Life in Castle Hills Magazine May 2019

THE MAKINGS OF THE

PERFECT MAN CAVE

SUMMER CAMP

ACTIVITIES

HOME DESIGN 2019 TRENDS

MAY 17, 2019 - JUNE 21, 2019

MORE THAN JUST

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MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

Castle Hills Residents

EASTER PHOTOS 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.

4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

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MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

CastleHillsMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor

Steve Gamel Barbara-Scott Kolb

Advertising Manager

Kim West 972.357.6932 kim@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

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 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

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. © 2019 Murray Media Group

FROM

Mother’s Day

TO FATHER’S DAY

M

y column last month focused on Mother’s Day and all the many blessings I’ve experienced over the years.

My husband, Scott, and our kids always go out of their way to make me feel like the best mother on earth – not just with the homemade gifts and expensive dinners on that single day but every day of the year.

I’m truly blessed to be a mom and wife.

But as we turn the page to May and inch closer and closer to Father’s Day on June 16, I urge you not to forget to show love to dear ol’ dad. A father is an equally important piece to the family dynamic, and as good of a mom as I try to be, I know my kids wouldn’t be where they are today without Scott. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without him as my husband.

I also know I wouldn’t be where I am without my daddy.

Our kids are lucky to have a mom and a dad; that’s not always the case with a lot of families out there. I am certainly not trying to create a downer moment by saying that, I’m just saying that we should all make sure to let dad know how much he means. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.

Here are a few inspiring quotes I found online in honor of dads everywhere.

I love you, Scott. Happy Father’s Day. “My dad is my best friend, my father, and my boss. When I do something that is exciting, and he likes it, it feels three times as good as you can imagine.”

– David Lauren “I think my mom put it best. She said, ‘Little girls soften their daddy’s hearts.’”

– Paul Walker “My Dad is my hero.” – Harry Connick, Jr. “I’ve said it before, but it’s absolutely true: My mother gave me my drive, but my father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future.” – Liza Minnelli

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

26

On the Cover is: The Metro Dent Team

FEATURED:

More Than Just Dent Repair

ASK THE EXPERTS 20 School Days with Valorie McGilvra

22 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing

PHOTOS FROM CASTLE HILLS 04 You Submit, We Print: Resident Easter Photos

ARTICLES 08 Home Design 2019 Trends 10 Inside Community www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

EDITORS PICK: The Makings of the Perfect Man Cave

11 Inside Education 12 Father’s Day Gift Ideas 14 Outdoor Learning Area Ribbon Cutting 15 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

18 Summer Camp Activities 24 Foodie Friday DFW with Jay Marks Real Estate

28 The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill: Fast, Casual and Fresh

The Home & Garden

ISSUE

Learn about what’s trending this spring. Learn about hot colors and the latest in indoor and outdoor remodeling trends.

30 Lewisville Chamber Corner MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

Home & Garden Article

Home

DESIGN

2019 TRENDS

by Steve Gamel

A

s the years continue to pass by, we know styles will always change. This doesn’t only apply to clothes, cars, and even the latest and greatest technological gadgets, but it also applies to the changing trends in our homes.

Homeowners take a significant amount of pride in the way their home looks – both inside and out – and are continually looking at ways to either reinvent the wheel or fall in line with what everyone else is doing. According to a variety of online sources, here are a few of the stylish 2019 trends to consider with your next home remodeling project.

8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Color of The Year Quartz Countertops Everywhere you turn, homeowners everywhere have been praising granite as the be-all-end-all for countertops in both kitchens and bathrooms. But just last year, quartz rose up as a more popular option and doesn’t appear to be slowing down in 2019. Quartz is incredibly durable and, while human-made, can mimic the look of the more expensive materials like marble and slate.

The mega-popular paint company, Sherwin-Williams, revealed late last year that Cavern Clay SW 7701 is its Color of the Year for 2019. The company describes this earthy hue color as a “warm terracotta color with ancient, elemental roots” with the soul of the American Southwest.

