Get an American Standard 17 SEER System for under $11,000.
It never seems to fail that appliances fail right when you need them most. Your air conditioner typically won’t quit on you out of nowhere - there are usually signs. Pay attention to these 4 signs and if you suspect there may be an issue, the professionals at AC Titan Heating & Air Conditioning can help!
“Children are our most valuable resource.”Herbert Hoover
August is our Kids & Pets issue, and it holds a special place in my heart. Though I don't have kids myself, I am a proud aunt and godmother to some truly amazing little boys. They make every single day exciting, interesting, and chaotic in the best ways possible.
Our jobs as parents and caregivers can seem nev er-ending. We spend a lifetime nurturing, growing, teaching, and investing in children's futures, but as Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "iron sharpens iron". The more time we spend with our kids, the more we can teach them and learn from them. The same is true for our pets!
For me, my "children" are my cat and my dog. I always had a pet when I was growing up, so when I moved out on my own, it was only natural that I found new companions. Animals are special because they exhibit unconditional love. They don't care if we had a good day or a bad day, if we made numerous mistakes or did everything right. What they care about is the attention and the love that we provide for them.
In 2020, I was fortunate to rescue a 70-pound ball of fur named Ranger from the Humane Society of North Texas in Keller. Because of his size, people sometimes feel intimidated by him, but Ranger exists as a lesson to never judge a book by its cover. He may be big, but his heart is even bigger.
Why are kids and pets so important? Simply put, they need us. They require the love and attention that we can provide, but more importantly, they help to teach us about responsibility, curiosity, and more.
I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of love without strings.
Here’s to our future, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better. Cheers!
xx
KELLIE KREVOSKY, PUBLISHER @NORTHLAKECITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Kellie Krevosky | kellie.krevosky@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Kennedy Wood | kennedy.wood@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Savanna Romano | sr.icemedia@yahoo.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle Parnell, Beth Hobson, and Kennedy Wood
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Savanna Romano
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
Our 8-week group for middle schoolers with ADHD focuses on building organizational and focusing skills using various therapeutic approaches, including Play Therapy. Facilitated by Kendal Rice, MS, LPC Associate, Redeemed’s newly certified autism specialist, this engaging program creates a comfortable space where kids can thrive— all for just $100 per session. Contact us today to learn more and reserve your spot!
1: Grapevine Golf Cars grand opening in Northlake, Tx this June! 2: Going into Northlake Commons! 3: One of Justin and Coffee Tradings’ adorable candles! 4: Sign Gypsies doing what they do best for Argyle Wellness Center’s grand opening in June! 5: The cutest cookies ever at an event in Argyle! Courtesy of Crafted Cravings. 6: Kellie and her nephew take brunch very seriously! 7: What a cake! The Green Room ABA ribbon cutting was a blast! Photography by Kellie Krevosky
Lea Ann Cummins works at 360 Benefit Solutions to create a benefits plan tailored for you! 360 Benefit Solutions works to maximize your employee benefits while finding ways for you to save. Beginning in October, there will be an open enrollment for health insurance; this could be the perfect time to craft a plan for you!
Located in Flower Mound, Texas, Jungle Castle Play Center is the perfect place to get out and have some fun! Along with daily play, no reservation needed, Jungle Castle hosts birthday parties with different themes to choose from. You’re child is sure to have a party they remember!
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If you’re an animal lover then Nana’s Pacas Alpaca Ranch located in Flower Mound, Texas is the perfect place to visit. Nana’s is a 4-acre ranch and is the home to 13 alpacas. This unique outing will provide laughter and fun to the whole family this summer!
Jennifer M.
My grandmother has been a resident at Teresa's House for about 2 months now. They are kind, attentive and informative. We have had some special circumstances with my grandmother, and they have worked with us and been so patient. Grandma LOVES her new home and her new neighbors. Thank you, Teresa's House, for allowing my grandmother to navigate her new diagnoses with dignity.
Call to Schedule Your Private Tour today!
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ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO
Keeping pets healthy, happy, and at home with Blair’s Ruff House.
As pet owners prepare to be away from home, one of the biggest decisions they make is who will take the best care of their furry, or not so furry, friends. Although boarding facilities can be convenient, Blair’s Ruff House offers safe and easy solutions to keeping pets at home even when their owners are away. As a mobile pet care provider, the team at Blair’s Ruff House provides essential care for pets including feeding, pet exercising/walking, and medication administration all while keeping pets in their own environment, which is less stressful and better for pets’ mental and physical health.
