Southlake, TX February 2026

STAR

ON THE ICE AND IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Lovin’ our local Southlake Businesses

As February rolls around, I always find myself in a familiar tug-of-war. On one hand, I want to resist the pull of another commercialized holiday, yet on the other, I can’t help but savor the sweet moments it brings—an excuse to celebrate love in all its forms.

Do we opt for a Valentine’s Day date out or settle in for a cozy night at home? A handwritten card or a heartfelt kind word? For me, it’s usually a mix of both. Each of us will find our own ways to mark the occasion, shaped by our unique preferences and personalities. But what unites us all is the opportunity to remind those around us just how much they mean to us.

This month’s issue is dedicated to helping you do just that—celebrating and highlighting the best of what’s to love in our local community.

As we navigate the lingering chill of winter and the promise of spring’s arrival, let’s take a moment to come together with the people who matter most. Whether they’re in your home, down the street, or across the community, February is a wonderful time to connect and share love.

“Love local” isn’t just about supporting the businesses in your area—it’s about cherishing what’s near to you in every sense. So, why not grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks and enjoy a game night by the fire with your family? Or pick up a bottle of wine from Roots and Water and a pizza from Calabrese for a relaxed movie night in.

At the heart of everything we do is the belief that together, we’re stronger. Every month, the stories shared within these pages prove that again and again.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of the life you’re building. Our greatest hope is that this issue helps you love it just a little more than before.

Here’s to a February filled with love—both local and beyond!

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Jon Calvin | jon.calvin@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Mandy Calvin | mandy.calvin@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Samantha Farris | samantha.farris@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Jay Grisham

INTERN

MaKayla Allen

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jennifer Brown-Thomas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Samantha Farris, Tony Haas, Metroplex Headshots

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

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2026

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN FEBRUARY

city scene

As we celebrate our Love Local issue, we’re highlighting the many ways Southlake comes together as a community. Throughout the year, residents and visitors alike enjoy events that honor culture, tradition, and togetherness. From Black History Month celebrations, the vibrant Spring Festival, and Fourth of July Stars & Stripes, to Diwalifest, Oktoberfest, and Hispanic Heritage Month festivities and more, there’s always something to experience.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Families delight in Art on the Square, trick-or-treating, and the magical Southlake Holiday of Lights. Each event reflects the town’s dedication to celebrating diversity, creativity, and community spirit — making Southlake a place where neighbors gather, traditions thrive, and memories are made.

St. Jude Dream Home Showplace at Carillon Development

Building Hope: 5 Visionary Designs for St. Jude

business monthly

Inside Project Sanctuary’s mission to support military families, veterans’ well-being

After his Iraq deployment, Army veteran Tom Richmond attended a Project Sanctuary retreat that helped him confront PTSD and reconnect with his family. The nonprofit offers free six-day retreats blending outdoor activities with counseling and support for military families. The experience saved Richmond’s marriage and inspired him to become a retreat manager. Project Sanctuary has served over 2,500 families, helping veterans heal, strengthen relationships, and build lasting resilience through shared understanding and care.

Nonprofit Unchained 4 Veterans builds camaraderie through outreach and connection.

U.S. Coast Guard veteran Virginia Jacobi supports Unchained 4 Veterans, a Tarrant County nonprofit founded by Army veteran Jonathon Perkins. The group combats veteran isolation and suicide through community events, meals, and support services. Since 2021, it has served over 1,000 veterans annually, offering connection through sports, entertainment, and outreach. Inspired by personal struggles, Perkins and his team foster belonging and healing, proving that even simple acts—like a game ticket or shared meal—can save lives.

Buddhist monks take first steps in 2,300-mile journey for peace.

Buddhist monks from Fort Worth began a 2,300-mile, 110-day Walk for Peace to Washington, D.C., joined by community members and leaders. The journey aims to promote reflection, unity and healing as the monks travel through 10 states, stopping at capitols and landmarks. Local leaders praised it as a reminder that peace begins individually and within communities. The monks will follow traditional practices such as eating one meal a day and sleeping outdoors during the pilgrimage.

