DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020-2021 Dining & Entertainment Issue
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TABLE OF
Contents ASK THE EXPERTS 11 15 21 22
Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing Gardening with Complete Solutions Travel with Terri Guthrie Home Decorating with POSH Home
PHOTOS 04 10 20 28 36 42
Argyle ISD Photos Argyle ISD Photos Continued Argyle ISD Photos Continued Argyle ISD Photos Continued Argyle ISD Photos Continued Argyle ISD Photos Continued
ARTICLES 08 12 Tips For Hosting Holiday Guests Like A Pro 12 Inside Community and Education 16 Simple, Homemade Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate 17 Argyle Archery 18 Shaping A Bright Future 26 Kicking Off 2021 With A Smile! 29 Foodie Friday DFW: Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop 30 Singing Her Heart Out 32 The Covid-19 Silver Lining 34 Come As A Client & Leave As A Friend 37 Christmas Traditions & Why They Are Important 38 Lady Warriors Cruise To State Title 40 Face Masks Causing Acne Problems?
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24
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Cover Image Mike Nosker and Zack Stenstrom of Metro Dent
43 Eat All You Want: Dr. Sanderson Will Just Suck It Out 44 Sculpture Artist: John Brough Miller: Energy Of The Mind www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 5
Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Happy
Holidays & CHEERS TO 2021!
W
hat a unique year it has been, to say the least! From shutdowns to quarantine and eLearning, the year 2020 is one most of us are excited to leave behind. December has always been a month of reflection. A time to look back on the highs and lows of the last 12 months. To say there were challenges would be an understatement for most of us. Yet, through it all, I believe our community grew stronger and our families closer. For some, the shutdown brought a chance for them to focus on what’s most important and gave them more time to spend with their family. For many local business owners, it meant shifting gears and traveling a very scary path of the unknown.
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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Photography
Miranda Longoria Photography Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography
Letters
Argyle Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.
As we start to ponder our New Year’s resolutions and how we’re going to make 2021 better than this year, I urge you all to reflect on 2020 – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Regardless of whether or not you nailed all of your 2020 resolutions, I’d be willing to bet that you still learned and grew in ways that you never expected this year. I know I did.
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That’s what I love about life – you never know what the next day (or in this case, the next year) is going to bring. It’s the unexpected challenges that help us grow the most. One of my favorite sayings is “Progress always involves risk. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.” – Frederick B. Wilcox
Argyle Living 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
Enjoy your family, cherish your friends, always be kind, laugh often, and make the best of the bad days - and years!
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necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Argyle Living 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
Wishing you and your families the best! Happy Holidays & Cheers to 2021!
Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2020
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DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 7
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.
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Organizing: Ask The Expert
SHOW YOUR
Pantry Some Love by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing
S
itting around the kitchen table with my family is something I absolutely love. It’s a chance to reconnect and destress. No matter what we’re eating I call it soul food; being together during mealtimes feeds the soul.
Being an organizing expert means I start thinking about the meal way before it gets put on the table. For me, all meals that feed the soul start with an organized pantry - showing your pantry a little love will only make those family meals that much sweeter. MAKE SPACE FOR EXTRA INGREDIENTS:
•
•
•
This time of year you may be baking and cooking more often for loved ones. That means you’ll have additional baking and cooking ingredients on hand. Keep all those extra ingredients organized with these 4 pantry organizing tips: •
In addition to saving space, you’ll be able to see how much you have before heading to the grocery store.
Move packaged dry goods into clear, airtight, rectangular containers. In addition to saving space, containers keep the mess under control and keep food fresh longer. Remove packaged snacks (i.e, granola bars and fruit snacks) from boxes and put them inside small bins.
Store round bottles and jars on lazy susan turntables. You’ll be surprised by how much easier it is to grab what you need when you use a turntable. Start buying fresh or frozen vegetables. Canned foods are sometimes the biggest culprit of pantry clutter, and have less nutritional value than the alternatives.
SAVE TIME BY QUICKLY FINDING WHAT YOU NEED: Cluttered pantries cause frustration, and frustration can snowball into other negative effects; like an otherwise easy dinner prep turning into an annoying ordeal. When you can find your ingredients quickly, you may have just saved yourself a 20 minute trip to the grocery store. Family dinnertime should be the part of the day you look forward to the most, not the part of the day you dread because it’s just another chore.
SAVE MONEY BY SHOPPING YOUR PANTRY: This is something many people do not do: Look at what you actually have on
hand before you make a grocery list and head to the store. Buying extra food doesn’t sound like a big deal, unless it becomes a habit and you start accumulating food-clutter. An overstuffed pantry makes it difficult to see what you really have on hand. Eventually, when you do find the hidden cans, bags or boxes of food you may have to throw them out because they have expired. MAKE IT A WEEKLY HABIT. Friday evening, the pantry will look different than it did Monday morning. This is an area of the home that is constantly changing because we are always eating our food and buying new food. Make it a habit to pay attention to your current stockpile and straighten up the pantry on a weekly basis. Taking a few minutes to straighten and rearrange will only make life more pleasant as you are baking those holiday cookies or simply planning the next day’s family meal.
