The Complete Backyard creates meticulously designed custom pools, outdoor living spaces, outdoor kitchens, fire features, decks, cabanas, and much more! We have over 20 years of experience helping the residents of the DFW Metroplex design and build the projects they desire, and we’re always happy to work with new clients! Get in touch with us today to receive your free consultation with a design consultant from our team of experts!
Food & Drink
Welcome fall! With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes. We also included a few new recipes for you to try at home, whether you’re cooking for just your family or for entertaining guests.
The smells of fall bring memories to my mind of sitting in my mom’s kitchen, and the aroma of cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, chili and soups of any kind brings me right back to her table.
There is definitely an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.
As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!
Jayda has been a varsity wrestler for Fort Worth Country Day since freshman year. As a junior, she went undefeated, winning Texas Woman’s Classic (one of the biggest Texas tournaments for girls), Prep State, and closing her season with a National Prep Champion title. In 2023, she placed fourth at the Junior & 16U National Championship in Fargo, ND. Jayda is a 7-time All-American 2023, was awarded MvPat lightweight, received the FWCD Coaches Award twice, and earned the FWCD Fly Higher Award for her wrestling and judo accolades. Outside of school, she is a 5-time Judo National Champion, including Cadets and Senior, a 3-time Cadet World Team member, a 2-time Cadet Pan Am team member, a Junior Pan Am team member, and the 2024 Cadet Pan American Champion, Jayda is No. 1 in the U.S. in Cadets 63kg. She won the Rusty Foundation Scholarship and the Most Outstanding Female Award.
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Jayda runs martial arts camps and volunteers at local businesses when not training or competing. She earned an APEC scholarship to help build her mental and physical strength. This past summer, she was baptized, moving her journey with Christ forward.
MAINTAINING BALANCE
Fort Worth Country Day has given Jayda a supportive environment where administrators and teachers understand her circumstances as a student-athlete when she travels for competition and helps her balance athletics and academics. Using a planner and checklist helps her stay on task. Despite the challenges of school and sports, she finds time to take breaks and socialize with family and friends. Judo and wrestling have instilled in her discipline, respect and stability.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
Jayda plans to attend Tarleton State University in the first round of D1 female wrestlers while also training in Judo to compete for a spot on the 2028 Olympic team. She aspires to attend medical school with a focus on Sports Medicine and hopes to become a personal physician on a professional team. She also dreams of opening a dojo one day to teach mixed martial arts.
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William Campbell Gallery Opens "Fragmented Serenity"
William Campbell Gallery will open Fragmented Serenity on September 7, 2024, showcasing the late John Fraser's abstract mixed-media constructions and found material collages. This exhibition honors Fraser, a celebrated artist known for blending traditional and modern techniques, who passed away in April 2024. The exhibit is a tribute to his artistic legacy and the significant influence of his work on the art world.
Fort Worth Tequila company partners with TCU
Fort Worth's La Pulga Tequila, founded by three local entrepreneurs, is now the official tequila of the Horned Frogs under a new partnership with TCU Athletics. Celebrating the collaboration, La Pulga released a limited-edition Horned Frog Bottle featuring the iconic TCU Horned Frog mascot. The tequila will be available at university football and basketball venues, featuring specialty TCUthemed cocktails. The limited-edition bottle is available across the Dallas/Fort Worth area for $44.99.
2024 DFW Shootout Golf Tournament
The 2024 DFW Shootout Scramble Golf Tournament at Bear Creek Golf Club will be on Oct. 28., following a morning registration, breakfast, and a putting contest at the pavilion. Participants can compete in games like Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive, catch a performance by the club's trick shooter, Long Driver, and bid on high-value raffle packages and silent auction items.
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PUMPKIN PERFECTION
Put the carving tools down and check out how you can add some pizzazz to your pumpkins with just a paint brush.
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
the CREEPY crawler
For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers.
Paint your “background” pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around.
the METALLIC masterpiece
Start with several mini pumpkins. (We prefer to use fake ones so you don’t have to worry about leaving them out too long!)
You’ll also need some white paint, metallic paint and black paint. Twine is optional to add a slightly rustic vibe to the stems.
