Lakeside, TX July 2025

Explore the Beauty Growing in Your Own Backyard

A Season to Explore

July brings with it a certain kind of magic—the kind you can taste in a sun-ripened peach, feel in a breeze off the lake, or sip from a glass filled with something cool, unexpected, and homemade. This month, we invite you to explore with all your senses.

Our Explore issue is a celebration of the little journeys that make summer feel endless. You don’t have to board a plane to spark adventure. Sometimes, it’s as simple as trying a new drink—sparkling, botanical, or boldly spiced—or experimenting with ice cubes that are as pretty as they are flavorful (think lavender lemonade, frozen berries, mint and cucumber). These tiny touches can turn an ordinary day into something worth remembering.

We’re also embracing the art of the summer picnic. Whether you’re packing up for a lakeside getaway or unfolding a blanket in your own backyard, there’s something beautifully grounding about gathering under the sky with food, friends, and nowhere to be but here.

This month, we also stopped by St. Arbor Community Garden, where neighbors are growing more than just vegetables—they’re cultivating connection, nourishing the community, and building something rooted in joy. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, there’s no better place to wander.

And for those ready to travel further, we take you to Switzerland—where wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and storybook villages invite you to slow down and breathe deeper. From riding scenic trains to sipping herbal infusions with views of the Matterhorn, Switzerland reminds us that exploration can be both awe-inspiring and serene.

Here’s to the season of laid-back adventure

ALEXIS JACKSON, PUBLISHER @LAKESIDECITYLIFESTYLE

July 2025

PUBLISHER

Alexis Jackson | alexis.jackson@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Clareece Montero | clareece.montero@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jason Laumer | jason.laumer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shannon Spake | shannon.spake@citylifestyle.com

Robert Medigovich rmedigovich@communitywastedisposal.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Little Elm Chamber networking event at Fuzzy's Tacos. 2: Little Elm City Council celebrated National Public Works week with a proclamation. 3: The sun is shining on Little Elm's Farmers Market. 4: Friends enjoying Fortunata Winery. 5: City of Aubrey Summer Music series kicks off with a bang. 6: Council celebrated the department’s newest achievement. They received the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA) Accreditation! 7: Ace Hardware in Little Elm is now open.

business monthly

Growing Sprouts Photography

Made to bring the imaginations of children to life, Growing Sprouts Photography focuses on capturing the magic in every child's laugh, twirl and special moment. As a mom herself, owner Amber McMahan understands that moments with your little ones are fleeting, so allow their wildest dreams to come to life at her innovative studio. Scan

Olivia Clarke Homes

With your family's lifestyle at the center of our design process, Olivia Clarke Homes ensures that every inch of your home – from rooms to hallways to storage space – is thoughtfully crafted to support your unique needs. We build spaces for relaxation, entertainment and functional living, which make being at home exactly what you’ve always wanted it to be: simply perfect.

The Barnes Group

The Barnes Group revolutionizes how businesses manage their most valuable asset – their people. Specializing in providing payroll, HR and staffing services, the Barnes Group gives clients that extra support needed in their operations. Their tailored solutions fit just about every business need, giving company leaders more of an opportunity to empower their teams and take their organization to new heights.

This magazine exists because Alexis said ‘Yes.’

Behind every City Lifestyle magazine is a leap of faith — someone who chose to shape the story of their city. They saw a chance to inspire, connect, and elevate the voices that make their community shine.

Now, new cities are waiting for someone to say yes. What if it was you?

Lakeside City Lifestyle

Published

by Alexis Loved by Lakeside

ST. ARBOR Community Garden

HOW LITTLE ELM BUILDS A CLEANER,

AND MORE CONNECTED COMMUNITY

For over 25 years, Community Waste Disposal (CWD) has done more than just haul trash for the residents of Little Elm— they’ve hauled in a legacy of sustainability, education, and true community partnership. Since beginning service in July 1998, when Little Elm had just 800 homes, CWD has supported the town’s explosive 1,900% growth with innovative, and environmentally responsible waste and recycling solutions.

