January 2023

TOPS IN TARRANT

Industry Winners

Being your own boss starts with a big leap of faith. It begins with an idea. You zone in on that idea and then see if you have the courage to go all-in or dip a toe into entrepreneurship with a side hustle. Ideally, your idea is also a passion project. As Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” No matter the industry or the passion for it, the effort put into running any business amounts to a lot of sweat, blood and tears. The 100 businesses in our 9th annual “Tops in Tarrant” section know this all too well. Their success is the product of delivering constant high quality products or services. The community's regard for them remains high and positive—and the honor of this nomination is proof of their continued success.

Every year, I get inquiries from readers and business owners asking how this list is decided, so here are the details. We ask visitors to our website voting form to nominate one top business under each of 100 different industry categories. This online survey was available on SocietyLifeMag.com and was announced on our website home page and our social media feeds, as well as in ads in Society Life magazine. The votes are totaled and the final winner is the business with the most votes. You can view a list of all the categories and our winners for this year on pages 18-19 of this issue. Here’s how our ‘Tops in Tarrant’ winner list was compiled.

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HOW THE TOPS IN TARRANT WINNERS ARE CHOSEN: The Society Life ‘Tops in Tarrant’ list is a result of a website-based survey from the 4th quarter (October, November, December) of 2022 requesting suggestions for the top local leaders of each listed industry. The 100 industry categories were chosen by the Society Life magazine editorial staff. It was suggested that any business who serves the residents of Northeast Tarrant County was eligible—including, but not limited to, Society Life magazine advertisers. If any business was nominated for multiple industries, it appears under only one industry as decided by the Society Life staff. There are no duplicate business listings allowed—each business may appear only once in the Top 100 which includes only the Top nomination under each of the 100 industry categories. The final numbers are confidential and anonymous. The resulting list on pages 18-19 of this issue reflects the companies who received the most votes from the final survey nominations. All listings are alphabetical by their respective industry category—they are not listed by number of votes or any other such ranking or order.

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Congratulations to the 100 local businesses who were named Tops in Tarrant 2023. Thank you for raising the bar and never compromising on excellence. You’ve earned the right to be called ‘Tops.’

ELENA ELLIS Publisher / Editorial Director elena@societylifemagazine.com

Congratulations to our 2023 Tops In Tarrant 100 Best in

BY TRISHA MITCHELL

may the best one win

“In a race everyone runs, but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win.”

– 1 Corinthians 9:24

When we think of the word “best,” we usually think about some sort of competition — a contest or event where we compete for a prize, award or position that may affect our happiness. While everyone claims to be “the best” at something, no one can be the best at everything.

Some argue that by working harder than everyone else, we can be the best. That may be true. But even when we put forth an enormous effort, our contributions can be faced with hostility and disrespect. In those moments, we must remember Ephesians 6:7. It encourages us to, “do everything as unto the Lord, not as unto men and women.” Doing this will help us cope with the disappointment that occurs from being blatantly snubbed.

Such was the case a few years ago when I entered a pie contest. The contest was part of a national holiday event. Although there were different types of vendors, I was the only food vendor. I sold mini-sized sweet potato pies. Every customer who bought a pie loved them, and many expressed (with great certainty) that my pie would “definitely win.” Several hours passed and no winner had been announced. People kept asking, “When are they going to announce the winner of the pie contest?” It never happened. There was a winner. But it was never announced.

As the day drew to a close, I walked over to the tables where all the pies were placed. My meticulously decorated pie, along with a few others, remained uncut. Saddened and befuddled, I located one of the judges to ask him who won. He claimed he couldn’t remember. I asked how they determined which pie was the best if they didn’t taste all the pies. His response was, “I couldn’t taste any of the pies ‘cause I’m diabetic.” Confused and annoyed, I then asked, “Then why were you chosen as a judge?” He ignored my question and walked away. Immediately, I thought about 2 Timothy 2:5. It says that a person can only be crowned as a winner if they compete according to the rules. Apparently, in this contest, there were no rules.

Though I am very much aware that the world uses a totally different set of rules when determining “what’s best” and “who’s best.” It’s comforting to know that I serve an impartial God (Romans 2:11) who never changes His mind (Numbers 23:19). Was there a “Best Sweet Potato Pie?” Yes. Was it mine? Not according to the judges in this contest. Does this mean my pies are not “the best?” That depends on who you ask!

The attitude of the judge left a bad taste in my mouth, but his lack of integrity did not stop me from baking pies. I’ve baked thousands of pies since that event. I continue to “work heartily” with great passion and enthusiasm just as Colossians 3:23 commands. Karisma Kapoor suggests we “Just do what [we] believe in, and success will follow.” I agree. To be the best, we must first believe within ourselves that we are. This requires not only great confidence in our abilities, but even more in the abilities of the God who gifted us.

Ideally, the most deserving person of any competition should win. But that’s not always the case. Nevertheless, God’s desire for us is to be happy in our work (Ecclesiastes 3:22). He has given each of us a specific gift—one thing we’re great at. And He expects us to use it to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). Whether you’re a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, “do what you love and love what you do.”

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Continue to “commit to the Lord in whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3). As you press on toward the goal for the true prize (Philippians 3:14) God promises to show His approval and make your efforts successful (Psalms 90:17).

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Cover2Cover

RIPE READS BOOK REVIEWS BY SANDY LOWE

BRAVE FACE

You’re searching your favorite book retailer’s stacks for something to get you through the winter blahs. Maybe a perky romance or a fuzzy pet story where the darling dog does not die at the end. Then you come across a memoir about the brutal and bloody Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II from the perspective of a young girl. Perfect!

Seem unlikely to you? I’d agree until I read “Brave Face: The Inspiring WWII Memoir of a Dutch/German Child” written by I. Caroline Crocker and Meta A. Evenbly. This story bubbles with resilience, hope and humor.

With the help of her daughter Caroline, Meta tells the story of her early life with her Dutch postman father and her German mother. They are poor enough before the war, shown by their need to pay a penny per person to sit at the rear of a church service. Better-off worshippers pay 25 cents a person to sit in the front.

Even so, Meta thrills to daily adventures like hitching a ride on the back of a vendor’s cart where he can’t see her and spitting on the largest serving of pudding in hope it would be hers. She knows joy and she knows love before she turns six years old.

She also witnesses the Nazi soldiers murdering a man on a bicycle at that tender age. Because her mother is German there is a real possibility Meta’s uncles will be drafted into the German army to fight against the sister they cherish.

Meta’s family is forced to leave their home for poorer quarters. Starvation looms due to food shortages. Her oldest sister contracts tuberculosis. But the family clings together. They hold each other up. They find the silver lining. During a game of hide and seek their mother says to their father, “You know I always hoped to have a family like this. Ja, they’re active, but aren’t they just so wonderful?”

On another occasion Meta’s Aunt Agnes comes to celebrate the birthday they share. The feast consists of tea from already used leaves and zuurtje—a Dutch candy. Aunt Agnes has made new clothes for Meta’s doll as a birthday gift, upon which Meta remarks that the doll is better dressed than Meta and her sisters.

Here’s the advice their Mama gives on this occasion: “Always celebrate what you can, when you can, with whom you can. Even a little is better than nothing.”

THE INSPIRING WWII MEMOIR OF A DUTCH/GERMAN CHILD

by

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Meta Evenbly is an 87-year-old who survived WWII and this is her first book. Co-written with her daughter Caroline Crocker, who has authored or coauthored eight books to date. When she was 17, Meta met the love of her life, Frits. They immigrated to Canada, and then lived in the U.S. and England. She has lived in Texas for almost 30 years—25 of those being in Southlake. Now in her 80s, Meta has five children and many, many grand- and great- grandchildren. Studying in her “spare” time, Meta was awarded a degree in Liberal Arts from St. Thomas University, Houston at the age of 59 and has done some of the coursework needed for a master’s at SMU. Frits is now gone, but Meta’s indomitable spirit continues to impact all who know her. She’s not done with living, so Meta is sharing her story with the generations who come after her.

“Always celebrate what you can, when you can, with whom you can. Even a little is better than nothing.”

I. Caroline Crocker and Meta A. Evenbly

PICTURED .................................... (from left to right)

David and Jennifer Martin

Owners of David Martin & Son Roofing

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A SMALL PART OF A BIGGER STORY

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FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO IS BACK JAN 13 - FEB 4 MOST AUTHENTIC WESTERN LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE ANYWHERE

2023 NCL SENIOR CLASS SOUTHLAKE NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE

The Southlake Chapter of National Charity League celebrates the NCL Senior Class of 2023 at the Senior Recognition on January 29, 2023 at the Bowden. Information is available on the NCL Southlake website. They celebrate the senior class who has served 21 local and national philanthropies from 2017 to 2023, and recognize the 66 mothers and daughters who have given more than 18,500 hours to their mission and partner philanthropies during their years in NCL. Commitment to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences will be honored at the event. The Seniors also serve as models at their Annual Fashion Show and Benefit. Last March, they helped raise $90,000 that was given to the philanthropies, including Battered Women’s Foundation, MidCities Christmas Providers, the Community Table, GRACE, Feed Our Kids, Humane Society of North Texas, Metroport Meals on Wheels, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Special Olympics, the Stepping Stones Foundation and Summer Santa. We are proud to celebrate this amazing group of young ladies and their mothers for their service in our community.

This Thing is Legendary! It’s not just a slogan. It’s why the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is the most authentic western lifestyle experience anywhere—since 1896. It’s exciting, it’s fun, it’s 23 days of what makes Fort Worth the greatest city in Texas! The rodeo action features the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebración, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, Bulls Night Out Extreme Bull Riding and Texas Champions Challenge. The FWSSR Pro Rodeo Tournament tops it off in the world’s most awesome venue for rodeo—Dickies Arena. They also have livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, live music, carnival midway, shopping, great food and much more. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is the city's oldest and largest public event. Embraced by 1.2 million guests, they come to celebrate and compete in the event that makes Fort Worth the most unique city in Texas. At this event, you’ll find the information and stories that highlight why the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is truly legendary! Make your trip to the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo more than just a visit—make it an experience... a VIP Experience. Eight options provide you with food, beverages, entertainment, fun activities, behind the scenes tours and other exciting amenities exclusive to the VIP Experience. No minimum purchase required, but VIP Experiences go fast so reserve yours today. General admission and rodeo tickets are also available. There's not another western lifestyle event with more rich history than whats formally called the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show. After experiencing it all, we bet you’ll agree—This Thing IS Legendary!

THE CULTURE OF ANCIENT CHINA WAS DIVINELY INSPIRED SHEN YUN REFLECTS RICH SPIRITUAL HERITAGE

What is Shen Yun, exactly? It’s more than just a performance—it’s a revival of the beauty and goodness of China before communism. With stories and legends, vibrant costumes and backdrops, original music and a few fun surprises—it’s an experience that will delight your senses, inspire your heart, and just leave you feeling great. They’re based in New York and their artists come from all over the world. This performance means a lot to them and they put their all into it. They can’t wait to share it with you. The world’s premier classical Chinese dance company, Shen Yun is bringing to life a lost culture through beautiful art.

Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Shen Yun makes this possible by pushing the boundaries of the performing arts, with a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away! The traditional Chinese culture Shen Yun presents cannot be seen anywhere else in the world—not even in China. There, the ruling communist regime has viewed China’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage as a threat to its ideology and for decades tried to erase it.

But in 2006, a group of Chinese artists came together in New York with a vision: to revive the best of China’s cultural heritage and share it with the world. They drew courage and inspiration from their practice of Falun Dafa—a spiritual discipline based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The company’s repertoire includes important works shedding light on the plight of people like them in communist China today.

When audience members give their remarks leaving the performance, many find themselves searching for words to capture their experience. You can hear everything from an entire alphabet of superlatives to “it just defies description.” They say it’s just something you have to see to believe. After a decade of performing around the world to sold-out audiences everywhere, Shen Yun has brought a great civilization back from the brink of extinction.

Shen Yun is now the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company. Some people fly from other countries or drive hundreds of miles to see it. Others see the same performance five or six times. Why? Many say there are no words to describe it—you have to see it with your own eyes to find out.

Shen Yun 2023 will be at the AT&T Performing Arts Center–Winspear Opera House located at 2403 Flora Street in Dallas from February 24–26, 2023. Be inspired. Be amazed. Experience the divine culture’s return. Join us at Shen Yun. –

to learn more or for tickets, please visit: shenyun.com/dallas

For any company to be given a five-star rating in the grading system, it typically denotes that they provide the highest class and quality of products or services. As a business owner, it’s important how your community perceives the value that you provide. The 100 local companies listed here in our Top 100 can officially consider this a five-star rating... two thumbs up... stamp of approval... job well done! However we choose to say it, you voted them Tops in Tarrant Best in Industry for 2023.

The people have spoken—it’s time to announce the winners of our 2023 Society Life Magazine ‘Tops in Tarrant’ 100 Best in Industry. The 100 businesses listed are the final result of a community-based website survey requesting votes for the top local leaders in 100 carefully selected industries. Save this handy list for use as a quick guide to finding reputable resources for many of the businesses we use daily in and around Tarrant County. The resulting list reflects companies who received the most votes. Only the Top winner under each category is listed. Flip the page for a list of our Tops winners followed by our cover story. Watch for the official ‘Tops’ icon above on winner’s ads and displayed proudly on plaques in businesses.

9th Annual Society Life Magazine ‘Tops in Tarrant’ 100 Best in Industry

TOPS IN TARRANT WINNERS

BEAUTY

HAIR SALON HEAD CASE HAIR STUDIO

LASER HAIR REMOVAL GLOW MEDSPA

LASHES LASH & GLOW

MEDSPA MAGNOLIA MEDSPA & WELLNESS

MEN’S GROOMING BARBER SHOP @ RENATA SALONS

REJUVENATION BEVERLY HILLS REJUVENATION CENTER

SKIN CARE RENEW MD FACIAL AESTHETICS

TANNING SMART BRONZE

DINING

ASIAN NAPA THAI ASIAN CUISINE

BAKERY CAKE POPS BY ALLI

BAR JANE - SOUTHLAKE BBQ MEAT YOU ANYWHERE BBQ

BREAKFAST / BRUNCH BLACK WALNUT CAFE

BREWERY HOP & STING BREWING CO.

BURGERS CHEF POINT BAR & RESTAURANT CAJUN SHUCK ME

COFFEE BAR CHELSEA HALL COFFEE & EATERY

ITALIAN CALABRESE

MEDITERRANEAN FERAH TEX-MED KITCHEN

MEXICAN MESERO

SEAFOOD THE CLASSIC AT ROANOKE

STEAKS MAC’S ON MAIN

SUSHI SUSHI ZEN JAPANESE BISTRO

WINERY FARINA'S WINERY & CAFÉ

EDUCATION

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION GRAPEVINE FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

COLLEGE PREPARATION COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

DANCE STUDIO EPICENTER FOR THE ARTS

EARLY EDUCATION PSE - PRE-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

MONTESSORI SCHOOL COLLEYVILLE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

MUSIC LESSONS CREATIVE SOUL MUSIC SCHOOL

PRIVATE SCHOOL FORT WORTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING THE CLARIDEN SCHOOL

SPECIALIZED LEARNING INSPIRE ACADEMY

ENTERTAINMENT

EVENT / WEDDING VENUE MONTCLAIR WEDDING & EVENT VENUE

GOLF COURSE SKY CREEK RANCH GOLF CLUB

HOTEL / RESORT GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT

LIVE MUSIC VENUE THIRD RAIL IN HARVEST HALL

MOVIE THEATER LOOK DINE-IN CINEMA COLLEYVILLE

FINANCIAL

ACCOUNTING FIRM SMALLWOOD & ASSOCIATES BANKING FIRST FINANCIAL BANK INSURANCE CAROL HARRIS STATE FARM AGENCY INVESTMENTS ALLEN WEALTH ADVISORS

MORTGAGE LENDER FIRST NATIONAL BANK MORTGAGE REAL ESTATE AGENCY THE WALL TEAM

RETIREMENT PLANNING CLINTSMAN FINANCIAL PLANNING TITLE COMPANY JUNIPER TITLE COMPANY

FITNESS / WELLNESS HEALTH CLUB / GYM HOTWORX

MASSAGE ELEMENTS MASSAGE

PERSONAL TRAINING IMPACT PERFORMANCE & FITNESS

100 BUSINESSES VOTED THE BEST IN THEIR INDUSTRIES

The businesses listed are the result of our website-based survey requesting votes for the top local leaders in 100 industries. Industry categories were selected by the Society Life editorial staff and voting took place online on our website. It was suggested that any business serving residents of Northeast Tarrant was eligible— including, but not limited to, magazine advertisers. If any business was nominated for multiple industries, it will only appear once in the Top 100. The list includes only the Top nomination under each category and all of the winner’s listings are in alphabetical order by their respective category—not in any order of ranking.

PHYSICAL THERAPY ATI PHYSICAL THERAPY

PILATES LIFELONG PILATES

WEIGHT LOSS LIFE’S MEDICINE

WELLNESS SPA CORINTHIAN WELLNESS SPA

YOGA INSPIRE YOGA

HOME A/C HEATING CIRCLE-E FACILITY & HOME SERVICES

BLINDS / SHUTTERS BLIND AND SHUTTER GUYS

CLEANING THE CLEANING AUTHORITY

CUSTOM BUILDER WILLOWTREE CUSTOM HOMES

DOOR COMPANY LOVE THAT DOOR

FENCE / GATE DFW FENCE CONTRACTOR

FLOORING PRESTIGE FLOORS

FOUNDATION REPAIR STRUCTURED FOUNDATION REPAIRS

GARAGE DOORS FCD FAMILY CHRISTIAN DOORS

INDOOR LIGHTING LEE LIGHTING

INTERIOR DESIGN SUSAN SEMMELMANN INTERIORS

LANDSCAPING JAMES LANDSCAPING INC.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING CREATIVE NIGHTSCAPES OUTDOOR LIGHTING

PATIOS / OUTDOOR LIVING TCP OUTDOOR

PAINTING SOUTHERN PAINTING

PEST CONTROL BOB'S BEST TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

PLUMBING LEAK GEEKS PLUMBING

POOL DESIGN / INSTALLATION CLAFFEY POOLS

RENOVATION CDP ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRUCTION

ROOFING DAVID MARTIN & SON ROOFING

SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY SMART HOME SOLUTIONS

STAIRS / BALUSTERS STAIR HEROS

WINDOWS THE WINDOW AUTHORITY

LEGAL

BUSINESS LAW VICKERS KEMPF, PLLC

CRIMINAL LAW BARNETT HOWARD & WILLIAMS PLLC

DIVORCE KOONSFULLER, PC FAMILY LAW

ESTATE PLANNING THE LAW OFFICE OF DANA L. WHITE, PLLC

FAMILY LAW SCHNEIDER LAW FIRM, PC

WEALTH LAW HOUSER FIRM, PC

RETAIL

APPLIANCES

OLIVER DYER’S APPLIANCES

AUTO DEALERSHIP AVONDALE DEALERSHIPS

CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE ALEXA & CO. BOUTIQUE

CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE CONSIGNMENT GALLERY

FINE JEWELRY RICHARD’S CUSTOM JEWELERS

FURNITURE STACY FURNITURE & DESIGN

GIFTS / SEASONAL GOOD THINGS FOR ALL SEASONS

HOME DECOR MANOR HOME FURNISHINGS & DESIGN

MEN’S CLOTHING XAR CLOTHIER

NURSERY BLOOMING COLORS NURSERY & LANDSCAPING

WINE & SPIRITS

BEAR CREEK SPIRITS & WINE

WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE AUSTIN LORIN

SERVICES

AUTO MAINTENANCE

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE

COMPUTER / IT SERVICES ON-SITE PC SERVICES

PET CARE CREEKSIDE 24/7 PET CARE CENTER

SENIOR LIVING HARBORCHASE OF SOUTHLAKE

TRAVEL AGENCY SHANGRI-LA WORLD TRAVEL

Trust, quality and integrity are not words commonly used to describe most roofing companies — that is... unless you are talking about David Martin & Son Roofing. Colleyville residents and owners of the roofing company, David & Jennifer Martin, are both changing the face of their industry by standing behind (and even on) the roofs that they install, replace and repair. It’s customary for them to be found up on rooftops of local homes they’ve been hired to work on making certain it is done right. They each know that it’s much more than just a roof over your head which is why their focus is building relationships one roof at a time. They are driven by the philosophy that their success will ultimately be determined more by the number of people that they help rather than how many roofs they install. If it isn’t good enough for them, then it isn’t good enough for you! This moral guiding compass is how they are elevating the roofing industry — and the community has noticed. For the third year in a row you’ve voted them Tops in Tarrant as best roofing company in Tarrant County — and they deserve this view from the top!

