New Year, New You!
JA N UA RY 2 02 4
ALLEN'S TRUSTED FAMILY DENTIST SINCE 1967 (972) 727-3941 · ALLENDENTIST.COM
The professional team at Allen Dental Center is like a family. We genuinely care about taking care of our patients, and we are able to provide them with virtually any dental procedure right here in our office.
Allen Dental Center is ecstatic to announce that we are expanding our office in an effort to accommodate and serve a greater number of patients. Stay tuned for updates! OVER 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
You can be confident you will receive the highest quality care from our knowledgeabe, experienced, and gentle dentists.
ALL OF YOUR DENTAL CARE IN ONE PLACE. FRUSTRATED WITH YOUR TEETH? WE HAVE A SOLUTION!
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Happy New Year!
January 2024 PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R
Katelyn Reed | katelyn.reed@citylifestyle.com
For many of us, this time of year is full of excitement. It presents us with a reset, new horizons and goals to pursue. But for others, January can be a reminder of failed attempts from years past and the burden of expectation that this year will be different. We approached this issue of Allen City Lifestyle from a mindset of not supplying quick fixes to check boxes in the short term, but valuing what is sustainable over the long haul. We wanted to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, long-term improvements to your physical, emotional and mental health. When it comes to anything in life – business, finance, food, home and personal health – it’s not what you do some days that moves the needle, it’s what you do MOST days. For better or worse! For instance, taking a vacation every day would be financially and practically unfeasible, but taking a trip a few times a year is doable. Having a beautiful steak dinner with a few cocktails and crème brulée every night for dinner isn’t best for your health, but doing so once in a while might be fine! So plan the vacation AND work to establish more regular rest in your work week. Join a fitness community or gym AND enjoy that dessert you’ve been wanting to try. It’s not what you do some days, it’s what you do most days that will lead to a more peaceful, filling and fabulous year. Here’s to you! We’re rooting for you.
P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com STAF F W R I T E R S
Alisa Hauser, Megan Hernandez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathy Todryk, Shannon White, Karen Laine, Nancy Miller C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Karen Laine, Drew Taylor
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
ANGI BURNS, PUBLISHER @ALLENCITYLIFESTYLE Are you on the association board for your subdivision? Do you have someone you would like to nominate for Student, Nonprofit or First Responder of the Month? Contact us for information on how you can be included in upcoming articles and share your events and ideas. We would love to partner with you to host our events in your neighborhood! Just give us a shout. We want to meet you.
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Allen City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Allen area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Allen City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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We fully vet all of our advertising sponsors to ensure that they are Best in Class businesses. Allen City Lifestyle is an industry select publication and all advertising sponsors must have 4-Star+ ratings, be involved in the local community and are interviewed to guarantee the highest level of customer satisfaction for our readers who utilize their services. We want our readers to fully trust our recommendations and have only positive experiences with our sponsors! Our advertising sponsors allow us the opportunity to recognize the people, organizations and businesses who are giving back to the community and allow us to bring the community together through exciting events, community sponsorships and various partnerships.
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inside the issue JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S
20 26 Featured
20 26 44
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Recipe Reset
Deliciously Healthy Meals
Drop and Give Me 20
BODY20's Electro-Muscle Stimulation Makes the Most of 20 Minutes
Grace to Change Nonprofit of the Month
44 On the Cover
Departments
Karen Laine Photography McKinney Portrait Studio - Dallas Area Bump, Babies, Branding, and Beyond 207 E. Davis St., McKinney, TX (469) 927-0225 www.karen-laine. com
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Lifestyle Letter
10
City Scene
14
Business Monthly
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Must See LIFE + CULTURE
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Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE
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Get Active LOCAL SERVICES
32
Healthy Lifestyle FITNESS
38
Artist’s Palette PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
44
Giving Back LOCAL SERVICES
50
Events
54
Education Corner EDUCATION
Photography: Karen Laine - Karen Laine Photography
INDUSTRY EXPERTS ROOFING & SOLAR
PAINTING SERVICES
ProNail Roofing & Solar
Five Star Painting
469.975.7377 ProNailRoofing.com
214.238.9355 Fivestarpainting.com
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
DENTAL SERVICES
Delahn Realty
Allen Dental Center
Melanie Brigante, 214.499.6236 Julia de Torrens, 469.910.9595 Delahn.com
972.727.3941 AllenDentist.com
HEATING & AIR
INTERIOR DESIGN
Big D Mechanical
Inspired Interiors by Meg
469.773.4328 BigDMechanical.com
469.352.4517 Inspiredinteriorsbymeg.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE
Phillips Home Improvements
Coldwell Banker Apex
972.867.9792 PhillipsHomeImprovements.com
Angela Tucker, 214.549.1930 angela@homedfw.team
WINDOW SERVICES
LANDSCAPE SERVICES
Black Gold Exteriors
Pristine Landscape and Lighting
469.457.1799 BlackGoldExteriors.com
469.325.8191 PristineLandscapingandLighting.com
JANUARY 2024
city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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1 - 14: Lovejoy Tour of Homes was held on Saturday, November 11 benefitting the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools. Funds raised through this event will be used to fund school security, holiday teacher bonuses, classroom enhancements, teacher grants and more. The Lovejoy Tour of Homes features three stunning multimillion dollar homes across Fariview-Allen-Lucas.
