September 2024 by societylife

EditorTalk SL

COZY CALM

ELENA ELLIS

Publisher / Editorial Director

Autumn anticipation—awaiting the arrival of crisp fall air and the beauty this season can bring. From vibrant foliage, cozy sweaters, and the joy of gathering with loved ones, it’s the perfect time to transition our homes and lifestyles into autumn. From rich, earthy tones to plush fabrics and layered textures, fall home trends offer endless opportunities to create inviting spaces that reflect this season’s charm. In North Texas, some of our best weather comes in fall and it’s the perfect time to focus on some outdoor living. Get inspired by the team at James Landscaping and our cover story highlighting one local homeowner’s Japanese-inspired backyard makeover that brings both the “Green & Serene” together in perfect harmony (starting on page 26). Whether you’re updating your décor with seasonal accents or refreshing your outdoor spaces to enjoy the beauty of nature’s transformation, fall inspires us to slow down and savor the moment. Autumn is the season of cozy moments and simple pleasures. It’s kind of like “the calm before the storm,” if you will—or a time to catch your breath before the hurried, busy holiday season just around the corner. As the air turns crisp and leaves change to brilliant shades of red, orange, sage and gold, we naturally gravitate toward warmth and comfort. After another hot Texas summer, I yearn for the magic of wrapping up in a soft blanket, sipping a hot drink, and cuddling up on the couch by the fireplace. Whether it’s the scent of spiced candles filling the room or the joy of layering up in comfy sweaters, fall invites us to slow down and embrace coziness in every part of our lives. It’s a time for creating peaceful spaces that reflect the warmth of the season. Check out “Autumn Allure: Defining Fall Fashion” featuring the season’s beautiful style trends from XAR Clothier starting on page 38.

In this Fall Home issue, our focus turns toward creating environments that nurture comfort. Think soft blankets draped over armchairs, candles flickering on mantels, and the delightful scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. It’s the time of year when your home becomes a haven. The shift in weather encourages us to lean into the art of coziness, making small changes that bring warmth and tranquility to our everyday spaces. As we look ahead to the excitement of the holidays—from festive celebrations to intimate family moments—this season is a subtle reminder of the importance of creating memories with those we hold dear. As you prepare for the months ahead, we hope our ideas and inspirations in these pages help you embrace the magic of fall and the beauty of a home filled with cozy, calm, love, comfort and joy.

Happy fall y’all... and may this season bring warmth to both your home and to your heart!

elena@societylifemagazine.com

let’s get social @ SocietyLifeMag

BY ELENA ELLIS

hair skincare

You may know Kerafactor as the skincare for hair, but they also have products for lashes and brows. I saw results in just a few weeks. My lashes are noticeably longer, thicker and fuller. I over-plucked my brows way back when and this restored fullness I thought was lost. shop.mykerafactor.com

THINGS AUTUMN

SMILE BRIGHT

dissolving whitening superstrips

I love these professional teeth whitening strips—they totally dissolve! They are designed to be super-convenient and the fastest way to whiten your teeth—clinically proven to whiten your teeth 8 shades in 7 days on average. Plus, they are the only teeth whitening strips infused with Supersmile’s proprietary Calprox® ingredient. I pop them in before I head out to run my errands or before I go pick up my kids from school. No mess and they even freshen breath, too. I love to track my progress with the enclosed teeth shade guide, and mark my starting shade then check back after each day. Removes plaque and is safe to use on dental work. No tray, light, or extra steps needed. Strips dissolve totally, so there’s no messy residue or sticky strips to remove. supersmile.com

Imiracle aloe cream

skincare from the sea

I found Lavelier on a summer trip to New Orleans where I bought a few of their antiaging products—but the one I love most is the Oceana Refining Coral Peel. Lavelier uses Corallina Officinalis (aka red coral seaweed). When red coral seaweed was discovered to have skin-beautifying properties, it inspired the birth of this premium skincare brand that harnesses this one-of-a-kind ingredient. The highly-effective exfoliating peel is removing my dark patches and spots from sun damage. I have also used it on top of my hands with great results. Lavelier product lines are on the more expensive side, but they also really work. lavelier.com

L VE in this season

I have struggled with eczema and dry skin my whole life.This cream is appropriately named! It’s not greasy, yet provides superior hydration while also making my skin look and feel so soft and nourished. It’s a game changer for my skin. deluviausa.com

HEALTHY GLOW

bronzer in a bottle

Get a sun-kissed, shimmery bronze look on-demand. I am very fair skinned. I also protect my skin from the sun, but I love the look of a pretty tan. This works great for me. Deluvia’s Bronzing Lotion gives you a shimmer bronzed look that you can simply wash off at the end of the day. This is a hydrating aloe lotion infused with 100% pure crushed minerals and a yummy coconut vanilla scent. One thing to note—this lotion is like makeup for your body so it can transfer to clothes, especially if wearing white. deluviausa.com

“I

FaithFull SL

BY TRISHA MITCHELL

When we think of Fall, we think of the splendid canvas of colors—red, orange, yellow, and brown. It can be considered a time of rebirth and transition, though the trees are bare, and her ground becomes dressed with dead leaves. A time to switch out swimsuits and picnic baskets for chunky sweaters and pull-out blankets. Moreover, Fall is a timely cue to redecorate the home.

As a decorating enthusiast, I’ve helped to furbish countless homes over the years. The one thing that I always encouraged the homeowner to do was choose decor that brings them joy. Items they can look at over and over, but never grow tired of seeing. And while furnishings and accessories may add joy to any room, the overall atmosphere of the home should exhibit a sense of exuberance.

In Psalms 16:11, we learn that the fullness of joy exists only in the presence of God. This means that as Believers, it is our responsibility to create an environment where God is the center of our home. A place where peace rests, rules, and abides within our hearts (Colossians 3:15). God will not take up residence in our home if we have evicted Him from our hearts. There is an anonymous quote that states “A happy home is filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos.” However, the chaos is controlled when the fragrant of God is allowed to permeate the air (Ephesians 5:2). God is a God of order. He will never “shack up” in a room crowded with confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

It is God’s desire to reside in the home of every Believer (Leviticus 26:11). A place where He can be our God and we will be His people (Ezekiel 37:27). A refuge full

of warmth, compassion, and peace— saturated with His presence and protection. A dwelling place where His angels stand guard—where our sleep is sweet and our rest is undisturbed (Psalm 91:9-11, Proverbs 3:24).

Still, none of these promises are fulfilled if we fail to “fall” in line with His Word. Only homes that are built on faith and obedience to God’s Word are deemed safe

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.”

— Ephesians 3:17

and secure. Those who view Fall only as a time to modify decor miss out on the opportunity to renovate their heart and relationship with God.

Remember that Fall is a season of change. Not just for the leaves outside or the walls within, but for each of us who have been given an opportunity to enjoy another season. It’s much more than a beautifully decorated home—it is a season of harvest; a time to reap rewards, bask in blessings, and enjoy the added coziness of cooler temperatures, shorter days, and crispier

nights. Although snuggling by a fireplace is calming, having a home full of love and laughter is so much better. Only then will our homes be suitable for both God and His son Jesus to take up residence (John 14:23).

Our homes should be a place where the love of God is evident to all who enter, particularly as the holiday season kicks off and we spend time with extended family and loved ones. According to Cecilia Ahern, “home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling.” Therefore, we must do everything possible to ensure that our guests “feel” blessed as they enter and even more blessed when they leave (Deuteronomy 28:6).

As we adorn the walls with wreaths and fill the rooms with spice scented candles, let’s make sure that the sweet aroma of Christ is present. May we keep His Word hidden in our hearts and recognize Him as the ultimate Power grid. May we continue to plug into our Source and allow Him to warm our homes—and more importantly, our hearts. It is my prayer that each of us will approach the new season focused on our Father; the One Who has promised to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy (Jude 1:24).

— Be blessed!

Rolling Out the Welcome Mat

PUBLISHER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ELENA ELLIS 817.657.2948 ELENA@societylifemagazine.com

ADVERTISING

DEBBIE ROACH DEBBIE@societylifemagazine.com

SARAH SCHILLO SARAH@societylifemagazine.com

ADMINISTRATION CINDIA LEE

PRODUCTION

CHERYL RYBKA

DISTRIBUTION STEWART CHASE

PHOTOGRAPHERS

VERA CROSBY

LORRAINE HAAN-STEWART

ALYCIA SAVAGE

COLUMNISTS / WRITERS

FRANK GESLANI

SANDY LOWE

MARY MACDOWELL

TRISHA MITCHELL

JON SALINSKY

SHANNON SALINSKY

JESSICA SERNA

JENNIFER SLOAN

KATIE-ROSE WATSON

INTERESTED IN FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES? Society Life Magazine is always on the lookout for talented writers and photographers to join our team. If you are interested in learning more, please call or email the publisher at contact above.

Cover2Cover SL

Dandy Don Meredith

RIPE READS BOOK REVIEWS BY SANDY LOWE

Did you know that “Dandy Don” Meredith, the original Dallas Cowboys star quarterback, went to SMU on a basketball scholarship? But he never played a game due to a broken ankle in football practice. That’s just one of the fascinating facts you will learn in author Dave Lieber’s biography, “Dandy Don Meredith: The First Dallas Cowboy.”

Lieber starts at the very beginning with Meredith’s childhood in Mount Vernon, Texas. On his way to becoming a stellar athlete, Meredith suffered from polio as an infant. But his leadership qualities developed quickly. In high school he was class president and lead actor in the school’s one act play. He even sang in the Methodist church choir. This book gives you the behind-the-scenes scoop on the origins of the Dallas Cowboys including key movers and shakers, as well as players and journalists. The deep philosophical differences between coach Tom Landry and his quarterback, who often sang in the huddle on the field, help to explain their often difficult relationship. Dallas stripper Bubbles Cash even appears in a cameo role as a Cowboy’s early and unofficial mascot.

Dandy Don’s influences on professional football are far from the only accomplishments covered in this detailed account. Roone Arledge’s creation of the “Wide World of Sports” and his

changes of the way cameras were used to televise the game make fascinating reading. Meredith’s football career receives full treatment, including his early struggles, his later triumphs, even the infamous 1967 “Ice Bowl” between the Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers, where players wrapped their feet in Saran wrap to try to survive the 17degrees-below-zero cold.

Lieber also relates Merdith’s broadcasting career in colorful prose. Dandy Don’s work on Monday Night Football shows not only his leadership skills, but his sense of humor and joy in life. He won an Emmy award for his work in 1971. He even filled in for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show with Burt Reynolds as the featured guest.

Like many celebrities, Meredith’s life was not free from problems. He made his way through three marriages. Polio early in life resulted in weakened legs and he suffered numerous injuries. In his “after football” life he failed as a stockbroker—and he never played in a Super Bowl. But Dandy Don left a legacy in the football world matched by very few.

This roughly 200-page bio covers the accomplishments and failures, telling the tale of a flawed man who did his best with the gifts he believed that God gave him.

First Full-Length Biography of the Legendary Dallas Cowboys Quarterback

Step into the riveting narrative of the life of Dandy Don Meredith— star quarterback and broadcaster

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dave Lieber has worked for more than 30 years as a national awardwinning Texas newspaper columnist, first at the Fort Worth Star Telegram and then The Dallas Morning News, where he writes “The Watchdog” column. He exposes bad practices in businesses and governments and helps people. He’s also a successful playwright with two hit shows and a certified professional speaker with expertise in storytelling for businesses. This is his 10th book. Visit: davelieber.org/product/don-meredith-book

PHOTOGRAPHY .................. Lorraine Haan-Stewart

PICTURED ....................... James Landscaping, Inc. (pictured l-r) Eva Lau, Rhonda James, Shannon Jeffrey Adam, Denise Taylor. (not pictured) Marie Weil, Priscilla French, Cassie James and Gayla Plichta.

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A SMALL PART OF A BIGGER STORY

TidBits

SEALIFE HALLOWEEN

UNFORGETTABLE FALL FUN

Starting September 27th, join SeaLife for unforgettable fall fun at their Tricks & Treats event. The Halloween season is just around the corner, and SeaLife Grapevine is ready to celebrate with you and your family! This year, Serafina the Sea Witch will be your guide as you explore the exhibits, helping her protect her ocean home and her sea creature friends by solving some boo-tastic challenges. The SeaLife festive events are included with your admission, so mark your calendars and get ready for a Halloween full of underwater adventures! Discover the secrets of our 'scary-not scary' sea creatures as you fill out your activity sheet tracker and earn cool SeaLife Halloween treats. And that's not all! Experience underwater Pumpkin Carving as their talented divers carve pumpkins underwater alongside sharks, rescued sea turtles and more sea creatures. It’s a Halloween spectacle you won’t want to miss!

tinyurl.com/SeaLifeSeaWitch

THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS IS BACK & BETTER THAN EVER FAIR RUNS FROM SEPTEMBER 27 THRU OCTOBER 20, 2024

The State Fair of Texas celebrates all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a familyfriendly environment. And most people don’t realize that the State Fair of Texas is also a 501c3 nonprofit organization. As a constant celebration of all things Texas, the State Fair of Texas works to support its local and statewide community year-round. Through the annual 24-day exposition—their largest fundraiser of the year—as well as ongoing initiatives and programs like the Fair’s scholarship program and Big Tex Urban Farms, the organization is able to continue serving Texans while building on their mission of promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement. Since its establishment in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has promoted this mission in a family-friendly environment. As a nonprofit organization, the Fair advocates for the community and is committed to preserving Fair Park—building on its legacy as a National Historic Landmark. The State Fair of Texas is the longest-running fair in the nation at 24 consecutive days, as well as one of the largest. Texas heritage is strong, and the State Fair embodies all aspects of Lone Star culture. Although much has changed since its humble beginnings, the State Fair of Texas still embraces its roots and preserves the traditions upon which it was built. After serving as the State Fair’s home for a whole century, Fair Park was officially designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 because of its historical significance. With 132 years of shared history, the State Fair has maintained a deep-rooted connection to Fair Park and continues to call it home. Year-after-year millions of Fair Park visitors come from far and wide to experience the State Fair of Texas and visit its beloved icon, Big Tex. Come for the food, stay for the fun and help support the State Fair of Texas’ mission. Through its rich and lengthy history, it remains evident that the State Fair serves not only as an annual celebration, but as a unique destination that brings people from all walks of life together to create lifelong memories.

HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREAT ON DOWNTOWN STREETS SPOOKTACULAR NIGHT OF FUN IN DOWNTOWN DALLAS

Join us for a spooktacular evening of Halloween fun at the 6th Annual Trick or Treat on Downtown Streets presented by H-E-B, Central Market, and Joe V’s Smart Shop on Halloween night, Thursday, October 31st! Dress up in your scariest or silliest costumes and get ready for a night filled with treats, tricks, and lots of laughter from 4-7pm. Everyone is invited—adults, kids, and pets—to join in on the fun for this Annual Trick-or-Treat event. You can visit your favorite Downtown merchants for fun Halloween stuffers and treats. This event is free with RSVP!

Check-in at Main Street Garden Park and get ready to explore the vibrant streets of Downtown Dallas as they transform them into a Halloween wonderland—from spooky decorations to friendly ghosts and ghouls—there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Gather up your family and friends—then bring them along for a night of trick-or-treating, where you can collect delicious candies and treats from all of the local businesses… and even more candy! Don’t forget to show off your costumes and strike a pose at the Halloween-themed photo ops. But that’s not all! This event includes: Local artisan markets, Kids Arts & Crafts, Live Entertainment, and Trick-or-Treating. Bring your trick-or-treat bucket or pick one up from Main Street Garden for free when you check in (while supplies last).

Participating businesses include, but are not limited to:

• The Adolphus Hotel

• AT&T Discovery District

• City Tavern

• Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown

• Dallas College

• Dallas Public Library

• Fond Dallas

• Frankie’s Downtown

• Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas

• Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown

• It’s A Selfie Studio

• Pink Toes Nail Bar

• Press Box Grill

• SOVA

• The Statler

• Sweet Tooth Hotel

• Thompson Dallas

• Two Wings Coffee Co.

• Visit Dallas

A map of all of the participating businesses will be provided by Downtown Dallas, Inc. at check in. Each local retailer on the map will create a fun Halloween station handing out trick-or-treat items for all! Check-in will be held at the Main Street Garden Park located at 1902 Main Street in Dallas 75201.

So, save-the-date and join us in Downtown Dallas for an unforgettable Halloween experience for the whole family at Trick-or-Treat on Downtown Streets! It’s going to be a frightfully good time for all ages. See you there!

– –

visitdallas.com/events/trick-or-treat-on-downtown-streets

SL TidBits

USTA PREMIER FACILITY SOUTHLAKE TENNIS CENTER

United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced the Southlake Tennis Center was named a USTA Premier Facility. The inaugural class of Premier Facilities includes 50 of the top tennis facilities across the country. Southlake Tennis Center is 1-of-only-2 facilities selected in Texas, and one of a few public tennis centers nationwide. “Facilities like Southlake Tennis Center play an important role in growing tennis and are deserving of this recognition,” said Craig Morris, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. USTA’s Premier Facility program is designed to cultivate a standard of excellence across the tennis industry by recognizing and rewarding best-in-class tennis operators. In order to be eligible for the Premier Facility program, facilities must be a USTA member organization, employ certified teaching professionals, and be compliant with the USTA’s Safe Play program. Additionally, facilities must offer a wide array of tennis programming including introductory, instructional and social programs, plus meet general facility standards, including on-going training of staff. “We provide programming that meets the needs of all levels of players, with lessons, drills, leagues and teams,” stated General Manager Mia Gordon Poorman. “We’re honored USTA Texas Section and USTA National nominated us for this award based on our on-going investment in staff training and innovative programming.” Southlake Tennis Center is located at 450 W. Southlake Blvd. in Bicentennial Park. The complex features 17 lighted hard courts, 2 indoor courts and a full-service pro shop.

southlaketennis.com

FAVORITE FALL TRADITION AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM CELEBRATE AUTUMN’S ARRIVAL SEPTEMBER 21 TO NOVEMBER 3

The 19th annual Autumn at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, is upon us and we are excited to once again share 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash, hailing from the pumpkin capital of Texas, Floydada, and 150,000 beautiful fall blooming plants throughout the garden. This year, the Pumpkin Village will feature the theme “Texas Town,” taking visitors on a journey through Texas pioneer life.

Autumn at the Arboretum has been named as “One of America’s Best Pumpkin Festivals” year-after-year. The 2024 festival will be no different! Don’t miss autumn highlights like Pumpkins & Pints Nights. For the first time ever, you can experience Autumn at the Arboretum at night! Visit the garden from 6-9pm for beautiful fall evenings in the Pumpkin Village, featuring live music, local craft beers and wine from Gil’s Elegant Catering. Pumpkins & Pints Nights. will take place on September 25th and 27th, as well as October 6th, 15th, 20th and 25th from 6-9pm.

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Also happening this fall is Tequila & Tacos: Adults Only Night. Join us for a night of flavor and fun at the DeGolyer Estate! Don't miss it on September 28th from 6-9pm. Enjoy a sampling of six Socorro Tequila cocktails, indulge in an elevated taco buffet by Vestals Catering, and dance to live Latin music. Admission, parking, and all food and beverages are included, plus a cash bar will be available.

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Another popular fall festivity is the Fall Vendor Market and Craft Fair. Over 30 local vendors will be here to showcase their fall treats and artisan gifts on October 12th and 13th from 10am-3pm.

And for the kids... Halloween Spooktacular Nights is full of excitement this year. Come dressed in your cutest costumes and experience a Halloween festival as unique as the Children’s Adventure Garden. Be greeted by food and drink vendors and a whimsical stilt walker. Explore the entire 8-acres (until 7pm), stopping by candy stops, glow activities, and spooky senses booths along the way. Then, wrap up the evening with a black-light bubble dance party in the entry plaza. Halloween Spooktacular Nights will be on October 25th and 26th.

ABOUT THE ARBORETUM

| The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to build and maintain a public venue that promotes the art, enjoyment and knowledge of horticulture, while providing opportunities for education and research. The Arboretum cultivates a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility by providing a safe and beautiful space that welcomes all to enjoy. The Arboretum has been listed among the top arboretums in the world. Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, the Arboretum’s 66-acres include a complete life science laboratory with endless potential for discovery. The Arboretum has a 75 member Board of Directors, 220+ paid staff members, and more than 400 active volunteers.

dallasarboretum.org/autumn-at-the-arboretum

SL TidBits

TEXAS WINE MONTH GRAPEVINE HEADQUARTERS

Across the state of Texas, the month of October is known as Texas Wine Month, a 31-day celebration of Texas wines. As the 5th-largest wine-producing state, Grapevine is the headquarter location of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, home to the Urban Wine Trail and host of GrapeFest, the Largest Wine Festival in the Southwest. There are about 450 wine producers in Texas and nearly 1,500 acres of vineyards. The state’s size and geography allow growers to choose among more than 50 grape varieties in the Lone Star State, as the Texas wine industry creates 141,235 full-time jobs across the state. The Texas wine industry contributes more than $20 billion of economic value to the state and more than 2 million tourist visits to Texas wineries each year. Grapevine is a hub for wine enthusiasts, offering a rich blend of experiences showcasing the best of Texas wine culture. Grapevine is also home to the Urban Wine Trail making it a year-round destination for wine lovers. Participating winery tasting rooms in the Urban Wine Trail include:

• Bingham Family Vineyards

• Bull Lion Ranch & Vineyard

• Cross Timbers Winery

• Grape Vine Springs Winery

• Landon Winery

• Messina Hof Grapevine Winery

• OG Cellars

• Sloan & Williams Winery

Wine in Grapevine is about more than just tasting rooms—it’s tied to dining, boutique shopping, resort and boutique accommodations, making it the perfect place to celebrate Texas Wine Month.

grapevinetexasusa.com

FORT WORTH’S TEXAS PRODUCER REDEFINES FILMMAKING EMMY-WINNING DUO PIONEERS AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH

Texas Producer, the Emmy-award winning production company, is set to redefine the landscape of filmmaking with their groundbreaking short film, “Bottoms UP!” This innovative project merges live action with cutting-edge AI animation, challenging industry norms and opening new possibilities for independent creators. On the film circuit, “Bottoms UP!” has already garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Short with AI at CineTech Future Fest in Poland. It was also selected for the Studio City International Film Festival in September.

Known for their exceptional visual storytelling, Texas Producer has once again pushed the boundaries of cinematic artistry. "Bottoms UP!" follows a woman on a whimsical journey through a vibrant animated world as she searches for her lost canine companion. The film’s captivating narrative is brought to life through a seamless blend of live action and AI-assisted animation, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience.

“We're excited to introduce a new era of filmmaking with 'Bottoms UP!'” said Clayton Coblentz, executive producer and co-founder of Texas Producer. “By harnessing the power of AI, we’ve been able to create a visually stunning film that would have been impossible just a few years ago.”

While AI has sparked controversy within the film industry—with concerns ranging from job displacement to creative authenticity—Texas Producer’s approach highlights the technology’s potential as a democratizing force. By streamlining the animation process, AI enables smaller production companies to compete on a global stage. Contrary to fears of job loss, the film’s production created numerous opportunities for local actors, crew members, and artists. Texas Producer believes AI is not a replacement, but a collaborator, empowering independent filmmakers to produce high-quality work without the constraints of traditional, resource-intensive production models.

“With ‘Bottoms UP!’ we're not just making a film—we’re redefining what's possible in independent filmmaking,” said Brandon Schwindt, director and co-founder of Texas Producer. “Our goal is to inspire other filmmakers and demonstrate that with creativity and technology, you can achieve extraordinary results without a Hollywood budget.” Beyond its artistic merit, “Bottoms UP!” has made a significant impact on the local economy. Texas Producer's commitment to supporting local talent is evident in the film’s production—which employed more than two dozen actors and crew members from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. By investing in the community and showcasing the region's creative capabilities, Texas Producer is helping to solidify Fort Worth’s position as a thriving hub for the film industry.

view the “Bottoms UP!” trailer on youtube.com or visit: texasproducer.com

James Landscaping, Inc. does it again with a tranquil, Japanese-inspired backyard

SL COVER STORY

James Landscaping Inc.

Fusing smart design, sustainable principles and classical elements of Japanese gardens — water, stone and greenery — James Landscaping transformed a small, suburban backyard into a stunning space that its owner can enjoy for years to come. The team took on the unique challenge with enthusiasm and expertise. The homeowner, who is of Japanese descent, wanted a space that would reﬂect her heritage and provide a retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life.

The yard in question was not without its challenges. It had a signiﬁcant slope from the fence down to the house and a swale running across the middle to manage rainwater. James Landscaping had to be innovative in their approach, and the homeowner’s vision of a Japanese-style garden provided the perfect inspiration for a design that embraced the natural elements of the yard while addressing its structural challenges.

SL

COVER STORY

James Landscaping Inc.

BORROWING SCENERY

“Transforming this backyard into a Japanese garden was a deeply fulﬁlling project. We wanted to create a space that not only reﬂected the homeowner’s heritage, but also provided a beautiful, functional retreat for her to enjoy every day.”

One of the first tasks was to create a sense of separation within the yard, akin to mountainous landscapes often seen in traditional Japanese gardens. The concept of shakkei—a Japanese term that translates to “borrowed scenery,” is an ancient garden design technique in which a distant view—such as a faraway mountain—is simulated into the garden composition. To achieve this, the team constructed a boulder retaining wall using moss boulders and planted patio holly trees on the upper level. This not only created a visual divide but also provided an elevated space that mimicked the peaks of a mountain range.

A dry creek bed was designed to run through the lower level of the yard, serving both aesthetic and practical purposes. During rainfall, this creek bed will channel water, preventing erosion and managing runoff. To enhance the garden’s functionality and charm, two walkable bridges were installed—a wooden arched bridge and a stone slab bridge. These features not only added to the garden’s beauty, but also ensured safe and easy access across the yard.

COVER PHOTO CREDIT (pictured l-r) Eva Lau, Rhonda James, Shannon Jeffrey Adam, Denise Taylor. (not pictured) Marie Weil, Priscilla French, Cassie James, Gayla Plichta.

— Rhonda James, owner of James Landscaping, Inc.

INFUSING HARMONY AND CALM

In Japanese garden design, water symbolizes harmony and calm, so the thoughtful integration of water features was crucial in this space. For this project, the homeowner requested a boulder fountain that would attract birds by providing a natural bath and drinking spot. This feature became a focal point in the garden, bringing both visual and auditory tranquility to the space.

The existing landscape was thoughtfully incorporated into the new design. The homeowners had a cherished Japanese maple that remained a central feature. In addition, a Chinese Pistache tree that previously dominated a grassy area was encircled by a natural-looking walkway made from solid flagstone and decomposed granite joints. This flexible walkway design ensured that there was no mortar to crack over time, adding longevity and practicality to the aesthetic appeal.

To ensure year-round interest and color, the landscapers selected a variety of perennials and evergreen shrubs. This careful curation guaranteed that the garden would have vibrant hues in all four seasons. The need to reconfigure the sprinkler system was another aspect of the project, given the new two-level layout. A drip irrigation system was installed to avoid over-spraying walkways and to provide precise watering to plants, promoting their health and growth.

Lighting was another critical component of the garden’s design. The homeowner, who has a small dog, wanted to ensure they could see their pet during evening walks around the garden. The strategically placed lighting not only met this practical need, but also enhanced the garden’s ambiance after dark.

(continued)

SL

COVER STORY

James Landscaping Inc.

TAKING OUT THE GUESSWORK

Maintaining the landscape is a top priority for the homeowner. To meet those needs, James Landscaping also provides a comprehensive maintenance service. This includes the use of organic fertilizers, weeding, trimming and seasonal color changes in the front yard. James Landscaping works exclusively with organic fertilizers, noting that nurturing the soil’s healthy microbes eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. This approach not only keeps the garden lush and vibrant, but also fosters a safe and sustainable environment.

The maintenance regimen also involves regular checks of the sprinkler system, ensuring that each plant receives the appropriate amount of water. This proactive approach helps identify and address any possible issues of over or under watering, keeping the plants healthy

and the garden in optimal condition. There’s simply no DIY guesswork involved—with experts overseeing the watering and other maintenance matters, it’s much easier for the homeowner to extend the life and beauty of her landscaping investment.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project for James Landscaping was witnessing the homeowner’s joy and satisfaction. She was ecstatic with the results, finding peace and pleasure in her beautifully transformed yard. The garden’s ongoing maintenance ensures it remains a cherished retreat, where the homeowner can relax and enjoy her surroundings.