“David takes care of a customer's home like it’s his own,” admits Jennifer Martin. “We take the time to do the job right so we can build the trust of our customers and assure them that they have made the right decision. It’s challenging work, but we truly take it to heart.”

David and Jennifer Martin

THEY’VE GOT YOU COVERED

Repairs are part of owning a home, and roof repairs should not be put off. With more than 25 years in the business, many recognitions under his belt, and thousands of houses, Martin is his own harshest critic and most vigilant watchdog. Helping you protect your property is what owners David and Jennifer Martin do best! If you’ve got roof problems, they’ve got roof solutions. They know that your home is your biggest investment. If you have noticed missing shingles on your roof or are experiencing leaks—peace-of-mind is just a call away! Don’t let a little leak become a big problem.

• Missing shingles

• Rodent damage

• Storm damage

To make your claim process simple, direct links to insurance company claim centers are on their website. The Martins will meet your insurance adjuster and work on your behalf to ensure your property is cared for like their own. They’ve got you covered!

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

ONE ROOF AT A TIME | Along with the accolades, it should come as no surprise that David Martin & Son Roofing is one of the most trusted, well-reviewed and frequently referred roofers in the business. They have an impeccable standing they’ve worked hard and long for—it took decades to win the approval and positive perceptions of customers, insurance carriers and suppliers. They do the hard work and always do it right. Following up with their customers for warranty inspections is just the beginning of their superior service. They don’t disappear after the job is done... these are not storm chasers. Even when a roof is complete and his crew leaves the site, Martin’s work continues. Testimonials from customers attest to just that—David Martin & Son Roofing isn’t the kind of business that vanishes off the face of the earth when the job is done.

ABOVE AND BEYOND | An eagle eye for detail and painstaking workmanship have become hallmarks of Martin’s operation. Whether working on a multi-million dollar mansion, a commercial business or a modest family home, Martin uses the highest quality materials, performs exhaustive inspections and forges strong relationships with customers. Thousands of homeowners have turned to David Martin & Son Roofing because of a simple, “Don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t cheat” mentality. This commitment to integrity has also caught the attention of insurance carriers. Martin is frequently called upon by insurance companies to evaluate

TESTIMONIAL from THE SMITHS

“We don’t normally write reviews however the outstanding level of customer service and quality output we received from David Martin & Son Roofing is worthy of sharing with everyone! Our new roof is beautiful—a true complement to our home. David & Jennifer were extremely professional and involved throughout the process. We met with 3 companies before making a decision. We are so glad we selected David Martin. Without a doubt, their level of knowledge and expertise is unmatched. Start to finish the process was A+, the crew was professional, the work was done on time and the daily clean-up was beyond expectations. Our new roof looks fantastic! We can’t say enough about how wonderful it has been working with the Martins. We highly recommend David Martin & Son Roofing if you’re looking for a roofing company that’s honest and maintains high standards in all details! Thank you for hands-on involvement from initial inspection, coordination with insurance company and thorough attention to our project! Job well done!”

TESTIMONIAL from THE WILLIAMS

“David Martin & Son Roofing is one of the most professional and respectable businesses around. They’re committed to very high standards across all fronts of their business: installation (install materials & work product), employees, marketing, inspection, customer service. His employees were efficient, clean and respectful of our property. David and Jennifer are some of the most friendly and honest people you will meet and they make the roof install a pleasant and enjoyable one. From the first time we met, we knew we were in good hands. David’s motto is that he tries to make his next roof better than the last. He has a keen eye for attention to detail and design. Any questions I had he answered and left me feeling confident. Really, this is some of the best customer service around. We have had a very positive experience with David Martin & Son Roofing and couldn't be happier with the roof they installed for us. We have recommended them to other friends and would encourage anyone else to see their product when selecting a roof.”

disputed or bogus claims. They trust his word when he determines whether a job needs to be done or not. He works continually to earn their trust, as well as that of his customers. And the Martins aren’t the only watchdogs found at their company. Their German Shepard named Macallan and Black Lab called Honey are common companions on job sites—in addition to being amazing at keeping watch over their work trucks! The Martins and their 4-legged friends are top dogs.

TOP DOGS | The Martin’s position in our community, their accomplishments, visibility and prominence in their field has won them recognition on many fronts— including both David (tinyurl.com/dmartinww) and Jennifer (tinyurl.com/jmartinww) being inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. Well regarded for contributions in the roofing field, the Martins have received numerous awards and designations—most recently named “Tops in Tarrant” by Society Life Magazine for the third year in a row!

DAVID MARTIN CARES | Driven to contribute to their community through various nonprofit and educational initiatives, the Martins are proud supporters of many nonprofit, city, chamber, sports and school organizations. This passion for helping others aligns perfectly with their profession. Caring about homeowners and the roofs over their heads is one thing. Standing behind their work is another thing entirely. But, pair this with their commitment to honesty, quality and integrity and that puts them in a league of their own and deserving of being called Tops.

TESTIMONIAL from THE EBERTS

“We have lived in our Colleyville home for over 25 years. During that time I have exclusively used David Martin & Son Roofing to replace a hail damaged roof. David and Jennifer always go way above and beyond to provide quality service and value. Our latest roof needed replacement after a bad hail storm. Our experience included: A thorough inspection. The Martins sitting down with us to look at options. Timely accurate estimate of install dates, specific dates for wood repair, gutter replacement, and installing new roof. Courteous work teams. On-site follow up with owners. Thorough clean-up. Help with insurance process. Followup to assure 100% satisfaction. I’ve recommended them to many friends and neighbors. If you’re looking for someone who is professional, ethical, does excellent work at a reasonable price, you can't do better than DM&S!”

TESTIMONIAL from THE KLINES

“Our 18+ year relationship with David Martin & Son Roofing began after a hail storm with the replacement of the original roof, skylight and gutters. We added solar decking for insulation and premium Class ‘C’ roofing material which qualified us for a 25% discount on homeowner's insurance. Recent storm damage brought the need for our roof to be replaced. The two calls I made were to insurance and David Martin. Because David knew our roof, he consulted with the adjuster during inspection to make sure all damage was documented and reflected fully in the claim value. Any issues that come up in the design/application process were also recognized by David Martin and he followed up on each open item to completion. We’re very happy to have our beautiful new roof and gutters and we look forward to many years of enjoyment!”

BEAUTY

HAIR SALON

HEAD CASE HAIR STUDIO

1200 Keller Parkway, Suite 400, Keller, Texas 76248

phone: (682) 593-7425 website: headcasehairstudio.com

Head Case Hair Studio is a full service salon leading the way for organic and vegan beauty. They’re proud to be a cruelty-free and certified Green Circle Salon—meaning they recycle 90-95% of their waste! They use Natulique—ammonia-free hair colour for the highest professional level while leaving hair looking and feeling healthier than before. Head Case offers the safest products produced in the most responsible way—plus they promise you a team of extremely talented, highly educated creators. At Head Case Hair Studio, you will love your look and your stylist!

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LASER HAIR REMOVAL

GLOW MEDSPA

7153 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 102, Colleyville, Texas 76034

phone: (817) 502-2657 website: glowmedspa.com

With three primary goals in mind, Glow Medspa started its journey. They are affordable, effective, and safe treatments that help to make their patients happy and healthy. Each esthetician and technician are both licensed and certified by the State of Texas Department of Health. They provide the most competitive prices without compromising on safety and comfort. Their trusted med spa promoters and team members believe that skincare, laser, and aesthetics should be accessible to everyone!

LASHES

LASH & GLOW

1530 Keller Parkway, Keller, Texas 76248

phone: (817) 312-9111 website: lashandglow.com

Lash and Glow takes beauty to the next level! With eyelash extensions, throw away your mascara and wake up ready to go. Their dedication, skill, patience and talent will help create individualized looks for every client. When you meet with one of their expert estheticians they consider eye shape, condition of natural lashes, facial features, skin tone, lifestyle, and preference to create a customized, unique look just for you—from natural enhancement to high-impact, dramatic lashes. Offering eyelash extensions and spray tanning to keep you feeling confident, beautiful and glowing! – –

MEDSPA

MAGNOLIA MEDSPA & WELLNESS

2111 Kirkwood Boulevard, Suite 110, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 329-0102 website: magnoliamedspaandwellness.com Magnolia Medspa and Wellness is a non-surgical, advanced medical aesthetics, skin injection and laser clinic in Southlake. Their medical team provides only the highest level of care, combined with the safest, most effective laser and non-invasive cosmetic treatments available. Patients can feel confident knowing their well-being and safety is of the utmost importance to this physician-led team. Magnolia Medspa and Wellness has a passion for helping people feel good in their own skin!

BEAUTY

MEN’S GROOMING

BARBER SHOP @ RENATA SALONS

224 E. College Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051

phone: (817) 488-3444 website: renatasalons.com/barber-shop

When Renata Salons remodeled the floor above Renata into the 2nd floor Barber Shop, it was intentional that it be a much more masculine alcove for the male customers, spearheaded by owner Lauren Jackson’s husband Chris Jackson. The Barber Shop is inspired by vintage shops of yesteryear and is complete with walls lined with LPs, craft beer and whiskey—and it just wouldn’t feel complete without the 110-year-old barber chairs to compliment the theme. Guys and boys are coming in for expert haircuts plus shaves, grey blending, beard and neck trims. – – – –

REJUVENATION

BEVERLY HILLS REJUVENATION CENTER

Southlake, Alliance, Fort Worth, Flower Mound, Frisco, Highland Park centers Southlake: (817) 251-9280 Alliance: (817) 379-0566 website: bhrcdallas.com

The Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center of Dallas was founded by Director Heather Tindell. BHRC Dallas is not a franchise. They’re the original, including six DFW locations in Frisco, Flower Mound, Southlake, Fort Worth, Highland Park and Alliance. They are not affiliated with any other area, and this includes their exclusive foundation, protocols, skill set and procedures. BHRC is led by a board certified physician and practitioners, certified and licensed in anti-aging and wellness. They’re proud to have an impeccable and flawless patient record of care and treatment!

SKIN CARE

RENEW MD FACIAL AESTHETICS

320 Morrison Park Drive, Suite 120, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 678-5388 website: renewmdmedspa.com Dr. Alexis Gordon, M.D., F.A.C.S. is passionate about delivering high quality results. All of their minimally-invasive facial aesthetic procedures are customized to achieve both short- and long-term goals. Services are directly overseen or performed by Dr. Gordon and her highly-trained team. Renew MD Facial Aesthetics offers the latest technology and combination therapies, including treatment for sun and age spots, wrinkles, other signs of aging, spider veins, acne and acne scarring, and preventive and reparative facial aesthetic treatments. Start your journey to renewal! – – – –

TANNING

SMART BRONZE

100 West Southlake Boulevard, Suite 142, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 251-1082 website: smartbronze.com

Any reason, every season—consider Smart Bronze your expert authority on everything sunless! Sunless tanning can be intimidating. Everyone has seen a bad fake bake or heard an at-home horror story. The Smart Bronze team is a group of Master Certified Sunless Tanning Specialists dedicated to giving the most natural looking results available. Their clean, modern studio is 100% dedicated to sunless tanning—proving our commitment to creating a glow to be revered. Get a safe, smart tan—just off the beach color without the sand.

DINING

ASIAN

NAPA THAI ASIAN CUISINE

5005 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 240, Colleyville, Texas 76034

phone: (682) 325-4588 website: napathaicuisine.com/home NAPA comes directly from the Thai language meaning ‘The blue infinite.’ NAPA is a unique Thai restaurant with a beautifully designed decor inside, conveniently located along Highway 26 in Colleyville offering a glimpse of traditional Thai culture—where balance and harmony come together in a relaxing, yet elegant atmosphere. NAPA’s founder First Sukpanishakul and Creative Director Bobby Preechasathit are to thank for their handson approach in creating the interior design and NAPA’s total branding experience. You are invited to come experience Thai food like no other! – –

BAKERY

CAKE POPS BY ALLI

280 Commerce Street, Southlake, Texas 76092

phone: (817) 372-0023 website: cakepopsbyalli.com

Cake Pops by Alli started as a small, local cake pop bakery that specialized in creating delicious cake pops for any event, celebration or just because! They can deliver your bouquet just like a florist and brighten the day of any recipient. Today, they have grown into a full service bakery offering made-to-order cake pops, cakes, cupcakes, sweet treats, seasonal pies and muffins. Their belief is that every day is a little sweeter with cake pops... and they’re spreading joy one deliciously created goodie at a time!

BAR JANE - SOUTHLAKE

1151 East Southlake Boulevard, Suite 390, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 424-JANE (5263) website: meetatjane.com

Jane is a locally-owned and operated business, specializing in coffee, wine and cocktails, while offering a menu of small and large plates in addition to a thoughtfully curated selection of charcuterie and cheeses. Jane is a space for gathering—from grabbing a morning coffee to start your day or taking a seat in their chic, classy, hotel lobby-style atmosphere. A place to work in the morning, meet friends throughout the day, or sip from the extensive wine by the glass and specialty cocktail programs. Jane is for winding up, or winding down—whatever the time or day of the week. – –

BBQ MEAT YOU ANYWHERE BBQ

919 W. Northwest Hwy, Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: (817) 251-1227 91 Trophy Club Drive, Trophy Club, Texas 76262 phone: (817) 237-7854 website: meatuanywhere.com

From humble beginnings “meating” your barbecue and catering needs, they welcomed you to their first store in Grapevine. And they now have a second location in Trophy Club. They slow smoke meats with seasoned oak and hickory wood and you can choose from exclusive sides, special offerings and ultimate breakfast tacos. Come see what the rave is about— remember that for any catering needs, they will “Meat U Anywhere!”

DINING

BREAKFAST / BRUNCH

BLACK WALNUT

CAFE

1205 Church Street, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (682) 235-5100 website: blackwalnutcafe.com

From handcrafted sandwiches and freshly tossed salads to chilled local craft brews and swirly rows of gelato, you have right at your fingertips an option for every appetite and any occasion—and a favorable chance that during your next visit, you’ll happen upon something entirely new. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as happy hour with a wide selection of beer and wine. Order online for to-go when you’re on the run or in a hurry. Black Walnut Cafe is comfort served fresh in the heart of your community—a space where casual comfort welcomes a cultivated palate. – – –

BREWERY

HOP & STING BREWING CO.

906 Jean Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: (817) 488-2337 website: hopandsting.com

Hop & Sting has a large outdoor Beer Garden and indoor Taproom with up to 16 freshly brewed beers on tap for you to experience!

H&S brews high quality, small-batch, craft ales and lagers which will be available in draft and/or packaged forms. They’re dedicated to producing only the highest quality beers, based on a foundation of education, attentionto-detail, discipline and experience. They are always featuring new flavors and hosting fun special events. Make sure to grab a bite from a rotating lineup of amazing food trucks and pop-up vendors! The best brewery in DFW!

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BURGERS

CHEF POINT BAR & RESTAURANT

5220 TX-121, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 482-5030 website: chefpointcafe.org

From it’s humble beginnings in a gas station in Watauga, to the new Chef Point location in Colleyville that boasts a modern bar and restaurant. For those diners with pure food indulgence in mind, they must visit Chef Point and state your desires with an ever-changing internationally and seasonally inspired menu. They love food, lots of different food—just like you. Locals flock here for The ‘Bloody Best’ Bloody Mary—a double size that includes their famous Better Than Sex Chicken, a Nolan Ryan slider, waffle fries, grilled shrimp, jalapeno pepper, pickle spear and bacon.

CAJUN

SHUCK ME

9560 Feather Grass Ln., Ft. Worth, Texas 76177 phone: (817) 803-4300

585 Randol Mill Ave., Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 748-2563 website: shuckme.net

Shuck Me offers live music, great happy hour specials and amazing food—oysters, shrimp, fish, burgers, po-boys, gumbos and chowders, served up just how you love it. Fried, grilled, boiled, in tacos, on sandwiches, in baskets, on salads—all mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing and making tummies happy all over North Texas (and in the Broken Bow area of Oklahoma)! Shuck Me also has a great bar, patio seating, amazing seafood selection, best happy hour in town and the most talented live musicians. – – –

COFFEE BAR

CHELSEA HALL COFFEE & EATERY

3855 Glade Road, Suite 110 Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 912-1551 website: chelseacoffeeandeatery.com

Chelsea Coffee House & Eatery offers craft coffee, pastries, breakfast, lunch, and even conference rooms available to rent where you can have the option to order Chelsea Coffee food and drinks from your conference room and have them delivered to your meeting. Grab a tomato and mozzarella panini or a quiche at lunch. Pick up a chocolate croissant, yogurt parfait, or choose from a selection of delicious breakfast breads with a coffee at the start of your day. Chelsea Coffee House & Eatery is open every day from 7am-6pm. – – –

ITALIAN CALABRESE

1281 East State Highway 114 Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 251-8798 website: calabresetx.com

At Calabrese, they are deeply passionate about bringing people together, celebrating life, and sharing Italian traditions with the community. Their philosophy is that family and friends are best brought together by outstanding food and drink. Calabrese provides that every day, for every occasion, and every celebration. This family-owned and operated establishment takes pride in every aspect of their restaurant. Calabrese offers catering for corporate events, weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversary parties and social gatherings.

DINING

MEDITERRANEAN

FERAH TEX-MED KITCHEN

355 N. Carroll Ave., Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 912-1053 website: ferahtexmed.com

Modern Mediterranean with a Texan twist, Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen is the product of a lifelong dream and nearly two decades of experience in gourmet kitchens and upscale hotels around the world. Owner and Chef, Burak Ozcan, started his culinary career in some of the most luxurious resorts across the Mediterranean coast. Once he moved to Dallas he created the innovative “Tex-Med” concept in 2016 which includes always fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Ferah TexMed’s diverse menu offers dishes for a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. When you dine at Ferah, you feel like family! – – –

MEXICAN MESERO

1471 East Southlake Boulevard Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 952-9705 website: mesero.net Mesero is beyond Tex Mex, but lives up to its promise of Mexican Spirit American Life. One taste of the iconic Queso Mesero and brisket tacos will keep you coming back for more. The shrimp loaded ceviche is truly crave-worthy. Locals gather around at this popular brunch spot on weekends and happy hours at the bar. Be sure not to skip Mesero’s amazing drink list, it’s the best part! Mesero offers Mexican inspired flavors that mingle with the classy ambiance, authentically unique food pairings and creative drink menu. – – –

SEAFOOD

THE CLASSIC AT ROANOKE

504 North Oak Street

Roanoke, Texas 76262 phone: (817) 430-8185 website: theclassiccafe.com

The Classic serves globally-inspired menu items, prepared with farm-quality ingredients by a creative and collaborative kitchen team. Their menu of fresh seafood, premium steaks, and pasta dishes includes items that follow the seasons—as fruits and vegetables ripen in their on-site garden. The Classic offers a full bar, craft cocktails, and a wine list carefully selected to complement the menu. The Classic opened in May of 1993 with a desire to serve a worldclass menu in a casual, relaxed setting—and to build a community around great food!

STEAKS

MAC’S ON MAIN

909 South Main Street, Suite 110 Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: (817) 251-6227 website: macsteak.com

Mac’s on Main draws locals in for premium steaks, seafood, seasonally created specials and other American dishes all artfully prepared by Chef Rena Frost. Mac’s offers Chairman Reserve and Strauss Grass Fed steaks, slowroasted prime rib, fresh fish selections, and their Signature Mac’s Salad. Family-owned and operated, Mac’s on Main has been serving Tarrant County since 1987—with two locations in Arlington and Grapevine. Join them for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch for the familiar and the unexpected.

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SUSHI

SUSHI ZEN JAPANESE BISTRO

2600 East Southlake Boulevard, Suite 100 Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 749-0900 website: gosushizen.com

Whether it’s date night, family event or lunch, Sushi Zen is a perfect place to eat tasty food and make memories. Their sushi chefs have a deep understanding of sushi and sashimi. Although the fish will not all be from Japan— the art, the passion and experience will be. They serve only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Everything served is made in house from the best ingredients. At Sushi Zen Japanese Bistro, they’re dedicated to providing Southlake with the freshest quality ingredients and the ultimate Japanese experience. – – –

WINERY

FARINA’S WINERY & CAFÉ

420 South Main Street Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: (817) 442-9095 website: farinaswinery.com

Farina’s Winery and Café is an established wine bar and restaurant located in the heart of Grapevine on Main Street that aims to build community by providing great food and drinks that bring people together and an atmosphere that is the hub for local entertainment. The menu features shared family recipes passed down from generation to generation alongside a curated selection of wine to pair well with menu offerings. Come join Farina’s to see what they’re all about—and consider this your second home

EDUCATION

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

GRAPEVINE FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

730 E. Worth Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: (817) 442-9144 website: grapevinefaith.com Grapevine Faith exists to develop authentic Christian leaders. They look for leadership in each student—whether displayed in academics, athletics or the arts. Students are challenged to utilize their natural gifts and influence others in a way that honors God. Every endeavor of the school is focused on assisting parents in the task of training their children for a lifetime of service to Christ. When Faith students graduate, they have been challenged with this calling and been offered opportunities to answer it! – –

COLLEGE PREPARATION

COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

901 Cheek Sparger Road, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 281-4333 website: covenantchristian.net

In 1979, Covenant Christian Academy’s (CCA) legacy began when a pastor, congregation, teacher and six kindergarten students launched a Christian school in Colleyville. They were dedicated to a vision to educate students with a Biblical worldview. CCA is a place where Bible-believing parents partner with passionate teachers to model an inspiring faith in a Christian community. They strive to produce students who are ready for college and prepared to influence the culture around them. CCA graduates are equipped to pursue whatever college and life calling God reveals.

