Northlake, TX March 2024

With 18 years of design and renovation expertise, Amira & Co. is a turnkey design remodel firm specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations. Our full-service approach simplifies the entire process, handling everything from design selections and 3D renderings to procurement, project management, and installation. Homeowners can relax as we take care of every detail, ensuring a seamless experience.

Home - Not Just Where the Heart Is

Home. So much contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our sense of safety. It's where we host our families and friends, where we unwind, where we make countless precious memories. While the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value of our homes are undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, "The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back." As we reflect on what being home encompasses, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That includes the warm meals served, the pride and time it takes to master the perfect aesthetic, but most importantly - the people.

My home is my sanctuary - it's where I've seen my daughter grow and it's where I've hosted family and friends for dinners, birthday parties, girl's nights and date nights. It's where I've curled up with a good book, enjoyed sunshine during a beautiful day, and where I feel the troubles of the outside world melt away. Like you, I feel that my home is an extension of me.

We feel like the lucky ones as we continue to learn more about the businesses and individuals who comprise this city, and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope that you'll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you, not just in your city and neighborhood, but in your home, too.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine longer than the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for ages as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thank you for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Crystal Hobbs | crystal.hobbs@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Gabrielle Bailey | gabrielle.bailey@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Sarah Strickland | sarah.strickland@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Noele Ames

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle W. Parnell, Kellie Krevosky, Gabrielle Bailey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christina Schmidt, Savanna Romano

Holistic Process + Inspirational Living

We design timeless spaces with your wellness in mind.

city scene

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Align My Spine

Dr. Rachel Moore of Align My Spine is a specialized lactation consultant who works with new mothers postpartum. She also works with expecting mothers and helps them as they prepare for motherhood. Reach out to Dr. Moore and schedule a time for a consultation when you find yourself needing some extra support.

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R3 Physio

Jason Racca and his team work with the individual to identify the cause of long-standing pain. After four years in business, they prioritize client relationships to ensure questions are properly answered and each person feels heard. If a person is not ready to book an appointment or isn’t sure if physical therapy is the proper route, R3 Physio will help identify the best course of action for the right physical healing journey.

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Blair's Ruff House

Blair's Ruff House isn't a run-of-the-mill pet boarding and daycare facility - it specializes in livestock services, too. Ranch care includes well checks, feeding and watering, stall and play yard clean up, and giving medicine, allowing livestock owners peace of mind if they need an extra hand with their animals. Like all drop-in visits, livestock care can be scheduled for 30 or 60 minutes. Message Blairsruffhouse@gmail.com for more information and services.

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Community Comfort

Everyone’s version of their perfect home varies. Perhaps someone wants to live in a Mayberry-style neighborhood surrounded by friendly faces and bustling playgrounds. Maybe someone wants to be closer to nature and be able to grow their own food in their garden. Another person might have an empty nest and is ready to downsize to a quieter street with active amenities.

Through the Pecan Square, Harvest and Robson Ranch communities, each scenario is a reality here in North Texas. Real estate agent Deb Siefkin works with her clients to see what their needs are beyond finding a new home. For those looking for a neighborhood that integrates a certain lifestyle, Siefkin said one of these planned communities provides a home base that extends beyond four walls and a roof.

“The developers discovered that if they have a themed community and put in amenities that fit that development, it draws people in,” said Siefkin. “However, they aren’t huge planned communities. They’re more residential and focus on what interests they want to bring into these neighborhoods.”

For residents who settled into these neighborhoods, instilling a lifestyle change eclipsed just moving to a new home. Each community serves its residents a little differently, allowing new faces to feel out which environment is best for them.

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PECAN SQUARE:

Siefkin said Pecan Square procures a small-town feel within a neighborhood. It has a town square, coworking spaces, a game room, two pools, a gym, and a full calendar of events for all ages. From neighbors watching out for each other’s children to multiple green spaces and playgrounds, residents feel comfortable letting their kids run out the door and hang at the communal areas.

