Southlake, TX May 2026

Woman-Owned Texas

Glamping Company Brings

Luxury to Camping

Love our Local Ladies of Southlake!

There’s something truly special about taking a moment to recognize the women in our lives who make the world more vibrant and beautiful. Whether it's our mothers, daughters, friends, or colleagues, these women are often the silent forces that shape our days and make life richer.

With Mother’s Day this month, our thoughts naturally turn to all those incredible women, biological mothers and mother figures alike—who have made an unforgettable impact on us. It’s the teachers, the friends, the neighbors, and the family members who offer their love, wisdom, and support in countless ways.

This month, as we celebrate these remarkable women, I also want to encourage you to support local businesses owned by women in our community. One of my favorite parts of this job is connecting with and championing the incredible women here in Southlake. From movers and shakers to makers and builders, these women bring so much to the table, both seen and unseen. Their contributions, often behind the scenes, create beauty and impact that cannot be replicated.

Take a moment this month to recognize the women in your life. Send a text, make a phone call, or arrange a video call with the women who have made a difference for you. It’s a simple but powerful way to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they’re loved.

Here’s to celebrating the women who make life so much more meaningful. Happy Mother’s Day and cheers to the ladies who inspire us every day!

JON CALVIN, PUBLISHER @SOUTHLAKECITYLIFESTYLE

May 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 WRITERS

Jennifer Brown-Thomas, Angelo Eliades, Samantha Farris

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Samantha Farris

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

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city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-2: Southlake Rotary Club members had a blast attending Dancing with the Stars in support of local friends at the Rotary Club of Colleyville. 3-4: A meaningful afternoon at the Southlake Women’s Club. $49K given back to Carroll Independent School District this year, nearly $800K over 38 years! An amazing legacy of Southlake women supporting schools. 5-7: Flamingo Bingo night with the Southlake Chamber of Commerce was a blast! An evening of laughter, bingo, dinner, and prizes brought the community together.

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Designed for the Way You Live

A beautiful home begins with thoughtful design. At The Designery Southlake, we specialize in all things cabinetry, creating kitchens, baths, closets, and custom spaces that elevate everyday living.

From statement-making focal points to highly functional layouts, every project is crafted with intention, quality materials, and long-term durability in mind. What truly sets us apart is how we design. Each project includes professional 3D renderings and optional virtual reality walk-throughs, giving you the confidence to explore, refine, and finalize your space before anything is built.

We also offer countertops, flooring, and tile—making The Designery a true one-stop destination for remodels and new construction.

Designery Southlake southlake@thedesignery.com (817) 686-8704

S Nolen Dr Suite 200a, Southlake, TX 76092

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Grapevine becomes 2nd Tabla Indian Restaurant location in Texas

Tabla Indian Restaurant serves a mix of Indian, Thai and Indo-Chinese cuisine. Tabla opened in the Grapevine Station commercial development at the corner of Northwest Highway and Texan Trail. Featured menu items include garlic naan, tikka masala and Indo-Chinese fried rice. The menu also features garlic green chili naan, tandoori, soups, mocktails and desserts and offers gluten-free and vegan dishes as well.

TOCA Social offers soccer-themed ‘eatertainment’ center in Grandscape

TOCA Social, a European soccer-themed entertainment venue, has opened its first U.S. location at Grandscape in The Colony. The space features 20 semi-private “playing boxes” where guests compete in interactive soccer games while enjoying internationally inspired finger foods. President Alex Harman says Texas was chosen partly because AT&T Stadium will host nine 2026 World Cup matches. He praised Grandscape as a unique, high-energy destination filled with top-tier operators.

How Miracle League changed Kyle Toler’s Saturdays

Kyle Toler, a 24 -year-old with autism, found belonging and confidence through the Miracle League of Keller, playing on an accessible field with support from volunteer “buddies.” The weekly games boosted his social life and independence after limited post-high-school opportunities. His parents saw dramatic growth, culminating in Kyle being selected for the National Miracle League All-Star Game. The league’s inaugural season drew 43 players, with expansion already underway.

business monthly

Arlington Tomorrow grant to help expand local YMCA branch’s offerings

The Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA received a $150,000 Arlington Tomorrow Foundation grant to renovate its Trinity Community Foundation YMCA Youth Program Center. The project will add community rooms for tutoring, ESL and family programs, expand STEAM activities such as robotics and ceramics, and upgrade the pool with heating and safety improvements. Leaders say the enhancements will increase access for children and families, offering inclusive programs that support learning, wellness and participation.

