Rockwall, TX March 2026

The Place You Call Home

Every day, we pass through spaces that reflect our tastes, our routines, and the rhythms of life we hold dear. But what makes a house a true home is not simply wood and stone, color and texture. It is the heartbeat of the people who live there and the community that surrounds them.

This March, we are celebrating home in every sense of the word—the spaces you have curated with intention, and the places where connections are formed, traditions are shared, and memories take root. Our homes provide comfort, stability, and sanctuary. Our communities give us belonging and purpose.

Within these pages, you will find inspiration to elevate the spaces you live in through thoughtful design, trusted experts, and ideas that support the way you truly live. Just as important, you will meet the neighbors, business owners, creators, and leaders who make our community feel familiar, welcoming, and deeply connected.

Home is found in the everyday moments. A friendly face at a local shop. A neighborhood gathering that brings people together. The quiet pride of living in a place that feels right. These moments are what transform a city into something personal and meaningful.

Home is not static. It grows with every shared meal, every helping hand, and every story passed from one generation to the next. It exists in the comfort of favorite rooms and in the relationships that extend far beyond our front doors.

As you turn these pages, we hope you feel inspired to enhance your home and deepen your connection to the community that makes it special.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of the place you call home.

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ashton Ullrich Burns | ashton.burns@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Fatima Durrani, Deborah Dove, Valerie Merrick

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kasey Borrman: Top Knot Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kat Hough, Heather Spinks, Rhiannon Johnson, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Allison Amores Photography, Dan Jenkins, Amanda Proudfit, Archer + James Photography, Khirum Jackson

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

1-7:The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce’s Off the Clock Happy Hour is a monthly networking event designed to bring local business professionals together in a relaxed, social setting. Each gathering offers a chance to build meaningful connections, strengthen community ties, and unwind after the workday. The event pictured was hosted at The Brass Tap. For upcoming opportunities to join the fun, visit rockwallchamber.com.

by Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce

Rockwall Area Chamber of

fessionals

ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE

Local Experience

DISCOVER LOCAL GEMS, CREATE MEMORIES, AND EMBRACE AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES.

The arrival of spring brings the perfect opportunity to spring clean, refresh your home, and clear out clutter. Longer days and warmer weather inspire a fresh start, and there’s no better place to begin than the spaces where you live. Whether you’re looking for a professional deep clean, need help creating order in overflowing closets and cabinets, want to refresh your outdoor space, or want to give gently used items a second life, look no further. This roundup highlights trusted local home services that make spring cleaning simpler and more efficient, so you can welcome the season feeling lighter, organized, and renewed.

Elite Diamond Cleaning | (214) 300-9875 or elitediamond cleaning.com/ | Treat your home to a professional and detailed spring clean to get all those hard-to-miss areas that accumulate dirt over time. Nothing says spring like sparkling bathroom fixtures, a freshly deep-cleaned kitchen, and spotless floors.

The AB Effect | (972) 849-5324  | Do messy drawers, disorganized closets, and an overabundance of “stuff” seem overwhelming? The AB Effect helps people declutter and organize their spaces, as well as develop personalized organization systems to keep you organized.

Cutting Corners | 13720 Midway Road, Ste 200, Dallas, or www.fabricresource.com/dallas/ | Spruce up your living area, bedroom, or home décor with Cutting Corners’ huge selection of fabrics, pillows, drapery hardware, and decorative trims, plus gorgeous accessories and furniture.

Texan Window Cleaning | (972) 214-9904 or texanwindow cleaning.com | Refresh your outlook this spring—literally— with professional window cleaning. They also offer other exterior home refreshes, such as pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and solar panel cleaning.

Helping Hands of Rockwall County | 950 Williams Street, Rockwall, or  rockwallhelpinghands.com/donationguidelines/  | Once you’ve cleaned out drawers and closets and decluttered your home, donate your gently used items to help neighbors in need. Helping Hands translates donations into critical services and programs, including food, shelter, and medical care.