The Heart, History, and Home Ice of the Lone Star Brahmas

More than a Game

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BROWN-THOMAS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY HAAS

The first thing you notice at a Lone Star Brahmas game isn’t the puck dropping or the roar of the crowd. It’s the feeling. The sense that this is more than a sporting event. It’s a gathering. Families arrive early. Friends claim their favorite seats. Kids press up against the glass, eyes wide, waiting for the moment the ice comes alive. From the second you walk into NYTEX Sports Centre, it’s clear that Brahmas hockey is as much about community as it is about competition.

That connection has been building for decades.

The team’s story began in 1997, originally founded as the Fort Worth Bulls. Before a single game could be played, the name was changed to the Fort Worth Brahmas to avoid litigation with the Chicago Bulls. The Brahmas first called the Fort Worth Convention Center home, competing in the Western Professional Hockey League. Around the turn of the century, the WPHL was absorbed by the Central Hockey League, ushering in a new chapter for the organization.

In 2007, the Brahmas made a pivotal move to NYTEX Sports Centre, seeking more favorable scheduling and a better opportunity to grow their fan base. That same year, the team became part of the NYTEX Sports umbrella and hired Head Coach Dan Wildfong, who had just retired from professional hockey. The impact was immediate. A Final Four appearance in the 2007–2008 season was followed by a championship win in 2008–2009. The momentum was undeniable.

competitive teams year after year. Their vision reaches beyond wins and losses. The long-term goal is to grow the game of hockey in Tarrant County and develop homegrown players who can progress through every level offered at NYTEX Sports Centre, with the dream of one day reaching the NHL.

That sense of purpose carries through every layer of the organization.

The Brahmas operate with a family-first culture. Season ticket holders, billet families, sponsors, players, staff — all are treated as part of one extended family. That philosophy is felt the moment you enter the building. NYTEX Sports Centre offers a smaller, more intimate venue than many teams in the league, allowing fans to feel close to the action from any seat. The experience is personal, immersive, and electric.

As professional hockey evolved, so did the Brahmas. In 2013, the Central Hockey League underwent changes that led the team to join the North American Hockey League. With the new league came a new name: the Lone Star Brahmas. The rebrand signaled growth, ambition, and a deepened commitment to the region. Since joining the NAHL, the Brahmas have appeared in the Final Four four times and claimed two Robertson Cup titles — the league’s highest honor — all under the leadership of Dan Wildfong and the NYTEX Sports umbrella.

Strong leadership has always been central to the organization’s success. Ownership by Salvatore and Frank Trazzera has provided the stability and resources needed to build

And the energy is undeniable.

Brahmas fans are passionate, loyal, and loud. The arena fills with chants reminiscent of European soccer matches, with supporters locked in on every shift and every shot. On game nights, it’s not unusual for the building to shake with noise. If you’re coming to your first game, bring your outside voice. You’ll need it.

The game-day experience extends well beyond the ice. ZuRoma Sicilian Bar & Grill has become a cornerstone of Brahmas culture and a favorite gathering spot for fans. Led by Scott and Ricardo, ZuRoma offers something rarely found at sporting venues: real food, made with care. Instead of settling for stale hot dogs or generic concessions, fans can enjoy scratch-made pizza, a variety of pastas, fresh salads, burgers, sandwiches, traditional favorites, and a full bar. It’s a place where families linger, friends reconnect, and the energy of the game flows seamlessly from the rink to the table.

Community involvement is not an afterthought for the Brahmas — it’s part of who they are.

Each fall, the team hosts a Teddy Bear Toss benefiting the Community Enrichment Center in North Richland Hills. This year alone, four pallets of toys, stuffed animals, and food were delivered through the event. The organization also hosts an annual fundraiser supporting the North Richland Hills Police Foundation. These efforts reflect a platform intentionally used for good, reinforcing the belief that success on the ice should translate into impact off it.