The project once again showcased the transformative power that a skilled, experienced and thoughtful team can bring to any land -

"Our goal is to ensure that every landscape we create remains vibrant and healthy over time. By using organic fertilizers and carefully maintaining the plants, we can keep the garden ﬂourishing and beautiful for years to come.”

Rhonda James owner of James Landscaping, Inc.

scaping project. By addressing the special challenges of the yard and incorporating the homeowner’s cultural heritage, James Landscaping crafted a space that is both functional and beautiful. This project highlights the importance of integrating natural elements, sustainable practices, and personalized design to create a landscape that not only enhances the property, but also enriches the lives of those who enjoy it.

James Landscaping’s commitment to maintaining the garden ensures that it will continue to thrive and bring joy for years to come. As the plants mature and the landscape evolves, the garden will only become more beautiful and valuable, proving that a well-designed and well-maintained landscape is a worthwhile investment in both aesthetic and financial terms.

For those looking to transform their own outdoor spaces, this project serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with creativity, expertise and a deep respect for nature and cultural traditions. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush garden or an outdoor retreat to welcome friends and family, the key is working with skilled professionals who can bring your vision to life while ensuring the long-term health and beauty of your landscape.

Landscape Design & Installation

Ponds & Water Features

Lighting

Patios & Walkways

Arbors

Retainer Walls

Irrigation (LI 5159)

Drainage

CRAFTING COZY SPACES TO WARM UP YOUR INDOOR HAVEN

cozy comfort

COZY LIVING & DESIGN

texture

Enhance your home by blending textures and patterns for a warm, cozy and inviting feel. Textures add depth and character to any room, falling into categories like smooth, rough, soft, and hard. Smooth materials like silk or polished wood bring elegance, while rough options like burlap or raw wood create a rustic vibe. Soft textures such as velvet or plush rugs add warmth and comfort, while hard surfaces like metal or glass give a sleek, modern touch. By mixing these textures, you can create a visually balanced, cozy space that feels both dynamic and harmonious, elevating your home’s overall aesthetic. Each texture brings a unique feel and appearance.

drapery 2

Layering drapery adds instant coziness to any room. By incorporating drapes or curtains, you can introduce textures, fabrics, and colors that enhance both the visual appeal and comfort of the space. For a warmer, cozier feel, use curtains to brighten and insulate your windows. Heavier curtains, like velvet or lined options, block out cold air and increase warmth. To boost coziness, consider doubling up panels — especially for larger windows. Draperies, shades, and blinds not only complete a room, but also transform it, creating illusions like making ceilings feel higher or framing beautiful views. Drapery envelops the room in cozy comfort.

scale 3

Modern and cozy interior design focuses on furniture that invites relaxation and comfort. It’s about thinking beyond the usual, opting for a roomy sectional or plush, overstuffed armchairs that make you want to kick back and unwind. The aim is to design a space where every piece of furniture calls you to let go of your stress and sink into relaxation. Consider incorporating unique shapes and oversized pieces—not only do they add visual appeal, but they also enhance the urge to get cozy. Large, cushioned furniture envelops you in warmth, offering a sense of security and comfort, like a welcoming hug. The larger scale is an invitation to truly sink in.

Balancing aesthetics with acoustics is an art. Incorporating sound-buffering accent walls offers a stylish solution to challenges. Sofas and chairs covered in soft, sound-absorbing fabrics create cozy, quiet seating areas, while cushions and throws in rich textures like faux fur or velvet enhance sound absorption. By blending functional acoustic elements with elegant furnishings and accessories, you can improve the acoustic quality and reﬂect the season’s warmth. It’s about combining cozy textures and materials to create an immersive experience. Let your interiors exude comfort and tranquility, enhanced by soothing sound quality and acoustic charm.

scent 5 6 lighting

Pleasant aromas can lift your spirits, promote relaxation, and create comfort and harmony in your home. Natural fragrances can also evoke positive memories, reduce stress, and enhance your living space. An aroma diffuser, combined with decorative candles, can help transform your home. Imagine entering to a symphony of calming scents that enhance comfort. From the mesmerizing scents of essential oils to the rustic aroma of herbal bouquets to the comforting smell of baked goods, there are countless ways to ﬁll your home with inviting aromas. An aroma diffuser really will transform your home by providing another layer of comfort for your senses.

Choosing the right lighting is crucial when decorating your home, as it can instantly transform its ambiance, mood, and character. Statement lighting ﬁxtures are increasingly popular, with advancements in design and technology expanding the possibilities for interior lighting. Cove lighting, which can provide hidden, indirect illumination, is a chic way to add visual height to a room. Whether you opt for bubble chandeliers or sleek modern ﬂush mounts, there are many innovative lighting designs to help you create a cozy retreat. Proper lighting will not only brighten and enhance your home, but also influence how we experience the space.

greenery

Incorporate house plants into your space to enhance ambiance. Create a vignette by grouping a few plants and place a tall plant in an empty corner to soften and balance. Plants are known to improve mood during challenging times — research shows they can elevate your spirits, reduce stress, and boost productivity and focus. Additionally, they purify the air and can even aid in better sleep. Explore creative ways to integrate greenery into interior design to bring the outdoors in. Plants offer numerous beneﬁts, including enhancing mental well-being, increasing energy, welcoming guests into your home, and adding a personal touch to your space.

textiles

When your home feels cold and sterile, one of the quickest ways to infuse warmth and coziness is by layering fabrics throughout the space. Blankets, rugs and pillows can instantly bring that comforting, secure feeling we all crave. Pile on throw blankets — drape them over the couch, roll them up in baskets for easy access, or stack them neatly on an open shelf for a casual yet stylish look. Add extra pillows wherever you can. A soft, plush rug can also keep your feet warm on chilly ﬂoors. Elevate the cozy by layering a variety of fabrics and textures to create that snug, inviting vibe that draws you in and makes you want to relax and stay awhile.

SL

STYLE | FASHION | DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY | VERA CROSBY

FASHION

What began as a childhood dream has blossomed into a community-changing movement. Annabelle Wallnau founded Furnishing Families of Texas to address the physical and spiritual needs of single mothers and their children. Today, this initiative has expanded to support any family with limited or no resources — providing many essential items like beds, bedding, furniture, kitchenware, and much more — to those in need across DFW.

greater good Furnishing

FAMILIES of Texas

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greater good

FURNISHING FAMILIES IS A CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION THAT CHANGES THE TRAJECTORY OF A CHILD’S AND FAMILY’S LIFE EXPERIENCE, STARTING WITH A BED TO SLEEP IN, FURNITURE TO SIT ON, AND A TABLE TO EAT AT —CREATING A NEWLY FURNISHED HOME. THEY ARE INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR GENEROUS GIVERS WITH A HEART FOR FAMILIES. PARTNERS CAN CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY, THROUGH VOLUNTEERING, AND IN DONATING ITEMS. THIS WORK SHARES THE LOVE AND GOODNESS OF GOD BY BRINGING FURNITURE DIRECTLY TO FAMILIES.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

“In March 2018, we had a water disaster in our home that required us to remove the contents of a bedroom and give the furniture away,” recalls Annabelle Wallnau, Furnishing Families of Texas founder. “I called our local Rapid Rehousing program at The Center For Transforming Lives, and within minutes, they gave me the name of a woman who needed the bedroom set... she was just moving into her first apartment. We quickly found out that her 7-year-old didn't have a bed and had

FurnishingFAMILIES

Furnishing Families of Texas is a 501c3 organization located in Keller, and is the community facing outreach of Lance Wallnau Ministries. The nonproﬁts mission is to help establish and support families at risk. Founder Annabelle Wallnau created Furnishing Families to meet the physical and spiritual needs of single moms and their children. Now, this community-transforming movement includes any family unit with limited or no resources.

actually never slept in a bed in his life. His twin bed was the very first mattress that we purchased. Since then, we have given over 1,000 beds to families in need!” What all started as a childhood dream for an orphanage has become a community-transforming movement. Annabelle created Furnishing Families of Texas to meet the physical and spiritual needs of single moms and their children. Now, this nonprofit outreach program includes any family unit with limited or no resources. Furnishing Families of Texas provides beds, bedding, furniture, kitchen-

ware, and more to predominantly single moms with children in need in-and-around the DFW Metroplex. Their warehouse is filled and poised from estate sale acquisitions, resale furniture stores, wholesale mattress suppliers, in-kind donations, hotel renovations, and generous partners to serve the families that find Furnishing Families. Their team of movers delivers complete households to families daily. The news of the work of Furnishing Families of Texas inspires people worldwide to take action in their communities.

FURNISH A HOME

Furnishing Families of Texas delivers quality goods to the families that they help. You can make an eternal deposit into a family’s life. Here is a little more info about the screening process. Please provide a brief description of your donation, in addition to well lit, recent photos to show current condition of items. Plus, an estimated dollar value of the items in their current state. Pick-ups and drop-offs of donations are available. The pick-up location must be within a 60 minutes drive of the 76244 zip code, and based on quality, quantity, and size of items. Approved donation drop-offs are always welcome! Before you put your items at the street curb for bulk trash pickup, consider scheduling a pick-up or drop-off appointment to donate furniture to Furnishing Families of Texas. Sign up today to turn someone’s shelter into a home. You can conveniently begin your furniture donation on their website.

DONATE FURNITURE

A few requests about furniture donations and standards... all donations must first be screened before pick-up is scheduled. They kindly ask that there be no smoking at the home where items reside. Lightly used mattresses can be received if they don’t have stains and are in “like new” condition. Items must be ready to leave the home by pick-up day. For example, if you’re donating an appliance like a washer

or dryer, they must be fully disconnected from the walls by the date communicated. At this time, they do not accept armoires, unless they have already been repurposed as clothing cabinets, and the top section has shelving or a clothing rack. They also can’t accept large entertainment centers, but single platform TV stands are okay. Furnishing Families can no longer accept bed frame sets with headboard/baseboards. If you have any other donation questions, please contact their team.

JOIN THE MOVE

There are many ways to get involved in the efforts of Furnishing Families. Join the online mail community by signing up for their newsletter. Visit the website to become a one-time giver or a recurring partner. Be a dream giver with a recurring gift or unleash joy by giving a one-time gift. Find out more about donating your time by volunteering on their website. Please fill out the volunteer form online to tell them how you would like to best contribute your time and love. You can also subscribe to social media channels for amazing stories, articles and videos.

The organization’s founder also hopes to one day provide affordable housing through Furnishing Families, but for now, that goal stays on the vision board. The fact remains— furnishings are pointless without a living space to take them to. Nearly all of their

served families are in a low or very low income bracket, and a large percentage have just left a shelter, domestic abuse case or homelessness. While there exists some local non-profits that help, inevitably, some form of government intervention becomes the most reliable and practical way towards a stable and successful living arrangement. In direct and indirect ways, Furnishing Families collaborates with local government programs and agencies. Their case worker has connected many families with help, such as house placement or disability assistance. Case workers from other nonprofits regularly ask Furnishing Families to help provide the beds, furniture, etc. for client living spaces that the government subsidizes.

Furnishing Families doesn’t have all the answers for this issue, but they do desire more neighborly support from the private sector and local community. Furnishing Families’ future communities could offer housing, lifeskill mentorship, and discipleship that can empower extremely low-income families to not only increase their income, but thrive and pay it forward. We may not be able to break national cycles of poverty, and its spiritual and practical root issues, but we can be faithful with the mission field God entrusts in us to love our neighbors.

furnishingfamiliesoftexas.com hope@ffotex.com

texas travel and beyond

SWEET RETREAT

Ice Cream Themed Rental House Design

Inspired by our love for ice cream, we embarked on a delightful journey to transform our home into an ice cream-themed rental house. What began as a simple idea to infuse our home with the joy of ice cream has blossomed into a sweet sanctuary for guests seeking a playful, yet cozy retreat. Join us as we share the story of how this deliciously fun idea became a reality, blending creativity with hospitality to create a unique and out-of-this-world getaway experience.

STYLE SCOOPS

My husband and I came up with this idea after traveling all over Texas, during which we’ve stayed at dozens of short-term rentals and hotels. We found things we liked, and things we didn’t. With these things in mind, we created a sweet retreat with a combination of all the best parts of our experiences. We added our own unique twist, which is how we came up with the Waco ice cream house! We wanted something colorful and vibrant that would bring joy when you walked in. As people who love color, we were kind of tired of all the beiges and plain aesthetics. At first, we weren’t really sure how we were going to do it, but we knew whatever we created was going to be fun. We started off naming our property—a property that we hadn’t bought yet—while touring homes. The name “Casa Kumwesu” merged our Latino and Zambian/Congolese roots, to create a place with a deeper meaning. Essentially, “Casa Kumwesu” means “our home,” “our house,” “our community,” “our village.” However, the translation still doesn’t hold up to its direct meaning and, more so, what Casa Kumwesu means to us.

IN THE BEGINNING

As a couple, we have been through a lot of difficulties. We both came from low income, first-generation households and, while we met in college, post-college life became a different challenge. Despite prestigious degrees and attempts at gaining the experience necessary before that coveted graduation date—post-college job searching became a nightmare. We couldn’t find jobs. We struggled in those first few years, spending time without a home or even a bed to call our own. It was very hard not to give up, but we persevered and overcame. We finally found okay jobs and slowly we moved up in those jobs. Then, we started a side-hustle, a travel blog where we also traveled on a budget. Years later, that side-hustle turned into a full time job and we were able to travel all over! Considering our struggle with housing, a home meant a lot to us. It was the progression of where we’d come from. At the same time, because we traveled

so much, we wanted something we could share. We started looking for homes until the housing market skyrocketed and we had to take a step back. Rather than being discouraged, we worked to save more and more, and the following year, we came back again ready for this new venture.