John Hardy has arrived. Handcrafted in Bali, designed to stand out. Exclusively at Willis Fine Jewelry.

NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY ARTISAN MASONRY & GRANITE

ADOPTABLE

Many people share the sentiment that a house isn’t a home without the presence of the people you love. But what happens when you’re unable to grow your family the traditional way? That’s what Emily Vrzak—local Rockwall resident, founder, and executive director of Adoptable—found herself thinking about back in 2018 when she was diagnosed with infertility. After receiving the news, Emily and her husband were exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally, having endured rounds of fertility treatments.

But their journey to become a family wasn’t finished. She recalls, “In February of 2019, God opened doors, and a baby girl joined our family,” thanks to the gift of adoption. It was Emily’s own experience adopting her daughter Ellie that led her to founding Adoptable, a nonprofit organization specializing in fundraising and event planning for families who are actively pursuing adoption. Each year, the organization takes in applications and helps adoptive families by spearheading fundraising efforts and working with other charitable organizations to help lighten the financial burden of adoption. According to Adoptable, adoption fees in the U.S. can vary greatly, costing upwards of $70,000, which can feel insurmountable for willing adoptive families.

Emily explains, “When we get connected with potential fundraising families, each and every one of them comes with the most sincere, grateful attitude. The fulfillment of adoption expenses is often a very daunting task, especially because they know that they're up against a timeline, so to be offered any kind of assistance is life-changing for them.”

It’s this life-changing assistance that Emily and her team have dedicated themselves to for the past two and a half years. Since their founding in 2023, Adoptable has helped fourteen families and has raised more than three hundred thousand dollars.

The Cyrs are one family whose life was changed by the organization. Mom, Brooke, a kindergarten teacher who lives in Forney, says, “My husband and I are in the process of adopting, and we’d been praying for a way to help with raising funds. Then God sent us Emily and her amazing crew of people with Adoptable. They worked with us and helped us navigate the fundraising process. They were so supportive and helped the process not seem overwhelming. My husband and I are incredibly thankful for her helping us bring our baby home soon."

Adoptable is successful thanks to the community who supports their fundraising efforts. Emily explains that “Although raising money in an ever-changing economy is a huge challenge in and of itself, often the most difficult thing is raising money for families that don't have a huge village to support them.” Emily and her team use their local community resources to support these families, ensuring that each Adoptable family has a village in the Rockwall area.

One of Adoptable’s biggest events of the year is scheduled for the end of April: the Third Annual Adoptable Golf Tournament. At this event, attendees can have fun while raising money to subsidize fundraising event costs and Adoptable’s family grants for the year, a special program in which each Adoptable family receives $5,000—regardless of how much money the fundraiser itself brings in.

Emily explains, "I truly enjoy planning events and watching the weeks and months of hard work come to fruition. As stressful as planning events can be, when I get that photo update about the first time they met their child or when they finalize their adoption, and everything in between, it makes every ounce of what I do the most rewarding part of being in the nonprofit world!"

To learn more and help support families working towards their dream of adoption, visit www.joinadoptable.com.

Good Human of the Month

From Pom-Poms to the Heimlich: A Teen’s Quick Thinking Saves a Toddler’s Life

It was 2019, the day of the Rockwall High School Homecoming Parade, and the cheerleaders were nearly finished with their route. People were cheering, candy was being thrown. In the words of Tyra Winters, a 17-year-old Rockwall High School senior and cheerleader captain at the time, it was a bit chaotic.

Tyra recalls, “Suddenly, my co-captain tapped my shoulder and let me know that there was a little boy that was choking. Once I saw the little boy, I jumped off the float, ran all the way down (to him), and then I gave him the Heimlich maneuver. He spit up the gumball almost immediately. His color came back, and I handed him back to his mom. Then I ran all the way back, jumped on the float, and we finished the parade!”

Tyra Winters, now a teacher and cheer coach at Cedar Hill ISD, wasn’t just lucky that day. She was trained. She recalls how after her sister went to college, she asked her mom to start fostering youth so that she could have foster siblings. Part of the requirement to foster was that Tyra must be trained in CPR, first aid, the Heimlich maneuver, stroke protocol, and more.

