Life in Castle Hills Magazine October 2017

PUMPKIN Recipes

Veteran & His Dog

What’s in a

NAME?

OCTOBER 2017

Your

Neighborhood

Landscape Designer

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

2017

Hebron Homecoming

Hebron High School’s annual homecoming parade and community pep rally were held on Oct. 4 in anticipation of the big game on Friday. Floats from Hebron feeder schools were included in the parade with Homestead winning the best elementary school float and Creek Valley winning the best middle school float award. Cheer won the top high school float. Immediately following the parade, everyone gathered for the Homecoming Pep Rally. The cheerleaders and Silver Wings performed followed by the varsity football players’ mom’s dance routine, which is an annual tradition. The Hawks went on to defeat L.D. Bell 56 to 17. Congratulations to 2017 Homecoming King Clayton Tune and Homecoming Queen Paige Hill.

photos courtesy of Syeda Rizvi and Alyssa Abraham

4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| October 2017

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

CastleHillsMagazine.com

Numbers Don’t Lie

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Staff Writer

Susan Neuhalfen

I

was listening to Dr. Laura the other day, which I usually enjoy, but that particular day I didn’t like what she said.

Contributor Steve Gamel

Advertising Manager

Mendy Lea 214.228.5052 mendy@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Stephanie Hansen Caroline Brock

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469. 583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

Life in Castle Hills invites reader feedback, story suggestions

A teacher called to ask what he should

tell his children about world following the shootings in Las Vegas and her answer was to tell the kids that the world was

(insert expletive here). Then she told him

to play them a video by Keith Urban when he sang Bridge Over Troubled Water.

I couldn’t disagree more. Not with the

Keith Urban part, his speech was moving

to get them away from the danger; there were people risking their own lives just to stay and comfort people who were wounded and didn’t want to be left alone.

Sure there are bad people in the world and the media has a field day focusing on them. With the Internet it’s even worse and our kids see this constantly on their

and the song has long been one of

mobile devices. What they don’t see –

assessment of the world.

numbers. The number of kind people

or what isn’t obvious to them - are the

my favorites. My problem is with her

helping perfect strangers; the number

As a media buyer, I never bought

of giving people willing to whatever

and general comments.

commercials in radio and television shows

All submissions become

counted on the numbers. Numbers don’t

people risking their lives for others. They

as it does with any horrific event that has

good people in the world than there are

Email artwork@murray-media.com. 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: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100, Ste. 101

Flower Mound, TX 75022 Life in Castle Hills is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. 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. © 2017 Murray Media Group

based on emotion or what I liked. I always

is needed; and the number of heroic

lie. The same holds true with Las Vegas

are abundant. There are millions more of

happened in the history of man.

bad people.

One man did this. Only one bad person

was in this mix of thousands. There were

first responders rendering aid; there were people shielding people they didn’t even know; there were taxi drivers putting as

many people in their vehicles as possible

So I have to respectfully disagree with Dr. Laura. The world is not an expletive. There is so much good in the world. The trick is to see it and to be it.

The numbers don’t lie.

Sincerly, Susan Neuhalfen

Writer and Editor for Life in Castle Hills, Argyle Living, Lantana Living, Lake Cities Living Susan@murray-media.com 972.899.3637 Ex. 101

Table of

Contents

16

18

On the Cover Jeff and Kronda Thimesch, Owners of Green Meadows Landscaping

Featured: Your Neighborhood Landscape Designer

Editor’s pick: A Veteran and His Dog: Saving Each Other and the World

Family

Yourself

08 Inside Community

26 Experience Yoga with a Purpose

09 Inside Education 11 Counseling with Lifeworks 14 Pumpkin Recipes

Lifestyle 20 Gifts that Give Back

28 Nutrition with Savory Bistro 30 Edit This with Steve Gamel

Business Spotlight 25 Pledge General Contractors: What’s In a Name?