“The day that we came to look at this neighborhood, it felt like someone had set up a movie scene,” said Alex Holmes, who is a mom to four teenage boys. “It was an idyllic place. There were families walking their dogs, older kids throwing the football, and we wanted our kids to not have to go anywhere to be entertained and have fun with their friends.”

Pecan Square naturally brings people together through planned events and an inclusive environment. Whether someone wants to pop into a neighborhood potluck, enjoy snacks from a food truck in the town square, or to join a class in the shared residential space, Pecan Square emotes a sense of belonging.

“The community has a lifestyle coordinator dedicated to putting on events, so you do have a reason to interact with your neighbor,” said Sarah Wadley, who moved to Pecan Square with her husband, Michael, three years ago. “Just to be familiar with the people around you, I think that’s comfortable to me.”

The Wadleys appreciate that they don’t feel alone on their street. During the freeze that swept across North Texas in January, Michael used his experience in plumbing to remind people on the neighborhood’s social media pages on how to take care of their pipes.

“There’s a sense of wanting to make a community here,” Michael said. “To see what’s here and to have spent time at other planned communities, there is so much here that other places don’t have.”

HARVEST :

According to Siefkin, Harvest brings the farm to the suburbs with its nature-centric feel. Community gardens run lush in the planned green space of the neighborhood, where residents can work on their own plot.

“The fact that you could grow your own food if you wanted to bring back some of the old values that my generation remembers, but you don’t see anymore,” said Noele Ames, who moved to the area with her daughter eight years ago. “You live and play on your land, but your land will also provide for you.”

The amenities are designed to bring nature to the suburbs. Harvest has orchards, fields of flowers, greenhouses, and a barn-style gathering area with picnic tables, basketball courts and outdoor fire pits.

“We support and uplift each other. It’s fewer and farther between that you find close-knit neighborhoods that do things together,” Blair Munger said. “When the weather is nicer, Harvest does a concert series and everyone comes with their kids and blankets and drinks. It’s a fun and easy time for people to gather.”

ROBSON RANCH:

Robson Ranch, which Siefkin said is the inspiration behind many of these communities, is much more than a 55-and-up neighborhood. It’s a resort community designed for people who don’t have children living at home and want a slower pace of life. With a golf course, multiple tennis courts, pools, fitness centers and a packed community calendar, this neighborhood appeals to those who want to maintain an active

lifestyle without having to traverse around Dallas-Fort Worth.

“Robson Ranch represents a welcome retreat and a slower pace of life from the daily demands of life and work beyond our gates,” Dennis Constantine said. “I love golf and league play at the 27 holes here. There is a sense of community in a secure development that is difficult to find in most places today.”

To learn more about these lifestyle communities, contact Deb Siefkin at 940-368-1013.

AVOIDING THE HEAT WAVE

What you need to know to keep your house cool during the summer

During Texas summers, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is having their air conditioning unit go out. While some home repairs can wait a day or two to be fixed, it’s nearly impossible to be comfortable in your house during those scorching months without cool air.

Much like the upkeep of a car, the air conditioning unit in everyone’s home must be maintained and cleaned to operate properly. However, many homeowners don’t know the steps needed to keep their air conditioners running well, which leads to a quicker breakdown of parts or the entire unit.

Jason and Laurie Fraser, the founders and owners of A&A Air, said simple, preventative maintenance is the best way to keep air conditioners functioning longer, potentially saving thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.

“Keeping the units clean allows the motors to work at their max capacity, and they can move freely,” Laurie Fraser said. “Whenever they gather up a bunch of dust and dirt, they get stuck. They get hot and they overheat and they burn out. Cleaning prevents all of that and allows the system to work the way it's designed to work.”

Jason Fraser added that a quality air conditioning service company will provide in-depth equipment checks twice a year to ensure the unit is working properly. If something is amiss, trained professionals have the experience to identify the problem and save homeowners from big headaches later.

