(FUTURE) MAVS MEN

Second graders from both Merriman Park Elementary and Moss Haven elementary — Archer Fuqua , H arrison C row , Tyler Etri , Ryan H ocker , M atteo Gisellu — recently painted up to celebrate Etri’s b-day and support their favorite NBA team.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO Go to

ORGANIZING

A DESIGNERS TOUCH FOR ORGANIZATION

Declutter & Organize. Sue Benson 214-349-9064 making your spaces successful!

Home Organization Declutter Rooms Filing Home O ce Set-up Unpack For rates, photos and testimonials, visit www.neatnellie.com or call 214.499.4387

Organize and Rejuvenate

Linda Strobel, Professional Organizer 972 816-8004

Residential Organizing Solutions

Enhancing your Living Spaces to Work for YOU!

Home Offices All Rooms & Living Spaces Feng Shui

For rates or more info., call or email: organizerejuvenate@att.net

Professional Services

ACCOUNTING, TAXES Small Businesses & Individuals, Chris King, CPA 214-824-5313 www.chriskingcpa.com

BOOKKEEPING NEEDS? Need Help Organizing Finances?

No Job Too Small or Big. Call C.A.S Accounting Solutions. Cindy 214-821-6903

CUSTOM RESUMES Any Level or Field. Invest in your career. Katie. 214-499-4289, katie_shahan@yahoo.com

Licensed Insurance Provider PROTECT YOUR FAMILY

Flexible major medical, HSA’s, dental, life, critical care. Specializing in individuals, families and small businesses.

Call your local agent Lori Hu at 214-738-4783

Website Design Flash Demos

Graphic Design

RibbitMultimedia .com

214.560.4207

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

FOR WOMEN ONLY In Home Fitness Training. Cooper Certified Personal Trainer. 214-802-8932

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS Motivational, Compassionate & Confidential Sessions Offered To Those Wanting To Lose Weight & Gain A Healthier Lifestyle. Dr. Nicole Mangum, Health Psychologist. 214-692-6666 ext. 311

LASER THERAPY Stop smoking, lose weight, reduce stress Anne Penman 214-503-7955 www.annepenman.com

WWW.TRAINWITHJEAN.COM Train On Line Using Your Web Camera. $15 Per Session. 214-886-1459

Pets

BIRDDOGCATFISH Caring For Pets In Their Own Home With Familiar Sights, Smells & Routines. Dog Walks, Vet Trips, Overnights. Beth. 469-235-3374

JONATHANS FRIENDS Complete Pet Services. Your House Or Mine. 17 Yrs Experience. CPR Trained. 214-660-8993

K9 POOP PICK UP Love your dog, but hate the mess? Let us pick it up for you. You’ll love it. Call 214-341-1557 today!

POOP SCOOP PROFESSIONALS Trust The Experts. 214-826-5009

THEPETNANNYDALLAS.COM In-home TLC for cats, dogs & birds. Bonded & insured. Ask for The Pet Nanny. 214-244-4330

Pets

In-Home Professional Care

Customized to maintain your pet’s routine In-Home Pet Visits & Daily Walks

“Best of Dallas” D Magazine

Serving the Dallas area since 1994

Bonded & Insured www.societypetsitter.com 214-821-3900

BUY/SELL/TRADE

A NEW COMPUTER NOW. Brand Name. Bad or No Credit, No Problem. Smallest Weekly Payments Available. 1-800-838-7127

TEXAS RANGERS SUITE Share this prime suite with other neighborhood small businesses. We lease Suite 218-B behind home plate (check out the location online at texasrangers.com) overlooking the entire field. We’re looking for partners to buy 10game shares in for the 2010 & 2011 seasons. The suite includes three parking passes, 12 tickets for each game and a $300 credit per game (first year only) for food and beverage service in the suite. Games will be allocated in a lottery process prior to each season, with each shareholder selecting games and receiving an equal chance for Yankees, Red Sox, weekend and other premium games. Email rwamre@advocatemag.com or call 214-686-3595 with questions.

