West Fort Worth Lifestyle December 2014 by City Lifestyle

West FW

WestFWLifestyle.com

DECEMBER 2014

â&#x201E;˘

Holiday

Wine Lovers Rejoice The Snowball Express comes to town How Sweet It Is. Dude, Sweet Chocolates

LIFE TASTE S BE ST WHEN IT’S

W E L L DON E .

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Luxury Has Its Privileges

Jerry's Cadillac A lifetime of exceptional customer service that guarantees an outstanding ownership experience. Come out and see for yourself what makes Jerry's the best Cadillac dealer. Jerry's Cadillac, 3130 Fort Worth Highway, Weatherford, Texas, 76087 1.800.574.6898 817.597.1280 jerryscadillac.com

Publisher’s Letter

Thank You & Merry Christmas

hen I started this month’s letter I figured I would just write about a childhood Christmas memory but I couldn’t pick just one (I want to thank my parents for making them all so special). So I took a slightly different route and came up with my very first Christmas that I was able to pay for presents on my own. I believe I was 15. I went through one of my classmate’s fundraiser catalogs and purchased $50 worth of presents. That was a lot of money back in 1985! I can remember how excited I was Christmas morning to give these treasures to my family. That was the Christmas when I understood for the very first time that it is much better to give than receive. This issue marks lucky number 13 for me, and my husband, Mike. When we started West FW Lifestyle last December, we had no idea we would meet so many great people. One of my favorite parts of the day is when one of our readers reaches out and lets us know what they liked or didn’t like in that month’s issue. I take these very seriously and truly appreciate each and every one. We can’t THANK YOU enough for your support over the past year. It means the world to us.

december 2014 publishers

Christie & Mike Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com 817-290-2120

editor

Christie Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com advertising sales Ashley Sanchez, Felicia Brantley, Lacey Jones - Gomez

contributing writers Juliet George, Kristin Peaks, Martha Helton, Douglas Matus, Myquillyn Smith

contributing photographers Ann Beck, Christmas in Cowtown, Kat Swift

Published monthly, subscriptions are: 1 year for $22 or 2 years for $39. Visit WestFWLifestyle.com

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry

We absolutely know that we would not have this magazine running each month without our phenomenal writers Doug, Martha, Kristin, Matt, Juliet and Kristi, and the extraordinary talents of photographers Kat and Ann. Each of your talents is a blessing to this world. THANK YOU!

Merry Christmas and see you next year!

ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Samantha Engel layout designer | Liesl Poet

Luke 2:14

copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

Christie & Mike Thomas, Publishers

by Community ™

| WestFWLifestyle.com | on the cover Christmas in Cowtown Boot Tree photography by Ann Beck

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 West FW Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of West Fort Worth’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West FW Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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December 2014

Departments 8

Good Times

Around Town

Hot Spot

Field Trip

Your Neighbor

Now Open

30 Giving Back

20 Wine Lovers Rejoice

Classic Wine Storage offers the best to Fort Worth.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cooking?

History 101

Lifestyle Calendar

42 Parting Thoughts

24 The Snowball Express

Bringing fun and healing to families.

26 How Sweet It Is

Dude, Sweet Chocolates creates funky artisan chocolates.

Good Times

Annual Birdies for Charity Program

CASA of Tarrant County is one of 31 local nonprofits to benefit from the Colonial Country Club and Crowne Plaza Invitational. Support from community organizations allows CASA to continue to serve abused and neglected children living in foster care in our community.

3rd Annual Ruby Slipper Soiree Hosted by the Mid-Cities Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter, this year’s shoe fashion show raised $9,700 for CASA of Tarrant County. Former foster child Charlene Elliott spoke about the difference CASA made in her life -- for her, there truly is “no place like home.”

CASA Program Staff Jennifer Sterling, Laura Cardinas, and CASA volunteer Charlotte Demby

TCU Thetas model shoes from designer Elaine Turner

Let us solve your holiday cooking needs with fresh prepared foods from our deli and prime cuts from our market Place your holiday food order early to guarantee selection and availability

817-732-2863 | RoyPopeGrocery.com 2300 Merrick Fort Worth, TX 76107

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

CASA is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their partnership with Kappa Alpha Theta this year.

At we love what we do, and it shows! We have made some exciting changes at Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry! This summer, Dr. Nikki Green welcomed Dr. Ryan Knight as her partner and full-time colleague. We are proud to be a Comprehensive Dental Practice, where we combine the passion and talents of our Doctors in into a full-service dental team. With our expanded team of Doctors, we are better able to provide beautiful smiles and restored oral health for more patients in the Greater Fort Worth area!

Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is YOUR West Fort Worth Center for: COSMETIC DENTISTRY • Small changes to your smile can give you a brighter, healthier, more youthful appearance. • Smile Makeovers are created every day to significantly change the appearance of broken, discolored, or worn teeth.

DENTAL IMPLANTS • Placed and restored in our office using the latest in radiographic and implant technology. • The solution for tooth replacement, whether a single tooth or multiple missing teeth.

SEDATION DENTISTRY • Conscious sedation for the fearful patient or the patient who justs wants to have several dental visits completed at one time. • IV sedation for surgical procedures including implants, wisdom teeth, and gingival surgery.

At Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, the possibilities for your smile are limitless!

Nikki P Green, DDS • Ryan A. Knight, DMD • Robert W. Leedy, DDS • Cindy M. Knight, DDS

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Around Town all ages. All registration fees and donations benefit the Arthritis Foundation, working to ease the pain of, and find a cure for arthritis. Race day is December 6th with festivities starting at 2 p.m. and the race beginning at 5 p.m., just as the holiday lights come on in downtown Ft. Worth. For a detailed event day schedule and registration information, visit the event website.

Cuisine. There will also be a drawing for raffle prizes of products, gift baskets and spa services You don’t want to miss this event.

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Christmas with the Von Trapps Made famous by the Academy-Award winning 1965 film The Sound of Music, the von Trapp Family Singers great-grandchildren of Maria and the Captain - return to Fort Worth with a Christmas concert for the entire family. Enjoy this one-night-only performance of seasonal American and Austrian songs and let the sound of music fill your holiday! Thursday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m.

Jennae Brown Stylist extraordinaire Jennae Brown has moved to ZeeBa Salon & Day Spa at 501 Carroll St. She is here to help you look your very best this holiday season. Call today to make your appointment 817.870.9800.