CWD’s own growth story is equally impressive. Launched in 1984 by CEO Greg Roemer with only two trucks and two employees, CWD has become the largest locally owned and operated solid waste hauler in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Today, it operates a fleet of more than 150 trucks and employs over 300 people, providing service to 37 municipalities. Recognized as #23 on Waste360’s Top 40 Waste and Recycling Firms and among the top 10 private companies nationally, CWD prides itself on its straightforward formula for success: the right people and the right equipment.

In Little Elm, residents benefit from weekly trash and recycling collection using 95-gallon carts, plus bi-monthly bulk and brush pickup—all performed using clean-burning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks that reduce noise and improve air quality.

But CWD is more than a service provider. According to Mayor Curtis J. Cornelious, “Our partnership with Community Waste Disposal has been instrumental in keeping Little Elm clean, safe, and sustainable. Their commitment to reliable service and environmental responsibility reflects the values of our commUNITY.”

That community-first mindset extends beyond curbside pickups. CWD has partnered with organizations like the Little Elm Chamber of Commerce, Little Elm Rotary Club, and the Little Elm Education Foundation to implement eco-friendly practices at public events. Their efforts have helped the town win numerous awards, including two Keep Texas Beautiful Governor’s Community Achievement Awards— each worth $250,000—and the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association’s Small Program Excellence Award in 2021.

stability, and opportunity. The garden plays a key role in this mission, offering hands-on education in sustainable gardening to Little Elm residents, especially youth and students from Little Elm ISD.

Michel Hambrick, a 13-year Little Elm resident and recent recipient of Keep Texas Beautiful’s OP Schnable Volunteer of the Year Award, is at the heart of this effort. Each Saturday morning, she leads volunteers— many of them young students—through the garden, teaching them about soil health, environmental responsibility, and the reality that fruits and vegetables come from the earth, not a grocery store.

We’re not just teaching gardening. We’re teaching life skills.

Under her guidance and with support from CWD, over 5,000 pounds of fresh produce have been donated to local food banks. The ripple effects of these efforts are profound: healthier families, educated youth, and a community united in purpose.

One of CWD’s most inspiring partnerships is with Saint Arbors Community Garden, supported by the STAR Community Development Corporation. Located in the heart of Little Elm, this six-acre garden is more than a source of fresh produce—it’s a source of hope, education, and community building.

The STAR CDC, which stands for “Saint Arbors Rebuilding,” aims to fulfill unmet community needs by offering services that promote wellness,

Hambrick sums it up best: “We’re not just teaching gardening. We’re teaching life skills, responsibility, and the importance of preserving our natural resources.”

Through the partnership of CWD and the STAR CDC, Little Elm is turning waste into wisdom and gardens into gateways of opportunity—proving that when a community invests in both people and the planet, it plants the seeds for a thriving future— where everyone wins.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Summer is here and what better way to quench your thirst than with drinks crafted from the season’s fresh produce? Embrace the natural sweetness of sun-ripened fruits and the invigorating zest of garden-fresh herbs. From crisp berry infusions to fragrant herbal blends, enjoy the art of crafting delicious and revitalizing beverages that celebrate the fresh flavors of summer.

THE “HERBAL COCONUT” PIÑA COLADA

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Coconut Rum

• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice

• .5 oz Coconut water

• 1 oz. Cream of Coconut.

• A few fresh mint leaves

• Optional: A few fresh basil leaves.

• Ice

• Garnish: Mint sprig, and a pineapple chunk.

Instructions:

Muddle the mint and basil leaves in the bottom of the blender. Add the remaining ingredients and ice. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass. Garnish with fresh fruit and herbs

This sangria emphasizes fresh garden herbs and the sweetness of seasonal berries.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio or Garnacha)

• ½ cup brandy or rum

• ½ cup elderflower liqueur

• 1 cup sparkling water

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• ½ cup fresh raspberries

• ½ cup fresh blueberries

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves

• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)

• 1 lime, thinly sliced

Instructions:

In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy (or rum), and elderflower liqueur. Stir gently to mix. Add the sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mint leaves, rosemary sprigs, and cucumber slices to the pitcher. Gently muddle the berries and herbs slightly to release their flavors. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, add the sliced lime and sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently. Serve the sangria over ice, ensuring each glass gets a mix of fruit and herbs.

