nurse Practitioners in collaboration with a Physician to assist in the overall health and wellness of all of their clients. They offer amazing services such as laser treatments, hormone/testosterone therapy, and skin rejuvenation procedures. Here, you’re sure to find the best for your wellbeing inside and out.

1490 Commons Cr. • Argyle, TX 76226 4. IMPACT MEDICAL & CHIROPRACTIC When your health is aligned, your life will follow. Impact Medical & Chiropractic offers a comfortable, caring, and positive environment for each and every one of their clients. They offer a variety of different options and services such as chiropractic specialties, general, physical, and regenerative medicine, along with message therapy and physical rehabilitation. It’s easy to find overall balance when walking out of their door. 112 W 4th St. • Justin, TX 76247

8. FRISCO YOGA & NUTRITION

5. HOT SPRING FOOT MASSAGE

Finding balance in your overall health is

Relaxation and rejuvenation are a must when looking for complete bliss. Hot Spring Foot Massage will ease your sore muscles, stiff necks, and any other aches you may be experiencing to leave you in peace and tranquility. They offer a range of affordable services that are sure to erase any stresses you may be experiencing. You’ll leave feeling like a new person every time. 1224 US-377, Ste. 207 • Roanoke, TX 76262 6. INSPIRE YOGA Yoga is the perfect way to find balance in your everyday life. Inspire Yoga offers a wide variety of classes and options to choose from that fit your wants and needs the absolute best. You can enjoy Yoga Teacher Training, Beginner classes, heated and non-heated yoga classes, and even workshops. You’ll be sure to find your center with each and every visit. 321 W Hickory St., Ste. 104 • Denton, TX 76201

essential to living a blissful lifestyle. Frisco Yoga & Nutrition is committed to helping you reach your goals on your journey to a blissfully healthy life. They offer services such as nutrition training, meditation, and FatBurn yoga. You’ll find total support in your journey to balance and bliss with each and every visit.

4040 Legacy Dr., Ste. 106 Frisco, TX 75034 9. REFORM & RIDE You’re not just a number at Reform & Ride.

You’ll find camaraderie and support while you conquer your challenges. At Reform & Ride, they will meet you at whatever your fitness level may be. They offer Pilates apparatus, and spin classes along with barre and yoga workouts. A healthy lifestyle and continued support will be sure to help bring balance to your life.

1125 Legacy Dr., Ste. 100 Frisco, TX 75034 10. YOGI KIDS & FIT FAMILY

7. ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS SPA You’ll find bliss with every visit at Absolutely Fabulous Spa. They aim to nurture and relax each and every guest with their variety of luxurious services. They offer a wide range of facial services, massage therapy, and waxing services to cater to each individual guest.

Their individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques will be sure to leave you blissfully relaxed. 8765 Stockard Dr., Ste. 903 • Frisco, TX 75034

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When your entire family finds balance, your home will find bliss. Yogi Kids & Fit Family offers classes for the whole family.

They offer a variety of classes for all age groups such as yoga, Pilates, dance fitness, and more. Your family will be sure to find a release from the stress and anxiety of everyday life when coming here.

3051 Churchill Dr., Ste. 250 Flower Mound, TX 75022 JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 9

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Healthy Advice: Ask The Expert

Why Stretching Is

IMPORTANT S

by Dr. Minn Saing, Texas Bone & Joint

tretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. It is a great way to take a break from your busy day to strengthen your body and calm your mind. Here are the reasons why you should incorporate stretching into your everyday routine.

• Reduce muscle tension and increase relaxation • Increase your range of motion and flexibility

•

Warm up first. Before stretching, warm up with a light walk or jog for 5 to 10 minutes.

•

Strive for symmetry. Instead of aiming to be as flexible as a gymnast, focus on having equal flexibility side to side.

•

Focus on major muscle groups.

This includes your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck, and shoulders.

•

Hold your stretch. Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds and be sure to breathe normally.

•

Don’t aim for pain. Feeling tension is normal, but if it hurts then you’ve pushed too hard. Back off to the point where you don’t feel pain and hold the stretch there.

• Avoid muscle and joint strains • Reduce the risk of back problems • Prepare your body for strenuous exercise • Improve circulation • Decrease your risk of injuries • Improve posture Important tips to keep in mind Sometimes, stretching can cause more harm than good. Before you jump into a stretching routine, make sure you do it safely and effectively.