Film starring football legend Hunter Enis premieres in Fort Worth

Legendary TCU quarterback and oil executive, Hunter Enis, 89, makes his acting debut in Texas Rhapsody, an independent film inspired by real encounters between Enis, pianist Sergio Salani, and Harvy, a former undocumented immigrant. The movie explores immigration, the Permian Basin’s energy landscape and the unifying power of music. Written by Sam Pfiester, the film premieres March 21 at TCU, with proceeds benefiting the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute.

Fort Worth-based group shapes a new generation of faith leaders

Chrys Beckley discovered her path to ministry through Be The Neighbor, a Fort Worth nonprofit that blends service with justice-focused reflection. Working with communities facing housing, food access, and immigration challenges reshaped how she viewed faith — not as quoting Scripture, but as living it. Now an associate pastor in Arkansas, she teaches youth to use faith as a tool for inclusion, critical thinking and meaningful action, continuing the justice-centered approach she learned.

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ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

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BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

Texas Glamping Company

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BROWN-THOMAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEXAS GLAMPING COMPANY

Under the Texas Sky, Connection Comes to Life

There is a certain kind of magic that only reveals itself when people are given the space to slow down.

It lives in the quiet moments. In the soft glow of light stretching across open land. In the sound of laughter that carries just a little longer into the night. In the feeling of being fully present, without distraction, without urgency, without the constant pull of everything waiting beyond the moment.

It is here, under the vast Texas sky, that connection finds its way back to us.

This is the space Texas Glamping Company was created to hold.

Founded by Ashley Mertins, this Woman-Owned business is redefining what it means to gather well. Not just beautifully, but intentionally. Not just logistically, but emotionally. What she has built is not simply a service, but an experience designed to bring people closer to one another in a way that feels both elevated and deeply personal.

The idea began with a gap that many had learned to work around, but few had solved. Across Texas, stunning events were unfolding on expansive ranches and private properties, yet one critical piece was missing. There was no seamless way to keep guests on-site in a way that matched the level of the experience itself. Hotels were often miles away. RVs lacked cohesion. And with that distance came disruption. Guests leaving early. Moments missed. Energy broken.

At the same time, Ashley recognized something more profound beneath the surface. People were craving connection in a way they had not before. In a world shaped by screens and constant accessibility, there was a quiet desire to step away from it all and simply be present again.

Texas Glamping Company was built at the intersection of those two needs.

A full-service luxury mobile accommodations company, it transforms open land into thoughtfully designed environments that allow guests to remain immersed in the experience from beginning to end. What might initially be mistaken for camping quickly reveals itself to be something entirely different. This is where luxury meets the outdoors with intention and precision. Guests step into spaces layered with real beds, refined linens, and beautifully styled interiors that rival boutique accommodations, all while remaining grounded in the natural beauty that surrounds them.

Every detail is considered. Every element has a purpose.

From the layout of an entire village to the way light moves across the space as the sun sets, nothing is left to chance. The result is an environment that feels cohesive, immersive, and effortless to those experiencing it, even when the scale behind it is anything but.

That scale is where Texas Glamping Company quietly separates itself.

While intimate gatherings remain part of its offering, the company has become known for its ability to execute large-scale events with ease. Weddings that stretch across open acreage. Corporate retreats designed to inspire both connection and clarity. Private ranch gatherings and multiday experiences where guests are not simply attending, but fully living within the moment. With the ability to accommodate anywhere from twenty to over two hundred guests, Ashley and her team have created a model that keeps people together, preserving the energy and continuity that makes an event truly memorable.

There has been a noticeable shift in how people choose to gather.

It’s no longer just about the event itself. It’s about the experience surrounding it. The time before, the time after, and everything in between. What Texas Glamping Company offers is the ability to remove the natural breaks that often interrupt connection. No commuting back and forth. No early exits. No fragmentation of the experience. Instead, what remains is a shared environment where moments unfold naturally and meaningfully.

