With over 60 years of combined experience, Thomas-Walters Estate Planning has built its success on a foundation of personalized service, legal expertise, and a deep commitment to helping families protect what matters most. From revocable trusts and durable powers of attorney to advanced strategies for minimizing taxes and avoiding probate, the firm’s tailored approach has earned the loyalty of clients across North Texas.

“This award is more than a recognition—it’s a reflection of the trust our clients place in us,” said Leslie Dillon Thomas, partner and one of the area’s top-rated estate planning attorneys. “We’re honored to be part of their journey and proud to make estate planning accessible, understandable, and empowering.”

Thomas-Walters isn’t just winning awards—it’s setting the pace. The firm was previously honored by Law Firm 500 as one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country, and its client-first model continues to drive expansion and innovation. With flat-rate lifetime services, educational seminars, and a stress-free planning process, Thomas-Walters has redefined what estate planning can look like in today’s world.

Clients consistently praise the firm’s clarity, responsiveness, and ability to simplify complex legal concepts. “Leslie Thomas made everything easy to understand,” one client shared. “She answered every question with patience and gave real-life examples that made the process feel personal and empowering.”

DFW Magazine’s annual “Favorites” list is curated from thousands of reader votes, spotlighting businesses that go above and beyond in service, quality, and community impact. Thomas-Walters Estate Planning’s consecutive wins are unprecedented in the estate planning category—proof that their dedication to excellence resonates deeply with families across the metroplex.

Whether helping clients avoid nursing home poverty, protect their children’s inheritance, or preserve family legacies, Thomas-Walters Estate Planning continues to lead with compassion, clarity, and results.

Looking Ahead As the firm celebrates this milestone, it remains focused on the future—expanding its reach, deepening its client relationships, and continuing to raise the bar for estate planning in Texas and beyond.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.Thomas-Walters.com.

The post Thomas-Walters Estate Planning Celebrates Back-to-Back Wins first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Certified first responders and law enforcement can register in advance at citycenterfw.com/memorial-tower-climb. The $50 registration fee will be donated to a non-profit that supports first responders. Check-in begins at 6:30 am on September 13, and the climb will begin at 8:47 am following a moment of silence at 8:46 am, marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Photo courtesy of City Center

Participants from City Center Security, local law enforcement and fire departments will climb to the 30^th floor in the tower three times, then on the fourth round will stop at level 20, replicating the 110-story climb of the World Trade Center. Each climber will wear a lanyard bearing the photo and name of a first responder who was lost in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.

The community is encouraged to be a part of the event festivities. Fort Worth Police Department will display their Lenco BearCat armored vehicle used by its SWAT team and the Fort Worth PD Recruiter truck. Dogs from their Critical Incident team also will be onsite allowing attendees to interact with the dogs for a source of comfort and companionship throughout the event.

The Fort Worth Fire Department will have their Fire Safety House onsite for families to experience and even try to get out of a room with ‘smoke’. In addition, the North Richland Hills Fire Department will have a fire truck on display.

Complimentary ice cream from La’ Creamian will be available onsite while supplies last. Starbucks will be offering complimentary black coffee at the event with premium drinks available for sale.

Photo courtesy of City Center

City Center will display a 20×20 quilt featuring the American flag comprised of individual photos of those who perished on 9/11.

The timeline of the day’s events include:

8:10 am Participant Group Photo
8:15 am Opening Ceremony
8:46 am    Moment of Silence – All Pause
        North Tower Hit by American Airlines Flight 11
9:03 am    Moment of Silence – All Pause
        South Tower Hit by United Airlines Flight 175
9:37 am   Moment of Silence – All Pause
        Pentagon hit by American Airlines Flight 77
9:59 am  Moment of Silence – All Pause
        South Tower Collapses
10:03 am   Moment of Silence – All Pause
        United Airlines Flight 93 Crashes in Shanksville, PA
10:28 am   Moment of Silence – All Pause
        North Tower Collapses
12:00 pm  First responders finish and the event concludes.

More information, including a link to registration, is available at citycenterfw.com/9-11-memorial-tower-climb/.

Photo courtesy of City Center

Of the 2,977 victims killed in the 2001 attacks, 415 were first responders, including 343 firefighters; 37 Port Authority and New Jersey police officers; 23 New York City police officers; eight private EMTs and paramedics; three New York State Court Officers; one New York Fire Patrol officer and one FBI Special Agent.