GARDEN HERB &BERRY SANGRIA

ROSEMARY GRAPEFRUIT PEAR FIZZ

This cocktail balances the tartness of grapefruit, the sweetness of pear, and the distinct notes of rosemary, all brought together with a bubbly finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin (or Vodka)

• 1.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

• 1 oz Pear Liqueur (or Pear Juice)

• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• 1 sprig of Rosemary

• Sparkling water

• Garnish: Rosemary sprig, grapefruit slice, pear slice

Instructions:

Place the rosemary sprig in a cocktail shaker. Lightly muddle the rosemary to release its oils. Add the gin (or vodka), grapefruit juice, pear liqueur and lime juice to the shaker. Add ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a grapefruit slice, and a pear slice.

LIME MINT

ROSE MOJITO

A Lime Mint Rose Mojito adds a floral twist to the classic mojito, creating a refreshing and elegant cocktail. Here’s a recipe that balances the traditional lime and mint with the delicate aroma of rose.

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves

• 1 lime, cut into wedges

• 2 tablespoons white sugar (or simple syrup, to taste)

• 2 ounces white rum

• 1 ounce rose water (adjust to taste, as it can be potent)

• Club soda or sparkling water

• Garnish: Mint sprigs, lime wedges, edible rose petals (optional)

Instructions: Muddle:

Place the mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass. Add sugar. Use a muddler to gently crush the mint and lime. Pour the white rum and rose water into the glass. Stir well. Fill the glass with ice. Top with club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig, a lime wedge, and, if desired, edible rose petals.

ICE CUBES ICE CUBES ICE CUBES ICE CUBES ICE CUBES

CreativeIceCubes FOR SUMMER

Stay Cool with Fun Infused Ice Recipes

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.

CONTINUED >

Edible Flower Ice

Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.

Ingredients:

• Edible flowers

• Water

Instructions:

1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.

2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.

3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.

4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.

5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.

Raspberry Lemonade Ice

Add a zesty burst of flavor to your water or lemonade with raspberry lemonade ice cubes. These vibrant cubes are perfect for a hot summer day.

Ingredients:

• Fresh raspberries

• Lemon slices

• Water Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Place a raspberry and a small lemon slice in each compartment of an ice cube tray.

2. Fill and Freeze: Fill the tray with water and freeze until solid.

3. Serve: Add the raspberry lemonade ice cubes to your drinks for a refreshing twist.

These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!

Coffee Ice Cubes for Iced Coffee

Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.

Ingredients:

• Freshly brewed coffee

Instructions:

1. Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.

2. Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.

3. Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.

&

Picnics Pairings

CREATE A LIVELY, NUTRITIOUS, AND TASTY SENSATION AT YOUR NEXT COZY PICNIC

ARTICLE BY KIM COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Have you been eyeing a breathtaking view or a luscious green patch near a waterscape? For special times with your favorite people, nothing says warm weather fun like a picnic. Follow these tips for preparation ideas.

Ambiance:

Throw pillows are a must.  Pull them from your couches or invest in outdoor pillows that can be used repeatedly.  A large throw is also essential to protect from moist ground and grass stains.  Bring your favorite tunes with one of the many available portable speakers or unplug and enjoy the sounds of nature. Cut flowers add a wow factor.

Gear:

You don’t have to own a picnic basket to have a picnic. But if you do bring a basket, make sure to have some way to chill your perishables and drinks. Reusable silverware, plastic wine or drink cups, and plates often come with a picnic basket set, but can also be purchased separately. Keeping it elegant, but easy (and cool) is the key!