We’re not sure know what ancient, elemental roots look like, so stop by your nearest Sherwin-Williams to find out because it’s apparently all the rage for both homes and commercial spaces.

Black & White Decor While white-themed kitchens were ruled to be “out” in 2018, the combination of black and white furnishings offer balance and a bit of a bold look to your interior space.

This goes for both furnishings and decor.

Outdoor Kitchens & Patio Furniture

Curb Appeal Our good friends over at the ML Group in Flower Mound decreed this just last year, and they’re right. A porch is the first thing visitors see when they walk up to your house. If you have a porch, and your style has changed, consider changing the color, add appropriate light fixtures, and enhance architectural details to the ceiling such as dropped beams and bead board.

You can also use cedar or metal accents, shutters, and even stain the concrete floor. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Floral Print There has been a huge increase in the popularity of floral print recently. In order to successfully incorporate this into your home, you have to be sure not to use too much. Keep it subtle, such as a floral throw pillow or floral curtains. This can add a nice tone to the room.

Some outdoor trends that are becoming popular are outdoor kitchens and beautiful patio furniture. Xeriscaping is landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation and ends the hassle of daily watering. Another trend we are seeing a lot of is sun shades. Sun shades are a great way to allow you to use your outdoor space even when the 100-degree temperatures arrive. They not only provide shade from the sun, but they are also a great way to protect your outdoor furniture from the scorching sun and prevent fading.

MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

INSIDE COMMUNITY 7TH ANNUAL HOME BUYER FAIR

Sat., Jun. 8 | 9am - 1pm | Lewisville’s Next Steps Center 1305 TX-121 Business • Lewisville, TX 75067 Are you ready to invest in your first home? Through a free, educational workshop, learn how to manage your budget, mortgage, and credit to be able to qualify for a home.

Participate in fun activities, enter for a chance to win prizes, and get access to valuable resources that will help assist you in your home buying process. Go to www.homebuyerfair.com for more information and to register.

GEORGE STRAIT TRIBUTE CONCERT

LEGACY HALL PRESENTS SUMMER MOVIE SERIES

Jun. 15 | 6 – 9:30pm | Castle Hills Village Shops & Plaza

Every Wed. | May 1 - Jun. 26 | 8pm | Legacy Hall

2520 King Arthur Blvd. • Lewisville, TX 75056

7800 Windrose Ave. • Plano, TX 75024

Come out to the Castle Hills Village Shops & Plaza for a free night of family fun! On the main stage overlooking the Lady of the Lake, Derek Spence will put on his worldrenowned George Strait Tribute Production. While listening to famous George Strait classics, enjoy food and craft beer at the shops, along with family friendly activities! For more information visit www.castlehillsvillageshops.com/events.

10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

Legacy Hall is having their first ever Summer Movie Series. Every Wednesday evening at 8pm they’ll have a free movie screening. Enjoy food and drinks from their many restaurants and breweries as you watch a flick.

Seating is first come, first serve so arrive early as seats go quick! Visit their website to see their full movie list at www.legacyfoodhall.com, click events at the top. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

INSIDE EDUCATION TCHS 2019 FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS Show your support for The Colony High School Football team by purchasing season tickets! Current reserved season ticket holders should have received an email from Lewisville ISD for advance ticket purchasing.

New season tickets will be made available June 10 - June 23. Email athletics-tickets@ lisd.net or call 469.713.5209 to request them.

CASTLE HILLS ELEMENTARY DRAGON AWARDS

May 21 | 8am-3pm | Castle Hills Elementary 1025 Holy Grail Dr. • Lewisville, TX 75056 The Dragon Awards program is designed to encourage excellence and recognize

students for their efforts. Every student has an

THE COLONY

EVENTS GRADUATION May 25 | 10am UNT Coliseum 601 N. Texas Blvd.