Over the course of three hours in 2001, 121 engine companies, 62 ladder companies and 27 fire officers were deployed to the scene. All off-duty firefighters were recalled—the first time the FDNY issued a total recall in more than 30 years.

The post City Center to Host 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

But there are lots of things to do in Cowtown this August, and as we are in the habit of doing, we’ve gathered all the best things to do in Fort Fun this month. Be sure to bookmark this page to refer to all month long!

Old Mother West Wind
August 1-24
Hip Pocket Theatre

Hip Pocket Theatre is reviving Old Mother West Wind, an adaptation by Johnny Simons and Douglas Balentine of the stories for children by Thornton W. Burgess, for the first time in 47 years.

The Heart Sellers
August 1-17
Amphibian Stage

Jane and Luna are new to America, and neither woman ever could have guessed how a trip to the grocery store would change their lives.

Teen Art Study with Joshua Bryant
August 4-8
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Teens from 14 through 18 will explore the Modern and work with local artist Joshua Bryant in various art styles, from traditional to interdisciplinary exploration.

Nature Center Story Time
August 4
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Join the Fort Worth Public Library and the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge for their First Monday Literacy Day. Enjoy a special story time and live animal presentation. August’s theme is… ALLIGATORS!

First Tuesdays: A Field Trip to Kinfolk House
August 5
Stage West

For the first time, First Tuesdays is leaving Stage West. Enjoy a field trip to Kinfolk House, the neighborhood art space in Polytechnic Heights founded by Letitia and Sedrick Huckaby, which includes a private tour and local bites and sips.

Wednesday Workshop – Flowing Lines: A Study of Japanese Ink Traditions
August 6
Kimbell Art Museum

Indulge your intellectual curiosity and spark your creativity as you explore Japanese ink traditions in featured works of art and hands-on activities.

Family Open Mic Night
August 6
Reby Cary Youth Library

Is your daughter a comedian? Is your husband a crooner? Do you write poetry? Show off your family’s talents at Family Open Mic Night at Reby Cary!

Family Movie Morning at the Omni: Night at the Museum
August 7 & 8
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Enjoy a morning movie with the whole family at the new Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater!

Photo courtesy of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Meet up at the Museum: Living on the Land
August 7
Amon Carter Museum of American Art

This sensory-friendly event for neurodivergent adults features experts from BRIT who will lead you through the Carter’s collections and help create artwork to take home.

The Book of Mormon
August 8-10
Bass Performance Hall

Spread the word! The Tony Award-winning musical is bringing the Word to Bass Performance Hall!

2025 Watermelon Run
August 10
Trinity Park

Whether you take part in the 5K walk/run or grab a partner to participate in the 0.5 mile watermelon relay, you’re sure to have a great day in the park.

Panther City Writing Club
August 11
Fort Worth Public Library – Southwest Regional

Are you a writer? Do you want to be a writer? Join fellow wordsmiths for writing exercises, brainstorming, and constructive criticism, all designed to help you become a better writer.

Robert Gallagher’s 80^th Birthday Bash
August 12
Billy Bob’s Texas

Without Robert Gallagher, Billy Bob’s Texas wouldn’t be here. Since 1981, Gallagher has booked the best country acts and made sure that the entertainers were happy. Now, Billy Bob’s says “thank you” to the legend with a night of entertainment in the house that Robert built.

Free Opening Celebration for “David-Jeremiah: The Fire This Time” and After Party at Hotel Dryce
August 14
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Hotel Dryce

Meet the artist and hear from guest curator Christopher Blay about the new exhibition focused on fire as a ritual, force, and metaphor. Then continue the evening at the afterparty at Hotle Dryce.

The Reverend Horton Heat
August 15
Tulips FTW

Can I get an “Amen”? The pioneer of modern rockabilly and special guest From Parts Unknown will lighten your soul and your feet Tulips. Hallelujah!

Crafternoon at Reby Cary
August 19
Reby Cary Youth Library

Children in grades K through 5^th can explore artistic techniques and media this afternoon. Grownups must be accompanied by a responsible child.

Gourmet Hot Dog Flight Pairing
August 21-24
Maple Branch Craft Brewery

Enjoy four different chef-created hot dogs, complete with crazy toppings, each paired with a craft brew. Bring your taste buds and be prepared to be amazed!

