Letter from the Publisher
EDMOND REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK
The real estate market in Edmond has been experiencing significant growth and transformation over the past few years. Edmond is a desirable location for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Several factors contribute to the attractiveness of Edmond’s real estate market, including its excellent schools, low crime rates, and a keen sense of community.
One of the primary drivers of the real estate market in Edmond is the quality of its public schools. The Edmond Public Schools district is highly regarded, with several schools receiving high ratings for academic performance and extracurricular activities. This reputation for educational excellence attracts families who prioritize their children’s education, leading to increased demand for housing in the area.
In addition to its schools, Edmond boasts a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live. The city’s commitment to public safety is evident in its well-funded police and fire departments, which work diligently to maintain a secure environment for residents. This sense of security is a significant selling point for potential homebuyers, particularly those with young children or those looking to retire in a peaceful community.
The sense of community in Edmond is another factor that enhances its real estate market. Our city hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents. From the annual LibertyFest celebration to the weekly farmers’ market, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to connect and engage with one another. This vibrant community spirit makes Edmond an attractive place to call home.
The housing market in Edmond is diverse, offering a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. From charming historic homes in the downtown area to modern developments, there is something for everyone. The city’s real estate market has seen steady appreciation in property values, making it a sound investment for homebuyers. Additionally, the availability of new construction homes provides opportunities for buyers looking for modern amenities and energy-efficient features.
Edmond’s proximity to Oklahoma City is another advantage for its real estate market. We may not want to acknowledge our sister community, but it is true. The city offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the amenities and job opportunities of a larger metropolitan area. Many residents commute to Oklahoma City for work, taking advantage of the short drive and the benefits of living in a quieter, more relaxed environment. This balance between suburban living and urban convenience is appealing to many homebuyers.
The economic stability of Edmond also plays a role in its thriving real estate market. The city has a diverse economy, with sectors such as education, healthcare, and retail providing a stable employment base. This economic resilience has helped Edmond weather economic downturns better than some other areas, contributing to a stable housing market.
The quest for more affordable housing continues. It is not new to Edmond. I first moved to Edmond in 1988, and it was a battle at that time. It continues to be labeled low-income housing, which is not the case. It can still fit into our Edmond and be more affordable at the same time.
Buying a home or investing in our Edmond property is an effective way to use your funds. For most folks it is their biggest investment so homeowners in Edmond can feel good about money spent on their humble abode. Edmond’s real estate market is expected to continue its positive trajectory, making it an excellent choice for homebuyers and investors.
Best Regards,
Ray Hibbard
Publisher Edmond Life & Leisure
Edmond
Deanne Marcella
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Erika Williams
Deanne Marcella
Unplug at home Device-free activities families can enjoy together
Family time is an umbrella term that can encompass a range of activities, but it generally involves parents and children spending quality time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Finding distraction-free family time has always been challenging, but it might be even more so in the modern world, where a device with internet access is seemingly always within reach.
A January 2024 report from Parks Associates indicated the average United States household with internet access had 17 connected devices in 2023. Though such devices have become integral parts of the daily lives of billions of people across the globe, tablets, smartphones, smart watches, and other items can make it hard for families to enjoy distraction-free time together. With that in mind, families can consider the following device-free ways to enjoy one another’s company.
• Designate a night each week for board games. Classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble and many more don’t require an internet connection,
making a family board game night an ideal way to disconnect and spend time together. Games provide plenty of time for families to catch up and discuss what’s going on in their lives,
Cooking together is fun and rewarding.
an important benefit that’s not always so easy when devices are commanding everyone’s attention.
• Get out in nature. Routine afternoons spent in Mother Nature is another great way for families to disconnect and spend time together. Whether it’s an afternoon spent sunbathing at a local beach or a family hike through a nearby park, the great
outdoors provides a wonderful excuse to put down the devices and reconnect in a beautiful, natural setting.
