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Health & Wellness F O O D + B E V E R AG E

DIN N ER TO N IGHT WITH ALE X SNO D GRA SS

JA N UA RY 2 02 4

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You focus on healing. We take care of everything else. At Snellings Law, we’re not just lawyers. We’re also your neighbors and friends. We live here, and we work here. You can rest assured that we are invested in this community. We are not a high-volume personal injury firm. Instead, when you hire Snellings Law, you get personal treatment from our entire team. We want to do everything we can to ease your stress through the personal injury process and help you get through this difficult time by ensuring that you get the best medical care possible and a fair resolution. If you or a loved one have suffered a serious or catastrophic injury due to the negligence of someone else, we can help you recover past and future damages, including:

Medical Expenses - Lost Wages - Pain And Suffering - Impairment Call us today or visit our website to schedule a free consultation with our team at Snellingsinjurylaw.com

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Scan the QR code to check out Scott’s podcast, The Driven Crowd, where he discusses business, personal growth, and more with local community leaders.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

New Year, New You Hello, 2024. I always feel that rush of revitalization of new beginnings, new goals and new routines. Once I get the holiday decorations down and stashed, I like to take it a step further and clean out the closets and purge the pantry. I might also consider a detox, a new walking schedule with a friend, or even a new paint color. Both my kids celebrate their birthdays at the beginning and end of January, so I get to celebrate the new year and new beginnings all month long. In this issue, we hope to inspire you to make lasting improvements to your health and wellness. We visit with the owners of 24K Gold Marriage and learn new ways to bring more joy into your home and partnership. We also learn from Jim Scano, local business influencer and owner of Atomic T-Shirts & Signs, how to find happiness in entrepreneurship. Owning your own business can be hard, but few careers are more rewarding. For your physical health, we show how honey can be a sweet source of goodness for your body and wellness in Honey For Health. Sourcing honey locally can help fight those spring allergies that are just around the corner. In our Sports & Wellness article, our team shares some favorite spots to keep your body ready for that revived workout schedule and rejuvenated after that new hobby you've always wanted to try. Jill Smisek, Celina resident and realtor with Mark Spain, inspires us with her journey over the past year to a new self. So drink that water, take more walks, plant those bulbs. Volunteer with a local charity and pick out a new hobby. Try a new recipe from Dinner Tonight by Alex Snodgrass, our own celebrity bestselling author and chef who hails from Celina. Plan a wellness retreat or a rejuvenating trip to help kick off your best year yet! We are rooting for you! As always, thank you for reading and we'll see you around town.

BARBARA IRELAND, PUBLISHER @CELINA.LIFESTYLE

January 2024 PUBLISHER

Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Danielle Poché | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com AR E A D I R E C TO R

Roger Ireland | Roger.Ireland@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Jennifer Haveman | Jennifer.Haveman@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katelyn Briscoe, Niki Carbajal, Christine Clark, Roger Ireland, Jim Scano C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Melissa Hatcher, Nicole Wierick, Holly Farrow, Kristen Kilpatrick

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 Antanette Ray

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Celina Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Celina 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 Celina Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

54 58

Featured

28 44

54 58 10

HONEY FOR HEALTH

Local Resources Provide Wellness Benefits

A PATH TO BETTER HEALTH

Celina Resident And Realtor, Jill Smisek, Shares Her Weight Loss Journey

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS Local Organizations Help Bridge the Gap

DINNER TONIGHT

Author of The Defined Dish and The Comfortable Kitchen Makes Eating Healthy A Breeze

44 On the Cover

Departments

New York Times bestselling author, Alex Snodgrass, releases her third cookbook, Dinner Tonight: 100 Simple, Healthy Recipes for Every Night Of The Week.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Career Advice LOCAL SERVICES

Locally Sourced FOOD + BEVERAGE

Expert Help PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Self Care FITNESS

Family Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Must See EDUCATION

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Realty Report REAL ESTATE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Events

Kids Corner EDUCATION

Photography: Kristen Kilpatrick

JANUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

CELINA CHAMBER

JACOB LOPEZ

1: Tracy Heckel and Melissa Gresham honoring Veterans Day. 2: Attorneys Mindy Koehne and Eddie Cawlfield share their knowledge at Moore Middle School Career Day 3: Congratulations to Celina High School Volleyball on an amazing season! 4: Celina Lifestyle photographer Nicole Wierick spends time with Saint Nick! 5: Melissa Cromwell and Jan Sampeck shop at the Prosper Merry Market. 6: Celebrating the Bobcats! Congratulations on a fantastic season!

CONTINUED >

C I T Y SC E N E

Wishin’ y’all a healthy &

Happy New Year!

BTW ~

“Transforming ordinary to Extraordinary” ~ Family owned & operated since 1985!

city scene CONTINUED

13 11

7-13: Run Celina hosts the inaugural Celina Turkey Trot presented by Celina Lifestyle on Thanksgiving Day.

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 @ C E L I N A . L I F E S T Y L E

C I T Y SC E N E

You’ve worked hard to achieve success. You deserve financial advisors who work as hard for you. As an Ameriprise private wealth advisory practice, we have the qualifications and experience to help navigate your complex financial needs. Whether it’s investment management, tax strategies or legacy planning, we can work with you to grow and preserve what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

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

MELISSA BURKS SELLS GRAND HOMES BUFFALO RIDGE Melissa Burks is in sales for Grand Homes in a new community named Buffalo Ridge. Buffalo Ridge is an upscale community offering an exceptional quality of life for its residents. With close proximity to highly regarded Celina schools, FM 289 as well as the Dallas North Tollway, the location is excellent for peaceful living as well as big city amenities. Buffalo Ridge, known for its beautiful homes and family-friendly atmosphere, is the perfect place to call home.

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CELINA 5K & KIDS 1K FUN RUN Join Run Celina for the Celina 5K and Kids 1K Fun Run at Old Celina Park on Saturday, January 13th at 8:00AM. This race will benefit the Celina American Legion. Choose from a 5K option or a 1K Fun Run. All participants of the race will receive an awesome finisher medal and a race shirt. Bonus, all race photos will be free! Run Celina Run! To register for this annual event, visit RunCelina.com

Scan to read more Photography by Run Celina

NEW PARTNER EDDIE BUCKLEY WITH STATE FARM Introducing our newest partner, Eddie Buckley with State Farm. Eddie and his team proudly serve Celina, Aubrey, Frisco, Little Elm, Prosper & McKinney area. His State Farm insurance agency is conveniently located at 1212 South Preston Rd in the Keller Williams building in Celina. They specialize in auto, home, life, pet and business insurance to help you manage the risks of everyday life. Call for a free personalized quote for any of your insurance needs at 972.382.9008.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

CIELO BEAUTY BAR Cielo Beauty Bar has two locations, one in Celina and the other in Frisco, offering high quality beauty and spa services. Their mission is to provide guests with exceptional professional services in a warm and welcoming environment. Cielo Beauty Bar believes self-care is an essential part of overall wellness. To enjoy facials, sugaring, spray tanning, body contouring and other treatments, visit CieloBeautyBar.com to book your appointment. Relax. Recharge. Rejuvenate.