Tyra’s training not only helped her save a two-year-old boy at the parade, but it also helped a friend at school.

“The first time I helped someone who was choking was in middle school. I was in the seventh grade, and one of my friends was choking on a granola bar during lunch. I also gave her the Heimlich maneuver, and she ended up being fine.”

These days, in addition to teaching, Tyra is studying for the MCAT, hoping to go into pediatric surgery. Her story is a reminder that with proper training, we can all save a life.

Consider taking a class to learn lifesaving skills at www.cprcertificationlabs.com/offices/rockwall-rowlett.

ARTICLE BY VALERIE MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TYRA WINTERS

BANKING BUILT ON TRUST.

“Banking is about relationships. We don’t just complete transactions — we get to know our customers, uncover opportunities, and make a bigger di erence in

INTEGRITY IN ACTION.

TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE WITH NATURAL OR ENGINEERED STONE COUNTERTOPS

While masonry is the craft of giving shape and structure to a building using brick or stone and mortar, it’s often the stone we find inside that we notice most. Valued for their inherent beauty and durability, stone countertops are a central feature in any home design. While materials such as granite or marble are timeless options, quartzite and quartz are seeing a rise in popularity, and for good reason. There is plenty to love about each of these materials, and so many choices available to any homeowner.

From a classic neutral granite such as Dallas White to a warm, earthy Santa Cecelia, or a bold blue-green quartzite

illuminated from beneath to sophisticated marbles such as Carrara or Calacatta, there is something for every taste. Finishes can range from polished to deeply leathered, and man-made quartz may offer the most luxurious patterns in an accessible entry point for any budget, with the added bonus of simple upkeep. The choices are seemingly endless, and the value is undeniable.

Bobby Gladu, president and founder of Artisan Masonry & Granite LLC, shares the following considerations for countertop materials:

“Valued for their inherent beauty and durability, stone countertops are a central feature in any home design.”

Natural Stone

• Durability: Stone countertops can last a lifetime.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Each slab is one of a kind.

• Weather resistant: Granite is an excellent choice for outdoor applications, resisting fading or cracking.

• Maintenance: Often requires periodic sealing.

Man-made Quartz

• Durability: Scratch and chip resistant, antimicrobial, and resists staining.

• Consistency: Offers uniformity from one slab to the next.

• Design variability: Quartz comes in a vast array of colors, patterns, and styles, often mimicking those found in natural stone.

• Low maintenance: No sealing required and cleans easily with soap and water.

• Heat sensitivity: Heat protection against hot pans is recommended.

• Weather resistance: Not suitable for outdoor installations.

Artisan Granite’s service begins with a thorough consultation and assessment of needs, followed by fabrication and installation of your chosen material. Learn more at artisanmasonry.com.

Artisan Masonry & Granite LLC

Artisan Masonry & Granite LLC has been serving Rockwall County and the surrounding areas for over 30 years with a commitment to top-tier service and quality work that stands the test of time. Services range from custom brick, limestone, stucco, insulated concrete forms, and rain screen panel systems to stone countertops and other renovation services.

Founder Bobby Gladu is a devoted husband with deep ties in his community. He serves as a Blue Tie Guy Ambassador for the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County, helping spread awareness and raise critical funds for child victims of abuse. As a graduate of the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2025, he helped build a sensory garden at Patriot Paws for service dogs training to support veterans across the US. He also leads a team of volunteer divers through the nonprofit HEAL-CORP Search & Recovery Dive Team, directing search efforts for missing persons. In 2025, Bobby and his team promoted and built free life jacket loaner stations for public use in Rockwall County, and this life-saving program continues to expand under his leadership.

DIY— Or Not

Knowing When to DIY Your Home Project Versus When to Call in the Experts Can Make All the Difference

ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RUSTIC RENOVATIONS

Ever start an exciting home project with all the vigor in the world? You buy new tools, ask ChatGPT for finished images of your dream vision, and proceed full steam ahead. Then somewhere in the middle, you realize you don’t have the capacity nor the knowledge to undertake it all.