Photos for Castle Hills 04 Hebron Homecoming 2017

22 Gardening with Complete Solution

10 Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo Charity Ride

24 Makeover with Cloud 9 Salon

12 The Colony High School Homecoming 2017 October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

Know

Be in the

Family

Inside Community

Free Yoga

Yoga in the Plaza is happening every Wednesday at 6pm in the Wayne

Ferguson Plaza at 150 W. Church St. in Lewisville. Presented by Blue Anjou

Yoga Studios the classes are free and open to all yoga levels. Attendees are

encouraged to bring their own yoga mat, or blanket, towel, and water. For more information on these yoga classes, please visit www.blueanjou.com, call Lisa Nicholson at 469.645.8555, or email lisa@blueanjou.com.

Festival at the Switchyard The 8th Annual Festival at the Switchyard will take place in downtown Carrollton on

Saturday, November 4. Admission, parking, rides, games and concerts are all FREE. This is the festival that puts Carrollton on the map! Live music starts at 11am and

includes the Emily Wolfe, Emerald City Band, Local H, Everclear and the Toadies.

Rain or shine, it’s on! For more information go to cityofcarrollton.com.

Books for Treats

Tree Lighting

You can get candy anywhere, but at the Hebron & Josey

Mark your calendars for the Castle Hills Holiday in the Plaza

come dressed in their Halloween costumes and pick

7:00 p.m. Take a ride on a trackless train or in a carriage.

Library and the Josey Ranch Lake Library, children may out a free book. It’s happening all day on Halloween,

October 31. The Hebron & Josey library is open from 12pm until 9pm and the Josey Ranch Lake Library from 10am-6pm.

and tree lighting on November 25 from 4:00 p.m. until

There will be a petting zoo, games and inflatables as well as photo ops with Santa and a Christmas monkey. Free

caramel apple cider while supplies last and concessions with food and drink for purchase.

Inside Education photo courtesy of Castle Montessori

Gobble Up Hunger Food Drive

Castle Montessori in Castle Hills will hold its Gobble Up Hunger food drive at their school from October 23 to November 21.

school games

Each classroom will decorate a large box to allow families to donate canned food and other dry food items. All donations will benefit the North Texas Food Bank. The classroom with the most items in their box wins a snack party. This will be their

Varsity Football VS Carroll November 10th at 7:30pm at Hebron Stadium

10th year hosting the food drive.

College Panel at HHS College Panel and Financial Aid Night at Hebron HS will take place on November 6 from 6:30-8:30pm. A panel of college

representatives will answer questions submitted by attendees at

the following link: https://goo.gl/WTTfYJ. Then there will also be

a presentation on Financial Aid and a Mobile Go Team unit set up

Varsity Football VS Newman Smith SENIOR NIGHT November 3rd at 7pm at Tommy Briggs Stadium

where you will be able to work with Financial Aid representatives.

Share the Warmth Killian Middle School is sharing the warmth by asking families to bring in new or gently used jackets, thick hoodies, and coats to fill the Killian Clothes Closet. All sizes are welcome, children through adult. They are especially in need of coats that fits middle school aged kids. There will be a donation box in the front office throughout the month of October.

TCHS Students Recognized Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced The Colony High School Senior Nicole Arnold as a National Merit Semifinalist Scholar. Seven students at TCHS were also named National Merit Commended Students: Gabriel Abbott, Verena Cao, Rachel Cordry, Samantha Pynes, Anya Sagues, Brandon Thai and Nabiha Yousuf. The National Hispanic Scholars were Gabriel Abbott, Anya Sagues, Ryan Perez and Emily Flores.

Fall Festival

Saturday October 28th 5-8pm at The Village Shops at Castle Hills.

FREE ADMISSION Featuring a pumpkin patch, exotic animal petting zoo, bounce houses, hay rides, photo boots, pumpkin decorating and much more! 1st annual chili & cornbread cook off.

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

Family

EMMITT SMITH GRAN FONDO CHARITY RIDE Over 1400 cyclists took part in the Second Annual Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo charity cycling ride, sponsored by PlainsCapital Bank, on Saturday, September 30 leaving from the Rough Riders Stadium in Frisco, TX. The Gran Fondo courses were designed to accommodate the most avid of cyclists to the casual weekend rider.​​ Pat and Emmitt Smith presented Axeon Hagens Berman pro-cyclist, Jonny Brown, a check for $10,000 for completing the 100-mile timed course in the fastest time of 3:57:21.44. This winner take all purse is unique in the cycling industry as most events allocate the purse to the top 5 riders.

photography by Marcy Meeks Photography.

