Explore Issue
We live in a world that values productivity and efficiency, where every moment seems to be mapped out and planned. I’ll admit, I fall into this mindset sometimes too, thinking that the only worthwhile activities are those that can be measured, calculated, and optimized. But the truth is, a life that is too structured is missing something vitalspace for exploration.
We need room for discovery, for trying new things, for being a beginner. I am living the beginner theme as I launch my first edition this month as Publisher! Sometimes, it’s in those unplanned moments where connections are made, memories are created, and trust is built. My hope is we will create connections, memories and trust in this magazine going forward
In recent months, I’ve been reflecting on how my family spends our time together. Our happiest moments often come when we step away from screens and routines. Our "adventures" don’t always involve grand trips—they could be as simple as playing a board game on the patio, trying out a new trail, or exploring a new part of town to find a quirky little café.
This issue is all about giving yourself permission to explore—whether it’s a spontaneous trip, a new hobby, or simply making time for those unstructured moments with the people you love.
Let’s make space for the unexpected and the unexplored, and remember that it’s often in these moments that the richest connections are formed.
I look forward to exploring with you!
JEFF WEBER, PUBLISHER
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Jeff Weber | jeff.weber@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Allie Miller
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Lesa Weber
COPY EDITOR
Parker Weber
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
English Watson
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY
Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
HEALTHY SMILES for life.
Explore the DDS Difference
Whether it’s cutting-edge tech or simply Netflix and a weighted blanket, our team has the tools to ensure your visit is a success.
Salivary Diagnostics
Cutting-Edge Technology
Same-day crowns available.
Commitment to Comfort
Specialized equipment to numb your mouth and keep you relaxed during your visit.
Allows us to know which bacteria or viruses are contributing to your oral condition
Digital Scans enable us to impress your mouth without the mess.
Laser Therapy for cold sore treatment
3D Printers & Cone Beam Scans
Allow us to have an in-depth look beyond traditional radiography.
Guided Biofilm Therapy ® (GBT)
The most thorough and gentle hygiene techniques.
Learn more about how we can partner together–
to achieve health, our role in risk management, why we take it so seriously, and experience the next level of “clean”.
Schedule Your Visit Today!
OU R P I CKS
CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Best Summer Camp
Sooner Theatre soonertheatre.org | 405.321.9600
University of Oklahoma Sooner Flight Academy flightcamp.ou.edu | 405.325.1635
iCode School - Norman icodeschool.com/norman | 405.217.3337
Childrens Learning Adventure childrenslearningadventure.com/day-care-moore | 405.393.4860
Red Dirt Music Academy reddirtok.com | 405.759.0265
Best Coffee Shop
Black Rifle Coffee Company blackriflecoffee.com | 405.977.3502
Press & Plow pressandplow.com | 405.928.4035
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
GET IN TOUCH AT
The Yellow Dog Coffee Company, LLC yellowdogcoffeecompany.com | 405.618.7960
Sip at Selah sipatselah.com | 405.927.4668
Not Your Average Joe nyaj.coffee | 405.518.4221
Help for Real Results
ICE CUBES ICE CUBES ICE CUBES ICE CUBES ICE CUBES
CreativeIceCubes FOR SUMMER
Stay Cool with Fun Infused Ice Recipes
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
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Coffee Ice Cubes for Iced Coffee
Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.
Ingredients:
• Freshly brewed coffee
Instructions:
1. Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.
2. Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
3. Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.
Edible Flower Ice
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
&
Picnics Pairings
CREATE A LIVELY, NUTRITIOUS, AND TASTY SENSATION AT YOUR NEXT COZY PICNIC
ARTICLE BY KIM COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Have you been eyeing a breathtaking view or a luscious green patch near a waterscape? For special times with your favorite people, nothing says warm weather fun like a picnic. Follow these tips for preparation ideas.