THE SEARCH CONTINUES

After some trips to Waco and realizing how much time we spent driving between Dallas and Austin, we started falling in love with the area. Waco has so much to do and it is constantly growing. We saw so much potential to not only grow with Waco, but to use our platform to help promote the businesses in Waco. We started looking at properties and ended up finding the perfect one! A beautiful, 5-acre property with a gorgeous 3-bedroom home on it. It had big open windows, perfect for letting in natural light, a giant soaking tub, high ceilings, and a unique spiral staircase that was such a cool centerpiece. It was kind of boring,

but we knew we could spice it up! Even better, it sat on 5-acres, which meant that we could add homes to it in the future and get creative in multiple ways. We managed to close on the home and immediately got started on making it into the rental property of our dreams. Before we could think of designing, we had to deal with a lot of not-so-fun stuff. Despite being fairly new, the house had a lot of issues we had to fix. But, they were all fixable—thank goodness! While working on all the not-so-fun stuff, we started dreaming of what we would create. We had lots of ideas and wanted to go big. Ice cream as a theme kind of came by accident. We were just talking about it and soon started finding fun ice cream themed furniture. We realized there might be something there and there was no other ice cream themed rental anywhere else so ours would be the first of its kind. Each room was a process of scouring for unique ice cream items and slowly putting them together with the help of our team and other vendors. One thing that may not be apparent, if you weren’t looking, but was important to us was supporting artisans, especially Texas ones, and creating a diverse and inclusive space.

ROOM-BY-ROOM

The outside of the house has so much going on, but is also one of the simpler design projects. We painted the pillars, door, and window sills so that people driving in would immediately know they were in the right place and feel joy before they’d even stepped inside. There is a custom built ice cream cart that we wrapped with fake flowers and added little ice cream ornaments to embellish. We even built some swings. There is a nice little patio setup with ice cream shop stools that you can sit on with your cup of coffee in the morning.

THE ENTRYWAY – Although small, we love our little entry nook! Every part of the house has personality, including here! Above the door, there’s a wooden sign covered in fake sprinkles. Hang your keys on the cloud keyholder by the door and there’s a rainbow ice cream sign with “Casa Kumwesu” above it!

THE LIVING ROOM – The living room is quite a big space with different areas incorporated into it. The living area has so much soft seating. We wanted to play with color and funky patterns as well while making sure it’s comfortable. The couches with the rainbow rug immediately draw the eye in. We have little ice cream stools and a blue dog side table. We opted for a nice blue pouf instead of a traditional coffee table in order to create additional seating if needed. And of course, there are lots of pillows! I love that we found these ice cream shaped pillows and this pink lip couch. The windows have multi-colored pastel curtains that coincide with our desired ice cream shop feel. There are even little sun catcher crystals that reflect a rainbow into the house depending on the time and position of the sun. We made sure to have a large TV surrounded by ice cream cones! We sprinkled ice cream decor and prints from local vendors around the entertainment center. I’m a huge fan of the ice cream cone planters that hold trees with bright blooming flowers. The effect is a pop of vibrant colors perfect for photo shoots, whether for birthdays, bachelorettes or just social media.

THE ICE CREAM PARLOR – Our ice cream parlor feels like an ice cream shop with fun decor while acting as additional places to sit. We found a lot of great vendors who create realistic ice cream items that make for great photo props. The record player is more for decor, but we thought it was a fun touch. To the side, we have one of the coolest items we’ve ever bought! Ice cream cone seating and a table with lots of fun props, including more fake ice cream and a pink vintage telephone. It’s perfect for photoshoots. I’m particularly proud of the “abstract” ice cream piece I made from a studio in Grandscape. We want to encourage freedom and self-expression so we added a Buddha board to let you doodle your dreams!

THE STAIRS – I really wanted rainbow pastel stairs, but every time I had seen it done, it was with paint and we couldn’t paint the stairs! We ended up getting pastel vinyl and were able to create a template of the stair shape, cut it and then apply.

THE COFFEE BAR – As coffee lovers, the fully-stocked coffee bar was a passion project of mine. I know coffee people all have their preferred coffee brewing method and so we really tried to provide them all. We have the Keurig, but we also have a Nespresso machine, a traditional coffee pot, and a French press. We even have the Chemex and the coffee machine they use in Europe! We’ve also got different syrup types. For noncoffee drinkers, we’ve got an electric kettle, hot cocoa, and a variety of tea. Any coffee fan is going to take comfort here!

THE DINING AREA – We wanted the design to feel like you’re sitting at an ice cream counter so we found this table and we applied pink and white vinyl. The sign was custom made by painting dowels and a sign we found at the craft store. We bought the letters online and arranged them into ice cream flavors. We even added fake toppings in jars on the shelves. Casa Kumwesu has the perfect vibe for girls weekends and/or bachelorette parties, so we wanted to make sure we had lots of mirrors in the house for people to get ready! We have this custom painted, geometrical pattern on the wall behind the stairs that matched the colors on the dining room chairs and the full-body mirror that tied into the dining space.

THE KITCHEN – We switched out the black drawer pulls for these ice cream ones. I found those nostalgic, vintage kitchen appliances in mint and they really helped add a special touch. And the star of the show—the ice cream drips on the walls. We actually tried to paint these ourselves the first time. It failed, so we enlisted a talented artist! The stools mix in well and then the overhead ice cream lights really tie it all together!

THE PRIMARY BEDROOM – Of course, the whole house is ice cream themed, but we wanted it to be a little more subtle in the primary bedroom, which we wanted to feel bright and comfortable with fun features in the artwork and lamps. I had to go with a super trendy flower wall and a big plush, king bed. I went very pink and balanced it out with some teal touches. Even our tissue holders are fun! Greenery was really important, which is why we have the fake plants. The flowers in the cones are also removable for another photo prop. This vanity is the right size and shape and makes for a great photo spot as well.

THE PRIMARY BATHROOM – We already knew this bathroom was going to be a winner because of the free-standing tub. It was one of the first decisions we made. We found a bold, floral wallpaper that made the perfect backdrop and added photo touches like a pink table with a pink phone. Practical? No, but it sure is a lot of fun! The ice cream scoop wallpaper is so cool. We changed the mirrors to antique-like, gold mirrors that made it look more refined. We even managed to find ice cream soap dispensers! If you’re from Texas, then you know that H-E-B isn’t just a grocery store. It’s a culinary wonderland that has expanded beyond that including beauty products, Texas goods, and more. One of the products that we have at Casa Kumwesu, and that we love to use personally, are from H-E-B’s Field & Future line. Not only are they clean, but they’re high quality, so we stocked the bathrooms with their lotion, hand soap, body wash, conditioner, and shampoo!

THE LAUNDRY ROOM – I love that our house has a laundry room. When traveling, having the convenience of a washer and dryer makes a huge difference. The house came with a set, but it was old with issues so we made sure to purchase a new one.

THE PINK TWIN BEDROOM – This bedroom might just be the bedroom of my childhood dreams and it was probably one of the most fun to put together. We found this pastel striped wallpaper that reminded us of an ice cream shop and then went even crazier with these ice cream wall stickers! Instead of a traditional nightstand, we found this luggage set (another photo prop) that added so much character. We found small shelves that we mounted to hold your phone and any other things you may want to have handy by your bedside. We were sometimes hard-pressed to find ice cream items in wintertime so we got creative! The ice cream purse ended up being perfect to hang on the wall as a prop and art piece.

THE BLUE/GREEN BEDROOM – Ice cream and pink just go so well together and it was hard for me to not just throw pink everywhere. So, the queen bedroom was an attempt to tone down the pink. There are still touches of pink in the pillows and these irresistible feather lamps. The highlight of the room is definitely the wallpaper though—a whole wall that looks like a melting ice cream cone! we added these small ice cream stickers as a border for a little color that we had originally planned to use in another room.

THE SHARED BATHROOM – Sprinkles were the central theme of this room, starting with the wallpaper. At some point, we also want to paint the cabinets, but that’s for another time. Some people have called the spray foam mirrors tacky, but I think in our situation, it works out so well because they look like the fluffy whipped cream on a sundae! Add a little cherry on top with the cherry floor mats, plus more ice cream art work, and we’re solid! We had an extra ice cream cone planter and we found those trendy moon lights that we stuck on it so now there’s a little night light while still playing into our theme.

They wouldn’t all fit here, so to view all the design photos, please visit: tinyurl.com/CasaKumwesu

THE UPSTAIRS LOFT – Last, but not least, is our fun little loft area. I feel like this is where the fun can happen! There’s board games, a Mrs. Pac-Man arcade game, and lots of color. We found a scallop stencil online to create perfect half circle shapes on the wall. I spent a long time looking for the floor chairs found in this space. The cool thing about them is they can fold out to lay flat, which means extra sleeping space. I think this would make such a fun bachelorette or birthday party slumber pad. We sectioned off the space to better manage its large size. The area includes three huge bean bags, but the gray covers they came with (which were difficult to remove), did not fit the theme whatsoever. We worked with a place in Texas called Cush Living to create these colorful cushions that look so much more vibrant and they are so easy to take off. That’s such a big deal, so we can wash them easily in between guests.

We want each visit to the Ice Cream House to be unforgettable We hope each adventure brings smiles to faces and helps to create memories. Whether you’re a child or young-a-heart, our vibrant and whimsical haven will ignite your imagination with a one-of-a-kind experience like no other. It’s the perfect place to stay for kids of all ages, as well as adults, and you will absolutely love the quiet acreage and instagram-worthy design details. Embark on a truly delightful journey that will leave you with a sprinkle of happiness and a taste for life’s sweetest moments.

Reservations: CasaKumwesu.com

SEPTEMBER SATURDAYS • The Dallas Galleria Showtime Saturdays • Family favorite free performance series, Showtime Saturdays, hosts a full lineup of top-tier acts throughout the year. Showtime Saturdays at Galleria Dallas provides a variety of shows by professional circus clowns, magicians and kid-friendly comedians. Think of acts like— Mike Williams half comedian-half magician, The Knock Knock Show, Magic Mike Show, Percussion Things, David Chicken, Dal Sanders Magic, and The Ramazinis. Each Saturday, children and their families are welcome to enjoy in-person entertainment near the Children’s Play Place on Level 3. Showtime Saturdays will be from 11:30am until noon on these listed Saturday dates: August 24th, and 31st, then September 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th . For more info, you can visit: galleriadallas.com

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SEPT & OCT THURSDAYS • The Dallas Arboretum Cool Thursdays Concert Series

Make your 2024 one to remember at the coolest spot in Dallas as we celebrate the 27th season with returning favorites and new acts! Don’t miss the most spectacular view of the sunset over White Rock Lake while enjoying bands from across the nation. Grab your friends, pack a picnic and make this your Thursday night routine. With the return of your favorites and exciting new bands, you won’t be able to stay seated. That’s right – the dance floor is open! You can even pre-order food and snacks for your next concert on the website from Beyond the Box Catering. Join us on September 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th, and in October on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st. For parking information and ticket purchases, please visit: dallasarboretum.org/events

SEPT 19 • North Texas Giving Day •

Save-the-date for North Texas Giving Day 2024! The community supports during North Texas Giving Day 2023 was amazing and we now encourage you to join us in the nation’s biggest online giving event again this September. However, you don’t have to wait! Join us in uplifting nonprofits all year long by making a gift today. The website is open throughout the year and is an easy and convenient way to make your giving go further. North Texas Giving Day 2024 is Thursday, September 19. Lookout for more opportunities to be involved. For more information, visit: NorthTexasGivingDay.org

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

SOUTHLAKE - SEPTEMBER 21

FORT WORTH - OCTOBER 19

ARLINGTON & DALLAS - NOVEMBER 2

SEPT 19-22 • Addison Oktoberfest • Experience the original Bavarian celebration with a purely Texan twist. For more than 35 years, people have donned dirndls and lederhosen (or have just come as they are) for four days of revelry in German culture, food, music and bier. Prost to the sound of polka bands and other entertainers on multiple stages in Addison Circle Park, and participate in special games for bier lovers, kids of all ages, dachshunds and more. Bring your dog for Sunday Hund-day. Raise your favorite German stein and say, “Prost, Y’all!” Addison Oktoberfest takes place September 19-22. Hours will be Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6-11pm; Friday, Sept. 20 6pm-midnight; Saturday, Sept. 21 from noon-midnight; and then Sunday, Sept 22 noon-6pm Visit: addisonoktoberfest.com

SEPT 21, OCT 9, NOV 2 • Walk to End Alzheimer’s • At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, they’re fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today. For more time. For treatments. And they’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, they need you. Join them for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight! Coming to Southlake on September 21, 2024 at Bicentennial Park / Aria Amphitheater. And to Fort Worth on October 19, 2024, then to Arlington and

Dallas on November 2, 2024. R egister today for your Walk to End Alzheimer’s Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease! This is why we walk. Please visit their website for more information and to register now to participate in the walk in your area: alz.org

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SEPT 26-28 • Fort Worth Oktoberfest • Willkommen to Fort Worth Oktoberfest! Join us for a 3-day German celebration with the best in Bavarian bier, food and entertainment! It’s time to drink das bier, eat das sausage and polka till you drop. This year’s lineup includes Alex Meixner Band, Das Ist Lustig, Alpenmusikanten, Walburg Boys and the Happy Hour Oktoberfest band, who return this year all the way from Bavaria! Whether you want to stay cool in the airconditioned Spaten Halle, kick back in the Karbach Biergarten, shop in the marktplatz or test your skills at stein hoisting and bier barrel rolling, there is fun for everyone. Fort Worth Oktoberfest also hosts a 5k Run and carnival rides and games. Purchase tickets early to guarantee yourself a free stein! Visit: fortworthoktoberfest.com/tickets

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SEPT 28 • North Texas SNAP Boots & Bling • Support the important mission of North Texas SNAP and join us for an incredible evening featuring dinner, silent auction,

DJ, dancing, casino, Wish Bowl Raffle, gift card pull and celebration! SNAP or North Texas Special Needs Assistance Partners has been creating choices for individuals with intellectual disabilities for 20 years! Boots & Bling will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28th from 5:30-10:30pm at the Hurst Convention Center located at 1601 Campus Drive in Hurst 76054. Visit: tinyurl.com/NTXsnapBB

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SEPT 28 • Cattle Baron’s Ball • The Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball is the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and has raised over $93 million for cancer research. The 2024 headliner will be 2005 American Idol Carrie Underwood! The Cattle Baron’s Ball features a curated collection of items and experiences. Donations valued at $1,000 or more will be featured in their auction book. The legendary Live Auction raises over $1 million each year! Live Auction features a select number of amazing items and experiences ranging from $25,000 to priceless. Visit: cattlebaronsball.com

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OCT - VARIOUS DATES • The Cosmic Howl • This October, Meow Wolf invites lovers of spooky season to experience The Cosmic Howl, celebration of fall. The veil on the portals will be at its thinnest, inviting visitors to an immersive experience enhanced by the spirit with events of the Autumnal

MEOW WOLF GRAPEVINE

HOSTS THE COSMIC HOWL VARIOUS EVENTS IN OCTOBER

and Halloween variety. (Cue evil laughter!) Starting October 11, Meow Wolf Grapevine will be infused with the eerie energy of the season, offering guests a unique chance to explore The Real Unreal in its most paranormal form. On select days, the exhibition will come alive with ‘Howl States’—moments when the art installation itself takes on a life of its own. In October, Meow Wolf will offer a curated lineup of Cosmic Howl events and special spooktacular editions of classic Meow Wolf events for all ages including:

Pumpkin Painting Workshops (October 11, 18, 25): Get creative with spooky-themed pumpkin painting sessions, perfect for families and art enthusiasts (paid event).