Christmas at The Village Join us again this year on Saturday, December 13th, from 2-6 p.m. for an afternoon of family fun at The Village at Camp Bowie. Activities include photos with Santa, either in his sleigh or on his reinsteer; pony rides; a petting zoo; unique face painting; balloon animals and more. Your child can also write and mail their personal letter to Santa. All activities are complimentary; however, Toys for Tots will be on hand accepting donations that day. So, come on out, have a blast and spread the cheer to help make the holidays brighter for others, too. Additional activities will be added closer to the event, including store specials and sales, so please check our Facebook page frequently for up-to-date event details.

2014 Fort Worth Jingle Bell Run/ Walk for Arthritis Located in Burnett Park in downtown Ft. Worth, Jingle Bell Run is a holiday-themed, festive certified 5K run/walk with a 1-mile fun run option. Dogs are welcome, and there will be lots of fun to be had by humans of 10

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

Art Exhibition at Proper featuring local artist Philip NeQuent Thursday, December 4, from 6-9 p.m., Proper (409 W. Magnolia Ave) will be hosting the works of local artist Philip NeQuent. They will be serving Hors D’oeuvres and cocktails that pair very nicely with this amazing work.

Christmas Soiree & Fashion Show

Metropolitan Day Spa Open House Metropolitan Day Spa is having their annual open house at their location at 3417 W. 7th Street. 817.877.3417. The Open House will be held on Wednesday, December the 3. It will be an all day event from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. All day, gift certificates and products will be 20 percent off and from 5-8 p.m. they will have wine and hors d’ oeuvres by Michaels’

Join Need YPO as they celebrate another successful year! Enjoy wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres while connecting with other young professionals committed to ending poverty in our community. The highlight of the evening will be a first-ever WORN fashion show. Need YPO members and family members will model the knitted and crocheted fall line of this social enterprise- all hand crafted by refugee women served by Catholic Charities Fort Worth. It will be a night to remember! Thursday, December 11, 6:30 p.m. Amphibian Stage Productions. Cocktail attire.

A healthier 2015 starts now.

New Fitness Center Coming January 2015 We’re bringing a brand new, advanced fitness center to East Parker County. And at Texas Health Outpatient Center Willow Park, it’s more than a fitness center, it’s a health club brought to you by a health care company. Which means a family-oriented, social environment, on-site child care, and a team of fitness personnel aimed at making you look and feel your best. And if you’re one of the first 200 to join the center as a Core member, there are $0 enrollment fees and you get $10 off your monthly rate as long as you’re a member. Learn more at TexasHealth.org/Willow-Park-Fitness and get started on your healthiest year yet.

TexasHealth.org/Willow-Park-Fitness

Hot Spot

Cocktails in Cowtown The Usual gives Fort Worth its very own world-class cocktail bar Article Douglas Matus | Photography Kat Swift

hough the word ‘cocktail’ has a murky genealogy — common knowledge defines the cocktail as an American invention, while recent scholarship places the term’s first appearance in 18th century London — the purpose of the drink remains clear: an elegant vessel for the consumption of hard spirits. A well-crafted drink transforms liquor into art, and places the cocktail on par with a fine wine or haute cuisine dessert. Unfortunately, many modern bars and restaurants churn out “cocktails” unworthy of the name: overly-sweet beverages that disguise heaping quantities of alcohol beneath cutesy flavors that would fit in perfectly at a sno-cone stand. In Fort Worth, at least one bar has taken a stand against the dumbing-down of the cocktail: the Usual Bar, located on Magnolia Avenue, offers fine adult beverages in a sophisticated environment that staunchly avoids snootiness and ostentation. The Usual opened in 2009 as the brainchild of Jon Carney and Brad Hensarling, whose other bar, the Chat Room, sits just a few blocks down the street. Hensarling developed the idea for the Usual one afternoon at the Chat Room, as he worked the bar and experimented with cocktails to kill time before the evening rush.

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

Hensarling developed a fascination with the craft and history of the cocktail, and began to read and collect old cocktail guides as part of a rigorous, auto-didactic pursuit of the craft. His barroom experiments and self-education placed him at the beginning of the contemporary mixology movement. “The cocktail thing really started getting going about seven years ago in places like New York, Chicago and D.C. I got better at it, went out there and got involved, and developed a repertoire to bring back to Fort Worth,” says Hensarling. As the first fully functioning cocktail bar in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, The Usual set out to establish a clear focus on the ideas and craftsmanship that inform excellent drinks. While some of The Usual’s bartenders do contribute original creations to the menu, Hensarling remains 100 percent involved in every recipe, many of which he either develops himself or salvages from antiquarian guidebooks. A sampling of recent recipes includes the Unconventional Wisdom, which unites sage and molasses in bison grass-infused vodka, and the Last Word, which combines London dry gin, green chartreuse, maraschino and lime for a taste experience straight

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from the Jazz Age. In addition to its rotating menu of cocktails — Hensarling and his staff always strive to keep things fresh — The Usual also offers a well-curated selection of wine and beer. If you want to pursue your own crash course in mixology, rest assured that the bartenders can satisfy practically any request, and also share tips and recommend reading material. Most bar patrons are content to enjoy a fine cocktail without the desire to make their own at home, however. For this reason, Hensarling and Carney strove to create and maintain an environment that does justice to the quality of the beverages, without relying on upscale cliches like dark-wood paneling and an abundance of leather. Visitors to The Usual find a subtly lit and spacious room decorated in a minimalist design scheme. Far from feeling clinical, though, this Hospital District hotspot benefits from intimate, recessed seating and a welcoming atmosphere. “We wanted to take away the bells and whistles, the sideshow of the bar experience, to get people to focus on what we offer,” says Hensarling. Despite its name, what The Usual bar offers is far from commonplace: cocktails with quality as the primary ingredient.