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Photography by Joseph Rivers, Jay Sonata Photography.
Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ A L L E N C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E
JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A L L E N T X
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ONE-STOP DESTINATION
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JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A L L E N T X
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JANUARY 2024
business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
Grand Re-Opening for Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Allen! We're thrilled to announce the Grand Re-Opening of a local gem! After months of hard work and renovations, welcome back to a refreshed and rejuvenated Hampton Inn & Suites. Get ready for a memorable experience like never before! Allen Premium Outlets are a short walk away and Allen Event Center is a half-mile from their door. 830 W. Stacy Road, Allen, TX 75002
Photography by Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce
Celebrating Pique Video and Owner AshLeigh Curry! Pique Video is a full-scale professional video production company dedicated to providing you with a seamless and dynamic video production process. From planning to promotion, they’re here to help you share your signature story with the world. Empowering Women in Business and Nonprofits through Video Production Pique Video is proud to call Allen, TX its home. Contact the team at pique-video.com for more information.
Photography by Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce
Dirty Dough Now Open! The other guys can focus on making cutesy, clean cookies that look better than they taste. Dirty Dough sells cookies for real life, which can get a little messy. But they sure are sweet! Dirty Dough cookies are engineered from the inside out, with every cookie featuring some combination of layers, mix-ins, or filling within the dough. “Proudly unique, inside and out” refers to both the cookies and people. 906 W. McDermott Drive, Ste. 120A, Allen, TX 75013
Photography by Dirty Dough Allen
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A L L E N T X
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Property Tax Bill TOO HIGH?
Freee Guid
(214) 227-1303
Schedule your Complimentary Property Tax Review Today!
Residential Farm & Ranch Commercial
ARTICLE BY KATHY MORENO
local experiences D I S C O V E R L O C A L G E M S , C R E AT E M E M O R I E S , A N D E M B R A C E AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES
Pamper yourself in the new year at serene spas and salons. Indulge in calming massages, revitalizing treatments, and a tranquil ambiance that promises relaxation. Unwind in soothing spaces designed to rejuvenate your mind and body. Embrace the self-care that you so greatly deserve, and start the year with a refreshed and revitalized spirit.
Relax and Rejuvenate in the New Year Light and Energy Therapeutics | They are dedicated to providing a peaceful environment that promotes health and wellness for the body, mind, and spirit. 313 S. Jupiter Road, Ste. 210, Allen, TX 75002 We Whiten | They offer teeth-whitening services to give you the beautiful, pearly-white smile you’ve been searching for. 905 Watters Creek Blvd., 2nd Floor, Ste. 151, Allen, TX 75013 Live Young Wellness | Step into a world of rejuvenation and discover the epitome of med spa excellence. 820 Alma Drive, Ste. 130, Allen, TX 75013 SweatHouz | A unique infrared sauna and cold plunge recovery studio that offers a wellness experience like no other. 934 Watters Creek Blvd. Ste. 800, Allen, TX 75013 iCRYO | Imagine waking up tomorrow feeling like a better you. iCRYO can help you find a better tomorrow. 981 State Highway 121, Building D, Ste. 4100, Allen, TX 75013
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A L L E N T X
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M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE
Premier, top rated Interior/Exterior painting based out of Parker TX. Family owned and Operated
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GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK SHOP LOCAL
YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING
NOW OPEN! Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Allen offers an authentic experience for those who want to learn from Floyd’s techniques and training regimens, while getting in the best shape of their lives in a high-intensity group fitness setting.
Mayweather Allen 190 E Stacy Road, Suite 1510 Allen, TX 75069 (469) 768-3621 allentxsm@mayweather.fit JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A L L E N T X
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Recipe Reset
DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY MEALS
ARTICLE BY KATHY TODRYK AND KATELYN REED As the New Year begins, many of us are struggling to squeeze into favorite clothes that fit us perfectly before Thanksgiving feasts and the endless parade of holiday treats. We asked Kathy Todryk, an Optavia Personal Health and Wellness Coach, to share a few of her favorite recipes. Each is filling, packed with flavor, and full of nutrients. If you're ready to develop habits of health and incorporate scientifically-based nutrition and health coaching into your life, give Kathy a call at (815) 540-4924.