We asked Michele and Glenn Bish of Rustic Renovations, a local and insured family-run business, to help homeowners determine when it’s time to call in the experts. Their full service general contracting company specializes in everything from complete remodels to custom woodworking.

Q: WHAT LED YOU TO CREATE RUSTIC RENOVATIONS?

A: We moved to Texas from Pennsylvania with a dream of building something for ourselves and our children. We have always lived by the principle that you get out of life what you put into it. We created our company without investors or loans, relying solely on our hard work and dedication while living paycheck to paycheck through countless hours of effort.

We realized that too often, people hire multiple contractors because a single one fails to finish the job or absconds with their money. Many contractors deliver only the bare bones of a project without producing a clean, finished product.

CONTINUED >

Q: WHY CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL?

A: Hiring a professional provides cost-effective solutions, saves time, reduces homeowners' stress, and ensures that all remodels meet safety codes. The goal is to complete projects as promised, relieving clients from the worries of unfinished tasks or sourcing materials. Unfortunately, many DIY enthusiasts produce subpar results—not due to a lack of effort, but often due to inexperience and inadequate tools. This can lead to a decrease in home value, whereas a professional can significantly enhance it.

A true professional will also be cognizant of cleanliness during and after work, protect the homeowner's property, and involve clients throughout the project.

Q: ISN’T IT MORE EXPENSIVE TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL?

A: The tools required for these projects are costly, and building a proper tool kit takes years and financial investment. By hiring a professional,

homeowners can avoid these additional expenses while still receiving a stunning finished product.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION?

A: Our journey into renovations started with Glenn's perfectionism and his desire to enhance his surroundings. He has a passion for creating beauty and is always looking for ways to bring his visions—both his own and those of others—to life. Meanwhile, Michele’s passion lies in healthcare and caring for others. We wanted to continue helping others in a new way and bring something incredible to the community.

It brings us immense joy to take an idea and turn it into a reality, and seeing the happiness it brings to our clients is our greatest reward.

Has your own DIY project gone awry or are you ready to bring your remodeling visions to life? Contact Michele or Glenn at rusticrenovations001@gmail.com, 717-449-9427, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553428265005.

BLOWING HOT AIR

ARTICLE BY NO SWEAT EXPERTS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF

AMORES PHOTOGRAPHY

Heating and air-conditioning systems are essential to home comfort, but they are also complex and expensive. Unfortunately, that can make homeowners vulnerable to dishonest practices by HVAC contractors. Some pressure customers into replacing entire systems when a simple repair would suffice, claim that parts are unavailable, or repeatedly upsell unnecessary services during routine visits.

“A trustworthy HVAC professional respects your decisions, answers questions patiently, and supports informed choices.”

By understanding common tactics and knowing how to protect yourself, you can make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

One of the most common red flags is being told that your system needs to be replaced because a specific part is “no longer available.” While this can sometimes be true, it is often exaggerated or false. Getting a second opinion is one of the most effective ways to avoid unnecessary system replacement. No Sweat Experts offers free second opinions and encourage this when estimates are over $800.

Another tactic to watch for is fear-based selling. Statements like “your system could fail at any moment” or “this is a safety hazard” are designed to create urgency and pressure. A reputable contractor will explain the issue clearly, show evidence (such as pictures, readings, or worn components), and discuss repair versus replacement options without pushing you toward the most expensive choice.

Unnecessary add-on services are another common issue. During a simple repair—such as replacing a capacitor or thermostat—some companies may recommend cleaning the blower motor/fan, chemical coil treatments, or duct cleaning. Some even go so far as to keep a picture of someone else's very dirty system handy to show every homeowner and claim they just took the picture.

While some add-ons can be beneficial, they are not required. You should ask what problem the add-on solves, whether it is essential now, and what would happen if you chose not to do it. If the explanation is vague or sounds like a sales pitch, it’s okay to decline. (As a side note, duct cleaning is generally never necessary.)