“Animals are definitely more comfortable in their own home than in another space with people and animals they don't really know,” shares Blair Munger, owner of Blair’s Ruff House. “Having them in a place that they are most comfortable is best for them, mentally and physically, because if they are anxious, that may cause physical issues. So they are healthier and safer in their own space.”
Staying at home also greatly reduces exposure to contagious diseases and is a great option for immunocompromised animals, animals too young to have certain vaccines, and animals not up to date on vaccines required by boarding facilities.
Exotic and less common pets such as snakes, bearded dragons, birds, guinea pigs, and rabbits also need special care while owners are away. Blair says that her team loves working with all kinds of animals, especially reptiles, and has experience taking care of a variety of animals from the smallest to the largest.
Large animals, as well as farm animals, present a unique challenge when it is time for owners to be away. Whether it is chickens, donkeys, horses, cows, goats, or other farm animals, Blair’s Ruff House has an easy solution.
“A lot of people have 20 to 30 animals on their property, and they feel they can't even think about leaving town because of them,” she says. “But we feed and water the animals, clean their enclosures, make sure they are secure and safe, and even provide medicine for them should they need it. Some of our staff are very specialized in farm animal care, so we have that knowledge and experience.”
Since each animal and property is different and every farm has its own processes, a member of Blair's team meets with the owners ahead of time to create a customized care plan. During the consultation, they review schedules, processes, and ensure familiarity with systems and emergency plans for situations like sick animals and inclement weather.
No matter the size or breed of animal, Blair’s Ruff House is committed to providing the highest standard of care and peace of mind for families. “It's not easy to leave your animals, no matter the situation, because you miss them and worry about them,” says Blair. “Which is why communication is so important to us. Clients love reading our updates and seeing the pictures we send. The feeling and security that it gives them is really important to us.”
For more information, visit blairsruffhouse.com or call 214-675-7796. Also follow @BlairsRuffHouse on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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“ANIMALS ARE DEFINITELY MORE COMFORTABLE IN THEIR OWN HOME THAN IN ANOTHER SPACE...THEY ARE HEALTHIER AND SAFER IN THEIR OWN SPACE.”
Introducing Eddie and the How U Doin Foundation. Get excited for the Clubhouse!
For many years, Eddie Fischer felt a tug in his heart to pivot his career, and as if by fate he was given that opportunity. About 7 years ago, Eddie made the move from New Jersey, to Arizona, and finally to Texas; he then was able to take a step back and truly begin to ponder his true passion. This passion project began to evolve over the course of the last few years and is now known as the How U Doin Foundation.
The How U Doin Foundation has roots stemming from New Jersey and thriving in Texas, “Those 3 words aren’t just slang to me, it truly does matter how you’re doing,” says Eddie.
The How U Doin Foundation stemmed from Eddie being an individual who understands the trials and tribulations of addiction, mental health, and isolation. All of these words are the opposite of what Eddie believes is the true remedy for many people, which is connection, and that is exactly what the How U Doin Foundation provides! With the further fruition of this foundation, there will be a space for teenagers to gather and create community among one another. This space will be called the Clubhouse and will serve Northlake, Justin, Fort Worth, Argyle, and many other surrounding communities.
The Clubhouse will have its grand opening in the first quarter of 2026 and will welcome teenagers from the surrounding communities with open arms. A large focal point of the Clubhouse will be a stacked electric pizza oven placed in the center where teenagers, parents, and members of the community can come together to make their own pizzas and enjoy a nice meal. As well as having delicious pizza, Eddie has worked hard to truly understand the needs of the teenagers who are
“The
interested in coming to the Clubhouse. Eddie’s vision of the Clubhouse includes a private area that is electronic free for those who need a space to relax and clear their head; some teenagers in the community even requested a rage room! From plans to create a podcast studio to movie nights and more, Eddie is extremely focused on what will get teenagers in the door, but also what will entice them to come back.
Eddie understands the importance of a safe space for teenagers to vent, find mentors to guide them and help
discover themselves, while still having lots of fun. One of the main purposes of the Clubhouse is to guide teenagers who are feeling lost or isolated within their communities. Talking to Eddie reminded me of how hard it can be to be a teenager and all the struggles that come along with it. Without having the proper people around you and guidance, it can cause teenagers to walk down a path that isn't in their best interest. Aside from working with the teenagers directly, Eddie will also be working with parents, schools, and others in the community to find solutions and to educate the adults in the community on warning signs that their child may be struggling.