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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 / C E L I N A

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

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T H E WO M E N O F

Influence Awards CELEBRATING COMMUNITY INFLUENCERS FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEADERSHIP

Award Recipients: Vanessa Jaramillo, Katie Dunn, Barbara Ireland, Karla Vargas, Rachel Baty

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER HAVEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CELINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

The Celina Ladies Of Influence [CLOI] is a premier organization, created by women to empower and propel women into business success through education, mentoring, and service. This organization offers chances to mix with others socially and to communicate your ideas. CLOI meets monthly to support each other and their community with charity and networking events. Chamber members can join by going to the events tab on the Chamber website to take advantage of this wonderful organization. CelinaChamber.org On November 6, 2023, Celina Ladies of Influence and women across Celina met to honor inspiring women for their contributions to our community. Presented by Tammie Dunn Walker and Strategic Wealth Advisor Team Ameriprise Financial, The Women of Influence celebration recognized community influencers for their accomplishments and leadership roles in the community. Women of Celina enjoyed a night of fun and community and celebrated inspiring women who have made a significant impact in our community. Their achievements, dedication, and influence have set new standards of excellence. These change-makers and champions of compassion epitomize the character of CLOI and Celina as a whole through their philanthropic, social, environmental and business contributions. Awards were presented in five distinguished categories:

ACADEMIC INFLUENCER:

• Demonstrated excellence in a specific academic field. • Significant contributions to research, publications, or academic discourse. • Influence on peers, students, and the broader academic community through teaching or mentoring. • Recognition within the academic community, such as awards or invitations to speak at conferences

HISTORIC INFLUENCER

• Contribution to preserving and promoting historical knowledge or heritage. • Impact on the understanding of historical events, figures, or eras. • Publications, documentaries, exhibitions, or educational initiatives related to history. • Acknowledgment by peers, historians, or historical institutions.

EXECUTIVE INFLUENCER

• High-level leadership in a specific industry or organization.

• Achievements in business growth, innovation, or transformation. • Influence on industry trends or practices. • Recognition through awards, industry publications, or speaking engagements

COMMUNITY INFLUENCER

• Active involvement in community-based initiatives or organizations. • Positive impact on local or regional communities. • Advocacy for social causes, community development, or well-being. • Endorsement or recognition by community members, local authorities, or nonprofit organizations.

PHILANTHROPIC INFLUENCER

• Significant contributions to charitable organizations or philanthropic causes. • Initiatives or campaigns that have made a substantial difference in the lives of those in need. • Mobilization of resources, funding, or support for social or environmental causes. • Recognition by philanthropic organizations, media, or the beneficiaries of the philanthropic efforts.

NOMINEES (WINNERS DENOTED WITH *) ACADEMIC: Vanessa Hurtado Jaramillo*

COMMUNITY:

Aimee Bissett Anca Iagar Otvos Jai Ellis Katie Dunn* Ladies Who Bingo Vanessa Hurtado Jaramillo Wendie Wigginton

EXECUTIVE:

Barbara Cushman Barbara Ireland*

HISTORIC:

Brittany Yurkovitch Rachel Baty*

PHILANTHROPIC: Karla Vargas* Ladies Who Bingo

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

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FINDING HAPPINESS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY JIM SCANO - OWNER OF ATOMIC T-SHIRTS & SIGNS

ARTICLE BY JIM SCANO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA HATCHER

Jim Scano, owner of Atomic T-Shirts & Signs

CAR E E R A DV IC E | LO CAL SE RVICE S

Atomic T-Shirts & Signs

In the exciting world of entrepreneurship, it's important to remind ourselves that pursuing happiness isn't a destination; it's the essence of the journey. As an entrepreneur, you hold the keys to your own happiness, an inherent power to create a life of fulfillment and purpose. The path may be filled with challenges, sleepless nights, and unexpected twists, but it's also laden with moments of triumph, growth, and exhilaration. Happiness in entrepreneurship is not a treasure to be discovered in the future but a mindset to be embraced in the present. Happiness isn't about achieving a certain level of success, acquiring a particular sum of wealth, or reaching a predefined milestone. It's about finding joy in the relentless pursuit of your vision in the process of creating, innovating, and making a difference. It's in the spark of a new idea, the courage to take calculated risks, and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks. Happiness is the recognition that your work isn't just a means to an end but an integral part of who you are, an expression of your passion and purpose. In the entrepreneurial landscape, it's vital to understand that the journey itself is where happiness resides. It's in the ability to pivot, adapt, and learn from every experience, whether it's a soaring success or a humbling failure. It's in the relationships you build, the connections you nurture, and the communities you impact. It's the exhilaration of witnessing your ideas come to life, your products transform lives, and your vision creates change. Moreover, the pursuit of happiness as an entrepreneur is deeply intertwined with your personal and

professional growth. It's about the relentless quest to become the best version of yourself, to continually expand your skills, knowledge, and impact. It's the thrill of overcoming obstacles, the mastery of leadership, and the constant evolution of your mindset. In the whirlwind of entrepreneurial days, it's easy to get lost in the relentless demands of the journey. It's why finding happiness means embracing mindfulness, self-care, and gratitude. It's a reminder to savor the small victories, acknowledge the lessons within the challenges, and reflect on the incredible privilege of building something of your own. So, I urge you, fellow entrepreneurs, to understand that happiness is a choice you make every day. It's a conscious decision to find joy in the process, to define your own measure of success, and to shape your destiny. It's the realization that, even amidst the chaos and uncertainties of entrepreneurship, you possess the power to embrace each day with enthusiasm and a profound sense of happiness. Your journey is not just about building a business; it's about building a life that radiates with the extraordinary energy of happiness and purpose. Jim Scano is owner of Atomic T-Shirts & Signs (AtomicTShirts.com, 412 N. Oklahoma Dr.), serves on the Celina Chamber of Commerce board and is a board member at Gunter Independent School District. Thank you for the editorial submission on a journey worth the investment. If you have an article for editorial consideration, please contact us at Barbara.Ireland@ CityLifestyle.com

“Happiness isn’t about achieving a certain level of success, acquiring a particular sum of wealth, or reaching a predefined milestone. It’s about finding joy in the relentless pursuit of your vision in the process of creating, innovating, and making a difference.” JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