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DANCE STUDIO

EPICENTER FOR THE ARTS

2911 E. State Hwy. 114, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 778-8828 website: epiarts.com

The vision of the Epicenter for the Arts is to offer a premiere arts training complex where discipleship, professional instruction, and elite mentoring programs are at the core of what they do. Simply put, the Epicenter for the Arts’ purpose is to train and equip performing artists of all ages from the inside out. They believe that creativity is a doorway to unlock unseen potential and vision in our students.Visualize a place where a community could come together and see truth and transformation through the visual arts. Picture a place that would be home to one of the most effective Performing Arts complexes in the nation—that is the Epicenter for the Arts.

EDUCATION

EARLY EDUCATION

PSE

- PRE-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

3119 West Southlake Blvd., Southlake 76092 phone: (817) 431-2987

7850 Chapman Rd., North Richland Hills 76180 phone: (817) 281-3686 website: psekids.com

Pre-School Enrichment is a preparatory school for children, ages 18 months to Pre-K. Family owned and operated since 1983, PSE employs more than 50+ teachers and staff at 2 locations in the DFW metroplex. Their program specializes in deliberate training to develop the total child. PSE specializes in rotation, a concept that encourages movement throughout teacher-directed day of activities. Children physically move to specialty classrooms every 20-30 minutes—allowing the child to stay focused and interested.

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MONTESSORI SCHOOL

COLLEYVILLE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

4700 Glade Creek Dr., Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 577-8353 website: colleyvillemontessorischool.com

Since opening their doors in 1999, they have earned a great reputation in the community. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s Montessori education and they always have an open-door policy. They provide topnotch child care/daycare to local families. They offer several enrichment programs that you could choose for your child to participate in, including music, dance and soccer. We also want to show you the fabulous STEAM room that every child gets to experience. – – –

MUSIC LESSONS

CREATIVE SOUL MUSIC SCHOOL

Southlake-Grapevine .......... (817) 380-9598 Keller-Watauga (817) 393-2279 Bedford-Hurst-Colleyville (817) 438-0497 Fort Worth  (817) 286-4860 website: creativesoulmusic.com

Creative Soul Music School is North Texas' largest family-owned music school having taught nearly 12,000+ students since opening in 2006. With 4 music schools in Fort Worth, Southlake-Grapevine, Keller-Watauga, and Bedford-Hurst-Colleyville they provide a fun, supportive creative community for quality instruction in an inspiring, unique atmosphere. Offers all of these instruments: Piano, Drums, Voice/Singing, Bass, Ukelele, Trumpet, Flute, Mandolin, Banjo, Acoustic & Electric Guitar. Visit them on their website for a virtual tour.

PRIVATE SCHOOL

FORT WORTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

6200 Holiday Lane North Richland Hills, Texas 76180 phone: (817) 520-6200 website: fwc.org Fort Worth Christian is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school where students are known, loved, and valued, taught excellence in and out of the classroom, and empowered by a biblical worldview. At FWC, it is their prayer that every student and graduate of Fort Worth Christian is empowered for a lifetime of faith, service, and leadership for Christ. FWC’s curriculum and one-on-one advising encourages students to be lifelong learners driven by passion and curiosity. God is doing great things in and through their students! – – –

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

THE CLARIDEN SCHOOL

100 Clariden Ranch Road Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (682) 237-0400 website: claridenschool.org

The Clariden School is a dynamic collegepreparatory school that challenges students to achieve excellence within their meaningful and inclusive environment. With a studentfaculty ratio of 8-to-1, Clariden students work closely with their teachers, both in the classroom and in the field. Clariden students are unbounded thinkers, constantly pushing to solve problems and grow as leaders. Here, the students can be greater, curious, creative, challenged, and prepared. Come join us to learn what it means to be a Cougar. – – –

SPECIALIZED LEARNING

INSPIRE ACADEMY

55 Main Street, Suite 293 Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 803-5010 website: inspireacademytx.com

Inspire Academy teaches learning challenged students using Multisensory Instruction and Differentiated Instruction to meet the needs of all students. Inspire creates a “safe place to learn” both academically, spiritually, physically, and emotionally for all learning styles and educational needs of the students enrolled. The heart of this type of instruction is giving “choice,” linked to many successes in the classroom, to students allowing for assessment of learning. Students are able to select their preference for learning by given varied assignment choice to demonstrate proficiency.

ENTERTAINMENT

EVENT / WEDDING VENUE

MONTCLAIR WEDDING & EVENT VENUE

6504 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, Texas 76034

phone: (682) 800-6780 website: montclairdfw.com

Montclair is the perfect venue for weddings, celebrations and corporate events. French-inspired exterior of natural stone, arched windows and sleek pitched roofs lead you to enter monumental wooden doors and step into a soaring entrance hall with beautiful crystal chandeliers. Chapel’s white wooden pews are reminiscent of an old-world cathedral. Reception ballroom entertains 250 people and leads to a terrace perfect for photos! Every inch of detail in and out adds to the ambiance here at Montclair!

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GOLF COURSE

SKY CREEK RANCH GOLF CLUB

600 Promontory Drive, Keller, Texas 76248

phone: (817) 498-1414 website: skycreekranch.com

Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club’s magnificent Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed championship golf course was carved from a pristine swath of land atop the highest point in Tarrant County. Jones took advantage of the existing topography’s sweeping panoramic vistas and bounty of lush foliage to create a compelling Par 72, 6,953 yard test of golf. Numerous lakes and tributaries adding to the course’s beauty... as well as its challenge.

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HOTEL / RESORT

GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT

1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051

phone: (817) 778-1000 website: gaylordtexan.com

Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center is a luxurious hotel on Lake Grapevine brimming with Texas style and a first-class experience. Beneath the signature glass atriums, guests browse eclectic shops and dine at world-class restaurants—from Tex-Mex to steaks. Explore 4.5 acres of lush indoor gardens and winding waterways, enjoy a workout or unwind at Relâche Spa and Salon. Choose the Gaylord Texan Resort for your next trip or event and discover a resort experience as grand as Texas itself. – –

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

THIRD RAIL IN HARVEST HALL

Inside Harvest Hall, 815 South Main Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: (817) 251-3050 website: harvesthall.com

Third Rail is the premiere spot for drinks with friends and hearing local and regional bands as well as comedy shows, theater, and more. Intimate yet lively atmosphere, Third Rail is set up as a listening room so guests can enjoy some of the top acts in the entire region. Offering a curated menu of craft beer, wines, and cocktails—come sip a martini or local micro-brew and enjoy some live entertainment, food and drink pairings. – –

MOVIE THEATER

LOOK DINE-IN CINEMA COLLEYVILLE

5655 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 300, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (682) 816-0155 website: lookcinemas.com

A modern, luxury cinema experience. With its modern, luxury model, LOOK Dine-In Cinemas sets itself apart from any average dine-in movie, with state-of-the-art immersive presentation experience, upscale menu and exceptional service. Moviegoers look forward to an uninterrupted viewing experience, great food and cocktails anchored by blockbuster films and unique programming. You’re invited to come take a LOOK!

FINANCIAL

ACCOUNTING FIRM

SMALLWOOD & ASSOCIATES

5320 Pleasant Run Road, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 427-1040 website: smallwoodcpa.com Big firm capability. Small firm personality. Smallwood and Associates has been proudly serving clients across the country since 1976. With a team of 11 Certified Public Accountants and five accounting professionals, they are able to meet the tax and accounting needs for any individual or business—regardless of size, location or complexity. They are excited to announce their second location now in Plano.

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BANKING

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK

151 West Southlake Boulevard, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 410-2915 website: ffin.com

For more than 130 years, First Financial has been serving the financial needs of customers like you! While other banks come and go, they have continued to grow through acquisitions, new branches and the expansion of services while always putting customer needs first. Customers are at the center of everything—helping them make sound financial decisions. Don’t be surprised if you step through the door and see familiar faces— being involved in community is an important part of who they are!

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INSURANCE

CAROL HARRIS STATE FARM AGENCY

350 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller, Texas 76248 phone: (817) 431-1499 website: carolharris.net

At Carol Harris State Farm Agency, we do things a little differently. We offer a thorough review of current customer’s insurance portfolio, as well as any new potential customer. We take the time to explain how their coverage’s work for them, look for discounts, see if they have excess coverage elsewhere as well as review any potential gaps that could be devastating to their family’s financial well-being. The licensed staff has over 60 years of combined experience in the insurance industry with great knowledge in Home, Renters, Auto, Life, Health and Business Insurance.

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INVESTMENTS

ALLEN WEALTH ADVISORS

6110 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 106, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 500-0014 website: allenwealthadvisors.com Allen Wealth Advisors in Colleyville is a fee-only advisory providing their customized Financial Planning and Investment Management strategies to women, families, individuals, and small businesses. They have a fiduciary obligation to their clients. Their goal is to provide the highest quality advice and service to help you meet your needs and goals. They promise to treat you the way they would want to be treated.

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MORTGAGE LENDER

FIRST NATIONAL BANK MORTGAGE

400 North Carroll Avenue, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 912-4444 website: mortgagemoneyman.com

Over three decades, Mark Goodwin has generated over a billion dollars in production. Gaining expertise in high-limit loan programs like jumbo mortgages, construction-to-perm loans and doctor-professional loans, he understands complex regulations in the financing market. His dedication to providing the best home lending experience possible is unrivaled. He offers the highest level of customer service and wants to make your home investment—one of life’s biggest decisions—successful and stress-free.

FINANCIAL

REAL ESTATE AGENCY

THE WALL TEAM

1308 Glade Road, Ste. 200, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 427-1200 website: callthewalls.com

The Wall Team mission is to serve the real estate needs of the people God brings across their paths with a servant’s heart. They work to value the relationship over the transaction and trust in God for the end result to be His purpose. The Wall Team constantly pushes the envelope, accomplishing what few others have in residential real estate sales in the DFW area.They utilize technology, local brand awareness, and have over 170 years of combined real estate experience in their company to set themselves apart. The Wall Team truly wants you to love where you live!

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RETIREMENT PLANNING

CLINTSMAN FINANCIAL PLANNING

1900 W. Kirkwood Boulevard, Suite 2500C Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 410-8200 website: buckinghamstrategicwealth.com

Clintsman Financial Planning has now joined Buckingham Strategic Wealth. They will continue to offer comprehensive financial planning services to those of all wealth levels. From creation, to implementation, to ongoing monitoring of your financial plan, they will provide personal service. All of their services are provided on a Fee-only basis, which means they receive no commissions or fees on any financial products or the strategies recommended. This provides peace-of-mind in the financial planning process. Their firm offers a no cost, no obligation “get acquainted” meeting to make sure they are a great fit for you. Their expert team would be honored to talk with you. – –

TITLE COMPANY

JUNIPER

TITLE COMPANY

4001 Gateway Drive Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 358-9500 website: junipertitle.com

Buying and selling a property is a big deal—and they get it. This is why Juniper partners with some of the oldest and most respected Title Insurance Underwriters in the nation. Companies that underwrite title insurance policies vary greatly in the most important factors: strength, security and longevity. Juniper Title has built relationships with these companies to provide assurance of coverage against potential claims. Juniper Title Company offers their clients Real Estate Insurance, Escrow and Closing Services. They work with Residential and Commercial real estate partners in the community.

HEALTH CLUB / GYM

HOTWORX - 24 HOUR INFRARED FITNESS STUDIO

4718 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 120, Colleyville, Texas 76034

phone: (817) 576-2999 website: hotworx.net/studio/colleyville

HOTWORX is a virtually instructed exercise program created for users to experience the many benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute Isometric workout or 15-minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session. As the infrared heat penetrates your body causing you to sweat, the isometric postures further accelerate detoxification by physically removing the toxins from your organs through muscle contraction. Patented sauna combines heat, infrared, and exercise—what they like to call “3D Training”—and this makes HOTWORX a workout unlike any other fitness program available! – – – –

MASSAGE THERAPY

ELEMENTS MASSAGE

4843 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 231, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 380-9981 website: elementsmassage.com/colleyville

Not all massage is created equal. The Elements Massage therapisst listen to your needs and employ the proper techniques to deliver a truly therapeutic experience. Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method for supporting your health and wellness. You’ll enjoy benefits of relief from back and neck pain, reduced stress, increased circulation, and improved range of motion. They invite you to experience the rejuvenating benefits of massage therapy today and discover all of the positive effects it can have on your body and your well-being!

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PERSONAL TRAINING

IMPACT PERFORMANCE & FITNESS

525 South Nolen Drive, Suite 100, Southlake, Texas 76092

phone: (817) 416-3838 website: impactperformancesl.com

Impact Performance & Fitness was founded to help guide athletes of all skill sets to become stronger people and competitors. Impact is designed to accommodate all levels of fitness—from the professional athlete who wants peek off-season conditioning, to the business professional that wants to look and feel better, and to the adolescent athlete that wants to improve his or her game. Whether you are an elite athlete competing at the highest level of competition or just getting started in your game, Impact Performance & Fitness can help you reach your goals!

FITNESS / WELLNESS

PHYSICAL THERAPY

ATI PHYSICAL THERAPY

245 West State Highway 114, Suite 320, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (469) 899-7761 website: atipt.com

Leading the industry, ATI has built a differentiated platform in physical therapys. With exceptional, patient-centered care, trusted expertise and remarkable outcomes, their goal is to exceed expectations—every day, in every physical therapy clinic. Nationally-recognized, ATI specializes in research-based physical therapy, workers’ compensation rehab, employer worksite solutions, sports medicine, home health, and specialty therapies.  – –

PILATES

LIFELONG PILATES

3912 Stonehaven Drive, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 683-9045 website: lifelongpilates.com Transform your life today with the best full-body fitness experience! Lifelong Pilates is where you can find balance, harmony and energy renewal amidst the hectic bustle of everyday pressures and deadlines. Owner Kay Miller-Smith is fully certified through the Physical Mind Institute of NY and Stott Pilates International. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer to Pilates, Lifelong Pilates has the right program for you!

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WEIGHT LOSS

LIFE’S MEDICINE

700 East Southlake Boulevard, Suite 130, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 328-0331 website: lifesmedicine.com Life's Medicine was born in 2012 out of a genuine passion for helping people. Founding physician Dr. Isabel Lopez, along with Dr. Natashia Jones have focused their medical careers on common endocrine and medical conditions, as well as weight loss. Life’s Medicine focuses on the “why.” Why is the patient not feeling well—what is the cause? They are not contracted with the insurance companies because this gives them the freedom to treat their patients with a holistic, integrated and functional approach. Improving quality of life is their passion at Life’s Medicine! – –

WELLNESS SPA

CORINTHIAN WELLNESS SPA

1251 East Southlake Boulevard, Suite 345, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 416-ZENN (9366) website: corinthianspa.com At Corinthian, they focus on stress reduction, anti-aging regimens, skin rejuvenation and the importance of ‘me’ time. Since 2007, they’ve been helping us unwind from a hectic pace and melt away tension, aches and pains through a variety of traditional and customized massage techniques. Nurturing, age-defying facial treatments give you intense, results-oriented skin therapy. And the makeup and nail services will accentuate your best features—giving you a flawless look. Start your journey to wellness now! – –

YOGA

INSPIRE YOGA

4902 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 102, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 576-4730 website: inspireyoga.com Inspire Yoga – Colleyville is their newest yoga studio offering unique hot and non-heated yoga classes. In addition to Colleyville, they also have studios in Highland Village, Denton and Grapevine. Come experience detoxifying infrared heat (in heated classes only), Reme Halo air purification systems, and Colleyville’s spacious 2,000 square foot studio. Inspire makes day one at your new yoga studio a breeze with a special New Client Offer.

A/C HEATING

CIRCLE-E FACILITY & HOME SERVICES

2951 Northern Cross Boulevard, Suite 250 Fort Worth, Texas 76137 phone: (817) 355-0044 website: circle-e.com

For over 25 years, Circle-E Facility and Home Services has served the DFW Metroplex area with licensed electrical, plumbing and HVAC technicians, general maintenance and grounds keeping services. Commercial, industrial and residential sectors such as business owners and property and/or facility managers alike enjoy calling Circle-E their one-stop shop. Their expert team will help you to meet all of your deadlines, staying within budget and without sacrificing high quality. You can enjoy the peak of quality and service at rock bottom prices. – – –

BLINDS / SHUTTERS

BLIND AND SHUTTER GUYS

Located in Southlake, Texas 76092

Serving Northeast Tarrant County phone: (817) 251-4940 website: blindandshutterguys.com

As your total window treatment provider, Blind and Shutter Guys offers a manufacturer lifetime limited warranty on all custom-made shutters and window treatments. A “Shop at Home Showcase Dealer” bringing the showroom to you. They listen to customers to better understand needs. Their design professionals assist you in selecting products to complement your style. Providing the best products, professional measuring and installation, and expert design assistance. You’ll be confident buying window treatments and coverings from them!

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CLEANING

THE CLEANING AUTHORITY

7511A Boulevard 26, NRH, Texas 76180 phone: (817) 756-1672 website: thecleaningauthority.com/ north-tarrant-county

Professional cleaning that leaves you stress free! The Cleaning Authority of North Tarrant County uses a careful system to deep clean each of your rooms on a rotating basis. This ensures your home is always thoroughly cleaned and sanitized—from the areas you use daily to that hard-to-clean grout! They only employ experienced and professional cleaners who are onboard with the mission to deliver exceptional cleaning services! You can trust The Cleaning Authority to put the shine back in your home.

CUSTOM BUILDER

WILLOWTREE CUSTOM HOMES

680 North Carroll Avenue, Suite 100 Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 617-9105 website: willowtreetx.com

This isn’t the custom homebuilder of old. This is WillowTree. They bring modern technology to every aspect of construction for improved efficiencies and enhanced quality control. Their impeccably designed custom homes measure up to your every conceivable idea of luxury. From highly skilled trades, craftsmen and civil engineers to grading planners and landscape designers and installers, their team is comprised of proven professionals. Beauty meets innovation at WillowTree. It’s time to build your smart dream home.  – – –

DOORS

LOVE THAT DOOR

129 South Main Street, Suite 150 Grapevine Texas, 76051 phone: (817) 518-9686 website: lovethatdoor.com Legacy. That is the significance unlocked by every wrought iron door, railing, and window from Love That Door. It represents the strength that defines their past, achievements that built the present and the aspirations that inspire their future. Like how each of their wrought iron doors are shaped in a furnace, making them stronger and more resilient, they are shaped by a spirit of both innovation and excellence—unlocking a legacy for homeowners that will last forever. Built to last a lifetime, unlock your legacy. – – –

FENCE / GATE

DFW FENCE CONTRACTOR

9972 Bison Court, Fort Worth, Texas 76244 phone: (817) 886-0848 website: dfwfencecontractor.com

In the fence business since 1998, they are one of the leading fence companies in DFW. DFW Fence Contractor is striving to take the fence industry to new levels. All of their sales representatives are former military. Hence the military backgrounds and common fencing know how helps them to deliver superior products and service. They always provide their fence and gate clients with exceptional service and products. As a result, many residents in North Texas consider DFW Fence Contractor their fence and gate contractor of choice. Higher standards, better quality.