Ultimately, a Brahmas game isn’t just about hockey. It’s about belonging .

It’s about showing up with your family, grabbing dinner at ZuRoma, cheering alongside neighbors, and feeling like part of something bigger .

For fans looking to show their support, the onsite merchandise store offers everything from jerseys and hoodies to blankets, hats, cowbells, trading cards, foam fingers, mugs, and more. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, there’s no shortage of ways to feel game-ready.

Ultimately, a Brahmas game isn’t just about hockey. It’s about belonging. It’s about showing up with your family, grabbing dinner at ZuRoma, cheering alongside neighbors, and feeling like part of something bigger. It’s the kind of night that becomes a tradition — the kind you talk about long after the final buzzer sounds.

Tickets, schedules, and team news can be found at  lonestarbrahmas.com, along with updates on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. But the real invitation is simpler than that.

Come feel it for yourself. Once you experience a night with the Lone Star Brahmas, you’ll understand why this team isn’t just part of the local sports scene. It’s part of the community’s heartbeat.

Fans are at the heart of it all. On game day you can find Brahmas fans such as Randy and Melody Smith, owners of Texas Polished Concrete, who are not only season ticket holders but have also hosted several Brahmas players during their tenure with the team. Stories like theirs speak volumes about the relationships built through this organization — relationships that go far beyond the final score.

While individual achievements naturally emerge each season, the heart of the organization has always centered on something bigger. Development, discipline, and a commitment to the team guide every decision, on and off the ice. Players are challenged to grow not just as athletes, but as young men, learning what it means to compete with integrity, support one another, and represent something greater than themselves. That focus has shaped the Brahmas’ culture for decades and continues to define why families, fans, and players feel such a strong sense of pride in the program.

CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

“WE WERE FOUNDED ON THE IDEA THAT GENEROSITY CAN TRANSFORM A COMMUNITY.”

Forty-five years ago, a small group of North Texas civic leaders came together to establish a vehicle through which individuals, families and business could invest in the community they loved. That vision became the North Texas Community Foundation, and over the decades, it has grown into one of the region’s most trusted stewards of generosity— quietly shaping lives, strengthening neighborhoods, and responding to needs long before many people ever see them coming.

The 45th anniversary marks far more than a milestone. It represents decades of fundholders, community leaders, and nonprofits linking arms to solve problems, lift each other up, and invest in a better future for North Texas.

“We were founded on the idea that generosity can transform a community,” says Rose Bradshaw, President & CEO of the North Texas Community Foundation. “Forty-five years later, that belief continues to guide our work every day.”

When donors open a charitable fund through the Foundation, they are stepping into a relationship rooted in care. Some come with a clear vision for the causes they want to support. Others arrive with a desire to help

THIS CAPACITY TO CONVENE PEOPLE AROUND COMPLEX CHALLENGES HAS BECOME ONE OF THE FOUNDATION’S MOST DEFINING ROLES.

but are unsure where to begin. In either case, the Foundation listens—learning what matters to them, understanding their values, and helping shape a giving strategy with both intention and clarity.

From there, the Foundation carries the weight of the administrative work. Its team verifies nonprofits, conducts due diligence, manages the investments, and ensures that every dollar moves to organizations equipped to create measurable change. For donors, the experience becomes less about logistics and more about meaning—knowing their generosity is making a real difference.

Over time, those individual acts of giving have created a collective impact that is nothing short of remarkable. Since 1981, the Foundation and its donors have granted more than $550 million to nonprofits across the region. The reach is wide: scholarships, first responders, early childhood programs, land and water conservation, animal welfare, mental health, and dozens of other local needs.