HOW TEXAS BONE & JOINT CAN HELP YOU STAY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY The world-class team of orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians at Texas Bone & Joint

diagnose and treat diseases and injuries related to bones, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. They use the

latest technology and customized treatment plans to provide you with the highest level of care. Call us to learn how we can help you achieve your goals, so you can get back to making every day count.

877.314.8990 | TBJORTHO.COM | OFFICES IN LEWISVILLE, DENTON, LAS COLINAS, PLANO, ALLIANCE, AND NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

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JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY

ONEDERWORLD ART FESTIVAL Jan 23 – Jan 24 | Music City Mall in Lewisville Come enjoy many live performances and learn to become one of those performances with a full mall to explore! The purpose of the event is to unite and uplift the many local performing arts facets and nurture the communities next generation of little artists. This event strictly enforces Masks and Social Distancing, Sanitation stations will be provided. Completely compliant with CDC Guidelines.

INSIDE EDUCATION

2021 KINDNESS AMBASSADOR - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Lewisville ISD is seeking students in grades 4-12 to serve as a “Kindness Ambassador” for their school. Kindness Ambassadors are students who are proven leaders and are known for their kindness and compassion for others. For more information please visit www.lisd.net #LISDBEKIND2021 12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JANUARY 2021

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IT’S TIME TEXAS! COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE Sat., Jan. 16 | 10am | Behind Carrollton City Hall 1945 E. Jackson Rd. • Carrollton, TX It's MLK Jr Parade Day! Come join us by watching a FREE memorial parade through the streets of Carrollton. The parade is sponsored by Christ Community Connections, Inc., partnering with the City of Carrollton and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.

The City of Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the 2021 It's Time Texas Community Challenge! This challenge started on January 4th and runs through February 28th. Communities are able to earn points when individuals, businesses, schools, and local officials make commitments to building healthier communities by exercising, eating healthy, and tracking their progress throughout the challenge. Visit ittcommunitychallenge.com to register.

LISD ADDS 4 DAYS OF VIRTUAL LEARNING Fri., Mar. 12 | Fri., Apr. 16 | Fri., Apr. 30 | Fri., May 14 LISD approved adding four days to virutal learning. This will allow teachers additional planning and professional development time. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 13

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5

Things TO DO

3. AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE cloud9salon.com Aromatherapy massage provides a number of health and emotional benefits. Essential oils such as lavender, orange blossom, & peppermint offer unique effects to the senses. It offers healing & stress relief by stimulating the lymphatic, circulatory, nervous, & musculoskeletal systems.

1. SLEEP TREATMENT

2. AERIAL YOGA | urbanvybe.com

highlandvillage.woodhousespas.com

Aerial yoga, also referred to as anti-gravity yoga, originated in New York and moves yoga from the ground to the air. Aerial yoga may at first have seemed like a fad, but the concept has caught on and is practiced in several countries. Hailed for its many benefits, aerial yoga frees your body from the restraint of the flat, hard floor allowing for more fluid movements.

It combines anti-gravity asana (yoga poses), acrobatics, Pilates, and dance, and is favored for safe alignment, because it provides more length in your spine. photo courtesy of Urban Vybe Social Media Page

In a busy world filled with technology, kids’ soccer games, and stressful work deadlines, sleep can be considered a luxury experience. Essential to overall health and well-being, a good night’s sleep does wonders for your body. The Woodhouse Day Spa recently introduced a collection of sleep treatments designed to provide you with much-needed rest.

4. SALTFACIAL | medspafm.com The SaltFacial™ is a medical-grade treatment that exfoliates the skin with all-natural sea salt—essentially, it’s the ultimate answer to picture-perfect skin.

The three-in-one skin renewal restores, replenishes, and rejuvenates skin through a three-step process.

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5. ORACLE CARD READING puresynergydfw.com Ask the universe for a little direction!

Oracle readings are tools to help learn more about yourself, your goals, and the areas of your life. Robyn is a professional oracle card reader and intuitive that uses her connection with spirit to help connect to your higher self. photo courtesy of Pure Synergy DFW Social Media Page JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 15

OH,BACK

MY ACHING OR SHOULDER OR NECK

by Diane Ciarloni | photos courtesy of Colony Chiropractic

K

elly D. Smith experienced lifedefining epiphanies during her junior year in high school in Nebraska. It began with a schedule that included an anatomy/physiology class.

She was fascinated from the first chapter forward, deciding she wanted to find a niche in the health care community.