Denton, TX 76201

opportunity to earn a pin by participating in

different programs. For more information visit the Castle Hills Elementary PTA facebook and click events.

NASCAR DRIVER & ALUM VISIT HEBRON NASCAR driver and Hebron Alumni

Jesse Iwuji made a surprise visit LISD and Hebron High School on April 1st to meet

with students and staff. He is a professional stock car racing driver and competes

in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck

Series. Iwuji, a Carrollton native, is also the first active Naval officer to compete

HEBRON

EVENTS GRADUATION May 25 | 2pm UNT Coliseum 601 N. Texas Blvd.

Denton, TX 76201

in NASCAR. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

Father’s Day GIFT IDEAS

S U A C BE

T ’ N S E O D E H E

!

E I T R E H T O N TA

WAN

by Steve Gamel

12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

A Round or Two of Golf You live in Denton County, right? There are dozens of golf courses all around you, from Lantana Golf Course and Oakmont Country Club to Bridlewood, the Golf Club at Castle Hills. So, treat him to a round of golf, maybe even offer to be his caddy for the day. If he’s played all those courses, you won’t have problems finding options outside the immediate area.

New Grilling Tools & Outdoor Kitchen Accessories Guys love to grill, and since summertime is practically upon us, a great idea would be to make sure Dad gets an upgrade on his utensils and various grill master accessories.

This can be anything from utensils to kegerators, wood pellets, pans and racks, and new rubs and sauces. You can find them anywhere, including local stores like Grill This BBQ Supply in Denton.

Cornhole Game Boards Hands down, Cornhole is the best backyard game of all time. If your dad doesn’t have at least one board and few bean bags, he’s missing out. Go a step further and get them personalized or go with a sports themed version.

F

ather’s Day is approaching quickly – it’s on June 16, by the way. So with that said, what do you plan to get the “old man” this year? You could go with another tie or a pair of those fancy moisture-wicking socks you saw at Dick’s Sporting Goods. But will he be happy with that?

Odds are – he won’t. We scoured the Internet and put together a short list of popular 2019 gift ideas for dear old Dad. Even if this list isn’t perfect, these gifts ARE better than another tie.

Amazon Echo Products

A Universal Remote for All of His Devices

It seems like you can’t go wrong these days with tech-conscious gifts. Did you know you can get an Amazon Echo or the smaller Echo Dot for less than $200? This year, there is the Amazon Echo Show, which shows your dad things rather than robotically telling dad to do things. Think of how much fun he’ll have with these gadgets. Plus, it’s a gift for the entire family – just don’t tell Dad about

We’ve all seen the TV shows where the dad is always dreaming of the remote that controls everything. Well, it’s a tech-savvy world, and it looks like you can make that happen for dear old dad this year with the Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote.

It can turn on lights, automatically set up a BluRay player or stereo, and activate other devices so that they turn on as soon as he comes home.

your ulterior motive.

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Concert Tickets or Sporting Events Treat Dad to a day at the ballpark watching the Rangers do their thing (hopefully winning). There are also plenty of concert and event options at American Airlines Center or even Bass Hall in Fort Worth. Want to go crazy and get out of town, make a weekend trip out of state to go see his favorite band. That’s a memory worth creating.

Gift Cards & Lots of Them Let’s face it, sometimes Dad is the most simplistic human being on the planet.

He doesn’t want or need fancy trips, the spa treatment, or even a trip to watch the Rangers. Sometimes all it takes is two or three quality gift cards. Not only does that show you care, but it gives him the choice of what to get himself for Father’s Day. MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

Outdoor Learning Area

RIBBON CUTTING The Outdoor Learning Area, located on the southwest corner of the campus near the school’s gardens; made possible by funding from the Castle Hills Education Foundation. Designed and built by Green Meadows Landscaping, the arbor area is envisioned as an outdoor classroom that the faculty/teachers can use.