Ambiance:
Throw pillows are a must. Pull them from your couches or invest in outdoor pillows that can be used repeatedly. A large throw is also essential to protect from moist ground and grass stains. Bring your favorite tunes with one of the many available portable speakers or unplug and enjoy the sounds of nature. Cut flowers add a wow factor.
Gear:
You don’t have to own a picnic basket to have a picnic. But if you do bring a basket, make sure to have some way to chill your perishables and drinks. Reusable silverware, plastic wine or drink cups, and plates often come with a picnic basket set, but can also be purchased separately. Keeping it elegant, but easy (and cool) is the key!
Accompaniments:
A cheese plate with fruit is the perfect start to your picnic fare. As with the cheese, your drink selections should coordinate with the main dish. For salads, pair accoutrements with the dressing in mind. A lemony herb vinaigrette dressing goes well with smooth cheeses and tart beverages such as lemonade, prosecco, or sauvignon blanc.
Enjoy your perfect picnic!
The Art of Going Nowhere
Discover why the ultimate summer getaway in Cleveland County doesn’t require a single boarding pass
There is a particular kind of exhaustion that frequent-flier miles cannot fix — the exhaustion from travel itself. The pre-dawn alarms, the TSA lines, the checked-bag arithmetic, the itineraries that require their own itineraries. Somewhere between booking the rental car and downloading directions, the vacation becomes work in a different area code.
This is not a new observation. But the response to it has changed. A generation ago, staying home when you could afford to go somewhere felt like a concession. Today, among people who have traveled all over, it increasingly reads as a considered choice — maybe even the sophisticated one.
THE LUXURY OF STAYING PUT
The staycation has undergone a quiet cultural rehabilitation. What was once code for “we couldn’t afford the trip” has been reclaimed by exactly the people who could afford any trip they wanted.
When you remove the friction of travel, what remains is pure recovery. No time zones to adjust, no jet lag to shake, no suitcase to live out of. You leave your routine without leaving your comfort.
The psychology is straightforward. When you travel far, the first day is consumed by arrival and the last by departure. A twonight trip to a distant destination may yield
ARTICLE BY ALLIE MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
one genuinely free day. A two-night staycation in the right setting yields two.
“When you remove the friction of travel, what remains is pure recovery.”
HOW TO ACTUALLY DO IT WELL
The mistake most people make is not fully committing to the premise. They book the hotel, then spend the first evening running home for something they forgot or answering work emails because the office feels close enough to make it seem reasonable. The staycation fails not because the destination is wrong but because the mindset is.
The people who do it well treat the experience exactly as they would a trip to a city they flew four hours to reach. They pack a bag. They leave the to-do list at the house. They make reservations. The physical distance between home and hotel may be twenty minutes, but the psychological distance needs to be absolute.
Upgrade the room. The quality of the space you sleep in determines the quality of the experience. A superior room in Cleveland County costs a fraction of what the same night would run in many places — and the extra square footage is worth the splurge.
Build the itinerary around food. A long dinner at a genuinely good restaurant, or whatever pace you prefer, is a luxury many travel schedules don’t permit. A local staycation removes that constraint entirely.
Leave one day unstructured. A morning with no agenda — coffee, a walk, a book, nowhere to be — is harder to engineer than it sounds, and more restorative than most activities that get booked in its place.
THE RIGHT DESTINATION MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
All of this depends on one variable: the quality of the destination. A staycation at a mediocre property is simply a disappointing hotel night. The premise only holds if the place you choose is genuinely worth being in. The lobby, the bed, the restaurant, the bar — they all must carry their weight, doing the work that the novelty of a far-flung destination would otherwise do.
In Norman, that property is NOUN Hotel.
NOUN HOTEL: WHERE THE STORY ENDS
Situated on Historic Campus Corner at 542 South University Boulevard — steps from the University of Oklahoma and within walking distance of Norman’s independent shops and restaurants — NOUN Hotel is part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, boutique independents that maintain their own character while offering Marriott Bonvoy rewards. For frequent business travelers with accumulated points and not enough time to use them, that detail alone makes the math compelling.