The Usual 1408 W. Magnolia Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76104 817.810.0114 TheUsualBar.com

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Field Trip

A Holiday Double Feature: Movies and Ice-Skating Coyote Drive-In continues to find ways to expand its one-of-a-kind offerings. Douglas Matus | Photography Provided

rive-in theaters call to mind images from a bygone era: ’57 Chevys and letter jackets, poodle skirts and pompadours. At their peak throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, drive-in theaters had a near cultural ubiquity, with over 4,000 examples scattered around the United States. Originally conceived as family-oriented venues, declining attendance led surviving drive-ins to turn to low-budget horror and other exploitation flicks in the 1970s. Even the “passion pits” struggled, however, and the most resilient of the old theaters closed in the 1980s. In the early 2000s, drive-ins again began to generate interest as objects of nostalgia, touchstones of a time when a ticket bought a double-feature, and you

could enjoy a movie without the distraction of your neighbor’s cell phone. In 2013, Fort Worth became just one of a handful of cities to host a full-service, centrally located drive-in movie theater. Coyote Drive-In now welcomes families — and pets! — to a full nightly schedule of movies, with delectable food and

1,200 vehicles at three movie screens. The theater is a component of the Trinity River Vision Authority’s comprehensive plan to transform the Trinity River corridor, a project that will eventually include waterfront communities and additional entertainment complexes. Guests at Coyote Drive-In buy individual tickets — sorry, no carload discounts — but every screening stands as a double-feature. Fort Worth caught on quickly, and Coyote Drive-In has become a go-to destination for families and date-night couples alike. “We’ve had a great response from the public,” says Assistant General Manager Reagan Noble. “Fifty years ago, the drivein was part of everyone’s weekly routine. It’s one of the few things you can do as a

In 2013, Fort Worth became just one of a handful of cities to host a full-service, centrally located drive-in movie theater. special seasonal offerings that include a holiday ice rink. The ownership group behind Coyote Drive-In leased its Trinity River location from the Tarrant Regional Water District, and can accommodate more than

continued >

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

Christmas at t h e v i l l ag e Saturday, December 13th, 2-6pm 6323 Camp Bowie Boulevard Join us again this year for an afternoon of family fun at

Activities include

photos with santa

in his sleigh or on his reinsteer,

pony rides ,

petting zoo ,

unique face painting , balloon animals and more! Your child can also write and mail their personal letter to Santa! All activities are complimentary; however, Toys for Tots will be on hand accepting donations that day. So, come on out, have a blast and spread the cheer to help make the holidays brighter for others too! Additional activities will be added in closer to the event, including specials and sales ,

store

so please check our Facebook page frequently for up to date event details.

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Field Trip

(continued)

“As Texans, we rarely get to be on ice skates,” says Noble. “We got an awesome response from the public last year, and this year’s rink will be even bigger.” Obviously, it’s no small feat to bring an outdoor ice rink to Texas. A giant water chiller pumps ice-cold water through hoses laid out beneath the rink, which keeps everything frozen. This year, Coyote Drive-

family and have parents and children all have a good time.” For those unfamiliar with drive-in theaters, Coyote Drive-In benefits from an ingenuous set-up. Guests pay for their tickets and choose from among the designated spots. You then park, tilt back your seat and get comfortable, and tune your radio to the assigned station broadcasting the film’s audio. Guests in pick-ups can lower the tailgate and enjoy the show from the truck bed, while guests who arrive on bicycle or bus can make use of areas with stand-alone speakers. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but Coyote Drive-In has its own restaurant, the Coyote Canteen, that serves up a range of items, including drive-in staples like corn dogs and popcorn, along with beer and wine. Beginning each year on November 21st,

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

Coyote Drive-In offers another, equally anachronistic entertainment option. Outdoor ice rinks are even more difficult to find in Texas than drive-in movie theaters, but Coyote Drive-In and the Trinity River Vision Authority have found a way to bring one to Fort Worth.

In will have an actual Zamboni, a vehicle familiar to Dallas Stars fans, to keep the ice smooth and pristine. Fort Worth can enjoy this iconic seasonal pastime a little longer this year, as Coyote Drive-In plans to extend the life of the rink until January 19.

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December 2014 | West FW Lifestyle

Your Neighbor

Boxing Day, an Open House and Toys for Tots Paul and Jan Giokas’ Annual Party with a Purpose Article Martha Helton | Photography Kat Swift

hat began as an annual, fun “Boxing Day” celebration by Paul Giokas’ family in his hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, continues on as a tradition for Paul and his wife, Jan. It is a tradition that not only is a social gathering with family and friends, but evolved into a meaningful, charitable event. In Canada, December 26 is Boxing Day, “kind of a national mini holiday,” explains Paul. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Boxing Day is the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr but is also a Canadian secular holiday. For Paul’s parents, this day was a celebrated time to have friends, family and co-workers over. It was a “just stop by and have a few cocktails and visit,” says Paul. Young Paul caught on to the fun and as a high schooler, he and his brother began having their own party in the basement while the adults were upstairs. “Everyone talked about the party like crazy after the first year, so Tim and I turned it into an annual event.” Even as friends went off to college and came back for Christmas, the Giokas’ was a gathering place to catch up and see everyone. “I tell you, the place was always packed. We would have 50-60 people come and go.” After high school graduation, Paul went on to play junior hockey, eventually going to South Africa to play and coach. There he met his beautiful wife, Jan, who was a professional figure skater in a show that toured the world. ( Jan is now a professional ice skating coach.) During their five years in South Africa, they were only able to go back for Christmas two times and even then, friends would come over to his parent’s house for the party. “Jan really thought it was pretty cool how all these people gathered.” Eventually settling in Texas in the late 90s, two good friends had an annual Christmas party that reminded Paul of his parent’s open house. His friends called their party The Christmas Fiesta Bonanza, or CFB for short. “The caveat for their party was you had to bring an unwrapped toy to get in and I thought that was pretty cool,” shares Paul. 18

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

After a couple of years, their friends both moved on and the party stopped. “I called, asked if I could pick up the ball and start having the CFB. I wanted to keep the Toys for Tots going and thought it would be a great way to honor my parents and the party they had every year.” The couple hosted the open house at their home for a couple of years but with 60-100 people coming throughout the evening, the work load became too overwhelming. “We now host the party in The Ollie Room, downstairs at Oscar’s Pub. We provide the food and pick up the tab at the bar for all to come...again, bring an unwrapped toy for entrance.” Last year was Paul and Jan’s 20th wedding anniversary, so to make it special, the CFB was on December 21st and, in Paul’s words, “we had a real blowout! We rented The Rose Chapel, had Poo Live Crew perform...my brother Tim even flew down from Canada as a surprise! That was a real special night.” Drinks and food taken care of, Jan adds her holiday decorating touches at Oscar’s Pub and puts up a Christmas tree. “We love hosting this party and look forward to it every year,” says Jan. Adding Toys for Tots to the CFB adds a deeper meaning. “We cannot describe the feeling we get as we see the toys piling up. Jan and I are very blessed with great family, friends and careers. This party gives us the opportunity to not only have a blast with everyone but at the same time, many kids will wake up Christmas morning having benefited from it as well.”