“The four pillars of this organization are fun, connection, discovery, and direction,” says Eddie. These four pillars can create stability and comfort for anyone who seeks it out! For more information on the How U Doin Foundation and getting involved, you can visit www.howudoin.org or email Eddie Fischer directly at eddie@howudoin.org.
ARTICLE BY BETH HOBSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO
The Humane Society of North Texas was founded in 1905, and is the oldest animal welfare organization in the North Texas region. Originally, the humane society was established as a shelter for women and children; as time passed and the shelter evolved, animals were also welcomed with open arms. The legacy of compassion toward both people and pets is why their motto today is "pets and people, saving each other."
Today, the Humane Society of North Texas’s primary facility is located in Fort Worth and it serves as a central location for adoptions, community outreach, life saving surgeries, and pet intake. The facility also houses the bulk of the Humane Society of North Texas’s administrative offices, dog and cat adoption centers, cruelty investigations, behavioral training teams, and the Rae of Hope program, which provides free basic veterinary care to senior citizens’ pets. It also offers low-cost vaccines and spay and neuter services.
HSNT also has a regional adoption facility located in the city of Keller, providing a boutique-style adoption experience. Soon, it will offer an expanded foster service to help make it more accessible for local families to save the lives of animals in the region. Additionally, they operate an Equine & Livestock Ranch in Joshua that spans more than 30 acres where horses and other livestock receive rehabilitation and care while they wait for loving homes.
As a donor-funded non-profit, the foundation does not receive any funding from city, county, state, or federal governments. Their work is made possible entirely due to generous donations from individuals, corporate partnerships, fundraising events, and grants. The best ways the public can support the HSNT, is by adopting, donating, fostering, volunteering, or even sharing their mission on social media.
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The HSNT’s Senior Marketing Director, Cassie Davidson’s, belief in the foundation's mission began over sixteen years ago when she began volunteering in Keller. Cassie didn’t join the foundation’s marketing team until 2017, and that was when she began to embark on a greater mission to help impact the lives of the animals in her community. “I cannot wait to see the HSNT launch their new regional adoption center in Keller,” Cassie says with excitement. “Whether it’s caring for bottle babies, moms and litters, or shortterm fosters, I’m proud to be part of the solution.”
Cassie’s job varies day to day but it’s clear in her tone of voice that she loves what she does! Cassie also relishes in the fact that she gets to work alongside other compassionate and dedicated HSNT members and volunteers everyday.
“They show up every day at our adoption and foster centers, fundraising events, and the list goes on. Every day, they are ready to care for these animals with empathy, love, patience, and a true sense of purpose. It may look like comforting a scared animal, supporting an adopter through their first pet experience, or staying late to ensure every pet is safe and clean, their commitment never wavers. The loyalty these people have to the mission and to each other is what makes our organization so special—it truly feels like a family working together to save lives.”
Cassie’s experience with the Humane Society of North Texas over the years has taught her how important it is to feel loved.
“They are family, too. One of the biggest misconceptions that I hear is that pets from the humane societies or shelters are somehow broken or less desirable. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We often see purebred and highly sought-after breeds come through our doors -- everything from doodles to huskies to designer cats. Many pets are surrendered simply because their families are moving, have had a baby, or can’t afford care. Shelter pets aren’t broken—they’re simply in need of a new beginning.”
As we continued chatting, I learned just how unaware most people are on the adoption process at HSNT’s facility. “It starts with listening,” she begins. “We take time to learn what the adopter is looking for—energy level, temperament, experience—and then match them with a pet that fits. Our staff and volunteers work with these pets every day, so we have firsthand insight into their personalities and needs. It’s not about pushing an adoption—it’s about building lifelong matches.”
Speaking of adoption, an avid HSNT volunteer has shared with us the importance of fostering in her life. Theresa Cutler, volunteer of Keller Regional Adoption Center, knows firsthand the impact volunteering, fostering, and adoption can have on pets and their communities. “When I foster, I have the ability to change the outcome of a life. I find that very fulfilling. Whether it’s a kitten who would otherwise be left to die outside, an
animal that needs rehabilitation to live its best life, or any of the other situations HSNT finds animals in, it saves lives. It’s very humbling to be a part of this,” she explains.
It's abundantly clear that Theresa’s experience in fostering has also taught her a lot about the importance of adopting. “Our family chooses to adopt our pets. Why in the world would we buy a dog when the shelter animals need homes and there are so many incredible animals in the shelters. I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful every single one of our adopted pets are! The first pet we adopted in Texas saved my son’s life. Her name is Sunshine, and what a special dog she has been."