WEIMARANER PUPPIES Available. March 2010. dallasweimaranerpuppies.com

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

ESTATE SALES & LIQUIDATION SERVICES Moving, Retirement, Downsizing. One Piece Or A Houseful. David Turner. 214-908-7688. dave2estates@aol.com

Real Estate

DUPLEX FOR RENT Charming 1914 Prairie Style Home. 5426 Alton Avenue. 1 bedroom/1 Bath + Study. Newly Remodeled. 828sf. $765 + Utilities. Call 214-460-1667

FOR RENT 2/2/2 + Guest House. Updated. Unique Property. 1 Block from White Rock Lake. $1,600pm. 214-328-3631

LOOKING TO BUY/SELL A HOME Call A Professional. Tax Credit & Knowing The Market Makes a Difference. Century 21. Tommy Kirk. 972-533-2872

SAVE THOUSANDS $$ Selling Your Home With 1% Listing Fee. Locally Owned Full Service Residential Brokerage At Reduced Rates. One Real Estate Group. www.onerealestategroup.com. For A Free Consultation Contact Jeff Mauser. 214-642-3856

APRIL DEADLINE MARCH 10

& Repairs. Baths,

Doors, Cabinets, Etc. Plenty of Refs. Paul, 214-893-3648

BO HANDYMAN Kitchens, baths, doors, cabinets, custom carpentry, drywall & painting 214-437-9730

FENN CONSTRUCTION CO Complete Remodels. www.dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/ Exterior. 214-808-8925

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” To Do’s Done Right! www.handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

PREVIEW CONSTRUCTION INC.

HardiPlank 50 Yr. Cement Siding, Energy Star Windows. Kitchens-Baths-Additions & More. 214-348-3836. See Photo Gallery at: www.previewconstruction.com

REMODEL FOR LESS 972-822-7501 www.CuttingEdgeRenovationsLLC.com

SOUTHERN CROSS CONSTRUCTION

Residential & Light Commercial Renovation. Kitchens, Baths, Studios & Additions. Call Ben at 469-360-8886

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

Cabinet Refacing, Built-ins, Entertainment/ Computer Centers. Jim. 214-324-7398 www.squarenailwoodworking.com

TK COMPLETE REMODELING Carpentry, Doors, Drywall, Paint. 972-533-2872

469-951-2948 214-938-4284

$20 OFF - MAID 4 YOU Bonded & Insured. Park Cities/M Street Refs. Joyce. 214-232-9629

CLEAN FREAKS Since 2005. Free Estimates. Bonded & Insured. Call Today! 214-821-8888

JANITORIAL SERVICES Commercial/Residential

Cleaning. Home/ Office. Hector. 214-489-0635

KDR SERVICES Residential and Vacant Property Cleaning. 214-349-0914

Service & Luxury Auto Detail.

Cleaning

MENAGE CLEANING Since 1981. Also Pet Sitting*References 214-226-6439

MESS MASTERS Earth friendly housecleaning. 469-235-7272. www.messmasters.com Since ‘91

THE MAIDS 4 Person Teams. Bonded & Insured. www.maids.com Free Estimates. 800-843-6243

WANTED Houses To Clean & Windows to Wash 20 Years Exp. Reliable, Efficient, Excellent Refs., Sunni 214-724-2555

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

Computer S

& E LE C TRO N I CS

A+ CERTIFIED COMPUTER SERVICE

Business/Home. Repair, Data & Networks Call a PC Pro: Rusty 214-912-0885

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR Virus Removal, Data Recovery. Home /Biz. Network Install. All Upgrades & Repairs. PC Instruction, No Trip Fee. 214-348-2566

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let A Seasoned Pro Be The Interface Between You & That Pesky Computer. Hardware & Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training, $60/hr. 1 Hr. Min. Dan 214-660-3733 Or stykidan@sbcglobal.net

House Painting

1 AFFORDABLE HOUSE PAINTING and Home Repair. Quality work.

Inside and Out. Free Ests. Local Refs. Ron 972-816-5634 or 972-475-3928

#1 GET MORE PAY LES

85% Referrals/Estimates 214-348-5070

A TEXTURE & FINISH SPECIALIST

Since 1977. Int/Ext. Kirk’s Works 972-672-4681

A TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Interior & Exterior 972-234-0770 mobile 214-755-2700

ABRAHAM PAINT SERVICE A Women Owned Business 25 Yrs. Int/Ext. Wall Reprs. Discounts On Whole Interiors and Exteriors 214-682-1541