Paint all of the stems with black paint and wrap some with twine if desired. Then, create several different looks with combinations of metallic and flat paint. Make extra creepy “oozing” pumpkins by allowing paint to run down the sides.
Don’t feel limited to solid colors! Experiment here with different patterns and textures (like painting over lace or using a sponge to apply paint instead of a brush), and add some extra sparkle with glitter!
the GALACTIC gourd
Go to the “dark side” with this design that requires matte black paint, white paint, some metallic paint (for an out-ofthis-world vibe) and some newspapers. Be careful—this one could get messy!
Leave your stems natural or cover with metallic paint if desired. Then, coat your mini pumpkins in matte black paint—be sure to cover everything!
You can leave some matte black, but for an extra touch, lay out newspaper and splatter your white paint onto some of your black pumpkins. Bonus—as long as you catch it before it dries, any paint should be easily removed with some warm water.
A Taste of Fort Worth’s Finest Chefs and Their Cookbooks
Stockyards to Stovetops
Fort Worth’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is dynamic, with many passionate chefs sharing their knowledge and expertise inside cookbooks after years of traveling the nation, honing their skills, and gleaning new techniques to bring back home. West Fort Worth compiled a list of four such culinary masters, local legends Scotty Scott, Grady Spears, John Bonnell, and Tim Love, who penned cookbooks that reflect their unique takes on Texas cuisine to share with our readers. On the page of each book, the chefs weave recipes with storytelling to give a taste of their take on Fort Worth dining. Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food, hearty cowboy fare, sophisticated Texas dishes, or inventive twists on classic flavors, these cookbooks offer something for every palate.
ARTICLE BY HANNAH BARRICKS
Scotty Scott - Fix Me a Plate
Scotty Scott’s debut cookbook, Fix Me a Plate, offers a vibrant collection of comfort foods infused with his signature style, already known by his many social media followers. As a child, Scott often found himself in the kitchen alongside his mother and father, who deeply inspired his future endeavors. At home, his parents cooked for large family gatherings and were barbecue enthusiasts. Scott’s background manifested a desire to entertain and educate, leading him to create a foodie blog, “Cook Drank Eat,” where he posts engaging cooking videos. Scott uses the channel to translate his playful style into accessible recipes that honor well-known soul foods and his family’s culinary traditions, occasionally introducing viewers to regional dishes like Gullah red rice. The book blends family favorites and Scott’s innovative take on soul food, making it a musthave for anyone exploring soulful Southern cooking with a modern twist .
Grady Spears - The Texas Cowboy Kitchen
Grady Spears, a celebrated Texas chef, brings the rugged spirit of the cowboy, who roams the plains with cattle, setting up camp at night and cooking food over a flame, to his book The Texas Cowboy Kitchen. Born in Fort Worth, Spears initially had no formal culinary training. After starting his career in the hospitality industry, he eventually began cooking at the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas, where he quickly made a name for himself. In Cowboy Kitchen, Spears defines the hearty, rustic meals that characterize cowboy cuisine, featuring recipes as bold as the Lone Star State itself. From chicken-fried steak to jalapeño cheese grits, Spears successfully captures the essence of Texas cooking, making this book a staple for fans of Southwestern flavors and traditional cowhand fare .
John Bonnell - Fine Texas Cuisine
In Fine Texas Cuisine, Chef John Bonnell takes Texas cooking to new heights by merging local ingredients with gourmet techniques. A highly regarded chef, Bonnell is known for showcasing the Fort Worth flavors with a refined and sophisticated touch, appearing on various cooking shows as a hometown ambassador, and contributing to culinary education through teaching and public speaking. In his first cookbook of four, Bonnell showcases a range of dishes, focusing on seasonal ingredients from wild game to fresh Gulf seafood. Bonnell’s approach is rooted in a respect for tradition that still pushes the boundaries of what Texas cuisine can be, offering refined recipes that are approachable for home cooks
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THE BOUTIQUE HOTEL in Scottsdale BLENDING HISTORY WITH modern fun
Hotel Valley Ho’s mid-century vibe is perfect for a chic getaway
ARTICLE BY GABBY CULLEN
Imagine entering a hotel lobby and feeling like you’ve entered an episode of Mad Men or wandered into 1960sera Palm Springs. Hotel Valley Ho, a family-owned boutique property, nestled amongst the shopping and fine dining of Old Town Scottsdale, offers guests exactly that. Originally opening in 1956, and returning to its glory after
an impressive renovation in the early 2000s, this urban oasis is now lauded as one of the best examples of a mid-century hotel in the country.