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INSIDE COMMUNITY
BOB’S HOUSE OF HOPE
LIVING CHRISTMAS CARD VICTORIAN CAROLERS Mondays-Saturdays 5-8pm | Sundays 3-6pm | The Shops at Highland Village 1701 Shoal Creek • Highland Village, TX 75077 What a fun way to enjoy Christmas than visiting the Living Christmas Card Quartet! Dressed in beautiful Victorian costumes, the quartet will be singing holiday classics, creating a fun and nostalgic holiday experience. The last day is Wed., Dec. 23, come before it’s too late! This is a free event, no registration needed.
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
DEBATE TEAM ADVANCES TO STATE
ARGYLE ANGEL TREE The Argyle Angel Tree kicked off after Thanksgiving! If you know someone who needs assistance and wants to sign up to be an Angel Tree recipient, email CKing@argyleISD.com. For more information on picking an Angel, look for details on the District’s Facebook @ArgyleISD. 12 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2020
Congratulations to the AISD High School Debate Team for their outstanding performance in the UIL Region Congressional Debate competition. This year’s competition was a bit more challenging being held virtually but the Eagles excelled in this new format. Billy Mykel placed first overall and advances to state. Joining him is teammate Joseph Thompson who took third, and Tristan Ball in fourth and will be the first state alternate. photo courtesy of Rick Herrin www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
POLICE DEPARTMENT BADGE CELEBRATION
CHRISSYTACULAR HOLIDAY HOMES Local realtor Chrissy Mallouf is hosting her 2nd Annual Chrissytacular Holiday Homes contest. Weekly prizes are given to homes that light up the night! Winners are announced Friday evenings, and the last week in December the grand prizewinner will be revealed. To nominate yourself or someone else, visit www.ChrissyTacular.com and follow @SoldByChrissy on Facebook to see winners. photo courtesy of Chrissy Mallouf
On Thursday, November 19 the Argyle Police Department gathered (safely) to unveil their new police badge that was created by an Argyle police officer. The new badge design is unique to the Town with its’ distinctive script “A”. Normally badges are selected from a catalog but for the first time in APD history, each officer will wear a badge with their individual number and specific to the Argyle Police Department. photo courtesy of Cindy Hess
SIGNING DAY
SWEEPING THE COMPETITION Another year of hard work has paid off for the Argyle High School Band who recently swept all the competition captions. Argyle won best in Class 4AOutstanding Percussion, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Visual, and was crowned the Overall Grand Campion of the contest at the Sounds of Springtown Showcase. Congratulations, AHS Band! photo courtesy of Rick Herrin
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On Wednesday, November 11, five Eagle student-athletes from four sports signed scholarships on the fall National Letter of Intent Signing Day. Congratulations to these incredible students who will continue their academic and athletic careers at the university level. Signees included Tyler Abrego, Baseball, University of the Incarnate Word; Sydney Standifer, Basketball, Clemson University; Caleb Murdock and Regan Ruffner, Track & Field, Texas A&M University; and MacKenzie McCormick, Lacrosse, Furman University. photo courtesy of Rick Herrin DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 13
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Gardening: Ask The Expert
Winter LAWN CARE by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions
T
his time of year always seems like it’s one of the busiest as we move through the holiday season and toward the end of the year. As you’re preparing for Christmas and your own “end of the year deadlines” don’t forget to get outside and take care of some wintertime maintenance. As the trees are losing leaves, it’s an ideal time to get them trimmed up and thinned out. Along with helping to strengthen the tree, trimming will allow more sunlight to your shady turf areas thickening them up come spring, slowing the soil erosion and keeping your lawn looking healthier. Out in the Lantana and Argyle areas, we’ve noticed what seems to be an increase in mice and squirrels this year, so getting those limbs back off the house could also eliminate one of their routes back inside. As the last lawn cuttings (scalpings) of
the year should be happening here in the next week or so (if not already) take advantage of the ground exposure and look for areas where water is either
eroding or pooling up. Winter is a great time to get drainage work done now that the grass is so short and everyone can see exactly how the ground lays out. French drains along with downspout / gutter drains are a great way to help dry out around your property. Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, foundation issues and muddy backyards should be high on our homeowner to-do lists, ensuring yearround use of our outdoor spaces. We hope everyone has a great Christmas season and doesn’t get too overwhelmed by one thing or another. Enjoy visiting with your family and friends and invest your time in what really matters.
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Simple, Homemade SNICKERDOODLE
Hot Chocolate by Caylie Howard | photo courtesy of Caylie Howard
A
re you looking for a simple and delicious drink to make for the holidays? This recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it. It’s perfect to make for any holiday party or gathering. Here are the ingredients you will need.