Behind that ease is a process rooted in intention.

Each experience begins with a discovery call, where the vision, the property, and the scale of the event are thoughtfully explored. From there, a custom layout is designed to align seamlessly with both the land and the experience itself. Once the plan is in place, the team handles every detail, allowing hosts to step fully into presence rather than production.

It’s truly a level of service that feels as elevated as the environments themselves.

Some of the most defining moments for the company have come through largescale installations that push both creativity and execution. One such experience took place on Willie Nelson’s ranch, where sixty VIP tents transformed the property into a fully realized village. As the evening

settled in and the space came alive under strands of light, it became something far beyond a setup. It became a feeling. One that carried music, connection, and a sense of place that cannot be replicated.

That is what Texas Glamping Company does so well. It creates environments where people feel something. Each event is approached with that understanding. No two are the same. Details are refined to reflect the tone and intention behind the gathering, whether that is an elegant wedding, a high-level corporate retreat, or a celebration filled with personality and energy.

Yet beyond the design, beyond the scale, there is one moment that continues to define it all.

The first step inside.

The pause. The reaction. The realization that what has been created is something entirely different than expected.

For Ashley, that moment is where everything comes full circle.

Because what she has built is not just about where people stay. It is about how they feel while they are there. It is about creating space for connection, for presence, for memories that do not compete with distraction but instead stand fully on their own.

As a Woman-Owned business leading with both vision and heart, Texas Glamping Company continues to expand its reach across Texas, partnering with recognized brands and executing events at a remarkable scale. Yet through every layer of growth, the mission remains grounded in something simple and deeply meaningful.

To bring people together.

To create spaces where connection is not just possible, but inevitable.

And to remind us all that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences are the ones that allow us to simply be present under an open sky, surrounded by the people who matter most.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

KNITTED KNOCKERS

THE QUIET POWER OF BEING SEEN

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BROWN-THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KNITTED KNOCKERS

There are moments in a woman’s life that change everything. Not loudly, and not always visibly, but deeply in ways the world may never fully understand. A diagnosis. A surgery. A reflection in the mirror that suddenly feels unfamiliar. And in the quiet space that follows, a question so many women carry, often unspoken. Will I ever feel like myself again?

It’s within that question that Knitted Knockers finds its purpose.

Not as a product, but as a deeply human response to a need that extends far beyond the physical. A need for dignity, for comfort, and for the quiet restoration of confidence in a season that can feel anything but steady.

The story begins with founder Barb Demorest, who never set out to create a global movement. In 2011, she was simply walking through her own breast cancer diagnosis, navigating uncertainty, fear, and the quiet decisions that define that journey.

“Like so many women, I was in shock,” Barb shares. “I felt self-conscious and embarrassed about needing a mastectomy.”

Her plan, like many others, was reconstruction. To restore what had been lost and return to a sense of normalcy. But healing does not always follow the path we expect. Complications altered that course, leaving her in a space that was both physical and deeply emotional. One where recovery wasn’t just about the body, but about identity.

In the midst of that, a practical concern surfaced. How do you feel like yourself again?

“I called the local cancer society to ask about getting a prosthesis,” she recalls. “They told me I couldn’t wear anything against the scar for at least six weeks. Six weeks… I had a life to get back to. That was the first time I cried.”

At a follow-up appointment, her doctor offered unexpected insight.

Traditional prosthetics, he explained, can feel heavy, hot, and uncomfortable, especially early on. Then he asked a simple question.

Do you knit?

Barb did. But in that moment, she wasn’t physically or emotionally able to make one herself. Instead, she went home and reached out to her dear friend, Phyllis, a gifted knitter, asking if she would consider making one for her.

That Sunday, Barb did what so many women quietly do. She improvised. A sock tucked into her bra, a jacket pulled over her shoulders, and she stepped into church anyway, carrying both courage and vulnerability.

Soon after, Phyllis arrived with something unexpected. Two beautifully made knitted knockers, carefully placed inside a Victoria’s Secret bag.

Barb didn’t wait. She stepped into a bathroom stall, placed one into her bra, and in that moment, everything shifted.