DFW Area Co-ed Hike + Clean Up Party Day
August 23
Marion Samsom Park Trailhead #2

Bring your friends and family for a hike and clean-up day followed by a community potluck picnic. It’s a great way to give back to the trails you love!

Sunflower Harvest Sachet
August 26
Fort Worth Public Library – Ridglea

Learn about Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, a celebration with Celtic and European roots, as you create a sunflower sachet to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

Meach Pango with Cut Throat Finches, Trash Puppies, and Snow Farming
August 30
Tulips FTW

Fort Worth is known for amazing music. Support local musicians and local music venues while enjoying an evening of great music.

Choatefest ‘25
August 31
Billy Bob’s Texas

An evening of music for a cause. Cody Jinks, Ward Davis, Josh Weathers, Joey Green, Adrian Garza and Michael Lee will perform in this benefit concert for local multi-instrumentalist, producer, recording engineer and studio owner, Nick Choate, and his family as Nick fights colon cancer.

The post The Summer’s Last Stand: August’s Fun in the Fort first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Utah becomes the 45^th state in the Union. Athens hosts the first modern Olympic Games. Fannie Farmer publishes her first cookbook. Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna are crowned Emperor and Empress of Russia. Gold is discovered in the Klondike. William McKinley becomes the 25th President of the United States of America.

And here in Fort Worth, Harry Keeton starts making brooms and selling mattress supplies.

It takes a lot for any neighborhood company to stay in business and in the family for 20 or 50 years, much less for 129 years. But that’s precisely what The Mattress Factory has done.

The Mattress Factory, 1931

Two years after he left Tennessee and settled in Fort Worth, Harry Keeton started what would eventually become The Mattress Factory, one of Fort Worth’s oldest businesses. Harry’s sons eventually stopped making brooms and expanded their mattress business from Fort Worth throughout Texas into Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arizona, California, and Florida. The company began shipping all over the world.

Today, Harry Keeton’s great-grandson, Peter Duncan, Jr., and great-great-grandson, Trey, run the company. Trey left his job at a local luxury auto dealer not long ago to help his dad. “We’re a family business,” Peter said. “We’re the fourth and fifth generations here, and we’re proud of that.”

So how does a family-owned company like The Mattress Factory stay in business for 129 years?

Well, if you’re The Mattress Factory, it’s by making mattresses to the customer’s specifications using quality materials in their factory on East Vickery, just around the corner from Harry Keeton’s original factory. It’s with friendly customer service that goes the extra mile. (Seriously, Trey has been known to leave the factory to help a customer put together a bed frame.) It’s by cutting out the middleman and selling mattresses directly to consumers at wholesale prices.

Do you prefer a high-count coil mattress, or would you rather snooze on a foam and latex mattress with a plush gel topper? Does your spouse snore so much that you need an adjustable frame to get a little uninterrupted sleep? Are your little ones clamoring for bunk beds, promising they’ll make their bed every single day without fail? The Mattress Factory has you covered.

“A lot of people now are buying these beds in a box they see online or getting mattresses from Amazon,” Peter said as we talked in the showroom. Mattresses were being made as we spoke, and Chance, the showroom dog, was sleeping on his special mattress. “Sure, [ordering a mattress online] is real easy and quick, but those beds don’t have the quality that lasts. Our customers get a well-made bed that they can watch being made that will last for years. And if you have a question or concern about your bed, all you have to do is call us, and we’ll make it right.”

In addition to selling mattresses, accessories, and frames directly to the public, The Mattress Factory provides mattresses for summer camps, inns, and bed and breakfasts.

Peter’s father, Peter Duncan, Sr., moved from South Africa to Oklahoma to take advantage of the University of Oklahoma’s internationally renowned swimming program. He represented South Africa in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and the 1956 Melbourne Olympics before marrying Harry Keeton’s granddaughter, Doris, and joining the family business.

Harry Keeton’s children and grandchildren
Photo courtesy of Peter Duncan

Peter is proud that he and his son are carrying on the family business in Fort Worth. Their roots are here, and the love they have for their city is evident in everything they do. (In an interesting aside for the family issue of Madeworthy, Peter competed against my older brother-in-law in high school tennis.)