FLOORING

PRESTIGE FLOORS

800 North Main Street, Keller, Texas 76248 phone: (817) 422-5343 website: prestige-floors.com

As a husband and wife team—Prestige Floors takes pride in offering quality products and services that impress. Small enough to care, but big enough to handle any project—give them a call when you’re ready to bring some wow back into your home! Their team of style enthusiasts is passionate about providing you with flooring solutions that meet your design dreams—but also live up to real life. They want this experience to be as easy and peaceful as the beautiful space you are creating. You will receive an unmatched level of personal attention at Prestige Floors of Keller! – – –

FOUNDATION REPAIR

STRUCTURED FOUNDATION REPAIRS

13301 Trinity Boulevard, Euless, Texas 76040 phone: (972) 330-4995 website: structuredfoundation.com Structured Foundation Repairs specializes in repair of slab and pier and beam foundations for residential and commercial properties. They also perform drainage correction and do mudjacking. They offer free, comprehensive initial evaluations, including elevation surveys, and only recommend repairs when they are actually needed. They’re fully insured and piers are backed by a true lifetime transferable warranty. We provide the highest level of service in the industry and we use some of the most advanced foundation repair techniques available. Call today to learn more. – – –

GARAGE DOORS

FCD FAMILY CHRISTIAN DOORS

1204 Woodsey Court, Unit C Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 224-2227 website: familychristiandoors.com Dallas and Fort Worth residents and those throughout the DFW Metro area trust the professionals at Family Christian Doors when they need installation, maintenance, and repair of garage doors. No matter the need, they can offer service and repair to any make or model of garage door or opener for both residential and commercial applications. They install the finest quality garage doors and openers from the finest quality manufacturers in the industry to ensure great selection and exceptional value.

INDOOR LIGHTING

LEE LIGHTING

5501 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, Texas 76034

phone: (817) 893-1150 website: leelighting.com

Lee Lighting has been illuminating the homes of discerning customers for more than 50 years! To them, lighting is more than just fixtures. The right lighting brings your personal treasures to life, brightens your everyday tasks and creates a warm, inviting environment in which to live, work and play. As part of the largest chain of residential lighting showrooms in the Southeastern United States, Lee Lighting has earned a national reputation over its history for providing a captivating array of fine lighting and decorative accessories.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

SUSAN SEMMELMANN INTERIORS

4374 West Vickery Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76107

phone: (940) 577-1000 website: semmelmanninteriors.com

From residential to commercial, Susan Semmelmann Interiors strives to make their clients’ dreams a reality. By combining innovative creativity with classic design traditions, Susan and her team create spaces that are as beautiful as they are livable. They leverage their experience with custom crafted furnishings and accessories to bring any vision to life. It’s their mission to create beautiful spaces where life happens, and they make sure the uniqueness of each client is evident in their finished product. Susan believes that the spirit of living is in the giving and uncompromised style.

LANDSCAPING

JAMES LANDSCAPING INC.

Locally owned and operated – serving the DFW Metroplex phone: (817) 329-0528 website: jameslandscaping.com

James Landscaping is dedicated to expanding the beauty of North Texas while working with nature to preserve and protect natural resources. Among their core values are water conservation, use of organic soil amendments, value-enhancing plant selection and a partnership with nature. They use plants that are native, well-adapted, drought-tolerant, hearty insect-resistant and also manageable. James Landscaping offers landscape renovation, new design, residential and commercial installation, traditional landscape as well as xeriscape landscape. – – – –

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

CREATIVE NIGHTSCAPES OUTDOOR LIGHTING

5755 Carlisle Court, Suite 300, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180 phone: (817) 581-6936 website: creativenightscapes.com

Exterior lighting design is the art of painting exteriors with light. Creative Nightscapes can increase the value of your home by adding dimension to your property. Whatever the weather, quality outdoor lighting and LED exterior lighting will provide beauty, warmth, and security. Since 2004, they have been installing exterior lighting and have serviced 7,000+ homes in the DFW area. With these years of experience, they know the process can be stressful, so they’ll be there every step of the way to answer any questions you have before, during, and after the process is done.

PATIOS

TCP CUSTOM OUTDOOR LIVING

8412 Sterling Street, Suite 100, Irving, Texas 75063

phone: (972) 915-2727 website: texascustompatios.com

Every TCP Custom Outdoor Living project is custom-designed and built to enhance your home and complement your personality. TCP provides a turnkey custom design project. Their specialty is building projects that look original to the home, including patio covers, pergolas, screened porches, room additions, guest houses, decks, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and custom patios. TCP Custom Outdoor Living is a familyowned and operated business that has completed more than 2,000 outdoor living projects since they opened their doors in 2004. They get to know you, your goals, your style, so your living space is perfect for you. – – – –

PAINTING

SOUTHERN PAINTING

1500 Corporate Circle, Suite 18, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 835-0208 website: southernpainting.com/southlake-colleyville-grapevine

Sure, you could paint your house yourself but wouldn’t you rather spend your time off with your family and friends and let Southern Painting do the job? They’re the premier painting contractor for the Southern United States, having brightened the interior and exterior walls of over 100,000 homes! When you turn to Southern Painting, they’ll do the job right—from the preliminary prep work to a clean, beautiful finish that will make you sit back and smile!

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PEST CONTROL

BOB’S BEST TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

Locally owned and operated – serving the DFW Metroplex phone: (817) 379-6003 website: bobsbesttermite.com

Bob’s Best has been serving North Tarrant homes and businesses over 30 years, since 1986 with their family-owned business. They are a Better Business Bureau “Accredited” company with an A+ rating. They care about their customers and pledge to provide them with top quality care and service. What’s the buzz about? Bob’s protects local homes and our businesses from termites, pests and rodents—throughout the DFW metroplex—offering you complete and professional pest and termite control with no contracts. Check out Bob’s seasonal specials online!

PLUMBING

LEAK GEEKS

4708 Keller Hicks Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76244

phone: (817) 431-8929 website: leakgeeks.com

Leak Geeks Plumbing is a residential and lite commercial plumbing repair, installation and remodeling service provider based in Keller. Their goal is to be your plumbers for life—and they strive to do this by offering exceptional customer service, as well as superior plumbing services. Whether you’ve got a leaky faucet or toilet, remodel, or replacing a water heater—they can help you. Polite, clean cut, licensed professionals will take care of your plumbing needs with the utmost respect. You can be sure of quality workmanship backed by a written guarantee.

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POOL DESIGN / INSTALLATION

CLAFFEY POOLS

1625 Brumlow Avenue, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 918-8258 website: claffeypools.com

For over 30 years, Claffey Pools has been building their customers’ dream pools, creating personal paradises for people at every stage of their life. From free-form pools to infinity pools, cocktail pools and lazy rivers, their expert designers and builders will ensure your backyard oasis is created to your exact specifications. And as the number one pool remodeling specialists in Southlake and across North Texas, you can place complete faith in Claffey Pools to remodel your swimming pool. Beautiful, custom swimming pools of every shape and size—start your journey now!

RENOVATION

CDP ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRUCTION

8999 US-377, Argyle, Texas 76226 phone: (940) 464-7830 website: cdpenvironmental.com

CDP Construction can take care of all of your remodeling and building needs. They are expert at creating spaces that integrate seamlessly with your existing home. Whether you are expanding your indoor or outdoor environment, remodeling or building a pool, their experienced design and construction team will partner with you to bring your dream space to life. With their vast wealth of knowledge in construction, they are prepared to take care of all the construction needs you may have. CDP elevates the customer service experience while building your dream environments. – – – –

ROOFING

DAVID MARTIN & SON ROOFING

5200 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite A, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 236-9898 website: davidmartinandsonroofing.com

At David Martin & Son Roofing, they build relationships that are based on trust and integrity. It is their goal to provide roofs that will deliver an ownership experience that delights and is consistent with the premium products that they sell, service and install. David Martin & Son Roofing is driven by a philosophy that their success will ultimately be determined more by the number of people that they help rather than the amount of roofs that they install. They invite you to contact them to discuss your individual needs and for a customized quote.

SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY

SMART

HOME SOLUTIONS

1904 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 100

Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 928-4646 website: smarthometexas.net

Smart Home Solutions helps homeowners and business operators realize maximum enjoyment from their properties thanks to the integration and appropriate deployment of technology. Their team of experts design, engineer, install, program and provide life-long service for sophisticated tech solutions. They help valued clientele experience the ultimate luxury at home and unmatched efficiency at work through intuitive control of whole house audio, video, lighting, networking and security. Their smart home solutions will facilitate and elevate your day-to-day lifestyle. – –

STAIRS / BALUSTERS

STAIR HEROS

Locally-owned and serving the DFW Metroplex phone: (214) 417-4434 website: stairheros.com

Veteran owned and operated, Stair Heros offers stair renovations and remodels, including: wood stair upgrades, baluster/spindle replacement, wall removal, handrail/banister upgrades, iron and glass railing, stair and handrail/banister repairs, pet damage repair, staining and painting of stairs. Aside from full renovations, they have upgrade services on just post, handrails or balusters. They also repair damage caused from hyper kids and really hyper dogs! Dogs using your stairs as a chew toy is quite common, but no problem for them! Stair Heros serves all of the DFW Metroplex and they invitee you to step in up today! – –

WINDOWS

THE WINDOW AUTHORITY

3701 West Vickery Boulevard

Fort Worth, Texas 76107 phone: (817) 349-3334 website: thewindowauthority.com

As a family-owned window and door company dedicated to helping local homeowners get the most from their home remodeling projects, The Window Authority is constantly striving to offer the best products, service and support to make the process more fun and affordable. Discover why The Window Authority is #1 in DFW for new windows, doors and expert installation. As one of the leading installers of doors and windows in DFW, they’re dedicated to offering honest pricing, exemplary service and the best selection of replacement windows, doors and glass wall systems!

LEGAL

BUSINESS LAW

VICKERS KEMPF, PLLC

6508 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 100, Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 421-3961 website: vickerslaw.net

The team at Vickers Kempf has the strength, experience, and focus to deliver highly responsive, insightful, efficient counsel and representation. Profound experience in business law, estate planning, and asset protection gives us the ability to bring excellent results, while communicating with clarity and understanding along the way. When your choice of counsel is highly crucial, choose those who have tirelessly fought for their reputation. At Vickers Kempf, they counsel and represent business clients regarding the rules, statutes, codes, and regulations that are established within the legal framework by which business must be conducted. – –

CRIMINAL LAW

BARNETT HOWARD & WILLIAMS PLLC

101 Quest Court, Keller, Texas 76248 phone: (817) 482-6770 website: bhwlawfirm.com Barnett Howard & Williams PLLC consists of seasoned trial lawyers that were brought together from the United States Marine Corps, the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office, the Plano City Attorney’s Office, an elite personal injury firm, and the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. The law firm’s founders left these large, prestigious organizations for one reason—to offer personalized, caring criminal defense, personal injury, and family law representation to people in the DFW Metroplex. Their attorneys have the right experience and offer the personal touch to be your best advocate when times are tough.  – –

DIVORCE

KOONSFULLER, PC FAMILY LAW

550 Reserve Street, Suite 450, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 481-2710 website: koonsfuller.com

Divorce, child custody, prenuptial agreements, property division, paternity... if you’re feeling overwhelmed, relax. You can count on KoonsFuller Family Law. You are not alone. With more than three dozen proven attorney and decades of experience, you’ll have the Southwest’s largest family law firm by your side. KoonsFuller clients are served by a team of family law all-stars. With a disproportionately large number of attorneys who are board certified in family law, they offer a level of clout and a range of resources unmatched by any other family law firm in the Southwest. Working together, as a fully integrated team, there’s no case too large or too complex for KoonsFuller family law to manage. – –

ESTATE PLANNING

THE LAW OFFICE OF DANA L. WHITE, PLLC

540 Silicon Drive, Suite 100, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 917-8121 website: danawhitefamilylaw.com

Through as mission of “Protecting What Matters Most,” they provide legal services in all areas of family law—divorce, custody, adoption, estate planning, marital property agreements, probate, civil litigation. They deliver a passionate, diligent and honest approach, assisting legal matters with dignity and grace—providing innovative assessments and meet changing needs by optimizing outcomes. They listen carefully to clients with compassion and understanding before giving advice and adopting a customized, personalized approach that’s driven by each client’s unique circumstances.

LEGAL RETAIL

FAMILY LAW

SCHNEIDER LAW FIRM, PC

5332 North Tarrant Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76244

phone: (817) 849-2404 website: teamslf.com

Client-driven legal help that gets results! What does that mean for you? At Schneider Law Firm, it means the family law and criminal defense attorneys focus on what you want to achieve. If you want to fight, they will fight to win your case. If your goal is a speedy resolution to your legal problem, they’ll present a realistic timeline and strategies to move it forward. When money is a concern, they tell you up front what you can expect and give you options. Get the information you need to make smart decisions about your case from experienced lawyers with a track record of courtroom success. – –

WEALTH LAW

HOUSER FIRM, PC

211 East Southlake Boulevard, Suite 180, Southlake, Texas 76092

phone: (817) 717-2700 website: houserfirm.com

“Protecting Legacies of Wealth” is more than a tagline at Houser Firm, it’s a value woven into the very fabric of their culture. Experienced attorneys and staff help clients with all wealth law issues. Why do they care so much about protecting client legacies of wealth? Because they know you have worked incredibly hard to accumulate wealth, and that, regardless of each client’s specific circumstance, all of them value family, stewardship and security. Houser is proud to offer high-level legal services in a friendly, clientfocused atmosphere that emphasizes experience, innovation and expertise.

APPLIANCES

OLIVER DYER’S APPLIANCES

8320 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, Texas 76116

phone: (817) 244-1874 website: oliverdyersappliance.com Oliver Dyer’s Appliance is a family-owned discount appliances store based in Fort Worth. Since 1945, Oliver Dyer’s Appliance has served customers with low prices on appliances and top notch customer service. Their knowledge of the appliances they sell sets them high above competitors. They can help you select your new appliances purchase at any budget. Visit the superb staff at Oliver Dyer’s Appliance and experience first-hand the customer service that has built a 60-year-old legend in the appliance and service industry. – –

AUTO DEALERSHIP

AVONDALE DEALERSHIPS

1300 Texan Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051

phone: (682) 291-9079 website: avondale.com

The name may be new to you, but they’ve actually been around for 30plus years. Avondale Dealerships is North Texas’ leading luxury and performance vehicle retailer. Avondale continues to offer the best, most luxurious vehicles from around the world. Their brands include: Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Rolls Royce. Welcome to Avondale where they deliver elevated experiences at each of their sales, service, and collision center locations. Avondale builds lasting relationships that benefit our community.

CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE

ALEXA & CO. BOUTIQUE

1953 Golden Heights Road, Suite 1204, Fort Worth, Texas 76177

email: alexaandcoboutique@yahoo.com website: shopalexaandco.com

Alexa & Co. Boutique was established in 2019 by owner Kassy Romero with one vision in mind—sell the cutest and trendiest little girls clothes and accessories. Alexa & Co. clothes are super stylish, high quality materials trendy and fun. Delivery is fast and it’s great quality for the price. She invites you to visit her boutique or shop online. She’s often found at markets and pop-ups all around the DFW area so follow her boutique on Instagram @shopalexaandco for all of her updates and new arrivals! Seriously the cutest, trendiest clothing and accessories for little girls. – – – –

CONSIGNMENT

FURNITURE CONSIGNMENT GALLERY

6000 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 120, Colleyville, Texas 76034

phone: (817) 488-7333 website: furnitureconsignmentgallery.net

Some shoppers come for one-of-a-kind treasures, while others come for bargains. A visit to Furniture Consignment Gallery is inspiring. They know you enjoy the hunt and believe this should be done in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere, where a friendly staff can help you find what you are looking for and answer your questions. They want you to come in and visit, walk through the ever-changing inventory and see for yourself that the best time to shop at Furniture Consignment Gallery, is as often as you can. They love affordable luxury!

FINE JEWELRY RICHARD’S CUSTOM JEWELERS

670 Grapevine Highway, Hurst, Texas 76054

phone: (817) 268-0049 website: richardscustomjewelers.com At Richard’s Custom Jewelers, they offer an extensive range of fine jewelry and an array of specialized jewelry services. They know selecting jewelry is a highly personal choice and each piece carries significant meaning. That’s why they offer a tailored custom made jewelry service to help clients create unique and truly original items that will stand the test of time. Drop in today and talk to Richard about a jewelry appraisal, repair or custom jewelry design. As always, the consultation and friendly customer service are always free at Richard’s. – – – –

FURNITURE

STACY

FURNITURE & DESIGN

1900 South Main Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051

phone: (817) 424-8800 website: stacyfurniture.com

Stacy Furniture and Design is a family-owned and operated home furnishings store with showrooms in Grapevine and Allen, as well as an Outlet store in Flower Mound. For more than 30 years, the Stacy family has been thankful and honored to assist families with home furnishing needs. It’s their family’s Texas tradition to provide each customer with outstanding service, the very best selection of quality and name brand home furnishings at unbeatable values. When you’re shopping with Stacy’s, you’re shopping with family.

GIFTS / SEASONAL

GOOD THINGS FOR ALL SEASONS

334 S. Main Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: (817) 251-3673 website: goodthingsforallseasons.com

Good Things For All Seasons also has a large selection of Byers’ Choice Carolers and Mark Robert’s Fairies. But there is so much more to this store! Look around and stay a while, or better yet, stop by and say hi, and you’ll find out why their designers have won so many awards. Be sure to bring your camera, their village room is a showstopper! They really pride themselves on fabulous displays and great customer service. They always do their best to please customers. Call or email with any questions, they carry so much more than you can imagine. Make plans to stop by! – – –

HOME DECOR

MANOR HOME

FURNISHINGS & DESIGN

405 Grand Avenue E., Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 329-0098 website: manorinterior.com

Manor has an unparalleled collection of home furnishings, carefully selected from a unique blend of vendors worldwide. With over 20 years of design experience and a worldwide footprint, their expertise isin designing your residential and commercial spaces to shine. In addition to design services, browse their beautiful showroom in Southlake for curated luxury furnishings that will help you to create incredible living spaces for your enjoyment for years to come. Check out their ever-changing variety of lighting, art, furniture, rugs and accessories that can only be found at Manor. – – –

MEN’S CLOTHING

XAR CLOTHIER

1253 Main Street, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (214) 315-2134 website: xarclothier.com

Conveniently located in Southlake Town Square, XAR Clothier is a modern and sleek boutique that carries a wide range of designer pieces across the spectrum of fashion and lifestyle. In the ladies boutique, XAR offers a curated selection of clothing pieces through a variety of exclusive brands—ranging from dresses to tops and bottoms, XAR carries the perfect outfit for any occasion. At XAR’s gentlemen’s shop, the focus is on the details and in the fashion world—the details are what make the man. Exclusive brands, exceptional quality—experience style, experience XAR.

NURSERY

BLOOMING COLORS NURSERY

2221 Ira E. Woods Avenue

Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: (817) 416-6669 website: bloomingcolorsnursery.com

Blooming Colors Nursery & Landscaping has been providing top quality service and products for over 20 years. When the founder and owner Barry Johnson opened up Blooming Colors Nursery & Landscaping in 1994, he combined his passion for landscaping with his engineering background. Today, Blooming Colors Nursery is one of the largest in the area due to the high quality products and services it provides to its customers. At Blooming Colors Nursery, they believe that a beautiful yard is the key to a beautiful home. – – –

WINE & SPIRITS

BEAR CREEK SPIRITS & WINE

7101 Colleyville Boulevard Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 251-8789 website: bearcreekspirits.com

Bear Creek Spirits and Wine offers a large selection of liquor, fine wines and beer in addition to kegs, gift wrapping, gift baskets, artisan cheeses, olives, barware and local delivery. Join their Wine Society to learn about special discounts and local events. Locally-owned and operated as a unique one-stop-shop for retail liquor, fine wine, craft beers and specialty cheeses in a clean and safe upscale environment with helpful, friendly staff that are both educated and provide responsible service to consumers. They’re keeping you in good spirits! – – –

WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

AUSTIN LORIN 5665 Colleyville Boulevard, Suite 100 Colleyville, Texas 76034 phone: (817) 656-2500 website: shopaustinlorin.com

Austin Lorin is a family owned and operated retail business started by Austin and Jennifer Lorin Gomez. A lifelong dream became a reality in 2007, when they opened our doors in Colleyville. More than a clothing boutique, they take pride in styling clients to look and feel their best by offering top notch service and a unique personal experience. Need a stylist? Schedule an appointment today! It’s complimentary, so why not—offering in-store or virtual sessions now. Shop their online store 24 hours a day or visit their Colleyville boutique.

AUTO MAINTENANCE

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

AUTOMOTIVE

2059 West State Highway 114, Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: (817) 489-9109 website: cbac.com/grapevine

From oil changes to engine replacements, all makes and models, they fix it. Your vehicle deserves the quality care found at Christian Brothers Automotive Grapevine, where ASE certified technicians perform thorough maintenance and repairs to keep your car, trucks, and more running for years to come. Witness the nice difference found here for yourself!

COMPUTER / IT SERVICES

ON-SITE PC SERVICES

1205 South White Chapel Boulevard, Suite 110 Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (817) 306-6106 website: ospcservices.com

With On-site PC Services, you get the expertise you need from a highly qualified staff with over 30 years of experience providing small businesses with IT support who have partnered with globally recognized industry leaders to provide cuttingedge service. On-site PC Services is fast, dedicated, secure—and here to help!