Know the age of your system and keep records of past repairs. In general, a system should last 15 to 18 years. Having baseline knowledge makes it harder for someone to mislead you. Research local HVAC companies before you need one, check reviews, and verify licensing.

“By understanding common tactics and knowing how to protect yourself, you can make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.”

Finally, remember that you are always allowed to say no. A trustworthy HVAC professional respects your decisions, answers questions patiently, and supports informed choices. By staying calm, asking questions, and seeking second opinions when something feels off, you can protect yourself from unnecessary expenses and ensure your HVAC systems are serviced honestly and responsibly.

Roy and Danielle Cook are the owners of No Sweat Experts and provide HVAC and electrical services throughout the DFW area. Their goal is to do the right thing for the customer—not their pocketbook—and earn lifelong customers. For more information, visit nosweatexperts.com.

A L OCAL FARMER’S KINDNESS CREATES A PRICELESS MEMORY

ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KACEY BORRMAN: TOP KNOT PHOTOGRAPHY

MEETS COW BOY

When Amanda Ravetta posted on Rockwall’s Facebook page asking for recommendations on where to love on Highland cows, she hoped to find a farm experience she could buy as a Christmas gift for her 12-year-old son, Eli, who has Down syndrome. “Eli has loved cows since before he could walk,” Amanda says.  “His entire room is cow themed, and his first sentence was ‘I like cow.’”

Years ago, Eli had visited a massive dairy cow farm owned by a friend of a friend, and the experience was life changing.  As all the calves were herded into their small pens, frightened, one walked up to Eli and interacted with him.

“All the baby cows were tagged with a fourdigit number except for this cow, whose number was 21,” Amanda recounts, adding that Down syndrome is three copies of the twenty-first chromosome. When she explained the significance to the farmer, he teared up and not only let Eli bottle-feed the calf but also let him write his name on the calf’s tag.

Amanda hoped to provide Eli with a similar experience in Rockwall. What happened surpassed her wildest expectations. Sara Pierson, who owns a small family farm, responded, inviting Amanda and Eli to come out and visit their sweet Highland cow. She added that her friend Kacey Borrman, a photographer, volunteered to take pictures of Eli’s farm visit.

Amanda was thrilled. Christmas morning, Eli opened his gift: a stuffed Highland cow, along with a photo collage of farm animals Sara had sent, and a note that said, “Santa is sending you here to love on these animals.”

On December 28th, Eli met Junior, the Piersons’ sweet Highland cow, along with a few other cows, pigs, chickens, and a duck named Fancy. “He was so excited,” said Amanda. “Eli exudes love, so he just burst at the seams petting and loving on all the animals. He even got to harvest eggs from the henhouse.”

At the end of the day, Sara and Kacey presented him with a carton of eggs and a priceless souvenir to commemorate the day: a custom "Goodnight" book filled with beautiful watercolored photos of the farm’s animals— each one sending Eli a warm bedtime wish, straight from their pasture to his. And to the rest of us . . . the reminder that kindness and the generosity of neighbors is still alive and well in Rockwall.

Follow Eli’s journey on Instagram @raisingeli2013.

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

MATERIALS:

Cole

DESIGN TAKEAWAY:

In large rooms, architectural details like niches, built-ins, or material changes can create visual rhythm while giving meaningful objects a true home.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

MATERIALS:

DESIGN TAKEAWAY:

An entryway doesn’t need to be loud to be memorable. Combine tactile materials with one or two meaningful elements to create an instant emotional connection.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

MATERIALS:

Particular Tile in Satin Terracotta and Vanilla Bean, Arté Wallcovering Shards in Brick Red, Red travertine sink, Rachel Donath chunky mirror, Playful art work by Olivia Fields

DESIGN TAKEAWAY:

Small spaces are ideal for experimentation. Mix patterns, finishes, and textures within a tight color family to create depth without overwhelm.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings. Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

MATERIALS:

