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EIGHBORHOOd BUSIn ESSES

Lake Highlands residents are waiting to understand what changes, if any, may be in store for the expansive — and primarily vacant — retail space at one of the most central points of Lake Highlands. The recent foreclosure proceedings on the Lake Highlands Plaza property at Walnut Hill and Audelia, and subsequent interest of developers looking for a good deal on potential prime property, has LH residents wondering what the future will hold for businesses such as Highlands Café, T. Hee Greetings and LH Floral For the latest development news, check out the Advocate’s Back Talk Blog at advocatemag.com.

A new Thai place, Ginger Thai Express 1 , opened at 6300 Skillman last month-behind Mariano’s. The new eatery is the third Ginger Thai restaurant for the Liki family, who have been local residents for the past 18 years. Wanda Liki, who works at all three restaurants alongside her parents, explains, “the newest Express location is more of a Panda Express-style [restaurant], where customers can choose from items on display, or place a custom order. The other two locations are designed more for those who are interested in the full dining experience.” The Liki’s opened the original Ginger Thai six years ago at Marsh and Forest. Two years ago, they opened their second restaurant at Mockingbird and Abrams. All Ginger Thai restaurants are open seven days a week and offer catering and delivery. Thai seems to be the “it” flavor right now, with several newish restaurants in the area including Zato (9090 Skillman) and Asian Mint (Forest and Central). Time will tell if any or all will have the staying power as the one that started it all 17 years ago, Tukta Thai (9625 Plano Road).

Image is everything: a popular phrase in the corporate world for decades, Lake Highlands resident Bethany Siggins is educating folks on how it applies to individuals, too. After working in corporate finance for more than 15 years, Siggins was inspired by a blog to switch gears, find her passion, and figure out how to make a living at it. Knowing she enjoyed style and color, and wanting to serve others, Siggins started researching her options and yadda, yadda, yadda — after being trained by a certified image master, Siggins founded Bethany Siggins Image Consulting 2 (bethanysiggins.com)fouryears ago. Through her home-based business, Siggins helps customers “polish their image” through: physical appearance (hair, makeup, wardrobe), behavior (skills, stress management, etiquette), and communication skills (body language, relationship-building, conflict resolution).

Siggins explains that since a lot of people have the misconception that image consulting is only for celebrities or top-level executives, she spends a lot of time educating consumers on its the social and professional benefits. “It only takes seven seconds to make the first impression, and you only get to do it once. It’s human instinct to make judgments based on that initial impression, so it’s important to make a good one.” Siggins explains, “By teaching people how to look their best, they have the confidence to do their best.”

Siggins’ is offering Advocate readers a 15 percent discount on her services, which can be booked as packages or by the hour. Email info@ bethanysiggins.com or call 469.363.0193 for more information, and check out her website for scoop on the latest tips and trends in the biz.

Smoothie Factory 3 recently opened up at Skillman and Walnut Hill in the space that was once occupied by Juice It Up. Chad Piepenburg, owner and operator of the LH franchise, is no stranger to the smoothie biz. One of the original founders of Pokey O’s, the popular ice cream and cookie shop on Mockingbird near SMU (Park Cities Plaza), Piepenburg was interested in starting something else and opted out of his initial venture when he discovered a “prime location” for a smoothie shop, just a stone’s throw away from the LA Fitness he frequents. “I knew the Smoothie King concept was a perfect fit for the area. We use the best ingredients in our smoothies and carry a variety of supplements, vitamins and other nutritional products as well.” Piepenburg’s parents have been in the neighborhood for more than 12 years, and he is excited about moving into the area as soon as possible. Stop in and welcome him to the neighborhood, and take advantage of his generous offer for Advocate readers: $1 off any size smoothie, or buy any size smoothie, get one free.