“It was fabulous,” she shares. “Light, soft, and it fit perfectly. I took off my jacket and for the first time, I felt like myself again.”

That moment did more than offer comfort. It sparked a vision.

What if every woman facing this journey had access to something like this? Not a photocopied image or a clinical solution, but something real. Something ready. Something made with care.

With the support of her medical team, Barb began providing these handmade alternatives to other women. What started as a small, local effort

CONTINUED

quickly grew into something far greater, fueled by compassion and connection.

Today, Knitted Knockers is a global community, linking volunteer knitters and crocheters with breast cancer survivors, providing soft, handcrafted prosthetics completely free of charge. Each one is lightweight, comfortable, and designed to be worn in a standard bra, allowing women to move through their lives with ease.

But what they offer goes beyond function.

They offer normalcy. Confidence. A quiet return to self.

To date, more than one million Knitted Knockers have been distributed worldwide. Each one a reflection of the hands that made it and the heart behind it.

Because behind every piece is a story. A woman navigating healing. A volunteer choosing to give. A moment of care that reminds someone they are not alone.

“I never wanted anyone to feel alone,” Barb says. “And thanks to this incredible community, they don’t have to.”

In a world that often moves quickly past pain, Knitted Knockers offers something different.

Something soft. Thoughtful. Human.

Because healing is not always defined by what is restored physically. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet moments.

In the way a woman stands a little taller.

In the way she begins to recognize herself again. And sometimes, it begins with something as simple, and as powerful, as knowing she is seen.

Give the Gift of Beauty THIS MOTHER’S DAY

GIFT WITH PURCHASE

Receive a SkinMedica Dewy, Refreshed Skin Set, when you spend $150 on SkinMedica products

While Supplies Last

Purchase a Signature Hydrafacial and receive a customized booster FREE $100 Value

AROUND THE BLOCK

Every $100 raised clothes an underserved child with an estimated $250 in new clothing and shoes at our annual

Around the Block Clothing Program

ROSEBUD STEAKHOUSE SIGNATURE COCKTAILS TO SAVOR

ARTICLE BY ANGELO ELIADES, CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FARRIS

Bring Rosebud Steakhouse Southlake Happy Hour Home

With These Sweet and Simple Cocktails!

There’s a certain kind of glow that only a great steakhouse can deliver: the soft buzz of a full bar, the clink of glassware, the first sip that signals the night has officially begun. At Rosebud Steakhouse, that feeling is our signature—and now, you can bring a little bit of that magic home with two cocktails designed to taste like an evening out.

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle the vibe of a perfectly timed toast, consider this your invitation. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together, planning a date night in, or simply treating yourself after a long day, Rosebud Steakhouse’s Happy Hour favorites make it easy to recreate and relax at home.

Two signature sips worth savoring:

First up: the “Strawberry Kiss”. Bright, playful, and undeniably celebratory, it’s the kind of cocktail that

STRAWBERRY KISS & “FORGET ABOUT IT” ESPRESSO MARTINI

feels like a compliment. Think fresh, flirty flavor with a polished finish—ideal for kicking off the evening and setting the tone for whatever comes next.

Then there’s the “Forget About it” Espresso Martini— bold, smooth, and unapologetically indulgent. It’s the after-dinner moment in a glass: rich espresso character, a velvety texture, and that confident edge that makes you linger at the table just a little longer.

The in-restaurant ritual (and the reason it’s iconic)

Of course, part of the fun is enjoying these cocktails where they were meant to shine. Rosebud Steakhouse keeps the good times flowing with Daily Happy Hour from 3pm to 6pm, the perfect window for an early toast or a post-work unwind.

And if you’re planning your week around something worth looking forward to, remember: every Tuesday is Ladies’ Night, with drink specials after 6pm and your chance to win a designer handbag and other exciting prizes. It’s the kind of tradition that turns an ordinary Tuesday into a reason to dress up, show up, and savor the moment.

Strawberry Kiss:

Build in shaker tin over ice

• 2oz of Stoli Vanilla Vodka

• 1/2oz Puréed Strawberry

• 1/2oz Cointreau

• 1oz Fresh squeezed lemon juice

• 1oz Simple Syrup

Shake and strain in a coupe glass with a rim of dehydrated strawberry and sugar.