“Not only do we check out the central heat and cooling system, we can look for issues that might be covered up,” he explained. “Rodent activity, water leaks in the roof, and other water heater problems in the attic all can lead to serious damage.”

While there are some things homeowners can do to keep their systems running in top condition, such as replacing the filters every few months, the Frasers recommend not taking the do-it-yourself route when it comes to fixing an AC unit.

“There are so many components of the system, and it would be really difficult for homeowners to try and troubleshoot,” Laurie Fraser said. “If you do one thing and it’s not right, you could burn up something else or worse, you might get hurt.  An example might be someone who does not know to turn off the disconnect before washing the condenser.”

Most units are designed to run 12-15 years with proper care, meaning all homeowners will have to replace their air conditioners if they plan to live in their homes long term. Instead of being caught by surprise or continuously replacing parts, the Frasers recommend preparing to buy a new system by shopping in the spring when the original unit is close to reaching that lifespan.

“If you know you need a new unit, you’re able to shop for it and pick the right contractor,” Jason Fraser explained. “You're going to get a much better job if they worked in 60-degree conditions or 70-degree conditions versus 110-degree conditions.

“There's also a lot of manufacturer rebates that are put forth in spring, and it’s the same with your energy company. By the time you pair your energy rebates and manufacturer rebates together and choose the right contractor, spring is when you're going to get the best deal.”

With summer quickly approaching, now is the time to have all units checked. For questions about AC care or services, visit A&A Air at AAair.net or call 972-951-1320.

We always want to leave things better than we found them.

“ “A solid work ethic and desire to positively contribute to the community are the driving forces behind Premium Poolsmith, a Southlake-based pool service company owned by Will Smith and Devon Thompson.

The team places a high priority on quality customer service, which means being accessible to new and existing households, providing prompt responses to repair and maintenance requests, and going the extra mile to do little things that can make a difference in a client's day.

“We always want to leave things better than we found them and treat the homes as if they are our own,” shared operations manager Janice Seydel. “Will has been known to bring an empty trash bin back up the driveway or straighten up a bit around a pool. He still helps train our new employees so that they can learn our philosophy of great customer service.”

With years of experience in the industry, Thompson and Smith lead a team of professionals that specialize in providing high-quality pool care through weekly cleanings and maintenance, along with repair services and inspections. Their team also works with local builders to provide intensive 30-day start-up care required for new and re-plastered pools, which includes removing dust and debris from the pools and stabilizing the water chemistry.

Because the company is locally owned and operated, Thompson and Smith work with each customer to make sure their pool is in top shape throughout the year. With the intense Texas heat that comes with the long summer months, it's recommended that pool owners implement year-round care, such as weekly cleanings, replacing pool filters regularly, and testing the water to make sure it's balanced.

However, if a surprise issue arises that needs to be addressed quickly, Premium Poolsmith takes the time to identify the problem, whether it's algae growth, a clogged pump or a broken piece of equipment.

“We are small enough that we know every customer by name, and we have a relationship with our customers, but we are big enough that if somebody’s truck breaks down, it doesn’t mean a customer gets skipped that week,” Seydel said. "We may be just another pool company, but at the end of the day, we keep our commitment and pride ourselves on being qualified, prompt, and reasonable. We strive to be the best pool company out there."

As a second-chance employer, Premium Poolsmith provides an opportunity for those recovering from addiction to reenter the workplace in a caring, structured environment. Thompson and Smith work with each staff member to make sure their road to success is clear, especially since they personally understand what someone in recovery goes through.

“Will built this company after being in addiction recovery for several years and, because of that, we definitely have a heart for giving gainful employment to people who are really working at turning their life around,” Seydel explained. “Whether someone is simply joining our team or in recovery, we want this to be a place where people can grow.”

Premium Poolsmith provides services to northern Tarrant county, southern Denton county and parts of Dallas and Collin counties. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit premiumpoolsmithdfw.com or call 214-998-4667.

M AKINGYOU R HOMESHIN E

“We come into your home and revamp the space.”

