35 West Magazine December 2020

D E C E M B E R /J A N U A RY 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1

Dining & Entertainment Issue

COME AS A

CLIENT

& LEAVE AS A

FRIEND

Direct Mailed to the Following Areas:

Northlake - Justin - Roanoke (Canyon Falls - Harvest)

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TABLE OF

Contents ASK THE EXPERT 20 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

PHOTOS 04 Metroport Chamber Photos 18 Metroport Chamber Photos Continued

22 Metroport Chamber Photos Continued

ARTICLES 08 12 Tips For Hosting Holiday Guests Like A Pro

11 Celebrate Recovery: Overcoming Hurts, Habits, and Hang-Ups

12 Inside Community and Education 14 The Covid-19 Silver Lining 19 Foodie Friday DFW: Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop

23 Christmas Traditions & Why They Are Important

24 Great Taste In Every Bite 26 Local Business Update 29 Homegrown Star Becomes

PAGE

16

COME AS A

CLIENT

& LEAVE AS A

FRIEND Cover Image Lori Jacobson with DFW Legacy Group

World Series Champion

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DECEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 5

Writer for Murray Media Group, Brooke@murray-media.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Holiday Confessions I have a confession to make.

My husband put up our Christmas lights BEFORE Thanksgiving.

I have another confession.

T

I asked him to put them up in July, so technically he’s late. Ha!

his year has been such a roller coaster. I think everyone is ready for the joy that comes with the holiday season: the lights, the music, the kindness — all of it. My neighborhood has been lit up since before the turkey feast, and we drive around nightly looking at all of the twinkling lights. I don’t know what it is, but the lights create an emotional reaction in me, probably most people, and I love people even more during Christmastime.

The Christmas season has come early this year, and I think we deserve it. Radio stations have been playing Christmas music for weeks, and I am not upset about it. There is a Christmas music channel on our TV that I turn to daily while I rock the twins during naptime. My home smells like sugar cookies, and life just seems a bit sweeter, even if it’s only temporary.

One night as we sat at the dinner table — Home Alone playing in the background — my mother-in-law asked if there was a memory of Christmas we always thought about this time of year. We went around the table reminiscing.

It isn’t much but for me, snuggled up on the couch in soft jammies with my younger brother and parents watching a holiday movie brings a smile to my face. We were together surrounded by love and comfort, and that is my favorite part of this season. The coziness.

I invite us all to bring that warm, fuzzy feeling of the holidays into the new year. What are some of your holiday childhood memories? We’d love to hear about them. Send us your Santa photos, too!

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor

Steve Gamel, Brooke Ezzo, Diane Ciarloni, Jean Eisenmann, Jade Kensington, Caylie Howard

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sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene Cayla Thompson

Photography

Miranda Longoria Photography Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography

Letters

35 West Magazine invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial Inquiries Call 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 35 West Magazine is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. 35 West Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2020 Murray Media Group

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12 TIPS

Hosting

H O L I D AY

D

FOR

G U E S T S

L I K E

A

P R O

by Contributing Writer

on’t let the stress of hosting guests, parties, and dinner this holiday season get you down. Whether you’re playing hotel for a few guests or hosting the entire Big Day, it’s understandable to worry about all the little things that can go wrong. We’ve got 12 tips for hosting holiday guests like a pro.

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1. Create a Timeline

the essential items for your family as well.

so that nothing jumps out at you. Your

small things like making sure all of the

5. Write A Welcome Note

a trial run of the Big Day. Make a list of

your guests feel at home with a kind little

is best to do these things.

the house. You can write down where to

2. Cook Ahead

shop. Write down your WiFi password or

A plan will help lower your stress levels timeline can include the big things like

when to pop the turkey in the oven to the Christmas lights are on. You can even do everything you need to do and what time

It’s a hassle to check the oven a million times and try to whip up some dessert

while tending to guests. You want to enjoy your time with them, so cook as much

ahead of time as possible. You can make soups that are easy to freeze, no-bake

desserts, or put together your main dish the day before Christmas.