10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| October 2017

Counseling | Family

Controlling

Tech Time with Teens

I

t’s time we accept that our small gadgets are a big part of our everyday lives.

With ongoing advances in technology,

we can do almost anything and talk to almost anyone we want to through our smart devices. In my practice, I see many teens who are addicted to their devices, and their parents have trouble regulating the amount of time spent using them.

There are several ways to implement screen control, but how do parents stay consistent when their teens use every excuse, and often good ones, to keep their devices in hand 24/7.

Most common excuses • I need it for homework.

• I’m just like every other teenager, no one else’s parents do this.

• My friends will think I’m ignoring them if I don’t answer.

• You are on your phone all the time, too.

• If you take my phone, I will be “more depressed.”

What parents can do • Create a cell phone contract with your teen outlining the rules and standards for phone use.

• Set a “Tech Bed Time.” Your teen doesn’t have to go to bed at this

time, but their devices are turned off and turned in.

• Try to limit the amount of time you spend on your own smart devices.

• When your teen is showing

resistance to tech limitations provide

empathy to show you understand how they feel, instead of lecturing or arguing with them.

• If your teen mentions they will be depressed if they can’t keep their phone, or verbalize suicidal ideation or threats, move forward with taking their device while making sure they remain in your line of sight for their safety.

If you would like help with living well, we encourage you to start the conversation. Live well. Let us help.

by Heather Hibbard MA, LPC-S, Lifeworks businessoffice@lifeworkscc.com

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

Family

The Colony High School

Homecoming 2017

| October 2017

photos courtesy of The Paw Print - TCHS Student Newspaper

12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

The “Wizard of Oz” was the theme of The Colony High School’s homecoming parade on September 13. The Cougar Nation gathered again that evening for a pep rally at Cougar Stadium. Lots of family, friends, alumni as well as many members of the community were in attendance at the Homecoming football game which ended in the defeat of Denton 28-24.

Congratulations to 2017 Homecoming King Jemel Jones Jr. and Homecoming Queen Faith Coor.

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

Family

Pumpkin Recipes How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Bread

by Jill Winger Courtesy of: www.theprairiehomestead.com Author: The Prairie Homestead Recipe type: Snack

by Jennifer Segal

baking soda, and spices in a bowl;

Servings: Makes 2 loaves

aside.

Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 65 Minutes

Courtesy of: www.onceuponachef.com Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Total Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Ingredients • 1 pumpkin (other winter squash will work as well) • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil • 1-2 teaspoons sea salt • 1-2 teaspoons seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, cinnamon/sugar, etc) -- optional Instructions • Remove the seeds from the pumpkin • Wash and dry them thoroughly, removing the pumpkin strings and “innards” • Toss the seeds with olive oil and seasoning of your choice.

• Bake at 325 degrees 5-15 minutes, stirring and checking frequently to avoid burning.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour,

spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off, plus more for greasing the pan

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 2 cups sugar

• 1-1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing the pan

• 2 large eggs

• 1 15-ounce can 100% pure pumpkin (I use Libby’s)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

at medium speed, beat butter and

sugar until just blended. Add eggs

one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until very light and fluffy, a few minutes. Beat

in pumpkin. The mixture might look grainy and curdled at this point — that’s ok.

• At low speed, beat in flour mixture until well combined.

• Turn batter into prepared pans,

dividing evenly, and bake for 65 – 75 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let

loaves cool in pan about 10 minutes, then turn out on wire rack to cool

completely. (If the loaves stick, run a plastic knife around the edges of the pan to loosen them.)

• Fresh out of the oven,the loaves

have a deliciously crisp crust. If they

flour (or use a baking spray with flour).

individual slices to get the same

• Combine flour, salt, baking powder,

| October 2017

• In large bowl of an electric mixer,

Generously grease two 8 ½” x 4 ½” loaf pans with butter and dust with

14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

use a whisk to mix well and set

last beyond a day, you can toast fresh-baked effect.