Smith was firm in her choice, but she also realized she needed to make two specific adjustments. First, she harbored an intense dislike of needles. Second, her aversion to blood was even more deep-seated. Luckily, her father invited her to accompany him to a chiropractic appointment a short time later, and her dilemma was solved.

“The first thing that struck me was the chiropractor seemed so happy in his work,” she remembered. “He was actually enjoying talking to my father and working with him. Until then, the only thing I knew was people had jobs so that they could pay bills. No one ever said anything about actually enjoying those jobs.”

Smith’s second and third epiphanies grew from that visit. She would become a chiropractor, thereby avoiding needles and blood, and she would enjoy going to work and relieving her patients of pain.

All of that was around 27-years ago. By 1993, she graduated Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and

16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JANUARY 2021

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became known officially as Dr. Kelly D. Smith, DC. After one year as an

associate, she established Colony

Chiropractic in The Colony, Texas, in 1995. As a result of the style, form,

and focus of the training she received

DR. KELLY D. SMITH (left picture)

aggressive, old-school chiropractor.”

972.625.4800 | ColonyChiro.com 4709 SH 121, Ste. 124 • The Colony, TX 75056 (NE corner 121 & Main)

at Palmer, she refers to herself as “an

There have been changes in chiropractic medicine since Dr. Smith graduated and even more changes since she opened

“Typically, we try to get someone who calls in the morning into the clinic that same afternoon.”

her clinic, but she’s kept well-abreast of

technical modifications. She’s no stranger to thinking outside the box. She’s a petite woman, slightly built. Yet, she describes her technique as “aggressive.” How?

Implementing the various chiropractic adjustments usually requires physical

strength to push and pull various parts into alignment.

Dr. Smith’s clinic tries to work with patients, from establishing their

adjustment schedule for pain relief to

“It’s a very physical job,” said Dr. Smith,

strategizing treatment options for the

every three weeks. The side posture

chiropractic care, therapy, rehab, and

“so physical that I get adjusted at least

best financial options. The clinic offers

adjustment is one that requires a great

massage therapy. In most instances, this

deal of strength and effort. I had to figure out a different way of doing it. If not, my shoulders would have worn out long before now.

“We’ve also seen huge changes in gender.

It was 90 percent male students when I was in school. Now, it’s around 50-50.

Back then we treated mostly low back

pain. Today, it’s around 50 percent low back and 50 percent neck/upper back.”

She added, “Many

people still avoided

chiropractic care when

I first began practicing; not so much because

they didn’t understand or trust it but more

because of the lack of

cuts back on the number of co-pays

required from the patient’s checkbook.

There are frequent surprises in

chiropractic care. The spine is like a

computer “motherboard,” with tiny wires reaching out to all corners of the body.

That’s all changed. Medicare now allows

up to 30 covered treatment sessions in the first year. There’s also increased coverage through the VA and private policies.”

that happens.”

Many people don’t call a chiropractor until the pain is unbearable, which is why Dr. Smith’s staff schedules their

first appointment as soon as possible.

“Typically, we try to get someone who

calls in the morning into the clinic that same afternoon,” outlined Dr. Smith.

“We do the consultation, exam, and x-rays all in that first visit so we can move on to the actual treatment. We want to get the pain under control – quickly.”

There are 32 pairs of nerves carrying

The staff at Colony Chiropractic is entirely

spine, and then exiting the spine at various

each person is an animal lover, which is

messages from the brain, through the

The spine is like a computer “motherboard,” with tiny wires reaching out to all corners of the body.

insurance coverage.

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multi-pronged offering under one roof

Dr. Smith said. “It’s really a bonus when

female (not by intentional design) and

locations. This forms, as a

why they go the extra mile to support

which controls all bodily

designated times set aside during the

nerves is pinched along

and established patients in exchange for

somewhere in the spine

teddy bears as payment for gratis exams

whole, the nervous system,

their local animal services. There are

functions. If one of those

year when they offer free services to new

its path, there will be pain

blankets for the shelter. Other events allow

plus something else may

and/or x-rays.

be negatively impacted.

“That’s why I frequently

hear patients say things

Dr. Kelly D. Smith’s junior year in high

school was a blessing. It showed her how to participate fully in the world of health

such as, ‘It’s crazy but I haven’t been as

care, while avoiding blood and needles.

treatments’ or ‘My arm feels so much

in her gratitude list the career choice that’s

constipated since I’ve been having my

And, all these years later, she still includes

better since you started treating my neck,’”

far, far more than just a job to pay bills.

JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 17

Ask The Expert: Home Decorating

• RHYTHM, REPETITION, STYLE & LINES: Where should we put the smaller pieces in the room to create rhythm, repetition, style and good lines?

Repetition and rhythm can be created using pairs of objects, colors, shapes, style and textures.

CREATING A

HEALTHY SANCTUARY

by Allison Fifer, POSH Home Staging & Redesign

A

hhh, the sanctuary bedroom. The ultimate source for a homeowner’s rest, relaxation and restoration.

It is a space that affords you freedom to curl up with a good book, talk privately on the phone, re-energize, speak intimately or enjoy special time with a loved one.

Despite these activities, this bedroom is often left undecorated, overlooked, overpopulated and cluttered…thus, distracting from healthy living.

Relaxing colors, plush linens and fluffy pillows all contribute subtly to create an atmosphere of welcoming retreat. Color is central to our emotions we feel when entering a room. When combined with the overall effect of a room, color can have a magnificent or devastating effect. It can affect a person’s emotions, energy level and sense of order (or disorder). Color also sets a tone in a home; for example, formal vs informal; masculine vs feminine; cold and stuffy vs warm and welcoming.

When assessing your sanctuary, keep the following five steps in mind:

• PURPOSE: What is the purpose of your space? Form follows function, so this room needs to work within the constraints of your needs and preferences. Obviously, the master bedroom’s primary purpose is for sleeping, but you may be surprised at all the elements that need for that purpose.

• SPACE & EMPHASIS: How is the space

shaped and what should the focal point be? The elements of the space must be in harmony with the architectural style of the room. There is a focal point for each room of a home. In one’s bedroom it is usually the bed.

• BALANCE, FLOW, PROPORTION & SCALE: Where should we put the large pieces in the room to create balance, flow, proportion and scale? The room should be balanced from every angle and visual weight taken into consideration.

It should have managed and functional traffic flow, uninterrupted from the entry to the adjoining bathroom. Furnishing choices are to be in proportion to the room and to scale with one another.

• OBLIGATIONS: Most rooms need plenty of lighting. In the master bedroom, provide practical bedside lighting.

Also ask yourself: is the room organized, clean, and well repaired?

Does it have good air circulation?

Baths should be sparkling clean and in good order, as well. For home owners, this is an obligation we owe to ourselves in order to relieve the stress, chaos, stuffiness and nagging mental “to do” list in our bedroom.

Setting boundaries and teaching children to respect your relationship are good examples for everyone in the family.

Remove toys, kids’ photos, desks, work resources, animal beds, etc. from the master bedroom. Why no kid photos? Photos of our children do not help to promote intimacy and romance in the bedroom.

This is not to say that children are not allowed in your private sanctuary! Some of our family’s favorite moments are snuggling together in bed discussing what we want to do that day! Share your sanctuary with your children on your terms, while teaching them to respect your relationship and space. And, set goals to declutter and organize your bedroom to create the sanctuary you deserve. It is important to get rid of items you dislike, no longer use, are worn out or outdated. Ask yourself three qualifying questions: Do you love it?

Does it fit your lifestyle? Have you used it within the last year?

Creating a sanctuary that is healthy is not easy, but is so rewarding in many ways. It is a gift!

940.765.2684 | POSHHOMESTAGING.COM | ALLISON@POSHHOMESTAGING.COM

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JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 19

WELLNESS 2021

TRENDS To Find Your Bliss

by Kelly Murray

M

any popular fitness and health trends came to light over the past year, from tele-health to wellness coaching and better health monitoring. Now that 2021 is here, we have even more wellness trends to consider. Here are just a few that will define 2021.

Wellness Ecosystems With more people staying home, this year will be filled with all types of home-based wellness trends. One that’s becoming very popular is the planning and creation of wellness ecosystems within homes. Implementing this concept in your household means that you can improve any indoor influences on your health, whether it’s the technology you regularly use or the architecture within rooms. For example, Circadian lighting is indoor lighting that can help improve your sleep by mimicking the natural patterns of sunlight. Air purifiers are becoming common in many households as people have become more aware of poor air quality outside their homes. The colors, designs, and other elements of your home’s architecture can affect stress and overall comfort levels. You can bet more people will make these subtle changes in the months to come.