For many families, the desire to give extends beyond the present moment. Through the Legacy Society, donors include charitable gifts in their estate plans, ensuring the causes they love will continue to be supported for generations. More than $650 million has

been entrusted this way—an extraordinary expression of trust in the Foundation’s long-term stewardship.

Much of the Foundation’s strength comes from its ability to see the community clearly. Its Community Impact Team pays close attention to changing needs, stays in conversation with nonprofit partners, and helps identify where philanthropic dollars can create the greatest difference. Some donors lean heavily on this expertise, while others use it to complement their own giving plans. Those who prefer to give collectively participate in competitive grant cycles, where volunteer committees of local experts review proposals and award funding.

This capacity to convene people around complex challenges has become one of the Foundation’s most defining roles. A recent example is its work surrounding maternal and infant health in Tarrant County. When data revealed higher-than-average maternal mortality rates, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker asked the Foundation to bring community leaders together. In 2023, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and local organizations began meeting to better understand the issue. By 2024, that collaboration led to the formation of the Tarrant County Maternal and

Infant Health Coalition—and with support from a $250,000 grant from the Foundation’s Fund for Good, the Parent Pass app expanded access to critical resources for families.

The momentum has since grown into the $25 million North Texas Maternal Health Accelerator, now operated by the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU and UT Southwestern Medical Center. “This is the power of partnership,” Bradshaw says. “When people come together with a shared commitment, real change becomes possible.”

The Foundation’s ability to mobilize quickly has been equally essential in times of crisis. During the pandemic, it awarded more than $1 million to frontline organizations. When devastating flooding struck Kerr County this year, fundholders contributed more than $435,000 to relief efforts. Whether responding to natural disasters or community tragedies, the Foundation ensures that generosity is deployed swiftly and responsibly.

As the 45th anniversary year unfolds, the Foundation is looking ahead. In March, it will introduce its new five-year strategic plan—a roadmap shaped by donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders. “Our region is growing rapidly,” Bradshaw says. “This plan reflects our commitment to meeting that growth with deeper impact, stronger partnerships, and an unwavering dedication to serving our community.”

Forty-five years in, the story of the North Texas Community Foundation is still unfolding—carried forward by the donors, families, and partners who believe in the power of generosity to change lives.

FORTY-FIVE YEARS IN, THE STORY OF THE NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IS STILL UNFOLDING.

Hinkle Family Dental

The story of Hinkle Family Dental began long before the doors opened in 2024. It started with a young Roth Hinkle spending his childhood summers in his father’s dental office, watching how a steady hand and reassuring voice could change a patient’s entire day. Those early moments shaped his understanding of service and created the foundation for the dentist he would eventually become.

As he grew older, that foundation only strengthened. Roth earned his x-ray and polishing licenses as a teenager, gaining hands-on experience that anchored his passion for serving others. In college, mission trips took him into underserved communities, where he witnessed the impact of compassionate care firsthand. Those experiences reinforced a belief that dentistry is deeply personal, rooted in trust, connection, and dignity.

Seventeen years into his career, a long-held family prayer was finally answered. In 2024, Dr. Roth Hinkle opened Hinkle Family Dental in Southlake, where his family has lived since 2009. The moment signaled more than professional growth. It reflected a commitment to give back to the community that helped shape their lives.

From the beginning, their vision was clear: create a warm, welcoming environment grounded in integrity, honesty, and personalized care.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BROWN-THOMAS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY METROPLEX HEADSHOTS AND HINKLE FAMILY DENTAL

Core values such as patient-centered service, safety, education, teamwork, and compassion guide every interaction. These principles shape the tone of each visit, the transparency of communication, and the sense of ease patients feel from the moment they arrive.

The Southlake location provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Preventive services include exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, periodontal therapy, digital imaging, and oral cancer screenings. Restorative and cosmetic options include tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, and full smile transformations. Dr. Hinkle’s advanced training includes implant placement and restoration, root canal therapy, oral surgery, and dental sleep medicine. Invisalign is also offered, supported by digital scanners and imaging designed for comfort and precision.