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Wine Lovers Classic Wine Storageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fort Worth location offers the best in storage and retrieval services. Douglas Matus | Photography Ann Beck

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

ort Worth wine aficionados have a new clubhouse. Classic Wine Storage, located off South Hulen Street on Riverglen Drive, offers top-tier storage and transport for wine collections, along with additional services sure to set wine-lovers hearts aflutter. Opened in Fort Worth in 2013, Classic Wine Storage originated as a retrievable investment service for its clients, whose valuable collections required painstaking care and the benefits of expert conservation. Classic Wine Storage’s first location opened in South Lake in 2006. The business expanded to a Dallas location in 2011, and along the way developed a range of services that placed it into a different category for dedicated oenophiles. Classic Wine Storage’s Fort Worth facility exemplifies a dedication to wine and service that makes it worthy not only of clients’ trust, but also sets a new standard that redefines excellence for any investment overseer. Wine collectors find themselves dedicated to a fickle and temperamental goddess. Valuable wines do not store as easily as other investments, and collectors must always remain conscious of environmental concerns such as temperature and humidity. The maintenance of a collection — whether for investment or personal enjoyment — necessitates not only constant attention, but also the proper facilities. Classic Wine Storage removes this burden for its clients, and restores wine collecting to the provence of purely pleasurable pursuits. Instead of worry in regard

to facility construction and maintenance, wine lovers can place their treasures into

sends them status updates and system reports — via their cell phones. The entire facility has comprehensive video surveillance, and an electronic entryway system allows clients access to their collections anytime they want between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. An onsite staff person provides customer service and ensures that any unforeseen issues get addressed as soon as they arise. Mark Nelson and Terry Perkins, the masterminds of Classic Wine Storage, have steadily expanded their business offerings and services. Of course, it all still begins with the company’s wide range of storage options. All clients receive customized storage, with walk-in lockers, racks and cases available to

Wine collectors find themselves dedicated to a fickle and temperamental goddess. Valuable wines do not store as easily as other investments, and collectors must always remain conscious of environmental concerns such as temperature and humidity. The maintenance of a collection — whether for investment or personal enjoyment — necessitates not only constant attention, but also the proper facilities. the hands of a company that not only understands the passion that wine inspires, but cares for its clients’ stores with dedication and constant attentiveness. Gone are the days of dank, underground cellars more reminiscent of animal lairs than storage for vintage consumables. Classic Wine Storage maintains a modern and state-of-the-art facility that maintains rigorous attention to all the details that wine aficionados expect — and many they would never think of. The technology behind Classic Wine Storage would not feel out of place in a futuristic heist movie; yet it exists here, in Fort Worth, to take care of clients’ bottles and cases. Most of the bells and whistles adorn the temperature control functions of the storage facility. Of course, the storage vaults remain at an optimal temperature 24 hours a day; what makes Classic Wine Storage all the more remarkable are the systems they have in place to ensure that control 365 days a year, regardless of circumstance. In case of a power outage, Classic Wine Storage maintains its own generator to power the facility’s climate systems. The managers of the Fort Worth location stay in contact with this generator — which

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December 2014 | West FW Lifestyle

wine lovers rejoice!

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West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

(continued)

provide the right configuration and level of access that clients desire. Small downstairs lockers at the Fort Worth facility can hold up to 12 cases of wine. Clients can also elect for rack storage, which makes for ease and convenience with the selection of individual bottles. The upstairs walk-in lockers can hold between 144 and 432 cases, enough to contain the most encyclopedic of wine inventories. In addition to its lockers, Classic Wine Storage accepts deliveries for clients year-round. A popular service, especially around the holidays, wine delivery grants clients peace of mind and removes the necessity of their presence for the arrival of their precious cargo. Nelson shared some facts on the popularity of the delivery service: “In one recent month, we received 4,000 wine shipments between our three locations. People can buy wine year-round, then have it shipped to our climate-controlled facility in the Fall and not have to worry about temperature harming their shipment.” Classic Wine Storage’s proprietary inventory system notifies clients the moment a shipment arrives. The inventory management system allows for Classic Wine Storage to evaluate and appraise a client’s entire collection, and also to provide tasting notes, optimal drink-by dates and other updates via mobile device. For clients on the move, Classic Wine Storage provides for the packing and transport of entire collections. “We’ve moved clients’ collections across

the country and across the street,” says Perkins. “We can do door to door logistics for people, or we can the wine shipped and stored at one of our staffed facilities.” Wine collecting is about much more than the pleasure of consumption. For rare vintages, oenophiles experience the thrill of acquisition, and can obsess over details such as label design and historical context. It only makes sense, then, that a premier facility such as Classic Wine Storage should offer fringe benefits that appeal to clients’ sense of refinement. Each Classic Wine Storage location features a comfortable and attractive event room for clients. At the Fort Worth location, the event room is reminiscent of a bar at a luxury hotel, with tasteful decor, comfortable seating, and a large, HD TV in case clients want to watch a game. The event room comes fully stocked with everything clients should need, from stemware, to napkins and decanters. Clients can even arrange for staff to have their bottles available and chilled upon arrival. Classic Wine Storage also uses the room to host tastings for its clients. Wine lovers appreciate the total experience of wine: the look and feel of the bottles, a complex bouquet or aroma, and, of course, the body and taste. With Classic Wine Storage, Fort Worth collectors can now receive a comprehensive range of services to match their dedicated affection for the grape.

Y’ALL!