• Get in touch with your collective creative side. Families with a knack for producing their own creations can host periodic family craft nights as a fun and productive way to spend time together away from their devices. Tie seasonal celebrations like Halloween and the holiday season into craft-making sessions. Let a different person choose a craft before each session, or make it a contest to determine who can make the biggest, funniest or most complex decoration.
• Cook together as a family. Dinner can be a chore in busy families, but parents can designate one night each week when the family cooks together. Sunday night cooking sessions might make the best sense, as kids’ schedules are more likely to be free on Sunday than any other day during the week. That makes Sunday afternoon and early evening a great time to catch up on the previous week and spend time together without devices.
Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for the body and even the soul. People realize this, which is why outdoor activity is encouraged; staying indoors all the time can quickly sap energy levels and diminish mood. What is good for human beings also may be good for pets — within reason, of course. Domestic companion animals can benefit from time in the great outdoors. It provides them new sights and sounds, opportunities to explore, and new ways to exercise. Their owners just need to take precautions to make outdoor ventures safe for domesticated animals. The good news is there are steps to make time outdoors safer for pets.
Make the yard pet-friendly
Those who have the benefit of a yard will want to fence it in. Fences stop pets from running away, and they can limit the probability that predators will get inside the yard. The yard should routinely be inspected for dangers, including poisonous plants (poison ivy, mushrooms) that pets may ingest, as well as other hazards.
Install a pet door
A pet door can provide convenient access to the outdoors when pets would like to get outside. Doors
Outdoors Pet Safety
can be purchased with radio-signal locks that will disengage when a pet wearing an electric collar tries to go through; otherwise, the door stays closed for security reasons.
Prevent parasites
Work with your veterinarian to get a prescription for parasite preventatives. This includes flea and tick medication and worm medication. Pets may get heartworms from the bites of mosquitoes. Therefore, limit the number of mosquitoes on your property by draining standing water and potentially using repellents if mosquitoes are a nuisance.
Watch the weather
Pets will need ways to cool off or warm up when spending time outdoors. Extreme heat or cold could be dangerous, so avoid having pets spend prolonged periods of time outside if the weather is especially harsh.
Check in frequently
Pets should not be left entirely to their own devices outdoors. Fences may keep some predators out, but those that can fly or climb (or burrow) can make it inside. Keep tabs on pets while they are outside. Do not keep a dog tied up for a while, as the animal may get tangled and choke.
Use a leash
Walks around the neighborhood are made much safer with the use of leashes, or leads as they are sometimes called. A leash enables pet owners to restrain their pets if need be and prevent them from running loose and getting lost.
Avoid hidden poisons
Antifreeze, oil and even discarded trash can be dangerous to pets if ingested. Pet owners need to exercise caution on walks.
Exercise caution in stores
Certain retailers have relaxed their policies about letting pets inside. Others have not but seemingly turn a blind eye when pets come inside. By and large, only certified service animals are legally allowed to be in most retail stores. Bringing an “emotional support animal” or another pet in the store can compromise the ability of trained animals to properly provide care because they may become distracted by other pets. Non-service animals also may become injured by shopping carts or get under feet of shoppers if they are not properly leash-trained.
Pet owners can safeguard domesticated animals and pets in various ways when spending time outdoors.
Earthy colors
homes, offices and other spaces. The following is a selection of shades that insiders predict will color the world for the coming year.
Quietude
Sherwin-Williams has named Quietude its color of the year. This soft sage color exudes serenity and understated luxury. Grayish-green with a touch of blue, Quietude is a soothing color of tranquility. Sherwin-Williams also offers a Color Collection of the Year that includes Convivial Yellow,
cording to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Mocha Mousse is “sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic.”
Purple Basil
Glidden’s 2025 color of the year title belongs to Purple Basil, a dusty, neutral violet purple hue with mauve undertones. It embraces rich, warm energy, and is equally at home in a bedroom as it is in a dining room.
Cinnamon Slate
Cinnamon Slate is moody and intro-
versatile and elegant, and it com plements both modern and vintage interiors.