Still, what visitors remember most isn’t the list of services. It’s how the space feels.

The team has intentionally cultivated a joyful, caring, and calming atmosphere where patients feel at ease. Many describe it as “home,” which is exactly the goal. That sense of comfort is created through thoughtful details — knowing families by name, remembering milestones, and approaching each visit as a relationship rather than a transaction. Time is taken to listen, questions are welcomed, and trust is built naturally, creating an experience that feels personal, unrushed, and genuinely kind.

Dr. Hinkle practices with transparency and restraint. If he can’t clearly show a patient what they need, he won’t recommend it. Families value that clarity, along with his steady demeanor, thoughtful explanations, and the occasional dad joke that softens anxious moments and builds connection.

The Hinkle family’s connection to Southlake extends far beyond dentistry. For more than fifteen years, they have invested their time and energy into local schools, faith communities, and nonprofit efforts. One of the most meaningful examples is Dragons Care, the nonprofit founded by Dr. Hinkle’s wife, Virginia, which supports Carroll ISD staff members navigating illness, injury, or hardship. It reflects a deep respect for the people who show up for children and classrooms every day, often while carrying unseen burdens of their own.

That commitment shows up in quieter ways as well. Relationships are nurtured over time. Trust is built visit by visit. Families are not rushed through their experience. They are listened to, met with patience, and treated with respect. This approach creates familiarity that turns first visits into long-term relationships and patients into neighbors who feel genuinely known. CONTINUED

That same heart guides how the office operates. Instead of relying on traditional marketing, much of the outreach budget is directed toward supporting educators, nonprofits, and community programs. For the Hinkles, giving back isn’t a strategy. It’s gratitude in action, offered consistently and without expectation.

Excellence remains a cornerstone. Dr. Hinkle participates in continuing education throughout the year, completing advanced courses, hands-on workshops, and clinical training that keep him aligned with modern dentistry. This commitment ensures that patients receive safe, current, and exceptional care at every stage of life.

When asked what he values most about serving Southlake families, Dr. Hinkle’s answer comes without hesitation. “The individuals and families who come to our office are not just patients,” he shares. “They are our neighbors, our friends, and people we truly care about. This community is not a place that feels like home. It is our home.”

That belief shows up in small but meaningful ways — urgent calls answered quickly, flexibility offered to someone in pain, quiet reassurance extended during difficult seasons. These moments are not obligations. They are privileges, and the practice is built on that philosophy. It’s a dental home shaped by genuine care, guided by integrity, and committed to doing what’s best for every person who walks through the door. Families leave with more than restored smiles. They leave feeling supported, valued, and understood.

For the Hinkle family, opening this office was never just about dentistry. It was about honoring the community that welcomed them, raised their children, and shaped their purpose. Today, that gratitude shows up through care that is steady, sincere, and deeply rooted in Southlake.

A Little Extra for Your Skin

DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.

AN ALPINE ESCAPE

In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

A CAR-FREE ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA

An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.

One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.

WHERE TO STAY

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.

WHAT TO DO

Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-year-old forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.

Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.

HISTORY AND ALPS MEET IN MARTIGNY

A short train ride takes visitors to one of the largest cities in the Valais region of Switzerland. The city is a crossroads between Italy and France, with a history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can tour Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheater, ancient settlements, and Roman baths.

WHERE TO STAY

Martigny Boutique Hotel is minutes from the train station and is one of the few establishments in the city employing people with disabilities. The light and bright hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the city.

WHAT TO DO

Take the steepest funicular in the world, the Mont-Blanc Express, on a scenic ascent through the Alps. The funicular connects to a smaller train that leads to the Trient Valley on the French-Swiss border, where, at the top, a full day of activity begins. Hiking, biking, zip-lining, or traversing the Emosson Dam, which straddles France and Switzerland, are all options. The crystal clear blue waters of Emosson Lake are perfect for a picnic or a break between adventures.