When was the last time you cleaned your floorboards? How about that spot between the stove and the counter? For Tiffany Lightner, it’s most mornings with her team at Charm Legacy Cleaners DFW.

Charm Legacy Cleaners DFW is a full-service cleaning solution for full-time workers, overwhelmed parents, and everyone in between. Lightner and her staff can handle all cleaning needs, such as standard moveout/move-in cleaning, pet-safe cleanses, and commercial kitchen scrubbings.

Lightner said her most scheduled duties are organization and laundry services, showing they are more than cleaners.

“We come into your home and revamp the space,” she explained. “We organize closets, pantries, refrigerators, etcetera. The goal is to make it easier to operate and function in your home while taking something off of your plate.”

Growing up as the only daughter and the oldest sibling in a large family, she spent her whole life in the church. Her grandparents, whom she refers to as her parents, were prominent pastors, and it was in the church where they instilled the virtue of servitude.

“It’s just the best way to learn morals and values that, as kids, we often take for granted,” she said. “As an adult, I am so grateful for every lesson I learned in the church.”

Lightner also has made a point to give back as much as possible through her nonprofit, The Charles & Margie Lightner Foundation (CHARM), named after her grandparents. Lightner and volunteers visit homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and women’s shelters to serve in any capacity.

To look at the services Charm Legacy Cleaners DFW offers or to book a cleaning, visit www.charmprocleaningservice.com

Cozy Homes Start HERE

You might be on vacation this month, but your heater is not! So spring into action and call us now!

$50

MARCH 10TH

Taste of Ft. Worth Food Festival

4612 E. Berry St. Fort Worth, TX 76105 | 12:00 PM

Shop and check out some of the best chefs, restaurants and vendors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area at the Taste of Ft. Worth Food Festival. This family-friendly event includes a variety of food tastings, vendors and live music throughout the afternoon. Adult tickets are $10 and kids enter free.

MARCH 10TH

St. Patrick’s Day Sprint Triathlon

1000 Bear Creek Pkwy. Keller, TX 76248 | 7:30 AM

Wear your green and support the 14th annual St Patrick’s Day Sprint Triathlon at the Keller ISD Natatorium, where people and kids of all ages can swim, bike and run. After the race ends, there will be plenty of post-race entertainment and a medal ceremony.

MARCH 16TH

Live

Music at Wine: 30 on Oak St.

400 S. Oak St. Roanoke, TX 76262 | 7:00 PM

Enjoy a beverage and live music from Stevie J. Rose and Toni at Wine:30 on Oak St. Giving a grassroots Texas flair, this country duo provides a fun and relaxed ambiance for patrons sipping on a glass of wine, a local beer, or nibbling on cheese, fruit and charcuterie boards. Music starts at 7 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m.

MARCH 23RD

Bluey’s Big Play

525 Commerce St. Fort Worth, TX 76102 | 11:00 AM

Everyone’s favorite Bluey characters will be brought to life in this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy-winning children’s TV series. Join Bluey, Bingo and the rest of the crew as they play games and interact with the crowd. Bluey’s Big Play will be March 23 and 24 at Bass Performance Hall. Tickets can be purchased at events.bluey.tv.com

MARCH 23RD

Back to the 80’s and 90’s Car Show

Ft. Worth Aviation Museum | 9:00 AM

Throw on your best 80’s or 90’s attire and check out the cars from yesteryear at the Back to the 80’s and 90’s Car Show. Guests can walk under the wings of planes as they take in rides from 1980-1999. Money raised will be donated to the Ft. Worth Aviation Museum and DFW Canines for Veterans. Purchase tickets at btt.80s90s.com

MARCH 30TH

Justin Community Egg Hunt

Justin Community Park | 9:00 AM

Get into the Easter spirit at the Justin Community Egg Hunt! Hosted by First Baptist Church Justin, this free event invites Justin residents and surrounding communities to enjoy food and games. Activities include four different Easter egg hunts that are divided by age group.

The perfect blend of professional and personal, and just what you need to stand out.