From employing local workers to raising money for Fort Worth nonprofits like The Gladney Center for Adoption – Trey and his sister are both Gladney Kids – the Duncans give back to their city as much as they receive from it. If you want to know the true depth of the Duncans’ love for our fair city, stop by The Mattress Factory showroom and check out the TCU fabric on one of their show mattresses. You, too, can support your team while you sleep. Go Frogs!

When you need a new mattress, let Peter and Trey help you design your perfect mattress while you give Chance scratches. Experience counts, and The Mattress Factory has 129 years of it.

The post 129 Years of Quality first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The project involves replacing outdated or inoperable lighting systems with Fonroche’s solar streetlights in neighborhoods with high pedestrian activity or adjacent to schools, parks, and other community hubs. Per the Fort Worth City News, neighborhoods were chosen based upon the following scoring categories:

Photo courtesy of Fonroche Lighting

Photo courtesy of Fonroche Lighting

“Fort Worth’s commitment to continuous improvement and modernization is truly inspiring. The city’s vision for innovation and its dedication to enhancing infrastructure demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that sets a benchmark for others,” said Hocine Benaoum, Head of Fonroche Lighting America. “Fonroche is honored to collaborate with Fort Worth, a city that places high value on creating equitable and vibrant communities. By improving lighting in neighborhoods, we’re helping to support a safer, more accessible, and unified Fort Worth, and we are proud to be part of this incredible transformation.”

During a recent podcast discussion with Innovate Fort Worth, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker highlighted the city’s commitment to bold and forward-thinking solutions, particularly in energy. “Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the country, and to support that growth, we must innovate by championing smart solutions that honor our community’s history while pushing us forward. From forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders to adopting evolving energy technologies, our focus is on setting Fort Worth apart as a leader in innovation and opportunity,” said Mayor Parker.

“Mayor Parker’s leadership in championing renewable, future-focused infrastructure sets Fort Worth apart as a national leader. By adopting resilient, solar-powered lighting systems, the city not only achieves cost savings and environmental benefits but also creates a safer, more sustainable urban environment as a model for others to follow,” added Benaoum.

Fonroche recently opened its new U.S. headquarters at 2224 SE Loop 820 in southeast Fort Worth. The 20,088-square-foot facility employs over 50 team members across Fonroche’s engineering, sales, and production operations.

The post City to Install Solar Streetlights in Thirty Neighborhoods first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

June in Fort Worth is glorious. The sun shines (but we’re not spontaneously combusting yet), the birds sing, and there’s so much fun to be had! As we are wont to do, we’ve collected the best things to do with your family and friends here, so be sure to bookmark this page to refer to all month long.

Summer Zoo Camp
June 2 to August 8
Fort Worth Zoo

Generations of Fort Worth kids have grown up spending their summers at Zoo Camp! Each one week session offers opportunities to meet animals, learn (but don’t tell them they’re learning!), and have a great camp experience with crafts, games and fun.

2025 Cliburn Competition: The Finals
June 3-7
Bass Performance Hall

Enjoy the best of the best. The top pianists in the world will each perform two concertos – one free choice and one chosen from the final round list – accompanied by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. The award ceremony will be at 7 pm on Saturday, June 7.

Art Tales
Every Wednesday in June and July
Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Bring your family to the Carter every Wednesday in June and July for super story time fun. Enjoy stories, play games, create your own art, and enjoy performances inspired by the Carter collection.

The Fall of Heaven
June 6-13
Jubilee Theatre

When Tempest Landry finds himself at the Pearly Gates, he’s not best pleased. His quick thinking exploits a loophole, so St. Peter is forced to send Tempest back to Earth with an angel in tow to keep him out of trouble. This play, by Walter Mosely of Easy Rawlins fame, explores humanity, good, evil, and love.

The Fundamentals of Baking for Teens (13 to 17)
June 7
Central Market Cooking School

With just a few simple ingredients – flour, water, salt, fat, and leavening agents), your teen will learn how to make delicious biscuits, scones, muffins and tea bread. Seriously, sign your teen up and then let them bake for you. You won’t be disappointed!

Movies in the Park: Dog Man
June 7
Trinity Park Playground

Load up with the car with blankets, chairs, snack, dogs, and don’t forget the kids! Enjoy a night under the stars with everyone’s favorite half canine crime fighter! And if you don’t have a dog, don’t worry. Fort Worth Animal Control will be there with some adorable pups up for adoption!