Virginia Sin pendant light, In Common With sconce, Arté Oblong wall covering in Ochre, Particular Tile in Vapor, Custom sage velvet sofa, Plush Vintage Moroccan rug

DESIGN TAKEAWAY:

When a room serves many purposes, let texture and tone create cohesion. A restrained palette with varied finishes keeps the space flexible and serene.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

PROJECT CREDITS Builder - Buildwell Architect and

Designer - Kate Manz

The Fresh Start

A GUIDE TO PEACEFUL AND INTENTIONAL SPRING CLEANING

ARTICLE BY HEATHER SPINKS

Take a second to close your eyes and picture this: The afternoon sun streams through your windows, casting a warm glow across the room. Outside, Robins and Blue Jays sing their familiar melody, welcoming the season’s return. A gentle breeze slips through the slightly cracked window, carrying the crisp scent of early spring as your curtains sway softly. You stand in your kitchen, pouring a midday cup of coffee, feeling lighter—hopeful even— because warmer days are on their way.

There’s something about this fresh, ethereal feeling that not only melts away the last traces of winter but also sparks a quiet urge to refresh our surroundings. The cupboards that need decluttering, the baseboards that have gone untouched for months, the unworn clothes that no longer serve us—it all calls for renewal. This is the essence of spring cleaning:

Refresh and Declutter

Week1

clearing out the old to make space for the new, both in our homes and in our minds.

For some, the idea of cleaning feels anything but peaceful. The thought of tackling clutter and dust can be overwhelming, turning what should be a refreshing transition into a dreaded chore. That’s why we’ve created a simple, practical guide to help you navigate spring cleaning with ease, turning it into a rhythmic, intentional process that mirrors the calm of the season itself.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing and decluttering—it’s about creating a home that nurtures and uplifts you. By embracing this season of renewal with a gentle, intentional approach, you can welcome spring with open arms and a refreshed spirit.

Let this be the year when cleaning isn’t a chore but a ritual—a way to honor your home and the season’s promise of new beginnings.

• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.

• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items

• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.

• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.

• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.

• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.

• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.

• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.

• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.

• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.

Week2

Deep Clean and Rejuvenate

ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON

Stunning and UNIQUE HOMES

Find inspiration in these four gorgeous books.

It takes a lot of work to make a house a home. A home reflects your personal style, functions to meet your goals, and provides relief from the outside world. However, unless you are a design professional, you likely need a bit of guidance to turn your thoughts and ideas into reality. One way is to immerse yourself in the advice and visions of award-winning architects and designers.

Flip through the gorgeous, glossy, photo-filled pages of these beautiful books and apply their lessons to your own home.

Villa d’Este:

LEGEND ON LAKE COMO

In 1568 Tolomeo Gallio commissioned a grand villa overlooking Italy’s magnificent Lake Como. After two centuries in the Gallio family, Villa d’Este became home to multiple members of the aristocracy before being transformed into an elegant five-star resort in 1873. After 150 years of catering to an endless array of famous guests wishing to immerse themselves in “la dolce vita,” Villa d’Este stands as an example of blending tradition and modernity to create absolute luxury.

Palm Beach Style:

THE ARCHITECTURE AND ADVOCACY OF JOHN AND JANE VOLK

In the 1920s, American royalty wanted to establish a winter retreat and show off their newfound wealth. Building grand homes inspired by European palaces, they created one of the world’s most famous resort towns. Commissioned to design over 2,000 projects during his sixty years of practice, John Volk’s legacy as one of the “big five” architects of Palm Beach, can now be seen on almost every street.

Learn how to integrate elegant timelessness, celebrate bold colors and eclectic patterns, or embrace the past while living stylishly in the present.

Whether you’re building a new home, planning a renovation, or your home is simply a constant work in progress, these four new releases are sure to provide the inspiration you need to transition your house into your dream home—whatever that may look like and wherever that may be. Enjoy!