14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

photos and info courtesy of Jennifer Brasher

On April 23, 2019, as part of its observance of Earth Day, Independence Elementary School celebrated its new Outdoor Learning Area with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event was hosted by Mrs. Teddie Winslow who is the school principal, and included the following:

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

WOMAN’S EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

T

he Woman’s Empowerment Program is a free class that teaches women about self-defense from a two-fold perspective – the mental and physical aspects. The first hour is in the classroom, and the second hour and a half you will hit bags, learn strikes, and how to get away from an attacker. It’s about survival and how to take care of yourself.

The program started in 2017, in part, because DCSO saw an increase in family violence. Women who are domestic violence survivors who have graduated from the program often come back to help teach.

Our mission is to empower women and give them the self-confidence and knowledge to take care of themselves in any situation.

940.349.1600 127 N.WOODROW LANE STE. 300 DENTON, TX 76205 DENTONCOUNTY.COM/ DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

According to Social Solutions, more than 10 million women and men in the United States are subjected to domestic violence every year. According to RAINN, millions of American women have been a victim of rape which is 90 percent of adult rape victims.

Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault, and it’s never too early to learn things they can do to protect themselves.

The four-part course is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and registration is required. It is offered once a month.

For more information, call the Denton County Sheriff’s Office at 940.349.1515.

You can register by email at WEP@Dentoncounty.com. Please submit your full name along with contact information. Fifteen years and older can attend; additional details will be provided.

MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

NOMINATE US! June 12

July 10

MORE THAN JUST

DENT REPAIR

by Steve Gamel

214.735.8365 | HailFreeCar.com | 1620 E. State Hwy. 121, Ste. C100 | Lewisville, TX

HAIL REPAIR

FULL BODY COSMETICS

S

o a major hailstorm hits North Texas … again.

While you’ve been lucky to avoid damage to your car in the past, this time you need to get quite a few repairs done beyond having someone pop a few dents out of your hood.

While filing an insurance claim, meeting with an adjuster, and dropping your car off at the nearest body shop can be a nip and tuck process for many first-timers, for most it’s not. It could take weeks to meet with an adjuster depending on how many claims they are working on, and body shops, in general, aren’t built to handle an influx of hail damaged vehicles on top of their normal workload. Even paintless dent repair facilities are limited in what they can do.

That could mean you’ll be without your vehicle longer than you expected.

CERAMIC PAINT COATING photo courtesy of Metro Dent 16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Mike Nosker, a resident of The Colony, has seen this unnecessarily lengthy scenario play out over and over again during his 24 years in hail repair. Getting your car repaired locally by a true team of experts should be faster, which is why you should choose Metro Dent in Lewisville.

“We bend over backward to help return a customer’s car in the best condition we can without having them wait months. In some cases, our cycle time is three days and at no cost out of pocket to the customer,” Mike said. “If a hailstorm hits, and I need to bring in 50 more technicians to keep that cycle time and quality the same, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.”

County winner because of its ability to be everything to everyone – from dent repair to minor collision jobs, paint correction, detailing and reconditioning services, glass replacement, ceramic paint coatings, and more.

All workmanship comes with a lifetime

Ceramic paint coating, in particular, has become a large part of their core business in recent months. This state-of-the-art product is both ultra-violet and scratch resistant and protects a vehicle from dirt, stains, and water. Essentially, your car can have a new wax shine for up to five years.

personalized service.

“We bend over backward to help return a customer’s car in the best condition we can without having them wait months...”

He added, “We make the entire process easy, so people aren’t so scared to get their car fixed.”

Sponsored Content

No one likes hail damage, and this time of year the threat of significant damage seems like it’s on everyone’s mind with each passing dark cloud. Locally and family owned, Metro Dent has become the trusted choice for motorists throughout Denton County and beyond when these situations do arise, and they are the best and most comprehensive out there. In fact, Metro Dent has trusted partnerships all over the world; Mike and his team have traveled as far as all over Europe, Australia, China, Canada, and more to handle larger hail damage repair projects for car manufacturers.