PET CARE

CREEKSIDE 24/7 PET CARE CENTER

8820 Davis Boulevard, Keller, Texas 76248 phone: (817) 421-5850 website: creeksidepetcare.com Creekside Pet Care Center is a full-service 24/7 veterinary hospital. They offer routine and emergency care, including state-of-the-art services like surgery, pain management, internal medicine, dental care and life-stage wellness plans. They provide luxury pet boarding, professional grooming and Doggie Daycare. Happy clients equals healthy pets!

SENIOR LIVING HARBORCHASE OF SOUTHLAKE

700 East State Highway 114, Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: (682) 305-0311 website: harborchase.com HarborChase of Southlake represents premier senior living. Offering assisted living and memory care services, residents indulge in delicious chef-prepared meals, enjoy beautiful living spaces and experience unsurpassed hospitality. HarborChase of Southlake is conveniently located to highlight the beauty of North Texas. This exclusive, award-winning community offers the right level of attention just when it’s needed. Come discover HarborChase of Southlake and all that it has to offer!

TRAVEL AGENCY SHANGRI-LA WORLD TRAVEL

Locally owned and operated – serving DFW and Beyond phone: (817) 421-7447 website: shangri-laworldtravel.com Shangri-La World Travel is your personal luxury cruise and travel experts! They leverage strategic business relationships with 22 cruise line companies and hundreds of worldwide resorts to provide you the best travel value on land or sea. For personalized travel planning, cruise packages, or all-inclusive resorts, visit their website to contact them and book your cruise and ideal vacation. They have personally traveled to over 65 countries and cruised on most mega-ships and many private yachts. Let them help you plan your next great adventure!

Too many young people grow up in environments that do not empower youth to discover their own greatness. Income, community resources, race, and English proficiency largely determine opportunities for success. Youth in marginalized communities can be left to believe that greatness is supposed to look, act and be a certain way—and that they can never achieve it. The truth is...

greater good GREATNESS IS IN ALL OF US

That belief is at the heart of the work at Big Thought.

greater good

BIG THOUGHT IS A RECOGNIZED LEADER

IN ARTS

EDUCATION, AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING, SUMMER LEARNING, JUVENILE JUSTICE, LEARNING SYSTEMS AND SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING.

THE START OF ‘BIG’

THINGS TO COME

Founded in 1987 by Dallas civic leaders Edith O’Donnell and Mitch Jericho as an affiliate of Young Audiences, the organization began innovating education from its inception by bringing arts and cultural performances into classrooms at a time when the arts had been marginalized or even eliminated from most public school curricula. As they grew, their mission and work expanded and in 2004, the name Big Thought was adopted to reflect the broadened scope and vision.

HOW THEY DO IT

Big Thought designs, curates and delivers high impact programs that are built upon hands-on experiential learning. Because they understand the harsh chal-

BIG THOUGHT

is an impact nonprofit that closes the opportunity gap by equipping all youth in marginalized communities with the skills and tools they need to imagine and create their best lives and a better world. Building on the strong foundation provided by family and caregivers, they are allies in young peoples’ growth, helping to prepare them for further education, work and life. Their most vital partners are the youths themselves. Big Thought helps them determine and drive their own outcomes by equipping them with tools to navigate real life challenges.

lenges many youth in marginalized communities face, they embrace trauma-informed methodology. At Big Thought, they aim to help all young people maximize their potential in a 21st century world. Big Thought programs offer pathways to build skills relevant to thrive in work today and in the future. Here are the three main ways:

(1) DIRECT TO YOUTH PROGRAMS

They develop and deliver high quality curriculum and programs to serve communities with the greatest need. Big Thought direct to youth programs have reached over 16,000 students for more than 321,000 learning

hours each year. Programs include (A)LIVE, Artivism, Create Champions Initiative, Creative Solutions, The Fellowship Initiative, Generation Liberation, and Thriving Minds. (A)LIVE is a campus and hub-based afterschool poetry club. Artivism is the intersection of art and activism. Create Champions Initiative matches caring, knowledgeable guides with high school students to help them identify the best post-secondary school opportunities that enable them to be successful in the CreatEconomy. Creative Solutions is an arts-as-workforce intervention program for adjudicated youth, ages 10-17. The Fellowship Initiative is a

BIG THOUGHT’S UNIQUE APPROACH COMES ALIVE

(1) They position youth as equal partners in the enhancement and expansion of Big Thought direct to youth programs so that programs are more effective and established with a racial equity lens.

(2) They advocate on issues and policy changes related to racial and economic equity.

(3) They raise awareness of creativity as workplace skill and advocate to embed in human capital development institutions.

(4) They scale best practices to key institutions and systems through consulting, technical assistance, professional development and curriculum design.

(5) They design and implement school models with creativity and youth agency at the core to help more youth have a growth mindset and be empowered to affect positive change in their lives and communities.

leadership program designed to support young men of color with college aspirations, prepare them for their entrance into the professional sphere and empower them to be positive leaders in their communities all while acknowledging the realities of living as a member of a marginalized group. Generation Liberation supports youth and families with tools and knowledge to gain financial empowerment. Finally, Thriving Minds is an after school program for elementary and middle school aged learners.

(2) LEARNING SYSTEMS

Big Thought strategically connects partners and resources across the city to create learning systems that can effect change on a wider scale. Big Thought Learning Systems reach over 137,000 learners for more than 3.7 million learning hours each year. Dallas City of Learning DCOL is a citywide initiative that ensures students have access to a high quality summer learning program to prevent summer learning loss. The program provides out of school summer activities for kids. Subjects span across arts, culture and STEM learning system for grades K-12. Learning Partners is a digital resource that provides educators access to thousands of high-quality field trips designed for elementary students that are easy to plan and offered at minimal cost to schools. These enrichment opportunities provide K-12 students with hands-on learning. Library Out Loud is a free after school program that offers learning opportunities at Dallas Public Library branches. This program engages students’ creativity through stimulating cultural experiences that are free of charge.

(3) BIG THOUGHT INSTITUTE

The Big Thought Institute provides professional learning, curriculum design and consultation services to help other nonprofits and organizations teach, develop and create. For each project, the Institute leverages its evidence-based best practices in creativity and learning systems, which have been established over 30 years. They obsess over design, ensuring that their work is research based, their staff is well trained, and that they are evaluating and enhancing their work year after year. They then take their evidence-based best practices and share them with other nonprofits and organizations through a suite of consultation services including professional development, curriculum design and technical assistance.

Big Thought Institute incorporates SEL Dallas— or social and emotional learning that builds the skills, knowledge and attitudes that students and adults need to be successful in school, work and life. SEL includes knowing and controlling your emotions, understanding and collaborating with others, making positive choices, and demonstrating resiliency through social learning.

PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS

The Big Thought team and their partners are able to achieve success in our community through their social and emotional focus, experiential learning, communitycentered partnerships, equity lens and future focus.

To ensure our youth are ready for the future, they cultivate creativity by helping them develop critical thinking skills, nurturing innovative thinking, encouraging intellectual curiosity and inspiring everyday learning. They do this through providing hands-on, project-based activities that encourage them to tinker, try, explore and create.

Research emphasizes the importance of social and emotional learning in school, workforce and life. These are real-world skills that help young people learn, thrive and succeed. Big Thought joins forces with families and educators to help youth learn to navigate complex personal relationships, work effectively in groups and draw from the talents of others. They empower youth to discover and shape their own authentic voice. Then they inspire youth to use their voices for positive impact and to contribute to their communities and world.

The secret sauce that makes their work uniquely effective is the powerful combination of their social and emotional focus, experiential learning, community-centered partnerships, equity lens and future focus. Big Thought is unlocking creative potential so all youth can realize their inner greatness. –

bigthought.org 214.520.0023

1409 Botham Jean Blvd., Suite 1015 Dallas, Texas 75215

IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

WANDERLUST TRAVEL texas travel and beyond

TOP TEXAS TOWNS TO VISIT IN WINTER

In winter, some people tend to take a break from traveling around Texas. However, a winter vacation is one of the best times to travel in Texas because you don’t have to wait in line as long, hotels and attractions are cheaper, and you don’t have to worry about things being sold out as often. We compiled a list of the best Texas towns to visit in the winter based on the places with best climate, areas with a lot of indoor activities, and other towns that just stand out in the winter.

McAllen | Want to escape the extreme cold. McAllen is one of the warmest Texas towns to visit in winter and some days it even feels a little like summer. During the cooler days of winter, start your days with coffee at one of the many cute coffee shops in McAllen. Spend the day indoors at the International Museum of Art and Science or shopping downtown. Warm up with some night life in McAllen. Jump in a giant ball pit and have some drinks at the Electric Garden. Dance it up at Brujeria Discotheque with great music and lights and a two-story dance floor.

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El Paso | El Paso is a great place to visit in Texas in the winter if you like to hike and be outdoors without freezing temperatures. Check out Franklin Mountains State Park or hike up to the Jesus Statue at Cristo Rey. Even if it’s a little chilly, you’ll warm up with a good hike and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you want to take it inside, there are several fun museums like the El Paso Art Museum which has some great exhibits. Wine warms the soul, and you’ll find several local wineries such as La Vina Winery, Sombra Antigua, Sunland Winery, and Zin Valle Vineyards.

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Fredericksburg | Speaking of wineries, Fredericksburg has some of the best wineries, and winter is a great time to go because the crowds will be smaller. If you want to learn more about the wine and get more wine education, because there are less crowds, you’re likely to have more time with the sommeliers and wine experts who can teach you—which you wouldn’t really get in the busy seasons. Keep the Christmas spirit going with a stop at The Fredericksburg Christmas Store which is open year-round. Enchanted Rock is a favorite hiking spot and will feel much better

during the winter than summer months. Step inside the National Museum of the Pacific War for an educational and fascinating trip back in history. In the evenings, warm up with some fun food and drinks at some of the local Fredericksburg bars.

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Big Bend | Big Bend is a great place to hike in the winter. The weather is much more bearable during the cooler months. Grape Vine Mills is a great hike where you’ll see Balanced Rock. Hike to Hot Springs and enjoy the naturally warm waters. Right next to Big Bend is Terlingua—considered a ghost town—with a lot of unique art to be seen as you drive around, and also an art gallery and a theater. Keeping your belly warm with a lot of great food options is easy in Terlingua, too!

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Brownwood | For a fun winter stay in Texas, spend a few nights in a cabin at the Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast in Brownwood where you can warm up in the hot tub. In the morning, grab coffee and tacos at Common Grounds Coffeehouse. Hang out at the Pioneer Tap House where you can enjoy a board game, beer, wine, paninis and flatbreads. Catch a show at the 1920s theatre. It’s a cozy little town for a winter weekend getaway.

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Cleburne | In the Northern parts of Texas, like Cleburne (near Dallas), there are many things to do indoors to get out of the chill. One really unique and fun thing is catching a show at a rotating stage theater with some really great talent. Take a stroll through history at one of the many museums such as the Cleburne Railroad Museum and Layland Museum with Texas history. Start dreaming about the warmer months as you create your own succulent to take

home. Warm up at the Johnson County Distillery where you can try some of their whiskey, and maybe even catch some live music or join in the music at a karaoke bar. Be sure to drive around town and see how many of the fun murals you can find. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do while staying inside where it’s warm.

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Dublin | Dublin is a small Texas town with lots of charm even in the winter—and some fun things to do indoors on a cold winter day. You’re in Texas, so it makes sense to visit the Rodeo Heritage Museum. Stroll through the cute and unique shops downtown such as Things Celtic where they have Irish and Scottish fun finds (you are in Dublin, after all). Warm up with wine and a cheese board at Lucky Vine Vineyards and grab a cup of coffee and a snack at Cozy House Cafe. It’s just a nice, laid-back way to spend a day or two staying warm this winter.

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Frisco | Frisco has so many fun things you can do to pass the wintery days in Texas with so many great indoor activities. Learn a new hobby, whether it’s ballroom dancing, woodworking, crafting or painting! Go ice skating at the Dallas Star Center. It might be cold indoors, but you’ll warm up racing around the ice rink and get into that winter spirit. After your ice-capades, give your body some warm love with a visit to a salt room or with a massage. In the evening, check out a show at the Black Box Theatre, or have fun with friends playing games at Nerdvana. Also, if you’re into games, be sure to stop by the National Video Game Museum.

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Galveston | While the beach may be a little cool, Galveston is still a great spot for a winter trip. Go where nature is brought indoors at Moody Garden Pyramids. You can spend all day with a stroll through the different pyramids and exhibits, enjoy their interactive activities and theatres, grab food at one of their eateries, and even play a game of golf on a milder winter day. Make memories, learn skills and take home your creations with a

painting or cooking class. There are some great tours of museums, mansions and art galleries, along with plenty of shopping. For a nice warm meal, there’s no shortage of great food finds, whether you’re looking for Tex-Mex, seafood, Spanish food and more! Also, since winter is an “off-season” in Galveston, crowds are smaller and some activity prices are lower, so it’s a great time to go. –

Houston | You can tour the world, all indoors, with a winter trip to Houston. Explore outer space at the Houston Space Center, or take a trip to Asia-inspired Chinatown and visit temples and the Hong Kong Mall. Warm up with some cultural dinner delights with Asian, African, European, or tastes from all over the globe. You can also learn about other parts of the world at the many museums and galleries around Houston. –

McKinney | Laugh, play, drink and be merry in McKinney. Catch a show at a comedy or improv show and laugh the night away. Hang out at the arcade where you can play classic or more modern games, including pinball. Find a place for some yummy drinks, whether you prefer wine, coffee, boozy shakes, or afternoon tea. Better yet, try them all! Stay at a cozy bed and breakfast where you can cuddle up and relax after a day of checking out downtown shops.

Momilies

Want to be featured with your kids?

Simply email your contact info to the editor at: elena@societylifemagazine.com. Then you will answer 20 questions and we will take professional photos of you and your kids (we will even give you some!)

I said so

In this issue of Society Life’s Mom’s column, we asked local Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer, Amy Rodriguez to answer our 20 questions about her experiences both in becoming and being a mom. Amy has two children: Eddie – 33 and Nadia - 14. Amy lives with her husband, Eddie, a natural horseman, and their daughter, Nadia on their little ranch in Decatur. Here’s what she had to say…

INTERVIEW BY SHANNON STEWART SALINSKY

PHOTOS BY LORRAINE HAAN-STEWART

SOCIETY LIFE: What’s one of your earliest memories you have of your Mom? AMY RODRIGUEZ: I can’t recall any one specific memory from my early years, but I do remember my mom always being available (she still is) morning, noon or night for anything I needed. For much of my life, she was a stay-at-home mom. She is strict but kind, tough but fair, knowing and understanding. My mother taught me to be self-reliant, independent, and strong. I learned integrity, honesty and to stand up for what is right—even if it isn’t easy. My mom gave me the invaluable ability to believe in myself and offer support to those who don’t feel as selfassured. There have been multiple times in my life when I have thought to myself, “I should have listened to my mother.” I aspire to be just like my mother. I try to live my life by the example she continues to show me and my two younger sisters. I hope to be as kind, generous and loving as my mother.

SL: What is something you thought about Motherhood that was totally wrong? AR: I thought I would be the “teacher” for my daughter but, it turns out she has schooled me many times over. I have learned to be more curious, more adventurous, more creative, ask more questions, and not be afraid to get dirty or be messy. I have learned patience, perseverance, sincerity, and not to overthink things. She has reminded me to be humble, confident, compassionate and show unconditional love. I could go on and on, as I am sure most mothers can.

SL: What’s something you always wanted to do but didn’t... and why didn’t you? AR: I had often dreamed of furthering my career in the Medical Field. I worked as an EMT-Paramedic for 10 years, prior to my job as a CBP (Customs and Border Protection) Officer. I wanted to become an ER Physician, but I was discouraged by the amount of time necessary to complete the schooling, as well as the price of tuition.

SL: Was there something your Mom did when you were a kid that you swore you’d never do as a parent? AR: As I got older, I swore I would not tell

my child they had to eat everything on their plate. I want my child to have a healthy relationship with food. To eat when she is hungry, to stop when she is full. I want her to know it is okay if she does not eat everything on her plate.

SL: What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? AR: I had so many different plans as a child—I wanted to be a beautician, an astronaut, a teacher, a marine biologist. Never once did it cross my mind that I would work in either the medical field or in law enforcement.

SL: How have your notions of what it means to be a Mom changed over your lifetime? AR: I love being a mother, but it is so much more challenging than I expected. As my kids get older, I must learn to let them be their own person, make their own decisions and friends, and find their own path in life. I know they need to make mistakes and fail at things so they can learn life lessons, but that is easier said than done. I know they need to test the boundaries and experience life, but sometimes it can be frustrating to watch. As parents we want to protect our children from all things painful—physical, mental or emotional.

SL: What is the best family vacation you’ve ever taken? AR: Last year, we drove to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. It was such a memorable road trip. Our first stop was in Amarillo where we spent the day in Palo Duro Canyon. The following morning we stopped by Cadillac Ranch. Once in Colorado, we enjoyed beautiful mountain scenery, went snowmobiling, dog sledding, visited the hot springs, and a “haunted” hotel. On the drive home we stopped in Sante Fe and visited Meow Wolf. We had lots of fun but it’s always nice to get back to “Home, Sweet Home!”

SL: Is there a moment or event that radically changed the way you saw Motherhood? AR: Not that it was necessarily radical, but I think once my daughter started going to school, I realized how much of an influence her peers have, how much a friend’s opinion matters at that age, and how important it is to “fit in.” I had to learn not to take things personally if my

Momilies

opinion was no longer sought, and to not get my feelings hurt if another person’s idea was better than mine. It taught me to be more open minded and easy going. My goal is to keep the lines of communication open and for the kids to know I will always be there when they need me. I know at the end of the day, the kids will always want to make Mom proud.

SL: When did you know you were ready to have kids? AR: I knew I wanted kids for as long as I can remember. I would babysit as a teenager, and I always knew I was preparing myself for motherhood.

SL: What’s your favorite photo of your family or kids? AR: Since our son is grown with a family of his own it is not as easy now to coordinate family photos. My favorite photos are with all of us in the frame, but with relaxed poses. Our most recent family photos were taken almost two years ago at The Gaylord Texan. I think my favorite of those is a black and white photo and we are spread out and staggered on a set of stairs.

SL: What was the first year of motherhood like for you? AR: I became a stepmother when my son was 11 years old. I feel like I missed out on so many of his “firsts.” Like his first tooth, first step, first birthday, first day of school. As our relationship developed, I got to be a part of so many other special moments—his first football games, graduating high school then college, his first girlfriend, his first job, his first car, marriage, and children. Again, I could go on and on. My pregnancy with my daughter was one of the most incredible times in my life. My pregnancy and the delivery were so smooth and easy—very textbook—and I loved every single minute. When she was born, my son was in his first year of college so essentially, my husband and I started all over again! I was inspired and overwhelmed with my daughter’s first year. I was so fascinated by the power this tiny child had (and still has) over us. Our love for this new baby girl was indescribable and infinite. She captivated us and forever stole our hearts. I felt so honored and proud that God trusted me with this new life.

SL: What do you want or wish most for your kids? AR: I have so many hopes and dreams for my kids. I want them to be thoughtful, kind, compassionate, gracious, generous and courageous. I want them to be happy, healthy and confident. Most of all, I want them to know, and always remember that they are loved unconditionally.

SL: What are some of your biggest struggles as a Mom? AR: I struggle with the mental strain and emotional impact social media has on my children. It is so easy for someone to be bullied, insulted, threatened, shamed when the

“attacker” hides behind a mask of anonymity. There is a lack of accountability on social platforms and we tolerate things in this public arena that would not be supported in a live environment. I also struggle with finding balance for myself. As moms, we tend to put everyone else’s needs before our own. It seems there is just not enough time in the day to do all of the things I need/want to do. I want to spend more quality time with the family, help with our family business more, and get enough rest. My gardens have not been touched in two or three years and I cannot tell you the last time I was able to finish a book.

SL: What would your perfect day off be like? Describe it. AR: A perfect day off would be sleeping in until about 8am, enjoying a hearty breakfast with the family, go for a morning walk, do a bit of work in our courtyard gardens then perhaps the rose or vegetable gardens. Then I would need a quick shower and a light lunch. I would enjoy reading a few chapters of a good book, maybe learning something new, then possibly a short nap or riding horses. I would love a delicious steak with lobster for dinner followed by a fun board or card game. I would appreciate a glass of wine by the courtyard fireplace under the stars with my husband while the kids relax with us and tell us about their days. A nice, hot lavender bubble bath would be a fantastic end to my perfect day.

SL: What’s the one song that means the most to you? AR: “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. It is one of the songs I would sing to my daughter when she was younger. I love its message: Appreciate the beauty of your surroundings, even the smallest things—which we tend to take for granted— can be beautiful if we simply take the time to be aware.