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

Your

Neighborhood

Landscape

Designer

by Susan Neuhalfen

W

hen you think of the American dream, you think of people like Jeff and Kronda Thimesch, owners of Green Meadows Landscaping. Since 1989, they have been serving the Castle Hills Community doing everything for neighbors from mowing and landscaping to creating outdoor areas and whatever else is needed. Serving their neighbors and their community means a lot to them.

“Being able to work right here where we live and doing work that we’re proud of is very important to us,” said Kronda. “We’ve 16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| October 2017

built a lot of long standing relationships in Castle Hills.”

Jeff started mowing lawns in the area at 14 and has seen his client list grow exponentially as well as his list of services.

One client that they had for a number of years had simply had his lawn mowed by Green Meadows Landscaping before he realized that they could do so much more for him. Jeff and his crew designed the landscaping for his backyard and ended up doing a huge outdoor project which included arbors, kitchen, pizza oven, patios, putting green, and Italian gazebo.

When the man moved houses, he brought

Jeff back in to design the backyard on his new house. Today, Jeff is also working with this same gentleman’s kids and grandkids on their yards.

“We can take care of all your outdoor needs,” said Jeff. “We can mow, trim, plant, build and spray chemicals for weed control. We design customized packages for clients to suit their needs.”

Jeff and Kronda studied landscape architecture at Texas Tech University which is also where they met. Both enjoy designing and seeing creations come to life. When asked about small spaces

or difficult areas, Jeff said he loved the challenge of coming up with a plan that is perfect for the clients’ wants and needs.

“I know the area well and can design a landscaped yard and outdoor area that fits any client’s needs,” said Jeff.

Sponsored Content

photography by Your Candid Memories. www.YourCandidMemories.com

“We consider Green Meadows to be a landscape design service,” Kronda added.

Jeff and Kronda have lived in Castle Hills for 18 years and have raised four children in this community: Justin recently graduated from OSU and now works for Green Meadows which has been his dream since he was 2; Kaytin is a senior at OSU; Jacob is a sophomore at OSU; and Karissa is a sophomore at Hebron High School. It won’t surprise them if Karissa goes to OSU as well.

“I’m still holding out hope that she’ll be a Red Raider,” jokes Jeff. “I don’t know where we went wrong.”

Their staff is simply an extension of their family. As a very family-oriented company, they have several employees who have been with them over 25 years and the majority average 10-15 years. Like their

“We’re a very tight knit family,” said Jeff.

“There is a lot of pride in our family and the work we do here.”

In addition to that, all of their employees have background checks and are on

work visas, so their employees pay taxes.

Everything is done by the book at Green Meadows Landscaping, giving their clientele an extra sense of security.

They have a great deal of pride in their

community as well. The Thimeschs were one of the first families at Castle Hills

These are just a few of the organizations they help.

Being as involved as they are in the Castle Hills area, Green Meadows Landscaping is set on building relationships for the long term with customer service being their top priority. After all, they not only work in

classroom for studies. Just a few of the

“We see these people every day,

constructed a Texas themed outdoor

things they do for the schools include planting a tree every year for Arbor

Day, providing three large trucks for the

they are our friends and neighbors,” said Jeff. “They will tell you, Green

homecoming parade, sponsoring several

Meadows Landscaping is about loyalty,

Hawks” as they continue to volunteer with

great quality product.”

sports teams as well as becoming “Silver

the Hebron Football Booster Club (parents

integrity, honesty and providing a

whose sons have graduated from Hebron HS). Kronda is active on the Lewisville School Board as well as Castle Hills

coming to their family gatherings and

They also hold membership in the Lewisville, Metrocrest and Flower Mound Chambers, and Flower Mound

employees themselves.

Community in Schools mentor/volunteer.

Castle Hills, they live here.

Education Foundation and the Hebron High School PTSA.

later becoming part of Green Meadows as

for Children’s Advocacy Center, and a

Elementary when it was built and recently

clients, their employees have spanned generations, with family members first

Noon Rotary. Kronda is an ambassador

972.492.5495 www.GreenMeadowsLandscaping.com

724 Holford’s Prairie Rd. • Lewisville, TX 75056

“There is a lot of pride in our family and the work we do here.”