December 2014 | West FW Lifestyle

Snowball Express Brings Fun, Healing

A Chance to Honor the Children of Our Fallen Heroes Article Martha Helton | Photography Provided

merica’s largest gathering of surviving families of our fallen military heroes is happening from December 11-15 right here in Fort Worth. Promising fun and good memories, children who have experienced the tragic loss of a parent in action can perhaps find a smile on their face for the first time. Families meet other families who also have lost a loved one and find comfort that they are not alone. Snowball Express, a non-profit organization, began in 2006 and their mission is: “Provide hope and new happy memories to the children of military fallen heroes who have died while on active duty since 9/11.” Originally based in Southern California, in 2009 the organization moved to Dallas. An annual event, last year the festivities were mainly in Dallas with a one-day visit to Cowtown. The fun-filled week brought 24

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

nearly 1,800 surviving military spouses and children from across the country. Fort Worth is the primary base this year. Families will stay at the Hilton and Omni. The Fort Worth Convention Center will be the central meeting location. Over the five days, events will take place in Fort Worth, Parker County and Dallas. The kids will visit museums, see a special screening of a film, have a ranch day with a rodeo, be treated to a concert by the Gary Sinise Lt. Dan Band, visit the zoo and have a talent show where the kids can entertain other Snowball kids. There will also be big welcome and closing shows with a wide range of entertainment. A highlight of the week is the Walk of Gratitude. “We are planning a Walk of Gratitude to be held in Fort Worth to give the

public the opportunity to turn out and let the families know that their loss is remembered and honored,” says Bob Wood, Captain, U.S. Navy, retired, and a Snowball Express board member. The Walk of Gratitude is on Saturday, December 13, around 9:30 a.m. The Walk will begin on Main Street and families will walk from the Fort Worth Convention Center Arena to Sundance Square Plaza. There, a very meaningful gesture will take place…balloons will be released by the families, sending their personal messages skyward to their lost loved ones. The public is heartily encouraged to line the sidewalks, waving signs and flags to honor our fallen heroes and their families. Financial sponsorship allows these families to pay nothing to attend. “Our presenting sponsor, American Airlines, makes this event possible,” says Executive Director Buck Kern. “They donate the airplanes that bring these children to Fort Worth from all across this nation. All of the pilots and flight attendants donate their time, and teams of American Airlines employees at airports around the country make sure that each child has a heroes send off when they depart for the event, and when they return home.” Once American Airlines brings the families to Fort Worth, “it is up to all of us to make sure that these families

are shown the love and gratitude that they deserve,” says Kern. Snowball Express operates entirely on volunteer support. Unloading and transporting luggage, to working in the children’s activity lounges, to helping with ground transportation, assisting with food service, or just being present at the Walk of Gratitude are some ways to volunteer. “There are opportunities that require days of service or others that only take a few hours,” explains Kern. During the fun-packed week, families mingle, bond and often heal together. “We hear countless stories from parents about kids who open up with other kids at Snowball Express for the first time since their parent was killed, and stories about kids who get home after Snowball and want to talk to their surviving parent about the parent they lost,” shares Wood. “Snowball Express strives to create hope and new happy memories, but a definite side effect is the bonding and healing that happens.” For more information, go to SnowballExpress.org.

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How Sweet It Is Beneath its simple, yet distinctive packaging, Dude, Sweet Chocolate hides a world of wonders Article Douglas Matus | Photography Provided

ew foods trigger as many cultural associations as chocolate. For children, chocolate remains the heart and soul of one of life’s delights: candy, in all its forms and permutations, whether stamped into a bar or encased in a colorful shell. For adults, chocolate triggers feelings of romance, eroticism and decadence, and the food has become a palette for adventurous chocolatiers whose gourmet products adorn the aisles of upper-echelon retailers. Dallas-based Dude, Sweet Chocolate now has three locations for customers to browse a wonderland of chocolate creations. The Fort Worth store, located in the West Seventh Development at 2925 Crockett St., has a rotating stock that changes to reflect the bubbling creativity of Chef Katherine Clapner, whose vision and passion for chocolate has informed the company since she founded it with Redding May back in 2009. Clapner brings an impressive pedigree to bear on her recipes and signature creations. Born and raised in Arlington, she spent a good bit of time in Fort Worth, and credits the city’s music scene and independent spirit as formative youthful influences. She earned a degree at New York’s Culinary Institute of America, then cut her professional teeth at London’s Savoy and Venice’s Hotel Cipriana. An opportunity to work with Stephan Pyles, legendary progenitor of Southwestern cuisine, brought her back to Texas. As Stephan Pyles Executive Pastry Chef, Clapner refined the skills and techniques she would later bring to bear on her chocolates.

Dude, Sweet Chocolate grew out of a holiday partnership with Redding May to create unique, artisanal chocolates as gifts for his clients. Sensing an opportunity, Clapner decided to bring her formidable talents to a product line that embodies a rigorous commitment to quality, while maintaining a willingness to experiment and discover new forms of chocolatey perfection. Despite such colorful ingredients as blue cheese — paired with Valrohna African Abinaoi 85 percent dark chocolate in the delightful Albatross Fudge — Clapner does not see her creations as odd or unique. “When you think of a blue cheese or a Japanese pepper, they’re not too crazy when you break down their flavors. I look for things that fulfill a need in the flavor profile. If I want something salty, why not add miso?” says Clapner. She describes her inspiration as rooted in the work of traditional chefs, rather than other chocolatiers or pastry chefs. “They’re much more interesting. I might be online or watching something, and an ingredient will catch my eye. I don’t start with an idea in mind, it’s an exploration and an experiment.” Clapner always starts with the highest quality chocolates, which come from renowned chocolate makers who provide extensive information on their ingredients and processes. Each base chocolate presents a unique identity and flavor profile, which Clapner views as her canvas. continued >

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

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“I will never bend on the quality of my ingredients,” says Clapner. “The chocolate I choose is the best I can get my hands on. We could make more money if we used cheaper chocolates, but we simply will not.” Anyone who tries one of Dude, Sweet Chocolate’s products cannot help but appreciate Clapner’s fidelity to high stan-

dards. This holiday sea- tion for what chocolate — and toffee and son, customers can enjoy fudge and truffles — can do. Love Potion No. 3, a spirits and agave-based chocolate concoction that tantalizes with the addition of mulled wine. Clapner’s newest truffle offering stands as one of her finest successes. A French wafer crust contains a pear jam and sauvignon blanc-infused truffle that will melt hearts and make taste buds do back flips. Customers who want to samDude, check out the funky artisan chocolates ple a range of Dude, Sweet Chocolate products — or those on the At their Fort Worth retail shop: market for the perfect gift — can West 7th Development pick up a Gift Box, which con2925 Crockett St tains versions of five best sellers Fort Worth, TX 76107 at an excellent price. Regardless Or online: of what you choose, you’ll walk DudeSweetChocolate.com away with a whole new apprecia-