Creature Feature Saturdays (October 12, 19, 26, 6:30pm): Immerse yourself in eerie performances featuring strange creatures that bring the Halloween spirit to life.

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Art Jam Cosmic Howl Edition (October 13, 20, 27): Join us for a family-friendly art jam session with a twist with hands-on activities for children throughout the exhibition.

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Game Nights (Tuesdays, October 15, 29, 5–9pm): Unwind with friends over themed games that challenge your wits and bring out the festive spirit.

Adulti-Verse (Thursdays, October 17, 24, 31, 6-10pm): Dive into the darker side of Meow Wolf with late-night events featuring live music, immersive experiences, as well as in-exhibit bars for guests 21+.

Cosmic Howl Party (Thursday, October 31, 6-10pm): Cap off the month with the ultimate Halloween celebration during the Adulti-Verse Halloween Edition, a night of spooky surprises and eerie entertainment.

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For more info on dates, programming and tickets, visit: meowwolf.com/visit/grapevine

OCT 3 • Wine & Jazz • Join us for The Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce’s Wine and Jazz premier event. This event will feature food samplings from the area’s best restaurants. Guests will enjoy a mix of music, whiskey auction, live auction and wine pull. All attendees must be at least 21 years old or over. Wine & Jazz will be held from 5:30-9:30pm T Keller Town Hall located at 1100 Bear Creek Parkway in Keller 76248. Individual tickets are $75, and Sommelier Tickets are $150 (including 1 ticket to event, 2 wine pull tickets and 1 whiskey raffle ticket). Online ticket sales will end at 5pm on Friday, September 27, 2024! Ticket prices at the door, the night of the event is $85. Tickets at: tinyurl.com/GKCCWineJazz

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OCT 3 • Bucket List Travel Show • Discover your next adventure with Globus, Cosmos, and Avalon Waterways! Exclusive travel show will feature the top travel destinations and adventures, including space journeys, Northern Lights, dark sky experiences, fall foliage train rides, Christmas Market cruises, holiday excursions, cultural immersion, and more. Bucket List Travel Show will be held October 3rd from 10:3011:30am at Legends Hall at The Marq located at 285 Shady Oaks Dr. in Southlake 76092. Why Attend? Options for all—solo travelers, couples, and multi-generational families. Exclusive perks like door prizes and special travel deals available only on the day of the show! Admission is free, but space is limited, so email to RSVP to secure your spot: dawn.androsky@cruiseplanners.com

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OCT 5 • Run in the Dark - Boo Run • Run in the Dark - Boo Run supporting Community Storehouse will take place on October 5, 2024 at Keller Town Hall beginning at 4:30pm. Keller Town Hall is located at 1100 Bear Creek Parkway in Keller 76248. The

Community Storehouse is a local non-profit organization dedicated to organizing resources and increasing support for children, their families, and their communities in need. Its mission focuses on providing basic needs, ensuring education, and offering hope to children during a family's time of struggle. By assisting families in rebuilding their lives, we help them to become selfsufficient. This race is in support of all of the families in need. The proceeds from the run will go directly to the Storehouse to provide tutoring and snack packs to the schools to be distributed to the students. Thank you for being a part of this big family-friendly event, and everyone is welcome to come and support the Storehouse with this event! Come early and enjoy the kids' zone, food trucks, vendors and DJ. Additional race info is at: communitystorehouse.org/events

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OCT 5 • Kids Matter Hole-in-One Charity Golf Tournament • Join us for an exhilarating day of golf for a cause at the Eagles Challenge Hole-in-One Golf Tournament, that will benefit Kids Matter International, on October 5th at Sky Creek Ranch in Keller. With the chance to win up to $2 million in cash and prizes, this tournament promises excitement at every swing. Register today, to embark on an unforgettable journey across 18 holes, each offering

the opportunity for a Hole-in-One prize valued at $50,000 or more. The excitement doesn't end there! At 4pm, join us for an awards ceremony and watch party, followed by the thrilling $1,000,000 19th Hole Tee Off at 4:30pm, where 25 players will vie for the chance to win big on a short 155-yard hole. At Eagles Challenge, golf isn't just a game; it's a chance to make a difference. Visit here to register: tinyurl.com/KMIgolf

OCT 5 • Oktoberfest Dallas 2024 • Willkommen to Oktoberfest Dallas 2024! This family-friendly event brings thousands of people across Dallas - Fort Worth for the good food, good beer and good times. This year's annual event, to be held October 5th, 2024 at Flag Pole Hill, just north of White Rock Lake, will feature some of the best local bands, plenty of fun for the kids, and delicious restaurant offerings from brats to ice cream. There is entertainment throughout the day and we have special plans for who headlines the evening show. You can check out the bands and the event schedule is online. Come out and enjoy some of the best bites and brews Dallas has to offer— everything from Brats to Pizza and Hefeweizen to Kolsch. There’ something for everyone of any age. Join us in Festival Hall where we will have shaded seating for you to enjoy local craft beers from OHB, TVs for

viewing the big game, food, and live music. Don’t miss the Kid Zone and Market Village. Visit: oktoberfestdallas.com

OCT 9 • TCWC Fall Garage Sale • On Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8am to 2pm the Trophy Club Women’s Club will host its semi annual Citywide Garage Sale. Permits go on sale in September at the Trophy Club Tom Thumb for $20 per non-transferable permit. Net proceeds fund the TCWC annual scholarship program for graduating High School Seniors. Maps will be available for download on the evening before at: facebook.com/MYTCWC (and) mytcwc.org

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OCT 11-13 • GKWC Sip and Shop Fiesta Holiday Market • There’s something here for everyone on your gift list! Come shop 50 curated vendors offering a wide array of merchandise—women’s clothing, jewelry, home decor, art, baby items, woodworking, wellness, tasty treats, and more! Sip N Shop - VIP Tickets include complimentary wine, heavy appetizers, snacks and treats from vendors, special drawings and one-hour early admission to shopping beginning at 4:30pm. First 100 tickets purchased overall receive a free margarita or sangria! For the Sip N Shop General Admission Tickets, the first 100 tickets purchased overall receive a free margarita or sangria! Light bites, raffle tickets, and a cash bar are available to every guest. Tickets purchased at the door will be $25. To purchase, please visit: GKWC.org

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OCT 11-13 • Oktoberfest Southlake • Willkommen to Oktoberfest Southlake! Join us for the 23rd Anniversary of this free festival. Yes, it is free admission! Where revelry meets tradition. The Oktoberfest weekend festival is an exceptional celebration held right in the heart of Southlake Town Square. Prepare for a lively extravaganza filled with the spirit of Bavaria and the essence of community. October 11-13, immerse yourself in the festivities, complete with live music, delicious cuisine, and a bustling marketplace. Raise your steins, join in the merrymaking, and experience the true Oktoberfest spirit. Mark your calendars for a weekend of fun, food, and unforgettable memories.The festival is also cashless this year, so you may purchase food, drinks and kid zone wristbands with credit cards or debit cards. The festival is dog friendly, but kindly pick up any doggie messes. Parking is available in the Town Square parking garages and there is also shuttle service

WILLKOMMEN TO OKTOBERFEST EVENTS HAPPENING ALL OVER DFW

LARGER-THAN-LIFE LANTERN FESTIVAL

8 TO JANUARY 19, 2025

from White’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Visit: OktoberfestSouthlake.com

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OCT 12 • Race on Race Street • Mark your calendars and join us for fitness, fun, and community spirit on October 12, 2024. The registration is now open for the third annual Race on Race Street. This highly anticipated event, hosted by PT Fitness, is not only a fun run, but it serves as a platform to raise awareness and funds for local charities— including Alliance For Children, PanCAN, Cook Children’s, and Hope Farm. There will be a 1-Mile Fun Run, 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon (13.1 miles). Discover a different side of Fort Worth with our race. Starting on Race Street, the course takes you onto the scenic Trinity Trails at Belknap, traveling southeast across the picturesque low river crossing towards Top Golf. This route showcases both the natural beauty and urban charm of Fort Worth, offering runners an unforgettable experience.The Race on Race Street is an opportunity for us all to come together, make a positive impact, and support those in need. To reserve your spot, please visit: ptfitness.co/raceonracestreet

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OCT 17 • CASA Paddle with a Purpose • Join us for fun, food, and philanthropy at Paddle with a Purpose! Learn more about CASA's Young Professional Council while

supporting CASA of Tarrant County with an exciting event featuring bites, drinks, prizes, and pickleball. Event will eb from 5-7pm at Courtside Kitchen in Fort Worth. Register today and join us at Courtside Kitchen for an unforgettable evening supporting a great cause. Don't miss this chance to enjoy a great time with friends while making a meaningful impact in our community. No matter your skill level, from seasoned pickleball pro to curious beginner, this event is perfect for everyone. In lieu of a offering a registration fee, they ask that you donate an essential item that will help the families CASA serves. Items donated will assist families through rehabilitation and provide a fresh start to a better life. Access the wish list here: a.co/9mS0K8R

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OCT 18-20 • VERVE 2024 Premier Event for Shepreneurs • This October, VERVE celebrates its 5th anniversary with a promise to deliver its most impactful gathering yet. Scheduled from October 18-20 at Highland Hotel in Dallas, VERVE invites women change-makers and leaders to amplify their influence and connect with like-minded professionals in a dynamic setting. A Unique Blend of Mindset and Strategy VERVE 2024 will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, each bringing invaluable insights into business strategies and mindset shifts. With

keynotes from influential figures like Megan Bozzuto, President of the International Association of Women, Chelsey Marie, Awardwinning brand designer for major women leaders worldwide and performances by award-winning singer-songwriter Wendy Colonna, the conference is designed to inspire and empower. Register today to secure your place among visionary women ready to make the next leap in their careers and personal lives. To register or to become a sponsor, visit: suzannecastle.com/verve

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OCT 22 • Lyle Lovett and his Large Band

• Lyle Lovett will return to Bass Hall for one night only Tuesday, October 22. Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will play Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall as part of the 20242025 Irwin Steel Popular Entertainment Series lineup. Tickets start at $66 and may be purchased online at basshall.com/lylelovett or by calling the box office (817) 212-4280. Visit: basshall.com (or) lylelovett.com

OCT 24 • WISE Women Inspiring Success & Empowerment • Be a part of this 5th annual event designed specifically for women in business. After enjoying a fun networking style registration breakfast, attendees will listen to a variety of topics addressing issues and struggles women face on a daily basis. Learn how speakers overcame those challenges and how you can apply those strategies into your daily life. Speakers include: Suzanne Castle of The Sparkle Factor, Dacia Coffey of The Marketing Blender, Christina Vance of Rise Collective Wellness, and Tamika Taylor of Evolution. This workshop will introduce you to business opportunities, financing, work relationship development, networking and so much more. Individual tickets are $75 each and a table of 10 is $700. Marketing Tables (limited tables available) include one ticket and are $150 Member fee and $200 Non-Member Fee. Please call for sponsor opportunities at (817) 431-2169. WISE will be held from 9am-1pm at The Bowden in Keller (1775 Keller Pkwy., Keller 76248) Please register at: tinyurl.com/WISEgkcoc

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OCT 26 • BTB Shoot N Boot Sporting Clay Tournament • Join us at this Brett T Bailey Foundation fundraising event hosted at the Dallas Gun Club in Lewisville to raise money for Military and First Responders. Brett T. Bailey Foundation began in 2001 in memory of Brett Bailey, who was lost to us, as a result of the horrific events of Sept.

11th. Out of the ashes of the darkest of days, rose a Foundation committed to the support and encouragement of prosperity and freedom. The event will feature live music, great food, drinks and swag! Dallas Gun Club is at 3601 Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville 75067. Shoot will be from 9am3pm. To register for the Sporting Clay Tournament, visit: tinyurl.com/ShootNBoot

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NOV 2 • GRACE Gala • 2024 GRACE Gala Table and Ticket sales wil begin soon—but now is the time to sign up for a GRACE Gala Sponsorship opportunity! GRACE proudly presents the 2024 “Angels Among Us” GRACE Gala, on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. Each of the sponsorship levels will offer you positive brand exposure and high-profile involvement with GRACE’s mission. This year’s GRACE Gala Co-Chairs are Theresa and Justin Mason. For more details about the opportunities for you to get involved, contact: Events@GRACEGrapevine.org

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NOV 2 & 3 • Southlake Carroll PTO Craft Fair • Southlake Carroll PTO Craft fair is a 2-day, 1-stop holiday shopping experience featuring over 200+ unique vendors. All proceeds will support Project Graduation. The Southlake Carroll PTO Craft Fair will be Saturday, November 2nd from 9am-5pm,

and Sunday the 3rd from 11am-4pm at the Carroll Senior High School (1501 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake 76092). Fair entry donations are $5 for adults and $3 per child. Visit: Facebook.com/Southlakecraftfair

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NOV 8 - JAN. 19, 2025 • Lantern Festival

• Leading producer of larger-than-life lantern festivals makes their North Texas debut this winter at the festival grounds of Texas Trust CU Theatre, located at 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie 75050. This enchanting event invites visitors to embark on a nighttime adventure following the story of Koda, a 7-year-old boy, as he explores the magical rainforest. This familyfriendly event features exquisite artistry and provides an immersive lantern experience. Nightly stage performances will feature acrobats and folk performers. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverages and purchase handcrafted souvenirs. The festival will run from Nov. 8 to Jan. 19, 2025, every Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30-10pm. Tickets for the Tianyu Lights Festival range from $16 to $35. Tickets: tianyuculture.us/dallas