Elderton
Paula Taylor, Graham & Brown’s head stylist and trend specialist, calls Elderton “a chameleon color that can be sophisticated yet cozy.” This medium brown is contemporary with a huge amount of depth. It may work in a rustic living room or a cozy library. The new season arrives with a warm, saturated color palette that can revitalize spaces with cozy appeal.
Save Money While Setting Up a Smart Home
(StatePoint) Whether you’re setting up a smart home in new digs this moving season, or simply looking to get better connected, making your home smart doesn’t have to break the bank with these practical ways to get connected and save.
Get Connected
A smart home all starts with fast, hassle-free internet, and these days, there are options available that can help you get connected with no downtime.
Rather than waiting for an installation appointment or technician, solutions like T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offer easy setup right out of the box. Simply plug it in, power it on and you’re online within minutes. Now is an especially good time to make this switch, thanks to current promotions. With all T-Mobile Home Internet plans there are no annual contracts or monthly equipment fees. Additional
savings are available when bundling with T-Mobile voice plans, making this a solid choice if you also happen to be shopping for a wireless plan.
Moving into a new home can mean making adjustments to your budget, and unexpected bill increases can make planning difficult. Unlike some other internet options, T-Mobile doesn’t have introductory promo pricing that increases later, making it easy to account for this line item into the future. Select plans even come with extras, like subscriptions to popular streaming services, so you can save on these monthly expenses too.
Get Smart
Now that you have internet that can support your smart home, it’s time to select a smart home ecosystem on which to run it, along with devices you’d like to connect it to. Just be sure the ecosystem and devices you choose are compatible.
The good news? While this technology that adds seamless convenience to your life comes with a price tag, many smart home features can help you save on monthly expenses, offsetting the cost of your new smart home. For example, devices that make your home more secure, such as smart locks, doorbells, cameras and security systems, could potentially score you a discount on renters or homeowners insurance. Other devices, such as thermostats, lights and appliances, can be programmed to help reduce energy usage and bills. Of course, you should be sure to protect all your smart devices from hackers by using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and by keeping systems up to date. There are endless details to manage when settling into a new residence. Fortunately, setting up internet and smart home technology no longer needs to be stressful.
Transform a playroom into a space that grows with the family
Parents typically make certain changes around a home to ensure it’s accommodating to children. Childproofing is a necessity, but entire rooms also may be transformed with children’s enjoyment and well-being in mind.
It’s common for homeowners to set aside rooms for children to play and explore. These playrooms may initially feature infant swings and bouncers,
and eventually start to accumulate the toys that kids receive on holidays and birthdays. Easels, building block sets, puzzles, video games, books, and so much more fill these playrooms where young children spend the majority of their time engrossed in imaginative play. But as children grow, playrooms may no longer be necessary. Homeowners can ensure these rooms evolve with the family, and here are a few
ways to do just that. Make it a home theater/gaming room
The National Institutes of Health says children between the ages of eight and 17 spend an average of 1.5 to 2 hours playing video games each day. It’s important for parents to monitor their children’s gaming, particularly when kids participate in social
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platform games that involve people
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with an internet connection chatting and working together. One way to do so is to locate the gaming setup in a central location, like a home theater room.
Establish a hobby space
Trade in kids’ toys for “toys” that everyone in the family will enjoy. Turn the room into one where family members can explore their passions. This may include scrapbooking, painting, yarn crafts, collecting, photography, and more.
Create a quiet learning spot
As children grow up, they may need to spend more time studying. Transforming a playroom into a library or a study space can provide that outof-the-way spot to get homework and studying done. Adults in the home
also can use it for reading, paying the bills or any other task that requires concentration and quiet.
Build a home gym
If the space is large enough, bring in some workout equipment and make the play space one that encourages exercise and fitness. You may not even need large equipment and can utilize interlocking foam tiles that already may be in the playroom. With some free weights, resistance bands and even your own body weight, you can perform a number of beneficial exercises.
Expand your living space
If the playroom currently abuts another room that can use some more real estate but is separated by a wall, take down the wall to increase the square footage.