Back in Martigny, Barryland, the only theme park in the world dedicated to St. Bernard dogs, offers a look at the history of the dog, bred by monks in the 17th century for alpine rescue work. The Barry Foundation, founded in 2005, continues to preserve the breed and educate visitors about it. Guests can watch the dogs train, play, and interact as they learn about their role in the region.

Roman influence remains visible across the city, including at Les Bains Publics at Hotel Borsari, where visitors can soak in cement wine barrels located in the hotel’s spa. The baths sit on the site of a former wine tank factory and offer a circuit of hot and cold pools in a historically inspired, wine-colored setting.

Date Night

AT HOME

THREE CREATIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE LOVE

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

Not every date night needs to involve reservations or an elaborate itinerary. With a little creativity, you can create magical moments right at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to reconnect, here are three ideas for unforgettable at-home date nights.

ROMANTIC PICNIC UNDER THE STARS

Transform your backyard or balcony into a dreamy picnic spot! Spread out a cozy blanket, add a few fluffy pillows, and hang string lights or fairy lights for ambiance. A small fire pit or lanterns can also add a romantic glow.

Pack a picnic basket with finger foods and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Don’t forget a decadent dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Lay back and stargaze, identifying constellations or making wishes on shooting stars. To make it extra romantic, bring a bluetooth speaker and play soft music.

PAINT AND CREATE TOGETHER

Unleash your inner artists with one of these three fun and interactive dates. Grab some inexpensive canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints from the craft store. Don’t forget aprons or old clothes to protect against spills!

• Paint each other’s portraits for a mix of laughter and creativity.

• Work on a collaborative paintingeach person adds their own touch to a single canvas.

• Try a themed painting challenge, like recreating your favorite memory together.      Pair this date with a cheese platter and wine and don’t worry about being “good’ at painting - it’s all about enjoying the process together.

BREAKFAST IN BED

Start the day with love by turning breakfast into an indulgent experience. Prepare a tray with a DIY breakfast charcuterie board. Include mini pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, and pastries. Add small bowls of toppings like syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.

Mix up mimosas or serve coffee with flavored syrups and whipped cream for a café vibe. Then, snuggle up in bed and watch a favorite movie or TV series.

MIRROR WORK FOR SELF-LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? Everyone knows this line from Snow White. The Queen wanted to be the fairest. When she wasn’t, she poisoned beautiful Snow White. Most of us do not believe ourselves to be the fairest, but quite the opposite.

As February is widely known as the month of love, let’s focus on self-love. Often people, especially parents, tend to give a lot to their partners and their children and less to themselves. Sometimes it is challenging for us to silence the inner critic that speaks harshly to ourselves in a way we would never speak to a loved friend or family member. This is where mirror work can help.

Many people have a complicated relationship with the mirror. We don’t always like to look at our reflections. We may find it confronting. Taylor Swift even sings about it in her song Anti-hero: “I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror.” Why is it so difficult for some of us to gaze with love–or affection–into the mirror?

ARTICLE BY LEA GRIMALDI

Mirror work, a term coined by transformational teacher and selflove expert Louise Hay, founder of Hay House Publishing, and the author of You Can Heal Your Life and Mirror Work: 21 Days to Heal Your Life, is the practice of looking at yourself in the mirror and saying nice things to yourself. You can start with something simple. “I like myself. I am doing the best I can today.” Or even, “Hey sweetie! You look great!” One of my favorites is, “I love, accept, and forgive myself fully and completely.” Mirror work combines well with affirmations, which are positive phrases said in the present tense as if they are already true. The practice of saying affirmations combined with mirror work can increase the benefits of both practices.

The objective of mirror work is to help people silence their inner critic and believe the positive words they are telling themselves while looking at themselves in the mirror.