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Texas Range Honey

HON E Y FOR H E A LT H

Local Resources Provide Wellness Benefits

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CLARK

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Steve and Epi Goldstein, owner and operator of Texas Range Honey recently shared the secret to their tasty wild honey. Wild honey is processed differently from honey you find in most grocery stores. It has never been heated past temperatures that naturally occur inside the hive. As bees deposit nectar which becomes honey into their hives, their activity increases the temperature inside the hive. Bees suck the nectar from flowers and store it in their stomachs. Later, bees will pass the nectar to other bees through their mouths. As the bees pass the nectar, the sugary substance turns into honey. Then, the bees store the final product in honeycomb cells. Large producers of honey will usually harvest honey with commercial bee blowers and large quantity spinners. They will also heat honey to make it faster and easier to filter and bottle, removing many of the nutrients in the process. Wild honey is not pasteurized or altered in any way. It is unfiltered and responsibly harvested, free of any chemicals, additives, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, and pollutants. Raw and wild honey is an all-natural and readily available option with many health benefits. Some evidence suggests that honey helps reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes and supports a healthy stomach. It has a mix of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants. In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent. People commonly use honey to treat coughs and apply it topically to treat burns and promote wound healing. Interestingly many people eat bee pollen sprinkled on their morning toast, in a sandwich at lunch or to lower cholesterol,

reduce hardening of the arteries, improve metabolism, and increase hormone levels. It may also improve stamina and strength, reduce depression, decrease inflammation, as well as improve immunity, menopausal symptoms, and wound healing. While both Steve and Epi say the flavor of pollen is not sweet like honey, they cannot dispute the health benefits. If you are interested in starting a bee pollen regimen, start slowly with as little as ¼ tsp per day. People can have allergies to bee pollen. Sis’s Country Store in Weston, Texas is the place to find Texas Range Honey, as well as many other products made with Texas honey. Steve and Epi are members of Go Texan from the Texas Department of Agriculture and are committed to carrying a broad range of Texas only products. Their own products include the traditional Wildflower Honey, Very Raw Natural Honey that is slow cooked and spun making it fluffy, cinnamon creamed honey, honey and pepper sauce, and honey salsa. Some of their other products include mustard and wasabi sauce made with honey from Fort Worth, and olive oils from the hill country. They also have a selection of chocolates and sweets made with honey to meet the needs of any sweet tooth. You can find Sis’s Country Store on Main Street in Weston, Texas or online at RangeHoney.com. You have probably passed it many times as you are driving from Celina to McKinney and points east. Take a minute and stop in for lunch at Haw Creek Tacos food truck, grab a coffee from Reese's special coffee brews and enjoy an afternoon on the recently opened patio. While they do not have a liquor license, they are happy to have you BYOB to enjoy. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

HONEY GARLIC SALMON INGREDIENTS SAUCE • 4 tbsp honey • 2 tbsp soy sauce (all purpose or light soy sauce) • 1 tbsp white vinegar (or sub with any other vinegar except balsamic) • 1 large garlic clove (or 2 small) , minced

SALMON • 2 salmon or trout fillets, skinless (6oz / 200g each) • Olive oil • Salt and pepper

OPTIONAL GARNISHES • Sesame seeds • Finely sliced chives or shallots/scallions

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

INSTRUCTIONS

Take salmon out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Pat salmon skin dry with a paper towel and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Whisk together the Sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle oil in a non stick fry pan and heat over medium high heat (or just under, if your stove runs hot). Place salmon in the pan, and cook the first side for 3 - 4 minutes until golden. Turn, then cook the other side for 2 - 3 minutes or until golden. Pour sauce over salmon. Cook for 1 minute or until it starts to thicken slightly. Check the side of the salmon to tell how cooked through the middle is. If Sauce thickens too much before your salmon is cooked to your taste, just add water 1 tbsp at a time. Remove onto serving plates. Serve salmon drizzled with Sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and chives/shallots, if desired.

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OUTSTANDING STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Sponsored by Lamar National Bank

Photo credit: Holly Farrow

Josh Bennett | Celina HS It is with great pleasure to announce the Outstanding Student Athlete of the Month as selected by the Celina Independent School District (CISD) Athletic Coaching Team. This month’s selection is Josh Bennett. Josh Bennett is a senior at Celina High School (CHS) and an offensive left tackle on the Bobcat football team. Josh also played defensive line and tight end his junior year for the Bobcats. The win against Anna this season in four overtimes is a highlight for Josh as it was his first time as a starter on varsity. The Celina Bobcats were Area Champions this year and ended the season with a 11-2 record. For his efforts on the team, Josh was named Most Valuable Player for Celina at the 11-On event at The Star. Josh is grateful for the opportunity to have played for Celina. He is thankful for the coaches who have helped shape him into the man he is today. Josh started playing tackle football in Celina in the 2nd grade. During track

season, Josh throws discus for Celina High School. Most of Josh’s time outside of school is spent volunteering at church. He has been a middle school small group leader for three years. This year, he leads a group of eighth graders. He also applied and was accepted to serve on a leadership team that helps make decisions regarding student ministry. At school, Josh was chosen to be a Teaching Assistant for AP Computer Science. In this role, he guides and advises advanced students as they work on complex projects. During his down time, Josh enjoys hanging out with friends, working out, and playing guitar. After graduation, Josh hopes to attend Texas A&M and major in Computer Science. While in college, he would like to spend his summers as a counselor at Pine Cove Shores. He plans to pursue a career in software engineering. Congratulations to Josh Bennett and his selection as the January Outstanding Student Athlete of the Month!

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24K GOLD MARRIAGE ARTICLE BY KATELYN BRISCOE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA HATCHER THE LOVE AND LEARNING BEHIND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND HAPPY MARRIAGES

It’s a typical morning in the Ivey home: Barb is about to head out for work. Dick grabs the dog and walks her to the door as he sits in the rocking chair on their front porch. As she pulls out of the driveway, he waves her goodbye. Just as he does each day when she heads to work. “After 35 years of marriage, isn’t that cool? I mean who has that?” Barb Ivey says. “That’s what we have, and that’s what we teach, and we keep learning, and we keep growing because it’s important to us.” Celina locals Barb and Dick Ivey, owners of 24k Gold Marriage, are in the business of helping people transform their relationships. As educators, coaches, and mentors, they say their goal is to empower people to be more relational and happily connected. They do this by teaching a structured process for connecting: a step-by-step approach that leads people to listen without judgement and talk without criticism.