BENJAMIN’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work At Reasonable Prices. 214-725-6768

MANNY’S HOME PAINTING & REPAIR Int./ Ext. Sheetrock , Manny 214-554-1327

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 972-613-2585

BRIAN GREAM PAINTING & RENOVATIONS LLC

PayPal ®

214.542.6214

WWW.BGRONTHEWEB.COM BRIANGREAM@YAHOO.COM

Residential. Interior. Exterior. Call today for a FREE estimate 214-346-0900 www.certapro.com

INSULATION/ RADIANT BARRIER

EFFICIENT INSULATION Radiant Barrier Foil. Energy Efficient Pro. Free quotes. 214-577-0534

ENERGYSMARTIMPROVEMENTS.COM

Radiant Barrier Insulation. 469-358-8137

Interior Design

A CLEAN SLATE Bring Life Into Your Home

This New Year. Interior & Event Design Services. Tablescapes, Artful Details. Don Moore Interiors and Event Design. For A Free Consultation. dpm0202@mac.com 270-993-0782

A LADY’S TOUCH WALLPAPERING

Texture, Paint & Repair. 27 yrs. exp. Free Call Martha 972-712-2465; 972-832-3396

Interior Design

CIELA DESIGN 832-428-3857 Residential/Commercial Interior Design Services. cieladesign.com

HOME DECORATIONS Spice Up Your Home For Spring. Home Shopping.Redecorate. Home Stylist. Lupe. 214-801-3542

INTERIOR DESIGN / CONSULTING

Carolyn Contreras ASID

Licensed/Exp. 214-363-0747

KIM ARMSTRONG INTERIOR DESIGN www.interiorsbykim.com

Licensed/CID/ASID 214-500-0600

LILLI DESIGN Residential, Commercial. NCIDQ Cert.10 Yrs Exp. www.lilli-design.com

Katie Reynolds 214-370-8221

WINDOWWORKS BY REBECCA Shop At Home For Custom Window Treatments. 214-215- 2981

Specializing in Custom Blended Colors and Decorative Applications

Italian Plaster

L’oeil

Amy Christensen 214.693.8556 www.fauxgetaboutit.com

Time to refresh your nest?

Cheryl Stephens Interiors Complete decorating, redesign and organizing services.

Cheryl Stephens, CID 214.351.6676

H /

T I L E / G R O U T

FENN CONSTRUCTION Any Tile Anywhere www dallastileman com 214-343-4645

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” Remodel’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

METRO CUSTOM CABINETS Kitchens, Offices, Entertainment Centers. 214-538-5600

STONE AGE Granite, Marble, Tile. Kitchens & Baths. Counter Tops. Jody “The Granite Girl” 469-328-8440

TOM HOLT TILE Expert In Tile, Backsplashes & Floors. Refs. Avail. 214-770-3444

Tubs,

214-631-8719 www.allsurfacefinishing.com

WHY

L AWNS, G A R DENS & TR EES

GREENSKEEPER Fall Clean Up & Fall Color. Sodding, Fertilization. Lawn Maintenance & Landscape. Res/Com. 214-546-8846

HOLISTIC TREE CARE

A Full-Service Tree Care Company

Chuck Ranson, Certified Arborist c.ranson@sbcglobal.net 214-537-2008

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

LAKEWOOD TREE SERVICES

Total Tree Care - feeding, trimming, removals Free Estimates. Insured. 214-442-3165

MULTI-SURFACE RESTORATION

TUBS/TILE/COUNTERTOPS

972.323.8375

L AWNS, G A R DENS & TR EES

25% OFF TREE WORK IN MARCH Roberts Tree Svc Insd.10 yrs exp. 214-808-8925

Complete tree services including Tree & Landscape Lighting! Call Mark 214-332-3444

A&B LANDSCAPING Full Lawn Care, Landscaping, Tree Trimming, Fireplaces & Stonework. Lic #0283917- Degreed Horticulturist 214-221-4421 - 214-534-3816

ALTON MARTIN LANDSCAPING Spectacular Curbside Appeal! Excellent refs. 214-893-2420