“It’s unique to the Phoenix area. The lobby looks very similar to what it was originally, and the key architectural elements of the hotel have been preserved. Even nationwide, it's recognized as one of the best hotels representing the period,” says Kristin Heggli, Hotel Valley Ho’s Director of Marketing and Communications.
Situated on eight acres of lush grounds, Hotel Valley Ho guests have the luxury of being amongst historical and original design aspects like low-slung buildings, floor-to-ceiling glass, and mid-century concrete columns while indulging in fine dining, modern accommodations, two pools, live music, and proximity to all that Old Town has to offer.
Today, the hotel has 241 rooms. The “hotel side” has low-slung buildings with exposed brick walls common to the ‘50s and ‘60s, and The Tower, built in 2008, has upgraded residences and suites with more of a modern touch. All rooms and suites have stunning floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the property, a private patio or balcony, and quintessential mid-century flair.
When exploring the hotel, you’ll most likely be drawn to the OH Pool, where house music will float from speakers, tempting food and drinks will beckon from the full restaurant and bar, and daybeds surrounding the pool welcome those looking for a fun day in the sun. The OHasis pool, on the other hand, is ideal for a quiet experience, with palm trees, greenery, and relaxing fountains.
If you want to dine at Hotel Valley Ho, be sure to check out its signature restaurant, ZuZu. Serving up brunch and dinner daily, it’s known for its inventive small plates. There’s also the Chef Roulette experience, a six-course dinner where diners are somewhat at the mercy of the kitchen. Barring any food sensitivities or dislikes, it’s a surprise, plate after plate. Plus, there’s live music every Friday and Saturday night.
If you’d rather venture into Old Town Scottsdale, the hotel's prime location allows you to do just that; shopping, dining, and wine tasting are abundant in the charming district. Hegglihad a few must-try spots: “For Mexican food, The Mission is the best. Another great place is FnB, where you’ll find incredible locally-inspired cuisine from Chef Charlene Badman and the first Arizona-only wine program.”
According to Heggli, guests can show their room keys at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to receive free admission, and at Wonderspaces in Fashion Square Mall, you can wander through the seasonal exhibits and interactive art with a drink in hand—a fun experience. Vintage buffs will want to spend time in Fashion by Robert Black and Vintage by Misty, and wine aficionados will enjoy the Arizona Wine Trail.
Hotel Valley Ho is a getaway spot ideal for couples, friends, and even solo travelers. It’s pet-friendly, and they just finished a major room refresh—the biggest overhaul since the hotel originally opened in 1956. And, whether you come during peak season or slower times, one thing remains constant year-round: a unique hotel experience you won’t forget.
A Fort Worth couple finds abundance in Alaska D E S T I N A T I O N
Nowhere
ARTICLE BY HANNAH BARRICKS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MACKA PHOTOGRAPHY
In a remote corner of Alaska, far from any vestige of city life, Fort Worthians Amy and Kemp Laidley maintain a unique existence. The couple, who spend their summers in the isolated mountains among the bears and bog, find refuge in their rustic lodge on the serene shores of Lake Clark near Port Alsworth, accessible only by plane or boat.
Amy and Kemp’s lakeside lodge is simple without the modern amenities of city life. The couple welcomes a bit of harshness, though, likening the home’s bare-bones beauty to the surrounding wilderness that stuns and stings in equal measure. But it’s cozy, with a stove heating the main house at night, softly
glowing as the sun sets over Amy and Kemp’s other cabins, an outhouse, and several bathhouses.
Despite their preference for it, Lake Clark’s remote location means it faces logistical challenges that require creative shipping methods. Residents can struggle to find necessities that most Fort Worthians deem basic. Online shopping helps, giving the Laidleys access to stores like Walmart for items they cannot grow themselves, like cheese and butter. The retailer is one of few willing to work around Lake Clark’s unique shipping needs and, therefore, an invaluable resource. When packages reach the port, couriers store them in a deep freezer until a boat or plane can take them to their final destination.