EXP E RT H E LP | P RO FES SION AL SE RVICE S

“Barb and I are well schooled in a whole lot of stuff, but we didn’t know how to get relationships right and, as a consequence, this is not our first marriage,” Dick says. “But as we began this one, we discovered that we were falling into the same trap that we had been in before and that there must be something that we didn’t know that, perhaps, others knew about how to get relationships right.” After spending thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours seeking out the best people in relationship education, they found what they were looking for. “…After an extensive time of doing that kind of study and investigation, we have come to a place where we understand what it is and what it means to get relationships right and now, like a couple of recovering drunks, we want everybody to know,” Dick says. To share what they have learned with others, the Iveys have been doing work together to help couples at all different stages of relationships for the past 30 years and have worked with over 600 couples in that time. Their passion and commitment to sharing their knowledge with others has manifested in weekend workshops where they welcome couples into their own home designed to accommodate guests. “Here’s the problem. As smart rats as we are, nobody in our history came to teach us what we needed to know about relationships… So, the assumption is, in our society, that if you’re old enough and can find somebody that would have you, you’re automatically equipped to be a husband and wife or a parent, and that’s just wrong on so many counts. And so, our goal is to help as many couples—first of all, one on one couples—in our home,” Dick says. During their weekend retreats, they host one couple at a time, welcoming them into their home for a nice dinner in their home on Friday evening; the couples stay the night for a day full of learning topped off with a date night on Saturday, and then stay the night one more evening to learn and work more on Sunday. For each couple they host, they design the curriculum specifically for that couple and their needs. “Dick is really our teacher. He’s really good at it,” Barb says. “I’m very intuitive, and I kind of see things beyond words. So, together we do very well.” To build their program, Barb and Dick learned about relationships from many notable people who study and share best practices of building healthy relationships, such as Harville and Helen Hendrix, Steve Stosny, Pat Love, Scott Stanley, Howard Markman, John Gottman, and Les and Lesley Parrott. “They were able to give us pieces of the puzzle which we cobbled together, and then we began to practice the new skills and tools that they had taught us. Then we picked from those folks that had helped us—best practices things that had then

“After 35 years of marriage, isn’t that cool? I mean who has that?” Barb Ivey says. “That’s what we have, and that’s what I’m saying we teach, and we keep learning, and we keep growing because it’s important to us.” organized into the program that we use today… And it’s not about us, it’s just about the processes that we teach,” Dick says. In learning about what builds healthy relationships and marriages, they learned that family history and family of origin played a part in how they related to each other and that they would have to relearn some things they had experienced in childhood. Despite coming from different relational homes, Barb says they found, interestingly, that they had similar issues in their relationship. The learning that has built their business model also has built their marriage. “I saw that we teach what we need to learn the most, and by continually teaching and coaching and mentoring, that our relationship continually gets stronger all the time,” Barb says. “And we learn, every time we work with a couple, we learn something new or are reminded of something we need to know. So, we teach that: what we need to learn the most.” For more information on Barb and Dick Ivey’s services, their website is 24kGoldMarriage.org, where Dick also writes a daily prayer and a weekly blog called 24k Gold Nuggets, with weekly tidbits of relationship advice. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

“I saw that we teach what we need to learn the most, and by continually teaching and coaching and mentoring, that our relationship continually gets stronger all the time.”

EXP E RT H E LP | P RO FES SION AL SE RVICE S

“I serve seasonal specialty drinks and include Texas Range Honey to sweeten our signature lattes!”

- Reese

Reese’s Coffee Corner

Sis’s Country Store

Official Home of Texas Range Honey

Follow up on Facebook & Instagram to see what’s to come in 2024! 108 Main St, Weston, TX

972.742.6402

Monday - Saturday

7AM - 3PM

BREAKFAST ALL DAY!

WAKE UP YOUR TASTEBUDS Serving Breakfast & Lunch Menu includes Kids Menu and Senior Specials

Open 7:00AM - 2:00PM Mon-Fri | 7:00AM - 3:00PM Sat & Sun

Locally Owned & Operated

709 East Pecan Street Celina, Texas 75009 469.202.3040 JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

ings

I love Celina! Just ask my family, friends and clients and they will tell you how much I love Celina. I fell in love in 2003 and got here as fast as I could, as the saying goes. I love that I get to sell Celina not just as a real estate broker but as a proud citizen, neighbor, and friend. It is an exciting time to be in Celina! There are so many amazing neighborhoods and more on the way. I’m so grateful that I get to help my clients stake their claim in Celina and call it home!

SELLING HOUSES & BUYING HOMES! Kathy Corey Broker + Owner

www.houseandhometexas.com | kathy@houseandhometexas.com | 469-222-5335

May the New Year bring peace, joy and happiness to all! For fast ordering and pick-up, order online!

304 West Walnut Street Celina, Texas 75009 469-202-3110 | toastedwalnuttableandmarket.com

Quality, Speed and a Smile! GET YOUR WORD OUT!

& d e n w O y l Local Operated aps C & s t ir h S T m o C u st e ry id o r b m E & g in t Screen Prin D e ca l s Signs/Banners

atomictshirts.com 469.834.3324

Artwork@AtomicTShirts.com 412 N. Oklahoma Dr, Downtown Celina

SPORTS &

WELLNESS Local Spots To Help You Focus On A Healthy Lifestyle

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

C-Town Yoga

H E A L T H Y

Independence Chiropractic

L I F E S T Y L E

1 1. INDEPENDENCE CH I ROPR AC T IC Independence Chiropractic focuses on giving athletes real solutions to prevent and treat health problems they are facing by using structural, evidence-based chiropractic care. Instead of offering a temporary fix, they strive to identify and correct the root cause of health concerns. Return your body to peak performance by restoring its healthy alignment and optimal nervous system flow at Independence Chiropractic! IndiChiro.com

2 . C -T O W N Y O G A Located near downtown Celina, C-Town Yoga is the perfect place to help athletes discover the benefits and love of yoga. While improved flexibility and balance is an intuitive advantage of yoga, it has more to offer than just that. In practicing yoga, studies show that athletes notice increased power, better endurance, injury prevention, enhanced recovery and improved focus. Whatever your sport, with the proper body mechanics gained from yoga, athletes will perform better across the board. CTownYoga.com

3. C3 A ESTHETICS & WELLNESS Let C3 Aesthetics & Wellness get you game ready with whole-body cryotherapy [cryo]. Whole-Body Cryo has a host of benefits to help athletes achieve maximum performance on and off the field. Some benefits include improved skin tone, decreased recovery time, reduced inflammation, reduced stress levels and better sleep. If you are a student athlete, professional athlete or a weekend warrior and want to perform your best, come to C3 Aesthetics & Wellness. C3Aesthetics.com

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

L I F E S T Y L E

Dr. Brown with Celina Total Foot Care

H E A L T H Y

Preston Family Healthcare

289 Sports Performance

5 . P R E S T O N F A M I LY H E A LT H C A R E The team at Preston Family Healthcare supports you in building a healthier you. Having a team support you will keep you on the path to meeting your health and fitness goals. They work together to connect you with the services you need. Contact Preston Family Healthcare for your student athlete’s physical to get their athletic year started off right! PrestonFamilyHealthcare.com

4 . C E L I N A T O TA L FOOT CA RE

6. 289 SPORTS PER FOR M A NCE

As an athlete, your feet are your foundation for success. Foot pain can quickly derail progress gained, so a visit to a podiatrist may be warranted. Dr. Shane Brown at Total Foot Care works to get athletes up and running again! Schedule an appointment to address your foot and ankle needs. ShaneBrownDPM.com

289 Sports Performance is for the truly disciplined athlete and family. Their certified trainers work to help you achieve peak performance both physically and mentally. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to train there, they’ll meet you where you are and elevate you from there! 289SportsPerformance.com

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

Happy New Year Thank you for supporting local!

Running into a

World of Joy!