Guests just mean there are more people with their literal hand in the cookie jar.

How sweet is a handwritten note? Make

note. You can help them with tips about find extra toiletries or the closest coffee

instructions on how to use your remote for the electronics.

6. Take A Deep Breath

Remember to breathe. You’re the host,

so people understand you’re under a lot

of stress. Take a moment to sit down and

3. Clean Out The Guest Closet

chill out. Drink a glass of wine or take a

things all over your floor. Make space

for them in a closet. Some of your guest

7. Go For The Details

random thing in your house, so it’s a great

flowers in your guests’ room. Play soft

extra room.

their bed. All of these little touches will

Your guests might not want to throw their

closets might be used to stash every

time for you to de-clutter and give guests

4. Stock Your Pantry

bath. No one is going to get mad at you

because they can’t find the toilet paper or they can’t find the milk in the morning.

Love is in the details. Put out some fresh music or put a spare phone charger by make a big impact.

pantry. Stock up on the essentials. Throw

8. Break Out The Nice Stuff

Buy some late-night snacks like crackers

big guns. This means the Christmas china

More guests means less food in your

in some cereal and frozen breakfast items. or goldfish for grab-and-go. It’s also

important to stock up on liquids like water and coffee. Remember to stock up on

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The holiday meal means bringing out the

that’s been in your family for ages, the real silverware, and those linen napkins that

you so carefully ironed once in your life.

Eat in your dining room that you only use once a year.

9. Plan Cleaning Tasks

You don’t want to be vacuuming right

when guests come to your door. Knock

out a little cleaning each day. You might dust one day, clear the clutter the next,

then change the towels the next day. You don’t need to do everything in one day.

10. Remember The Last Things

Before guests arrive, make sure to tie up

all of the loose ends. This means lighting candles throughout the home, turning

on your music, and making sure the ice

bucket is filled. You can set out beverages and put appetizers in the oven. Check the

bathroom to ensure there is enough toilet paper and hand soap.

11. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help You’re the host, but you can ask for help.

Ask family members to step in to help fill the ice bucket or cut fresh flowers.

Don’t turn down a guest when they offer to bring a dessert. You don’t have to do everything on your own.

12. Have Fun

Sit back and enjoy your company. The best part of the holidays is getting

together with loved ones. Enjoy your

family and friends during this glorious

season, and celebrate yourself for hosting such a great event.

DECEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 9

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Celebrate

RECOVERY OVERCOMING HURTS, HABITS, AND HANG-UPS

W

by Jean Eisenmann

ho could you turn to if suddenly you lost control of your life? Where could you go for help if you felt consumed by an addiction, toxic relationship, or if the everyday hardships of life were too much to bear? First Baptist Church in Justin could not only turn your life around — they will celebrate your recovery.

Celebrate Recovery is a nondenominational, Christ-centered ministry dedicated to helping all people – men, women, teenagers and children – work through their “hurts, habits, and hangups.” It began as an initiative in 1991 at Saddleback Church in Orange County, California, and the program has grown to over 35,000 participating churches throughout the United States, including several in North Texas. As a result, 5 million people have been through the program and have gone on to serve (leadership) rolls in a church.

eight principles based on the Beatitudes

Josh Matthews is First Baptist Church of Justin’s lay minister for Celebrate Recovery. In fact, December 6th marked his and wife Patty’s sixth year ministering to the program. “For three years we were part of the church team,” Josh explained.

“Then we stepped into the ministry role.”