The rooms are large in a way that matters. The King Suites have the proportions of a well-designed apartment rather than a standard hotel room — the kind of space that makes you want to stay in it rather than treat it as somewhere to sleep between activities. The design draws on Oklahoma’s personality without cartoonishness, and the details are considered enough that the overall experience feels intentional.
The hotel’s restaurant, RALLY Kitchen + Bar, earns local regulars — the clearest signal that the food is worth having. The menu moves confidently from breakfast through dinner, anchored by locally sourced ingredients and a cocktail list that takes itself seriously. For a special occasion, RALLY offers private dining and a Chef’s Table experience that rewards advance planning. Above it, ONE Bar occupies an open-roof second floor with views across campus — a perch that works equally well for game day and a quiet weeknight drink.
THE CASE, MADE SIMPLY
The best travel has always been about contrast — a change of context sufficient to make the familiar feel new again. A weekend at NOUN delivers that contrast without the itinerary that usually surrounds it. No connection to miss. No bag to track. No recovery day on the other side.
Pack a bag. Make a reservation at RALLY. Order something from ONE Bar with a view.
escape to France
A LEISURELY BARGE CRUISE ALONG FRANCE’S CANAL DU MIDI OFFERS A QUIET LUXURY ESCAPE
THE SOUTH
of
There is something a bit magical about the South of France. It conjures images of rolling hills set along the Mediterranean, vast vineyards and olive trees swaying in the breezes. The images come to life when you book a luxury barge cruise with European Waterways ( EuropeanWaterways.com). It offers the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s slow pace.
Canal du Midi is a 330-year-old canal that runs from the Mediterranean coast inland through the famous Languedoc wine region. This is an opportunity for a true escape from everyday life.
WHAT IS A BARGE CRUISE?
Barges, originally used to shuttle goods along the inner waterways throughout
Europe, are now floating hotels. European Waterways operates b arges from April to October.
One of three boats to traverse Canal du Midi, Enchanté is an “ultra-deluxe” converted barge with four cabins for up to eight passengers. Each suite on Enchanté features an ensuite bathroom. All suites are on the lower level, while the salon,
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dining room, open kitchen and sun deck are above. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, the staff accommodating and the pace of the barge allows you to slow down and unwind. In fact, the barge moves slowly along the canal, giving passengers a chance to stroll along or ride one of the onboard bicycles.
THE BARGING EXPERIENCE
The barging experience is not anything like other cruises. With only eight passengers (although some boats have the capacity for 10 to 20 passengers), it provides a quiet escape.
Each day, you cruise slowly along the canal, going a total distance of about 50 miles over one week. The day’s leisurely routine begins with a sit-down breakfast and specially prepared dishes from the chef. You either cruise in the morning and take a short excursion in the afternoon, or vice versa.
Lunch is a gourmet 3-course meal paired with local wines. Dinner is a beautiful production with appetizers, main course, cheese course and dessert. Again, everything is paired with both a white and red wine.
EXCURSIONS ALONG THE WAY
Throughout the cruise, there are small stops along the way. This area of France is filled with gourmet delights and history, and you have a chance to explore both during your cruise.
You’ll visit l’Oulibo, a high-end olive oil producer growing Lucques olives. Enjoy a tasting of the oils and the olives, and pick up a few to take home. Another day, you’ll taste local balsamic vinegar. This is a real treat and a unique experience sampling a variety of flavors.
During the barge cruise, you’ll have a chance to visit three of what may be the most beautiful towns in France: Minerve, Lagrasse and Carcassonne. Lagrasse is an artisan town surrounding an 8th-century Benedictine Abbey. Minerve is home to a 12th-century Cathar fort with spectacular views. Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city with 52 watchtowers and portcullis.