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

A PATH TO Better Health CELINA RESIDENT AND REALTOR, JILL SMISEK, SHARES HER WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

Jill Smisek is a Celina resident and real estate agent who has become known for supporting local. She often gives of herself and her time to local schools, charities and fellow business owners. In our interview with Jill, she shares her path to not only caring for her community but also caring for herself.

Jill Smisek TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY AND THE LEAD UP TO YOUR PROCEDURE?

My journey, like many others, has had MANY ups and downs over the years. It all began after my first baby was born… and then my second came just 13 months later. Deep in the throes of motherhood, I was constantly taking care of everyone else but me. I tried every program and “diet” under the sun and even sought out therapy. I was constantly looking for a magic bullet to make the weight disappear. Although I did not have any of the “typical” food issues, I really wanted to get to the bottom of “why” I was doing this because nothing was working. Over the years, I had thought about surgery a few different times, but always told myself that I just needed to “eat less and move more”. While that does help, when your body has been in such an unhealthy place for so long, that method doesn’t always get the job done. Finally, I had ENOUGH. I had a few other people in my life who had the procedure and told me how life changing it was. I did some research and made an appointment with the doctor. Once I fully understood what it entailed, I went forward with the decision to take charge of my life. It was the absolute BEST thing I have done for myself, and my family. I include my family in this because they are a big part of my “why”. I want to be there for them and for the future… I want to be able to run around with my (future) grandchildren and just be comfortable in my skin.

ARTICLE BY ROGER IRELAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA HATCHER

S ELF CA R E | FI TNES S

SPECIFICALLY, WHAT PROCEDURE DID YOU RECEIVE AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT ONE?

The official medical term is “vertical sleeve gastrectomy” or VSG. It is a procedure where approximately 75-85% of your stomach is removed, leaving you a “sleeve” of a stomach. There are many different types of procedures that can be done, but this best met my needs.

DID YOU HAVE SPECIFIC GOALS IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING THIS PATH?

My ultimate goal when I made this choice was to change my life for the better. I wanted to be healthy on the inside… but I am vain enough to admit I also wanted to look a certain way on the outside. By having this procedure, I have been able to achieve both. I am still shocked at how much better I feel and how much easier it is to not only do the day-to-day things, but also to move my body in ways I was never able to before.

HOW EFFECTIVE WAS IT IN HELPING YOU REALIZE THOSE GOALS?

This procedure has been the tool that I have needed all these years. The surgery isn’t a magic fix or an easy button. There is a lot more that goes into it than you think, but by having a smaller stomach, it has allowed me to learn how to better listen to my body.

WHAT DO YOU THINK PEOPLE CONSIDERING THE PROCEDURE SHOULD KNOW?

I suggest that anyone thinking of doing this, make sure you are ready to face all the mental challenges that come with it. Although I can’t eat as much as before, I have been shocked at how much of this process has been mental. As I have heard many different mindset coaches and dietitians say on their podcasts, “the surgery is on your stomach, not your mind”. As I am nearing the end of the “honeymoon” phase, it is more and more important to

“I want to be there for them and for the future… I want to be able to run around with my (future) grandchildren and just be comfortable in my skin.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

“Never lose sight of the fact that if you don’t make significant changes in the way you are living your life, you won’t see the results.”

constantly be checking in with myself to make sure I am working through all the mental aspects of this journey. I would begin by reading mindset books, researching the ways to be successful after surgery, listening to podcasts, and just fully immersing yourself in the lifestyle that you want. Much of my inspiration and guidance has come from friends or the people I follow online. I have found an amazing community of people online that are so willing to share their struggles and triumphs along their journey. Never lose sight of the fact that if you don’t make significant changes in the way you are living your life, you won’t see the results. Those lifestyle changes have been easier for me to make because of my tool. Working out in ways I’ve never been able to before, pushing my body to do things I never pictured myself doing, and becoming the person I’ve always wanted to be has been the greatest part of my journey.

ARE THERE THINGS YOU WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY?

My biggest regret is not doing it sooner. That said, I don’t know if I was mentally ready sooner. I wish I hadn’t spent so many years judging myself and constantly talking myself out of doing this. In my mind, I was telling myself that I was just lazy and needed to work harder. We are all worthy of having the life we desire.

S ELF CA R E | FI TNES S

WHAT'S NEXT IN YOUR JOURNEY?

The next step in my journey is maintenance, which to be honest, is scary. I have spent twenty-plus years trying to lose weight, so I honestly don’t have the slightest clue how to maintain. I have been researching to find the best bariatric-specific dietician for me, to help guide through this next phase. I want to ensure that my old ways don’t creep back, so the mindset work will also never stop.

Jill Smisek, Realtor (214) 395-5886 jillsmisek@markspain.com facebook.com/JillSellsDFW

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We look forward to serving you in early 2024! - Grass-Fed, Locally Raised Steaks - Locally Sourced Organic Salad Bar - Mouthwatering Desserts from Local Artisan Bakeries - Craft Cocktails, Texas Wine & Beer, Private Dining and Events, Including Celina’s Only Chef’s Table Experience

Follow our progress at BThe Forge 1912

TheForge1912.com | 132 N Louisiana Dr

WWW.ANGELHOUSE.ME

Adver tisement

The UPS Store

Celina Community Spotlight

Our local neighborhoods are the heart of Celina. Andy “Hop” Hopkins, owner of The UPS Store, is highlighting one of many of Celina’s finest communities on a monthly basis.

Community: North Preston Lakes Estates Location: Situated just northwest of Celina High School off Carthage Road, North Preston Lakes Estates boasts luxury homes straddling a single road through the entire community. Overview: A residential estate community with lots ranging from 3 acres to 20 acres, almost every property has access to ponds, lakes, or creeks with many properties hosting cattle, horses, donkeys, goats, and even alpacas! Events: Longtime resident Tony Walker says “our community is a very special place to live. The friendly and caring neighbors contribute to a genuine camaraderie at neighborhood functions and events.” From poker nights, happy hours, football games in barns, to an annual Trick or Treat hayride, there is always something for everyone going on. Giving Back: NPL has a history of heavy participation in programs such as Blue Santa and National Night Out but what stands out most, is the commitment neighbors have to one another in times of need. As resident Eddie Cawlfield of Cawlfield Law notes, “I’ve never lived in a neighborhood with as many kind, pleasant, helpful, and truly enjoyable people. It is a true community, not simply folks that live near one another.” Special Highlight: Before Celina High School had its stadium and track, athletes were bussed into the neighborhood to run the loop! The bus would follow the kids in the hours before dawn using their lights to guide the runners safely along. Resident of 24 years, Jill Roza, says “our kids always commented they ran faster when they heard the coyotes howling!” From our doorstep to yours, The UPS Store Celina with Andy Hopkins, is connecting neighbors. We look forward to meeting you in North Preston Lakes!