12. Child care is always available.”

Theirs is a biblical and balanced 12-step program helping anyone needing to overcome life issues such as destructive and compulsive behaviors, addictions (alcohol and drugs), eating disorders, anger and abuse (including self-abuse), depression, relationship problems, and anything that causes you mental and physical pain. Paralleling the steps are www.35WestMagazine.com

(Matthew 5:3-10). Celebrate Recovery is about talking and worshipping with

never charged. All the food is generously donated by volunteers.” The two-hour meetings themselves are made up of “Large Group” (encompassing everyone) singing songs of worship, discussing the eight Recovery Principles, dividing into smaller gender-based groups for sharing, and an invitation to come forward and pray. Monthly meetings include lessons, testimonials, and recognition given for different levels of recovery.

First Baptist Justin also serves the community by participating in fundraisers such as a fish fry for the fire department and Angel Tree at Christmas. Sometimes, they even team with other churches for activities like a car show, barbecue dinner, or jazz festival.

Celebrate Recovery is a safe haven where you can find freedom from anything that is making your life unmanageable. No judging. Just healing.

people who care about you, your present and your future.

Josh explained their different programs.

“The program for adults is called

Celebrate Recovery, and within it is a

TEAM: training coach, enourager coach, assimilation coach, and ministry leader.” He continues, “The

Landing is for teens 13 to 17 years old, and Celebration

Place groups children ages 5 to

“During the earlier months of COVID-19, numbers of attendees ran at a

steady 50 every week. Normally, we have about 20-plus,” Josh said. Both Josh and Patty are

proud to provide help in their

own backyard…literally. They’ve been known to open up their

house and yard to group meetings when social distancing outside felt more comfortable.

Meetings are held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. “A meal is served starting at

6:15,” Josh said, “And attendees are DECEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY

BOB’S HOUSE OF HOPE

A MURAL THE SIZE OF TEXAS Tru by Hilton | 13451 Raceway Dr. • Northlake, TX 76262 OKAY, so it may not be that big but like everything else in Texas, this mural is huge! Thanks to the good folks at Tru by Hilton, the artist has depicted the essence of our little section of Texas perfectly. Go and check it out if you have time! photo courtesy of Town of Northlake

INSIDE EDUCATION

Bob Williams, founder of Ranch Hands Rescue Counseling Center and Animal Sanctuary has added another piece to the recovery puzzle by opening the first long-term safe house in the country exclusively catering to male abuse victims.

Bob’s House of Hope will be open in early 2021. To help, Denton County Sheriff Tracy Murphree presented the organization with a $25,000 check from his drug prevention program. To learn more about the program or to become a partner, visit www.RanchHandsRescue.com. photo courtesy of Bob Williams

ANGEL TREE ADOPTIONS STUDENT-ATHLETE MAKES HISTORY Chloe Culver became the first student-athlete in James M. Steele Accelerated High School’s history to sign a NCAA National Letter of Intent. Culver signed to play beach volleyball with San Jose State University in San Jose, California. Since Steele Accelerated High School is not a traditional comprehensive high school with school sports, the school has never before participated in a signing day for prospective college athletes.

Congratulations, Chloe! photo courtesy of Jess Croshaw 12 | 35 WEST | DECEMBER 2020

After one week, all 1,174 students on the Northwest ISD Virtual Angel Tree have been adopted. The district and the families are incredibly grateful for all the community members for adopting these angels!

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HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS Sat., Dec. 12 | 9am-9pm 4th Street Old Town Justin

1st ANNUAL JUSTIN CAR SHOW A huge success for organizers of the 1st Annual Justin Car Show with over 90 cars turned out for the event supporting the voluntary Justin Fire Department. Behind the wheel were James Clark, Jody Ray, Colton Clark, Larry Davidson, and Joe Angelini with the support of the City, AutoZone, All American Towing, Denton Trophy Shop and many more! The car show raised over $2,000 for the fire department! What an incredible community event.

It’s here! The 1st Annual Justin Old Town Christmas event hosted by the City of Justin and local business owners will feature a Christmas market, food trucks, live entertainment, fun and games, a cooking competition, and more! Don’t be a Grinch, grab your family and come see Santa!