Home:

THE RESIDENTIALARCHITECTURE OF D. STANLEY DIXON

Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon has received tremendous media attention since the founding of his firm D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. in 2006. His highly-anticipated debut book showcases thirteen projects from across the country. From a relaxed Jupiter Island coastal retreat to an elegant English-manorinspired South Carolina home, each project varies geographically and stylistically, highlighting a variety of different aesthetic components.

Our Way Home:

REIMAGINING AN AMERICAN FARMHOUSE

The defined style of cozy and simple living has led to a rise in American farmhouse design in recent years. Interior designer Heide Hendricks and architect-builder Rafe Churchill show how they have brought twenty-first-century living to their late nineteenth-century New England farmhouse. This husband-and-wife team combined their talents to create a historic home that is both a personal retreat designed for everyday life and a constant source of inspiration for their other projects.

realty report

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. PROVEN RESULTS. EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

Every great real estate journey begins with a conversation. Known for exceptional negotiation skills, deep local expertise, and a commitment to going the extra mile, The Sarah Naylor Team is proud to serve Rockwall County and the surrounding communities. Whether buying or selling, we’re here to guide you, advocate for you, and earn your trust every step of the way.

MARCH 5TH

Legacy of the Wild Gala

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront: 2055 Summer Lee Dr., Rockwall, TX 75032 | 5:30 PM

Celebrate adventure and elegance at the Rockwall Chamber’s Annual Banquet, where cocktail glamour meets safari chic. Step into an evening of unforgettable moments, community celebration, and untamed style as we honor bold legacies and forge new paths together. Visit www.business.rockwallchamber.org/events website to learn more.

MARCH 6TH

Symphony of Color Kickoff

The Center At Rockwall City Place: 108 E Washington St., Rockwall, TX 75087 | 7:30 PM

Where Hollywood glamour meets hometown brilliance, this red-carpet evening celebrates Rockwall’s vibrant music and art community. Expect a polished, star-studded atmosphere highlighting exceptional local talent in a preview event designed to dazzle and inspire. Discover tickets, details, and updates by visiting www.greaterrockwallyouthsymphony.org to learn more.

MARCH 12TH

Preserved Moss Art Workshop

Honey Locust Farms: 4571 TX-276, Rockwall, TX 75032 | 6:00 PM

Discover the art of everlasting greenery in this hands-on workshop where you'll create a stunning 12"x12" moss design using high-quality preserved materials. Led by Jen Bily of jb-plants, enjoy expert instruction, light refreshments, and nature-inspired creativity—no sunlight or watering required. Visit www.honeylocustfarms.org/collections/workshops-events to learn more and reserve your spot.

MARCH 14TH

Feed the

City Rockwall

Dudley's Sports Grill: 2975 TX-66, Rockwall, TX 75087 | 8:30 AM

Make a meaningful impact at this hands-on community event where volunteers of all ages gather to assemble healthy meals for neighbors in need. Bring your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and help turn compassion into action—one lunch at a time. Visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/feed-the-city-rockwall-making-meals-for-people-in-need-tickets-906914494667 to learn more and register to participate.

MARCH 26TH

The Next Chapter Luncheon

Hidden Creek: 215 Chris Cuny Pkwy., Heath, TX 75032 | 11:30 AM

Celebrate style and service at this elegant spring luncheon and fashion show benefiting Meals on Wheels Senior Services. Join community leaders and changemakers as they champion a future where every senior’s story continues with dignity and care. Visit www.rockwallmealsonwheels.org/ event/spring-luncheon/ to learn more about this meaningful afternoon of fashion and philanthropy.

MARCH 28TH

Spring Eggstravaganza

The Harbor Rockwall: 2059 Summer Lee Dr., Rockwall, TX 75032 | 1:00 PM

Celebrate the season with a family-friendly afternoon filled with bounce houses, carnival games, music, and a lively Easter Egg Trail. Kids can collect eggs from festive vendor booths while enjoying interactive activities for all ages. Spring has never felt so joyful. Visit www. rockwall.com/event_Eggstravaganza.asp to learn more about this egg-cellent event.

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2455 Ridge Rd, Ste 100, Rockwall, TX 75087 (469) 272-8969

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