M AI LBOX E S | PR IN T IN G | SH R ED DI N G AN D M O R E

YOUR CONNECTION TO YOUR Community

Reach Us 469- 777-4142

Preston Road Punk Carter Pkwy

The UPS Store

Glendenning Pkwy

Frontier

2750 S Preston Road Celina, Texas 75009

1461

Andy “Hop” Hopkins - Owner

Lone Star Vision

Digital Screens and Your Eyes PREVENT DAMAGE TO YOUR VISION ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA CROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

FAM ILY CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

As parents can attest, the amount of time kids spend plugged in can be a real problem. There are plenty of good reasons for parents' concern. But it isn't just that it's sedentary, isolating, and decreases their attention spans. Digital screens also cause eye damage and vision problems. One of these problems, computer vision syndrome, is also known as digital eye strain. More concerning, however, is the potential permanent damage blue light causes to the eyes. But kids aren't the only ones affected. Adults' eyes are affected by digital screens as well. Dr. Todd Brantley with Lone Star Vision says “We have seen an alarming number of kids who suffer from various eye conditions due to the overuse of digital devices and computers. Nearsightedness (Myopia) has exponentially increased in the younger population because of all the near demands. Let's face it, kids spend way too much time these days on their smartphones, and most schools have moved to requiring all schoolwork on Chromebooks or similar computer systems. In addition to refractive changes, we are seeing higher rates of computer eye strain and dry eye syndrome at early ages than ever before."

DIGITAL EYE STRAIN

Computer vision syndrome causes vision problems and eye discomfort. As the American Optometric Association (AOA) explains, it results from extended viewing of computer screens, e-readers, tablets, and cell phones. The more time spent on digital devices, the worse the discomfort becomes. According to The Vision Council, computer vision syndrome symptoms include eyestrain, dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain. Fortunately, there are several solutions to prevent or cure computer vision syndrome. First, set limits on daily leisure media use for yourself and your child. Because of the numerous adverse effects of media consumption, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced recommendations in 2016 for children's media use. • For children under 18 months, limit screen media exclusively to video-chatting. • From 18 to 24 months, look for high-quality programming. Although the APA doesn't specify an amount of time for this age group, less than one hour a day can be presumed based on the next age group. • For ages 2 to 5 years, allow no more than one hour a day of media. • Kids ages 6 and older should have consistent limits for their total media time and specific restrictions on various media types. In recognizing each family and child is different, the APA hasn't set a standard amount of time for this age group. But outside of family media activities and homework, kids should spend only a small percentage of their day plugged in. Finally, follow the easy-to-remember 20-20-20 rule that's recommended by the AOA. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second screen break by looking at something 20 feet away.

BLUE LIGHT HAZARDS

In addition to computer vision syndrome, exposure to blue light is another digital screen hazard. Blue light comes from many sources. This includes and comes primarily from sunlight as well as LED and fluorescent lighting. But smartphones, flat-screen TVs, computers, and electronic notebooks also emit significant amounts of blue light. The problem is that our eyes can't block blue light very well so it penetrates through the cornea and lens of the eye, then it reaches the retina. Prolonged exposure to blue light is likely a contributor to macular degeneration and vision loss in some cases. Dr. Ben Lundeen with Lone Star Vision adds, “Our doctors regularly prescribe blue-light filter coatings on all patient lenses to reduce eyestrain and fatigue from computers and handheld devices. This will potentially help protect the eyes from unwanted damage to the retina in the long run." But our eyes aren't the only thing impacted by blue light. Harvard researchers found that blue light affects our circadian rhythm and throws off the body's biological clock. The Harvard Health Letter reported, "Blue light has a dark side," literally. Night-time light exposure appears to be particularly unhealthy. Numerous studies have linked exposure to light at night (while working the night shift) with breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Minimizing screen time is one of the most obvious ways to reduce exposure. If you or your child spend much time on digital devices, stay up late, or work the night shift, wear blue-blocking glasses. This will also reduce the likelihood of eye damage or throwing your circadian rhythm out of balance. Learn more at LoneStarVision.com

LUXURY EYECARE AT LONE STAR VISION

Dr. Todd Brantley, OD, Dr. Brad Hanstad, OD, Dr. Benjamin Lundeen, OD 1060 S Preston Rd #100, Celina, TX 75009 972.382.2020

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

eat • drink • plant • putt shop • learn • experience

212 N Oklahoma Dr • Celina TX 469.573.1936 Wed - Thurs | 4pm - 10pm

Fri

2pm - 10pm

Sat | Sunday

11am - 11pm

12pm - 8pm

View our events on our website : littlewoodenpenguin.com Schedule your event with us: info@littlewoodenpenguin.com

in Buffalo Ridge Celina, Texas

Visit Melissa at the model home

1725 Ranch House Rd, Celina

Small Community. Grand Homes. Close to high-rated Celina ISD schools. Countryside views. The perfect place to call home!

Melissa Burks - Sales

469-825-7250 mburks@grandhomes.com JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

COL

I SH

HOLA C S E R G

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS HELP BRIDGE THE GAP ARTICLE BY NIKI CARBAJAL

M UST SE E | EDUCATI O N

Several local organizations strive to award graduating seniors with scholarships in honor of their achievements ranging from academic, athletic, volunteerism, and more, to ease the burden of rising post-secondary expenses.

CELINA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

to outstanding students committed to building a better tomorrow. The scholarships are exclusive to high school students from CoServ Electric or Gas households. Applications open in August 2024. For more information, email schools@coserve.com or visit coserv.com.

CEF is driven by the belief that if all students could pursue their dreams, our community, country, and world will be a better place. Founded in 1992, CEF raises funds to support academic goals and achievement at every school in CISD. CEF sets out to accomplish this in three big ways: district initiatives, teacher grants and senior scholarships. Spring of 2023 saw nearly $200,000 awarded to Celina students to aid their undergraduate studies. Scholarships are awarded to Bobcats that have performed well in the class and in the Celina community. Applications open early Spring. Visit celinaeducationfoundation.org for info. To make a big impact with Celina students, email Marc Rylander at president@celinaeducationfoundation.org.

P.E.O. STAR SCHOLARSHIPS

CELINA GARDEN CLUB

PROSPER EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Celina Garden Club offers a $2000 award for a graduating senior from CHS who plans to attend college or trade school. Deadline to apply: April 2024. See celinagardenclub.org for details.

COLLIN COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Collin College Foundation has awarded $1.37 million in scholarships through generosity of individual, corporate, foundation, and alumni donors. Collin College Foundation has offered scholarships to 1,052 deserving students to cover tuition, fees and books and are awarded based upon a variety of factors including program major, academics, residency, financial need, community service, and overall content of essays/ application. The Foundation scholarships are not based strictly on grade point average (GPA) or class ranking but instead focus on the overall student. Applications are accepted per semester and more information can be found at collin. edu/foundation. To join their mission in changing lives, visit collin.edu/foundation/give.