NISD AQUATIC CENTER

POST-ELECTION COMMUNITY SURVEY After the recent bond propositions and tax-rate election failed to pass during the November elections, district leaders will publish a survey asking voters to give their input. The district plans to gather constituents for focus groups/listening sessions and reconvene the Long-Range Planning Committee. District leaders will also be holding several Budget Workshops with NISD Board of Trustees as they consider calling a bond election for May 1, 2021. www.35WestMagazine.com

The progress on the NISD Aquatics Center is nothing short of spectacular!

The 80,000-square-foot multi-use facility is almost complete. It will house a 50-meter stretch competition pool, 4-lane 25-yard practice pool, seating for 800 guests and a full-service sports medicine rehabilitation facility. Expected to open early 2021. For updates, follow the center on Facebook @aquaticsNISD. photo courtesy of Jess Croshaw DECEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 13

COVID-19 THE

S I LV E R L I N I N G

*$35.7+ million in business grants *$1.6+ million in non-profit grants *$2.6+ million for food *$5.3+ million to prevent 3,500 households from eviction

*$35.5+ million to towns and cities *10,100+ free COVID-19 tests *1.27 million+ masks, hand sanitizer,

by Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson

W

e have all had it with COVID-19, right? We hate wearing masks, keeping social distances between friends and family, possible hospitalization and ventilators, and worst of all, the loss of life within our circle of acquaintances, family members, or fellow Americans.

gloves, gowns, face shields, etc.

*20,000+ boxes of fruits and vegetables *30,500+ COVID-19 call center calls *12,000 turkeys and hams for

Thanksgiving for families in need The federal funds had “strings” attached

regarding how they could be spent, and

also had very thorough transparency and

accounting requirements. The deadline for But it occurred to me this week that ---

given to try and help Denton County

lining to this horrible pandemic.

as possible and to make it through this

believe it or not --- there actually is a silver Here in Denton County, the federal

government provided us with a $147M grant to be used for COVID-related

relief efforts. Very quickly, your County Commissioners determined that we

wanted to first address the businesses

– particularly small business – who were

being closed by the Governor’s Disaster Declaration. With a true team effort,

guidelines were established (i.e. Denton County owned/operated since at least

2019, able to actually show a revenue loss due to COVID, etc.) and an application form developed. The Commissioners

were hands-off as far as selecting which

applicants would be awarded grants, with

the decision being objectively determined within the County Auditor’s office. The

County Treasurer assisted in getting the

checks out to the businesses as quickly as

these funds to be expended is December

businesses to maintain as many local jobs

30. So, we are proud that we got into

difficult time.

most of our neighboring counties) and

Next, our attention turned to our residents, many of whom had lost their jobs and

this process quickly (more quickly than

have produced a really “best practices”

template of utilizing these federal monies.

were having difficulty with their rent/

So, while we certainly do not view it as

personal food shortages and issues.

residents have been put out of work, are

the Commissioners opted to partner with

shelter issues, this pandemic has provided

mortgage payments, complicated by

a silver lining that so many of our fellow

Rather than direct payments to individuals,

ill or are having trouble with food and

United Way to assist our county’s non-

us the opportunity to demonstrate our

profits who deal with these issues already.

Our County Communications Director acted as our liaison to the United Way and kept us appraised of the grants’

progress as well as additional needs

love and care for our neighbors, and

giving hope to both ourselves and to

others, which became that silver lining!

So, stay strong, stay safe and stay on guard

as they became apparent, resulting

against this invisible enemy …. an enemy

producers to aid area food banks and

be defeated!

in partnering with local fresh food

which I firmly believe soon will

providing funding for needed additional

Commissioner Dianne Edmondson may

refrigeration equipment.

be reached at her Southwest County

possible. The grants ranged from $2500

In total, your County Commissioners

Courthouse office at 6200 Canyon Falls

$50,000 in the second phase depending

residents with food, shelter, and other

3960. To receive her periodic e-newsletter,

payroll. In total, $35,762,640.55 has been

funds were spent:

dentoncounty.com

to $25,000 in the first phase and up to

granted $9.5 million to help our fellow

Drive in Argyle or by phone at 972/434-

upon the size of the business and its

needs. Here is a breakdown of how those

please request it at Dianne.Edmondson@

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DECEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 15