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EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE
Whether you’re cooking for your whole family or just yourself, this creamy, fragrant soup is the perfect meal to greet you at the end of a cold winter’s day. Filling and flavorful and a breeze to put together, it’s sure to become your new favorite. If mornings are chaotic, you can prepare the soup the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and set it to cook on your way out the door! It makes for delicious leftovers, too!
S LO W C O O K E R CHICKEN E N C H I L A DA S O U P
ingredients • 4 cups chicken broth • 1½ cups (6 oz) reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded • 1½ cups Roma tomatoes, diced • 1 cup bell pepper, minced • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional) • 15 oz cooked chicken breast, shredded • 4 tablespoons sour cream • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper • 4 tablespoons red enchilada sauce • ½ cup green onion as optional garnish • fresh cilantro as optional garnish • fresh avocado slices as optional garnish directions Prepare the tomatoes, bell pepper, green onion, garlic, and cilantro by washing, chopping, and mincing. If you choose to include a jalapeño, wear gloves and remove seeds before dicing. In your slow cooker, stir together the chicken broth, cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño. Next, stir in the sour cream, chicken, and enchilada sauce. Add and stir in the salt and pepper. Place the lid on your slow cooker, and cook the soup on high for about 4 hours or on low for about 6 to 8 hours. Top with green onions, cilantro, and avocado, if desired. Makes 4 servings. CONTINUED >
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K U N G PAO C H I C K E N CR AB C AKES
ingredients • 1½ pounds of cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast • 2 teaspoons canola oil • ½ cup green onions, chopped • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper • ½ teaspoon ground ginger • 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar • 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce • 1 packet of Stevia in the Raw • 24 unsalted dry roasted peanuts directions Heat oil in large nonstick skillet or wok on medium heat. Add chicken. Stir fry 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink in center. Remove from skillet. Add onions, red pepper, and ginger to skillet. Stir fry 15 seconds. Remove from heat. Combine vinegar, soy sauce, and Stevia in small bowl. Stir well. Add to skillet. Return chicken to skillet. Stir until chicken is well coated. Add nuts. Heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally. Makes 4 servings.
ingredients • 14 oz crabmeat • 3 eggs • 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard • 2 teaspoons lemon juice • 1½ tablespoons almond flour • ¾ teaspoon Old Bay – Maryland-style crab seasoning • 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce • 2 teaspoons olive oil directions Preheat oven broiler. Grease a broiler pan or baking sheet with olive oil and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together crab meat, parsley, almond flour, and crab seasoning. In a separate bowl, beat together egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and lemon juice with a whisk or fork. Add the contents of the small bowl into your crab mixture. Form into patties and place on broiler pan or baking sheet. Broil for 10-15 minutes, until lightly brown. Makes 3 servings.
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EAT R IGH T | F OOD + BE VERAGE
ingredients • 6 whole eggs • 1½ cups MorningStar Farms Meal Starters Grillers Veggie Crumbles • ½ cup fresh portabella mushrooms, sliced • ½ cup fresh cherry tomatoes, cut in half • 1 cup green bell pepper, diced • 4 oz reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded • 5 tablespoons onion, chopped • 5 sprays nonstick cooking spray • 3 tablespoons plain low-fat Greek yogurt
directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8” x 8” baking dish by spraying with 5 sprays of nonstick cooking spray. Prepare the mushrooms, tomatoes, and onion, and bell pepper by cleaning, slicing, and dicing. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and Greek yogurt until well blended. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes, until the egg mixture is softly set. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the MorningStar Crumbles, mushrooms, and chopped onion to the skillet and heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crumbles are done. Drain once cooked. Remove egg mixture from the oven and reduce heat to 325°F. Cover the egg mixture with tomatoes and cover the tomatoes with the crumble mixture. Top with cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake an additional 30 minutes, until the center is set. Makes 4 servings.
BRUNCH BAKE JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A L L E N T X
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Allen Eyecare Center
We are SO excited to be moving into new spaces in the eye care world! Now offering: Eyelash Extension Services! We have brought on the BEST in lash extensions, Master Lash Artist, Tania! Under the same care and standard of excellence we stand
EYE LASH EXTENSIONS
for at Allen Eyecare Center, all of our aesthetics services will be under the guidance and supervision of an optometristthere’s truly no better place to have your lashes done than here! Come and enjoy the calm, cozy atmosphere of our new aesthetics room! You will look forward to every visit!