Forget About It:

Build in shaker tin over ice

• 2oz of Stoli Vanilla Vodka

• 1oz of Coffee Liqueur

• 1oz of espresso

• 1/2oz of brown sugar simple

Shake hard and strain in a coupe glass with three espresso beans for health, wealth, and happiness.

Ready to bring the magic home—or join us for the real thing? Visit  rosebudsteak.com  for details.

AWAKEN YOUR INNER

AWAKEN YOUR INNER

Creative Elements

Creative Elements

Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional,or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality

THE PERFECT LAD IES’ TRIP TO ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA FARRIS

CARIBBEAN

CHIC

A Ladies’ trip to St. Kitts and Nevis is the perfect blend of effortless luxury, sun-soaked relaxation, and unforgettable moments with your closest friends. This twin-island destination offers a more refined Caribbean experience—ideal for women looking to unwind, indulge, and reconnect in a setting that feels both elevated and intimate.

Days begin slowly, often with ocean views and a warm breeze drifting through your suite. One of the highlights of any trip here is the spa experience. Luxury resorts across the islands offer world-class treatments, from beachfront massages to rejuvenating facials and body therapies infused with local ingredients. Picture yourself enjoying a deep tissue massage in an open-air pavilion, the sound of waves setting the tone for complete relaxation. It’s the kind of reset every group needs.

Of course, no Ladies’ getaway is complete without beach time—and St. Kitts delivers beautifully. Frigate Bay is a favorite for its lively yet polished atmosphere. Gather your group, order a round of tropical cocktails, and spend the afternoon lounging in the sun. Whether you’re sipping rosé, enjoying rum punch, or simply catching up with your friends, the beach becomes your social hub. As the day winds down, the same stretch transforms into a soft, glowing backdrop for sunset photos and pre-dinner drinks.

Shopping adds another layer of fun to the trip. A visit to the capital offers charming boutiques and local artisan shops where you can find handcrafted jewelry, resort wear, and unique souvenirs. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up, explore, and pick out something special to remember the trip.

For a touch of adventure without sacrificing comfort, consider a private catamaran cruise. These excursions often include champagne, light bites, and stops for swimming or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Sailing along the coastline with music playing and laughter in the air easily becomes one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Evenings are all about elevated yet relaxed dining. Think fresh seafood, candlelit tables, and oceanfront views. Add in a few beachside cocktails after dinner, and you have the perfect close to a day that felt both indulgent and effortless.

St. Kitts and Nevis isn’t about rushing—it’s about savoring. And for a Ladies’ trip, that’s exactly the point.

ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Spring Floral Bowl

BRING THE BRIGHTNESS AND FRESHNESS OF SPRING INDOORS BY CREATING YOUR OWN FLORAL BOWL ARRANGEMENT.

Spring, come quickly! And if not, bring spring indoors anyway. Flowers brighten any room, any day of the year. No need to wait for a special occasion or holiday – give yourself permission to brighten everyday life with a bowl full of flowers. Place florals in an entryway, kitchen, living room space or even bathroom. Florals make any room come alive with pops of color and the smells of spring that’s just about ready to burst outside.

Consider this your personal invitation to play with flowers by creating your very own Floral Bowl Arrangement. Use any cereal bowl in the kitchen and a bundle of store bought flowers. For extra texture and depth, look for small spring branches and ornamental grasses found in your yard to pop into the arrangement, like I did here. Then, place your floral bowl in a place where you need that burst of joy most. Enjoy!

Supplies:

• 1 bundle of flowers (about 24 stems) + floral food packet

• spring branches & ornamental grasses found in your yard (optional)

• 6” bowl (cereal bowl size)

• floral shears (or garden clippers, kitchen shears, even craft scissors in a pinch)

• 12” square cut chicken wire

• wire cutters

• garden gloves to protect your hands when forming chicken wire

• clear floral tape (scotch tape will also do)

• lazy susan to easily move your arrangement and work from all sides (optional)

Preparation & Assembly:

• First prepare the mechanics. The mechanics are the non-floral elements used to assemble a floral arrangement. These materials will act as a grid in which the flowers are built into to hold each stem in its place.