Not only do they service standard cars and trucks, but they also work with boats, RVs, and dirt bikes.

“It’s amazing to me how many people come in here thinking we just do dents,” Mike said with a smile.

“Many paintless dent repair places are limited in what they can fix, but many times customers have some pretty bad damage and various things that need to be replaced. We can do anything cosmetic, and if it’s your first time having been in a hailstorm, our staff can handle everything cradle to grave – even helping you call in the claim.”

warranty, and on qualified insurance

claims, there’s no money out of pocket.

During hail season, Metro Dent offers extended work hours, free pickup and delivery, free car rental, and

Speaking of insurance claims, you might be asking if you can choose where

your vehicle is repaired. The answer is yes.

While insurance companies have their preferred list of repair shops,

Mike stressed that it is every vehicle

owner’s right to choose their own facility.

Metro Dent is approved by all insurance companies and works on your behalf

with a licensed independent adjuster to get your repair approved at the proper

level, which means you are assured of the

highest quality service. Plus, they can help with your deductible and still offer you a lifetime warranty.

With that type of deal on the table,

why would you trust your vehicle with anyone else?

“I always tell people, if you’re not sure

of us, everyone is on social media these

days. Go look at our reviews,” Mike said.

“We have a substantial amount and

continue to get them because we care about our customers.”

Any type of dent repair is an art that requires patience, precision, and an eye for detail. Metro Dent strives for perfection and will restore your vehicle to its original condition – whether it has a single door ding or a hood full of hail damage.

But if you think this shop is only for hail repair and paintless dent removal, think again. Metro Dent is a Best of Denton

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

by Barbara-Scott Kolb

Summer is just around the corner! Are you looking for some fun camps that will keep your kids active —physically, mentally and spiritually?

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Castle Hills

Tri-Sharks Youth Camp

Kids ‘R’ Kids is launching Kaleidoscope 360, a unique program offering exciting weekly themed camps throughout the entire summer! This program intends on redefining the camp experience for kids from kindergarten through elementary with fieldtrips, outdoor challenges, sports and more!

Your child will look forward to a new set of adventures each week at Kaleidoscope 360. Camps will begin on May 27th and run until school starts back. Call 972.483.9675 to enroll your child in this one of a kind summer expedition! Visit kidsrkids.com/castle-hills/programs/summer-camp-2019/ for more information.

Each Tri-Shark Youth Triathlon Camp provides a fun training experience to introduce kids to the sport of triathlon!

This year Tri-Sharks is hosting a Splash and Dash Summer camp focused on swimming and running skills. Located at the Westside Aquatic Center in Lewisville, kids ages 6 and over are welcome to join a 3-day camp that is a great preparation opportunity for the Little Buggy Kids Triathlon in September. There will be a Splash and Dash Race the last day of camp for kids to show off their new skills, as well as an award ceremony. The camp will run from July 30th – August 1. Visit trisharkscoaching.com/youth_camp to sign up!

Starts May 27 Till School Starts in August

July 30 to August 1

Camp Invention June 10 to June 14

Lewisville High School is hosting Camp Invention, a “Supercharged” themed innovative summer camp for kids from 1st through 6th grade. Children will draw from STEM concepts as they take on 4 fun challenges that will teach them engineering and innovation skills, coding techniques, how to run a business and more. Challenges include inventing and adapting devices to stop “supervillains,” working as a team to create survival tools when they find themselves stranded on an island, how to reverse engineer an orbot, and how to manage their own farm business! From June 10-14, your child will have a blast discovering their creative potential at Camp Invention. To register visit www.tinyurl.com/campinventlhs or call 800.968.4332. For any questions please contact franczvain@lisd.com.

18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

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MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

Ask The Expert: School Days

for managing my home life. Here is how I start.