½ gallon of whole milk 3 cups of white chocolate chips ½ tbsp of vanilla extract ½ tsp of almond extract 1 tbsp of cinnamon
HERE’S HOW TO MAKE IT! Step 1: Pour your milk and white chocolate chips into a pot on medium heat. Make sure to stir continually until the chocolate chips are melted, or else the chocolate will stick to the bottom of the pot. Step 2: Once the chocolate is completely melted, add in your vanilla extract and your almond extract. Step 3: Add in your cinnamon and stir until combined. The cinnamon will want to clump together and sit at the top of your mixture. I’ve found that using a whisk continually helps to evenly distribute the cinnamon. Step 4: Let simmer until you’ve reached your desired temperature. Once your hot chocolate is ready, finish it off by dressing it up with your favorite toppings. My favorite way to dress up this drink is by adding whipped cream to the top and then sprinkling it with a little bit of cinnamon sugar. This recipe is super simple and comes together in about 10 minutes. No matter the occasion, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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SHAPING A
Bright
FUTURE by Jean Eisenmann left photo by Nicole Youngblood Photography & right photo courtesy of Vivian Nichols
T
ake one look at Madison O’Rourke, and your first thoughts would likely be that she’s a lovely young woman who is intelligent, vibrant, healthy, and has likely never faced any obstacles or challenges. Not all of those thoughts are what they seem. Nearly 11 years ago, when she was in first grade, Madison was diagnosed with scoliosis. To compound the shock of hearing that she has this progressive and disabling condition, Madison learned that in order to correct the curvature and prevent future surgery, she must wear a custommade back brace. The braces are made of lightweight but rigid plastic and fit jacket-style under clothing to cover the torso from hips to armpits. The orthotists at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas fitted Madison with a brace which, at first, she had to wear for most of the day. Such “armor” can be devastating for a child, and that fitting was the beginning of a journey that would challenge her both physically and emotionally.
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I WANT TO PAY IT FORWARD AND HELP OTHERS Ironically, it served to shape Madison into the person she is today. She became known at school as the “quiet kid,” but what her classmates didn’t know was that her shyness was actually embarrassment, thinking she was “different” from the other kids for wearing a brace. “Looking back on those days,” Madison reflects, “I probably withdrew because I was afraid of judgment. I have since learned that people aren’t going to judge me for being different. It’s a unique aspect about myself that I should be proud of and embrace.” However, that wasn’t a lesson Madison learned until later. Throughout the next seven years of wearing the brace and coping with the stages of her scoliosis journey, Madison faced many challenges. She only had one or two friends at a time and told no one but them about her condition. T disguise the bulge, she wore loose sweatshirts — even in 90-degree weather. That piece of clothing became her comfort and protection. Other dimensions of Madison’s struggle were the ongoing back pain and resulting sleepless nights. As she grew (to nearly 5’10”), it became necessary to alter and adjust her brace. All the while Madison dreamed of participating in sports and found her passion in the high jump. By then, she was wearing the brace for reduced hours, and that fueled her determination to increase her back strength and flexibility.
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Madison began to realize that she could accomplish her goals if she put her mind to it and work hard. That was the turning point when she started challenging herself both athletically and academically. “Not only did the brace shape my back, but it also developed my mindset,” Madison reflected. In eighth grade, Madison made yet another trip to Scottish Rite Hospital thinking it was for her regular checkup. But that day, the pendulum of her life swung once again. She no longer needed to wear her brace. “I was ecstatic,” Madison exclaimed. “It was one of the best days of my life!” Today, Madison is a senior at Liberty Christian School in Argyle and ranked in the
top 3% of her class. In addition, she went on to compete at state for track and has been a volleyball district champ for two years. In June, Madison started a Shaping a Better Future fundraiser in honor of Scottish Rite Dallas and to help underwrite the cost of care for children with scoliosis. “I want to pay it forward and help others experience the incredible care that Scottish Rite offers,” Madison acknowledged, “It is truly a special place.” She goes on to credit them, saying, “The support and love that I received from the hospital is something I will be forever grateful for, and it will always hold an important place in my life.” Consistent with her striving for excellence in everything she does, Madison raised $50,000 for the hospital. This was
MADISON RAISED $50,000 FOR THE HOSPITAL accomplished in three months, and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. After graduation this spring, Madison will attend college and already has been accepted to three of them, though she has not yet made her final choice. Scoliosis and the ensuing journey had such a profound impact on Madison’s life, but she ultimately turned something so negative into a life-altering positive. Since then, she unfailingly and tirelessly works hard to accomplish her goals and pushes herself beyond her limits. “I now take pride in my scoliosis journey,” Madison reflected. “I want to use my voice in various ways to serve as encouragement to others that they can accomplish what they perceive to be impossible.”
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JEFFERSON, I
by Terri Guthrie | photo courtesy of Terri Guthrie
f you are itching to get out of town for a few days, consider heading east to historic Jefferson, Texas. It’s one charming town...especially at Christmas! Jefferson is a great weekend getaway with lots to see and do.
Back in the 1800s, the area became a main river port of entry to the West for products and immigrants. It was also a major shipping port for selling agricultural products. Cotton was king and brought to Jefferson from as far away as Dallas then sold in Jefferson and traveled on to merchants across America. Jefferson soon became a boom town after the arrival of the steamboat. This was called the “Golden Era,” as Jefferson became a thriving steamboat port from 1845 until 1875. Unfortunately, the Army Corps of Engineers had to reduce the water level in Big Cypress Bayou, and steamboats could no longer navigate the waterway. As a result, it devastated the economy in Jefferson. This town suddenly ceased to be a prominent port city and commercial center. Fortunately, many of the midnineteenth century homes and buildings on the Historical Registry remain and are a treat to see. Today, Jefferson is much smaller but still very beautiful. A unique event they have during the holidays is the Candlelight Tour of Homes. It’s considered among the top Christmas events in east Texas. We
have enjoyed tours of lavishly-decorated residences. They reflect the grandeur of an elaborate past as you are greeted by tour guides dressed in period clothing and given a brief history of the home. Most of the Christmas decorations are over the top and all greenery is live. We learned so much fun history and were inspired with many holiday decorating ideas!