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NOV 15 - JAN. 5, 2025 • ICE! Returns to Gaylord Texan • The most extraordinary frozen holiday attraction, ICE!, announces its Christmas season theme for 2024 of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Telling

the legendary story of a young reindeer who used his luminous red nose to save Christmas, the magical walk-through display features more than 10 immersive scenes, 6 thrilling 2-story tall ice slides, awe-inspiring passageways, and photo-worthy moments for all to enjoy. Visit: gaylordtexan.com

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NOV 22 - JAN. 5, 2025 • Fort Worth Botanic Garden Lightscape • Returning to the 120-acre Fort Worth Botanic Garden for its 3rd consecutive year with an even longer trail, 20+ all-new illuminated installations, revamped pricing, and more than one (1) million-holiday lights, making the 2024 Lightscape the grandest and brightest yet. Guests are also welcome to enjoy fire pits, s’more-roasting, hot cocoa, holiday music, and photo opportunities with Santa Clause (on select evenings). Revamped pricing structure, includes reduced regular pricing from previous years, new “Value Nights” for off-peak dates, and option to purchase $50 “Anytime Access” tickets, which include flexible admission dates and arrival times, parking, and dedicated check-in line. Value Night Pricing: Adult -$18 / $18 for FWBG members (and) Child - $12 / $12 for FWBG members. Regular Pricing: Adult -$26 / $18 for FWBG members (and) Child - $16 / $12 for FWBG members. Peak Night Pricing: Adult - $30 / $22 for FWBG members (and) Child - $20 / $16 for FWBG members. Onsale now, visit: fwbg.org/lightscape

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DEC 13, 14 & 15 • The BMW Dallas Marathon Festival • Registration is now open for BMW Dallas Marathon Festival. The annual BMW Dallas Marathon, Half Marathon (running and walking), 50K Ultra Marathon, and Shell Energy Relays will take place on Sunday, December 15. The EIGHT K, 5K (running and walking), 5K Team Challenge, Kid’s 100-Meter Dash and Oncor Kid’s Race will be held on Saturday, December 14, and the Friday Night Lights Mile will return on Friday, December 13. The weekend of events directly benefits Scottish Rite for Children Hospital. For more info, please visit: dallasmarathon.com

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Free DateBook event listings are ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served. Include your event’s name, date, time, location, ticket pricing/purchase info, contact information, website, and a brief explanation. Allow 45 days advance notice of your event for print deadline. Please send all the above details to us for inclusion at: elena@societylifemagazine.com

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FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN LIGHTSCAPE 2024 COMING NOV. 22 TO JAN. 5

SL 6 Questions About

SIP & SHOP FIESTA HOLIDAY MARKET

PRESENTED BY THE GREATER KELLER WOMEN’S CLUB

FAST FACTS

SIP & SHOP

FIESTA HOLIDAY MARKET

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

The Bowden Events & Weddings 1775 Keller Parkway Keller, Texas 76248

from 5:30pm to 9pm

SIP N SHOP - VIP Admission

Includes complimentary wine, heavy appetizers, snacks and treats from vendors, special drawings and 1-hour early admission to shopping beginning at 4:30pm.

SIP N SHOP - General Admission

When Halloween decorations appear in stores, you know Christmas is just around the corner. But don’t panic. The Greater Keller Women’s Club (GKWC) advises taking this holiday season ‘One Sip At A Time!’ GKWC is excited to announce their 7th Annual Sip and Shop Fiesta Holiday Market on Tuesday, October 8th, at The Bowden Events and Weddings Center in Keller. If you love shopping with friends and having fun, this event is perfect for you! It's also a great way to buy all of those special presents in one high-spirited swoop. As their largest club fundraiser of the year, the GKWC Sip and Shop Fiesta showcases over 50 local, curated vendors offering a wide range of exclusive gifts. Nothing will be tedious at this shopping event because you’ll be sipping artisanal wines from Man O’ War Imports of Denton, while you shop! Are you feeling hungry? No worries. Graze at the charcuterie table sponsored by S & B Fencing Co. Got sugar plum cravings? That, too, will be covered with a sweet table sponsored by Waxing the City Euless. Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will be on hand for guests to stay alert and lively. And there is no need to look uptight with all the spa and makeup samples that will be handed out. The evening air will be filled with anticipation and excitement, with VIP drawings and raffle prizes announced throughout the evening. If you want to feel extra special, you can purchase a VIP ticket and be treated to a private preview reception starting at 4:30pm, including additional food and wine and one hour of early access to shopping. Whether you choose general admission or VIP, everyone will receive an event shopping bag and one free raffle ticket and participate in GKWC’s infamous Piñata Tree, sponsored by Hoola Hoops. For $25, you can purchase and pluck your lucky piñata off the Christmas tree in exchange for prized Consuela merchandise, including bags, purses, and journals valued between $34 and $350! Alternatively, you can participate in the raffle to win over 75 prizes sponsored by MTX Insurance Group. Each ticket holder will receive one free raffle ticket in their event shopping bag. The first 100 tickets purchased overall will receive a free margarita or sangria! But let’s not forget the reason for this season. The Greater Keller Women’s Club is a philanthropic volunteer organization that raises money for community social welfare and provides financial support for local nonprofit organizations and scholarships. Since 1989, the Club has helped raise over 2.6 million dollars and donated over 10,000 volunteer hours last year. By attending this festive fiesta, you’ll be contributing to many great causes. So don’t miss out. Spice up your holiday season at the Greater Keller Women’s Club 7th Annual Sip and Shop Fiesta Holiday Market. Come December 25th, you’ll be glad you did!

WHO: Founded in 1989, the Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation is a social club that furthers the common goal and general welfare of the community's people and provides a means for members to pursue mutual interests and participate in the community. Since 1989, the Greater Keller Women’s Club has helped raise over 2.6 million dollars and donated over 10,000 volunteer hours last year.

First 100 tickets purchased overall receive a free margarita or sangria! Light bites, rafﬂe tickets, and a cash bar are available to every guest.

TICKETS PURCHASED AT THE DOOR WILL BE $25

• 50 Local Curated Gift Vendors

• Pinata Tree with Consuela

• Bags, Purses & Journals Valued at $34 to $350

• Wine Tasting & Cash Bar

• Charcuterie Grazing Table

• Sweets Table

• Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck

• Spa and Make-Up Samples

• Exclusive VIP Drawings

• T ons of Rafﬂe Prizes tickets: GKWC.org

6 Questions About SL

WHAT: Greater Keller Woman’s Club Presents: THE 7TH ANNUAL SIP AND SHOP FIESTA HOLIDAY MARKET

• 50 Local Curated Gift Vendors

• Pinata Tree with Consuela Bags, Purses & Journals Valued at $34 to $350

• Wine Tasting & Cash Bar

• Charcuterie Grazing Table

• Sweets Table

• Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck

• Spa and Make-Up Samples

• Exclusive VIP Drawings and Tons of Raffle Prizes

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

WHEN: Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 from 5:30pm to 9pm

WHY: The Greater Keller Women’s Club has been well known for its many contributions of funds, scholarships, and volunteer hours to various nonprofit organizations in Northeast Tarrant County. For 28 years, the enthusiastic and community-minded members have raised over $2,698,589. The GKWC proudly announces that all proceeds go back into our community! Recipients of the money raised include 2024 KELLER ISD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:

LINDA BOWDEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Paige Norris

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KEENER FINANCIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Rachel Tran

KOCIAN LAW FIRM SCHOLARSHIP: Audrey Doan

TIMBER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL: Rachel Tran, Kiana Slevin, Ainsley Stanford, Kennedy Munden

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL: Audrey Doan, Celina Nasr, Lyndsey Wolgamott, Kiannah Cashaw, Raquel Flippin, Fady Mahrous, Aabha Shrestha, Abigail Contreras

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KELLER HIGH SCHOOL: Paige Norris, Addison Barbaroux, Cameron Calabrese, Ascha Bobb, Bakshita Malla

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FOSSIL RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL: Ramadan Mainali, Julie Rojas, Nadia Parveen Islam, Bipin Parajuli, Andrew Nguyễn, Elfatih, Yasir Sadalla

2024 GRANT RECIPIENTS: Christ’s Haven for Children, Gill Children Services, I Can Still Shine, Metroport Meals on Wheels, Neuro Assistance Foundation, Safe Haven of Tarrant County, Serving Our Seniors, Summer Santa, The WARM Place, Community Enrichment Center, Friends of the Keller Library, Helping Restore Ability, Living Hope Equine Therapy, NTXSNAP, Ronald McDonald House, Trinity Kids, and Victory Therapy Center

HOW: Tickets are hot, so purchase now! AT THE DOORTICKETS ARE $25. Visit: GKWC.org

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• SIP N SHOP VIP - $40 (Includes complimentary wine, heavy appetizers, snacks and treats from vendors, event shopping bag, unique drawings, and 1-hour early admission to shopping beginning at 4:30pm)

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• SIP N SHOP - GENERAL ADMISSION - $20 (Includes light bites, event shopping bag, raffle tickets, and a cash bar are available to every guest)

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All ticket holders receive one raffle ticket in their complimentary event shopping bag. The first 100 tickets purchased overall receive a free margarita or sangria! For more information, please contact Becky Schandevel, Publicity Chairperson, email: publicity@gkwc.org

JUST A FEW OF THE MANY CURATED VENDORS:

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NIKKO BLU DESIGNS OF SOUTHLAKE

Handmade jewelry, unique, trendy clothes, home fragrances, and gifts.

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BAD TO THE BRIM TRUCKER HAT BAR

Design and personalize your trendy trucker hat to celebrate a special occasion, school, hobby, or passion.

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LOVE OF GIFTS DESIGN

All things holiday, including ornaments, home decor, cards, candles, and much more!

NINNIE & NANNY

Unique handmade baby gifts and one-of-a-kind custom baby items for the little ones on your shopping list, including blankets, bibs, stuffies, clothing, and so much more.

KILPATRICK CUSTOM DESIGNS

Unique, handcrafted, personalized Texas A&M Aggie gifts for your special someone.

STINKERBELL DESIGNS

Affordable handmade jewelry for special occasions and everyday wear, including high school and college spirit collections, is available.

JUST A FEW OF THE MANY RAFFLE PRIZES:

• Christmas Lights Installation At Your Home, Donated By S&B Fencing

• Dooney And Bourke Charleston Tote

• Vera Bradley Tote And Coin Purse

• Amazon Echo Pop

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• Hand-embroidered Floral Christmas Tree Skirt

• Harry Potter Lego Basket

• Stanley Collector Cups

• Luggage Set And Travel Book

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• Sterling Silver & Pearl Cross Necklace

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• Christmas Pillows And Throws

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• Hand-Embroidered Velvet Poncho

–The Greater Keller Women’s Club (817) 952-2100 | gkwc.org

Spooky treats are a fun and festive way to celebrate this Halloween, combining creative presentation with delicious ﬂavors. From mummy rice krispy treats and vampire bite cupcakes to edible eyeballs and boo brownies, these recipes bring a creepy-cute twist to classic treats. Use fun decorations to up the scare factor. Whether it’s for a Halloween party or just for the thrill of it, spooky treats are sure to delight both kids and adults with their eerie charm and deliciousness.

SL SPOOKYtreats

Edible

(1) Roll about half a tablespoon of cream cheese into balls, pressing sliced black olives into each ball. So easy!

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Eyeballs

these edible eyeballs are perfect for Halloween! This recipe is just two ingredients: cream cheese and sliced black olives. Just roll cold cream cheese into balls and press a sliced black olive into each one. They stay in tact shockingly long in soup.

SL SPOOKYtreats

Here’s a quick and easy no-bake Halloween treat! These adorable Mummy Rice Krispy Treats are sure to steal the show with their cuteness. I cut this batch into 16 mediumsized treats. Obviously you could cut them smaller for a party or larger if you prefer. If you make them smaller, use mini chips instead. I think this is a Halloween party and lunchbox home run.

Mummy

Rice Krispy Treats

10 oz Ghirardelli white vanilla ﬂavored melting wafers (or white chocolate) 16 semi-sweet chocolate chips

(1) Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add mini marshmallows and stir over medium-low heat until melted. Add vanilla and cereal and gently mix together.

(2) Spoon mixture into a 9×13 pan lined with wax paper and sprayed with nonstick spray. Press down using another sheet of greased wax paper. Chill for one hour.

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(3) Cut into rectangles. Melt vanilla melting wafers at half power for 30 second intervals, stirring until melted. Use a spoon to drizzle over the treats or spoon into a bag, cut the end, and pipe onto rice krispy treats. Add chocolate chip eyes.

TIP: I used Ghirardelli white vanilla ﬂavored melting wafers to “wrap” the rice krispy treats like mummies. You could use white chocolate instead but I ﬁnd the melting wafers to be much easier to work with.

If you’ve ever melted white chocolate, you know how tricky it can be! I’m so glad that these melting wafers are becoming widely available at grocery stores.

SL SPOOKYtreats

Vampire Bite

1 3/4 cups all-purpose ﬂour 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder (I use Hershey’s special dark)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2 eggs 1 cup 1% milk

I use my favorite dark chocolate cupcakes as the base for these and a simple vanilla frosting. There’s no need to get fancy with piping here. In fact, the bite looks the best on some smooth frosting. It’s such a simple trick — a chop stick and red food gel — but has such a cool look.

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Red food gel

(1) Preheat oven to 350. Line two mufﬁn cup pans with cupcake liners. Spray with non-stick spray.

(2) Combine sugar, ﬂour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time and mix until incorporated. Add milk, oil and vanilla all at once and beat on medium speed of mixer about two minutes. Stir in the boiling water. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.

(3) Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes and remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.

3) Frost with vanilla frosting. For best effect, don’t pipe it on. Just smooth it on old-school style. Use a chop stick or something similar to poke two holes in each frosted cupcake for your pipe. Carefully ﬁll hole with red food gel, extending slightly down for a bloody fang look. Top with a chocolate bat.

TO MAKE THE BATS: Print a simple bat from online. Set under a piece of wax paper. Use a permanent marker to trace desired number of bats onto the wax paper. Let dry five minutes, flip wax paper over, and set on a cookie sheet. Microwave a cup of chocolate chips on high for 1-2 minutes or until melted, stirring every fifteen seconds or so. Spoon melted chocolate into freezer bag and snip one corner. Pipe chocolate onto wax paper using your bat outlines. Pop cookie sheets in the freezer for 5 minutes, then carefully peel back wax paper.