COME AS A

CLIENT

& LEAVE AS A

FRIEND

by Diane Ciarloni photos courtesy of Lori Jacobson

A

lot of people looking for residential property in the DFW Metroplex began hearing a slogan five years ago. It told them to “come in as a client and to leave as a friend.” They investigated, and learned the words came from Lori Jacobson’s DFW Legacy Group, a real estate firm in Roanoke that provides a highly trained, service-focused group of 28 agents in the residential field.

Lori is smart. She’s sincere. She holds all things family at the core of her value system. She truly enjoys seeing other people do well, make money, and be happy. She, her husband, Chad, and their four children have done quite well in all three categories. She wants to help others do the same and to give back to her community in any way she can.

Lori is totally responsible for the creation of DFW Legacy. Nothing was handed to her. Her mother was out of the picture, so it was Lori’s grandmother who took her, as an infant, home from the hospital a few days after her birth. Her father was later killed when she was three, making Lori the

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sole responsibility of her grandmother —

whom she’s always referred to as “Mom.” “My mom was in real estate,” she

explained. “She was a tremendous

organizer and a natural nurturer. She

treated the agents like her own family, and they adored her. She was recognized as a top agent in San Antonio, which is where I was born and grew up.

I worked for her while I was in high school

and was able to get my license in 2007.”

For Lori, just the word

“family” is magical — not to mention warm and fuzzy. As far as she’s

on a tollway. I made my way back into

clients, and with multiple awards

license. That was a very important step

Best Realtor & Top Producer, LifeIn

the business in 2011 and got my broker’s because I promised my mom I’d get it.

Then I started driving and learning my way around.”

It’s a good thing she didn’t delay in

getting her physical bearings because

“Honestly, I don’t see the market slowing down in 2021.”

Roanoke area in 2008,” Lori said.“I had

traveled very little. I’d never even been www.35WestMagazine.com

Estate Agents Top 1%; no wonder most of her clientele are repeats or referrals.

“Houses sell fast,” said Lori. “I’ve moved

coming in right away.

new construction.

more into the luxury market and, to tell

“A lot of my agents/staff were

you honestly, I don’t see the market

meeting new people, and I

are moving to Texas from California and

client events. I take the agents

from COVID. This was an extremely good

friends or former clients. I love

slowing down in 2021. Many, many people

love my agents. We have big

Colorado. Also, we had no negative effects

feel proud of being a part of DFW Legacy.

“We moved from San Antonio to the

Producers, and America’s Top 100 Real

agents. The business began

five years ago with four

the word “legacy” in her company’s name nurtured by and within a family.

Real Producers North DFW Top 100

Only 30-percent of her business is in

on trips. I want to spoil them, to make

since, as a rule, a legacy is developed and

76262 & 76226 Magazine “Best Realtor”,

DFW Legacy Group opened

concerned, everyone needs, wants, and deserves a family. That’s why she used

earned in 2020, such as: D Magazine

them feel like family, and to make them

That encourages them to push through

challenges and feel comfortable reaching out for help when they need it.”

Lori has reached a point in her career

where she no longer beats the bushes for

year for us and, as I said, I see no reason to anticipate anything less going forward.”

Addison, Lori’s daughter, is following in her mom’s real estate footsteps.

She’s planning on adding to the legacy for Legacy by extending it to embrace three generations of family. That, for Lori, is ideal.

