Home + Design

Upgrading Smartly

The upside to enhancing your home Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Christina Schmidt Pouring a bit of love into a home through upgrades, both big and small, adds up to providing large returns on investment when it comes to home values. Ben Huso, owner of Huso Construction, works with homeowners on additions, remodels, and a variety of home improvement projects that bring both aesthetic and financial value to a home. Ben, who grew up helping his father in construction doing fire...

March 2024

Real Estate

Campus Cribs

Why buying property at your child's college can be lucrative Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Savanna Romano Sending a child to college elicits many emotions. It is an exciting, yet somewhat stressful and expensive, time of life. After choosing the college or university, the next big financial decision is selecting the best student housing option for the next few years. Lori Blad, with Monument Realty and LB Luxury Homes Group, encourages parents to turn this short-term decision...

March 2024

Home Services

Buzz Off

What homeowners can do to keep mosquitos at bay this spring and summer Article by Kellie Krevosky North Texas will likely experience a warm spring and a hot summer this year, leading to more activity outside as the temperatures rise. However, with the freshness of spring comes pesky mosquitoes making it hard to enjoy being outside without feeling as though you’re being eaten alive. Mosquitoes also carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika, posing a serious health threat to...

March 2024

Home + Design

'Transform Your Windows, Transform Your Home'

Adding value to your home can be as simple as dressing up your windows Article by Gabrielle Bailey | Photography by Christina Schmidt There is something to be said about a house being a reflection of someone’s style. If the windows are like the eyes of the home, then window treatments are like unique accessories that showcase the homeowner’s design palette. For Renee Perez and Michelle Howe, adding that elevated, personal touch to a client’s windows is the basis of their company, American...

March 2024

Home Services

Making Your Home Shine

Tiffany Lightner helps take the work out of housework Article by Kellie Krevosky | Photography by Savanna Romano When was the last time you cleaned your floorboards? How about that spot between the stove and the counter? For Tiffany Lightner, it’s most mornings with her team at Charm Legacy Cleaners DFW. Charm Legacy Cleaners DFW is a full-service cleaning solution for full-time workers, overwhelmed parents, and everyone in between. Lightner and her staff can handle all cleaning needs, such...

February 2024

Home Services

Pool Perfection

A locally owned company with a heart for serving Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Savanna Romano A solid work ethic and desire to positively contribute to the community are the driving forces behind Premium Poolsmith, a Southlake-based pool service company owned by Will Smith and Devon Thompson.  The team places a high priority on quality customer service, which means being accessible to new and existing households, providing prompt responses to repair and maintenance requests...

February 2024

Home Services

Avoiding the Heat Wave

What you need to know to keep your house cool during the summer Article by Gabrielle Bailey | Photography by Savanna Romano During Texas summers, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is having their air conditioning unit go out. While some home repairs can wait a day or two to be fixed, it’s nearly impossible to be comfortable in your house during those scorching months without cool air. Much like the upkeep of a car, the air conditioning unit in everyone’s home must be maintained and...

February 2024

Real Estate

Community Comfort

Why homebuyers are searching for more than a new house Article by Gabrielle Bailey | Photography by Christina Oakley Everyone’s version of their perfect home varies. Perhaps someone wants to live in a Mayberry-style neighborhood surrounded by friendly faces and bustling playgrounds. Maybe someone wants to be closer to nature and be able to grow their own food in their garden. Another person might have an empty next and is ready to downsize to a quieter street with active amenities. Through...

February 2024

Local Services

Servicing Those in Need

How veteran Joe Denny continues to protect his neighbors Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Lacey Whitmer The professional paths people take allow for varied learning and character-building experiences, preparing them for the next great step in life. This is the story of Joe Denny, owner of Valhalla Contracting.  Denny spent four years in the Navy with a construction battalion learning the trade and building a camaraderie forged from deployments and daily work with fellow...

January 2024

Shopping

Design to Delight

Custom, handcrafted accessories by Catrina Curia Leather Goods Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Christina Oakley Born and raised in Mexico City, Claudia Villasana-Munoz found her first professional calling in life helping people through medicine. A few years ago, she found her second, bringing joy to others through designing and producing high quality, handcrafted, custom leather goods. “I have always liked handbags and accessories. I grew up in a loving family but with very...

January 2024