COSERV

CoServ is proud to support high school seniors as they pursue higher education in the state of Texas. Each year, CoServ awards seven $5,000 scholarships

Since its establishment in 2009, the P.E.O. STAR Scholarships have awarded $20 million to exceptional graduating high school women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success. The hard work and financial contributions by the members of dedicated local chapters provide incredible benefits for P.E.O. projects and recipients. Applicants need a local chapter recommendation which open August 15th annually. For recommendation consideration, contact Tracy Fiers, Chapter JU, Prosper at 214-384-5830. Visit the P.E.O. website at peointernational.org to discover more about this scholarship and other grants and loans.

PEF awarded over $398,000 to PISD graduating seniors in 2023. Awards range from $500-$5000 for students in law enforcement, music, medical, agriculture, sports, clubs, and volunteerism. Memorial, Top 10, Bridge and Community Scholarships are awarded for several post-high school plans: a full year tuition at Collin College, open to any college/university, need based gifts, and trade school tracks. The application window is mid-November to mid-December with notifications in early April of the following year. Apply mid-November 2024 at Prospereducationfoundation. org. To get involved impacting student initiatives, email admin@prosperef.org.

TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Five awards ranging from $2500 to $3000 for students entering as a full-time freshman in a Texas college or university in the fall 2024. Applicants must major in a music degree program leading to Texas teacher certification with music as the primary teaching field. Apply by November 1, 2024. Tmea.org/scholarships For a comprehensive index to scholarships and other financial programs, visit comptroller.texas. gov/programs and collegeforalltexans.com.

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

Happy New Year

F R O M O UR FA M ILY TO YOURS N ew r eso l u t i o n t o hel p y o u w i t h a hea l t hy l i v i n g Weig ht Manag e ment Mic Lip o S lim Sho ts Te le heath / Vir tual Vis its S ched ule yo ur annual p hysica ls We Offer: New Construction | Patios | Outdoor Kitchens & Appliances Power Washing

| Remodels | Weekly Maintenance

(469) 659-1200 | www.exclusivepools.net sales@exclusivepools.net

We offer full service Friendly Family Healthcare

972-382-8520

PrestonFamilyHealthcare.com 1050 South Preston Rd., Ste. 119, Celina JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN KILPATRICK

Author of The Defined Dish and The Comfortable Kitchen Makes Eating Healthy A Breeze

Tonight

Many people know Dallas blogger and social media influencer Alex Snodgrass for her Whole 30 recipes and her two New York Times best-selling cookbooks, The Comfortable Kitchen and The Defined Dish. Through her blog and books, Alex encourages her readers and followers in the kitchen by taking the guesswork out of cooking and making it a fun and accessible experience. We check in with this DFW sensation and bestselling author about her latest project. Alex Snodgrass’s third cookbook, Dinner Tonight: 100 Simple, Healthy Recipes for Every Night of the Week, provides dinner recipes that make eating healthy a breeze.

people gravitate to the most. With the busy lifestyles that many of us live now, it’s nice to have flavorful, wholesome meals made with less mess and fewer ingredients. In this book, I used simpler techniques so you will see a plethora of one-skillet and one-pot dinners in Dinner Tonight. There are also some slow cooker meals and sheet pan dinners! All of these recipes focus on keeping things straightforward and simple and use convenient condiments like a store-bought jar of marinara, gochujang, green curry paste, or pesto, that boost flavor without requiring a ton of ingredients.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR

The Glendenning family has been in Celina for generations, and I was proudly born and raised in Celina. My parents (Rex and Sherese Glendenning), sister, and brother all still live in Celina and we spend a lot of time visiting my beloved hometown and my amazing family. I now live in Dallas, Texas with my two young daughters and my husband.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE YOUR THIRD COOKBOOK, DINNER TONIGHT: 100 SIMPLE,

HEALTHY RECIPES FOR EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK? Writing cookbooks brings me so much joy. With my first two books, it’s been so fun to see people make my recipes in their kitchens, and I’ve really seen which recipes

CHILDREN’S FAVORITE RECIPE FROM THE LATEST COOKBOOK?

Definitely the One-Skillet Lasagna, the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup, and Skillet Chicken Cacciatore!

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART ABOUT GROWING UP IN CELINA?

I loved being a part of such a loving, supportive, and uplifting community. Seeing the town come together for football games and sporting events, when someone within the community was struggling or in need, and just how loving and friendly everyone was to one another…it’s something I really admire and it definitely helped shape me into the person I am today.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

Meatloaves with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts MAKES

TOTAL TIME

4 Servings

50 Minutes

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo (if modified), Whole30 (if modified), Dairy-Free (if modified)

INGREDIENTS: For the Veggies: • 2 cups 1-inch peeled and cubed sweet potato (about 1 large sweet potato) • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, tough ends trimmed, halved lengthwise • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper For the Mini Meatloaves: • 1½ pounds lean ground beef (see note) • ½ cup minced shallot (about 2 large shallots) • 1 teaspoon onion powder • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • ½ teaspoon dried thyme • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 large egg, whisked • 10 tablespoons no-sugar-added barbecue sauce, divided (I use Whole30-approved Noble Made brand) • 2 tablespoons almond flour (see note) • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (omit for dairy-free, paleo, and Whole30) • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Sheet Pan Mini BBQ-Cheddar Meatloaves with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Prepare the Veggies: Set the sweet potato and Brussels sprouts on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with the oil, season with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and toss to coat. Bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Form the Meatloaves: In a large bowl, combine the beef, shallot, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, mustard, egg, and 2 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce. Using a fork, mix until well combined. Add the almond flour, cheese (if using), and parsley. Mix again until well combined. Using damp hands, divide into 4 equal portions and form into loaves. Set aside. After 20 minutes, remove the veggies from the oven. Push the vegetables to the edge of the sheet pan, making room in the center for the meatloaves. Place the meatloaves in the center of the sheet pan, leaving about ½ inch of space between the loaves to give them room to cook evenly. Evenly brush the top of each meatloaf with 2 tablespoons of the remaining barbecue sauce. Bake until the meatloaves are cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 16 to 18 minutes. The veggies will be golden brown and tender.

For the Ground Beef: It is important to use lean ground beef for this recipe in order for the meatloaves to hold their shape. It is normal for the meatloaves to let out a little bit of liquid when baking, but with a lean ground beef (90/10 or 95/5), you’ll have less of it. For the Almond Flour: If you are unable to use almond flour, gluten-free panko is a great alternative, but the recipe wouldn’t be paleo or Whole30. TheDefinedDish.com You can purchase a copy locally of Alex Snodgrass’s latest cookbook, Dinner Tonight, at Annie Jack (309 W. Pecan St.) in Downtown Celina, Texas.

For recipe inspiration and to order Alex's cookbooks, visit TheDefinedDish.com

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N C E L I N A .