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Immunity Hacks Immunity and improving it is likely to be a hot trend over the next few years for two reasons. First, genetic testing to identify weaknesses in the immune system has become much more common over the past few years. It’s more affordable and reliable than ever before, so many people are becoming interested in having their DNA tested. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic reminded many people of their own mortality, and many have begun to question their immune strength. Without immunity, you can’t possibly find bliss when illnesses or disorders can occur out of nowhere at any time. That’s why immunity hacks are predicted to be a major theme in 2021. By improving your diet, utilizing new health technologies, and being more mindful of your sleep and physical activity, a strengthened immune system can ensure that your 2021 is a healthy and blissful one.

Focus on Mental Health Society as a whole has made major strides in recognizing and treating mental health. All indicators point toward 2021 as the year where mental health will be brought to the forefront and prioritized. A major catalyst for this was the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress, depression, and anxiety all took center stage, with many people becoming worried about the future while being isolated during home lockdowns. Tele-health became crucial for healthcare providers who needed to treat mental disorders from a safe distance. While general wellness and health can contribute to your happiness, true bliss can’t be achieved without mental stability. In Denton County, there’s currently one mental health care provider for every 1,257 residents. While this isn’t too out of the ordinary compared to other Texas counties, it means that taking preventative measures is important for everyone. Mental health trends predicted for 2021 should be embraced and integrated into your everyday routine. This includes taking care of yourself by ensuring that you’re remaining socially active, opening up to others about your feelings, and taking up hobbies that enrich your quality of life. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 21

Foodie Friday DFW: Southern Drawl BBQ

SOUTHERN Drawl BBQ

by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

W

hen we last visited with Phillip Smithwick, Owner of Seven Loaves Catering in Lewisville, we talked with him about a dream he had to get back to his BBQ roots and open a BBQ food truck to serve the local community.

Fast forward to 2020 - private and corporate events slowed down allowing Phillip to pursue that dream of opening his food truck - now known as Southern Drawl BBQ.

They’ve got everything you could possibly

Located in the same parking lot as their Seven Loaves Catering kitchen off Business 121 in Lewisville, Southern Drawl BBQ allows Phillip to show off both his love for barbecue and his culinary prowess.

tacos on the menu and they’re all delicious

want on the truck including sandwiches,

loaded potatoes, BBQ plates, meat by the pound, delicious sides, and our personal favorite - their tacos! Phillip has three

but our absolute favorite has to be the

Rib Taco made with rib meat, grilled corn, cilantro, candied jalapeno, and pickled red onion.

In addition to being open WednesdayFriday from 10:30am-2:00pm in their

permanent spot, the Southern Drawl BBQ truck is also available for private events and they also have the ability to cater

events including corporate events, parties, and weddings.

Speaking of catering, Seven Loaves

Catering is still open, ready, and willing

to cater for you too! If you’re looking for

food for your event outside of barbecue, check out the Seven Loaves Catering

menu to see what they can bring to your event. They’ve also gotten creative with corporate events recently, pre-packaging plates for employees to come pick up from the office and take home or eat outdoors together so companies can still host and enjoy team-building events.

Every time we visit with Phillip, we leave inspired. We love that they’re a familyowned, local-focused company who are truly here to be servants of our community. And we love his passion.

So, stop by the Southern Drawl BBQ food truck for lunch Wednesday-Friday, or contact either Southern Drawl BBQ or Seven Loaves Catering for your private event and catering needs!

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JANUARY 2021

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JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 23

FASHION GUIDE 2021

by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of each respective business

24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JANUARY 2021

360 BOUTIQUE OFFERS FULL CIRCLE FASHION

Located in Studio 360 Med Spa 2300 Highland Village Rd., Ste. 300 Highland Village, TX 75077 972.318.3600 360 Boutique is your one stop shop for all of the latest fashion trends. They keep up to date with all of the latest looks to keep everyone looking 360 fabulous all year round.

This yellow and white stiped oversized tee is the perfect Spring stable piece.

The flowy sleeves that tapers down to a more fitted wrist make this the ultimate comfort piece. It’s easy to dress this piece up by adding necklaces or statement earrings. It’s the perfect option for a nice Spring day.

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HELLO DAFFODIL, HELLO BEAUTIFUL

SIMPLY COCO IS SIMPLY PERFECT

MAINSTREAM LOOKS AT MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE

2451 Lakeside Pkwy.

Flower Mound, TX 75022 469.464.4339 www.hellodaffodilboutique.com

1101 Shoal Creek, Ste. 120 Highland Village, TX 75077 972.318.3125 www.simplycocoboutique.com

5801 Long Prairie Rd, Ste. 810 Flower Mound, TX 75028 972.539.4800 www.mainstreamboutique.com

You can always expect to find the latest on-trend fashions when browsing the racks of Hello Daffodil. Their Spring line fashion is sure to make anyone feel confident and beautiful.