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Giving Back

Jingle Bells for Cancer Cells Article Kristin Peaks | Photography Provided

n 2010, Jade Bailey, Kristi Easterly and Christen Gullatt met each other when their oldest sons all attended the same preschool. It was obvious that their friendship was meant to be from the beginning. When they first met, they didn’t know how deep their friendship would grow and they definitely didn’t think in the years to come that their friendship would impact the lives of so many others. Over the years, the ladies and their families have spent a lot of time together--everything from going to the Bailey family ranch and girls night out to celebrating holidays and the kids playing sports together. But the one thing that really bonded the ladies was their common struggle with stressful life experiences. Easterly’s daughter battles neurofibromatosis, a rare genetic disorder that can cause tumors to grow on nerve tissue, producing skin and bone abnormalities. Bailey had domestic violence in her family. And Gullatt’s family was hit with basal cell carcinoma nevus

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that may affect all systems of the body and makes affected individuals more susceptible to various forms of cancer. But it wasn’t just the struggle that

brought them together. It was the fact that they wanted to turn those struggles into a positive and do something about it. “All three of us were struggling with these issues when we met and we were just talking one day that we didn’t want to sit around and dwell on them even through they were very raw and very new to us,” says Easterly. “We wanted to actually do something about it and be proactive and help our children.” The ladies knew they wanted to use what they had been through to help provide for others and make their lives better. In 2013, they formed Hearts and Minds that Care Presents (HMC Presents) to help provide funds for non-profits that are close to their hearts. Bailey, Easterly and Gullatt each chose an organization that touches them personally: the Children’s Tumor Fund, the Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevus Syndrome Life Support Network and the Methodist Justice Ministry. “Our main goals for the non-profit is to raise awareness of all of these charities and diseases, as well as raise funding,” says Easterly. “Funding for research, funding to help these

women and children out of these domestic violence situations and help to find a cure for these diseases that currently there is no cure for.” The ladies have an annual event that helps raise the funds for all three organizations. This year, Jingle Bells for Cancer Cells will take place on December 6 from 4-7 p.m. in downtown Fort Worth at Sundance Square Plaza. The outdoor family event will include live music, food, choirs, a photo booth, an appearance by Miss Teen Texas, face painting and much more. Admission is $25 for guests 13 and up. Kids under 12 are FREE. You can go to HMCPresents.org for more information. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the details and moving pieces come together in one flowing motion. All of the people that have helped get us to this point is what makes the event a success,” says Bailey. “From the guy at the post office to the women on our committee to our biggest sponsor, they help us remember that what we are doing really matters.” This will actually be the “first” second Jingle Bells for Cancer Cells. Last year was the inaugural event, but it was unfortunately cancelled because of an ice storm. Even though the event didn’t take place in 2013, the ladies still raised approximately $50,000 through sponsors and family friends. And they are on track to raise even more this year! “I’m looking forward to seeing our community, family and friends in the plaza enjoying the music, food and kid zone all while raising awareness and funding for three noteworthy charities,” says Gullatt. “The last performance of the night will be one you won’t want to miss!”

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What’s Cooking?

A Cranberry Christmas Article Suzette Zara | Photography Joy Reynolds

traditional family Christmas would not be complete without the cranberry sauce! These updated twists on classic cranberry recipes are a welcome change from boring cranberry relish; the recipes are delicious, easy and surprisingly low in calories. Creamy Cranberry Salad features a honeyed blend of cranberries and pineapple, floating in a cloud of light whipped cream and sweet marshmallows. Need a unique cookie for your Christmas cookie exchange? These delicious Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies are packed with a flavorful blend of tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans. And, of course, the perfect guilt-free end to Christmas dinner is a Skinny Cranberry Bar, loaded with gooey chocolate and juicy cranberries, topped with sweet cream cheese frosting. Those brilliant red cranberries not only add a burst of color to the Christmas table, but they are also quite nutritious. One cup of whole cranberries contains only 47 calories and provides an impressive 0.4 grams of protein. Cranberries are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C; plus, they contain flavonoids and antioxidants which help protect from cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps lower cholesterol. When selecting cranberries, choose bright, intense colored berries. Discard any berries which are soft or wrinkled, and remove stems. One 12-ounce bag equals roughly three cups of whole berries. Store cranberries in the refrigerator for up to two months. Do not wash berries before storing, or they will wilt. To lengthen the lifespan, store in the freezer for up to a year.

Cranberry Oat Cookies These delicious cookies are a variation of my award-winning recipe, recognized by the Cranberry Discovery Center. Ingredients: 2 cups unrefined flour (such as King Arthur) 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon sea salt 1½ teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg 2 cups rolled oats 1 cup unrefined coconut oil, melted (or 1 cup butter, softened) 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 eggs 2 cups dried cranberries ½ cup chopped pecans (optional) Instructions: Preheat oven to 325°F. Measure flour by spooning into measuring cup and leveling off; do not “pack” flour. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add oats, and stir to mix well. Using an electric mixer, in a large bowl, mix together coconut oil and sugar until well-blended, about 3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla; mix on low until well-incorporated. Slowly add oat mixture, until just combined. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Shape dough into small balls; place on non-stick cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Gently press cookies down; place on center oven continued >

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

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www.FlirtyGirlAndCompany.com rack. Bake 7-9 minutes; turn pan, and bake additional 7-9 minutes, or until just set. Cookies should be still slightly soft in center. Allow cookies to cool three minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cool completely; store in airtight container for up to 3 days. For best flavor, do not refrigerate Yield: 40 cookies; Per serving: Calories: 133; Fat: 7g; Carbs:14g. Protein: 2g; Cost Per Serving: $.55. Skinny Cranberry Chip Bars Pressed for time? These bars are equally delicious using a pre-packaged low-fat brownie mix, adding the following ingredients, to pump up the flavor: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¾ cup chopped walnuts; ½ cup dried cranberries.