ORGANIZING with ADD/ADHD

S

by Valorie McGilvra

ummer is just around the corner. In fact, you’re probably already planning your family vacation, kid camps, and home projects. We try to fit so much into a short amount of time, don’t we? We set unrealistic time frames then beat ourselves up when we can’t get it all done. On top of that, if you have Attention-Deficit Disorder like me, you will start everything on your list and finish none. Before we know it, it’s back to school time! So, why is this summer going to be any different from the last 16?

Print out or use a paper calendar for

May-August. Write in all of the dates and commitments that are already planned.

Find one day a week that is your “ME” day.

It is a day you only do fun stuff and you

have no “have tos.” Then, decide on just

1 project that you want to accomplish for your home this summer. Schedule all of the days to complete the project.

One Day A Week Planning: Pick one day a week to sit and write down what needs to

be done each day. Break each action item

down to actionable steps. Rather than just

think, “Oh, I need to make an appointment for ????” For instance, write down what time on Monday you will call for an

appointment for an oil change or doctor

appointment. Once I get everything down on paper, I then transfer it to my Google

calendar. This way I have reminders and I can add any directions/phone numbers/

notes to the date.

To-do list: Throw this away. Write

everything on your calendar (in pencil).

For example, write down on Monday at 8 a.m. you will call and schedule the

doctor appointment. If you schedule

everything (even just the thinking about it)

you can start moving in the right direction.

For someone like me who has ADD,

one of my challenges is planning. I will Because I know now that all of these

tips I want to share with you that will help

habits or character flaws. I’ve read and

free summer.

things I do or don’t do are not just bad studied how people with ADD/ADHD

have underdeveloped prefrontal lobes.

Executive function and self-regulation

skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember, and juggle multiple tasks. To read more about the ADD brain go to the Harvard website

below. https://developingchild.harvard. edu/science/key-concepts/executivefunction/.

So in my quest to become more

organized, I’ve found some very helpful 20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

you create a plan for a productive, stress-

procrastinate to the point where it drives me crazy. So, by breaking my “things to do” down into manageable “chunks,” I can set the action in motion.

Digital calendars and my phone have

Summer Goals: Choose 1 and let the

As an instructional coach, I worked in four

tackle. Start to finish. Make it small and

helped me immensely with my job.

other go! Select just one project to

different schools in a year. One year I even

simple, like organize your child’s closet

and elementary, which have different start

of accomplishment and it will get you

to use my Outlook calendar to schedule

I hope some of these tips help! To learn

had to plan days around middle school

or a drawer. You will feel a great sense

and end times. Talk about crazy… so I had

motivated to do more.

every meeting, then add reminders.

Later, I realized how much easier my work was when I had this setup. I decided to

implement the use of Google calendars

more great organizational tips go to

www.organize365.com and for helping

with ADHD try www.additudemag.com.

Have a wonderful summer!

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

Ask The Expert: Organizing

DECLUTTER, DESTRESS

AND SIMPLIFY

HOUSEHOLD PROJECTS

W

hether you are a DIY expert or only use household tools when duct tape fails, you should have

the basics on hand and make sure they are stored in an organized manner.

Basic Tools Every Home Should Have: •

Claw hammer (one end is flat,

and the other end is in a V-shape to remove nails)

•

Screwdriver set (Phillips and slotted)

•

Allen wrench set (hex key)

•

Medium size crescent wrench

•

Utility knife

•

Tape measure

•

Needle nose pliers

•

Level

•

Cordless drill

•

Putty knife

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

Having these tools on hand will keep

you prepared if you need to take care of an unexpected, minor repair.

Also, the number of a good handyman is also a great idea if the job is too

daunting. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from an expert!

Keep Your Tools Accessible and Organized:

Streamline your tools by sorting and

storing them by functionality and size.

Doing so takes the frustration out of finding the right tool for the job.