It’s time to show up to glow up with the new spring fashion, and Simply Coco is definitely pulling out all of the stops. They are always on top of the latest trends and that fact is, again, being proven with their new spring line.

At Mainstream Boutique, you’ll always leave with the latest trends. Their new spring line is on point with all of the latest looks for this season. Their up to date approach on fashion is always a win in the industry.

This long-sleeved hooded tee is the perfect combination of cute and cozy. The gray of the sleeves has a perfect transition to the yellow of the body. And the striped design adds a beautiful and fun dimension to the piece. This is paired perfectly with a pair of distressed jeans and white laced shoes for a more casual look.

This flared gray top is a staple in any wardrobe. You can dress it up with statement necklaces and bracelets.

The flow of the top leaves a flattering appearance on any body type. It’s a for sure way to look cute while also feeling comfy and cozy.

Our new favorite every day dress! Add a Lack of Color hat, an arm full of bracelets, and booties for a boho spring vibe, or throw on your Gola sneakers and big fun hoops for a sporty look. You can’t go wrong with Trixy’s elastic waist and ruffled front detail! She includes hook and eye at the bust for added comfort.

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JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 25

SHERIFF’S W I T H

S H E R I F F

K

-9 Nilo was born on December 15, 2011, in the Netherlands and was named “Daffe.” He was purchased and imported to the United States in August of 2013. In the fall of 2013, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office committed to building a K-9 program to help serve Denton County citizens. K-9 Nilo was the first K-9 selected to join our agency, and he and his handler began training in Louisiana. After Nilo and his handler completed training in March of 2014, he hit the streets working. Nilo continued to work with his original handler until the fall of 2017 when he was assigned a new handler. Nilo’s new handler, Deputy Corey Halfmann, was his partner until his end of watch on December 14, 2020, due to a terminal illness. K-9 Nilo’s end of watch was just one day shy of his birthday.

Nilo’s spent his entire career working Criminal Interdiction. Hunting illegal contraband smugglers was his passion.

In doing so, Nilo assisted in the seizure of thousands of pounds of narcotics and millions in assets seized from narcotics smugglers, drug dealers, and other criminals. His largest single narcotics seizure was 445 pounds on a traffic stop. K-9 Nilo was known throughout the North Texas K-9 World as one of the best narcotic sniffing K-9s around. His reputation in the criminal interdiction world was so good that state and federal agencies across North Texas called for his

T R A C Y

assistance numerous times. Officers from other agencies respected Nilo and were always happy to have him assist.

Nilo’s handler, Deputy Corey Halfmann, shares these sentiments: “On every traffic stop I would make, K-9 Nilo would become fully alert and would always stand up and watch every move I made from the vehicle through the front kennel door. On one traffic stop, he was able to get through his kennel door and was in my front seat. What was great was that he had his paw on the light bar and siren buttons and was hitting them. So there I was, trying to get through this stop, and my sirens and lights are on and off and changing constantly because Nilo keeps hitting the buttons with his paws.

I can say with certainty that on numerous occasions when dealing with violent criminals, the sound of Nilo’s bark always deterred the aggressive behavior of the person I was dealing with. There is no telling how many times his bark saved my life. I have never had a criminal attempt to violently confront me once they heard Nilo barking.

Nilo was one of the most kind and gentle K-9s around. He was very sociable and loved kids. Sometimes, I think he loved them more than me. He loved going up to kids and pushing all his weight on them so they would have to wrap their arms around him to stay balanced.

M U R P H R E E

WE ARE

HIRING

If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization.

Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year.

Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty

All the way up until the end, K-9 Nilo loved to work. I would go outside in the morning and start my unit only to hear K-9 Nilo start his excited yelping because he knew it was time to go to work. That boy would race out of the house and sit at the door of my unit, waiting for me to open it. There was nothing he loved more than going to work.

Most people have no idea the bond a handler has with his K-9 partner. I did not really even know how tight our bond was until the loss of him. It one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with.”

K-9 Nilo spent his last days with his handler and family at home, celebrating his birthday with cake and treats. DCSO was honored by Nilo’s service, and he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, K-9 Nilo!

940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JANUARY 2021

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WHY TESTOSTERONE

REPLACEMENT?