Almost 5 Art Camp
June 9-13
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Your little artists will get to explore the Modern each day before working with area artists to learn and create. The last day will feature an exhibition of the campers’ works and a reception.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical
June 10-15
Bass Performance Hall

Truth. Beauty. Freedom. Love. Based on Baz Luhrman’s beloved film, Moulin Rouge! The Musical escorts you into a grandiose world where bohemians and aristocrats come together to play. Warning: This contains mature themes, revealing costumes, and adult language.

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Fallen Souffle
June 12-29
Stage West

On the eve of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the playboy Prince of Wales and the famed French chef Auguste Escoffier arrive at 221B Baker Street in need of Sherlock Holmes’ help. Join Holmes, Dr. Watson, and Irene Adler as they try to solve their most bizarre case yet.

SparkFest 2025
June 13-22
Amphibian Stage

Each summer, Amphibian Stage SparkFest, an arts festival that focuses on uplifting underrepresented communities. This summer, SparkFest celebrates Native American and indigenous peoples of Turtle Island and Hawai’i. From new plays to new actors, storytelling and slam poetry, SparkFest seeks to inspire creativity and honor discounted voices.

Wandering Roots Bark and Browse PopUp
June 14
Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Featuring over 30 local artisans, the Bark and Browse PopUp is the best pet-friendly market in town! Enjoy two full days of the best artisans, food and beverage vendors, face painters, and more, and they’re all pet lovers!

Second Saturday: Movement Imprints with Contemporary Dance/Fort Worth
June 14
Kimbell Art Museum

Explore diverse forms of creative expression inspired by and presented in conjunction with the Kimbell’s special exhibition, Modern Art and Politics in Germany 1910–1945: Masterworks from the Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin.

Father’s Day Cookout
June 14
Fort Worth Zoo

Celebrate Dad at the Zoo! Enjoy an evening cookout with your little animals while celebrating Dad.

Father’s Day Boozy Brunch Market
June 15
Martin House Brewing Company

Enjoy live music, fun food trucks, and great beer while you sip and shop from local vendors. Bring the family and the dog!

Opal’s Walk for Freedom
June 19
Farrington Field

Join Dr. Opal Lee on her annual two-and-a-half mile walk to commemorate the two-and-a-half years it took for enslaved people in Texas to learn that they were free. Opal Lee is known throughout the US as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, and we are honored to say she’s a Fort Worthian!

A Juneteenth Comedy Celebration
June 19
Dickies Arena

It’s not just a comedy show (although it’s certainly that). It’s a cultural event. It’s a movement. It’s a celebration of freedom, unity, and Black excellence. Dress to impress and leave the kids at home while you celebrate Juneteenth in style!

Your Voice Unleashed: Not a Black Thing, Not a White Thing, It’s the Right Thing
June 21-26
O.D. Wyatt High School

Your Voice Unleashed brings together teens of all races and backgrounds to learn about cultural differences and work toward a better future of unity.

A Strange Loop
June 19 – July 12
Circle Theatre

Circle Theatre is proud to present the regional premiere of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical. A Strange Loop explores identity and creativity through song and storytelling. Warning: This show contains adult language and situations.

Art Camp Ages 5 through 7
June 23-27
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Your elementary artists will get to explore the Modern each day before working with area artists to learn and create. The last day will feature an exhibition of the campers’ works and a reception.

American Classics for Teens (13-17)
June 24
Central Market Cooking School

One thing that everyone should know is how to make a meal from start to finish. Your teen will learn how to make crispy fried chicken, perfect mashed potatoes, a green side enhanced with compound butter, and the ultimate classic dessert: Texas sheet cake with vanilla ice cream!

Midsummer Mingle
June 26
Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Celebrate the solstice at the Carter! Enjoy signature cocktails, tasty bites, music, and the Amon Carter’s collections with the Carter Society. This year’s Mingle is inspired by the Carter’s priceless photography collection, so don’t miss your shot at this celebration of summer!

Kimbell Casual Friday: Curtain Call
June 27
Kimbell Art Museum

Enjoy an interactive evening at the Kimbell. Bring your friends for art, conversation, and the occasional friendly competition!