Mirror work can help with self-esteem issues and can achieve results such as changing a negative body image to a more positive one. Hay developed the practice to increase self-compassion and self-love as part of the daily activities detailed in her 1984 book You Can Heal Your Life

Although it can be confronting and challenging, it is important to practice mirror work regularly to reap the benefits. Set a daily goal of saying affirmations while looking at your reflection in the mirror and seeing how it makes you feel. Start with two minutes a day and work up to five.

As a yoga teacher, I have included mirror work in my classes with clients. Often the first experience with the exercise is somewhat uncomfortable, but with practice, it becomes more natural. When resistance comes up, ask yourself what you are feeling, allow the emotion to be present, and then release it. It may be rooted in a past experience and just needs to be acknowledged and felt before you can let it go.

HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR HOW TO CREATE A MIRROR WORK PRACTICE:

• Make sure you will be alone and uninterrupted so you can let your guard down and allow emotions to surface

• Try to do it for a set amount of time, such as five minutes every day

• Allow yourself to feel and process whatever emotions show up

• Keep a journal to record your feelings, reactions, and experiences

• Start with less confronting or difficult phrases, and as you become comfortable increase the intensity

Mirror work can be used in tandem with inner-child work because many of the negative limiting beliefs that play in our minds are the result of something we were told as a child that is not true about us or our life. If something negative comes up during mirror work, we can challenge it and write about the feelings in the journal, thus freeing us from that limiting belief.

Inner child work is an approach to recognizing and healing childhood trauma. We all experience traumas as children which affect the way we experience the world. As adults, we can reconnect with the child we once were, in order to heal. Mirror work is one way to help facilitate that process, in addition to talk therapy, meditation exercises, and setting healthy boundaries.

Here are some ideas for affirmations to use with your mirror work. I am strong. I am capable. I can do this. I believe in myself. I know my worth. I can do hard things. My life is abundant. I am happy and healthy in mind, body, and spirit. I believe in myself. I am kind and compassionate. I deserve love and abundance. I am doing my best. I am smart. I am brave. I am powerful.

In the words of Hay, “Doing mirror work is one of the most loving gifts you can give yourself.”

I AM STRONG. I AM CAPABLE. I CAN DO THIS. I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. I KNOW MY WORTH. I CAN DO HARD THINGS. MY LIFE IS ABUNDANT. I AM HAPPY AND HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT. I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. I AM KIND AND COMPASSIONATE. I DESERVE LOVE AND ABUNDANCE. I AM DOING MY BEST. I AM SMART. I AM BRAVE. I AM POWERFUL. I AM STRONG.

BUILDING HEALTHIER

HEAR FROM NASM-CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER ABOUT ESTABLISHING THE BEST HABITS

ARTICLE BY KRISTIN BURNELL

The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around. How many times do your resolutions fall through each year? It can be challenging to build new habits and switch up routines if you’re looking for a change. That’s why we rounded up the best advice to establishing habits and making them stay for good. We spoke with Danielle Johnston, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified personal trainer and aspiring kinesiologist, who broke down her top tips to maintaining healthy habits this new year.

HABITS

START WITH A SMALL HABIT AND MAKE IT SOMETHING YOU ENJOY

Think 1-3 things maximum and then give yourself at least a month or two to apply the change. If you like to eat and cook, maybe try a new recipe or browse a cookbook in the library or bookstore for inspiration. If you like fashion, maybe try cleaning out a section of your closet (i.e. tops, bottoms, shoes, etc) to make way for 1 new piece. If you like being outdoors, maybe you try adding in just a 5 minute walk down the road.

IF YOU MISS A DAY, TRY AGAIN

If you miss a day or make a mistake with whatever resolution you’re working on, take that next opportunity to try again. Danielle uses the goal to eat healthier as an example. Health can be interpreted in many different ways but if you can take the small first step of looking at ingredients, that alone can make a world’s difference in the recipe you use so maybe you don’t even have to alter or substitute it. Or if your goal is to snack less but one day you snack more, don’t wave the flag and sabotage your efforts. Take a minute to breathe through the moment and then move on, enjoying the ebb and flow of health instead of going all in or nothing. Starting small allows you to adjust everyday habits that will, with time, transition to lifestyle changes.