Travel: Ask The Expert
to saunter around and take your time. There’re many gift and antique shops, even an old traditional general store! Jefferson is known as the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of East Texas.” It’s the perfect place to unwind with countless charming bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels, including Texas landmarks that have hosted some of the most famous men and women in the world. Mr and Mrs. George W. Bush have laid their heads at the luxurious House of the Seasons, a Victorian-style home built in 1872. We always stay at The Excelsior House Hotel, a famous landmark in Jefferson. It has welcomed its share of notable figures, including Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes since its inception in the late 1850s. It is actually owned and operated by the local Garden Club and is the oldest hotel in continuous operation in Texas! If you’re looking for a truly unique getaway that’s just a few hours away, Jefferson is hard to beat! Learn more about places to stay and holiday activities by visiting VisitJeffersonTexas.com.
There are other special attractions in addition to visiting the historical homes. One of our favorites is the free “Enchanted Forest.” It’s a display of more than 125 lighted and decorated Christmas trees. Every tree has a theme and each is unique. This is quite a community effort that is magical to see and is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! In Jefferson, life moves a little bit more slowly than it does in the big city, which I love since I’m a small-town girl. So, plan
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DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 21
Ask The Expert: Home Decorating
DESIGNING
TABLES
ENHANCES
AMBIANCE by Allison Fifer, POSH Home Staging & Redesign
E
veryone has accepted your invitation to your annual and festive dinner party! The excitement is mounting as the date approaches. You have the perfect menu selected and your wine is on order. Now it is time to create an atmosphere to complement your entertaining style, and designing a beautifully decorated table will enhance the ambiance and put the finishing touches on your evening!
Before the decorating begins, preparation of the space is a must. Preparing to decorate is just as important and includes decluttering and organizing the space, making things orderly, and cleaning. Once you have prepared your space, the decorating begins. Be sure to add any necessary table leaves to accommodate your guest list prior to decorating. BELOW ARE 5 TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR TABLE 1. Start with your Purpose, Occasion, or Inspiration. Designing a table begins with your event. What is the purpose, and who are your guests? Or maybe it is something that inspires you — a color, a lantern or a decorative plate, for example. This will help set the tone of the evening, and the mood will radiate throughout the room. I know for me, as soon as I identify this element,
my mind begins rolling with ideas on how to transform my table. 2. Use Layers. Using fabric as a foundation is great for adding dimension and interest to your table. I prefer a tablecloth for a more elegant look. However, a table runner is an option as well. Adding a simple charger in white, silver or gold with a white plate will set the base of your design. To enhance your setting, add your splash of color with a decorative salad plate, soup bowl or brightly colored napkins. Set the table with your silverware and glassware so you know the amount of space you have to work with for decorating. 3. Add a Centerpiece. Conversation is key to your guests enjoyment of each other during dinner and as you gather around the table. Avoid a tall, full floral centerpiece or anything that would impede conversation across the table. Greenery, wreaths, hurricane lamps, lanterns and
candles, or even eucalyptus and twinkling mini lights are nice
accessories to balance a table.
You can add floral picks appropriate to the season or special celebration. 4. Add a Splash of Color.
Sometimes, color can be as simple
and inexpensive as fruit. For example, a fresh pomegranate adds the right touch of red for the holidays while
red berries, oranges, and cinnamon
sticks can help accentuate your decor. It will not only look festive, but will smell incredible!
5. Keep it Simple. Stick to the basics with white or cream plates, neutral
chargers, a nice set of wine glasses, and a quality set of silverware.
Simplicity is key to your success
and does not feel overdone. After all, you want your guests to enjoy you and each other and the ambiance
which is created – without the decor standing out as the focal point.
Your table setting and decor contribute to a room and the ambiance of the meal as much as the food and wine served. With these five simple tips to designing your table, you are sure to wrap up a festive holiday evening.
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Becomes
METRO DENT
ONE-STOP-SHOP by Diane Ciarloni | photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
M
etro Dent in Lewisville was, is, and will continue to be a premier leader in the technology of paintless dent repair. For more than 25 years, people have known this was the place to take a car or truck riddled with door dings or hail dimples and, within a few days, pick up the same vehicle that now looks as if it’s fresh off the showroom floor. Mike Nosker purchased Metro Dent from his friends in 2018. His immediate goal was to begin expanding the services offered to his customers. Working with dedicated focus, he needed only two years to broaden the service umbrella to cover any type of automotive or marine repair. “I still had a lot of customers who were surprised when they learned about all the services we provided in addition to hail and paintless dent repair,” said Mike. “I decided the name Metro Dent fell short in describing our expansion into a ‘onestop-shop’ kind of business. I created two new DBAs to
better reflect to customers that we can offer them the best of everything, whether they bring us a car, a boat, or a jet ski.” Creating names can require a great deal of deliberation. It needs to indicate the service provided, with a sound and rhythm that sticks in a person’s head. Mike played around with words for several weeks. “Utopia” popped into his brain and wouldn’t leave. While doodling, it occurred to him that adding “a” to the beginning of “utopia” changed the first four letters to spell “auto.” That was it! Autopia was born. Boatopia, to describe the ton of boat and jet ski work the business handled, just followed naturally. Both Autopia and Boatopia are owned and operated by Metro Dent.