Chances are, there are a few houses on your street adorned with decorative wooden signage promoting local schools and organizations. What you might not know is that a couple of local ladies are busy designing, priming, painting and polishing the handmade yard art in their garages most weekends to fulfill the 30-50 sign orders they average each month. Mary Beth Hickman and a friend purchased Lone Star Yard Art 4 (lonestaryardart. net) in 2007, after getting word that after almost 10 years in business, the original owner was looking to sell. Wendy Lucas joined the company in 2008. Hickman says, “We complement each other well. We have different strengths when it comes to the details of the business.”

Hickman and Lucas were both raised in Lake Highlands and are passionate about seeing the area thrive, and they see Lone Star Yard Art as a creative outlet and a way to give back to the community. “Our most popular sign is the wildcat head topper, and our favorite signs are the ones that are finished!” Hickman says. “Seriously, we put so

Sharing the workload, plus the support of friends and family, allows the women to keep up with the demands of their burgeoning business — which has more than doubled since they took over — while juggling family, their other jobs (yes, seriously, other jobs, too), and all the other things life sends their way. Visit the website to see pictures of designs currently available, learn about customized signage, or place an order. Or contact Hickman at 214.349.2872 for more info.

Want a yoga class that gives you a workout in spirit, mind and body? We’ve got that.

Want Zumba, Pilates and a personal trainer? It’s all here. Want after school activities for the kids? Check.

Swimming lessons and Y-Guides? Ditto. And you’ve just scratched the surface.

Christy

St. John’s Episcopal School

Pre-k through Eighth Grade Co-educational

janie christy schOOL Of dance

9090 skillman, ste. 299a dallas 75243 / 214.343.7472 www.janiechristydance.com

Janie Christy begins her 18th year teaching children to dance in Lake Highlands! Classes begin Tuesday, September 7, 2011. Offerings include creative movement, preschool ballet & tap combos, kindergarten thru adults in ballet, tap, jazz-hip/hop, modern, musical theatre and drill team preparation. Fall Mom/Tot classes will be Fridays in Sept-Oct, introducing toddlers 14 mos. thru 2 yrs. to fun songs, word plays and dance activities. www.janiechristydance.com

LakehiLL PreParatOry schOOL

Leading to success. 2720 hillside dr., dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931, www.lakehillprep.org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, collegepreparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

schOOL Of cOntemPOrary BaLLet daLLas

1902 abrams Pkwy., dallas 75214/ 214.821.2066 www.schoolofcbd.com

BishOP Lynch hiGh schOOL

9750 ferguson rd. dallas 75228 / 214.324.3607 www.bishoplynch.org.

Recognized for student achievement, leadership, and innovation, Bishop Lynch High School continues to build on a rich heritage that prepares graduates for a lifetime of success. The mission of Bishop Lynch High School is to teach students “to strive for academic excellence, to seek truth, and to work for justice in the world.” To see that each student emerges with a well-rounded experience, Bishop Lynch offers first-rate academics, including the largest dual enrollment program of any private school in the state of Texas, extensive guidance as students prepare to enter higher education, and a wide-variety of extracurricular and service activities.

Summer Dance & Fitness Classes for Children, Teens, and Adults, June 7— August 13. We offer a variety of programs for children ages two through adult! Morning, afternoon, and Evening classes are available. Choose from a variety of camps: Princes & Princesses, our Ballet/ Tap combo class, Creative Movement, or our Junior and Senior Summer Dance Intensives! We also offer adult, on-going classes, series, and workshops in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, dance fitness, Yoga Booty Ballet, Dancing for Birth, Nia, and more! Get quality dance training in the heart of Lakewood! Register today, please see www.schoolofcbd.com for more information.

ridGeWOOd Park PreschOOL & mOther’s day OUt

6445 e. Lovers Ln., dallas 75214 214.369.9250. Conveniently located on Lovers Ln. near Abrams Rd., Ridgewood Park Weekday Programs offers a Preschool and Mother’s Day Out program for 1 through 5 year-olds. Emphasis is placed on helping each child to develop self-confidence and independence through successful learning opportunities. We want children to know their world and be able to participate in it. We are a licensed, developmental school celebrating our 50th anniver-