Book your lash appointment
Schedule your eye exam
Owned and Operated by Dr. Brooks Wood, OD and Kyndall Wood, RN
For All Your
Social Events 351 Southwind Ln Fairview TX 75069 972-332-5284 / info@accasiaevents.com www.accasiaevents.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY CREATIVE CAPTURES BY SACHIN
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D ro p a n d G i ve Me 20 BODY20'S ELECTRO-MUSCLE STIMULATION MAKES THE MOST OF 20 MINUTES
ARTICLE BY NANCY MILLER
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G E T ACT IV E | LO CAL S ERVICE S
Each New Year’s Eve, people all over the world gather with friends and family for a night of revelry. We devour delicious food and sip sparkling libations. We play games and dance and wear silly glasses that are, against all odds, made from the New Year’s numbers. The next morning, we rise late and begin the work of tackling our resolutions. Some of us endeavor to learn a new language or get organized or read more. Others resolve to get out of debt or devote their free time to giving back to their communities. And, perhaps more than anything, millions commit to a healthier lifestyle. Vegetable sales soar, liquor sales drop, and gyms experience a dramatic increase in new memberships. Whether you practice Dry January, commit to Meatless Mondays, or claw your way through throngs of gym-goers to claim an elliptical, there’s something exciting and novel about starting off the New Year with a focus on your health. At first. But, a few weeks into the New Year, a morning meeting may get added to your calendar at the same time as your favorite cardio class or your toddler may decide a tantrum is more important than your abs. It isn’t long before many of us revert back to old habits as the demands of daily life encroach. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent – or both! – it can be a struggle to find time to fit a regular fitness regimen into your routine. It’s even harder to stay in shape with each passing year. Gone are the days of spending hours in the gym each day getting ripped. And if you’re over 35? There’s a good chance your body simply can’t handle weight training like it did when you were younger. It can be frustrating and disheartening
to discover you’re no longer as toned as you once were, and attempting to regain your strength without sacrificing personal and professional commitments can seem daunting. Fortunately, there’s hope. First pioneered in Europe in the 1970s for top professional athletes, Electro-Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a wearable technology worn as part of a unique personal training concept designed to provide users with amazing strength and cardio training results in only one or two 20 minute sessions each week. The first personal training EMS studios for the wider consumer market opened in 2007 in Germany and then spread across Europe, South Africa and other international markets before finally arriving in the United States in 2017 with the launch of the first BODY20 studio in South Florida. Those who suit up enjoy the amazing and fun experience of using the fastest growing and most unique exercise technology available today. BODY20’s EMS technology generates electrical impulses to stimulate and engage up to 90% of a person’s skeletal muscle mass, causing up to 36,000 muscle contractions in a single 20-minute training session, versus approximately 1,000-1,500 in a 90-minute conventional strength workout, all with simple movements and without heavy weights or any strain on tendons, ligaments, and joints. As such, a single 20-minute strength session replaces multiple sessions and hours of traditional training in the gym. If you give it a try – and you should since your first session is free – you will not only get back substantial CONTINUED >
“There’s something exciting and novel about starting off the New Year with a focus on your health. At first.”
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“BODY20 workouts help correct muscular imbalances, boost metabolism, accelerate weight loss, and much more.”
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G E T ACT IV E | LO CAL S ERVICE S
amounts of precious time each week, you will also experience numerous other health benefits. BODY20 workouts help correct muscular imbalances, boost metabolism, accelerate weight loss, and much more. While the typical BODY20 member is in their upper 30s to late 50s, members include those as young as 18 and several in their 70s. In fact, not only is BODY20 FDA cleared and safe for all clients, it is also one of the few exercise programs that can help seniors maintain muscle mass, gain strength, and increase bone density, mitigating the substantial risks of osteoporosis and injuries from falls. It’s also ideal for those recovering from injuries and graduating from electrical stimulation therapy or other rehabilitation protocols and is often the only exercise routine safe for such people during their recovery. While it may sound too good to be true, members attest that their lives have dramatically improved in just a few months. Jake G. raves, “The results have been nothing short of amazing. I’ve improved my endurance, strength, and overall cardiovascular fitness. I’m achieving similar results in just two 20-minute sessions per week that used to take me five days a week at the gym.” Kerry B., a Founding Member, joined during presale while she was pregnant with her third child and shares, “BODY20 made an incredible difference in my postpartum recovery! I recovered so much faster than I did after my first two pregnancies.” And while Bev W. wasn’t focused on weight loss, just a desire to feel better, she gushes, “I have already gone down a size. I’m not winded going up stairs. I feel amazing!” One of BODY20’s coaches, Tricia, is a personal trainer who also teaches yoga and spin classes. According to Tricia, “Through my years of working in the fitness industry, I have developed numerous aches and pains. This has been a game-changer for me. It’s a great way
to load the muscles without overloading the joints. It is one of the most effective and efficient strength workouts and in just a few months I’ve seen significant strength and muscle definition improvements.” BODY20 EMS strength and advanced cardio training have disrupted and democratized the US market for personal training services – offering a better, faster, and cheaper alternative to traditional personal training. Additionally, a key component of the program is weekly comprehensive body composition analysis with the use of our InBody body scanning system. Using the InBody, coaches are able to measure more than just body weight and body fat percentage. InBody measures visceral fat surrounding your major organs, muscular imbalances, intra and extracellular water, resting metabolism rate and more. Trained coaches then review progress with our members every 6 weeks, so they know exactly how they are tracking against their personal goals. Watching and, more importantly, feeling the improvements keeps members coming back again and again. BODY20 studios provide a premium, boutique personal fitness experience, and EMS-certified coaches deliver personalized training programs that are tailored for each member’s goals and designed to help you achieve optimal results. Interested in suiting up with BODY20? To really understand the potential of BODY20, you have to experience the workout for yourself. Everyone receives their first workout for free, so you have nothing to lose! It’s important you arrive for your session properly hydrated. Since your full BODY20 wearables will be provided in-studio, typical gym clothes aren’t needed. Gone are the days of “accidentally” forgetting to pack your gym bag. BODY20 McKinney North is located at 1620 North Hardin Blvd, Ste. 800 and may be reached at 469-3243268. BODY20 Watters Creek is located at 926 Watters Creek Blvd. in Allen and can be reached at 469-270-3916.