Set it aside for guests
Clean out the toys and bring in a bed and nightstand. Now you’ll have a
dedicated spot for overnight guests to stay, or a room that visiting older children (and eventually grandchildren) can call their own.
Playrooms are much-used areas when children are young. These rooms can evolve as kids get older and families’ needs change.
May Picnic Table a Korean-style restaurant Edmond welcomes
By Erika Williams
There is no better way to spend a nice summer’s day than by having a picnic with friends. If you’re looking to upgrade your picnic with unique dishes or just enjoy lunch in an air-conditioned building, a new Korean-style restaurant in Edmond may be just what you’re looking for.
May Picnic Table, located at 328 S. Kelly Ave., is a family business that opened in January of this year. The restaurant is owned by Yuna Kim. Her son, the general manager, says it has been his mom’s dream to open this business and share their family’s culture for many years.
“It’s something that we always wanted to do. She wanted to do it much, much further back, but then, COVID happened, so we couldn’t do it at the time. We feel like now is the right time for us to go through with our plans to open up a place and have
a chance to show people our culture and our food,” said Yuno Han.
Yuna’s daughter, Jimin Han, also works at the restaurant and added that her mom’s dedication to quality and hard work are what have allowed her dream to become a reality. Her mom has a hand in creating every dish on the menu ensuring consistency.
“If you want to eat Korean soul food, you should come here because she really hand makes all the sauces. She comes here even on our day off to make the flavors that people get to experience,” said Jimin. “Before she even started the restaurant, she would make her own soy sauce. She would make her own gochujang paste. Even here right now, the kimchi we sell, anything that has a kimchi in it, it is all homemade here by her.”
Yuna has been cooking and refining her recipes for years, and she is continuing to add new dishes to the
menu. Jimin says food is one of the ways that her mom expresses her love. Said Jimin, “She started this place because she has such a love for cooking. Her love language is cooking. If she ever feels like you’re down, she’ll cook you a meal, and that’s her way of saying, I love you.”
Yuna sees May Picnic Table as a way to bring Korean homemade meals to the Edmond community. Jimin says it tastes just like what she remembers growing up.
“This is truly as authentic of a Korean food you can get. You know when your grandma cooks, and you cannot get that taste anywhere else? My mom is kind of like that for me, and I think a lot of people express that to us,” said Jimin. “This restaurant is a place to have home-cooked food with loved ones, and you’re supposed to feel that type of thing because that’s
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what she gave us when we were kids,”
The dishes featured on the menu are reminiscent of what would be served at a picnic in Korea. This fact inspired the name, May Picnic Table, and brings back memories for Yuno and Jimin.
“When I was in Korea, and we went on field trips or picnics, that’s the type of food that my mom would pack for me. That’s what other kids brought as well, so that’s part of why it’s named May Picnic Table because the food that we provide is what usually is at a picnic in Korea,” said Yuno.
Jimin added, “It’s like a such a normal thing in Korean culture to take kimbap to a picnic or on a road trip or vacation, so that’s why my mom wanted to start the restaurant. She wanted to give those memories and those experiences to everybody with a little taste of Korean flavor. There are Korean restaurants already here, but she wanted to bring it in a different way that brings families together.”
May Picnic Table does feature outside seating, but Yuna and her family made sure that the picnic theme was evident throughout the restaurant.
“The ceiling inside is blue to represent the sky, and the little white light fixtures are clouds, and the yellow is supposed to represent the sun. It’s supposed to look like a picnic.” Said
Jimin, “Every aspect of this place is a little bit of my mom. She’s loves the brightness. She loves outside and the sun.”
The food is also a healthy and convenient option for people who are on the go. Kimbap, a popular menu item, contains fresh vegetables, protein, and rice. The food is also packaged in a way that makes it easy to grab at the front of the store and transport to a new location. These grab and go options are made fresh every day.“
Because we do have food in the cooler that’s prepackaged, people’s initial thought is probably that it comes from the freezer, but we make it fresh every day. We come in early in the morning, prep all the ingredients, and make it by the time we open at 11, so it’s very fresh,” said Yuno.