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Frosting: 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel) ½ cup powdered sugar 3 ounces white baking chocolate, melted (in microwave) 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped 2/3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350Â°F. Spray 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; stir well. In medium bowl, whisk together sugars with butter, egg whites, applesauce and vanilla until fluffy. Using a whisk, combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients, until the batter is smooth. If the batter looks too crumbly, add water slowly, until it smooths. Gently stir in chocolate chips and 1/3 cup cranberries. Spread batter into prepared pan, using back of a measuring cup to pat smooth evenly. Bake 10-12 minutes, until the edges are light brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Do not over-bake or bars will be dry. Cool completely on wire rack. Prepare frosting while bars bake. In a large bowl, using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until well-combined. Frost bars when cool; sprinkle with remaining cranberries. Drizzle with melted white chocolate. To serve, cut into 15 bars, then cut each square bar in half diagonally to create triangles. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Yield: 30 bars; Per serving: Calories: 145; Fat: 5g; Protein: 2g. Cost Per Serving: $.88. Creamy Cranberry Salad This creamy cranberry salad is perfect as a side dish or even as a fluffy dessert.

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1 pound cranberries, finely chopped and drained (or, 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce, drained) 1 tablespoon honey 1Âź cups granulated sugar 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained 8 ounces (half of a package) miniature marshmallows 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1 container reduced-fat frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip) 1 teaspoon vanilla Instructions: In a large bowl, mix cranberries with sugar and honey. Cover and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. Combine sugared cranberries with pineapple, marshmallows, nuts and whipped topping. Stir well. Transfer mixture to 3-quart bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Yield: 12 servings. Per serving: Calories: 85; Fat: 0.9g; Carbs: 16.5. Cost Per Serving: $.65. Suzette Zara is a food journalist, nutritionist and frequent speaker on low-fat healthy cooking. For more great recipes and nutrition tips, visit her website CookLean.com or email her at suzette@SuzetteZara.com.

December 2014 | West FW Lifestyle

History 101

Russell (left) and Arthur Paddock celebrate Christmas prior to World War I. Image courtesy of the late Dorothy Paddock Dixson

A Trio of Vintage Christmas Moments Article Juliet George

he Ghost of Christmas Past focuses on World War I and its aftermath, summoning spirits of people connected to Fort Worth’s Camp Bowie and Arlington Heights during the late 1910s and 1920s. A spontaneous philanthropist, Yuletide fugitives, and a Navy veteran who moved into a new brick bungalow reflect the candle’s flickering light.

Farmer-philanthropist

Farmer G.G. Collins of Burleson had already visited the Arlington Heights area prior to the war years, as he had purchased at least one prize Poland-China hog from Owen W. Mathews’ Hill Crest Breeding Farm there. According to a Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter, Collins spoke with an officer from the military outpost of Camp Bowie outside a downtown Fort Worth store on Dec. 14, 1917, and asked him go in and help him select $25 worth of gloves, mufflers, and helmets as Christmas gifts for Camp Bowie soldiers. His money did not go very far, so he doubled the amount, and then quadrupled it. To the officer, he was quoted as saying, “You take these things out to the camp and distribute them among the boys who need them and tell them I hope they will enjoy them.” God Rest Ye, A.W.O.L. Soldier Boys

Camp Bowie, rapidly assembled in 1917 as a training camp for the 36th division of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, was beset with problems from the beginning. As G.G. Collins had already heard, trainees were inadequately clothed for the cold front that came early that fall; several communicable diseases attacked the population and led to on-base hospitalization of 8,000 soldiers; by mid-December, hundreds had died. With Christmas coming, the commanding officer lifted the quarantine and granted leaves to half of his command so that they could be with their families. 36

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

As Lonnie J. White chronicled in his book, Panthers To Arrowheads: The 36Th (Texas-Oklahoma) Division In World War One, none of the special provisions and activities (a turkey hunt, special dinners, bands playing) offered to those left behind at the camp proved consolation enough. Approximately 1,000 men slipped away. Consequences awaited, but they amounted, almost, to amnesty. “The errant troops were, upon their return, placed in the guardhouse for a day or so and the non-coms were reduced in rank,” White wrote. Soldiers from another Texas camp stayed away for nine days, knowing that their absences would be classified as desertion on the tenth. Over there . . . in war-desolated France, some deserters on both sides were executed, but none of the 24 Americans sentenced to death in courts-martial was shot. The Brothers Paddock

Photographs from family albums include a Christmas tableau featuring Arthur Paddock and his younger brother, Russell, born in 1893 and 1895, respectively, at their parents’ home on Seventh Avenue. The year is not given, but they would not share many more Christmases. Both enlisted for military service in World War I. Arthur helped patrol the east coast of Long Island for the U.S. Navy, and Russell reported to Camp Pike in Arkansas for officer training – where he died on October 9, 1918 – shortly after influenza swept over that place and many others. The reported cause of his death, pneumonia, likely resulted from the flu. Arthur survived the war, married, and began a family and a career in the postwar years. After living in oil company housing in a town west of Fort Worth, he and his wife and children moved to Arlington Heights –- first to a bungalow on Belle Place, and then to a brick cottage with Tudor features on Tremont Avenue. One of his descendants still lives there.

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Lifestyle Calendar

December DECEMBER 6 ANNUAL HOLIDAY BEER TASTING The Ginger Man

Taste a variety seasonal and holiday brews, enjoy tasty treats and enter for your chance to win fun prizes. Tickets are $40 and seating is limited. 3716 Camp Bowie Blvd.

DECEMBER 3

DECEMBER 12

PAINT YOUR PET NIGHT

MAKE YOUR OWN ORNAMENTS CLASS

A PIECE OF WORK

VAN GROW: ART STUDIO FOR KIDS

Paint a masterpiece of your beloved furry friend during A Piece of Work’s popular pet night, which begins at 7:00 p.m. Spots are limited. Registration required at APieceOfWorkOnline. com. 5714 Locke Ave.

Kids of all ages can create and decorate their own Christmas ornament to hang on the tree. Sign up at VanGrowStudio.com. 7-8:30 p.m. 3434 West 7th St.

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 19 PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

CAMP BOWIE DISTRICT’S MONTHLY MEET-UP

VAN GROW: ART STUDIO FOR KIDS

CONRAD CREATIVE

Kids will be kept occupied while parents are out shopping for the holidays! Children ages 4-12 will create their own gifts to give parents and enjoy pizza and cookies. Sign up at VanGrowStudio.com. 6-9 p.m. 3434 West 7th St.

Mix and mingle with friends on the Boulevard at Conrad Creative Custom Gift Baskets. Enjoy complimentary cocktails and appetizers, courtesy of Camp Bowie District. RSVP to rsvpcbd@gmail.com. 4911 Camp Bowie Blvd.