L E A R N M O R E : B O DY 2 0 M c K i n n e y N o r t h a n d B O DY 2 0 Wa t t e r s C r e e k a r e o w n e d b y N a n c y M i l l e r. A f t e r a 3 5 - y e a r c a r e e r a s a p r o fe s s i o n a l e n g i n e e r a n d p r o j e c t m a n a g e m e n t p r o fe s s i o n a l b u i l d i n g fa c i l i t i e s a c r o s s the globe, she changed career path s to help people improve their lives.
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20-MINUTE SESSIONS. LIFE-CHANGING RESULTS. MINIMIZES STRAIN. REDUCES FAT. BUILDS MUSCLE (HYPERTROPHY). RELAXES MUSCLE TENSION. IMPROVES STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE. MAXIMIZES RESULTS IN MINIMAL TIME. CORRECTS MUSCULAR IMBALANCES. OPTIMIZES POSTURE. ENHANCES SPORT PERFORMANCE. UNLEASHES YOU.
www.body20.com/watters-creek/ 926 Watters Creek Blvd | Allen, TX 75013 | 469-270-3916 30
MORE THAN 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
ALTLAND AND HARRIS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
A full service CPA firm providing comprehensive accounting, tax and financial services to businesses and individuals. -FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES-RETIREMENT STRATEGIES-WEALTH ACCUMULATION STRATEGIES AND RETIREMENT PLANNING-
WWW.MONEYCONCEPTS.COM/HHARRIS HENRY HARRIS, III CPA/CEO “SEE ME NOW OR SEE ME LATER”
972.731.5050
5600 Tennyson Pkwy, Ste. 115, Plano, Texas 75024 All securities through Money Concepts Capital Corp. Member FINRA/SIPC Altland and Harris Financial Group, Inc is an independent firm not affiliated with Money Concepts Capital Corp.
KENDRA HEALY YOUR TRAVEL EXPERT
945-227-7878
www.myhaventravel.com kendra.healy@cruiseplanners.com FLST# 39068, CST# 2034468-50, HST# TAR-7058, WAST# 603-399-504
• CRYSTALS • CANDLES • JEWELRY • BOOK • JOURNALS • TAROT & ORACLE CARDS • DECOR FOR THE HOME & GARDEN
LET MINDFUL MERMAID MAKE THIS DECEMBER
MAGICAL! Join us for a sound bath or come in for an aura reading! We have Full Moon and New Moon Circles each month. Weekly Beginner’s Deep Dive Tarot Group!
20% OFF ONE ITEM IN STORE OR WITH ONLINE CODE MAGICAL20 www.mindful-mermaid.com 214-427-5777 604 W. Bethany Dr., Ste. 108, Allen, TX JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A L L E N T X
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Sweat Equity ARTICLE BY MEGAN HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY DREW TAYLOR
When it comes to living your best life, prioritizing your health and wellness is paramount. Despite our best intentions, a gym membership is not without its challenges. As Michael Streight, owner and operator of Luxury Lifestyle Training, puts it, “There’s no need to spend 15-30 minutes driving there and back, setting up or getting distracted. Time is valuable! Having your gym at home eliminates the excuses.” Aside from the hassle of travel, a home gym can be tailored to meet your specific training needs and provides you with a safe, sanitary, and private workout space free from the germs and inconveniences that often accompany gym memberships. Luxury Lifestyle Training provides elevated home gyms for homeowners. There are many great reasons to build a luxury gym at home, and Streight shares all the insights.