While there are several grab and go options at May Picnic Table, the location also has a spacious dining area for those who want to sit and enjoy their meal or drink. The restaurant even
features a self-serve ramen bar.
Other popular food menu items are bulgogi kimbap and bulgogi rice bowl. The menu also features sandwiches putting a Korean twist on an American picnic food classic. Yuno notes that most of the dishes feature traditional Korean flavors which involves merging sweet and spicy ingredients.
Said Yuno, “For some people, it might not be their taste, but a lot of people really actually like it. We have something like it’s called tteokbokki which is rice cake. It’s like spicy rice cake. That’s a popular example of something where it’s like sweet and spicy.”
May Picnic Table offers a unique drink selection in addition to their food. The ceremonial matcha offered
at the restaurant has been a customer favorite that separates May Picnic Table from other matcha sellers.
“Possibly more than food, we’re known for our matcha. Matcha itself is very bitter. It’s like pretty much concentrated tea, so, it’s just bitter by nature. Other places, usually they put a lot of sugar to kind of ease that bitterness,” said Yuno. “We use what’s called a ceremonial matcha, which is like a much higher grade. The way it’s processed is completely different where they hand pick each tea leaf and then they stone grind it, like how it traditionally used to be done, so it is a much higher quality and naturally much less bitter.”
Customers can enhance their matcha drink further with pistachio milk,
cold foam, or one of May Picnic Tables homemade purees. The restaurant also offers freshly squeezed lemonade and recently added an espresso machine.
Said Jimin, “We’ll be serving coffee. We’ll have, lattes and the syrups and stuff like that, but we will be doing a lot of Korean flavors and things that people haven’t seen yet, so there are a lot of exciting things to come.”
May Picnic Table is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and they accept online orders at maypicnictable.com. Yuno says they have already had a great time serving the community, and they look forward to connecting more people to their culture through their authentic menu.
Said Yuno, “I want to introduce more people, especially around Edmond, to our food. We have people from Korea, or some that have visited Korea, come and they tell us, ‘This tastes just like what I had in Korea.’ We’re so glad when we hear that. It’s like our dream is being fulfilled.”
Safety considerations when pressure washing
Water is essential to cleaning, but it can be an even more powerful asset when there is great force behind it. This is the concept behind pressure washers, which are tools that spray water at high pressure in order to clean an assortment of surfaces. Pressure washers are typically used to clean siding, farm equipment, industrial machinery, concrete patios, and much more. The power behind pressure washers can cause injury. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says pressure washers can cause of a host of injuries, including:
• The strong spray can cause serious wounds. High-pressured water can cut through flesh.
• The fast, strong spray can strike objects and toss them powerfully into others who are close by.
• Electric shock may occur if the pressure washer is not used properly.
• The force from the washer can knock a person off balance, whether operating the tool on the ground or
while on a ladder.
In most cases, injuries due to pressure washer usage are entirely preventable. Those who plan to use pressure washers should always do so with safety in mind. Here are some precautions to take.
• Identify potential hazards. Identify potential hazards with each different surface before beginning the job. Weather, personal fatigue, slippery surfaces and nearby electrical hazards can increase injury risk.
• Read the manual so you fully understand how to operate the washer. Read the instruction manual and practice using the tool before you put it to use on the task at hand. Learn how to operate the machine and all accessories. Figure out how to shut it off in a hurry. Determine if it is safe to use an extension cord on an electric model.
• Wear protective gear. Closedtoe shoes are a must because the water spray can cause lacerations. Be sure the shoes are non-slip or work boots. Full-length pants and a
long-sleeved shirt can protect users from flying debris. Wear eye protection whenever operating the washer. OSHA guidelines recommend a full face shield for water pressure higher than 2,000 psi to avoid eye or head injury. Waterproof gloves also are wise to provide better grip. Ear protection for a gas-powered pressure washer can protect against hearing loss.