• Wearing garden gloves, cut chicken wire roughly into a 12” square. Loosely form the chicken wire into a ball and place inside the bowl.

• Use clear floral tape to make an X shape over the top of the bowl to hold the chicken wire securely into place. This will also give extra support when adding the floral elements later.

• Fill the bowl with water and mix in a flower food packet, if your flowers came with one.

• Begin to arrange floral elements into the bowl. As a general rule, you will want to start with the strongest, thickest stems and end with the most delicate stems. Here, I began with branches, then the largest base flowers followed by taller focal flowers, and finally delicate stems, grasses and wispy greens.

BREAKFAST Mother’s Day

ARTICLE BY MATTHEW SOUSA

DELIGHT MOM WITH HOMEMADE BELGIAN WAFFLES

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat Mom to a special homemade breakfast, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of warm, fluffy Belgian waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfect for a delicious morning celebration.

CLASSIC BELGIAN WAFFLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 eggs, separated

• 1¾ cups milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4.  In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.

5. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour in enough batter to cover the surface and cook until golden brown and crisp.

Serving Suggestions:

Top the waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

This simple yet elegant breakfast is a heartfelt way to show Mom just how much she means to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

BERRY BRUSCHETTA

A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 baguette slices

• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)

• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

9. Serve and enjoy!

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 2ND

Bobbyfest supporting Amy’s Wish With Wings

Aria Amphitheater at The Marq, 285 Shady Oaks Dr., Southlake | 3:00 PM

Bobbyfest, the outdoor community music festival supporting Amy’s Wish With Wings, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing equine-assisted services to children with diverse needs, is back! Wear your favorite Kentucky Derby hat and bring a few lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an afternoon of live music with family, food, and fun! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bobbyfest.com

MAY 2ND

Totally Rad 80’s Bingo Night (18+)

Delta Hotel Southlake, 251 East State Highway 114, Southlake, United States | 7:00 PM

Prizes, food & fun — adults-only 80’s bingo night. Get ready to turn back time for a totally rad 80’s-themed Bingo Night.  Break out the neon, leg warmers, big hair, and denim for a fun night of bingo, throwback music, and great food — all while supporting a local veterans organization that gives back to our community.

MAY 9TH

Take Steps for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

The Shops at Clearfork Fort Worth | 8:00 AM

Join the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s largest fundraising event to accelerate breakthroughs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research. At Take Steps, we don’t just walk — we move hope forward. Together, we can build a future where Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis no longer steal moments, dreams, or possibilities. Toward better treatments. Toward cures. Let’s Go There.

MAY 17TH

Southlake Garden Tour: Peek Behind the Garden Gate

Tour House #1, 811 Shorecrest Drive, Southlake | 10:00 AM

This one-of-a-kind horticultural event blends beauty, education, and inspiration. Master Gardeners are on hand to share their expertise on soil health, irrigation, plant choices, pest control, and more. Proceeds from the Garden Tour support the organization’s initiatives to educate the community, provide school grants for hands-on garden education, and sponsor the Butterfly Release at the Southlake Monarch Butterfly Festival. southlakeperennialgardensociety.com

MAY 19TH

Southlake Newcomers Club - Monthly Luncheon Meeting

Trophy Club Country Club, 500 Trophy Club Dr | 11:00 AM

Step into Parisian elegance at  Paris & the Power of Couture, featuring expert color analysis by Amber Haehn. Enjoy a stylish afternoon of fashion, lunch, and a cash bar while supporting Cancer Care Services. Dress in your chic Parisian best and embrace timeless beauty, confidence, and flair. For more information, visit southlakenewcomers.com

MAY 22ND

Mahjong Open Play In-Person

Parkwood Training Center at Southlake Library | 10:00 AM

Join us for Mahjong open play! Players of all skill levels are welcome. Knowledgeable instructors will be available to answer questions, offer tips, and help beginners learn the basics. Come practice your strategy, meet fellow players, and enjoy this classic tile game!

St. Jude Dream Home Showplace at Carillon Development

Building Hope: 5 Visionary Designs for St. Jude

DESIGN THAT POURS INTO YOU.

Semmelmann Interiors creates with intention, where beauty is purposeful and every detail is designed to elevate the way you live.