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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FIT N E SS
Homeowners should consider setting themselves and their spaces for success with enough floor space to maximize movement potential. “If possible, having glass mirrors is important in order to see your movement and get some great visuals of your form to ensure proper movement and avoid injuries,” says Streight. Top must-haves include dumbbells (having a full set is better if space permits), a pull-up rack, TRX straps and a landmine attachment for a barbell. “We believe you are only limited by creativity,” Streight shares. “And with these equipment pieces, the creativity is endless!”
Streight believes it is super important for homeowners to set a logical pace for themselves and a clear vision when it comes to building their luxury at-home gym. Trends and fads do not ultimately yield results and a successful gym relies on being honest with yourself about your goals. “I cannot tell you how many Peloton Bikes I have been asked to try to resell because the purchaser never used it!” Streight reveals. “Be realistic with your goals, your training styles and what kind of fitness regimen excites you.” As Streight puts it, an elevated home gym should be a source of pride for a homeowner. A functional training space should be a continuation of the aesthetic and look of their home.
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“There’s no need to spend 15 -30 minutes driving there and back, setting up or getting distracted. Time is valuable! Having your gym at home e l i m i n a t e s t h e e x c u s e s .” “In regards to our home gym building process, I feel we have a very unique approach,” Streight says. “As fitness professionals, we understand and know training philosophies and styles like the back of our hand. Additionally, we pride ourselves on knowing the greatest and latest equipment, subscription training models and more.” Luxury Lifestyle Training hears their clients’ needs and filters them through their professional lenses to bring a world class space to life. Luxury Lifestyle Training team members are known as “concierge coaches” because they raise the bar for what is expected. “I tell clients that we guarantee they are going to get honest, transparent and good responsive communication,”
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H E A LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FITNESS
Streight voices. “That is what matters the most and it goes further than anything else can.” Luxury Lifestyle Training also provides educational advice as needed for clients who desire more knowledge and insights. Building a dream home gym requires team collaboration and effort in order to be as efficient as possible while not losing out on the quality of a home’s style. “True results and true transformation happen over time,” Streight adds. “It is a marathon, not a sprint. Transformation here at Luxury Lifestyle Training has happened with and for our clients over time, by buying into the belief that they can, and the belief and trust that their concierge coach and our team will work beside them the whole way!”
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N e w Ye a r, N e w Yo u ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN LAINE
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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | P R OFESSIONAL SERVICES
“
M a ke a l i s t of a l l t h e t h i n g s t h at n e e d t o h a p p e n t o re a l i z e t h i s n ew d re a m . DE C I DE t o d o it . Ta ke AC T ION .
What a time and place we live in! Most of us here are blessed with the opportunity to be or do anything we dream or desire. Gone are the days when we chose one career (possibly the same as our parents) and stuck with it our entire lives without question. We no longer have to accept our 'lot in life' when it comes to career, status, health and fitness, or living in the same town where we grew up. If we dream it, we can live it. We CAN “Change our Stars."
REBIRTH
I feel like I’ve been reborn many times in my lifetime. My greatest rebirth was my spiritual rebirth, and I continue to be renewed in my spiritual walk daily. Stepping into the roles of wife and mother were also significant rebirths for me. As the youngest of my children approached adulthood, I began another “new life." After about 16 years of my dream job raising and homeschooling our 7 kids (yes, that was really my dream, and yes, we had that many on purpose), I started thinking about the next chapter. I was primed for a major reinvention. Music, the field I thought would always be my next phase, became closed off due to struggles with my vocal health. My life had been kids and music, but I always had a love for photography. I had done some work here and there for our homeschool groups and had taken several of my kids’ senior class photos. I even thought about setting up a small studio in our backyard to do portraits in. Though I had always been an avid hobbyist, the cost of film and the dedication homeschool required were barriers to realizing my little studio dream. The film age was just crossing into the digital age and remote classes in photography were hard to come by. However, I found courses in digital design and thought this could be the next best thing to fuel my photography progression, so I enrolled. I added all the books I could find on photography and spent hours every day educating myself and practicing my photo skills. I
took the first steps to making my new dream a reality. And now, almost 15 years after beginning that process, I fall more and more in love with photography and the business of celebrating life in portraiture each day. So I ask you — what dream has been hanging out in the back of your mind? Is it a new business idea? A fitness goal? A new hobby? Maybe you are on the brink of radically revamping your lifestyle to prioritize a relationship, become the caretaker of a loved one, or take ownership of your mental health. Maybe you've had a lot of success in a field you don't love anymore and you really dream of going on mission in a remote country. Whether big or small, here are a few tips to help you determine if you are ready for a life reinvention:
1) CONNECTION
Spend some time reconnecting with your most pure self. Imagine those times in your life when you felt most in flow, the most joy, the most confident and at peace. Go way back – even into your childhood, if necessary. Scan your memories for as many of these as possible. Allow yourself some time away to mentally relive those moments and really re-experience those emotions. Take a long walk or two and get into those moments. What were you doing? Who were you at these times? How did you feel? What traits can you recognize in yourself that can fuel or give foundation for your new endeavors? What things in your current life are blocking this now? What roles have you taken on that don’t really represent your true nature? What steps can you take to remove or eliminate these elements that don’t serve your new path?