ARTHUR’S SPRINKLER REPAIR Serving E. Dallas for 20 yrs. LI 3449. 214-660-4860

AYALA’S Landscaping & Tree Service

Call Land & Tree Expert Today! 214-773-4781

B.J.’S LANDSCAPING Complete Lawn & Garden Maintenance. Seasonal Color/Perennials. Certified. 16 Yrs. Exp. Res/Com. 214-336-4673

BARTON SPRINKLER REPAIR & INSTALL

3 Yr Warranty. Free Rain & Freeze With New Installation. Lic 6158. 214-878-8123

BEACHSCAPE Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping. Stonework. Seasonal Color and Perennials. Free Ests. 214-287-3571

BLOUNTS TREE SERVICE Winter Tree Service Special. 1st Tree Regular Price, 2nd Tree 1/2 Price. 44 Yrs Exp. Insured. Grady. 214-275-5727

BUSSEYS LAWN CARE $30 Weekly. Hedges. Clean ups. 214-725-9678

CASTRO TREE SERVICE Quality Work at Great Rates. Free est. Insured. 214-337-7097

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

Trim, Remove, Stump Grind. Free Est. Insured. 214-823-6463

COMPLETE LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

Drainage, Stone Work, Sprinklers, Design. Free Estimates. 972-898-6197

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

DALLAS TREE SURGEONS Tree Trimming, Removal & Sales. Free Estimates. 972-633-5462 www.dallastreesurgeons.com

DAVID’S COMPLETE LAWN CARE And Tree Service. 214-459-7404

MOW YOUR YARD $27 White Rock Landscaping 214-415-8434

ORTIZ LAWNCARE Complete Yard Care. Service by Felipe. Free Est. 214-215-3599

PARADISE LANDSCAPES www.ParadiseLandscapes.net 214-328-9955

SPRINKLER REPAIR SPECIALIST $20 Off. 972-226-1925 www.rainmakertx.com LI#7732

SPRINKLERS, LANDSCAPING, Stone Work, Drainage. Installed and Repair. Call Kevin at 214-535-3352,Lic#7840. www.bigdirrigation.com

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION

Repairs, service, drains. 27 yrs exp. Ll 6295. Backflow Testing Cell-469-853-2326. John

THE POND MAN Water Gardens

Designed & Installed. Drained & Cleaned. Weekly Service. Jim Tillman 214-769-0324

TREE WIZARDS Trim Surgery Removal. 15 Yrs Exp. Insured. Free Est. 214-680-5885

U R LAWN CARE Maintenance. Landscaping. Your Personal Yard Service by Uwe Reisch uwereisch@yahoo.com 214-886-9202 www.TexasXeriscapes.com 469-586-9054

A Better Tree Company

JUST TREES

Your Trees Could Look Like a Work of Ar t, I Guarantee It. Free Estimates Work Guaranteed Best Prices on Tree Removal Insured Commercial & Residential Tree & Landscape Lighting Call Mark Wittlich 214-332-3444

Colorful Impressions, Ltd.

Dan Coletti’s

JUST NATURAL DESIGN

Landscape Design Installation Maintenance 214-654-0202 http://colorfulimpressions.com

Xeriscape Native Plants & Grasses Perennial & Annual Color Butterfly and Herb Gardens

Dan Coletti 214-213-2147 www.JustNaturalDesign.com

Pest

972-564-2495

Plumbing

M-36580

Astro Plumbing 20 Years in the Plumbing Business Full Service Plumbing Company

Call Michael 214.566.9737

Lorenzo and Son’s Plumbing Remodels, Additions, New Construction, Service & Repairs NO JOB TOO SMALL 972-804-7348 M38042

Plumbing Services

MPL36677 214-808-9262

POOLS

LEAFCHASERS POOLS

Service & Repairs. Insured. APSP Cert. Local Resident Jonathan. 214-729-3311

ROOFING &

Building

Lakewood Resident

Plumbing

A2Z PLUMBING 214-727-4040

All Plumbing Repairs. Slab Leak Specialists. Licensed & Insured. ML# M36843.

# M37740 Insured. All your plumbing needs.

ARRIAGA PLUMBING: Repairs, Remodels, Water Heaters, Stopages. Ins’d. Lic 20754 214-321-0589 214-738-7116

ATCHISON PLUMBING

Running Toilets / Lack of Hot Water Driving You Crazy? Call Bruce!