VANILLA FROSTING

6 cups powdered sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 Tbsp milk

(1) Cream together powdered sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer. Start with two cups of powdered sugar and half a stick of butter, alternating additions.

(2) Slowly incorporate vanilla extract and milk. Beat until smooth. Add additional milk or powdered sugar if needed for desired consistency. Slowly incorporate vanilla extract and milk. Beat until smooth. Add additional milk or powdered sugar if needed for desired consistency.

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

INGREDIENTS

Could these Halloween Boo brownies be any cuter? I squealed with delight the whole time I was baking these. My Boo Brownies are sure to put a smile on anybody’s face.

Brownies, baked in a 9 1/3 cup Ghirardelli white melting wafers 1/4 cup Ghirardelli dark melting wafers

(1) Bake your favorite brownie mix or brownie recipe in a 9″ pan (check out mine at: therosetable.com/2017/10/12/chambord-brownies) . Cool completely and cut in the pan so you don’t break ghosts later.

(2) Melt Ghirardelli white melting wafers according to package directions. Use the back of a small offset spatula to spread white chocolate into small ghost shapes on a small baking sheet lined with wax paper. Pop in the fridge for ﬁve minutes to set.

(3) Melt dark wafers according to package directions. Use a toothpick to form eyes and, if desired, faces on the ghosts. Pop in the fridge for 5 minutes.

4) Spread a thin layer of the remaining melted dark chocolate on the back of the ghosts, then immediately press ghosts onto brownies as desired. Let chocolate set before serving.

SL SPOOKYtreats

Brownies

AMERICAN / ECLECTIC ...................................

Babe’s Chicken Dinner House • Fried chicken good as grandma’s, but she’d rather chow down on unlimited sides. Warm biscuits with butter and honey are reason to go. • Roanoke & NRH babeschicken.com

Blue 22 Sports Grill • 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

Chef Point Modern Bar & Restaurant • From a gas station to gourmet. It’s ﬁne dining, reﬁned. Join us for your next unforgettable meal. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. • Colleyville chefpointcafe.org

Chill Restaurant & Bar • One stop shop for food, drinks and entertainment. Food and drink specials everyday and an incredible brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday! • Grapevine chillgrapevine.com

Craft & Vine • Stunning indoor-outdoor watering hole with expansive beer and wine choices, shareable plates invite conversation. Happy hour with martinis • Roanoke craftandvine.restaurant

American grill comfort cuisine serving memories with a twist. Casual neighborhood spot where you get a good burger and a dressed-up plate of mussels. Bar is just as vibrant. • Keller fngeats.com

• Healthy that’s so indulgent. All-natural, minimally processed ingredients to satisfy cravings, whether you’re on a restricted diet or throwing caution • Trophy Club hgsplyco.com

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

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 leelaswinebar.com

Celebrating all things Southern— take them up on their BYOB invite when shrimp and grits is on the specials board. • Inside Grapevine facebook.com/masonanddixie

Moxie’s Grill & Bar • Crowd pleaser with globallyinspired fare—Thai curry bowls, tuna ceviche, steak frites. Fun and sophisticated—equal parts sports bar and eclectic brasserie. • Southlake us.moxies.com

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

j Oak & Main • Craft-focused menu of American favs like fresh seafood and premium steaks. Culinary journey goes beyond the kitchen with craft cocktails and vast wine selection. • Roanoke oakmaintx.com

PIAF Kitchen+Wine+Bar • Power lunch to happy hour, to a romantic date night. Weekends start with buffet brunch—end with rooftop bar drinks. Flatbreads, seafood, steaks. • Grapevine piafkitchen.com

Sky Creek Grill • Bistro dishes with modern western ﬂair. Steak, salmon, pasta, salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, cold beer. Open to public. • In Keller’s Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club skycreekranch.com

Sky Creek Kitchen + Bar • Elevated Texas cuisine— premier culinary experience. Menu of locally sourced ingredients, unique seafood dishes, Texas farm-raised Akaushi beef. • Southlake skycreekkitchen.com

Social Oak Wine & Whiskey Lounge • 21+ lounge with speakeasy vibe, comfy patio, wine and whiskey pouring systems, amazing tapas style dishes—like no other. • Trophy Club socialoaklounge.com

Sports City Taverna • Strong on options—wood ﬁred pizza, street tacos, burgers, brunch. Whether your team wins or loses, you’re a winner with the best food and drinks in the city • NFW sportscitytaverna.com

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

j The Rô on Oak • The Rô upscale lounge offers a sophisticated, intimate hospitality experience serving premium cocktails and a menu of Small Bites inside the swankiest local spot. • Roanoke theroonoak.com

The 206 • Previously Oak Street Food and Brew, The 206 is a brewery and food hall designed for craft brew and chef-driven food with a fun and relaxing atmosphere. • Roanoke oakstreetfoodandbrew.com

TruFire Kitchen & Bar • Consistent menu, exemplary akaushi beef burger, trufﬂe-scented mac n’cheese. Try banana split and handcrafted cocktails. Gluten-free or vegetarian menus. • Southlake truﬁre.us

j Volstead • Designed for discerning palates and thriving spirits seeking exquisite cuisine and topnotch service. Prohibition bar + kitchen with the ﬁner things in life.• Southlake volsteadsouthlake.com

ASIAN / SUSHI / THAI

Cowtown Sushi • Unexpectedly reﬁned sushi and sashimi. Hidden gem status for too long. Chefs eager to impress diners, making this an environment to expand your palate. • Southlake cowtownsushi.com

Foster’s Sushi, Seafood, Bar & Grill • Creative style of sushi with American cuisine to ﬁll your appetite. Ten ﬂat screen TVs to suit all sports fans, plus happy hour from 3-6pm. • Roanoke fostersushi.com

Honey Teriyaki • Quality Japanese food—teriyaki and sushi. Many sauces from scratch with honey—hence the name. Large portions, reasonable prices, friendly service. • Colleyville honeyteriyaki.com

Hush Sushi • Posh location, elevated sushi and drink menu. Don’t miss Wagyu burger! Foodies ﬂock to happy hour specials and the vast selection of Maki, Nigiri and Sashimi. • Keller hushkeller.com

Kanta Ramen Thai • Experience the exhibition kitchen, fast and friendly service. Selection of curries, ramen, soups, Izakaya. Sukiyaki, noodle and rice dishes. • Colleyville kantaramenandthai.com

Malai Kitchen • Thai-Vietnamese with silky curries, sriracha made in-house. Imaginative beverage program with house-brewed beers. Grand ﬁnale—Mango Sticky Rice Smash. • Southlake malaikitchen.com

My Lan Vietnamese Kitchen • Steaming pho bowls, heaping rice plates, crispy egg rolls. Vietnamese staples are soulful with reasonable prices. • Colleyville mylanvietnamesekitchen.com

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

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

Sabai Sabai Southeast Asian Kitchen • Pad Thai, massaman curry, pho, also explore Lao beef jerky, steamed ﬁsh, beef salad. Dine in or takeout. Food packs ﬂavor. • Grapevine sabaisabaikitchen.site

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

Sea Siam Thai • Food captures essence of Thailand. Using fresh ingredients, traditional Thai cooking techniques, you can sip tea while browsing menu of the ﬁnest Thai foods. • Keller seasiamrestaurant.com

Sushi Dojo • Premier fast-casual sushi specializing in party trays, catering, and food truck service. Known for the sushi tacos and burritos. Delicious, affordable, high quality sushi. • Southlake sushidojodfw.com

Sushi Nomi • Modern Japanese, inventive sushi, ramen, teriyaki, plus beer and wine. Choose delicious lunch options like bento boxes, fried rice, sushi specials. • Fort Worth facebook.com/SushiNomiTexas

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

Thailicious • Authentic Thai, contemporary, relaxed environment. Soft shell crab, creamy curries, Crying Tiger and pad Thai. Try tom yum-inspired martinis and mojitos. • Southlake ThailiciousSouthlake.com

V’s House • Family-owned Vietnamese with upscale takes on classic dishes—plus surprises. Staples of Vietnamese cuisine—pho varieteies made in-house. Creative cocktail menu. • NRH vshouse.net

BAKERIES / BEVERAGES / TREATS / CATERING ............................

Alli’s Sweet Shop • Cake pops for celebrating or just because! They can deliver your bouquet like a ﬂorist and brighten the day of any recipient! Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, treats. • Southlake cakepopsbyalli.com

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

Bar or Brew • Everyone loves to celebrate and we make it easy with professionally trained, polished bartenders who provide 5-star experience— private events, coffee bars, mocktails, classes. • DFW barorbrew.com

Ben’s Cookies • Founded in 1983 in Oxford, England—lovingly brought to Texas! Freshly baked with chocolate chunks “not chips.” About making the best cookies they can, every single day. • Grapevine benscookies.us

Board + Brie • Curated noshables that pair perfectly with wine and talk. Cheese and charcuterie grazing boxes and boards, crowd-pleasing fare or feasts for one. Pick up, delivery, catering. • Roanoke boardbrie.com

Brew & Batter • Locally owned, stand alone house serving good coffee! Not to mention waffles! Two bases—cornbread and a liege waffle (European waffle made with yeast daily). • Grapevine brew-batter.business.site

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

Crumbl Cookies • Cookies delivered! Chocolate chip, sugar cookie— rotating key lime pie, salted caramel cheesecake, birthday cake, German chocolate. Open ‘til midnight! • Southlake & NRH crumblcookies.com

Dr. Sue’s Chocolate • Doctor by trade, master chocolatier at heart, Dr. Sue Williams crafts the ﬁnest chocolate specimens ever had—trufﬂes, chocolate bark, chocolate bars. • Grapevine drsueschocolate.com

FoodEase • Putting quality time back on the table for busy families by providing healthy, fresh meals delivered to you Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. • Roanoke facebook.com/catering.social

Hey Sugar Candy Shop • Bulk candies and popcorn, 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—ﬂavors like apple, pecan, buttermilk, banana cream. By the slice or whole (large or small rounds). Gluten free, vegan, paleo. • Grapevine judypie.com

Juice Junkies • No need to be a health nut to appreciate juice blends, smoothies, whole food snacks and cold-brewed coffee drinks. Coldpressed. Restocked regularly. • Keller juicejunkies.com

Kindred Coffee Co. • Love for craft coffee and 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

Native Coffee + Kitchen • Refreshing, unapologetic interpretations of comfort food favs—pancakes, tacos, burgers and nachos—alongside coffee made with Texas-roasted bean. NFW nativeck.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes • Made fresh using eggs, butter, cream cheese. Bite-sized Bundtinis, single serving Bundtlets, 8” and 10” and doubletiered cakes. Daily samples! • Southlake nothingbundtcakes.com

j Pattea Lou’s Tea Room • Get reservations for a Tea Room experience, grab scones and tea in th Cafe, enjoy small bites and vast tea variety hot or cold. It’s like a girlie Starbucks without coffee! • Keller pattealous.com

Personalized Grazing • Specializing in customized charcuterie boards and personalizing your culinary experiences. Classes, gifts, ﬁlled and unﬁlled boards, custom boards. • Southlake personalizedgrazing.com

Pinch of Salt Pastries & Coffee • Gluten-free and allergy-friendly bakery proving delicious treats can be enjoyed by everyone. And a sprinkle of salt improves all things sweet. • Grapevine pinchofsaltpastries.com

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

Sugar Llamas • Sip, slurp, scoop and sink your teeth into ﬁnger-licking indulgences. Your favorite donut shop, coffee house and ice cream parlor—all in one location! • Keller sugarllamas.com

j Sweetie’s Cheesecakes • Sweetie’s Cheesecakes is a manufacturer of premium cheesecakes in a jar. Sweetie’s is a Go Texan product that’s manufactured in Fort Worth. • Fort Worth sweetiescheesecakes.com

Texas Harvest Pie Co. • Small pie shop feels like home. Lovingly crafted pies—apple, blueberry, buttermilk, key lime taste like grandmas if she’s an expert baker. • Keller texasharvestpie.wixsite.com/pies

Wine:30 • Wine bar. Texas wineries/wine makers, also wines from California, France, and Italy. A handful of locally brewed craft beers, ﬂatbreads, charcuterie board pairings. • Roanoke w30.wine

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

Back Forty Smokehouse • Brisket, ribs, full bar, outdoor patio, friendly service, locally owned. Back Forty is conveniently located next to the new Tex Rail train station. • NRH backfortysmokehouse.com

Feedstore BBQ • Quality meats and fresh veggies. Ridiculously good chopped beef, chicken, sausage and fall-off-the-bone ribs, fried okra, spicy beans and amazing rolls. • Southlake feedstorebbq.com

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

Meat U Anywhere BBQ • “Meating” your BBQ and catering needs. Slow smoked with seasoned oak and hickory. Exclusive sides and ultimate breakfast tacos. • Grapevine & Trophy Club meatuanywhere.com

j Outpost 36 Texas Barbeque • Calling all carnivores! Your new go-to spot for the best BBQ in Texas. Outpost 76 in-house butcher shop has highquality cuts to-go. Catering, private room, bar. • Keller outpost36.com

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

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

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

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

Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch • Breakfast—Mardi Gras beignets, chicken & wafﬂes, skillet hotties, omelets. Lunch—fried green tomatoes, Creole catﬁsh, N’awlins sandwiches, soups. • Keller huckleberrys.com

Kassandra’s Mexican Kitchen • Hidden gem. Great lunch. Well-priced specials. Put it on your list for breakfast served all day. Breakfast quesadilla— a good reason to get up early! • Keller diningoption.com/Kassandras

Main Street Bistro & Bakery (Bistro M) • Local gem. Foodie following (and a Gallic accent). Chocolate bomb cake makes toes curl! Must-try pastries and desserts Best croissants. • Grapevine themainbakery.com

Mangos Breakfast Brunch • French toast, chicken, waffles, omelets. Out of the ordinary duck bacon burgers, s’mores waffles, skillets with chicken fried steak, stuffed avocados. • Southlake & Keller mangosbb.com

Oldwest Cafe • Big menu, big portions, good value. Saddle up that horse and hit the trail for Oldwest Cafe... pretty darn sure y’all might like it! Breakfast served all day long. • Grapevine oldwestcafe.us

Rush Bowls • Smoothies in a bowl with fruit and toppings—all-natural fruit and açai blended until thick and creamy. Healthy alternative dessert or a perfect meal. Perfect refueling stop. • Keller rushbowls.com

Seven Mile Café • Fans ﬂock for specialty pancakes, Gouda grits, egg dishes, Stumptown coffee. Can’t go wrong with benedicts or pancake sampler. Vegan and gluten-free options. Keller & NFW sevenmilecafe.com

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

Sunny Street Café • Serving hearty American fare—gluten-free options. Dine-in. Carry-out. Neighborhood destination for fresh, wholesome food and friendly service served daily. • Keller & NRH sunnystreetcafe.com

Townhouse Brunch • Twists on omelettes, benedicts, pancakes, salads, sandwiches. Sweet banana Nutella crepes or savory “everything spiced” avocado toast—cravings covered! • Colleyville townhousebrunch.com

BRITISH ...................................................................................