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Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop: Foodie Friday DFW

Buttermilk SKY PIE SHOP

by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

I

t all started with Amy Doyle’s own “pie in the sky” dream of earning her culinary degree so she could open up a business making food she loves for people in her community. Amy (an avid Key Lime Pie lover) attended a baby shower a couple years ago where she had the best Key Lime Pie she’s ever tasted, from a small pie shop in Colleyville called Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop. It was then that she realized she could make her dream a reality by opening her own location right here in Flower Mound.

already! While we were there, we witnessed a constant stream of customers coming in buying both large pies and their smaller 4” pies by the tower!

...EVERYONE CAN TASTE (AND SMELL) THE CARE AND LOVE Why have so many fallen BAKED INTO EACH ONE in love with this pie shop already? Well, there are OF THEIR SCRATCHlots of reasons - between MADE PIES. Amy and her staff’s warm

The Flower Mound location of Buttermilk Sky opened in early October and boy has it drawn a crowd of loyal fans

greetings and the adorable decor

- but it’s most likely because everyone can taste (and smell) the care and love baked into each one of their scratch-made pies.

They currently have 6 flavors on the menu - Key Lime, Southern Custard, Pecan, Chewy Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin, and Buttermilk Sky’s signature flavor - the I-40, which is essentially a pecan pie with chocolate chips and coconut. And we believe they also recently added an Apple Pie to the menu for the holidays!

Their pumpkin pie reminds me of my own grandmother’s special recipe.

And that key lime... we understand how it could have inspired a dream!

stock photo courtesy of 123rf.com

Whether you need a gift, a dessert for a party or shower, or you just need a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop right here in Flower Mound to get what you need!

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022

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DECEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 19

Ask The Expert: Dentistry

Kicking Off 2021

WITH A SMILE! Your smile, like your health, is undoubtedly an invaluable quality to your state of being.

by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental

T

he New Year will soon be upon us, and with that comes new opportunities for declarations of improvement and resolve. As we usher into the new decade with innovative notions of self-development, the team at Country Lakes Family Dental would like to encourage all resolution enthusiasts to take on the New Year with a smile!

Believe it or not, making the New Year

bright could be as simple as beginning with a smile.

We are brimming with ways to help you achieve that goal with different ways to improve your look and health beyond

the typical methods of straightening your teeth and whitening your smile. As our

patients know, our office boasts the latest

technology and advancements that make

improving your dental health comfortable and predictable.

Your smile, like your health, is undoubtedly an

invaluable quality to

your state of being.

And like so many resolutions,

sometimes

dental care can easily fall to the wayside. To curb that, we use the current advancements in digital technology and software, along with thorough planning, to create a smile that is not only efficient but predictable.

Your individual goals can be accomplished through treatment as simple as a cleaning with whitening or can be multifactorial by incorporating cosmetic, orthodontic, or even implant dental treatment.

So, as the Holidays and New Year bring new campaigns of exercise regimens and steadfast dietary choices, these newfound determinations should be met with tenacity, enthusiasm, and, most of all, a smile! Venturing into 2021, you can rest assured our team will help you smile with ease!

940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226

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C H R I S T M A S

Traditions & WHY THEY ARE

I M P O R T A N T

by Contributing Writer

C

hristmas is a time when you can come together as a family. It’s a way that you can enjoy the scents, the sights, and the food with each other and make memories that can last for years to come. Christmas is also a time when wrapping paper finds its way on the floor or when there’s just a little too much food left from a special event or meal. Traditions are something to look forward to whether they are simple or feature several components. They can also grow as your family continues to grow over the years. Here are a few traditions that you might want to consider starting with your family that are merry and bright.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE One tradition that many families look

forward to is finding just the right tree.

You can spend an afternoon visiting a tree

match as a family. If you don’t want to join

in, you can give your children a special gift on Christmas Eve of pajamas, popcorn,

and a movie so that you can sit together

farm so that you cut down the one that

and enjoy the night until Santa arrives.

can venture out to a store to find a tree

by wearing the same pajamas as a family

you want. If you don’t want a live tree, you

Another way to carry out this tradition is

that the family enjoys, spending the rest of

and taking fun pictures together.

rest of your house.