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

A Veteran and his Dog: Lifestyle

Saving Each Other and the World

by Susan Neuhalfen

E

very day, 22 veterans commit suicide. It’s a staggering statistic and one that many

veteran support groups are fighting every day.

Rob Genet knows this all too well.

His father, a veteran, took his life 30

days after Genet was discharged from the military. Genet, too attempted to

lying in the VA parking lot. Someone

Sadly, he couldn’t save the dog, a

pivotal point in Genet’s life.

after a fight, but it motivated Genet.

had abandoned it to die. This was a

“I told myself if I was going to do one thing in my life to make a difference,

I was going to save this dog,” he said.

“I put the dog in my car and went to find help.”

Pit bull that had been abandoned

He wanted to do something to help

veterans like him and he had an idea.

“I wanted to not only help the dogs,

but to help other vets like myself to heal,” said Genet.

take his own life at the pinnacle of his decent following the military, illegal activities, and drug addiction.

“I fell in with the wrong crowd after

leaving the military,” said Genet who first served as a Marine and then in the Navy from 1997 until 2002. “I

injured myself during a fall and was finally diagnosed with a brain injury.”

Genet was later diagnosed with

kidney disease and heart damage as a result of years of drug abuse. After

receiving this news, he walked out of the hospital and came upon a dog

photos courtesy of Rob Genet

put on all kinds of drugs until I was

“I wanted to not only help the dogs, but to help other vets like myself to heal,”

Through The Love Pit, a local Pit bull

“We want veterans to know they can reach

Veterans and their families can reach out

rescue, Genet found Buxley, another Pit

out to us,” said Sandi O’Neill who along

to Buxley’s Battalion or Pitbulls for 22 to

bull pulled from the fighting ring, who was destined to become Genet’s constant companion.

with her brother, are business partners and friends of Genet. “The biggest benefit they receive from an emotional support

Genet, along with a friend formed Pitbulls

dog is staying focused in the here and

for 22 which now works with The Love Pit

now and to have that support that they

and No Bully Left Behind, along with local shelters and other rescue organizations, to match dogs to vets. They have placed eight dogs so far and have sponsored three others to adopt. They are placing

need to make it through the rough spots.”

The general public may support Pitbulls for 22 by purchasing merchandise at pitbullsfor22.com or donate directly to

them as companion dogs, but hope to

Buxley’s Battalion (the non-profit arm of

place trained service dogs.

Pitbulls for 22) at buxleysbattalion.org.

access the programs they are building to help veterans engage back into civilian life and to request a dog.

“Both of us are no longer fighting for criminals and now have each other’s backs,” wrote Genet in his blog. “A Marine turned drug dealer and an ex-fighting dog together taking on the world.

Who would have thought?”

November 11 October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

Lifestyle

T

Gifts that

Give Back

by Susan Neuhalfen

he only thing that feels better than retail therapy is buying something you love and knowing that you’re helping a good cause. It’s never too late to start shopping for Christmas, birthday or just because gifts and Hello Daffodil Boutique in The Shops at Lakeside is the perfect place to shop for gifts that give back.

Owner Jennifer Purifoy, showed us some beautiful items that she sells at Hello Daffodil.

BLO Vintage

What started as a screen-printing

These are the most unique and beautiful

special bond through “Jacinto” as they named her kidney that went to live with her brother. The shirts, which are super soft and always inspiring, are all made in the U.S. with U.S. fabrics.

Socialite Pink

business, Good HYOUman teams up with designers who have a story. Their goals are to collaborate on limited edition t-shirts with inspiring messages and give back to the community, sharing the stories of the designers on the tags of each shirt.

They manufacture everything in the U.S. while a portion of the sales are donated to the designers’ causes of their choice.

They also sell box basics that benefit Stand Up to Cancer. Hello Daffodil has several of these shirts including the shirt pictured. This cowl neck hoodie, “Now is the New Later” designed by Diamarie Cruz, is inspired by her relationship with her brother. Diamarie donated a kidney to save her brother’s life so they have a

necklaces (as well as other pieces) you will encounter. When jewelry designer Allison Stackpole went to college, her mother gave her a necklace to wear with a whistle on it. It was the same necklace her grandmother had given to her mother.