CREATE 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESOLUTIONS

Danielle says to create 1 health resolution, 1 personal resolution, and 1 professional resolution as it is the best format to better yourself in multiple realms instead of just physical health. Too often, we get caught up in this “New Year New Me” mindset and create a list of things you want to change or start doing. But as they get lost in the busy to-do list of life and we forget,

“The new year is a classic kickoff  to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around.”

we can also feel like a failure and revert to “I’ll try again tomorrow or next year.” But what if you don’t have to start over, just keep going.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS AND VISUALIZE YOUR FUTURE

Whether you keep a notebook of your habit building, or keep track on your phone, it is important to acknowledge the personal progress made. This will also help you see the future that you want to build as you make more desirable changes in your life. If you want to track how you feel after working out, it will serve as a reflection on the progress made through what has been written down. This will encourage you to continue pushing for your goals!

SAMPLE OF

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 4TH

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo - Wild Card Round

Dickies Arena

Enjoy an intense rodeo competition where professional cowboys and cowgirls who didn’t automatically advance get one last chance to earn a spot in the semifinals. Top performers from multiple events — including steer wrestling, barrel racing, bronc riding and more — compete head-to-head for advancement in a thrilling, bracketed showdown at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Wild Card Round. More information available at fwssr.com/events.

FEBRUARY 7TH

Southlake Spring Festival

Southlake Town Square | 11:00 AM

Enjoy a vibrant cultural celebration in Southlake featuring lion and dragon dances, live performances showcasing East and Southeast Asian traditions, a variety of authentic Asian cuisine, interactive family activities and artisan vendors. It’s a lively, free festival that honors diversity and community spirit with food, music, crafts and more. More details available at visitsouthlaketexas.com

FEBRUARY 21ST

Grapevine Vintage Railroad - Season Opener

705 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051 | 10:00 AM

Kick off the railroad’s season opener with a scenic journey aboard the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Ride in restored 1920s-era coaches along the scenic Cotton Belt Route, enjoy onboard entertainment, and take in charming views of Grapevine and the surrounding countryside. Perfect for families and train enthusiasts looking for a nostalgic adventure. More information available at grapevinetexasusa.com

FEBRUARY 27TH - MARCH 1ST

Cowtown Marathon Weekend

Will Rogers Memorial Center - 3401 W Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107

Join runners of all levels for a celebratory marathon weekend in Fort Worth featuring multiple race distances, including 5K and 10K options. Participants experience scenic routes through the historic Stockyards, downtown, and Trinity Park, with post-race festivities, finisher medals, and community support. This event combines fitness, culture, and fun for the whole family. More information and registration available at cowtownmarathon.org.

FEBRUARY 27TH - MARCH 13TH

Candlelight Spring: Coldplay &

First Presbyterian Church of Dallas

Imagine Dragons

Experience a magical candlelit concert featuring iconic songs from Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by a live string quartet in a glowing, intimate setting. Enjoy hits like  Clocks,  Radioactive,  Fix You, and  Viva la Vida as thousands of candles create a mesmerizing atmosphere, perfect for music lovers seeking a unique evening. More information and tickets at visitdallas.com.

FEBRUARY 28TH - MARCH 1ST

Lady Gaga's ‘MAYHEM Ball'

Dickies Arena

Experience a high-energy pop spectacle as a global superstar brings her Mayhem Ball tour to a major Texas arena, featuring bold visuals, dynamic choreography, theatrical production and hits from her chart-topping  Mayhem album alongside beloved classics. Fans can expect elaborate staging, immersive effects and unforgettable performances. Tickets available at Ticketmaster, with options for general admission, reserved seating and VIP packages.

New Name. Same Timeless Commitment.