Theresa's son, who was diagnosed with autism, brought new experiences to Theresa's family. When she decided to rescue a shelter dog and bring her into her home, her six-year-old son was okay with her, but he was not as enthusiastic as the rest of the family. "From the beginning, Sunshine just knew; she loved him and treated him differently than anyone else in the family," says Theresa.
"The bond they had developed was special. Sunshine was not a big barker, but one day she began to bark uncontrollably. It wasn’t normal for her at all. But when I went to the window to see what she was barking at, I discovered that my son had managed to somehow find his way outside and he was running
“When I foster, I have the ability to change the outcome of a life. I find that very fulfilling...”
down the driveway towards the street. I just… I can’t and don’t want to imagine what could have happened if not for their special bond," says Theresa.
Theresa’s story working with, fostering, and owning shelter animals is just one of many successful stories that have evolved from HSNT.
Fostering not only saves lives—it enriches the lives of those that welcome these animals in their home. If you would like to donate your time volunteering, fostering, or adopting an animal from the Humane Society of North Texas, there are many opportunities to do so as the Humane Society of North Texas holds many adoption events throughout the year.
For families with children, it’s an incredible way to show what it means to truly care for those in need. It’s never been easier to get involved, and we’re asking the Keller and surrounding communities to step up and join them in saving lives—right in your own backyard.
For more information on HSNT, volunteering and donating, or adoption, you can visit https://www hsnt.org.
All of the staff and volunteers at HSNT Keller work extremely hard to care for the pets in their facilities. They all show up with so much love to give and passion to inspire others, and they can’t wait to meet any future volunteers, members of the team, or adopters! You can reach out to HSNT Keller directly for more information on any way you can get involved.
Our family’s first experience working with Juline and her team was when we remodeled our home’s primary bathroom The project went very smoothly and the crew was amazing. We were so happy with the final result, the following year we asked her to return to update our first floor This included another bathroom remodel, new flooring and a new fireplace. Again, we were thrilled with the results We just completed our third project with Juline I would highly recommend Juline and her crew without reserve. - Melissa Reid
CHILDREN’S BOOKS THAT WILL INSPIRE AND CREATE SMILES!
Written by Rachel Más Davidson, The Helping Sweater is a heartwarming story all about helping others and random acts of kindness.
Goodnight Cowtown is a wonderful book that tributes Fort Worth, Texas. Written by Jennifer Drez, it’ll leave you and your little one smiling!
The Traveling Tuxedo is a story about a Boston Terrier who travels all around Texas. Written by Melissa Coyle, go on an adventure of a lifetime with this fun-loving pup!
Written by David Shannon, this continuation with “That’s Not Funny, David!” will leave your child laughing!
Written by Tabitha Brown, “Hello There, Sunshine” is an adorable story about young Tabitha greeting the sun everyday. One day, she can’t find the sun and must go out and search for it.
“Grumpy Monkey Mine!”, written by Suzanne Lang is all about sharing! One day Jim Panzee and Warthog are fighting over a banana and learn the importance of sharing with others.
Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk or half and half
• 3 cups oatmeal
Directions:
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.
Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).
AUGUST 15TH
North Texas State Fair and Rodeo
2217 N Carroll Blvd, Denton, TX 76201 | 5:30 PM
Everyone get ready to saddle up because the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo is back in town! Located in Denton, Texas, the rodeo offers fun for everyone with great food, live music, and all the rodeo events. The rodeo will take place August 15-24, from varying times day to day. For more information visit https://ntfair.com/about/.
AUGUST 24TH
Walk
6601 Canyon Falls Dr, Argyle, TX 76226 | 10:00 AM
Located at Argyle Community Church, Walk Thru The Bible will be putting on OT Live. OT Live is a fun and interactive way for participants to learn about the Old Testament in 3 hours! This event will take place August 24th, from 10am-2pm. For more information and to register, you can visit argylecommunitychurch.com/ot-live.
AUGUST 27TH
Sound Bath Meditation
2008 East State Highway 114 Southlake, TX 76092 | 12:15 PM
If you're looking for a place to unwind and cleanse your mind, Sanara Yoga and Wellness is offering a sound bath and reiki infused class. This 45 minute meditative journey will take away the stressors from your day and leave you feeling refreshed once it's over. For more information you can visit https://www.sanarawellness.com/workshops.
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Cooper Davidson
Being accepted to play college baseball is a stepping stone toward my goal of competing at the Division One level, supported by my family and guided by my coaches. I measure success by setting goals and striving for daily improvement. Since baseball is a game of failure, I focus on learning from setbacks and concentrate on the next pitch instead of dwelling on what just happened.