Weight restrictions and fees on shipped goods mean the Laidleys cannot solely rely on orders to get by, so fishing, hunting, and canning are great options for supplementing food stores.
Many families grow vegetables on small plots or invest in greenhouses that offer fresh produce in the summer. Family recipes blend homegrown veggies with ordered goods to capitalize on the harvest.
While logistical issues do not mean food is scarce, effective resource management benefits the Laidleys when shipping costs are high. Kemp regularly capitalizes on the area’s heavy rainfall, using Brita filters and large coolers to clarify and store the free bounty until he’s ready for a coffee or tea.
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The couple welcomes a bit of harshness, though, likening the home’s bare-bones beauty to the surrounding wilderness that stuns and stings in equal measure.
Despite the challenges, there’s a reason the Laidleys feel drawn to Alaska. The lake effortlessly sustains each inhabitant with any inconveniences born from its remote location mediated by human ingenuity. The Laidleys seem to thrive within this natural order, where the wilderness rewards a brave few willing to test their mettle.
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Fitness Director of Vigor Active Provides 3 Easy Recipes
Kelsey Salton, B.S. Kinesiology & Health, Precision Nutrition L1 Coach, ACSM-CPT, NASM-CES and WHS, is a certified nutrition coach and fitness professional who emphasizes the importance of not only physical but mental health in daily practice. Her approach to nutrition focuses on creating sustainable healthy habits for every individual’s lifestyle. As the Fitness Director of Vigor Active she effectively coaches her clients to healthy lifestyles while leading her team of trainers to pursue the same effectiveness in their training.
Kelsey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health from Iowa State University. She has certification through NASM as a Women’s Health Specialist and Corrective Exercise Specialist, ACSM as a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor, and Precision Nutrition as a Certified Nutrition L1 Coach. Other experience includes clinical and corporate health settings and competitive stair climbing titles.
Image by Proud Photography
Buffalo Hummus
(Serves 8)
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cans garbanzo beans, 1 can drained
• 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 – 4 tablespoons tahini
• the juice of 1 lemon
• olive oil
DIRECTIONS
Combine 1 can drained garbanzo beans and 1 can un-drained (with liquid) in a food processor. Add wing sauce, smoked paprika, tahini and lemon juice. Turn on the processor and stream in olive oil until the hummus is smooth and creamy. Serve with fresh celery and carrots.
CALORIES: 109
CARBS: 12g
PROTEIN: 4g
FAT: 5g
TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH KELSEY please reach out to Vigor Active - @vigoractive.
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
(Serving size: 1 3/4 cups, 4 servings per recipe)
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey (93% or leaner)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can unseasoned pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 2 cups packed chopped curly kale leaves
• 4 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• (Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes. Add turkey and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, beans, pumpkin, water, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, pepper and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, about 20 minutes, adding kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Ladle into 4 bowls; top each with 1 tablespoon greek yogurt. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
CALORIES 414
CARBS : 36g
PROTEIN : 31g
FAT : 17g
Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad
INGREDIENTS
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped and chilled
• 2/3 cup 5% Fage or similar full fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/3 cup green onion, chopped
• 3/4 cup seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon (dried) dill
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and stir until completely combined. Easy peasy!
CALORIES: 116
CARBS: 3g
PROTEIN: 10g
FAT: 7g
Residential interior design with styles ranging from traditional to soft contemporary. With influences from French, Italian and English design Kay mixes antiques with newly constructed furnishings effortlessly, complementing them with beautiful fabrics and accessories.
kaygenuadesigns.com
5132 Camp Bowie Blvd Fort Worth, Texas 76107
At MRC Stevenson Oaks, our philosophy is that no matter how old we are or what challenges we live with, life is about continuing to grow. We fight back on thieves like loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We resolve to make every day one that confirms the seven domains of well-being through identity, growth, autonomy, security, connectedness, meaning and joy.
“We’re busier now than we ever were. Our children call and they can’t get us and they wonder where we are now. And I have to reply: we were at bingo, we were at lunch, we were at dinner, now we are going down to trivia. It’s endless, what you can find to do. It’s just one fun-filled, lifetime vacation.”