S

by Ashley Wagner | photo courtesy of Ashley Wagner

ince this issue is focused on health and fitness, we felt it was the perfect time to give you the inside scoop on testosterone therapy and dispel a few myths surrounding this topic. There has been an explosion of popularity surrounding this curious little hormone, and most of the individuals in the 40-and-over age group who have tried it won’t ever go back to life without it. Let’s start with the basics though: what is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone produced normally by both men and women. Among other things, it plays an important role in bone mass, sex drive, maintaining lean

muscle mass, mental well-being, and energy. In men, it is produced in the testicles.

In women, it is produced mostly in the ovaries and adrenal glands. As you probably suspected, women produce much less than men, but it does not mean it is less important to women. Let me say that again for emphasis — it is not less important to women! As we age, like everything else, our testosterone levels decline. As a result, maintaining lean muscle becomes much harder, and our energy levels and libido often decline. In other words, if you are over 40 and do not like maintaining lean muscle, you don’t like energy, and you don’t enjoy sex, then you should probably stay away from testosterone.

How do we increase testosterone levels? There are several options that I would love to discuss with you in further detail when you come in for a visit, but you can use creams, injections, or pellets to bring your testosterone to a high-normal value. The goal is to optimize your levels. Normal levels in women range from 15 to 70ng/dL. In men, the normal range is from 300 to 1,000ng/dL. What if your level is 15 for a woman or 300 for a man, but you would feel better, think better, and stay leaner at 70-90 for a woman or 1,000-1,100 for a man? Does it not make sense to supplement what your own body makes?

Women often ask if it will make them look masculine, and men worry it may turn them into a muscle-bound freak. The short answer to both of these worries is no. Remember that we are optimizing your levels, not taking you to four, five, or ten times over what is considered normal.

Does insurance cover it? First, we do not accept insurance because we believe insurance does not allow us to spend the necessary time to really focus on you and your hormone goals. We check labs regularly and do things insurance won’t pay for and frankly won’t understand. In the interest of full disclosure, there are places that will accept your insurance if your levels are low enough. However, we provide a higher level of care than insurance allows. We also offer hormone replacement therapy memberships that provide consistent, affordable treatment to our patients.

Ashley Wagner, Nurse Practitioner Ashley developed a passion for helping people early in life and elected to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing and a Master’s Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has served as an Emergency Room Nurse at Baylor University Medical Center Level 1 Trauma Center, worked in the Parkland Hospital Emergency Room Level 1 Trauma Center and successfully completed her Critical Care Residency, and excelled into leadership positions including Charge Nurse and became a preceptor for new graduate nurses before pursuing her career as a Nurse Practitioner in Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. At Live Young Wellness Spa, Ashley now performs injectables and specializes in the medical management for our Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy patients.

Playwright George Bernard Shaw said, “Youth is wasted on the young,” and undoubtedly meant it to be humorous. But I firmly believe you can maintain some of that youthful energy by replacing the hormones your body cannot quite produce at the same levels anymore. We see a limited number of clients for hormone replacement therapy and have had a waiting list for this high demand treatment. Give us a call and schedule your appointment today. We would love to meet you and help you optimize your hormones! www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

2931 Long Prairie Rd, Ste.100 Flower Mound, TX 75022 972.691.7900 liveyoungspa.com JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 27

COME IN &

Sit A Spell

CASTLE HILLS IN

P

by Diane Ciarloni | photo courtesy of Jamie Hawkes

orches, an architectural design addition unique to American residences, proliferated across the country from the 1880s through the 1920s. They were, of course, more prevalent in the southern regions due to the more temperate climate.

We didn’t realize it then, but porches were important building blocks for neighborhoods. Plants hanging from the ceiling. Maybe a swing.

Rocking chairs with little tables for glasses of sweet tea. People sat and visited, discussing their latest hopes, dreams, fears, and who was “expecting,” neighbors.

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JANUARY 2021

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By the 1930s and ‘40s, the country’s focus turned to desires for modernization. The magazines reinforced the trend, telling readers to sell their homes more quickly and for more money by updating. Begin the process, they said, by ripping off your porch. Build patios in the back and add privacy fences. No one thought about having both. Porches disappeared by the 1960s, and society, as a whole, changed.

In 1952, just as the last porches fell to demolition and faded from architects’ drawing boards, a Texan named H.R. “Bum” Bright purchased a piece of land in Lewisville. He wasn’t sure of the land’s final destiny, but he knew, instinctively, that land is a precious commodity. For the next few decades, it was referred to as “the farm” by the Bright family – father, mother, two sons, and two daughters. That’s where they spend weekends, summers, and holidays.