NEIGHBORHOOD

AV E R AG E P R I C E / S Q F T

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

B AT H S

Bluewood

$220

98%

Cambridge Crossing

$241

98%

Carter Ranch

$190

99%

Celina Hills

$196

99%

103

Chalk Hill

$220

100%

Creeks of Legacy

$231

99%

DC Ranch

$274

97%

Downtown Celina

$243

96%

124

Edgewood Creek

$214

98%

Glen Crossing

$208

100%

Greenway

$187

98%

Green Meadows

$206

94%

121

Highland Crossing

$280

99%

256

Light Farms

$229

98%

Lilyana

$245

97%

Mustang Lakes

$244

98%

Parkside

$207

99%

Preston Hills

$308

95%

Venetian

$213

99%

404

Sutton Fields

$204

97%

Twelve Oaks

$320

99%

Wellspring Estates

$223

95%

116

Wilson Creek

$210

97%

114

The Bridges/Gunter

$215

99%

Want specific information about your neighborhood? SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE!

BUY • SELL • INVEST CINDY PETERS 214.564.7886 62

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

CINDYPETERSREALESTATE.COM CINDY.PETERS@COMPASS.COM

This reflects a 30-Day time period prior to our print deadline. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of activity. *DOM = Days on Market

Happy new year from

CENTURIONAMERICAN.COM

SMOOTHIE BOWLS

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES Start your day with a nutritious and vitamin-packed breakfast. Smoothie bowls are a great way to add a variety of fruits and vegetables. Top with chia or flax seeds for an extra omega-3 boost, nuts or seeds for added protein, or sliced fruit for additional vitamins and fiber. Including a hint of turmeric or ginger can aid in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can aid in cellular repair and gut health, and smoothie bowls are a delicious way to incorporate more into your day. Try some of these simple recipes, or create your own combinations to give your health a boost.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

INGREDIENTS: • 1 orange or 2 clementines • ½ cup carrots • 1 cup frozen mangos • 1 cup frozen peaches • ½ banana • ½ cup vanilla yogurt • ½ teaspoon turmeric, ground • small pinch of pepper Blend all ingredients until smooth. Top with desired toppings.

TOPPING SUGGESTIONS: • granola • sliced almonds • berries • ground flax seeds

rro

g e B o wl

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

Pine ap p

o B wl a n a n a B le

INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups frozen pineapple • 1 frozen banana • 1 handful spinach (optional) • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 tablespoon manuka honey (or other natural sweetener) • ¼ inch fresh ginger • ½ cup coconut water TOPPING SUGGESTIONS: • fresh fruit • seeds • pomegranate seeds

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with desired toppings.

GIVING OUR PATIENTS REAL SOLUTIONS to prevent and treat health problems they are facing by using structural, evidence-based chiropractic.

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I F YO U A R E R E A D I N G T H I S . . . S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH CELINA LIFESTYLE™ L E A R N M O R E A T C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / C E L I N A JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C E L I N A

JANUARY 2024

events A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

JANUARY 7TH

Football in the PGA District PGA FRISCO | 12:00 PM

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 10 YEAR Parts And Labor Warranty On Replacement Systems!

- Celebrating 20 years serving Celina

- Locally (family) owned and operated - Community Minded

Ask about our maintenance plans!

(972) 382-1110 KMI-HVAC.com SPECIAL FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS* *With approved credit. Ask for details.

WE HAVE:

- SENIOR - VETERAN - FIRST RESPONDER - & TEACHER DISCOUNTS.

L i c e n s e # : TA C L A 0 2 2 41 8 C 68

EVE N TS

Cheer on America's Team at the Monument Realty PGA District. PGA District restaurants and retail outlets will also be open and serving up your favorite BBQ , ice cream, and cold beer. The Swing and The Dance Floor are also open; feel free to bring your own clubs and golf balls or rent from the Starter Shack. PGAFrisco.com JANUARY 12TH

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo DICKIES ARENA | 7:30 PM Come out to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and see what made Fort Worth famous! The rodeo action begins January 12th and continues for 23 days ending with the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament!! Check out the livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, live music, carnival midway, shopping, great food and much more. FWSSR.com JANUARY 13TH

Celina 5K and Kids 1K Fun Run OLD CELINA PARK | 8:00 AM Starting and ending at Old Celina Park, you'll run a flat and straight course to Lykins Elementary and finish the race in our beautiful park! This race will benefit the Celina American Legion. Choose from a 5K option or a 1K Fun Run. All participants receive an awesome finisher medal and race shirt! Bonus: all race photos are FREE! RunSignUp.com/Race/Texas/ Celina/Celina5K

C E L E B R AT E T H E N E W Y E A R I N YO U R N E W H OM E !

Whether you’re seeking pre-owned homes, exploring new construction options, or considering selling your property, get in touch with me to discuss the range of services I offer. From free professional photography for sellers to aiding in finding your dream home in new construction projects, I’m here to help. Additionally, I provide home buyer consultations, have extensive experience working with investors, and possess in-depth knowledge of the area to support your real estate needs.

Turning Houses into Homes, One Key at a Time!

catherineb@monumentstar.com | 469.937.2544 | 1 Cowboys Way #571, Frisco, TX

2023-2024 FFA

ARTICLE BY ROGER IRELAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY FARROW

CELINA FUTURE FARMERS OF

America FFA PROGRAM IS PART OF THE HISTORY OF CELINA

Founded in 1930, the Celina Future Farmers of America [FFA] is an education program developing our next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs through agricultural education. Much more than just Ag classes, the FFA helps kids realize their potential and learn practical real-world skills, propelling them towards careers as farmers, chemists, veterinarians, teachers, and many other professions not traditionally aligned with agriculture. Here in Celina, our history and traditions are inexorably linked to agriculture and its related industries. These roots run deep and programs at Celina High School, like the FFA, offer kids a way to connect with the days of old and keep some semblance of those values alive and well into the future. So much of what makes a small town “feel” like an extended family goes back to the nature of farming and ranching itself. It’s not a 9-to-5 endeavor requiring a single set of skills. No one person can make it work on their own. Community and collaboration are key

K I D S COR N E R | EDUCATION

ingredients to individual and collective success and are a part of every aspect of towns like Celina. Participants put their skills on display through competitions and shows throughout the year, such as the Collin County Junior Livestock Show. Students spend months welding, creating mechanical projects or preparing animals to show. They are applying real world management and budgeting skills which culminate in an auction where the students “sell” their wares. While the students keep both the project/animal and the money raised, it amounts to a fraction of their overall costs. The Bobcat FFA Alumni helps raise money to close the gaps and enable more kids to participate in this rewarding program. Founded by parents and friends of the program, countless hours are spent coordinating fundraising to support chapter activities, scholarships, and purchasing projects at county shows. If you would like to help these students and preserve this aspect of Celina’s history, please reach out to Bobcat FFA Supporters on Facebook.

Dream LET US FIND YOUR

PROPERT Y!

Sp e c i ali z i n g i n l a n d & h o m es o n ac r ea ge i n t h e No r t h Tex a s A r ea

CORYA N N JOHN SO N Texas Homes and Land TexasHomesAndLand.com 214-908-5468

DEFINING LUXURY IN CELINA Lori Vaden West 214.797.1015 LoriVadenWest.com Lori@LoriVadenWest.com

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