- STEVENSON OAKS RESIDENTS, RON & JOYCE STULTS
ARTICLE BY HANNAH BARRICKS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MACKA PHOTOGRAPHY
“Do what makes you feel cozy and happy, when you enter the room.”
5 Tips for Organizing Your Home
Yes, it gets worse before it gets better.
An organized home helps families feel settled, but many find the process stressful. Starting small and enlisting an expert can mitigate any pesky, overwhelmed feelings telling you to sell your house as you stare at an overflowing craft drawer or teenager’s closet. Kami Ford, a professional organizer from Fort Worth’s Deklutter with Kami, takes us roomby-room, sharing her trade tips and tricks that will have your home running smoothly for years (OK, maybe months). So, read below before fleeing your home. You’ve got this!
1. Laundry Room:
“Begin with the laundry room,” says Ford. “This is often a hub for clutter and can become a dumping zone! You can group cleaning supplies together in clear bins with easy-to-read labels.”
She advises removing anything unrelated to laundry and keeping a basket for misplaced items, like unmatched socks, to unload weekly.
“Invest in durable clothing hampers and consider adding a sorted hamper in your bathroom or closet,” she continues. “Use wall space for hooks or rods for hanging clothes, and add magnetic containers for small items like dryer sheets.”
Ford recommends enhancing the room’s ambiance with cozy lighting like a pendant light or accessory lamp to make the space feel welcoming and organized.
“Do what makes you feel cozy and happy, when you enter the room.”
2. Bathrooms:
Ford recommends first focusing on eye-level areas like sink space, which tends to accumulate clutter when tackling the bathroom. “Invest in vanity trays or double-tiered shelves for frequently used items,” she says.
“This will keep the countertop clear. Use undersink pullout drawers for less-used items, and organize with drawer containers and dividers.”
Like the laundry room, it’s best to group similar backstock and label medicines in clear bins, properly storing them in the medicine cabinet to eliminate a scramble during an emergency.
“If space is tight, consider decorative baskets for towels and vertical solutions like wall hooks to keep robes, pajamas, and towels off the floor.”
3. Bedroom Closets:
Ford’s method for closet organization is breaking it into smaller sections.
“Have donation and trash bins on hand to easily discard unwanted items,” she advises. “Start with hanging clothes, grouping them by type and color, and purge anything you haven’t worn in a year.” She recommends organizing shoes by style and considering space-saving products like multi-hangers or under-bed storage boxes for out-of-season clothes. Revisit her advice for the bathroom, and maximize vertical space with hat racks or extra shelving, ensuring everything has a designated place.
4. Entryway & Mudrooms:
Another danger zone for clutter, Ford explains homeowners can transform their home’s entryway from an anxiety-inducing mess to a functional station.
“A simple row of hooks and a shoe rack by the door can make a big difference,” she says. “Mudrooms with cubbies are ideal for storing daily essentials like backpacks, shoes, and jackets.”
Have fun with it since mudrooms are typically less formal. Ford encourages people to regularly update the area based on the season, storing away winter gear in warmer months. Baskets, bins, and hooks help contain clutter, and adding a family calendar or chore list can keep everyone on the same page.
5. Sentimental Items and Pictures:
Ford acknowledges the difficulty storing sentimental items, often becoming a homeowner’s greatest weakness while decluttering.
“We all have sentimental items, but it can be hard to know where to store them,” she says. “Truthfully, these items are not used or looked at often.”
If there is space, Ford recommends using large, clear bins with bold labels for items like photo albums and yearbooks.
“If space is tight, consider decorative storage solutions or photo organizers,” she continues. “If you find yourself hanging onto items because of their sentimental appeal, ask yourself if you would be happier letting it go and keeping a photo of the item instead.”
While occasionally cumbersome, there is no denying that offloading clutter feels great. Ford agrees that it should, emphasizing that the right way to organize is the way that works for you.
“Tackling major reorganization and decluttering is a big accomplishment,” encourages Ford. “You should feel good about it. Maintain the momentum by making it a habit. Create a routine or system and stick with it.”