Trinity Pride Fest ‘25
June 28
South Main Village

Trinity Pride Fest returns with a reimagined look but the same heart and soul. Enjoy Fort Worth’s most vibrant celebration of authenticity, where wisdom meets whimsy and purpose meets party. There’s something magical for everyone, and love will always win!

The post Flame-Flowered, Yellow-Petaled June: Fun in the Fort first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Unlike its full-service restaurant in Terminal D, which specializes in all-day brunch, the Terminal E BREWED will offer a curated coffee experience designed to create meaningful connections at 30,000 feet, one warm cup at a time.

BREWED’s first DFW Airport location opened in Terminal D to great acclaim, offering travelers a taste of Fort Worth’s rich brunch culture. This new coffee shop concept expands BREWED’s mission of delivering quality, comfort, and community to even more travelers.

“We are so excited to be representing Fort Worth in Terminal E,” said Joey Turner, co-owner of BREWED. “Coffee is one of the most important beverages at the airport, and we look forward to providing warm welcomes and meaningful connections while serving each cup to our guests.”

Rooted deeply in Fort Worth’s Near Southside district, BREWED’s flagship full-service restaurant has been a cornerstone of the community for over twelve and a half years. Located on the iconic Magnolia Avenue, BREWED has become a local favorite for all-day brunch, craft coffee, and creating a space where guests feel seen, known, and valued.

Founded in the heart of Fort Worth, BREWED is more than a restaurant, it’s a gathering place where exceptional food, craft coffee, and community spirit come together. With a flagship location in Fort Worth’s Near Southside for over twelve and a half years and two DFW Airport locations, BREWED continues to grow while staying true to its mission: to make every guest feel at home.

The post BREWED Expands at DFW first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Escarole and Walnut Salad

Escarole is a chicory family member and a cousin of endive and radicchio. It’s much less bitter than its cousins and is a lovely base for the walnuts, apples, and Manchego that Chef Paslay pairs it with.

Ingredients

For the vinaigrette

• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the salad

• 1 head escarole, cored and chopped (about 6 cups total)
• 1 small, crisp, sweet-tart apple such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, cored and thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons walnut pieces, toasted
• ½ cup sliced red onion
• 3 ounces Manchego cheese, thinly shaved

Directions

For the vinaigrette

Add the shallot, vinegar, and mustard to a mason jar. Add the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Shake well to emulsify. Set aside.

For the salad

Place the escarole in a large bowl and add the vinaigrette. Toss to coat. Add the apple, walnuts, red onion, and cheese and toss again to combine. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately. Serves 4 to 6.

Eggs in Purgatory

Eggs in Purgatory, also known as shakshouka, are simply eggs poached in a spicy sauce of tomatoes and peppers. Chef Paslay’s version is an easy and delicious meal perfect for a weekend brunch or a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 pieces bacon, cut into lardons (lardons are small strips or cubes of bacon or other pork)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 24-ounce jar of Rao’s Homemade Arrabbiata Sauce (available at most grocery stores)
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 extra-large eggs
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Italian parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh parsley leaves, minced
• Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon, and freshly ground pepper
• 1 to 2 slices of toasted country bread per person

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium (10-inch) sauté pan. Cook the bacon lardons in the oil until they are crisp. Add in the onions and cook over medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender and starting to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the arrabbiata sauce and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.

Crack 1 egg into a small bowl, making sure not to break the yolk. Use the edge of the bowl to make an indention in the sauce as you pour the egg in. Repeat this process with the remaining 3 eggs, being sure to place them on opposite sides of the pan. Cover the pan tightly and cook over medium-low heat for 4 to 6 minutes or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese, parsley, sea salt, and pepper. Cover the pan again and cook for 1 more minute.

To serve, use a large spoon to scoop up two eggs per person and some of the sauce and carefully transfer to shallow bowls. Spoon the remaining sauce around the eggs and serve hot with the toasted bread. Serves 2.

Pan Seared Halloumi with Sautéed Pears

This is a recipe I came up with for TanglewoodMoms.com. It’s still a favorite in our home. You can find halloumi at Central Market and some other grocery stores.