It was a whistle to blow for emergencies and, for Allison, symbolized love, protection and the connection between mother and daughter. Now she designs her own pieces with whistles, harmonicas and pitch pipes. BLO Vintage supports colleges and universities in raising awareness for campus safety. They also donate a portion of the proceeds sold to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Based in Fort Worth, Brooke Reynolds, Founder and Chief Giving Officer

of Socialite Pink, started her dream

she makes gorgeous “hyper-functional

jewelry” while encouraging women and giving back to women in need.

She started the "sparkle you, sparkle her" 1-for-1 gifting program where for each gift purchased another piece is sent to

woman or girl overcoming challenges.

She gives to countless charities and makes simply elegant jewelry like

chokers, bracelets, necklaces and

earrings and pendants with tassels.

| October 2017

pink sweater: photo courtesy of www.goodhyouman.com

company by taking a beading class

and watching YouTube videos. Today

20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

whistles: photos courtesy of www.blovintage.com

Good HYOUman

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

Lifestyle | Gardening

And Here Comes That

October Air

W

alking the kids to the park, grabbing dinner on the patio, everything is more enjoyable when the weather is right. For us patio season is in full swing, our Landscape crews are starting to get booked out and the maintenance guys are hard at work getting beds cleaned out in preparation for fall color! Very exiting time of year to be in the business.

October is one of the most critical months when it comes to the exterior and landscape maintenance around your home. Here are a few things to contract out or add to your "To-do" list over the next few weeks:

•

EXTERIOR: •

Ensure Windows and doors are properly sealed. Restricting unwanted airflow will keep things comfortable inside and help reduce any unwanted guests.

All exposed wood surfaces are

(ensure the mulch is kept below

cold weather and rain moves in and

having rainwater get in the weep

painted or sealed to ensure as the

the brick line so you don't chance

out, things are protected and less effected by weather.

•

Check out your roof to make sure no

holes during a rain event).

•

shingles have come off during our last

months will make the heat of summer

gutters are clean and free of debris.

•

•

•

Go ahead as things cool off and cut back on the irrigation. Watering a

beds organized but also promote new

your rain sensor is operating

This will not only help to keep your

couple of times a week and ensuring

growth come spring.

effectively should be sufficient and

Remove, cultivate, fertilize and add

help your monthly spending.

new 2" layer of mulch. We lean

or large cut. It will hold the best,

not float, and as it breaks down to

offer a great weed / moisture barrier

| October 2017

a lot less hazardous to their health.

Cutback and prune this year’s growth.

towards a shredded mulch vs. bark

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

larger shrubs and trees. Allowing

them to start rooting over the winter

round of summer storms and that the LANDSCAPES:

Oct. thru Dec. is a great time to plant

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

Lifestyle | Makeover

Makeover of the Month

ammy was nominated by her daughter Haley, because she works hard at a stressful job but still spends time helping with her grandson.

Tammy’s birthday is in November and Haley can’t remember a time when her mom did something special for herself.

So happy birthday, Tammy!

Facial by Pauletta Collins Pauletta gave Tammy a deep cleansing facial and then used Glo Skin anti-aging products and tinted her eyebrows.

Hair Removal by Lauren Reeves Lauren did a full-face wax with hard wax

which included eyebrows, lip, chin, nose, cheeks, sideburns and neck.

Hair Color by Taylor Compton Taylor changed her pale strawberry hair color to a rich red violet.

Hair by Cindy Ogle, Stylist Cindy cleaned up the ends and extended sections to give Tammy long flowing layers. She framed her hair around the face and overextended side swoop bangs.

Makeup by Dixie Dean Dixie evened out her skin tone and gave her a darker brow to go with her new darker red hair for fall. She kept the eyes

Before 24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| October 2017

neutral and gave her a lighter berry lip color to compliment her freshly scarlet colored locks.

Makeover and clothes provided by

214.415.4806 www.cloud9salon.com Want to be the next Makeover?

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

after

photography by Caroline Simpson

T

Tammy

What’s in a name?

Business Spotlight

Professionalism

Delivers

Consistent

Results

Just ask Gabriel Moreland, Founder of Pledge General Contractors.

“

W

hen we started this company we wanted the name to reflect our commitment to contributing to our communities,” said Gabriel. “It’s important to us that we invest back in the communities like Castle Hills who invest in us.”