“I STILL HAD A LOT OF CUSTOMERS WHO WERE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARNED ABOUT ALL THE SERVICES WE PROVIDED IN ADDITION TO HAIL AND PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR...”
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214.735.8365 | STATE HWY. 121, STE. C100 | LEWISVILLE, TX 75057 | AutopiaNTX.com | BoatopiaNTX.com | HailFreeCar.com
Now, there’s something extra special at 1620 E. State Hwy 121. It goes way beyond dents and dimples. It’s a literal utopia, where anything is possible.
COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing? One of the best places to accomplish that is on the lake! There was a giant
upswing in boat and jet ski sales. It was a
way for people to get out of their homes “People are too busy these days to go without exposing themselves to human to a list of places to fill their needs. State transmission of the virus. inspection. Oil change. The result was new Professional detail. Even THE GOAL THAT boaters and a doubling a frame-off restoration. CHASED HIM FROM of watercraft traffic on We can do it all, which the lakes. Boatopia is ONE PLACE TO means wyou drive to ready to keep all those one place, turn your THE NEXT WAS TO water-going vessels in vehicle over to us, take HAVE A SHOP THAT top mechanical and one of our ‘loaners’ if physical shape. necessary and leave PROVIDED THE everything in our hands,” “We handle everything BEST SERVICE AND Mike said. “We’ll even pertaining to auto and QUALITY ANYWHERE take care of insurance marine,” said Mike. issues. We believe this ON THE PLANET. “That includes cosmetic, approach is essential for structural, mechanical, our customers’ convenience, as well as electrical, interior, and exterior. We have the most efficient way to meet their needs. a new tagline for our business. It says: Also add to all of that a lifetime warranty.” ‘Time, trust, and integrity – restored and Metro Dent is one of those places that actually found the silver lining in the www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
reconditioned through expert quality and service.’”
What really separates Metro Dent from the would-be competition?
Answer: The entire technical staff,
including Mike, travel the world to learn
different techniques, actually assisting the on-site technicians from whom they’re
learning. This keeps them on the cuttingedge of available technology.
Raised in Dublin, Ohio, Mike spent 20
years traveling the world and working in hail storms, automobile manufacturing
plants, and body shops. He’s worked on
six of the seven continents which, in itself, is impressive. The goal that chased him
from one place to the next was to have a shop that provided the best service and quality anywhere on the planet.
He grabbed the opportunity by the horns when he purchased Metro Dent from
his friends in 2018. There’s no indication he’ll slow down anytime soon. After all,
it requires total dedication to remain the best on the planet.
DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 25
Kicking Off 2021 WITH A SMILE! 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 26 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2020
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DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 27
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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 | ARGYLE LIVING | 29
Heart S
HER
N G I N G
OUT
by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Jessica McVey
J
essica McVey was 26 when she went to an Illinois bar with a few friends and entered into a karaoke contest. One by one, contestants were eliminated by a lively but tough crowd with high standards. That is, except for McVey.
McVey made it to the finals that night, and as a treat, she got to sing with a live band. “I performed Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar, and I ended up winning the competition,”
said McVey. An Illinois native, she moved to Flower Mound in 2014. “I knew the
owner, and they came up to me and said, ‘Hey, so … we had no idea that you could sing like that. Do you think you can get a
band together so that we can book you?’” The rest, as they say, is history. For the last 12 years, McVey has been
selling out shows in venues ranging from Piranha Killer Sushi in Flower Mound to
House of Blues in Dallas and Lava Cantina in The Colony. She labels herself as a
country music singer and songwriter; she
does killer renditions of Miranda Lambert
and Carrie Underwood that you absolutely must hear. But to be honest, McVey loves
all music genres and can pretty much belt out anything. She’s continually booking sold-out shows locally, giving us a true
music sensation right in our own backyard. “It’s been so much fun,” McVey said. “I’ve
always been a very social person, so music is a great way for me to connect with 30 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2020
people. We’ve played in small venues and big ones, but it doesn’t matter how many people I am playing in front of. It’s the
energy you get from those people. Music
takes them away from regular life — even if just for a moment.”
Having an escape — especially in the
form of music — is very important in this
day and age as we continue to fight as a nation against the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, singers and musicians like
McVey have continued booking shows at local venues near and far. In fact, McVey
said she performs roughly 200 shows per year, including a few house parties and
private events, and is quickly developing a following for tunes such as Haunting
Melody and John Deere in the Headlights. McVey said music truly is an escape for people, and she takes a lot of pride in what she does.