• Start off with the widest spray. Pressure washers often include various nozzles or nozzle settings that may range from a 65-degree mist to a zero-degree pinpoint jet. Most people never need to use the most intense jet sprays. Begin washing with the widest angle spray tip, from around two feet away, to test cleaning capabilities, and adjust nozzle and distance as necessary, according to PressureWasher.com Pressure washers help clean any number of surfaces. Safety must always be the top priority when using these potentially dangerous machines.
Recreate the Taco Truck Experience at Home Mangonadas
There’s no better treat than Mexican street fare, thanks to the complexity of its flavors and the freshness of its ingredients. And this summer, it’s easier than ever to recreate the taco truck experience at home.
While the rich, slow-cooked flavors of Mexican cuisine can sometimes take hours to prepare, a new line of cooking and simmer sauces from Cholula can help you recreate these complex flavors without the time-consuming process. Bringing its signature balanced heat to 11 new products crafted with authentic Mexican flavor, convenience and versatility in mind, Cholula can help you go way beyond Taco Tuesdays to whip up a broader spectrum of Mexican cuisine in your own kitchen.
To get you started, Cholula is sharing this mouth-watering recipe for Quesabirria Tacos. These cheesy, crispy tacos are filled with tender shredded beef made with Cholula Birria Cooking & Simmer Sauce, then fried until golden. Serve with warm consommé on the side for dipping for the ultimate flavor experience.
Ingredients:
• 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 bottle Cholula Birria Cooking & Simmer Sauce
• 16 corn tortillas, warmed
• 4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Fresh lime wedges
Instructions:
1. Place beef and Cooking Sauce in electric multifunction cooker. Close lid. Set valve to seal.
2. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. When done, quick-release the pressure. Open lid once pressure inside pot is completely released. (Follow manufacturer’s safe operating instructions.)
3. Skim fat from surface of cooking liquid and reserve, transferring to shallow dish or pie plate. Transfer beef to large bowl and coarsely shred using two forks. Mix shredded beef with reserved cooking liquid as directed.
4. To assemble tacos, heat large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Dip one side of a 6-inch corn tortilla into pie plate with reserved fat to coat lightly. Place fat-side down in skillet. Sprinkle tortilla with 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese and layer with about 1/4 cup of shredded beef. Cook just until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with cilantro, drizzle lightly with lime juice and fold tortilla in half to enclose filling. Cook just until browned on both sides. Repeat with remaining filling.
5. Serve with additional lime wedges and remaining sauce for dipping.
Craving a spicy, yet refreshing beverage to wash these delicious tacos down? Follow this Magonadas recipe from Cholula. From the icy, sweet mango, to the fresh lime juice and uniquely salty, sweet, tangy and spicy flavors of Cholula Chamoy Sauce, it’s easy to see why it is so popular.
Mangonadas Ingredients:
• 16 ounces frozen mango chunks
• 2 cups mango nectar
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or agave nectar
• 1/2 cup Cholula Sweet & Spicy Chamoy Sauce, plus more to rim glasses
• Finely chopped fresh mango
• Lime wedges or wheels
• Tamarindo candy straws
Chili Lime Seasoning Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons McCormick Chili Powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Place frozen mango, mango nectar, lime juice, ice and sugar in blender. Cover and blend on medium until smooth.
2. Mix all Chili Lime Seasoning ingredients in small bowl. Spoon about 2 tablespoons Chamoy on small shallow plate. Place seasoning mixture on another small plate. Dip rims of 2 large beverage glasses into Chamoy, then into seasoning mixture to coat.
3. Fill glasses 1/3 of the way with Mangonada mixture. Drizzle with some of the Chamoy. Repeat layers until glasses are full. To serve, top with chopped mango and garnish with lime wedges and Tamarindo candy straws.
Helping you achieve restaurant-level authentic Mexican flavor at home, the offerings from Cholula include simmer sauces like Fajita Cooking and Simmer Sauce, drizzling sauces like Cilantro Lime Cremosa Sauce, fan-favorite toppings like Chili Crisp Sauce and seasoning mixes based on popular Latin dishes. For recipes and cooking inspiration, visit cholula.com.
(StatePoint)