Group all tools and their corresponding accessories together, such as drills and drill bits. When they are all in the same

spot, you don’t have to waste time digging around in various drawers and cabinets

Store power tools off the ground in sealed cabinets or containers. You always want to keep them stowed away for safety’s sake.

Invest in a few heavy duty plastic drawers or containers for small miscellaneous items such as nuts and bolts. Make sure you label drawers and containers, so items are easily located.

MOST IMPORTANT TIP: After using your tools, put them back exactly where you got them.

When it comes to home maintenance, we all want the job to be done as speedy (and correctly) as possible. Having basic tools on hand is great, but you also want to make sure those tools are sorted in a manner that makes your life easier.

Declutter, de-stress and simplify!

looking for the correct attachment.

Install pegboards to hang frequently

used tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers so that they are visible and

by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

within reach.

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

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MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

Foodie Friday DFW: Corky’s Gaming Bistro

Corky’s GAMING BISTRO

W

hen you combine great food, arcade games (both old and new), escape games, and

axe throwing, how can you not have a great time?!

But since this is Foodie Friday, let’s talk

about the food! Corky’s has great food options, whether you want to grab an

entree for yourself or you want to snag

And those are all things that you’ll

with the group while you throw those

in Grapevine!

comes with 4 Corky’s sliders, 4 pulled

find at the new Corky’s Gaming Bistro Owner, Craig Worrall, and his team have created this concept that is the ultimate

night out for adults. In fact, it’s a popular

destination for corporate events, birthday parties, and bachelor/bachelorette

parties. They also host Ladies Night every Wednesday after 4:00 p.m., where you’ll

get a 60-minute axe-throwing session for just $14.99 and half-price wine!

Never thrown an axe before? No problem!

Corky’s has employed some of the very

best local “axe-perts” to help you perfect your form. We had the chance to work

axes. We love the Pac Man Platter, which pork quesadillas, Paul Bunyan fries, and rhino spears (fried pickles), served with lumberjack dressing and spicy mustard.

Their burgers are FAN-FREAKINGTASTIC, and we found out one of the major reasons why. Craig and Lewisville’s Old Town Meat Market Owner, Shawn Knowles, are old buddies, so Craig snagged the Old Town Meat Market as their supplier, ensuring that you’ll love every inch of their burgers – starting with the beef.

with “axe-pert” manager and all-around

No matter what you choose when you visit

out one of us was too angry, one of us

time. So, plan a date night soon, or a

lumberjack, Daryl, and he helped us figure

Corky’s, you’re sure to have an awesome

was not angry enough, and the other (our

private event - you’ll absolutely love it!

videographer) had just the right amount

photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

one of their sharing platters to snack on

817.532.5000 CorkysGamingBistro.com 3520 Grapevine Mills Blvd. N Grapevine, TX 76051

of anger. Sounds about right!

And if old-school arcade games are your jam, then you’ll love what you’ll find at

Corky’s. They’ve got classics like Donkey Kong, Mortal Combat, and Guitar Hero.

NOMINATE US! June 12

July 10

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022

24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

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MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

perfect MAN CAVE Home & Garden Article

THE MAKINGS OF THE

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.

26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

YOU ARE ENTERING

MULTI-FUNCTION RECLINER

MEMORABILIA FOR THE WALLS

What man cave is complete without 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 drinks and your popcorn. After all, the best part of a man cave is being able to be as lazy as possible.

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.

PLAYSTATION OR XBOX GAMING SYSTEMS A WET BAR AND FRIDGE Why not go full-bore with a wet bar and mini fridge? After all, you’re going to need plenty of space to make drinks and house all your cold items while hosting parties or watching the big game.

BIG SCREEN TV WITH SURROUND SOUND SPEAKERS 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 TV coupled with surround sound speakers mounted in strategic spots throughout the room give you that instant theater-quality experience. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Depending on your age, you may be grown up just enough not to be interested in playing video games anymore.