BaPt IS t

FOReSt MeadOW / 9150 Church Rd. / Welcoming the mosaic of cultures living in our neighborhoods / www.fmbcdallas.org

Worship 10:50 / Bible Study 9:30 / Tim Ahlen, Pastor / 214.341.9555

WIlSHIRe BaPtISt / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

Pastor George A. Mason Ph.D. / Worship 8:30 & 11:00 am

Bible Study 9:40 am / www.wilshirebc.org

BIBle c HUR cHeS

NORtH HIGHlaNdS BIBle cHURcH / www.nhbc.net

Sunday: Lifequest (all ages) 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am

Wed: Student Ministry 7:00 pm / 9626 Church Road / 214.348.9697

cHUR cH OF c HRIS t

SkIllMaN cHURcH OF cHRISt / 3014 Skillman St.

Sunday School 9:30 am / Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Grace Café & Bible Study Wed. 6:00 pm / 214.823.2179

dIS c IPle S OF cHRIS t

eaSt dalla S cHRIStIaN cHURcH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

Sunday School 9:30 am / THE TABLE Worship Gathering 9:30 am

Worship 8:30 & 10:50 am / Rev. Deborah Morgan / www.edcc.org

ePIS c OPal

cHURcH OF tHe INcaRNatION / 3966 McKinney Ave / 214.521.5101

Sunday: Traditional 7:30, 9:00, 11:15 am and 5:00 pm

Contemporary 9:00, 11:15 am and 6:00 pm / incarnation.org

St. JOHN’S ePIScOPal cHURcH / 848 Harter Road, 75218

Sunday Worship: 8:00 & 10:30 am / Christian Ed. 9:00 am 214.321.6451 / www.stjohnsepiscopal.org

IN te R- de NOMIN at ION al

GRaceHIll cOMMUNItY / www.gracehill.cc

10:00 am @ Dallas Children’s Theater / Skillman & NW Hwy.

Awesome Kid’s Ministry / Use Entrance Facing Home Depot

lU tHeRaN

FIRSt UNIted lUtHeRaN cHURcH / 6202 E Mockingbird Ln.

Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am / Call for class schedule. 214.821.5929 / www.dallaslutheran.org

ZION lUtHeRaN cHURcH & ScHOOl / 6121 E Lovers Ln.

Sunday: Sunday School 9:15 am, Worship 8:00 am, 10:30 am, & 6:00 pm / 214.363.1639 / www.ziondallas.org

M et HOdIS t

l ake HIGHlaNdS UMc / 9015 Plano Rd. (at McCree)

214.348.6600 / www.lhumc.com / Sun. School 9:45 am

Sun. Worship 8:30 & 11:00 Traditional / 11:00 Contemporary

NON- de NOMIN at ION al

l ake HIGHlaNdS cHURcH / 9919 McCree

Sun. Classes 9:30 am, Assembly 11:00 am / 214.348.0460

Home groups meet on weeknights. / lakehighlandschurch.org

WHIte ROck cOMMUNItY cHURcH / 9353 Garland Rd /214.320.0043

Sun. Bible Study 9:30 am, Worship 10:45 am / Wed. Bible Studies

10:00 am & 7:30 pm / event facilities for rent / whiterockchurch.org

PRe SBYteRI aN

l ake HIGHlaNdS PReSBYteRIaN cHURcH / 214.348.2133

8525 Audelia Road at NW Hwy. / www.lhpres.org

Christian Ed. 9:45 am, 9:00 am Contemporary, 11:00 am Traditional

Ne W St. PeteR’S PReSBYteRIaN cHURcH / 214.438.0120

Meet at Dallas Children’s Theater – Skillman at NW Hwy

Worship: 9:30 am / www.newstpeters.org

NORtHPaRk PReSBYteRIaN cHURcH / 214.363.5457

9555 N. Central Expwy. / www.northparkpres.org

New Pastor: Rev. Brent Barry / 8:30 & 11:00 am Sunday Services