2) PURPOSE
List those traits, skills, and values recognized in step one. When we have a better sense of who we are at our best, we can better connect with our purpose. What do you want your life to stand for? How would you like to contribute to the world? What kinds of CONTINUED >
JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A L L E N T X
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experiences do you most want for your life? For your family? What kind of example do you want to be? Do these things align with your current life? What would you change to create that alignment? Turn this into a statement of purpose and mission.
3) ACTION
Maybe your re-invention is a small reset to your daily schedule to allow for more consistent workouts, dance lessons, or a language class. Or maybe you ARE dreaming big like a major career change or big move. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. There is no time like right now. Like all other goals, you need a plan. Make a list of all the things that need to happen to realize this new dream. DECIDE to do it. Take ACTION. What's that first thing you need to do to move toward your goal? No matter how small, DO
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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | P R OFESSIONAL SERVICES
IT RIGHT NOW! Tell someone important to you. Write that letter. Call the realtor. Sign up for those dance lessons. For me, it was submitting that application to return to school. WHATEVER IT IS, you haven't really made the decision UNTIL you've taken ACTION. SO DO IT! BE BOLD! Take hold of your life and take that first step to the NEW YOU IN THE NEW YEAR. Karen Laine is on a continual journey of growth and rebirth, pursuing many interests. She has found alignment with her deep desire to value life and instill confidence in every person through her 12 years as a professional portrait photographer. She currently serves North Texas with luxury custom service and award winning work operating Karen Laine Photography. She lives in Luella, TX with her husband of 31 years, youngest daughter, and four dogs.
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ARTICLE BY SHANNON WHITE, LCDC
NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH
GRACETOCHANGE 44
G IV IN G BAC K | LO CAL SE RVICE S
After serving for several years as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and personally living daily in recovery since August 2007, I believed there was a better way to assist people desirous of recovery. I originally established GraceToChange in 2012 as a for-profit Substance Use Disorder
available for addiction treatment, as well as individual and family therapies for adolescents and adults. Notably, GTC is the only nonprofit SUD adolescent provider in the area. Though the county is considered affluent, we are in a treatment desert for those who, without assistance,
(SUD) treatment center. In 2017, GraceToChange applied for and was granted 501(c)3 status by the IRS. We continue to operate as GraceToChange in McKinney. We are an outpatient treatment center serving adolescent and adult citizens of Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties with Intensive and Supportive Outpatient Programs (IOP/SOP) and individual and family counseling. Since inception, GTC has graduated over 1,100 clients and has an 85% success rate at 9 months. GTC serves the underserved in Collin and surrounding counties. 90% of our client base is categorized as low- to moderate income (or indigent). For those who do not qualify for Medicaid or the county behavioral health authority, there are no treatment options other than GTC. We rely on grants, donations, and contract services through the state and county funding
could not otherwise afford critical SUD services. This is everyone’s problem, not just those who suffer from the disease. Statistically, one in four families battle addiction. It is in our homes, schools, offices, clubs, churches, and neighborhoods. Addiction does not discriminate and neither should treatment options. We are passionate in our endeavors, wholly committed to offering those who desire it a path to life-long recovery. GraceToChange has never denied services to any client based on their inability to pay. Today we are in the fight of our lives! Some 20+ years ago, our region faced a similar crisis with black tar heroin as we are currently facing with Fentanyl, but with a notable difference… users knew when they were ingesting black tar heroin. Today’s issue is more frightening and far deadlier because people are unaware products contain Fentanyl
“GTC HAS GRADUATED OVER 1,100 CLIENTS AND HAS AN 85% SUCCESS RATE AT 9 MONTHS.”