972-726-9323 Lic. # M-23486

BLOUNTS PLUMBING REPAIR Rebuild or Replace. 43 yrs exp. Insured. 214-275-5727

MICHAEL’S POOL SERVICE

Maintenance & Repair 214-727-7650

PLAYMORE POOLS CO. Design, Construction, Consulting & Renovations. 214-823-0169. www.playmorepools.com

THE POOL LADY Personal/Affordable/Quality Pool Care since 1982. Marsha 214-553-1974

WHITE ROCK POOL CLEANING Friendly Service & Repairs. 20 yrs experience whiterockpools.com David 214-769-8012

ROOFING & GUTTERS

Clean Out, Repair/Replace. Leaf Guard. Free Estimates. Lifetime Warranty

Roof Replacement / Insurance Claims

ROOF LEAKS? LATHAM ROOFING

Roof Repair Specialist

L Full Jeff Godsey 214-502-7287

JUSTIN’S PLUMBING SERVICE

For All Your Plumbing Needs. ml#M38121 972-523-1336. www.justinsplumbing.com

M&S PLUMBING Quality Work & Prompt Service. Jerry. 214-235-2172. lic.#M-11523

REPAIRS, Fixtures,General Plumbing. Senior Discounts. Campbell Plumbing. 214-321-5943

SHEFFIELD PLUMBING We do it right the 1st time. Repairs, Rmdls. Insd. 214-941-8600

SPECK PLUMBING Licensed & Insured

All Types of Re-Roofing and Repairs. Res.& Com. Since 1973. 214-340-3500

WHITE ROCK ROOFING AND REPAIRS

Allstate

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend or investigate the advertisements and/ or Advertisers published in our magazines. As a result, Advocate Publishing is not responsible for your dealings with any Advertiser. Please ask each Advertiser that you contact to show you the necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work you are requesting. Advocate Publishing takes comments and/or complaints about Advertisers seriously, and we do not publish advertisements that we know are inaccurate, misleading and/or do not live up to the standards set by our publications. If you have a legitimate complaint or positive comment about an Advertiser, please contact us at 214-560-4203. Advocate Publishing recommends that you ask for and check references from each Advertiser that you contact, and we recommend that you obtain a written statement of work to be completed, and the price to be charged, prior to approving any work or providing an Advertiser with any deposit for work to be completed.

Comprehensive Dentistry

AshlyR.Cothern, DDS, PA

DrCothern is one of a small distinguished percentage of dentists who have invested in postgraduate training at one of the world>s premiere continuing education institutes, The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. We care about you as a unique individual and examine you in a way that together we can understand every aspect of your oral health. In our office we love what we do. NOW THAT IS SOMETHING TO SMILEABOUT!

WWW.DRCOTHERN.COM

9669 N.CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY #220 DALLAS 75231 214.696.9966

Optometrist

Dr. Clint Meyer www.dallaseyeworks.com

Kick off the new year looking great and seeing great! Try the latest in BIFOCAL CONTACT LENSES by Ciba Vision. Dr. Meyer>s office was one of the first to have this new technology for patients to try. Call our office today for an evaluation and free demonstration pair.

DALLASEYEWORKS

9225 GARLAND ROAD SUITE 2120, DALLAS, TX 75218 214.660.9830

Dalia G. Galicia, MD www.texasallergyonline.com

If you are one of the 50 million Americans affected by allergies, stop suffering! We specialize in the treatment of nasal allergies, asthma, eye allergy, sinus disease and allergic skin disorders. Early, late and Saturday appointments available. We accept most insurance plans, and complete testing and evaluation only takes about 2 hours.

NORTH TEXAS ALLERGY AND ASTHMA ASSOCIATES

8220 WALNUT HILL LN., SUITE 101, DALLAS, TX. 75206 214-369-1901

4708 ALLIANCE BLVD. , SUITE 610, PLANO, TX. 75093 972-596-4383

Cosmetic And Family Dentistry

Dena T.Robinson, DDS, FAGD

Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry

TIt>s not just about the teeth, but the whole person. Seeing someone>s oral health improve means their total health has improved as well. The focus at our White Rock Lake cosmetic dentistry practice is on comprehensive dental care.V Let us help you make a difference in your life!