There is also an excursion to Narbonne, once a Roman capital. There, you’ll have a chance to wander through Les Halles de Narbonne—the indoor food market—with the chef, picking out items for him to prepare once back onboard Enchanté.
European Waterways offers the ideal escape to the South of France and other destinations across Europe.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
BY
ARTICLE
A REFRESHING,
CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
Ingredients:
(yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Directions:
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com
Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN CLEVELAND COUNTY.
This data is a sampling of sold properties from last month. Source: OKC/Norman Multiple Listing System.
Turning setbacks into
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6TH
On The Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
Join curator Jonathan Hacker in the special exhibition On the Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley for unique insights into the life and work of the artist. Fred Talks offer a chance for participants to ask questions, share thoughts, and connect with the museum, staff, and each other.
SATURDAYS IN JULY
FARMERS MARKET AT THE WELL
The Well, 210 James Garner Avenue, Norman, OK | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Norman Farm Market is a mission-based market that believes in building the local food system from the ground up. As Oklahoma’s longest running farmers market, we work toward our mission by working hand in hand with our local farmers to provide them with training and opportunities that help their businesses to be successful.
JULY 13TH - 17TH
Summer Explorers: Paleontology 101
6 Sam Noble Museum 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, OK | 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
(Ages 9-12) Calling all young explorers! Join us from July 13-17 for an unforgettable summer camp experience at the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Each weeklong, three hour session of Summer Explorers is led by experienced museum educators and features unique themes packed with handson activities, experiments, and plenty of opportunities to discover something new.
JULY 25TH
Hard-Edge Painting Workshop with Jason Wilson
5 Fred Jones Art Museum | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Learn the building blocks of precision and patience in this hard-edge painting workshop led by Oklahoma artist Jason Wilson. Participants will explore how to plot, draw, and paint sharp edges and clearly defined shapes, then apply those techniques to create their own precise geometric composition inspired by the works of Frederick Hammersley.
JULY 30TH - AUGUST 2ND
Oklahoma
Sooner Theater
Join us at the Sooner Theater, July 30th through August 2nd. Purchase your tickets for the production of the classic, Oklahoma.
JULY 31ST
Movie In the Park, Super Mario Galaxy
Moore Central Park 700 S Broadway Ave Moore, OK 73160 | 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Free Outdoor Movie and concessions are available. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a 2026 animated adventure comedy film based on Nintendo’s Mario video game franchise. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic and written by Matthew Fogel, it is the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
We're delighted that two of our hygienists, Amy and Samantha are now certified injectors, allowing us to offer advanced aesthetic treatments using neurotoxin and filler designed to enhance your natural look. Our commitment to preventative care and high-quality dental implants still remains at the heart of our practice. Whether maintaining oral health or exploring new ways to look and feel your best, our team is here to care for you.
www.dentalinnovationsokc.com
THE FOUNTAINS
11316 Gateshead, Oklahoma City
Nestled in one of Southwest Oklahoma City’s most sought-after communities, this beautifully appointed residence combines timeless craftsmanship with modern comfort. Enjoy peace of mind with a new roof (2026), whole-home generator, sprinkler system, and a secure safe room tucked within the primary suite closet.
Designed for both everyday living and elegant entertaining, the home features three spacious bedrooms, a dedicated executive office with custom built-ins, rich craftsman woodwork, and fireplaces in both the living room and primary suite. Large windows fill the home with natural light, while plantation
shutters add sophistication and privacy.
The chef-inspired kitchen offers dual pantries and generous storage, while the included swim spa creates a private retreat for relaxation and wellness. A walk-up attic provides exceptional potential for future expansion.
Located in The Fountains, with neighborhood amenities, a community pool, and excellent walkability, this exceptional property offers luxury, convenience, and lasting value. Offered at $369,900
Lisa Ray | Jerry Flowers | Nguyet Kieu | Dustin Whittern | Lisa Elrod
Cami Martz | Leslie Switzer | Kirk Holloway | Jimmy Darden