Falling For Neutrals
SEASONAL DECOR TIPS FOR KEEPING IT SIMPLE
I love decorating for the holiday season, but it gets tough if trying to keep a home decor airy, light and neutral. My home is full of neutrals, such as linen, khaki, white and gray, so decorating for the holidays can be tricky with the bright and bold themes on display at the stores. Here are tips regarding how to achieve a festive look without going overboard.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
LESS IS MORE
First, whenever decorating for the holiday season, I clear what's possible to make room for what's coming. I eliminate decor pieces that are displayed year-round to avoid adding clutter to rooms. Giving decor pieces or floral arrangements their own space to shine can pull the room together and make it feel very designed.
STICK TO THE PALETTE
As best as possible, I try to stick to each of the color palettes in my room. When it’s time to bring out pumpkins or holiday Santas, I stick to white and neutral or add in color pops of gold and silver to keep everything flowing. If I start to add too many primary colors, it ends up looking like a mash-up gone astray.
CELEBRATE MEMORIES
The holidays are often bursting with family traditions and memories, and decor can reflect that, too. I have many items handed down over the years that I like admiring, but if they aren’t quite right for my room, there are options to bring the spirit of them to life. Framed holiday family photos in a black and white filter are an excellent way to tie in your history of celebrating in a subtle way.
LOOK TO NATURE
Some of my favorite items to use for holiday decor come from a simple nature walk. Using actual items you find, or just getting inspiration from the outdoors is a great way to bring sights of the season indoors. For fall, elements such as branches, leaves and neutral gourds match with everything. For winter, I love using sticks with berries
or evergreen branches with pine cones to fill vases. Add a battery-operated strand of lights and you’re looking just like a designer home magazine spread.
GO COZY
Swapping out usual throw pillows and throw blankets for plushy, cuddly materials and seasonal prints are another simple way to add holiday spirit without being so literal. Opting for neutral plaids, cable knits, or sherpa materials add that feeling of fall and winter.
CATER TO ALL THE SENSES
Don’t forget about the smell! Stocking up on candles that smell like the season is the last missing piece for a holiday vibe. The total sensory feeling of the holidays is what really brings a home to life, whether it's pumpkin spice burning for Thanksgiving or a fresh pine and cedar for Christmas.
If items aren’t working together, don’t be afraid to get crafty. Painting pumpkins with spray paint or tying some neutral ribbons around existing vases are an easy and affordable way to make them fit a specific aesthetic.
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SER VI NG UP S OUP
CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)
• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded
• 5 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 carrots, sliced
• ½ onion diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ¼ cup half and half (optional)
• 1 package egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.
CONTINUED >
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
This classic tomato basil soup is easy and quick to make and is the perfect way to get the rustic, tangy and savory flavors of this italian dish.
DIRECTIONS:
Toss the butter or olive oil in the pan. Add onion, and saute until the onion is translucent and soft. Add minced garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Next, add canned tomatoes and simmer. Transfer to a blender, and puree until smooth. Add the fresh basil and heavy cream. Transfer mixture back to the pan to thoroughly heat, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parmesan and chopped basil, and serve with toasted italian bread.
CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 fryer chicken, shredded
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• I can diced tomatoes
• 1 can Rotel
• I can beans, pinto or black
• ½ lime, juiced
DIRECTIONS:
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 2 ½ teaspoons cumin
• 1 Jalapeno pepper, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and peppers and saute until soft. Add taco seasoning, cumin, Jalapeno and salt and pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes.Next, add vegetable broth, shredded chicken, tomatoes, Rotel and beans. Stir and let simmer. Salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze fresh lime juice and serve. Top with toppings of your choice. Enjoy!
TOPPINGS:
• 1 Avocado, diced
• Tortilla strips
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced green onions
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
This tasty soup is so full of flavor and texture that it is destined to land on your regular dinner rotation. The added toppings are the star of this show, so be sure to include your favorite toppings.
CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
For a healthy dose of vitamin A, enjoy this creamy soup that boasts a robust, rich butternut flavor. For an easier assembly buy pre-cut butternut squash.