WWW.DRDENAROBINSON.COM

8940 GARLAND RD., SUITE 200, DALLAS, TX 75218 214.321.6441

Internal Medicine

James R.Ampil, M.D.

Dr. Ampil and the other board-certified physicians at Wade-Huebner Clinic are committed to providing advanced medical care while adhering to traditional doctor-patient values. We treat most acute and chronic illnesses and focus on prevention by offering wellness and preventive examinations. We are on the medical staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, and we strive to make our patients> experience a rewarding one that leads to better health and well-being.

WADE-HUEBNER CLINIC 9301 N. CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY, SUITE 670, DALLAS, TX 75231 214.345.8250

TETER’S

F AUCET P ARTS

Seats in genuine colors & special shapes to match your toilet.

THE FIF TH ANNUAL RUN THE HIGHLANDS 5k and 1-mile family walk is April 24 at Lake Highlands High School, 9449 Church. Registration is $15 before April 12 and $20 after. Proceeds go toward the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center renovation project. Registration will start in midMarch at lhjwl.com.

MARK CROTT Y is the new head of school for St. John’s Episcopal School, beginning July 1. Crotty served for 20 years at Greenhill School and for seven years at the Episcopal School of Acadiana before that. He chaired the Board of St. Christopher’s Montessori School in Dallas, where his daughter and son attended. He and his family are members of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, where his wife, Sallie, is a vestry member, and he has taught in the Christian education program.

THE LAKE HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL honored their senior class favorites at a dance last month. Here are the winners: Ricky Zorn and Elly Collett, Shea Snider and Nathan Hogg, Rachel Peters and Colman Vigil, Maurie Smith and Chris Nieto, Sarie Morrison and Ricky Zorn, Elly Collett and Brent Bono, Caroline Keffer and Wil Matthews, Katie York and Jordan Brooks, Sarah Holmes and Stephen Holmes

Please submit news items and/or photos concerning neighborhood residents, activities, honors and volunteer opportunities to editor@advocatemag. com or online at advocate.com/submit_lh_news. Our deadline is the first of the month prior to the month of publication.

The Victim: Lauren Abeyta

The Crime: Burglary of a motor vehicle

Date : Friday, Jan. 15

Time: 4:11 p.m.

Location: 8500 block of Bacardi

TH E WO R KO UT BA G WA S GON E , A N D SO WA S T H E YOG A MAT.

Lauren Abeyta loves attending her regular yoga class. The soothing art form offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of stretching and exercise in a serene environment.

“You feel like you’re a better person when you come out of a class,” she says. “It’s an incredible workout.”

Also an avid runner, Abeyta was heading out for her regular class on the afternoon of Jan. 15. She had parked behind her home that Friday and hopped in her car, ready to go.

“I was headed to a yoga class. I got in the car and thought, ‘There’s a breeze in here,’” she says. “Then I saw the rear window smashed.

“I have a guard dog too, but I guess he was asleep that day.”

A thief had broken into the car and grabbed an empty retail bag and her Nike gym bag. Glass covered the backseat of the car. Her husband’s car was parked next to hers, unharmed. Abeyta says it was a scary notion that she was so close to the scene of a crime.

“I work at home and was literally 20 feet from it,” she says.

The two bags were later found down the alley and returned, but her yoga mat did not survive the burglary.

“They took my water bottle and yoga mat. I am now calling him ‘The Yoga Mat Bandit’,” she says with a chuckle.

A.J. Serratos of the Dallas Police Northeast Patrol Division says parking behind a home is OK if there is adequate lighting and a vehicle alarm. However, he says it is always best to keep a car in a garage if at all possible, and never leave items you care about in the car.

“You should never leave anything inside the vehicle that might attract attention,” Serratos says. “You should remember three words: take, lock and hide.”

Since Abeyta often works at home, Serratos also offers some tips for those in a similar situation.

“First of all, never try to confront a thief it can be very dangerous. The best thing to do is call the police and get a good description of the suspect and what vehicle the thief is driving,” says. “Consider once while going out to your car or looking out a window to make sure