SL: What advice would you give to your younger self about Motherhood? AR: I would advise myself to relish and appreciate every single moment—even the difficult ones. Take lot of pictures and videos, share stories, have family traditions, make memories, hug your kids, make time to really listen to them. Always be available! Time passes so quickly and our children grow so fast. “The days are long, but the years are short.”

SL: If you could share a meal with any woman past, present or future who would it be? Why? AR: I would choose both of my deceased grandmothers. I took so much for granted when I was younger. I regret not giving them my undivided attention, not asking more questions, not writing down the stories they told. I wish I had learned more from them—like how to crochet, how to can fresh veggies, or how to decorate a cake. I know I can find lessons on the internet, but it just doesn’t have the same

emotional value as learning it from a grandmother. I would also love to share a meal with my mother-in-law whom I never had the chance to meet. I would learn a lot from her too and hear stories about my husband’s younger days.

SL: Is there a quote, saying, words of advice or scripture you consider words to live by? AR: I would choose Proverbs 31 which portrays the embodiment of an ideal, spiritual woman, a virtuous, altruistic and strong wife/mother who is also a work in progress. It addresses the woman’s character and interactions with others. She is a woman who strives to please God and bring honor to her family in all that she does.

SL: What Mom from real-life or even TV/movies do you admire most? AR: That would be my own mother. She is a religious, faithful woman with a servant’s heart. She always seems to be prepared for anything and I don’t think I have ever seen her flustered. I have no doubt she has bad days—I know she gets stressed, but she is so gracious and respectful that she finds a way to power through it without letting anyone see her frustration.

SL: At the end of a long day, what do you do for fun or relaxation? AR: I tend to work long hours during the week, 12-16 hour days away from home. On weekdays, I usually just get into my pajamas and if not too late, try to catch up with my family, zone out watching TV then off to bed. Our weekends are different. My husband, who is retired from CBP spends his days teaching people how to train their own horses. Our family business, True Horsemanship Seminars, also provides clinics at various facilities within the DFW Metroplex one weekend each month. Aside from that, we have our own horses and cattle to tend to and it’s a team effort on the weekends. After all the chores are done, we like to relax together with snacks, blankets and a good movie. Sometimes we will squeeze in a board game if everyone is in the mood.

– Momilies Column –

Would you like to answer our 20 questions about motherhood and becoming a mom? If so, you could be featured here in our next Momilies column with your kids and family? We’ll have our photographer take professional photos of you all for the article as well. We even give you some to keep! Please send an email with your contact information to the editor at: elena@societylifemagazine.com.

– FatherHood Column –

Dads can also send in their stories about fatherhood to be considered for an upcoming issue. He can share his memorable moments with our readers by emailing the story to our editor at: elena@societylifemagazine.com.

FatherHood

Dads come from many different backgrounds, and we’re in various stages of life and relationships. Some of us are in our 20s — others are pushing 50. We might be married, single or divorced. Our kids range in age from infants to teenagers, and some of us are granddads. Some of us grew up in singleparent households, and some had both parents at home. Despite all the differences, and regardless of who you are and where you came from—fatherhood is a state of mind. What matters is that you are there. And as we all know, being there isn’t always easy. Often, that’s where the comedy comes in.

It’s like that fated call on an airplane: “Is there a doctor on board?” Sometimes situations with your kids call for a jester to save the moment—and that’s where you come in.

Baby wipes are important, but trust us, a sense of humor comes in very handy when dealing with a poop explosion. It’s also very useful when handling a whole new set of questions from your pre-pubescent son within earshot of your entire family, or when you’re just managing a kid’s tantrum. Life with kids is full of these chaotic moments, and without humor these trying experiences can quickly become overwhelming. Remembering to see the humor in stressful times is not easy. Pressures from the outside are constant. And as bad as those are, more often than not, we (because of our manly pride and need to be the “strong father figure”) add to that stress.

Sometimes it’s not easy to see the funny when the bacon you worked so hard to bring home falls on the floor and is eaten by the dog. Sometimes it’s not laugh-out-loud funny when you can’t get your kids ready for school on time despite detailed written instructions from mom. Sometimes the teenager with attitude isn’t material for a sitcom, but more like a real -life knot that is difficult, if not impossible, to untangle.

But all these things can be funny because they’re messy and imperfect. And imperfection is often funny because it’s human. So, in that moment when you want to run outside and do a primal scream because of something your child just did, look at it as the makings of a hilarious story you can tell your friends at the next poker game or golf outing.

A healthy sense of humor doesn’t necessarily come naturally—it’s a muscle you can exercise like any other. But as a dad, humor can really come in handy and help you make the most of those little (and sometimes big) wins along the weird fatherhood trip you are taking.

Like the insane laughter with snot pouring out your kids’ noses. Or the times when you come home to cries of “Daddy!” and get mugged as you enter the house, and pull a muscle in your back. Or the kid who “larts” (a combination laugh/fart).

The point is, fatherhood demands that you have a sense of the absurd, a sense of humor, and an ability to laugh at yourself and at life. It’s not always easy. Sometimes, it’s almost impossible. But, as long as you have breath in your body, you can use that breath to laugh.

Marc Kaye is a comedian, writer and songwriter. He is a dad of two, a member of The Dads of Comedy and he blogs regularly about comedy, parenthood and his ongoing quest to quiet the never-ending chatter in his mind. Alex Barnett is a comic, writer and one of the co-founders of The Dads of Comedy, is the white, Jewish husband of a black woman (who converted to Judaism) and the father of a 3-year-old, biracial son.

HIS PERSPECTIVE: STORIES FROM FATHERHOOD | BY MARC KAYE & ALEX BARNETT

Be the House Jester

FINDING THE FUNNY IN FATHERHOOD

JAN 18-29, 2023

• THE LION KING AT BASS

HALL • For the first time in 20 years, Disney’s The Lion King returns to Bass Performance Hall for just two weeks! Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s The Lion King! More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular—one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. Tickets at: basshall.com

JAN 21, 2023 • 2ND SOUTHLAKE SPRING FESTIVAL • The Southlake community is hosting its 2nd annual Southlake Spring Festival on Saturday, January 21, 2023! The festival will take place from 11am to 4pm in Southlake Town Square, located near 1400 E. Southlake Boulevard, Southlake, Texas 76092. Join the festivities on Lunar New Year’s Eve for an afternoon of delicious food, cultural performances, and familyfriendly activities showcasing the unique cultures of China, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan. Please visit: Southlake Spring Festival on Facebook.com

JAN 21, 2023 • CBI CASINO NIGHT • The 2023 Casino Night is raising funds for CBI (Congregation Beth Israel) and three local charities. All of the nonprofits are improving the lives of individuals and families in our community on a daily basis. The event starts at 6:30pm at Good Shepherd Catholic Church at 1000 Tinker Road in Colleyville. Tickets are $25 and sponsorships start at $250. To learn more about the organizations and this event, visit: cbiCasinoNight.com

JAN 22, 2023 • CELEBRITY CHEFS • Enjoy an evening with your favorite local chefs’ extraordinary cuisine paired with fabulous wines, chefs’ live auction packages, and an amazing online silent auction all benefiting the women and children of SafeHaven. We are grateful for your continued support of this significantly worthy cause which will mean so much to families affected by domestic abuse. Your generous donation will touch many lives! Sponsorships and tickets now available. Celebrity Chefs 2023 is pairing with a purpose—together we can make a difference! Visit mid-citiessos.org

JAN 29, 2023 • 2023 NCL SENIOR CLASS CELEBRATION • The Southlake Chapter of National Charity League celebrates the NCL Senior Class of 2023 at Senior Recognition

on January 29, 2023 at the Bowden. They celebrate the senior class who has served 21 local and national philanthropies from 2017 to 2023, and recognize the 66 mothers and daughters who have given more than 18,500 hours to their mission and partner philanthropies during their years in NCL. Commitment to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences will be honored at the event. Please visit: nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/southlake

NOW THRU FEB 6, 2023 • MODERN LIGHTS AT THE MODERN ART MUSEUM • The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is impressive during any season. However, it's only possible to witness its spectacular illumination during the holiday season. Visitors can all enjoy the sight of festive lights from the galleries. The museum offers extended hours until 8pm and free gallery admission on Fridays. Take your time to enjoy dazzling lights on the museum grounds or grab a bite at Café Modern during “Dinner with Lights“ on Friday evenings. You can also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at “Lights, Flights, and Bites” on Tuesdays. For more information, please visit: themodern.org ...................................................................

FEB 19, 2023 • STROKES FOR ART IN THE SQUARE • The community is invited to the 9th Strokes for Art in the Square February 19, 2023. Guests will gather for a reception with refreshments in the foyer of Southlake Town Hall from 5-6:30pm. The Southlake Women’s Club Foundation will present the Northeast Tarrant County 501c3 charities selected as the 2023 Beneficiaries of Art in the Square. The showcased artwork of the nine featured artists offers samplings of the outstanding creatives that can be found April 28-30. The 23rd event t-shirt artwork designed by Niki Gulley will be unveiled. Voting begins for the 2023 The People’s Choice in late February. Cast a vote at Southlake Town Hall or on the city’s website for their favorite featured artist. Voting ends April 7, 2023. Visit: artinthesquare.com

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FEB 25, 2023 • GKWC SPRING ON THE SEINE • The Greater Keller Women’s Club Foundation is pleased to invite you to its 27th annual Garden of Roses fundraiser. This year’s special event promises to be like a lovely morning on the riverbanks of Paris. It will feature a grand array of silent and live auction items, with an elegant luncheon, and signature French-themed cocktails. There will also be raffle drawings, as well as the popular Restaurant Tree and Wine Pulls, all capped off with a fashion show highlighting the latest spring styles. Join us Saturday,

Feb 25, 2023 from 10am to 1pm at Bowden Event Center, 1775 Keller Parkway in Keller. Visit: gkwc.org or sponsorship@gkwc.org ...................................................................

APR 22, 2023 •

TROPHY CLUB WOMEN’S

CLUB CITYWIDE

GARAGE SALE

• On April 22nd from 8am to 2pm TCWC and Town of Trophy Club will be hosting a semi annual Citywide Garage Sale. Permits go on sale in March at the Trophy Club Tom Thumb for $20. Net proceeds fund the TCWC annual scholarship program for graduating High School Seniors. Maps will be available for download n the evening before by visiting: mytcwc.org (or) facebook.com/mytcwc ....................................................................

APR 22, 2023 •

KELLER CITIZENS POLICE

ACADEMY

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

RAFFLE • The good folks at the KCPAAA are gonna have a raffle where you could win a GLOCK 43X, from Bear Creek Firearms. You can also win a Two Brothers Winery Wine Tasting for 10, Ryobi One+ Trimmer Edger from Home Depot, Horizon 76 Gift Card, Z Bar Cattle Co. Gift Card, and a Keller Chophouse Gift Card. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. You can purchase tickets at the Keller Crawfish Krawl on April 22, 2023 or by contacting KCPAAA at: KellerCPAAA@gmail.com ....................................................................

APR 28-30, 2023 •

ART IN THE SQUARE

• Save the date for Art in the Square 2023! Art in the Square is a three-day juried fine art festival produced by the Southlake Women’s Club. It is held in the Southlake Town Square and all proceeds from this event are donated to local charities benefiting women, children, and families. To date, we have dispersed over $3M in funds in the last 20 years. Art in the Square features two stages with entertainment, a bistro walk with plenty of food and beverages, a fun zone for teens and ‘tweens, and a younger kid’s are... 3 days of quality family fun with no admission fee. Visit: artinthesquare.com ....................................................................

APR 29, 2023 • GCS MOMS LEAGUE

GREAT GALA MET COUTURE

• GCS Moms League is honored to announce the next Great Gala, April 29, 2023, in support of Stepping Stones Foundation (Keller). The annual GCSML Great Gala has a rich history of community involvement and entertainment while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. This year will be the biggest yet, with the help of supporters like you. To learn more or for tickets visit: gcsmomsleague.org/the-great-gala ....................................................................

First-come, first-served. Include event name, date, time, location, ticket pricing, contact info, website, brief explanation. Email: elena@societylifemagazine.com

GARDEN OF ROSES

BY MARY MACDOWELL

JOINING TOGETHER, HAVING FUN, AND HELPING OTHERS IS WHAT THE GREATER KELLER WOMEN'S CLUB IS ALL ABOUT!

Springtime on the Seine

GARDEN OF ROSES - GREATER KELLER WOMEN’S CLUB

Ah, springtime in Paris! Who wouldn’t want to spend a lovely morning walking along the riverbanks of the Seine feeling like Emily in Paris? That Netflix show has us all craving the sensual pleasures of French fashion, Parisian cuisine, and that ooh la la kind of fun. Well, crave no more! The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation (GKWC) is pleased to invite you to its 27th annual Garden of Roses fundraiser, “Spring on the Seine,” being held February 25, 2023, at the beautiful Bowden Events and Weddings Venue in Keller. And because they actively desire to continue awarding generous scholarships to graduating high school seniors and numerous grants to local charities and organizations, you’ll be able to Paris with Purpose right here in Texas—without the jet lag! This affaire de fantaisie will feature an elegant luncheon with signature French-themed cocktails and a grand array of silent and live auction items, including a French dinner cooked by Chef John Croatti! Raffle drawings and their popular restaurant tree and wine pull will also be capped off with a fashion show highlighting the latest spring styles. Four hundred attendees are anticipated to attend this fantastique “Spring on the Seine.” President of The Greater Keller Women’s Club, Michelle Jackson, is especially proud of this year’s event. “We are excited for each of you to join us for our 27th annual Garden of Roses Fundraiser. The passion and countless hours our members put into this event are sure to create a memorable experience as we spend a morning in Paris.” GKWC’s joie de vivre shines bright as they invite the community to “Join Together, Have Fun, and Help Others!”

JOINING TOGETHER: This exceptional organization was formed in February of 1989, when a group of about 30 Keller area women gathered at a local club in response to a notice in the Keller Citizen placed by three newcomers, hoping to meet others in their rapidly growing community. The Greater Keller Women's Club was born from this enthusiastic and community-minded group of women. By November 1991, GKWC had been granted tax-exempt status as a 501c4 organization. They were now recognized and understood as a social welfare group or civic league promoting the common good and general welfare of the community’s people. In 1996/1997, GKWC established the Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation, Inc., with a 501c3 tax status. This allowed the Greater Keller Women's Club to direct its donations through the Foundation with the benefit of tax-free contributions to other 501c3 non-profit organizations. Today, their membership remains committed to community service while providing their members with exciting programs, activities, and special events. .......................................................................................................................................................................

HAVING FUN: Most members have found that the best relationships are formed when they do things together. There is a plethora of fun to be had with other GKWC members. There's an art club, book club, bunco, canasta, dominos-Mexican train, happy hour Pokeno, and samba. Ladies from all stages and ages, socio-economic ranges, variability in lifestyle, and talents gather for monthly luncheons featuring guest speakers. Their doors are wide open with low annual dues, attention-grabbing programs, great friendships, and opportunities to help others as your time and desire dictate.

HELPING OTHERS: Greater Keller Woman's Club has become known for its contributions to various community non-profit organizations. The annual Garden of Roses fundraiser is their primary source of funding. Proceeds are directed towards grants and scholarships that benefit multiple organizations, including: Community Storehouse, Summer Santa, KISD seniors, KISD Project Graduation, Metroport Meals on Wheels, Christ’s Haven, Keller Library, TRAIL Foundation, and many more.

(continued)

FAST FACTS GARDEN OF ROSES SPRINGTIME ON THE SEINE

Saturday, February 25, 2023 10am to 1pm

GREATER KELLER WOMEN’S CLUB

THE BOWDEN EVENTS & WEDDINGS 1775 KELLER PARKWAY KELLER, TEXAS 76248

PARIS WITH A PURPOSE!

Affaire de fantaisie will feature: • Elegant Luncheon

• French-Themed Cocktails

• Grand Array of Silent and Live Auction Items, including a French dinner cooked by Chef John Croatti!

• Raffle Drawings

• Restaurant Tree

• Wine Pull

• Spring Trends Fashion Show

for tickets visit: GKWC.org

SL 6 Questions About

GARDEN OF ROSES

HELPING MEMBERS: The GKWC believes in supporting its members when help or encouragement is needed. Their Friendship Committee recognizes members' birthdays, joys, illnesses, surgeries, births, or deaths by card, and whenever appropriate, places the member's news in the Friendship article in their newsletter. Their Care and Concern Committee was recently established to provide meals when needed to members of GKWC and their families. They will even provide help with transportation if needed. Learn more: Friendship@gkwc.org. —————————————————————————

WHO: The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, is the funding arm for the Greater Keller Women's Club. Since its inception, the Foundation, through the support and volunteerism of members of the Greater Keller Women's Club, has donated $2,223,589.00 for grants and scholarships to local non-profit organizations representing women, children, and the elderly within the Northeast Tarrant County area through a grant application and review process, as well as scholarships to graduating Keller ISD seniors. – –

WHAT: Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation presents: 2023 Garden of Roses Fundraiser “Spring on the Seine” —

WHERE: The Bowden Events and Weddings 1775 Keller Parkway in Keller, Texas 76248 – –

WHEN: Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 10am to 1pm – –

WHY: GKWC's mission is to further the common goal and general welfare of the people of the community and to provide a means for members to pursue mutual interests and participate in the community." – –

HOW: General Admission Tickets: $75

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (sponsorship@gkwc.org) ...........................................................................................................

YELLOW ROSE GKWC MEMBER EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR: $250

Includes 1 Complimentary Ticket, Business Card Sized Black and White Ad in Program, Electronic Signage at Event, and Social Media Recognition.

LACOSTE SPONSOR: $500

Includes 2 Complimentary Tickets, Quarter Page Black and White Ad in Program, Electronic Signage at event, Logo and Link on Website, and Social Media Recognition.

GIVENCHY SPONSOR: $750

PIERRE CARDIN SPONSOR: $1000

Includes 3 Complimentary Tickets, Half Page Color Ad in Program, Electronic Signage at Event, Logo and Link on Website, and Social Media Recognition.

YVES SAINT LAURENT SPONSOR: $2,500

Includes 4 Complimentary Tickets, Full Page Color Ad in Program, Electronic Signage at Event, Logo and Link on Website, and Social Media Recognition.

...........................................................................................................

DIOR SPONSORSHIP: $5000

Includes 8 Complimentary Tickets, Full Page Color AD in Program: Back Cover, Marketing Opportunity at Event, Electronic Signage at Event, Logo and Link on Website, and Social Media Recognition.

...........................................................................................................

GKWC FOUNDATION AND GARDEN OF ROSES FUNDRAISER BY THE NUMBERS:

• 400 attendees are anticipated at the 2023 fundraiser

...........................................................................................................

• 16,000 volunteer hours annually given

• $49,000 in proceeds were raised from the 2021 Garden of Roses annual fundraiser, and other fundraisers

• $290,000 in scholarships to 58 KISD graduating seniors from the 4 KISD high schools

...........................................................................................................

• $126,000 in grants to 18 Northeast Tarrant County charities

• Over $2 MILLION in grants and scholarships collectively donated since 1996

• 98% of our annual fundraiser's net revenue is typically distributed to their beneficiaries

• 400 programs with sponsor ads distributed at event, including social media campaign on the GKWC website, Facebook, and other media outlets ...........................................................................................................

DONATE TO SUPPORT THEIR MISSING TO KEEP... JOINING TOGETHER, HAVING FUN, HELPING OTHERS!

The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation knows you have many options for your charity commitments. They hope you will consider them in your plans to continue a proud tradition of awarding grants to local charitable organizations and scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Your GKWC donations and sponsorships are tax-deductible! See you on the Seine!