Ingredients

• 1 slice halloumi cheese per person
• 1 tablespoon butter per person (I know this sounds like a lot, but it’s really not)
• ½ Bosc or Anjou pear, peeled, cored, and sliced, per person
• Local honey for drizzling

Directions

Melt the butter in a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Pat the slices of halloumi dry with paper towels and pan sear for about 2 minutes per side. Remove the slices to individual plates and keep warm while you prepare the pears. Into the butter remaining in the pan, add the pears and sauté until the pears are golden brown, about 4 minutes. Pour the pear over the cheese, drizzle with honey, and serve with a wonderful dessert wine.

The post Passion Project’s Fresh Family Recipes first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Apologies to Miss Austen aside, that universal truth is a load of hooey. Just ask Max Marshall and Cosmo Jones, the artists (yes, artists) behind Giant Runt Gallery.

Max and Cosmo were kind enough to talk with me before the opening reception for Erica Jaeggli’s exhibition, New Works. Giant Runt is located on St. Louis Avenue in the space formerly occupied by Bale Creek Allen Gallery. There were paintings all around us – some on the walls, some still waiting to be hung, and the air was perfumed with oil paint. It was the perfect location for a discussion of art and the business of art. ‘’

Max smiled, “You can make a living as an artist. Just know that your path is going to be weird and winding.”

Max and Cosmo are alumni of the University of North Texas art program. Max has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in painting and a Bachelor in art history. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in sculpture. Cosmo has two BFAs and an MFA from UNT. Both have been working in the art world while making their art since they graduated.

So, how do two artists end up owning a gallery and curating other artists’ shows?

“We knew of each other from UNT,” Cosmo explained. “One of my classmates at UNT was her roommate. We knew each other’s works but had only met in passing. We messaged for months on Instagram before we met.”

“After I finished grad school at TCU, we were trying to figure out what we were going to do,” said Max.

Cosmo agreed. “We needed studio space, which is difficult to find in Fort Worth, so we started thinking. We started looking for an abandoned school or motel that we could turn into multiple galleries. We could bring in some big name, and in our dream, they would be creating and showing next to some punk kid. There would be studio spaces that would help fund the whole facility.”

Max and Cosmo had met Bale Allen through Jay Wilkinson. “We became friends with Bale,” Max remembered. “One day, he said, ‘Hey, I’m thinking about leaving to go back to school.’ The gallery was available, and we thought this was the magical catalyst for what we’d been talking about.”

“How could we not take it when it fell into our laps?” added Cosmo.

Max smiled. “The more we thought about it, the more we thought that maybe we should do a smaller trial run before we went all in on an abandoned school.”

Giant Runt is a reasonably traditional gallery space – concrete floor, white walls, exposed ductwork. It’s pretty different from what Max and Cosmo envision for their future art compound. “It’s sort of like art school,” Cosmo said. “In school, you learn the traditional styles and the traditional rules. Once you learn them, you can then break them.”

Cosmo and Max not only run the gallery, but they also run a curatorial project called Kickpigeon Kids that introduces young artists to creating collaborative installations. “Some shows are open call; some are invitational,” Cosmo explained. “We give the artists an open-ended prompt. Then we take their works and combine them with our vast collection of weird stuff.”

Max continues, “Then we make a full-on installation work of it all so that no piece is the star. Everything is considered art. Even the junk. Even the weird stuff.”

Both artists are experts in “weird stuff.” Cosmo started at UNT studying jazz guitar; he realized that he didn’t have the work ethic for the renowned music program. At the time, he and his parents had inherited a Native American jewelry trading business that his grandparents established and became interested in metalsmithing.

“UNT has the best metalsmithing program in the US,” Cosmo said. “Metalsmithing at UNT is an art degree, and part of that degree is taking other studio classes, so I took painting. All of a sudden, I realized, ‘Hey, I can do this.’”

After school, Cosmo did a lot of different jobs in the art world. He was the construction foreman for the Currents New Media Festival in Santa Fe. He was the prop master at Amphibian Stage when they first moved to their current location on South Main. Now, when he’s not curating other artists’ shows, he works in a variety of media. “I do installation work, super-mixed media painting, videos… I do whatever is right at the time, but the short answer is that I’m a painter.”

Max’s artistic and career trajectory is similarly serpentine. “After school, I worked in a museum, but I realized that wasn’t for me. But it showed me that there’s a whole bunch of niche jobs that I’d never heard about that help make this whole art machine run. So I got my CDL and started driving trucks and hanging art.”

“Which is very useful for the gallery,” Cosmo interrupts.