From Across the Pond • British classics—fish and chips, bangers and mash, scotch eggs, proper British breakfast—plus burgers, sandwiches, pastas, salads from beyond the pond. • Colleyville acrossthepond.site

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

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

Bohemian Bull Tavern & Beer Garden • Relax in a lively and open atmosphere. Fill your belly with hearty food—wash it down with craft beers, hand-selected bourbons and cocktails • Grapevine bohemianbull.com

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

Fred’s Texas Cafe • Nationally acclaimed hamburgers, fabulous chickenfried steak, the coldest beer in town—that’s Fred’s. A beloved local dive that’s serious about food! • NFW fredstexascafe.com

Hollywood’s Pour Shack • Comes alive when the sun sets! Cover bands and DJs. provide music at this big indoor/outdoor bar serving up burgers and drink specials. Your neighborhood bar. • Keller pourshack.com

Hopdoddy Burger Bar • Irresistible food, fresh ingredients. Quality you can taste—hand-cut fries, craft drinks, milkshakes, three types of buns baked daily! • Alliance & Euless hopdoddy.com

Kincaid’s Hamburgers • Meet here to eat—good ol’burgers, ice cream shakes, deviled eggs, stuffed jalepenos, fried okra, chicken sandwiches, banana pudding. • Southlake & Alliance kincaidshamburgers.com

LA Burger • Beautifully seared meat, oozy cheese, toasty buns—burgers executed with California ﬂair. Tacos, fries, hot dogs, salads, shakes. Served counter-style multi-culti twist. • Keller & Grapevine la-burger.com

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

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

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

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

Krab Kingz Seafood • A fiesta of seafood. Cajun flavor. Kick back with jazz music and authentic Louisiana vibes. Freshest, most flavorful seafood you never knew you were missing! • NFW krabkingzftworth.com

GREEK / MEDITERRANEAN .........................................................

Aladdin Mediterranean Café • Vibrant eatery and culinary journey through rich ﬂavors of the Mediterranean. Beloved by food enthusiasts seeking authentic tastes. • NFW aladdinmedicafe.site

Café Medi • 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 & Hurst cafemedi.com

Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen • Innovative fusion cuisine, paired with upscale ambiance and ﬁve-star service. Sunday brunch buffet , lunch specials and happy hour all day Mondays. • Southlake ferahtexmed.com

Istanbul Cuisine Mediterranean Grill • Like in Sultans' Kitchen—serving genuine dishes like Turkish kebab, Greek salad, lamb shank, falafel balls. Eat well, grab a drink. • Southlake istanbulcuisinesouthlake.com

INDIAN

Mughlai Fine Indian Cuisine • Courtly cuisine of Mughal royalty— familiar dishes like lamb roghan josh, chicken tikka masala served alongside authentic Indian street fare. • Southlake mughlaidfw.com

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

Acquario Italian Seafood • Where coastal Italy meets Texan ﬂair—artistic symphony of coastal ﬂavors incredibly fresh seafood harmonizing with steaks from Texas Ranchers. • Keller acquariorestaurant.com

Armend’s Restaurante • Family restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes including made-from-scratch pizzas, home-style pastas, traditional Italian chicken, seafood and veal dishes. • Southlake armendspizza.com

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.” • NRH, North Fort Worth bossespizza.com

Brio Tuscan Grille • Buzzing from the outdoor patio to the courtyard bar. Upscale enough for date-night, but casual enough for locals wandering in from their shopping. • Southlake Town Square brioitalian.com

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 atmosphere. • Southlake ilcalabrese.com

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. They have plenty of that as well! • Southlake coalvinespizza.com

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

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

Ferrari’s Italian Villa & Chop House • Beautiful banquet and private dining. Bountiful antipasti bar. Roasted entrées from the wood ﬁred oven. Desserts prepared tableside. • Grapevine ferrarisrestaurant.com

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria • Brooklyn’s iconic pizza has 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

i Fratelli Pizza • Distinctive thin-n-crispy pizza, handmade sauces, dressings, dessert—local favorite for 30 years. Delivery exceedes expectations with fast exemplary delivery. • Southlake, Keller, NFW ifratelli.net

Jonny’s Pizza • At Jonny's, 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

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

Loveria Caffe • Emilia-Romagna is Italy’s premier destination for food lovers—pasta, cured meat, cheese, wine, meatballs, lasagna, eggplant parm perfected centuries before landing here. • Colleyville loveriacaffe.com

Napoli’s Italian Café & Creamery • Italian-America classics in Historic Grapevine Main Street setting. Linger in or drop by the creamery for freshly made gelato and Italian desserts. • Grapevine napolisgrapevine.com

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

Palio’s Pizza Cafe • Food tastes better—they swear it’s better for you with fresh ingredients made-from-scratch. Pizzas with pesto, artichoke hearts, chicken and mushrooms. • Keller, NFW & Roanoke paliospizzacafe.com

Postino • Wine Cafe menu that satisﬁes all your cravings—paninis, bruschettas, charcuterie boards, sharable “Snacky Things,” salads, desserts. OMG grilled cheese pairs perfect! • Southlake postinowinecafe.com

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

Vinny’s Italian Restaurant • Good food, great people—it’s like being invited to your Italian uncle’s house for dinner. Serving authentic New York style pizza and authentic Italian classics. • Trophy Club vinnysitalian.site

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

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

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

Del Campo Empanadas • Empanadas with savories like chicken, ham, spinach, picanha steak. Dipped in chimichurri. No-fuss meal. Grab-andgo. Sweet treats here also. • Fort Worth delcampoempanadas.com

j El Sabor Restaurant • Hidden gem. Authentic Salvadoran cuisine— pupusas, yucca, plantains, Chicharrón, parrillada, tamales, tacos and tortas. Seafood options and Mexican favorites. • Keller restaurantelsabor.com

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

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

Baja Cantina • Coastal Mexican 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

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 & NFW cristinasmex.com

Elote Mexican Kitchen • Little taqueria with style. Slow roasted meats, fresh ingredients, marvelous margaritas. Menu is gluten-free (except ﬂour tortillas). Plus soy cheese and tofu sour cream. • NFW elotemex.com

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

Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano • Possibly coolest patio scene in DFW. Feast on Mexican classics—don’t miss out on their famous margaritas, fajitas or authentic Mexican favorites. • Grapevine esparzastexas.com

Fresco’s • Vibrant joint serving traditional Mexican dishes and TexMex using quality ingredients. Unmistakable ﬂavor and freshness. Great margaritas and tortilla soup. • Watauga frescosmexicanfood.com

Los Molcajetes • Warm tortilla chips and red or green salsa, sizzling fajitas, margaritas, sopapillas, ﬂan or fried ice cream—the ultimate Mexican comfort food! • Roanoke & NFW losmolcajetes.com

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

Mesa • Elevated coastal cuisine in bright, elegant space to match vibrant, upscale menu. Magic touch with seafood, including lobster enchiladas, Mexican gumbo, chipotle shrimp. • Grapevine mesagrapevine.com

Mesero • Beyond Tex Mex—lives up to Mexican Spirit American Life motto. One taste of the iconic Queso Mesero and brisket tacos will keep you coming back... don’t skip their amazing drinks! • Southlake mesero.net

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

Mi Dia From Scratch • Traditional Mexico City with modern Santa Fe and Tex Mex ﬂavors. Fusion of the past and present. Fresh ideas, authentic ingredients, skillfully prepared. • Grapevine midiafromscratch.com

Zaﬁros Mexican Grill y Cantina • Finest expressions of scratch-kitchen ingredients, championing modern cuisine and seasonality to create bright, fresh flavors of Mexican cooking. Great patio. • Colleyville zaﬁrostx.com

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

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

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

The Crab Station • 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

Fish City Grill • Friendly folks, serious seafood. Made from scratch recipes at affordable prices. Daily chalkboard specials—soups, salads, shrimp, sandwiches, catﬁsh and oysters. • Flower Mound ﬁshcitygrill.com

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

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

Shell Shack • Known for its signature and fully customizable seafood boils. Shell Shack sources the best seafood available, including Opilio and Bairdi snow crab at the best possible prices. • NFW shellshack.com

Shuck Me • Seafood spot with fried baskets, peel-and-eat shrimp, po-boys, crawﬁsh, oysters, gumbo. Big portions. Plenty to choose from— perfect seafood ﬁx at great prices! • Southlake & Alliance shuckme.net

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

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

Bob’s Steak and Chop House • 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

The Classic at Roanoke • Unlikely ﬁne dining destination. Nicely focused menu, grilled steaks and seafood. World-class food, casual atmosphere, family friendly environment. A true classic. • Roanoke theclassiccafe.com

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

Dino’s Steak & Claw House • Serving a variety of seafood, steak and poultry dishes in a vintage bank building along historic Main Street. Romantic spot. Live piano music. • Grapevine dinossteakandclaw.net

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill • Top-notch service—upscale dining at a modest price. Bold ﬂavors, inviting atmosphere, hand-cut, aged steaks, seafood, cocktails, wines, happy hour. • NFW ﬁrebirdsrestaurants.com

Keller Chophouse • Elegant dine in, caterings, charcuterie, ﬁne wine and drink selection, happy hour. Roster of seafood, chicken, steaks—New York strip, bone-in ribeye, ﬁlet mignon. • Keller kellerchophouse.com

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

Mac’s on Main • Southwestern, cajun and global inﬂuences. Steaks, signature prime rib, seafood. Cocktails, beer, 30+ single malt scotches, wine. Locally owned/operated, one-of-a-kind. • Grapevine macsteak.com

Old Hickory Steakhouse • Dine in warm, rich atmosphere of Texas wine cellar. Savor ﬁnest cuts of beef and seafood paired with artisanal cheese. Extensive wine list. • Inside Gaylord Texan Resort gaylordtexan.com

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

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

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

Submit your favorite dining spots for consideration to be listed free in Top Tables. Send the restaurant name and location so our foodies can check it out. Email requested info to: info@societylifemagazine.com. Bon appetit!

SL

WhereLocalsGo

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORRAINE HAAN-STEWART

REVIEW BY JENNIFER SLOAN

SWEETIE’S CHEESECAKES

I live for dessert. To me there’s nothing that puts a terrible day back on track like a sweet treat and a cup of coffee. It seems that most restaurants have been let in on some secret that if you offer something chocolate, some variation of crème brulee and cheesecake with any fruit topping, you have your bases covered. Ten-times-out-of-ten, I am picking the chocolate. Cheesecake, even if accompanied by a drizzle of chocolate, just isn’t my “thing.”

On a recent assignment at the Butcher Shop at Outpost 36, I noticed the cutest mason jars in the cold case. Upon closer inspection, I realized that these jars were filled with “Sweetie’s Cheesecakes.” My husband, who is quite the opposite of me when it comes to dessert preferences, loves cheesecake so here was my chance to grab him an individual portion that I didn’t have to subject myself to sharing with him. There were quite a few flavor choices:

Key Lime, Whiskey Peach, Original… and Chocolate. What kind of witchcraft is this? I closely examined the jar with my readers on and it seemed to have the texture profile of a mousse. I took this and the Whiskey Peach to the register. “Have you had these yet,” asked the Butcher. I shook my head no. “Oh you are in for a real treat.” Spoiler alert—I ate all of mine before my husband got home from work and then stashed the Whiskey Peach behind the pickles. Fast forward three weeks and I have tried a total of 5 flavors with 3 additional hidden in my freezer. Turns out cheesecake actually is “my thing.”

Sweetie’s Cheesecakes is a familyowned bakery in North Fort Worth that has made a name for themselves with their unique cheesecakes. The business is owned and operated by Michael and Shannon Vespa, who have turned their passion for baking into a successful enterprise that brings joy in a mason jar throughout the community. Michael creates the recipes and Shannon, with a wonderful heart of patience, executes them. Anyone who has ever attempted to prepare a cheesecake knows it’s not for the weak.

Michael’s affinity for all things cheesecake started with his mom—whom Michael says is “an incredible baker.”

“Although she usually bakes pies and cakes once she made a cheesecake for me,” he recalls. “I think this was the first time I ever had a cheesecake and I loved it.” That cheesecake didn’t last very long, so Michael asked her to make another. Remember, cheesecake is a very intense craft. “My mom loves baking, but she said, ‘Michael, I can’t make you a cheesecake every weekend.’” That’s when Michael decided he needed to learn to make cheesecake for himself.

As a young adult, Michael worked in a number of different restaurants in New Jersey where he grew up. He sold his first cheesecake at age 16 to a coworker and thus the Sweetie’s Cheesecakes ball was set into motion. However, it would be years before it was Michael’s fulltime job. He went on to earn a degree in engineering management, marry his high school sweetheart (the everpatient Shannon) and move from New Jersey to Texas. While he found success working in information technology, somehow he just wasn’t happy.

Something was missing. Then life took an unexpected turn and he was laid off from his company after a CEO change. “It took a year or so to find my bearings, but after a lot of prayers, encouragement from my friends and family, and yielding to my God-given talent, I came back to my original love of cheesecake and Sweetie’s Cheesecakes came to life.”

Currently, Sweetie’s Cheesecakes offers three year-round flavors—Plain, Signature (featuring a delicate citrus zest finish), and Chocolate—with seasonal flavors that change throughout the year. The newest Fall flavors include Chai and, of course, Pumpkin. Not only can you purchase Sweetie’s Cheesecakes at their storefront, but they are also conveniently stocked at several farmers markets and coffee shops throughout the area. Sweetie’s also offers catering services. Whether it’s a small family gathering, a wedding or even a large corporate event, Sweetie’s Cheesecakes adds a touch of sweetness that makes any occasion special.