It also reflects his company’s core values

only to grow his business, but to grow

and the level of trust he demonstrates

the relationships necessary to have the

in his life as well as what he practices

success he has.

in his business partnerships. Having completed hundreds of successful remodels throughout DFW, Pledge GC likes to involve likeminded professionals, owners and builders to help with projects that benefit the community, combining their resources, even requesting donations and support from partners. Emphasizing that their good works are not limited to just construction.“We believe in volunteering the skills and blessings we receive,” said Gabriel. “It’s exciting when our partners share in the joy of Sponsored Content

giving as well.”

Fostering these relationships also gives them access to the best prices, quality and personnel, an advantage they pass down to the community. It helps him not

A Navy veteran, Gabriel has had a variety of successful careers, from sales to IT, but he didn’t find his passion until he found construction. Being a perfectionist is a bonus in his business. He takes pride in his overall commitment to getting great results.

He strives to be creative, inventive, artistic and even trendy when it comes to projects.

His favorite thing about construction is the gratification he feels when he’s completed a really intricate job. It certainly takes a team, but just being part of creating something that is visually stunning is something he finds very satisfying.

To learn more about Pledge General Contractors projects and ethics, visit their website or call them anytime, 7 days a week.

“Knowing that I’ve created something that has a tangible effect on a client’s happiness is extremely rewarding,” said Gabriel. “It makes me happy to know I’ve

www.PledgeGC.com

had such a positive impact.”

PLEDGE General Contractors

469.478.1460 3200 14th St., Ste. 502 Plano, TX 75074 October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

Yourself

Experience Yoga with a Purpose

by Susan Neuhalfen

Y

ouTube has brought us an

Mark Spicoluk began a career in

scenery and workout might change,

each specializing in his or her

Lavigne and becoming the youngest

live to inspire others toward health

entirely new set of celebrities,

own brand of entertainment.

The fitness industry has exploded with online videos, none more

music as a teenager, touring with Avril head of A&R for Universal Music

Canada. Despite climbing the ladder

to success at such an early age, he felt

beautifully crafted than the folks at

empty until he met Juliana. Much to

when you pair a videographer with an

industry and set out make a difference

do you see the magic they create

They travel on a

Boho Beautiful. This is what happens

everyone’s surprise, he quit the music

Olympic-trained gymnast. Not only

with his talents.

on-screen, you see their amazing relationship off-screen.

shoestring budget,

shooting videos in the

Juliana Semenova immigrated from

most beautiful and remote

of 10. She became a professional

They take their audience

for Canada and becoming part of the

meet locals and experience

She suffered a severe spinal injury

they are riding on a motor

17. That is when she turned to

stranger’s houseboat, the

the Ukraine to Canada at the age

locations in the world.

athlete, winning gymnastic medals

on tour with them as they

2008 Olympic Development Team.

the culture. Whether

forcing her retirement at the age of

scooter or hopping on a

Pilates and yoga to bring herself

viewer becomes part of

back to health.

the excursion. Though the

the message remains the same: they and mindfulness.

Boho Beautiful is now embarking

on something they’ve never done before: a U.S. tour. The Positive Movement Tour

consists of yoga events, benefitting local animal welfare organizations. They will be visiting the North Texas area for an

event on November 10. Working with

Pure Synergy in Corinth, the first event will benefit Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP).

Pure Synergy offers yoga classes for all

ages as well as massage therapy, spa body treatments, wellness testing and coaching.

TCAP is a non-profit organization

designed to help the pet overpopulation problem throughout North Texas. TCAP provides low cost spay and neuter,

heartworm testing and prevention, dental cleaning and microchipping services to

those who could not otherwise afford it for their pets. They are not designed to take

the place of a veterinarian. Their goal is to cure the epidemic of pet overpopulation.

Participants will be asked to make a

Boho Beautiful / Pure Synergy Yoga Event

minimum $10 donation in exchange for

Benefitting TCAP

single dollar raised will go toward the

Friday, November 10 6pm-9pm Pure Synergy Wellness Center

participation in the yoga session. Every charity organization.

Tour dates are posted on bohobeautiful.