“I’m not a painter,” Max continued. “I came out of grad school as a found object artist. My projects now revolve around something believed to be inherently American – the idea of the cowboy or football – but I pick apart the whole hidden history behind those things and find those little hidden webs of history that affect things we claim as ‘American.’ I also love using materials you can get at like the Dollar Store and presenting them with the gravitas that we reserve for ‘great art,’ seeing how far we can push those really low materials up into something else.”

Max said, “I see these kids in school who want to be artists but are doing art history or graphic design because their parents want them to have something to fall back on. I wish I could tell them, ‘Don’t be steered away from your passion. You can do this. You can be an artist and follow your passion and make it work.’”

She and Cosmo are proof of that.

Giant Runt will host a reception for Alexis Maebry’s show, Reattach Me to My Body, on Spring Gallery Night, March 29. The Kickpigeon Kids new media show, Hack the Planet, opens at The Grackle on April 12 and runs for three weeks. Follow Giant Runt on Instagram @giantrunt. 

The post Following the Weird and Winding Path first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Fort Worth Lawn Sprinkler Co. has been ensuring Fort Worth’s sprinkler systems are in tip-top shape for 50 years. Founded in 1975, the company has the reputation of being Fort Worth’s finest. The technicians are the best in the business; they have years of experience with almost every type of system and product on the market.

“We put our guys through the wringer to make sure that they’re up to our standard of professionalism before we send them to your house,” Alan Garcia, president and owner of Fort Worth Lawn Sprinkler Co., said. Every technician is knowledgeable, courteous, and ready to make sure your system not only works but works efficiently, saving you water and money.

The company knows that to keep the best technicians, they have to treat their employees like family. And they do. Did you know Fort Worth Lawn Sprinkler Co. has never laid off an employee? It’s true! They keep their technicians on throughout the winter, unlike some companies that hire only seasonal help.

Until 2024, this loyalty to their employees was a mixed blessing for the company. While the service was the gold standard in town, getting an appointment was next to impossible, especially in the warm months. (And let’s face it, most months are warm in North Texas.)

From the mid-’80s to 2023, if you called in the summer, you would be told, “I’m sorry, but we can’t accept another service customer.” Because the company was focusing on existing customers, new customers could wait for 10 to 12 weeks before the first appointment. 

It was clear that the company needed to hire more technicians. So they did, and now wait times are normally just a week or two in the height of summer.

The goal of Fort Worth Sprinkler Co. is to make sure that you have a maintenance-free, water-efficient sprinkler system. With new wireless, app-based sprinkler controllers that can be accessed remotely, the company can troubleshoot your controller or the whole system from their office, possibly saving you a service call. 

And if there is a need for something that doesn’t exist, the company will make it. Alan modeled and 3D-printed a new type of waterer for flower pots. “For flowerpots, we had two options,” Alan said. “We had micro sprinkler heads that sprayed water everywhere, or we could use drip tubing that could clog and that was difficult to remove and reinstall when changing plants. Now we have these 3D-printed heads that lay flat to the soil that don’t spray everywhere and are easy to move when you need to change plants.”

And while sprinkler technology keeps evolving, Alan wants you to know that the company only uses products proven to last. “We try to build a system that will be as close to maintenance-free as possible.” 

While other sprinkler companies may focus on big irrigation projects, for Fort Worth Lawn Sprinkler Co., no job is too big and no job is too small. When I moved into a new house, the sprinkler system didn’t work. The previous owners had not left any information about the system, so I called Fort Worth Lawn Sprinkler Co. It turns out one solenoid had failed. The technician happily replaced it, and I used the system without problems until I moved again. 

Remember what I said at the beginning? That this is the time to make sure your system is working smoothly? Alan agrees. “There’s not a better time to make sure that your system is up to date. Don’t wait until early June. Don’t wait until you have a brown spot on your lawn that might not go away until it cools down in October or November. Beat the spring rush.”

Fifty years is a long time for a service company to be in business. It’s even longer to keep a reputation for quality service, but Fort Worth Sprinkler Co. has managed to do just that.

For more information on Fort Worth Sprinkler Co. and its services or to schedule an appointment, go to www.fwsprinkler.com or call (817) 924-0148. Your lawn will be glad you did!

The post Now Is the Time for Fort Worth Lawn Sprinkler Co. first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.