“I’ve been blessed with every event I’ve been able to have this year,” she said.
“This is when we need music the most,
and being able to sing in front of so many people means the world to me. I have a
hard time relaxing when I get home after www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
It doesn’t matter how many people I am playing in front of. It’s the energ y you
get from those people. Music takes them away from regular life — even if just for a moment.
a show because I’m still so excited about
“He’d always win. Every time,” she said
her long to find a few new bands to sing
that night.”
appreciate all types of music.”
Fletcher Moudy and band members Gary
what happened in the performance
Wowing crowds with her passion for
music is nothing new for McVey. She grew up in a family of musicians; her parents were in a Christian rock bank in the
1980s and regularly toured the country.
with a laugh. “I learned early on to After her first-place finish in that
aforementioned karaoke contest, Jessica teamed up with her younger brother BJ
with. She’s currently teamed with guitarist
Ishee, Dave Farrell, Billy Davis, and Magen Miller, and they’ve been rocking venues together ever since.
and created a country band. They sang all
“We’ve done a lot of fun stuff together
one of the top bands in
getting to the point where I’m busy all
Jessica’s fiancé, Adrian
I think I will always be doing something
Dallas. Despite having to
You can learn more about Jessica at
over Illinois and quickly became
in and around this area,” she said. “It’s
the area. A few years later,
of the time, and I love every minute of it.
An avid volleyball player, Jessica would
Wallace, got a job offer in
with music.”
long car rides to tournaments.
start over, it didn’t take
Jessica started out singing at her church and credits her parents for teaching her everything she knows.
play Name That Tune with her dad in those
www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
@jessicamcveymusic on Facebook.
DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 31
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@
32 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2020
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www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 33
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
34 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2020
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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.ArgyleLivingMagazine.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.
DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 35
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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.ArgyleLivingMagazine.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 | ARGYLE LIVING | 37
State Title LADY WARRIORS C R U I S E
T
T O
by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Allison Fifer
he first thing Liberty Christian volleyball coach Kim Grizzle did when she woke up on November 22 was grab her cellphone and send a quick group text to every player on her team. The message: “Good morning, state champions!”
Not since 2006 had anyone in the Liberty
6A state title. Liberty trailed two games to
wanted to be the first to utter them.
set. The fifth and final set was tied at 13
program heard those words, and Grizzle “I’m not sure it sunk in for us yet. I just remember waking up that morning
thinking how glad I was to be on this side
one before decisively winning the fourth when Madison Morrow dropped in a
quick kill, followed by a long hitting error by St. Agnes.
of it,” Grizzle said with a laugh. “These girls
Morrow finished with 20 kills, 13 digs, four
they would have accepted anything less.”
12 blocks, 10 kills, eight digs, and three
decided this was their year. I don’t think The Lady Warriors (31-1) weren’t
considered the favorite coming in, as St.
Agnes (17-5) had won 18 state titles. But
blocks, and two aces. Jadyn Fife recorded aces, while sophomore setter Reagan Fifer tallied 40 assists, eight digs, and seven blocks.
they weren’t to be denied, capping a
Ella Grace Barr, who missed most of the
25, 25-14, 15-13 win to claim the TAPPS
force to chip in 10 kills.
dominant season with a 25-22, 22-25, 21-
regular season with an injury, returned in It was Liberty’s third appearance at the state tournament and its first since 2007. They won it all in 2006. “[St. Agnes] is really good, and really big,” Grizzle said. “We aren’t that big, and we don’t have players who play high-level club ball like they do. So going in, I told Reagan, ‘we have got to keep our hitters off the net. If we swing into that big block, we will lose.’ So we intentionally set our hitters back five feet and hit everything deep. We tried to hit the deep corners, and we saw a few quirks in film. And all of it just seemed to work.” The game plan was a microcosm for how everything went for Liberty this season. The Lady Warriors’ only loss was to Gunter,
38 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2020
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which was a UIL Class 3A state semifinalist. They also only had one match go a full five sets during the further adding to their dominance.
BEGGING ME TO
Once in the playoffs, Parish Episcopal,
Plano Prestonwood
PLAY. THEY LOVE IT THAT MUCH AND
Christian, and Trinity
Christian Addison to claim a spot in the state final.
and that’s a testament to these girls. Even
“THEY WERE
regular season,
they knocked off
them a single time to come to practice,
in the offseason last year, I like to give
them a break, at least through Christmas. They didn’t want it.
They were begging me to play. They
love it that much and wanted to play that badly.”
WANTED TO PLAY
Grizzle added, “I
THAT BADLY.”
Liberty is such a
Including the state
title game, three of Liberty Christian’s
four playoff matches went five sets. “Their last practice was as good as their first,” Grizzle said. “I didn’t have to beg www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
love these girls, and great place to be.
These girls love each other, and they
are the most selfless group. Honestly,
I think that right there is what makes a championship team.”
DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 39
FACE MASKS W CAUSING ACNE PROBLEMS?
earing a mask is vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, this practice may be causing people more acne troubles. I have seen many teens and young adults lately with complaints about worsening or new acne and other skin irritations. These mask-related acne problems, known as “maskne” are becoming more common the longer we wear facial coverings. How face masks cause acne flares:
by Dr. Rebecca Butler (Lantana Resident), Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics & Nnenna Agim, M.D., pediatric dermatologist at Children’s Health (for the following tips)
Wearing a mask physically blocks pores, and that can trigger the first step in the pathway that causes acne. There are millions of microorganisms on the skin, including bacteria. Some bacteria are good, helping care for your skin. Others are detrimental to skin and can cause breakouts. When your face is covered with a mask, you are changing the usual environment of your skin to a more humid environment, which leads to the “sticky” situation that causes breakouts. How to prevent maskne: We cannot control all the factors related to maskne. We still need to wear a mask and wear it correctly — over our nose and mouth. When you are at home without a mask, here are some important tips for caring for your skin.
940.455.7200 LantanaPediatrics.com 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 Bartonville, TX 76226 Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-6pm Wed: 7:30am-1pm | Fri: 7:30am-5pm Sat: 9am-12pm
40 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2020
FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE
•
Wash your face every day. Use a gentle cleanser on the skin each day. Avoid products that are too harsh, as this may disrupt the balance of bacteria on the face and damage the skin. (Remember we need to “good” bacteria to survive for our skin to thrive!)
•
Avoid heavy face products. When using moisturizers, make sure to pick the lightest moisturizer possible. Skip makeup or use an oil-free product if makeup cannot be avoided. The same goes for sunscreen.
•
Take care of your mask. Masks should be washed regularly. If the mask is 100% cotton, it will help the skin breathe. After wearing a cloth face mask, it’s a good idea to wash it in hot water using a fragrancefree, hypoallergenic detergent.
•
Clean your face at the end of the day. You can use over-the-counter products that contain keratolytics, which are medications that unstick the cells and unblock pores. Azelaic acid may also help, with the added benefit of reducing skin discoloration.
•
Talk to your pediatrician or a dermatologist if severe acne doesn’t go away. If your maskne has gotten severe and painful despite regular washing, there are prescription-strength topical and oral treatments that can help resolve the problem.
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DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 41
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Eat
can still gain weight or get heavier, but
ALL YOU WANT
DR. SANDERSON WILL JUST SUCK IT OUT
A
by Dr. Sanderson | photos courtesy of Dr. Sanderson
t Flower Mound Plastic Surgery and Live Young Wellness Spa, we truly have the best clients and patients. To show their appreciation for us, often times our clients kindly bring us treats like bundt cakes or warm chocolate chip cookies.
the area we treat will always be smaller
than what it would have been if we had not treated it. Liposuction can be done
under local or general anesthesia. We can only do one area at a time under local
simply due to the amount of the numbing medicine required. One area includes both sides of the body. For example,
both love-handles are considered one
area. I am a huge fan of doing liposuction under local anesthesia for those who
are candidates. It is cheaper and more
convenient. The average amount of pain
My team members rarely hesitate to take
emotions. Disgust is usually the first
injecting to enjoy one of those delicious
cannula moving rapidly back and forth
Next, there are several fat freezing
in when they see the yellow, greasy fat
happily purchase one of these devices if
canister, and that area of the body begins
justify the cost to my patients. I ask all of
like, “Does it hurt?” or “Does the fat
procedures what their experience was,
there?” First, let me say, excluding diet
was worth the money spent. Furthermore,
a quick break from their laser work or
desserts. Recently, we had a new staff
member who is very health focused join
our team. One day when we were gifted
with some treats, she expressed concern about her diet and did not want to partake in the high-calorie dessert
sitting on the table. One of the more
experienced team members at the office smirked and said, “Don’t worry about
it. Eat all you want, Sanderson can suck it out.” She was jokingly (at least I think) referring to liposuction. I thought this
Dining and Entertainment issue was a
perfect time to dispel some of the myths surrounding all of the modalities for removing unwanted fat.
emotion as they see the liposuction
under the skin, but then intrigue sets
modalities on the market now; I would
moving out of the body into a sterile
I felt like they were effective enough to
to slowly deflate. I often get questions
my clients who have had the fat freezing
grow somewhere else after it is removed
and only one in 20 or so say they felt like it
and exercise, liposuction is still the gold
a small percentage of people will actually
standard for localized fat reduction. It is
not a good diet plan, but it works perfectly on stubborn areas of fat that will not seem to go away regardless of the amount of
exercise. The pain is minimal to moderate, and I think this is somewhat surgeon specific. It is not uncommon for my
First, we will address the modality
patients to go back to work on Monday
professionals watch a liposuction
Thursday — requiring only one or two days
of liposuction. When non-medical procedure, it is usually met with mixed
during or after the procedure is 3/10.
get paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a fancy way of saying the fat increases in size and amount after attempting to freeze it and
make it go away. I have seen a few clients in my clinic seeking liposuction after this unwanted effect. This is a really rare, but well described event.
after having a liposuction on the previous
Finally, the best fat reduction modality is
off of work. I remind everyone that you
than the difficult, but effective, method
diet and exercise. Nothing works better
that your mom and dad encouraged. We
offer nutrition and hormone services if the more natural route is preferred. We have also teamed up with some great local
gyms and fitness places. After getting
to know you, we can easily refer you to
an exercise location where you will feel welcome and at home.