1440 Robinson Road #140 Corinth, TX

Positive Movement Tour and the tour

For tickets and more information go to: Facebook / Boho Beautiful Positive Movement Tour / Nov 10

life, on Facebook under Boho Beautiful

will be featured on their Boho Beautiful YouTube channel.

The class is suitable for any age or class

level. This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to come and do yoga

together or just a group of friends and all photos courtesy of www.facebook.com/bohobeautifullife

for a good cause.

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

Yourself | Nutrition

Foods That

Boost D

Your Immune System

ear Annette: Kids are back in school and cold and flu bugs are already showing up. I hear food is medicine, but can diet really help prevent a cold or flu?

Dear Reader: Yes, flu and cold bugs have started to make rounds. There is absolutely no doubt that having a strong immune system can help prevent such illness. Should a bug get you at a weak moment when you’re tired or stressed a stronger immune system will mean faster recovery of the illness and less severity of the symptoms.

It is false to think a flu shot gives you absolute protection. These bugs morph and change and may not always match what is in the flu shot. So, for extra protection you need to build your immune system up. Cleveland Clinic has given some great guidelines for building your immune system to fight colds and flu. It really is easy.

Great oils for influenza protection are: • Tea tree oil • Peppermint • Eucalyptus • White fir

• Increase fish such as salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies that contain omega 3, vitamin D, and antioxidants

• Thyme

• Increase chicken, turkey, beans, and kale for extra iron • Garlic and broccoli contain selenium that slow an over responsive immune system • Asparagus, garlic, jicama, greens and onions contain “pre-biotics”

• Oregano • Clove Lastly remember movement and deep breathing stimulate the lymphatic system which is really the highway for our immune system. Get moving!

Be Healthy and Happy,

• Citrus fruits contain vitamin c

Sincerely Yours,

• Bananas, chickpeas contain vitamin B6

Savory Bistro Owner & Wellness Coach

• Beans, yogurt, crab, oysters contain zinc

• Beans, peas and leafy greens contain folic acid

| October 2017

Remember that essential oils can also be helpful in building the immune system.

They are from plants and are a part of our food system. For flu protection, I start this time of year using the oils in infusers, in my bath, and on the soles of my feet.

• Eat closer to the Mediterranean Diet

• Increase intake of almonds, hazelnuts.

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables really helps build the immune system and give protection. Most people only eat a cup of vegetables a day. We need to be eating at least four or five cups each day… half of our dinner plate. Try upping your intake by monitoring how many cups of vegetables you and your family are eating daily. If it is less than three to four cups you have set yourself and your family up to fall victim to the cold and flu bugs.

Annette Doody

www.thesavoryteam.com

October 2017 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

Yourself | Edit This

Why are Some Words so

W

hat’s the one word in the English language that you misspell the most?

I received quite a few responses to that question on our Edit This® Facebook page recently – even from friends who chose to text me rather than respond directly to the post. I appreciate the feedback, and I

• Separate • Restaurant • Occurred • Pronunciation • Speechless • Performance

imagine it was difficult for many of you to

• Conscience

narrow your response to just ONE word. It

• Recommend

certainly was for me!

Even after all these years as a professional writer and editor, there are more words out there that I stumble on than I care to admit. It often takes slowing down my typing or even spelling the word out loud as I type to make sure I get it right.

Two words that spring to mind are

• Occasionally Again, thanks to those who chimed in.

Before I go, check out this conversation I had with my wife before I sat down to write this: Me: “Another word I’ve struggled with is speechless!”

accommodate and liaison.

My wife: “What?! How can you possibly

Below are 15 difficult words to spell according to the responses:

spell that wrong?”

• Maintenance

Me: “OK, spell it.”

My wife: “S.P.E.A.C.H.L.E.S.S.” Me: “Ummm, wrong.

• Nauseous

It’s S.P.E.E.C.H.L.E.S.S.”

• Rhythm

My wife: “Oh ... well ... I guess I’m speechless.”

• Available

Be sure like and follow me on

• Entrepreneur

facebook.com/EditThisDenton/ for more writing tips and more.

• Silhouette 30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS

| October 2017

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 www.edit-this-npsteve.com