But these days, gaming systems like PlayStation and XBox offer so much more while doubling as a BluRay player as well as allowing you to watch Netflix, YouTube, and even live television.

GIANT, COMFY COUCH, BARSTOOLS, AND BEAN BAGS This sort of goes without saying, right?

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.

THE MAN CAVE

A SIGN THAT SAYS, “YOU ARE ENTERING THE MAN CAVE” This may seem like a very small detail, but 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.

DARTBOARD Granted, it’s probably not a great idea to have a regularly-used dart board in your 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 these traditional must-haves.

CUSTOM LIGHT FIXTURES Let there be light! Put the true finishing touches on your man cave with custom light fixtures that speak to your style.

Maybe have a light fixture made completely out of beer bottles or oldschool football helmets. The possibilities are ends, guys.

MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill W

FAST CASUAL AND FRESH

hen Derrick Udy decided he wanted to go into the restaurant business, he narrowed his search to three food concepts. What the other two options were didn’t matter, because as soon as he mentioned greek food to his wife, Heather, and daughters, their minds were made up.

In that instant, the Udy family became franchise owners of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in The Colony.

Their restaurant opened March 6 and has quickly become a popular casual dining option in a growing treasure chest of palate-pleasing restaurants in the Grandscape community.

“We have a busy lunch crowd. It’s even

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

gotten to the point where I’m hiring more staff to help with the crowd,” Derrick said.

"Dinner is getting busier, and we started catering recently.”

He added, “As we continue to work on that, I think more people will try our food and say, ‘Wow, this is really good.’”

The Great Greek is a modern take on classic tastes and offers everything from comfort foods fresh off the grill to seafood, salads, and nutritious, well-balanced meals. The portion sizes are fantastic, and everything is cooked as you order and exactly how you like it. Some of their popular dishes are beef, lamb, or grilled chicken gyros with feta fries and the grilled steak, chicken, lamb, or shrimp souvlaki.

by Steve Gamel

Derrick, who comes from a banking background, grew up in Germany and had parents who were such big greek food fanatics that they regularly traveled to Greece to get their fill. A little more than a year ago, Derrick decided to try his hand at another career, and after some soul searching, ended up owning a franchise.

He and Heather haven’t looked back since.

“We took the plunge,” Derrick said. “We feel really good about where we are at.”

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MAY 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

LEWISVILLE

CORNER What Does A

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DO And Why Should You Join One?

T

he best way to spread the word about your business is by making connections. Whether you’re new to the local community or a veteran company that has been around for decades, your reputation grows as you engage in other influential entities within your community. That’s why so many businesses choose to join a chamber of commerce. These resourceful organizations are made to help local businesses thrive. Local chambers tackle both issues and trends taking place in their community as well as offer resources and services to help local businesses succeed. It isn’t just a goodwill effort, but an effective strategy.

A local chamber of commerce

44

%

63% 12

%

of consumers are more likely to think favorably of businesses who are members of their local chamber of consumers are more likely to buy products or services from businesses who are members of their local chamber Consumers view chamber of commerce members as trustworthy and are 12% more likely to believe their products or services are better than competitors

organization has a reputation for

standing up for the local community

and its economy. When your business is associated with this, it gives the

perception that you stand for these things, too. As a result, consumers

trust you more. A chamber of commerce is a community within itself. It brings its

members together to not only benefit the

community but also to benefit each other.

Through various events, you will meet,

Get Involved with Your Local Chamber of Commerce From directory listings to spotlight features, exposure, and sponsored events, you can gain access to valuable promotional opportunities at a fraction of the cost it would take to do them yourself. Plus, with established chambers having numerous connections within the community, you will find that your ability to make a local impact grows exponentially.

network, and connect with a wide array of influential professionals. It’s up to

you to make the connection, of course, but the opportunities are aplenty.

Many businesses grow their customer

base and their network through chamber sponsored or hosted events.

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2019

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