Accompaniments:

A cheese plate with fruit is the perfect start to your picnic fare. As with the cheese, your drink selections should coordinate with the main dish. For salads, pair accoutrements with the dressing in mind. A lemony herb vinaigrette dressing goes well with smooth cheeses and tart beverages such as lemonade, prosecco, or sauvignon blanc.

Enjoy your perfect picnic!

JULY 2025

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 4TH

July Jubilee!

701 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm, TX 75068 | 9:00 AM

Join us at Little Elm Park for July Jubilee! Time: Parking lot opens at 8 a.m., the park will open at 9 a.m. Fireworks: The firework show will begin around 9:30 p.m. Live music: Empire6 will be performing at the amphitheater. Food trucks and bars on-site

JULY 5TH

Fruit Jar Junction Farmers Market

305 S Main St, Aubrey, TX 76227 | 8:00 AM

This market is made up of farmers, ranchers, growers, handmade items like arts, crafts, and homemade food items. No resale items or MLM vendors. All Texas Cottage Food vendors will be in compliance with Texas laws for your safety. Join us every first Saturday of the month (Weather Permitting) 8am-12pm during our season that runs April through November.

JULY 12TH

Lights, Camera, Lawn: Wicked!

125 Main St., Little Elm, Texas 75068 | 6:00 PM

Lights, Camera, Lawn: Wicked!  Join us at The Lawn™ on Saturday, July 12, at 6 p.m. to watch Wicked!  6-9 p.m. - Face Painters, Poparellas Popcorn, and more!

JULY 19TH

Cross Roads Summer Community Market

7901 Fishtrap Rd, Cross Roads, TX 76227 | 6:00 AM

Come support local vendors at the Summer Community Market from 8am-11am! Local farmers, artisans, bakers, and more bring their best just for you!

JULY 25TH

An Evening with Tony D. Bakly

2297 FM-2931, Aubrey, TX 76227 | 6:30 PM

Tony D. Bakly will be performing at FORTUNATA WINERY in Providence Village from 6:30-9:30pm please stop by and relax to hit songs from the 60's and 70's, and enjoy some fabulous Fortunata Vino.

JULY 26TH

Live at The Lawn™: Infinite Journey Band

303 Main St., Little Elm, TX 75068 | 7:00 PM

Join us on July 26 at 7 p.m. for another amazing concert at The Lawn™! Infinite Journey Band is a five-piece band delivers a musically immersive Journey experience, focusing on the overall sound, solos, and most importantly the soaring vocals that make Journey so iconic. Infinite Journey Band | The Lawn at The Lakefront™ | 125 Main St. | 7 p.m.

Want to be featured?

U NMATCH E D BE UT Y

If Switzerland is not on your bucket list, put it on there now! Switzerland is awash in beautiful mountains, hiking trails, the alps, villages and lakes. It truly captures the heart the second the plane lands. The train system is easy and affordable and a great way to see the countryside, so be sure to plan some day trips using their easy transportation systems. Don’t be afraid to visit with the locals to hear where they would go to base some of your day trips on their recommendations. They are generally spot on every time.

WHERE TO EAT:

• To indulge in the traditional treat that Switzerland is known for, visit Sprungli which serves the best chocolate in Switzerland.

• To treat yourself to a Michelin restaurant, head to Zurich and eat at Kronenhalle.

• Aperol spritz and local craft beer is readily served at almost every cafe to enjoy.

• When in doubt, ask the locals, as they are happy to suggest their favorite eateries.

WHERE TO EXPLORE:

• Appenzell and Lake Constance is surrounded by Switzerland, Austria and Germany. An easy and short train ride to Appenzell and a quick gondola ride up the mountain boasts a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding areas.

• Ticino is where the locals suggest to visit and holiday. It is known for its waterfront promenade, bridges, castles, historical buildings and stunning landscape.

• Take in the sights of Zurich and its magnificent lakeside views. This spectacular city boasts amazing views, food and locals.

• Take a short three hour train ride to Paris to explore the gorgeous city and delectable French food.