DECEMBER 5

OPENS DECEMBER 26 JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC

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MODERN ART MUSEUM

Visit the more than 2,000 species of life below the sea near the lush tropical islands of West Papua and learn about whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and more. Get show times and tickets at FWMuseum.org. 1600 Gendy St.

Enjoy live music from Three If By Sea, a special Rowdy Reindeer cocktail and a gallery tour starting at 5 p.m. Café Modern will be open for dinner until 8:30 p.m. with featured specials. Call 817.840.2157 for more information. 3200 Darnell St. 38

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

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Charities & Fundraisers

Campisi’s Restaurant (817) 916-4561 campisis.us

Home Design & Furnishings

Mamas Pizza (817) 731-6262 mamaspizza.net

Backyard Grilling Co (817) 292-7611 backyardgrillingco.com Into the West (817) 332-3100 intothewestrustic.com

Home Services Archies Gardenland (817) 737-6614 archiesgardenland.com

Jingle Bells for Cancer Cells (817) 271-4621

SCL Landscaping (817) 798-3385

Dentists & Orthodontics

United Carpet Cleaning (817) 268-6531 unitedcarpetclean

Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry (817) 737-6601 ngreendental.com

Fashion & Accessories

A Lost Treasure (817) 230-4828 alosttreasuredfw.com Lisa McConnell Custom Jewelry Design & Repair (817) 732-4440 lisamcconnell.com Scentimentals/Alueur Candles (817) 715-1924

Financial Services & Planning

Other

Bronze Envy Tan (817) 377-6252 bronzeenvytan.com

Metropolitan Day Spa (817) 877-3417 metropolitandayspa.com Z Spa (817) 509-4967 zspadfw.com

Specialty Shops

The Village at Camp Bowie (817) 887-9542 Villageatcampbowie.com

Fort Worth Billiards (817) 377-1004 dfwbilliards.com

Property & Real Estate

Roy Pope Grocery (817) 732-2863 roypopegrocery.com

Ginger Trimble Knox Keller Williams (817) 637-9184 gingerandassociates.com Virginia Cook Realtors (817) 665-1222 viginiacook.com

Health & Wellness

Restaurants, Food & Beverage

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

Salons & Spas

Bicycle Center (817) 377-1925 bicyclecenteroffortworth.com

Wilco Realtors (817) 703-7491 wilcorealtors.com

Texas Health Outpatient Willow Park TexasHealth.org/Willow-Park-Fitness

Oscar’s Pub (817) 732-3833 oscarspub.com

Camp Bowie District campbowiedistrict.com

Pinnacle Bank (800) 227-7715 pinnbanktx.com

Eyes on Camp Bowie (817) 738-9301 eyesoncampbowie.com

Texas Medical Institute (817) 731-2102 texasmedicalinstitute.com

360 Catering & Events (817) 714-8996 360cateringandevents.com Buffalo West (817) 732-2370 buffalowestfw.com

Southwest Gold & Silver (817) 735-1451 swgoldsilver.com TCU Florist (817) 924-2211 tcuflorist.com The Mercantile (817) 377-0910 The-Mercantile.com Ties to the Past (817) 244-3134 Toy Works (817) 737-8697

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, football, or a special event, let us cater to you!

817.714.8996

Exquisite Food Prepared from Scratch | Flawless Service | Creative Presentation

360CateringAndEvents.com Come see us at the Victory Arts Center!

6323 Camp Bowie Blvd #125 Fort Worth, TX 76116-5447 (817) 732-3833 Open Daily 12pm-2am

Bar catering • Great covered patio • Daily specials

The Ollie Room is available for private parties up to 50 people. It is a fantastic place to celebrate with a nice glass of wine or scotch, and with 2 large screen televisions. The Ollie Room is a perfect place to have a private watching party for your favorite sporting events. December 2014 | West FW Lifestyle

Parting Thoughts

Home Real Home Words Myquillyn Smith

’m a creative. I pretend to be a designer. My entire job is to encourage women that they can create a beautiful, meaningful home. I’ve done it all wrong but I’m learning that it’s really not about the stuff at all, even when making a home. If I want my home to be a place of connection, I’ll ask genuine questions and get to know the people in my home. If I want my home to be a safe place to make a mistake, I’ll lower my standards for myself first, be forgiving of my own mistakes, laugh at myself—and allow others to see that. If I want my home to be inspiring, I’ll pay attention to what inspires me. If I want my home to be real, I’ll learn to embrace the imperfect, find the beauty in the undone, the broken, the unkempt, the everydayness and the mess. If I want my home to be comfortable, I’ll first stop apologizing and focus on others instead of myself. If I want my home to be a place of rest, I’ll consider my attitude and the tone I set when I am home. I’ll allow and plan for restful spaces.

West FW Lifestyle | December 2014

This is the kind of home and beauty we have to fight for. Anyone can put pretty stuff in a room. It takes intention to furnish a home with grace and rest and acceptance. I’m up for the challenge. I want to see past the worst and focus on the better. I want to search for the real beauty just waiting to be recognized. I want to make a home on purpose – with purpose. I’m making home a safe, inspiring and life-giving place so we can go out and be who we were created to be. The Joneses don’t need to be kept up with, and secretly, they are tired of setting the mythical standard. Homes are there to serve people, not the other way around. May your home serve you and others so fully that it’s worn thin and beautiful in all the right places. Myqyillyn Smith is a renowned author and blogger. Read her book, The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful, or visit her blog, TheNester.com, for more inspiring words about home, and grace. Reprinted with permission.

Buffalo West RestauRant 7101 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, TX 76116

NEW YEAR'S EVE

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $25/PERSON 3 P.M. - 6 P.M. INCLUDES: ENTRÉE, SOUP SALAD BAR, VEGETABLES, BEVERAGE & DESSERT

817-732-2370 | buffalowestFW.com Still Time to Book Last Minute Holiday Parties!

SPECIAL DINNER MENU 6 P.M. - 10 P.M. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FEATURING THE UPTOWN DRIFTERS (CALL FOR DETAILS)

• Huge Salad Bar

• Prime Rib & Steaks

• Chicken Fried Steak

• Patio, Bar, Weekend Live Entertainment • Private Meeting/Party Rooms

Chris Piekarski

General Manager

• Sunday Brunch 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM • Sunday Dinner 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

#BestPatioFortWorth

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