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— a highly addictive substance 100 times more potent than morphine. An amount equal to a grain of sand is deadly. Fentanyl overdoses have risen 1300% over the past 36 months and are the leading cause of overdose deaths in Texas. Illicit drug manufacturers are catering to younger people, marketing deadly, colorful pills with seductive names that mimic candy to entice our youth. Sadly, their campaign is effective. We are currently treating the youngest census in our history. To that end, it is more important than ever to offer treatment services to all citizens regardless of their financial means. GTC has numerous volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and corporations, with options to support us with specific drives such as bottled water and snacks for group meetings, supplies, and more. Check out our socials for more details. www.gracetochange.org (972) 542-2900 1216 N. Central Expressway. Ste. 104 McKinney, TX 75070
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G IV IN G BAC K | LO CAL SE RVICE S
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JANUARY 2024
events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
EVE RY M O N DAY IN JANUARY
The Comedy Arena Presents: Open Mic Night The Comedy Arena: 305 E. Virginia, #104, McKinney, TX 75069 It's Open Mic Night, so anything goes! A stand up comedy show for a sit down audience. Come see local comics, seasoned vets and rookies alike flesh out their new material and jokes! Come out for some late night comedy in a super chilled and laid back atmosphere. You never know who might be hitting the stage. JA NUA RY 3 RD
Interactive Elf Movie Party Allen Public Library: 300 N. Allen Drive, Allen, TX 75013 | 2:00 PM For grades 7-12. Teens, grab a friend and put on your favorite pjs or tacky holiday outfit! Let’s have some post holiday fun celebrating with an interactive version of the movie, Elf! Gingerbread houses, treats, and movie fun you will not want to miss! Limit to 20 teens. Tickets will be available at the Children’s Desk 30 minutes before the program starts. JA NUA RY 6T H
Cacao and Shamanic Journeying at Sol & Luna Wellness Sol & Luna Wellness: 501 N. Kentucky St., McKinney, TX 75069 | 6:00 PM This special Cacao + Shamanic Drum Journey is intended for the best and highest good and for bringing in more stillness and presence into your body, mind and soul. Sacred Cacao is shown to have many health benefits and also opens the heart. It is great for all levels, so wherever you are in your practice, you are welcome! JA NUA RY 2 3 RD
Armchair Travelers Visit Italy Allen Public Library: 300 N. Allen Drive, 2nd Floor, Allen, TX 75013 | 7:00 PM Join "The Traveling Professor," Steve Solosky, for a trip to Italy, exploring the cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice. From his over 50 tours of Italy, learn about all the things to see, do, and eat in these three iconic cities. Italian snacks will be available to sample. JA NUA RY 2 6T H - 2 8T H
The Vampire Diaries Official Convention Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center: 777 Watters Creek Blvd., Allen, TX 75013 Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley and more guests return to the Dallas area for another FANG-tastic time! Join them for non-stop programming, events, live entertainment and more! JA NUA RY 2 7 T H
A Night at the Opera – It's in English, Y'all! Lowery Freshman Center Auditorium: 368 N. Greenville Ave., Allen, TX 75002 | 7:30 PM Experience an enchanting evening of a captivating repertoire of arias from renowned operas, all sung in English! Experience the allure of timeless classics such as Carmen, La Traviata, La Boheme, Madame Butterfly, Die Fledermaus, and others. This event will delight and enthrall every music enthusiast in the audience.
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A L L E N T X
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EVE N TS
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Our Culinary classes offer an enriching and educational experience that extends beyond the realm of cooking. By cultivating healthy eating habits, building fundamental cooking skills, fostering creativity, nurturing life skills, and fostering cultural appreciation, we empower our Young Chefs to explore their passion for food and embark on a lifelong culinary journey. As children engage in these classes, they develop a love for cooking and gain valuable life skills that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives!
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STUDENT OF THE MONTH Avery Griffith ARTICLE BY ALISA HAUSER
Depending on the day, you’ll find Avery Griffith either covered in dirt or all dressed up. A former competitive cheerleader at the highest international level, these days you can find her in the barn with her goat, Dallas. She’s actively involved in Future Farmers of America where she competes in career and leadership development events as well as showing goats. “I wake up at the crack of dawn each morning to clean Dallas’s pen and feed him.” But her dedication doesn't end there. In the evening, she returns to the barn, where she engages in what she playfully calls “bodybuilding for goats,” cleaning his pen again, taking his temperature, weighing him, washing him… “All the things! I love it!” Avery has come a long way from the days she was hesitant about joining FFA. “I used to think, ‘Oh, I don’t want to get dirty, I want to go get dressed up.’ But now the barn is my favorite place to be.” She says FFA has really prepared her for the future. “I’ve met so many cool people and have had so many wonderful experiences. It's the best thing I've ever done." In her “spare” time she works with kids with disabilities and volunteers at the gym where she grew up cheering. Avery’s resolution for 2024? To finish high school strong and truly embrace everything college has to offer. “I’ll rush and join various clubs and also get involved in a local church. I’ll find my family there, and I’ll love it!” Her destination? The University of Alabama, where she'll explore majors in agriculture, business, or communication. Whether she’s under bright lights or in the barn with the goats, with her vibrant spirit, there's no doubt she'll make it wherever she goes. She’s bound to be a success at whatever she chooses.
WHAT SHE’S WATCHING: Gilmore Girls. “It’s the perfect show for once it gets cold!” WHO SHE’S FOLLOWING: Everything goats! Tips about raising and showing goats, what you should be doing for your goat… goats, goats, goats! The main one that I find the best advice on is @texasshowgoat
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