INGREDIENTS:
• 6 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Pepper to taste
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DIRECTIONS:
Combine the chopped squash, onion, garlic and red pepper, and place in a large pot. Add water, and bring to a boil. Add salt and simmer for about 30 minutes. Cool and blend mixture in a blender until smooth. Transfer mixture back to pot and add heavy whipping cream and fresh thyme. Pepper to taste. Garnish with pepitas and fresh herbs.
Elegant, Upscale, Full-Service Hair Salon
Zeeba’s experienced and established independent business professionals offer you everything you need for the ultimate salon and spa experience.
Call for an appointment today.
The Emsella – Designed for Men & Women
The Emsella is an FDA-approved medical device that will improve:
• Urinary Incontinence
• Sexual Health & Wellness
• Erectile Dysfunction in men
Clients will notice improvement in a few sessions. For optimal results, we suggest at least 6 treatments. Emsella sessions are done 2 times per week for 3 weeks.
Why do our clients LOVE this treatment: It’s completely Non-invasive and clients stay fully clothed!
Call or stop by our clinic to speak with one of our team members to see if you are a candidate and for more information!
OCTOBER 4TH
Maverick City Music
Dickies Arena | 7:00 PM
A night of contemporary Christian music featuring Maverick City Music. This event combines worship with soulful and powerful performances.
OCTOBER 10TH
Christmas in Cowtown Holiday Gift Market
Will Rogers Memorial Center 12:00 PM
A festive market from Oct. 10- 13 featuring unique gifts, home décor, and holiday treats, perfect for early holiday shopping. Check the market's website for changing the times.
OCTOBER 12TH
Sensory Explorations: Portraits
Amon Carter Museum of American Art | 10:00 AM
A family-friendly event focused on exploring art through sensory activities, designed to engage children in creative ways.
OCTOBER 17TH
Hey Boo!
817 Surgical Arts
Event Specials: $11 Botox per unit. Buy 2 facials and get dermaplaning free. $50 off any filler (per syringe). 15% off device treatment packages. 20% off skincare and hair products. RSVP on social media or call us at 817-290-9900.
Sparkle IN THE LATEST
STYLES
At Honey Loves Boho, you’ll find the latest styles and trends ranging in sizes from XS to 3X. We take pride in celebrating a woman’s body, no matter her size. Our mission is to help every customer look and feel her absolute best. We hand pick quality items that are designed to fit just right. Our styles will help you build a wardrobe to feel confident for any occasion!
events
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OCTOBER 18TH
Mo Lowda and The Humble
Tulips FTW | 8:00 PM
Experience the indie rock vibes of Mo Lowda and The Humble, known for their energetic and engaging live shows, on Friday, Saturday, or both!
OCTOBER 18TH
David Koechner
Hyena's Comedy Club | 7:00 PM
Comedian and actor David Koechner, best known for his roles in Anchorman and The Office, is bringing his unique brand of humor to the Fort Worth-Dallas comedy scene. Fans can expect a night filled with hilarious stories and sharp wit.
OCTOBER 19TH
Carter Playdate:
Color Collectors
Amon Carter Museum of American Art | 11:30 AM
A playful and educational experience for young children, exploring colors and creativity through art with museum staff.
OCTOBER 20TH
Fort Worth Botanic Garden's Fall Japanese Festival
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
9:00 AM
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with traditional music, dance, food, and art in a serene garden setting on Oct. 20-21.
PELVIC FLOOR THERAPISTS
OCTOBER 24TH
Fort Worth Medical Orchestra: Brahms, Mozart, and Haydn
Fort Worth Orchestra Hall | 7:30 PM
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's 2024-2025 season opener will showcase three classical favorites, including Brahms' "Academic Festival Overture," Mozart's "Clarinet Concerto" performed by FWMO's own Anthony Benitez, and Haydn's "Symphony No. 104." The event promises to be an unforgettable evening of music.
OCTOBER 25TH
Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering
Cowtown Coliseum | 6:30 PM
A celebration of Western heritage with cowboy poetry, music, ranch rodeo events, and a youth fiddle contest.
OCTOBER 27TH
Kirk Franklin Concert
Dickies Arena | 7:30 PM
Gospel music lovers can rejoice as Kirk Franklin delivers an uplifting and soul-stirring performance for the whole family to enjoy.