Either way, if you find yourself enjoying a little too much apple pie this holiday
season and need help getting back on
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AFTER
track, give our team at Flower Mound
Plastic Surgery and Live Young Wellness Spa a call.
DECEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 43
Sculpture Artist: John Brough Miller
ENERGY of the Mind by Diane Ciarloni | photos courtesy of MacIan Miller
J
ohn Brough Miller (1933-2010) was an “accidental” artist whose work often stretched a tape measure to its limits. One day, it might be called upon to gather the dimensions of a small but exquisitely powerful ceramic pot that channeled the artistic inspiration of mentor Maija Grotell. The next day, that same unit of measurement could be called upon to span anywhere from nine to 30 feet of hard, cold steel. Miller didn’t set out to be an artist. Born in Emerson Township, Michigan, he graduated from the public school system before enlisting in the Navy. After finishing his four-year military stint, he received his BS in Education from Central Michigan University. Still not fully satisfied, he decided to reach for a degree in Economics. Everything progressed
smoothly until he learned he needed an art class to graduate. Economics and Art seemed like an oddball relationship, but Miller just shrugged and moved on until he fell head-overheels in love with art. This was his true passion. This was his “zone,” where the two sides of his brain came together and functioned smoothly as an analytically creative unit. Miller studied with Maija Grotell at the Cranbrook Academy of Art while closing out his Masters of Fine Arts in 1964. Four years later in 1968, he earned his certification in industrial welding from a Welding Trade School in Dallas. Miller married Janet, also an artist, while still in Michigan. After relocating to Texas, he picked up a briefcase and spent nearly 30-years as an Art Professor of Ceramics and Sculpture at Texas Woman’s University. He spent nearly every minute of his spare time on his personal art. His giant, abstract, metal forms began filling his imagination. The Miller family,
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commercial art as a career. I worked for
Hewlett-Packard during the early days of computer development. It was exciting.” Maija has vivid recollections of climbing all over the sculptures as a child. “We
used them as giant toys,” she said. “The kids we rode the school bus with were
accustomed to seeing them in the yard.
It was no big deal. They just thought they were cool.
“It wasn’t until I grew up that I realized
how innovative Dad was; he created in
his own way, according to his own rules. If an issue popped up, he solved it. This is why he hated commission work. He
couldn’t function because it stifled his including oldest Heidi, middle Maija, and youngest MacIan, ate their meals from paper plates. This wouldn’t be worth mentioning had the backs of some of those plates not been sketch boards for several of Miller’s metal sculptures. “There would be a little drawing,” remembered Heidi. “A few days later, it grew to 30 feet tall. Dad was always amazing to me. As I got older, I simply could not imagine how he knew to cut concave and convex angles and then bend them. How did he know the right way to bend and weld? He had a crane mounted on a truck because he needed to hoist most
creativity. Left to his own devices, he was
able to create beautifully perfect balance and motion.”
What Maija just said is one of the great mysteries of Miller’s talent. She said he created “perfect motion” but, literally,
there was no motion. How could there be? We’re talking about 30 feet of steel.
The answer is in one of Miller’s long-ago
quotes, when he said, “The inferred kinetic energy is in the mind of the viewer.”
Precisely! The viewer
“THE INFERRED KINETIC ENERGY IS IN THE MIND OF THE VIEWER.”
of those big pieces to work on them. A chain snapped one day and threw him all the way across the yard.
“The bulk of his work was sold to architects and other commercial outlets. Personally, I can’t remember his ever doing a commissioned piece.” Argyle was still very rural in the 1970s. The nights were dark, making a perfect backdrop for the flashes of light and sparks that made the Miller property look magical. Actually, the sparks and the flashes came from Miller’s welding equipment. The real magic was in the massive steel sculpture conceived on the back of a paper plate after the food was gone or, at other times, doodled on the garage floor in chalk. “He always wanted his pieces out in the public eye,” said Macian. “There are still a few pieces in my mother’s estate and a couple that we, the children, inherited. His work is in installations pretty much all over the country. My mom (Janet) has passed away and we’ve decided to sell the remaining pieces.”
stands, looking at a
mass in space. A ball
balances precariously on a concave angle. A triangle floats on
another triangle. There surely must be motion in that conversation of
steel. There must be an
energetic dynamic binding it all together. Yes, there is; but it’s only in your mind.
“I know Dad had a passion for pottery and ceramics but he craved going further and bigger. He did that with the steel.”
MacIan, the youngest of the Miller
Miller discouraged all three of his children from pursuing a professional career in any of the arts. “He always said he didn’t want any of his kids to be starving artists,” laughed Heidi. “I have the art gene. I do pottery and ceramics, but I chose
“I enjoy being in the childhood place,”
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“I suppose Dad would be classified as a workaholic. He came home after work, ready to do more work. I never saw him overwhelmed, and I don’t believe he ever understood the concept of failure.
children, inherited the family home in
Argyle. He and his family still live there. explained Macian. “None of us, and
none of our friends, understood the word ‘abstract’ but, even then, most of us understood his art made us feel something.
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