Includes 2 Complimentary Tickets, Quarter Page Color Ad in Program, Electronic Signage at Event, Logo and Link on Website, and Social Media Recognition. – – – –

Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation - GKWC | PO BOX 2365, Keller, TX 76244 | GKWC .org | 817-586-8144 – –

Babe’s Chicken Dinner House • Fried chicken as good as grandma’s, but she’s got better things to do, like chow down on unlimited sides. Warm biscuits with butter and honey are reason to go. • Roanoke and NRH babeschicken.com $ L D

Blue 22 Sports Grill • Locally owned, family gathering spot with a scratch kitchen offering prime sporting events—what more could you ask for? This is a perfect family friendly sports bar! • Trophy Club blue22sportsgrill.com $-$$ L D

Chef Point Modern Bar & Restaurant • Fine dining redefined. With indoor and outdoor dining spaces, they accommodate private and semi-private parties. Catering available. • Colleyville and Watauga chefpointcafe.org $-$$ (Sat.B) L D

Chill Restaurant & Bar • Sports headquarters for business meetings, company parties, wedding receptions and rehearsals, birthdays and anniversaries. Outdoor patio, live music and ladies night. • Grapevine chillgrapevine.com $ L D R

Stunning indoor-outdoor watering hole. Everything from expansive beer and wine choices to a menu of shareable plates invites conversation. Happy hour with martinis Roanoke craftandvine.restaurant $$ L D

American grill comfort cuisine serving memories with a twist. A decidedly casual neighborhood spot where you get both a good burger and a dressed-up plate of mussels. The Keller fngeats.com $$ (Brunch) L D R

• Healthy has never been more indulgent. Using all-natural, minimally processed ingredients, the menu satisfies almost anything, whether you’re on a restricted diet or throwing • Trophy Club hgsplyco.com $$ L D

Order a burger served “bone-in” or topped with mac and cheese and bacon, or chicken pot pie made with fried chicken chunks and crowned with a crispy chicken tender. Build s’mores. • Fort Worth horizon76.com $$ L D

Leela’s Wine Bar • Wine should be easy, eco-friendly and enjoyable—that’s why their wine is on tap. Tap is less bottles, less waste, consistent quality—glass after glass. Consider this your new wine bar. • Trophy Club leelaswinebar.com $$ D

Mason & Dixie • Celebrating all things Southern—a neighborhood gathering place. Take them up on their BYOB invite when shrimp and grits is on their specials board. • In Grapevine Antique Market facebook.com/masonanddixie $ L

Moxie’s Grill & Bar • Crowd pleaser serving globallyinspired fare like Thai curry bowls, tuna ceviche, steak frites. Fun, sophisticated setting that’s equal parts sports bar and eclectic brasserie. • Southlake us.moxies.com $$-$$$ L D

Next Wood Fired Bistro & Vino Bar • Intimate, and refined restaurant serving everything from simple roasted chicken or crab cakes, to lamb tagine or surf and turf. Acclaimed wine program. • Colleyville nextwoodfiredbistro.com $$$ L D

Oak Street Food and Brew • Food hall with chef-driven food—from fish and chips to overstuffed baked potatoes, to craft bbq. Expansive in and out—gathering place for groups. • Roanoke oakstreetfoodandbrew.com $-$$ B L D

PIAF Kitchen+Wine+Bar • From power lunch to happy hour, to a romantic date night. Weekends start with buffet brunch and end with drinks on rooftop bar. Flatbreads, seafood, steak. • Grapevine piafkitchen.com $$-$$$ (Brunch) L D

Sky Creek Grill • In Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club—bistro dishes with contemporary western flair. Steak, salmon, pasta, salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, cold beer. Restaurant and bar open to public. • Keller skycreekranch.com $-$$ B L D

Sky Creek Kitchen + Bar • Sky Creek embodies casual elegance with sleek, understated décor—prime destination for a special celebration, family dinner, romantic evening, or afterwork drinks. • Southlake skycreekkitchen.com $-$$ L D

Stone House Restaurant • Regionally inspired, locally sourced proteins and a chef’s garden. Sharables, craft beer, cocktails, wine, chops. Must-try 1200-degree broiled steak. • Colleyville stonehouse-restaurant.com $$-$$$ D

TruFire Kitchen & Bar • Consistent menu, exemplary burger of akaushi beef or truffle-scented mac and cheese. Banana split and handcrafted cocktails are a must. Gluten free and vegetarian menus. • Southlake trufire.us $$ B L D

ASIAN / SUSHI / THAI

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Cowtown Sushi • Unexpectedly refined sushi and sashimi. They’ve had “hidden gem” status for way too long. Chefs are eager to impress diners, making this an environment to expand your palate. • Southlake cowtownsushi.com $-$$ L D

Foster’s Sushi, Seafood, Bar & Grill • Creative style to fill your appetite. Indoor and outdoor bar with friendly staff and total of 10 flat screen TVs to suit all sports fans, plus happy hour from 3-6pm. • Roanoke fostersushi.com $-$$ L D

Honey Teriyaki • Quality Japanese food—teriyaki and sushi. Many sauces made from scratch with honey—hence the name. Large portions, reasonable prices, friendly service, legit food. • Colleyville tinyurl.com/honeyteriyaki $-$$ L D

Maki & Poké • Sushi rolls and Hawaiian bowls—here you don’t have to choose! Incredibly fresh and generous sushi rolls. BYOB (build your own bowl) is a fav. Very deserving of their many 5-star ratings! • NRH tinyurl.com/nrhpoke $-$$ L D

Malai Kitchen • Thai-Vietnamese mash-up—with silky curries, sriracha made in-house. Imaginative beverage program with house-brewed beers. A rand finale, Mango Sticky Rice Smash. • Southlake malaikitchen.com $$-$$$ L D

My Lan Vietnamese Kitchen • Big, steaming bowls of pho, heaping rice plates and rows of crispy egg rolls. Vietnamese staples are soulful and flavorful with reasonable prices . • Colleyville my-lan-vietnamese-kitchen.business.site $ L D

NAPA Thai Asian Cuisine • Unique Thai restaurant that offers a glimpse of traditional Thai culture—where balance and harmony come together in a relaxing, yet elegant atmosphere. • Colleyville napathaicuisine.com $-$$ L D

Noodles @ Boba Tea House • Generously portioned, skillfully prepared Vietnamese, pan-Asian dishes. Try the spicy beef noodle soup, Thai beef salad and the Mocha Madness smoothie. • Fort Worth noodlesbth.com $ L D

Sabai Sabai Southeast Asian Kitchen • Expect pad Thai, massaman curry, pho, also explore Lao beef jerky, steamed fish or a marinated beef salad. Dine in or takeout. Food packs plenty of flavor. • Grapevine sabaisabaikitchen.com $ L D

Saikou Sushi & Ramen • Well-executed Japanese cuisine. Slurp tonkotsu ramen, pork-forward broth, superb vegetable ramen, classic miso, shoyu and shio varieties. Sushi and bento boxes. • Alliance saikousushiramen.com $-$$ L D

Sushi Dojo • Premier fast-casual sushi restaurant specializing in party trays, office/event catering, and food truck service. Known for sushi tacos and burritos. Delicious, affordable, high quality sushi. • Southlake sushidojodfw.com $-$$ L D

Sushi Nomi • Modern Japanese with inventive sushirolls, ramen, teriyaki and more, plus beer and wine. Choose from delicious lunch options like bento boxes, fried rice, sushi specials. • Fort Worth facebook.com/SushiNomiTexas $-$$ L D

Sushi Sam • Lunch deals like loaded bento boxes. Management is always warm and personable, which is reflected in their friendly service. Amazing salmon skin rolls (not the easiest to pull off). • Southlake sushisam.net $ L D

Thailicious • Authentic Thai in a contemporary, relaxed environment. Soft shell crab, creamy curries, Crying Tiger and pad Thai. Seek out tom yum-inspired martinis and mojitos. • Southlake ThailiciousSouthlake.com $$ L D

V’s House • Family-owned Vietnamese restaurant offering upscale takes on classic dishes—plus surprises. You’ll find staples of Vietnamese cuisine, including pho varieteies—all made in-house. Creative cocktail menu. • NRH vshouse.net $-$$ L D

Wine:30 • Wine bar featuring Texas wineries/wine makers, complimented by wines from California, France, and Italy— also offering a handful of locally brewed craft beers, flatbreads and charcuterie board pairings. • Roanoke w30.wine $-$$ L D

BAKERIES / TREATS / COFFEE / TEA / JUICE .......

Axiom Coffee • Coffee house with purpose. Organic beans sourced from small Honduras producers from a farm run by World Gospel Outreach employing single moms to harvest and supports an orphanage. • NFW axiomcoffee.com $ B L D

Board + Brie • A curated array of noshables that pair perfectly with wine and talk. Cheese and charcuterie grazing boxes and boards, crowd-pleasing fare or feasts for one. Pick up or delivery. Catering for tables. • Roanoke boardbrie.com $$-$$$ L D

Brew & Batter • Locally owned, stand alone house serving good coffee! Not to mention waffles! There offer two bases— cornbread and a liege waffle (a european waffle made with yeast daily) • Grapevine brew-batter.business.site $ B L D

Buzzed Bull Creamery • Made-to-order, alcoholic and nonalcoholic frozen dessert and coffee company—harnessing the power of liquid nitrogen to bring a one-of-a-kind-experience to guests. • Grapevine buzzedbullcreamery.com $ L D

j Alli’s Sweet Shop • Delicious cake pops for any event, celebration or just because! They deliver your bouquet just like a florist and brighten the day of any recipient! Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, treats. • Southlake cakepopsbyalli.com $ L D

Creative Memories Bakery • Cupcakes, smash cakes, wedding, birthday, graduation, shower, gender reveal and baby shower cakes, petit fours, cookies, brownies, cake balls/pops, ding dongs. • Fort Worth yourcakeplace.com $-$$

Crumbl Cookies • Giant cookies delivered! Chocolate chip, chilled sugar cookie and rotating flavors like key lime pie, salted caramel cheesecake, birthday cake or German chocolate. Open ‘til midnight! • Southlake crumblcookies.com $

DessertsRx Organic Café • High quality, organic, nonGMO, real food and drinks offered with the knowledge to empower you to make informed decisions when it comes to what goes into your body. • Colleyville dessertsrx.com $ B L D

Doughlicious • Offering scoops of raw, safe-to-eat dough in chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, sugar cookie, banana pudding and s’mores. Grab a multi-pack of mini scoops to share. • Grapevine doughlicioususa.com $

Dr. Sue’s Chocolate • Doctor by trade, master chocolatier at heart, Dr. Sue Williams crafts the finest chocolate specimens you’ve ever had. Delightful creations like chocolate bark, truffles, and chocolate bars. • Grapevine drsueschocolate.com $

Elegant Cakery • Beautiful designs that make magnificent centerpieces for any occasion—and the taste makes them unforgettable. Cupcakes, birthday and wedding cakes—made with quality ingredients. • Southlake elegantcakery.com $-$$

Hey Sugar Candy Shop • Bulk candies and popcorn, syrups and flavorings from an old-fashioned soda fountain. Chocolates by Nib Chocolates. Ice cream made in a machine from the 1920s. • Roanoke heysugarcandy.com $-$$

JudyPie • Time-tested recipes, anchored by shortbread crust, elevate flavors like apple, pecan, buttermilk, banana cream into their best versions. By the slice or whole (large or small rounds). Gluten free, vegan, paleo. • Grapevine judypie.com $ L D

Juice Junkies • No need to be a health nut to appreciate juice blends, smoothies, whole food snacks and cold-brewed coffee drinks, but they just might convert you. Cold-pressed. Restocked regularly. • Keller juicejunkies.com $ B L

Kindred Coffee Co. • A love for craft coffee and local community—they find the best coffee and roast it at their shop. Stop by for a cup, fresh salad, gelato or one of their pastries.• North Richland Hills kindredcoffeeco.com $ B L D

‘Lette Macarons • Elegant French sandwich cookies readymade for gifting. Endlessly customizable. Offers a selection of fine shortbread cookies and will soon offer macaron ice cream sandwiches. • Southlake lettemacaron.com $

Native Coffee + Kitchen • Refreshing, independent voice serving unapologetic interpretations of comfort food favs—pancakes, tacos, burgers and nachos—alongside coffee made with Texas-roasted bean. nativeck.com $ B L D

Nothing Bundt Cakes • Made fresh daily using eggs, butter and cream cheese. Bite-sized Bundtinis, single serving Bundtlets, 8” and 10” cakes and double-tiered cakes. Daily samples show how yummy it is! • Southlake nothingbundtcakes.com $

j Personalized Grazing • Specializing in customized charcuterie boards and personalizing your culinary experiences, they offer classes, gifts, filled and unfilled boards, even custom boards. • Southlake personalizedgrazing.com $-$$$ B L D

Redefined Coffee House • Locals gather for birthdays, meetings, and conversation—and everyone sips macchiatos and iced lattes made with Avoca coffee beans. • Grapevine redefinedcoffeehouse.com $ B L D

Texas Harvest Pie Co. • Small pie shop feels like home. Lovingly crafted pies like apple, blueberry, buttermilk, key lime taste like grandmas if she’s an expert baker. Serving lunch. • Keller facebook.com/texasharvestpiecompany $-$$

The Garden Party • It’s party time—experience North Richland Hills’ newest tearoom, located in Golightly’s Antiques. Stop by and enjoy fresh tea, food and treats. They look forward to serving you! • NRH & Grapevine thegarden-party.com $ L

BARBECUE ........................................................

Back Forty Smokehouse • Brisket, ribs, full bar, outdoor patio, friendly service, locally owned—should we keep going. Back Forty is conveniently located next to the new Tex Rail train station. • NRH backfortysmokehouse.com $-$$ L D

Feedstore BBQ • Local fav with quality meats and the freshest veggies available. Ridiculously good chopped beef, chicken, sausage and fall-off-the-bone ribs, fried okra, spicy beans and amazing rolls. • NRH feedstorebbq.com $-$$ L D R

Hard Eight Pit BBQ • Authentic mesquite barbecue. Award winning cuisine. “Old World” slow cooking over pits adopted from German settlers who came to the Texas Hill Country long ago. • Roanoke hardeightbbq.com $-$$ L D R

Meat U Anywhere BBQ • “Meating” your BBQ and catering needs. Slow smoked with seasoned oak and hickory. Exclusive sides, special offerings, ultimate breakfast tacos • Grapevine and Trophy Club meatuanywhere.com $-$$ B L D R

Red Barn Bar-B-Que • Best all you can eat catfish on Friday nights, and sausage and turkey around town. Rustic counter service with generous plates and comfort grub in. • Colleyville redbarnbarbque.com $-$$ L D

BREAKFAST (+ lunch/dinner) .............................

Another Broken Egg Cafe • Twists on Eggs Benedict and Omelettes, Biscuit Beignets, Cinnamon Roll French Toast and much more. Brunch is the most important meal of the week! • Southlake anotherbrokenegg.com $-$$ B (Brunch) L

Bacon’s Bistro & Cafe • Breakfast diner with really good service, food and company—sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch. It’s common to have a wait on weekends because it’s just that darn good! • Hurst baconsbistroandcafe.com $$ B L

Black Walnut Cafe • Classic fare, upscale flair. Handcrafted sandwiches to chilled local craft brews to swirly rows of gelato. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. • Colleyville blackwalnutcafe.com $-$$ B L D

DeVivo Bros. Eatery • Rustic comfort food on Americanized menu with Italian flair. Bold flavor, large portions, meatloaf, pastas, sandwiches with rustic simplicity and refined elegance. • Keller devivobroseatery.com $-$$ B L D

Kassandra’s Mexican Kitchen • Hidden gem. Great lunch with well-priced specials. Tortillas live up to the name. Put it on your list for breakfast, served all day. Breakfast quesadilla, beans and potatoes—a good reason to get up early! • Keller $ B L D

Main Street Bistro & Bakery (Bistro M) • Local gem with foodie following (and a Gallic accent). Best croissants. Chocolate bomb cake that makes your toes curl. Must-try are their pastries and desserts • Grapevine themainbakery.com $$ B L D

Mangos Breakfast Brunch • French toast, chicken, waffles, omelets. Taking shots at convention with duck bacon burgers, s’mores waffles, skillets with chicken fried steak, stuffed avocados. • Southlake, Keller mangosbb.com $$ B (Brunch) L

Oldwest Cafe • Big menu, big portions, good value. Saddle up that horse and hit the trail for Oldwest Cafe... pretty darn sure ya’ might like it! Breakfast served all day long (or until we go home for the day)! • Grapevine oldwestcafe.us $ B L

Rush Bowls • Smoothies in a bowl with fruit and toppings. Featuring all-natural fruit and açai blended until thick and creamy, these are a healthy alternative dessert or a perfect meal. Perfect refueling stop. • Keller rushbowls.com $ B L D

Seven Mile Café • Fans flock for specialty pancakes, Gouda grits, egg dishes and Stumptown coffee. You cannot go wrong with benedicts or the pancake sampler. Vegan and gluten-free options. sevenmilecafe.com $-$$ B (Brunch) L

Stevie’s Diner • A unique, family-owned and operated throwback dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious breakfast or lunch, head over to Stevie’s Diner. • North Fort Worth steviesdiner.com $ B L

Starwood Cafe • Specializing in breakfast and lunch at eight locations around DFW, and serving breakfast all day—this is your new brunch destination. Vast menu serving all your favs. • Trophy Club, NRH starwoodcafe.com $-$$ B L

Sunny Street Café • Serving hearty American fare—with gluten-free options. Dine-in or carry-out, this is your neighborhood destination for fresh, wholesome food and friendly service served daily. • Roanoke sunnystreetcafe.com $-$$ B L

Toasted Yolk • Perfectly poached eggs, strip after strip of crunchy bacon, layer upon layer of turkey and pastrami—these are delicacies we dream about at night, and they’re the ones we want to wake up to! • Keller thetoastedyolk.com $-$$ B L

Townhouse Brunch • Twists on omelettes, benedicts, pancakes, salads, sandwiches. Lean sweet (banana Nutella crepes) or savory (“everything spiced” avocado toast), your cravings is covered. • Colleyville townhousebrunch.com $$ B (Brunch) L

BRITISH

...........................................................

From Across the Pond • Get your British classics—fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and more—plus, burgers, sandwiches, pastas and salads from beyond the pond. • Colleyville acrossthepond.site $ L D

The Londoner Pub and Grill • Pub turning out English classics like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash with confidence. Their decor screams typical English pub. • Colleyville thelondonerpub.com $$ L D

BURGERS / SANDWICHES ................................

Bottlecap Alley Icehouse Grill • 100% Fresh Angus Beef, name brand quality meats, whole veggies chopped in-house daily and local artisan buns. A place where kids and adults co-mingle successfully. • Grapevine bottlecapalley.com $ L D

Chick & Biscuit • Southern food done right! Home-style comfort food—from spicy hot chicken to pulled pork, brisket, and sausage gravy, the menu honors the South. Inside Harvest Hall. • Grapevine chickandbiscuit.com $$ L D

Fred’s Texas Cafe • Nationally acclaimed hamburgers, fabulous chicken-fried steak, the coldest beer in town—that’s Fred’s—a beloved local dive that’s serious about food! • TCU, Fort Worth, NFW fredstexascafe.com $-$$ L D

Kincaid’s Hamburgers • Where friends meet to eat! Hypefree, good-old-burgers, ice cream shakes, deviled eggs, stuffed jalepenos, fried okra, chicken sandwiches, banana pudding. • Southlake and Alliance kincaidshamburgers.com $ L D

LA Burger • Beautifully seared meat, thoughtful layering, oozy cheese, toasty buns—burgers executed with California flair. Tacos, fries, hot dogs, salads and shakes served counter-style, all with a fresh multi-culti twist. • Keller la-burger.com $ L D

Mighty Chick • Reinvigorating fried chicken with bold flavor and big crunch. Wings, pieces, tenders with sauce like BBQ Soy Garlic or Hot and Spicy Seoul Nashville-style hot chicken. • Watauga mightychickdfw.com $-$$ L D

Old Town Ice House • Burgers, po-boys, wings, tacos, salads, artisan brews—celebrating the ice industry in its heyday, as well as the founding of Keller during that era. Raise an ice-cold glass with us! • Keller oldtownicehouse.com $ L D

The Pour Shack • Comes alive as the sun sets! Cover bands and DJs pump up the scene and the music at this big indoor/outdoor bar serving up burgers and drink specials. Your neighborhood bar. • Keller thepourshack.com $-$$ L D

The Station Patio Icehouse • Gathering place to enjoy good food, good drinks and good music. It’s everything you’d want your own backyard to be, with all the people you love and none of the work! • Keller stationicehouse.com $$ L D

CAJUN ..............................................................

Bayou Jack’s Cajun Grill • Part soulfuajun, part vibrant cocktails, two parts bon temps. Jambalaya, po boys, grilled oysters, étouffée. Drink swamp juice, Hurricane Kris and Abita on tap.

• Roanoke bayoujackscajungrill.com $-$$ L D

Copeland’s • Authentic taste of the Big Easy adjacent to the Hilton Southlake lobby. Soul satisfying eggplant pirogue and mind-blowing bananas foster French toast. • (In the Hilton Hotel) Southlake copelandsofneworleans.com $-$$ B L D

The Lost Cajun • Real and authentic Cajun food from the gumbo and jambalaya to the fried seafood—it’s like you’re in Louisiana! Awesome frozen drinks and food you can taste!

• Keller thelostcajun.com $-$$ L D

GREEK .............................................................

Café Medi • Devoted fans—they give as much attention to vegetarian dishes as their succulent grilled and braised meats. BYOB. Salads, hummus, falafel and fool. Their lamb shanks really shine. • Keller and Hurst cafemedi.com $-$$ L D R

INDIAN .............................................................