BREAKFAST ON CHRISTMAS MORNING

the afternoon decorating the tree and the

PA JA M A S A tradition that has gained attention in recent years is wearing pajamas that www.35WestMagazine.com

What better way to start Christmas than by fixing a delicious breakfast that your

family can enjoy. You can decide whether

you want to prepare breakfast before

gifts are opened or after the excitement is over. Try to prepare a meal that includes family favorites or a sweet treat, such as

cinnamon rolls that are decorated with red and green icing.

SERVE OTHERS You can come together as a family each year to help others in need. It can be a tradition that you start a few weeks

before Christmas arrives so that you have

everything you need to give to a family or an organization. If you choose to adopt a family, find out what the children like or need as well as the parents so that

no one is left out. Spend an afternoon together shopping for the family, as it

will show your children that it can be fun to serve others. If you plan to donate

to an organization, consider supplying

wrapping paper and gift bags that can be used with the gifts as well.

DECEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 23

Every G R E A T

IN

T A S T E

Bite

W

ho doesn’t love a good baked good during the holiday season? After all, isn’t it true that calories don’t count during the holidays? To help out with your baked goods browsing, we’ve composed a list of our top ten bakeries in Denton County.

THE FLOUR SHOP BAKERY

This cozy local bakery, located at 6100 Long Prairie Road in Flower Mound,

offers a variety of cupcakes, cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, and more. They also have several gluten-free options! Their

quick breads and cookie bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

CANDY HAVEN & CAKES This family owned bakery has been in business for over 34 years. They are

known for their fresh, never frozen, custom

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cakes that they make for any occasion.

They are located at 301 N. Interstate 35 E.

by Caylie Howard

scratch, custom cakes and desserts for

all occasions. They offer everything from breads, cupcakes, brownies, cookies,

custom cakes, and more! They also offer

gluten-free and vegan options! They are located at 360 Parker Square Road.

in Denton.

THE COOKIE CRAVE

RAVELIN BAKERY

The Cookie Crave is a Denton local

Ravelin Bakery is a neighborhood

bakeshop located in Denton at 416 S Elm

bakeshop located at 519 Locust Street.

This family-oriented bakery is famous

Street. They are known for their European-

for their gluten, dairy, soy and nut free

desserts. If you are wanting an out of

where you can try out multiple flavors.

style breads, pastries, and specialty

country experience, this is the perfect place for you!

HIVE BAKERY Hive Bakery is a local Flower Mound

bakery that specializes in their made from

cookies. They also offer bundle packs,

IRENE’S BAKERY Irene’s Bakery is famous for their amazing and creative wedding and special

occasion cakes. They also offer spectacular cupcakes in a wide variety of flavors such

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velvet, white chocolate and more! Irene’s

H E AV E N LY TAY LO R E D SW E E TS

is known for it’s stunning customizable

Town Lewisville.

Heavenly Taylored Sweets offers a

sure to impress.

MIKE’S BAKERY

chocolates, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, pies,

as Italian crème, key lime, carrot cake, red is located at 116 W Main Street in Old

Mike’s is a bakery located in Corinth at

4251 FM 2181, Ste. 216. Mike’s Bakery is

famous for providing top of the line, New-

York style baked goods and desserts. Their

wide range of custom cakes, cookies,

cake pops, and more. They even offer a variety of gluten free options! They are

located at 260 S Interstate 35 E in Denton.

specialties include danishes, cheesecakes,

THIRSTY CUPCAKE CUSTOM CAKES

out of the Big Apple, Mike’s Bakery is the

This Custom Cake shop located at 502 S

and cakes. If you’re wanting to take a bite place for you!

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Old Orchard Lane, Ste. 134 in Lewisville

cakes. From weddings to birthdays and

everywhere in between, these cakes are

LINNYBIRD BAKESHOP Linnybird Bakeshop is located in Lake

Dallas at 204 W Hundley Drive. They offer unique flavors and use all high quality

ingredients. Their baked goods range

from cakes to pies and even more. But the

thing that they are most famous for is their out of this world cupcakes!

DECEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 25

LOCAL B U S I N E S S

UPDATE

NOW OPEN TEXAS ROADHOUSE TexasRoadhouse.com 18355 IH 35 W • Northlake, TX 76262 BOARD + BRIE boardbrie.com 400 N. Oak St. Roanoke, TX 76262 GRACE DONUT 4901 SH Hwy 114, Ste. 104 Northlake, TX 76262

COMING SOON

W

by Brooke Ezzo

e did it! Together we have helped our local businesses not only survive the pandemic this year but helped some thrive. We have seen businesses flourish during this time, businesses relocate to bigger buildings, and new businesses come to town.

With Christmas right around the corner, our area has a lot to offer when it comes to gift ideas. Let’s finish out 2020 with a bang when it comes to supporting our local mom-and-pop shops. Your Christmas gift needs can be found right in your own backyard.

Some gift ideas could include gift cards to new coffee shops and delicious BBQ joints, a day of pampering at our local salons, warm clothes from the trendiest of boutiques, CBD oil from the best wellness shop, stocking stuffers from the cutest book nest, a charcuterie board from a local foodie, and much more!

Each month, we focus on local businesses because supporting these business owners is very important to us at 35 West Magazine, and we know it is important to you, too!

PJ’S COFFEE OF NEW ORLEANS Pjscoffee.com 4901 Highway 114 Northlake, TX 76262 NORTHLAKE COMMONS RETAIL North East of FM 407 and E. Cleveland Gibbs Rd. Signed leases include: Papa Johns A Thai Restaurant Roma Italia Bistro Northlake Nutrition BIG SHOTS FORT WORTH 15700 Golf View Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76177

RELOCATED NORTHWEST NUTRITION 815 W. 1st St. Suite C Justin, TX 76247 THE NEST AND ROOST 411 N. Oak St. Roanoke, TX 76262

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Homegrown Star Becomes

WORLD SERIES

CHAMPION

by Steve Gamel | photo courtesy of Northwest ISD social media

I

t doesn’t feel like 2016 was that long ago. Dustin May was a star pitcher for Justin Northwest High School that year and had a ticket to play collegiately at Texas Tech in his back pocket. The sky, as they say, was the limit.

Fast forward nearly five years, and May never went to Texas Tech.

Instead, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers — and just last month won himself a World Series ring.

In case you have been living under a

rock, the Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay

Rays in six games to win the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

For the Dodgers, it’s the franchise’s first

championship since 1988. For May, it was a chance to pitch alongside household

names like Clayton Kershaw and live out

a dream every baseball-loving boy across the world has fantasized over since first picking up a ball.

May appeared in 12 games this season

(10 starts) and finished with a 3-1 record,

and 2.57 earned run average in 56 innings of work. He pitched three scoreless

innings in two games of the National

League Divisional Series and allowed two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings over three

games in the next round. He then went on to pitch in two games during the World www.35WestMagazine.com

Series, working three total innings and allowing just three runs on five hits.

Along the way, he reached some absolutely absurd heat on a few of those pitches.

This includes throwing a 101.5 MPH fastball in the World Series.

He also threw a twoseamer that reached 100 MPH. “I had known for about six batters that I was going [in],” May said in a postgame interview after Game 5. “I was more so just excited to get in and get my opportunity. [Being in the World Series] just opened my eyes to the amount of focus that guys put into the postseason and the amount of skill everybody has.

They come out, and they give out their best every night. It’s been a very exciting series.”

May, who was called up to the majors in August 2019, began his career at Justin

Northwest as a nearly un-hittable 6-6 right-handed phenom. Dustin was ranked 166th out of the top 200 prospects by mlb.com and was chosen in the third round (101st pick) of the 2016 draft.

Congrats to Dustin. We can’t wait to see how the rest of your career turns out.

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