They grew up “in the country” fishing, camping, hunting, and riding horses.

Every home is within walking distance of a park estate, savings, and loans. Those financial ventures allowed him to buy the land.”

“The land” totals 2,900 acres, a beautiful master-planned community where – guess what – every house has a front porch!

“Dad invested in oil and natural gas leases after World War II,” explained Chris Bright.

Until brother Clay’s recent death, Chris and Clay ran Bright Industries together.

Today, it’s just Chris. “Dad eventually expanded into trucking, banks, real

“Fostering a sense of community has always been an important part of the Castle Hills plan,” Chris said. “We developed the community so neighbors could know one another and even become lifelong friends. Families can sit outside on their porches and get to know one another. Every home is within walking distance of a park, where residents can meet more neighbors. We have a

Fostering a sense of community has always been important Photo of Clay and Bum

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community garden. We have our Village Shops in the middle of the community.

The focus was to create a small-town dynamic within an urban environment.”

Castle Hills, so named because H.R. Bright was a true lover of Arthurian legends, is a beautifully designed and executed “one-stop-shop.”

“We have a school here,” noted Chris.

“That means our residents can live here, send their kids to school here, office, dine, and shop here. And, like many small towns, there’s no need for people to ever move. We provide a variety of residential environments to accommodate young parents to empty-nesters. Several of our families are on their third or fourth homes within the community. One of our special hopes is to recreate the tradition of extended family living in Castle Hills.

Having conveniently accessible family support was important when I was a kid — and it still is. And, with almost 3,000 acres to use, we can do it without living on top of anyone.”

The Bright family is the epitome of Texas.

Chris, his mother, and his siblings are native to the state. His father was born in Oklahoma but moved to Texas while in elementary school. Need more pedigree?

H.R. “Bum” Bright owned the Dallas Cowboys from 1984 to 1989. That, along with the porches, about wraps it all up.

JANUARY 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 29

LET 2021

BE THE YEAR

WE REUNITE

by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads

I

t is an understatement to say we faced a variety of hardships in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic wrought challenges on all of us globally, across the U.S., and here locally in Denton County.

It affected us in many ways – personally, professionally, and even politically.

While many of us come from different political spectrums, it is important to remember we are all in this together – side by side – as we struggle and surmount the issues before us.

“Shall we expect some transatlantic

military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of

Europe, Asia, and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own

excepted) in their military chest, with

a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force take a drink from

“...If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher...”

A passage from one of President Abraham Lincoln’s many memorable speeches comes to mind. In this one, given in 1838 in Springfield, Ill., he warns of a destructive force from within that could undercut the political system established by the Founding Fathers.

the Ohio or make a track on the Blue Ridge in a trial of

a thousand years. At what

point then is the approach

of danger to be expected?

“I answer. If it ever reach us,

it must spring up amongst us;

it cannot come from abroad. If

destruction be our lot we must ourselves

be its author and finisher. As a nation of

freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide.”

This message conveys a tone that rings as true today as it did 182 years ago. Let me

repeat Lincoln’s point for emphasis: What challenges us is not so much destruction abroad as destruction from within.

At a time when political division reigns supreme, it behooves us to remember we are all U.S. citizens, fellow residents, and even neighbors.

A pandemic the likes of which no one presently living has ever experienced pushed us beyond our personal limits.

Our opinions now differ on everything from how it happened to how it ends.

We even differ on the term “pandemic.”

Those differences make our country unique and unlike any government in the world. These differences also carry the preeminent potential for our downfall, as Lincoln’s prophetic words point out.

As we enter this New Year, we can agree to disagree yet still achieve the longstanding unity our citizenship affords us.

While technology has been a great resource for us all here in 2020, my hope for 2021 is that we all find an opportunity to potentially disconnect and unplug from technology in order to personally reconnect with each other when the time is right and the pandemic, for the most part, has passed. We need to re-establish torn ties and forge new friendships, particularly those with whom we disagree.

Our differences should become a rallying point from which we learn about each other and ourselves.

I challenge everyone to connect and engage with local organizations that allow us to work together toward a common goal. Together, we can accomplish far more than separately.

Let 2021 be the year we reunite as one people, one nation.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you.

940.349.2820 | andy.eads@dentoncounty.com | www.Dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JANUARY 2021

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