F2 Fusion Flavors • F2 combines the sensibilities of the Middle East with Asia, offering Indian flavored Kebabs, lamb and even goat dishes for a global tour of cuisines and cultures. Daily buffet. • Southlake fusionflavors.site $-$$ L D

Mughlai Fine Indian Cuisine • Courtly cuisine of Mughal royalty—familiar dishes like lamb roghan josh and chicken tikka masala served alongside more obscure dishes from authentic Indian street fare. • Southlake mughlaidfw.com $$ L D

ITALIAN / PIZZA ..............................................

Armend’s Restaurante • Laid-back, family friendly pizza place reminiscent of Naples. Plenty of hearty Northern Italian favorites with great prices and friendly, family-owned service. • Southlake armendspizza.com $ L D

Bosses • Brick oven pizza using the finest cheese and meats— and freshest veggies. They set out to make the best pizza in town and some say it’s “The Best Darn Pizza in Texas.” • Lake Worth, NRH, North Fort Worth bossespizza.com $ L D

Brio Tuscan Grille • Buzzing from the shaded outdoor patio to the courtyard bar. Upscale enough for the date-night crowd, but casual enough for locals wandering in from their shopping.

• Southlake Town Square brioitalian.com $-$$ L D R

Calabrese Ristorante and Bar • Authentic Italian fare with ingredients imported from Italy—modern and traditional Italian dishes to please every palate. Wine list as seductive as the atmosphere. • Southlake ilcalabrese.com $$ L D

Coal Vines • Pizza wine bar separating good pizza from great—a perfect crunch and just a speckling of char. This pie was made for good vino. Fortunately, they have plenty of that on hand as well! • Southlake coalvinespizza.com $ D R

Delucca Gaucho Pizza & Wine • Slice-after-slice of gourmet pizza—garlic picanha, shrimp and fontina, Turkish lamb— along with cheese or pepperoni—brought to your table oven hot. All you can eat perfection! delucca.com $$ D

Farina’s Winery & Café • Elegant but unassuming with solid food and wine to back up the atmosphere. Italian classics headlined by popular pizzas, are Farina family recipes. • Grapevine farinaswinery.com $-$$ L D

Ferrari’s Italian Villa & Chop House • Beautiful banquet and private dining. Bountiful antipasti bar. The roasted entrées from the wood fired oven are standouts. Desserts prepared tableside. • Grapevine ferrarisrestaurant.com $$ L D

Fireside Pies • Swanky pizza served in a casual environment. Who knew my favorite veggie pie (Peta Pie) would come from the same place as my favorite meaty pie (Triple ‘Roni)? • Grapevine firesidepies.com $ L D

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria • Brooklyn’s iconic pizza has now arrived—crust is perfectly thin and crisp and cheese and toppings first-rate. Brooklyn charm here to go with some excellent pizza. • Grapevine grimaldispizzeria.com $ L D

i Fratelli Pizza • Distinctive thin-n-crispy pizza, handmade sauces, dressings, dessert—favs for 30 years. Delivery committed to exceeding expectations with their exemplary service and fast delivery. • Southlake, Keller, NFW ifratelli.net $-$$ L D

j Jonny’s Pizza • At Jonny's Pizza, they only use the freshest ingredients in their New York-style hand-tossed pizzas. All of their tasty Italian cuisine and other dishes are made in-house as well. • Fort Worth jonnyspizzany.com $ L D

Inzo Italian Kitchen • Old-world menu with a new-world accent. Using fresh ingredients and doing things the way Nonna did years ago. One taste is all it takes to be amazed. Buon appetito! • Roanoke inzoitalian.com $-$$ L D R

Loveria Caffe • Emilia-Romagna is Italy’s premier destination for food lovers—premium pastas, cured meats, cheeses, wines, meatballs, lasagna, eggplant parm perfected centuries before landing right here. • Colleyville loveriacaffe.com $$ L D

Napoli’s Italian Café & Creamery • Italian-America classics in cozy historic Grapevine Main Stree setting. Linger in or drop by the creamery for freshly made gelato and Italian desserts. • Grapevine napolisgrapevine.com $-$ L D

Oliva Italian Eatery • Italian staples rendered with verve— spaghetti and meatballs, lobster ravioli, anticipated featured items. Expertly curated wines at a remarkable value. Popular wine dinners. • North Fort Worth olivaeatery.com $$ L D

Palio’s Pizza Cafe • Food tastes better, and they swear it’s better for you with fresh ingredients made-from-scratch. Pizzas with pesto, artichoke hearts, chicken and mushrooms. • Keller, Colleyville, Grapevine paliospizzacafe.com $ L D R

Stellini Trattoria • Shareable arancini (crisp risotto balls) or taglieri (meat & cheese board). Housemade pastas and pizzas. Steaks and chops with polenta, gnocchi and potatoes. Creative cocktails. • Grapevine stellinitrattoria.com $$ L D

Vinny’s Italian Restaurant • Good food, great people. Like being invited to your Italian uncle’s house for dinner— serving authentic New York style pizza and Italian classics. • Roanoke vinnysrest.com $ L D

Wise Guys Pizzeria • Exceeding expectations and providing Fresh food, family hospitality, hard work, and a hands on approach to pizzas, pastas, premium drafts—all made from scratch. • Roanoke & Grapevine wiseguystx.com $$ L D

Zeppole • Refined pasta dishes, seafood and soulful renditions of Italian specialties showcased in an open setting that feels like your favorite outdoor patio. • Located inside the Gaylord Texan Resort Atrium gaylordtexan.com $$$ D

LATIN AMERICAN .............................................

Boca 31 • Drawing from Mexico, Peru, Caribbean, Americas— elevating street food with creative flare—barbacoa tacos to pulled pork to guava and cream cheese empanadas, the menu is anything but standadr. • Keller boca31.com/keller $ L D

Del Campo Empanadas • Empanadas with savories like chicken, ham, spinach, picanha steak. Dipped in chimichurri it’s a no-fuss meal or grab-and-go snack. Pick up sweet treats here also. • Fort Worth delcampoempanadas.com $ L D

Gloria’s • Fine Latin cuisine that hints at humble mom and pop roots. Sleek design draws crowds as much for their pupusas and margaritas as for the weekend salsa dancing. • Colleyville and Southlake gloriasrestaurants.com $-$$ L D R

MEXICAN ...........................................................

Baja Cantina • Coastal Mexican with seafood and amazing steaks. Fajitas are a fav, also fish tacos, spinach queso, frozen margaritas that make you swear you’re on vacation! • Watauga, NRH, Roanoke, Keller bajagrilldfw.com $-$$ L D R

Cristina’s Fine Mexican • Lively setting, unique menu with Tex-Mex favorites, as well as unique central Mexican dishes. Must-have margaritas. • NRH, Trophy Club, Southlake, Flower Mound and Lewisville cristinasmex.com $ L D R

Elote Mexican Kitchen • Little taqueria with style. Slow roasted meats, fresh ingredients, marvelous margaritas. Entire menu is gluten free (except flour tortillas). Plus soy cheese and tofu sour cream. • North Fort Worth elotemex.com $ B L D

Enchiladas Olé • Specializing in enchiladas filled with chicken, cheese, veggies or beef, then topped with Perez’s famed sauces from a classic ancho chili to a rich queso. Tamales and happy hours. • NRH enchiladasole.com $-$$ L D

Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano • Possibly the coolest patio scene in the area. Feast on Mexican classics, but don’t miss out on their famous margaritas, fajitas or their authentic Mexican favorites. • Grapevine esparzastexas.com $ L D R

Fresco’s • Vibrant joint serving traditional Mexican dishes and Tex-Mex using quality ingredients. Unmistakable flavor and freshness, and awesome margaritas. Fair prices. • Watauga frescosmexicanfood.com $ L D

Los Molcajetes • Start with warm tortilla chips and red or green salsa. Enjoy a margarita and a sizzling plate of fajitas, top it off with sopapillas, flan or fried ice cream—the ultimate Mexican comfort food! • Roanoke losmolcajetes.com $ L D

Manny’s Uptown Tex-Mex • Dragon-ritas, brisket tacos, signature queso, fajitas and enchiladas—perfect with a Manny’s Taxi. Weekend breakfast is a fav, happy hours and catering.• Southlake mannysuptowntexmex.com $$ B L D

Martha’s Mexican Cocina • Reliable Tex-Mex in a relaxed, setting with a great patio. Try brisket tacos and pollo poblano. Vegetarian options with daily specials and happy hour. • Keller marthasmexicancocina.com $ L D R

Mesa • Elevated coastal cuisine in a bright, elegant restaurant to match its vibrant, upscale menu. A magic touch with seafood, including lobster enchiladas, Mexican gumbo and chipotle shrimp. • Grapevine mesagrapevine.com $$-$$ D R

Mesero • Beyond Tex Mex, but lives up to its promise of Mexican Spirit American Life. One taste of the iconic Queso Mesero and brisket tacos will keep you coming back... don’t skip their amazing drinks! • Southlake mesero.net $$-$$ L D

Mi Cocina • The original see-and-be-seen spot is still a crowd favorite. A sleek but festive interior draws locals for “modern” enchiladas and first-rate Tex-Mex. • Southlake and Alliance mcrowd.com $-$$ L D R

Mi Dia From Scratch • Traditional Mexico City recipes with modern Santa Fe and Tex Mex flavors. Experience a true fusion of the past and present. • Grapevine, Plano, Flower Mound midiafromscratch.com $-$$ L D

So-Cal Tacos • Former food truck is now a great taco joint with the same delicious food and laid back vibe. The truck, Woody, paved the way for fresh tacos, delicious margarita, and ice cold beer. • Grapevine eatsocaltacos.com $ L D

SEAFOOD .........................................................

Big Fish Seafood • Fresh seafood, including lots of Cajun options, plus great drink specials and frequent live music in a rustic and relaxed setting. Known for treating all guests like family. • Grapevine bigfishgrapevine.com $-$$ L D

Bonefish Grill • A menu full of fresh flavors of the season and innovative dishes—specializing in seasonal fresh fish. Taste today’s freshest catch and try something new on each visit. • Southlake bonefishgrill.com $$-$$$ L (sat-sun) D (daily)

The Crab Station • Promises the best seafood in a family oriented experience. Have fun cracking and peeling with your hands—getting messy while you’re at it! Entrees, wings, kettles, shareables, peel-n-eat • NFW crab-station.com $-$$ L D

Fish City Grill • Menu of crawfish, Gulf and east coast oysters, and other fresh seafood selections. Favs like fish tacos, Gulf shrimp, renowned oyster nachos. Chalkboard specials are a great deal. • Southlake fishcitygrill.com $-$$ L D R

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen • From the warm waters of the Gulf, the icy Alaskan coast, the mighty Atlantic and Pacific, they go to any depth to bring you the finest seafood available— all year long. • Grapevine pappadeaux.com $$-$$$ L D

Rockfish • Local favorites like the shrimp basket, fish tacos, wild copper river alaskan salmon, rock-a-rita margarita, schooners, and Mexican shrimp martinis. Great seafood—not a lot of clams. • Southlake rockfish.com $-$$ L D

Shuck Me • Seafood spot with bountiful fried baskets, peeland-eat shrimp, crawfish, oysters, po-boys, gumbo. Big portions. Plenty to choose from—perfect seafood fix without breaking the bank. • Southlake and Alliance shuckme.net $-$$ L D

The Blu Crab Seafood House and Bar • Inspired by travel and culture—offers vast menu of culinary delights using the freshest ingredients. Come in to and celebrate your senses! • Colleyville blucrabseafoodhouse.com $$-$$$ L D

Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House • Iconic for stone crab claws—beloved for freshness! Chic dining room hosts sophisticated dinners with inventive foodie twists served in the mix. • Southlake Town Square trulucks.com $$-$$$ L D

STEAKS ..............................................................

Bob’s Steak and Chop House • Bob’s is ranked as one of the top steakhouses in the country—and for good reason. The steaks are prime, the portions are big and the drinks are stiff. • Grapevine bobs-steakandchop.com $$$ L D

The Classic at Roanoke • Unlikely fine dining destination. Nicely focused menu serving grilled steaks and seafood. Worldclass food, casual atmosphere, family friendly environment. A true classic. • Roanoke theclassiccafe.com $-$$ L D R

Del Frisco’s Grille • Spend the day shopping the square before meeting for dinner and drinks. Luxurious dining room or patio. Local flavor—diverse menu has something for everyone. • Southlake delfriscosgrille.com $$-$$$ (Brunch) L D

Dino’s Steak & Claw House • Serving a variety of seafood, steak and poultry dishes in a vintage bank building along historic Main Street. This romantic spot also offers live piano music. • Grapevine dinossteakandclaw.net $$-$$$ D

Keller Chophouse • Signature dishes like fried calamari with tomato risotto, sides of truffle Parmesan fries, a roster of seafood, chicken and steaks (New York strip, bone-in ribeye, and filet mignon). • Keller kellerchophouse.com $$-$$$ D

Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse • Prime aged beef, the freshest seafood and uncomplicated sides. No wonder it’s a favorite for impressing out-of-towners—their kitchen rarely (if ever) gets it wrong. • Southlake kirbyssteakhouse.com $$-$$$ L D

Mac’s on Main • Southwestern, cajun and global influences. Steaks, signature prime rib and seafood. Cocktails, beer, 30+ single malt scotches, wine list. Locally owned and operated, oneof-a-kind. • Grapevine macsteak.com $$ (Brunch) L D

Old Hickory Steakhouse • Savor premium Black Angus Beef seared to perfection, sample artisanal cheeses from around the world, indulge in the Texas inspired wine cellar. Inside Gaylord Texan gaylordtexan.com $$-$$$ D

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille • Vibrant twist on traditional steakhouse fare with unexpected specialties. Bar 79 offers handcrafted bites, fine wine, cocktails, beer, live music and patio seating. • Grapevine perryssteakhouse.com $$-$$$ D

j Sweetie Pies Ribeyes • Sweetie Pies steaks are cooked “Old Style” meaning the steak is fresh-cut, seasoned and seared at 550 degrees—locking in natural juices! Big menu goes well beyond steaks or burgers. • NRH sweetiepiesribeyes.com $-$$ L D

Winewood • American fare with modern flair: Waldorf salads, Dagwood club, Niman Ranch pork chops and chicken Cordon Bleu. Ideal for family meals, business lunches or celebrations. • Grapevine thewinewood.com $$ L D

Submit your favorite dining spots for consideration for a Where Locals Go Review and to be listed here in our Top Tables section. Please submit the restaurant name and location to us here at: societylifemag@verizon.net.

I really love French toast and this dish puts a smile on my face. Cute little cinnamon-y French toast, sugared strawberries, whipped cream, and maple syrup. What’s not to love? I would have never thought to blog this if the most gorgeous artisan milk bread loaf hadn’t shown up on my doorstep as part of my first BreadEx delivery. I took one look at the high, fluffy loaf and just knew it would make the perfect French toast. You can of course use brioche if you can’t find milk bread. You want a nice and soft, eggy bread for perfect French toast. French toast is very quick to make. You really only need about 15 minutes start to finish. I bet little helpers would love to cut the hearts out for you... Happy love day! .......................................................................................

HEART FRENCH TOAST (Serves 2)

4 thick slices brioche or milk bread

1 large egg

1 Tbsp milk

1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar

Splash vanilla

Generous dash cinnamon

1 Tbsp butter

1/2 cup sliced strawberries

Whipped cream (recipe follows)

Powdered sugar

Maple syrup .......................................................................................

(1) Toss strawberries with a spoonful of granulated sugar and let sit at room temperature while you make the French toast. They’ll get a little syrupy and amazing! .......................................................................................

(2) Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut hearts out of four slices.

(3) Beat egg in a shallow dish. Whisk in milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Soak bread hearts for two minutes. Flip and soak other side for two minutes.

(4) Heat 1 Tbsp butter in a nonstick skillet. Add bread hearts and cook for two minutes per side over medium heat.

(5) Transfer to plates and serve with sliced strawberries, and freshly whipped cream. Dust powdered sugar on top and drizzle maple syrup over the French toast. ..........................................................................................

WHIPPED CREAM

1/4 cup whipping cream

1 Tbsp powdered sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla

.......................................................................................

(1) Whip ingredients together with a whisk in a metal bowl until soft peaks form.

WhereLocalsGo

REVIEW BY JENNIFER SLOAN

A few weeks back, I was invited to a media dinner at Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes in North Richland Hills to announce a partnership with Nolan Ryan’s beef company Goodstock. I’ll admit I didn’t know much about the place prior to this invitation other than its locale and undeniable vintage vibe. I guessed that it had something to do with the beloved Babe’s Chicken brand given they share a parking lot, but being a solid 5-miles beyond my typical 10-mile radius, it really wasn’t on my radar. But now, it’s dog-eared on my radar and I’m here to put it on yours.

If I had to put a restaurant face on Where Locals Go, it’d be Sweetie Pie’s. Oh do the locals go. I was there on a Wednesday at 7pm and it was lively, but there was no wait. However, I’m told, like her sister Babe, Sweetie Pie’s boasts around a 2 hour wait on the weekends. People line up in chairs of all kinds, waiting their turn to step inside Sweetie Pie’s doors, which fan out the unmistakable smell of homemade bread. Combine with Southern hospitality and local charm (read: waiters breaking out in random country song), Sweetie Pie’s is truly in league of its own.

The friendly feel is no accident. When owner Paul Vinyard opened his first restaurant, Bubba’s in Dallas, in 1981, he did so with an emphasis on the “Golden Rule:” treat others the way you want to be treated. Bubba’s became the first in a long line of successful businesses,

including nine Babe’s Diner locations, Sweetie Pie’s Decatur and, most recently, Sweetie Pie’s North Richland Hills. The original Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes opened 16 years ago in Decatur and quickly developed a loyal following. The Vinyard Family simply asked themselves what makes for a perfect steak dinner, and the answer was simple: yeast rolls nearly the size of your head, a fluffy baked potato and homemade pecan pie to send ya’ off. It seems so basic, but the result is ultimate comfort and for many of us, nostalgia. There used to be a good handful of steak houses in the area geared towards affordable steak dinners for the whole family that many of us remember going to as kids. One-by-one they were replaced with higher-end steak houses reserved mainly for the adult set.

Honoring their Texas heritage, the second location of Sweetie Pie’s in North Richland Hills opened a little over a year ago with an exterior depicting an old Texas cotton gin. The interior highlights Texas artifacts and original paintings, including several of the Texas Navy created by Texas artist Peter Rindlisbacher.

Sweetie Pie’s is an authentic Texas steakhouse featuring ribeye steaks from Goodstock by Nolan Ryan. Goodstock is the first company to invest in and adopt the Temple Grandin Responsible Cattle Care Program. They believe it’s their duty to the community to ensure that only partners providing proper animal care and wellbeing are included in the Goodstock program. This results in a more tender and flavorful product, as well as setting the bar higher for competitors to do better by their animals and environment.

Sweetie Pie’s famous ribeyes are cooked “old style,” meaning the steak is fresh-cut right when you order it, seasoned and seared at 550 degrees, locking in the natural juices—offered in a range of sizes from 10 to 24 ounces and accompanied by any two scratch made sides. It’s hard to beat a loaded baked potato with a steak. I suggest balancing it out with the green beans or yellow squash, but who am I to stop you from living your best life with some ooey-gooey mac ‘n cheese. For an even more Southern experience, treat yourself to the Chicken Fried Ribeye. After tenderizing their award-winning steak, it’s hand breaded and paired with a decadent cream gravy. This is an experience you won’t soon forget!

If you’re looking for something of the sea, the Lemon Sole rivals any-

thing you’ll find in a seafood house in the big city. It’s a lightly breaded flounder filet sauteed and served in a delicate lemon-butter sauce. Other excellent non-steak selections include the Smoked Chops and the Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato sandwich. Of course, it’s done steakhouse style with a generous quarter pound of smoked bacon on Texas Toast with Boston Bibb lettuce, tomato and homemade mayonnaise.

One thing that’s an absolute must at Sweetie Pie’s, apart from the homemade yeast rolls, is dessert. I don’t care what you order for your entrée, heck you don’t even have to order one at all, as long as you indulge in one of their fresh baked finales. This is where my household is divided. My husband will tell you to go with the Chocolate Crepe all day long. It’s a thin crepe with creamy chocolate filling, covered with fresh, house made whipped cream, a drizzle chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of toasted almonds. While it’s absolutely the best crepe I’ve ever experienced, I say Pecan Pie is the only way. You can literally feel the pride of being a Texan in each bite—it’s the state tree for crying out loud. However, from Ribeye Chili to Chipped Beef on Toast to Apricot Fried Pie and hot Apple Pie with brandy butter, you’re sure to find your own new favorite taste of home at Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes.