Cross Timbers, TX January 2024 by City Lifestyle

JA N UA RY 2 02 4

AWAKEN YOUR INNER

Creative Elements

Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional,or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality 4 10 1 Holly L a n e Fl owe r Mo u n d TX 75 02 2 | 8 17.79 3 . 6061 | CreativeElementsByLucie. co m

Good times & great food From ramen to ribeyes, sushi to lasagna, merlot to margaritas, from Asian to Argentine, nibbles from Lakeside’s 17 eateries will satisfy any appetite. Dine al fresco at 11 establishments and bring Lakeside’s street life right to your table. Come and join the fun.

DINE

SHOP

2412 Lakeside Parkway, Flower Mound • lakesidedfw.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Carpe Diem

January 2024 PUBLISHER

Rachael Fenton | rachael.fenton@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Mallory McKeever mallory.mckeever@citylifestyle.com

Happy New Year Friends & Neighbors, Hope this finds you all healthy, happy and having had a wonderful holiday season!! A new year is such an exciting time! It brings forth many new opportunities to start fresh, reset, create new healthy habits, set goals, plan for the future and take advantage of precious time for personal, family and spiritual growth. Not everyone likes to make New Year’s resolutions, especially when we sometimes fall short of our newly set goals. However, it’s important to remember there is joy in the journey and if you get off track…just get up and start again tomorrow! This is how true change happens and new habits become transformative. As the old saying goes, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Join in the fun adventure of giving ourselves a new challenge or chance to prove to ourselves we can do it! It is our hope that this month’s issue will inspire you to try one small way to promote healthy living and a positive impact in your life. From Cozy Cabin adventures and getting grounded outdoors, to the power of a smile and having a heart change around food… There are several options to try that may truly enrich your life! Carpe Diem and you’ve got this Cross Timbers Family… happy goal setting and goal smashing! Many Blessings!

STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Pixel Perfect Rose | rose@pixelperfectrose.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amy Young, Bud Holladay

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

R AC H A E L F E N TO N , P U B L I S H E R @CROSSTIMBERSLIFESTYLE

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Cross Timbers Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cross Timbers area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. 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 Cross Timbers Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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

20 28

Featured

20 28 30 6

God’s Un-diet

Cara Price’s journey: binge eating, body image, identity, and Hashimoto’s

The Cure for Cabin Fever

6,000 vacation cabins, there must be one for you

Blue Moon

A spirit-free mocktail to celebrate a new year of joy and wellness

Smiling 400 Times a Day

The power smiling has on us functionally, socially and mentally

16 On the Cover

Departments

Photography: Pixel Perfect Rose

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Locally Sourced FOOD + BEVERAGE

Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

Local Limelight FOOD + BEVERAGE

Road Trip TRAVEL

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS

Events

Turn your goals into action

Price & Associates is a highly respected wealth management team, one of the largest in Texas. With an understanding of your unique priorities and financial situation, we can help you plan for the life you’ve always envisioned. Supported by the global resources of Merrill, our team comprises talented and experienced individuals committed to building strong client relationships based on trust and personalized service. From the start, we talk about your aspirations and encourage you to ask questions about issues that matter most to you. We want to be your first call for financial advice and guidance and offer you customized, proactive, professional service.

Price & Associates 286 Grand Avenue • Suite 200 • Southlake, TX 76092 • www.fa.ml.com/price Jeffery Price, CPFA®

Trenton Owens, CPFA®

Managing Director • Wealth Management Advisor 817.410.4940 • Jeffery_price@ml.com

First Vice President • Senior Financial Advisor 817.410.4934 • Trenton.owens@ml.com

Jeffery Price has been recognized by:

Trenton Owens was recognized by:

Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” 2018-2023. Published annually Jan–April.

Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors 2019. Published on

Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.*

Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” 2020-2023. Published annually Aug-Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31–June 30 of current year.*

Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” 2022. Published on November 8, 2022. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.*

Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” 2014-2023. Published annually in February-March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of the prior year.

Sep. 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019.**

Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” 2017-2018. Published annually July-Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.**

Investing involves risk and past performance does not guarantee future results. The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list. Rankings considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience, who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. The Top 1,200 award included top advisors in each state, with the number of ranking spots determined by each state’s population and wealth. For both awards, other quantitative and qualitative measures include assets under management, revenues generated by advisors for their firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices, regulatory records, internal company documents, and data provided by the advisors themselves. Data and sources for all Forbes awards and their rankings provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Past performance is not an indication of future results. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. *Awards are based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and apply an algorithm that measures best practices, client retention, industry experience compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and firm generated income. Investment performance is not a criterion. **SHOOK considered advisors born in 1983 or later with a minimum of 4 years as an advisor. Advisors have built their own practices and lead their teams; joined teams and are viewed as future leadership; or a combination of both. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and ad wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

JANUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

CITY OF HIGHLAND VILLAGE PARKS AND RECREATION

PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF NE FLOWER MOUND

TOWN OF FLOWER MOUND

MEAN GREEN FOOTBALL

TOWN OF FLOWER MOUND

FOUNDERS CLASSICAL ACADEMY - FLOWER MOUND

1: Highland Village really glows! 2: Flower Mound Communications Department received 15 awards from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors 3: Primrose School of NE Flower Mound celebrated an early Thanksgiving feast! 4: What a wonderful Diwali celebration! 5: Dorothy’s Dash hosted 585 people in support of the Texas Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. 6: #fmvetdayrun! 7: UNT wrapped up another great season of Mean Green Football! #GMG

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Inspiration for your best local life.

Exclusive giveaways.

Hidden gem alert!

Good news in your neighborhood.

Local content by local creators.

Inside scoop on all things local.

Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.

Achieve Your Life’s Ambitions!

Wealth Management

Our entrepreneurial, team-oriented approach means that you always have access to the resources that you need. We believe that every client has unique goals which is why we believe in collaboration. Our end goal is the same as yours – to help you achieve your life’s ambition. By planning now, you can dream of a bigger future.

Financial Planning

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PCIANORTHTEXAS.COM 214.765.5092 777 International Parkway Suite 180, Flower Mound, Texas 75022 JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

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

New Barnes and Nobles Location! Author Julia Heaberlin hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony and a book signing at the new Barnes and Noble location in The Highlands of Flower Mound!

Photography by Town of Flower Mound

Flower Mound’s Police Chief Retires After 10 Years We are so grateful for the 10 years that Andy Kancel has worked as Flower Mound’s police chief. Thank you for your service and Happy Retirement!

Photography by Flower Mound Police Department

DATCU Credit Union Partners with LISD DATCU Credit Union is now the official credit union of Lewisville ISD! At a recent board meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees was presented with a $1.5 million donation from DATCU representing the commitment and care of DATCU to the LISD community!

Scan to read more

Photography by LISD

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

LOCK AND LEAVE LIFESTYLE

I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R

Enjoy all the amenities of Lakeside Tower Walkable Community The Northshore Trail Diverse Dining Unique Shops 7 min from DFW International Airport

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2 OU T O F 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

Vanessa Van Trease Broker/Owner

ADVERTISE WITH US.

vvantrease@lakesidevillagerealty.com www.lakesidevillagerealty.com

LEARN MORE AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CROSSTIMBERS

Call (214) 325-5195 JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

E AT I NG f re s h A ND LOCA L Chef Chris of Prime Farm to Table

Eating fresh and local can sound like a hurdle, but Chef Chris of Prime Farm to Table breaks it down into bite-sized pieces. Local fresh food not only has many health benefits but tastes different and helps yourself and your community, take it from a chef.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF EATING LOCAL FOOD? • There are many benefits to buying locally grown foods. Buying local can help create a healthy community, strengthen our regional economy, produce less pollution and lower our carbon footprint. Local food is also very fresh and tastes better.

WHY DOES EATING FRESH MATTER? • Local produce sold at your farmers’ market is picked or harvested a day or two before the morning of the market. The freshest ingredients produce the best-tasting dishes. Fruit and vegetables lose nutrients in transportation and by sitting on the shelves.

WHAT FARMS OR BUSINESSES DO YOU RECOMMEND IN THE AREA? • Your seasonal farmers’ markets are the best route to try new foods, local cheese and artisan breads. Or bring the farmers market to your house and join a Co-op. Dallas Co-op connects you with the same farmers we’re working with. For stores, H.E.B, Central Market, Sprouts, and Whole Foods are the best. Even the local grocery stores are catching on. Look for the local Texas symbol and your organic signs.

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

ABOUT PRIME FARM TO TABLE:

From snout to tail and land to sea, Prime features local and sustainable ingredients for Farm-to-Table cuisine. Offering healthy options perfect for your lifestyle including dishes that are vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, keto, whole 30, and more.

ARTICLE BY MALLORY MCKEEVER

Chef Chris Flahaven o f P r i m e F a r m t o Ta b l e on eating fresh

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

ARTICLE BY MALLORY MCKEEVER

Healthy and Helpful at Home PROMOTING WELLNESS, SUSTAINABILITY, AND HEALTHY LIVING IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY

Pe di Pl ace Help provide quality, safe, and equitable healthcare for uninsured and underinsured kids and families. Pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and trained medical assistants are always in need, all skills are appreciated!

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area Volunteer at the lake for educational and outdoor opportunities to take care of our planet with activities such as river care, habitat restoration, nest box management, bird banding and hikes, and outdoor education.

Fl ower Mound Sen i ors i n Motion Teach a fitness class and share the joy and importance of taking care of your body. Class topics range from weights to yoga, line dancing, and aerobics.

In de pe n de n ce Ga rden s

Me dical Cit y Lew isv il l e

This nonprofit in Lewisville works to educate kids on how to eat healthy meals, grow their own food, and live sustainably. They have many opportunities for those who love food, cooking, gardening, sustainability, or working with kids!

Join forces with the front lines of healthcare. Volunteer duties range from delivering flowers and patient mail to assisting nursing staff with patient care, answering phones, and clerical work.

G IV IN G BAC K | L I FE + C ULT U RE

FAMILY-OWNED COMMUNITY-FOCUSED

INTRODUCING RAPID WELLNESS

OFFERING THERAPEUTIC IV INFUSIONS, INJECTIONS, AND PATIENT SPECIFIC ALLERGY TESTING AND IMMUNOTHERAPY

U R G E N T

C A R E | S P O R T S

P R I M A R Y C A R E | M I N O R E M E R G E N C Y P H Y S I C A L S | T E L E M E D I C I N E

WALK-INS WELCOME 391 Hwy 377 S | Argyle, TX

940.784.7301

8501 FM 407 | Highland Village, TX

972.966.1980

AVOID THE WAIT. REGISTER ONLINE. | RAPIDMED.COM

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

G o d ’s Un- d i e t CARA PRICE’S JOURNEY: BINGE EATING, BODY IMAGE, IDENTITY, AND HASHIMOTO’S

ARTICLE BY MALLORY MCKEEVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PIXEL PERFECT ROSE

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

Separating the mind, body, and soul never goes well. They were never designed to be separated. The abstract ability of finding your identity in God goes hand in hand with a real-life sustainable and realistic plan to be healthy. Choosing a weight loss goal that makes sense for your body and lifestyle goes hand in hand with serious issues tied up in our souls. “There is a balance between what science tells us about health and what God tells us about health. But God never meant for us to separate the two. Over and over in the Bible, he talks about the mind, body, and soul as a thing together.” “I’m going to preface it by saying it is kind of a complicated story. I’m going to give you all of it. It is very deep spiritually. And that’s why I do it the way I do it.” The journey began in 2008 with something seemingly non-spiritual and inconvenient: constant stomach pain. When the pain didn’t go away, Cara Price finally sought a doctor, but nothing seemed to fix it. One doctor offered a solution to the severe pain but didn’t properly explain the side effects of the medication and Cara fell asleep while driving her two kids. The next doctor offered a colonoscopy but found no reason for the serious stomach pain, saying that nothing was wrong and she must be making it up. At this point, it had been 1.5 years since the issue began, and no doctor could cure the stomach pain, the joint pain that accompanied it and the total lack of energy. A third doctor theorized it was her daily lunch salad that was causing the pain, cutting out salads lessened the pain, but not by much. Around the 3-year mark since the pain had started, Cara resolved to the fact that she would simply be sick forever.

A friend referred her to yet another doctor and Cara dragged herself to another seemingly pointless appointment. But this doctor listened. He conducted a regular physical exam, checked her reflexes, felt her neck, and concluded, “You have severe food allergies and a thyroid disease.” A blood test and two weeks went by and the result came in: Hashimoto’s disease and a serious allergy to milk and eggs. With thyroid medication and a change in diet, the stomach pain, aching joints and lethargy were gone. But more was happening, “there was this work happening within me of God basically putting his identity on me. With a new diet came a new challenge: learning how to make her own meals, desserts, and snacks that fit into the new guidelines. “I began to realize that when I wanted a sweet or something, I have to make my own homemade stuff. But instead of eating two cookies like a normal person, I would eat 20 cookies. After a few months, I’m like, ‘I have a real problem’. I didn’t understand that that was all tied to my heart issue around food.” Combining this newfound hurdle of learning how to navigate a restrictive diet with her love for science and medical journals, Cara decided to get a nutrition certification. With the certification came the vocabulary to realize that her eating habits were unhealthy. “It was through my own discovery that God showed me.” The joy of food and balance easily becomes corrupted, especially today. But then comes the moment when the grace breaks through. “One morning I was reading Romans 8:1. It says, ‘There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.’

“I didn't understand that that was all tied to my heart issue around food.”

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

“I was so bound by an obsession with my health. When you have discovered freedom, you want everyone to have that.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

I had read that verse a thousand times. But that morning it hit me. ‘Why do you feel condemned? I am with you, you have me. So why do you feel condemned?’” Further into Romans 8, Paul writes that freedom from any darkness comes from outside of us, from the Holy Spirit. “God began to show me, ‘Here’s a way to eat things you like and have self-control through me. This isn’t about your own willpower.’” As biblical truths took root, Cara was working as a nutrition coach. But the traditional route of counting calories, dieting, and battling the scale didn’t seem to work. God spoke to her, Cara repeats, “Stop doing this the world’s way.” “I was talking to the Lord about it. I had been thinking about the process and the steps of how he got me to where I was, ‘How do I teach this to them? What do I do? What do I call this? Because this isn’t a diet.’ I can remember the spot where I was, on a walk with my dog where I heard him say, ‘yeah, it’s God’s Un-diet.’” And that was it. “I can’t think of a single woman who’s ever come to me who didn’t have some issue with finding her value in her appearance or health.” Today, the dangerous toxins that we fear are in our food are more in our minds than anywhere else. The constant failure to be perfect leaves us with our sense of self-control and restraint

completely wrecked. “What I teach,” Cara says, “is this: Maybe you want a cookie. Just stop for a minute and pray, ‘God, what’s the best thing for me right now?’ And some days he may say, ‘Have a cookie,’ and some days he may say, ‘Have some blueberries’. It goes back to identity. It’s this focus on the momentary that gets us. Finding satisfaction in food or compliments about how you look, is a misplaced identity.” “Losing weight is not the enemy, it never has been, I don’t want people to hear me say, ‘Oh, you should never want to lose weight’. My hope is that I can teach women a plan that will last forever. Let’s figure out a way that we don’t lose 20 pounds and gain 25, but lose 20, stay there, and be happy with it. I tell people upfront, it’s not going to solve all your problems. But we’re going to start on this foundation of God’s truth.” The power comes from letting Jesus work through you, no amount of willpower or raw self-control can take the place of finding your identity in the Holy Spirit. “I was so bound by an obsession with my health. When you have discovered freedom, you want everyone to have that. Not because it’s my plan, but because it’s God’s freedom in their life.” The changes that come from learning this? Drastic. Some physical changes, of course, but more than that, Cara says, “heart changes.”

L E A R N M O R E : Cara Price is the author and recipe creator of The Nourished Body & Soul. Find Cara on her website (thenourishedbodyandsoul.com) to learn more about her session of God’s Un-diet beginning in January 2024 or to receive the link to her free 5-day Nourishing Wellness Ebook.

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

The Cure For Cabin Fever 6,000 VACATION CABINS, THERE MUST BE ONE FOR YOU

Rowdy Coyote Luxury Cabin

ARTICLE BY BUD HOLLADAY

R OA D T R IP | TRAVEL

First of all, a tent is not a cabin. Neither is a recreational vehicle (RV). Or that streamlined and shiny trailer that Mom and Dad hauled the family around in every summer before Uncle Harvey parked it in Granny’s backyard and called it retirement. And of course, hotel rooms and beachfront condos are not cabins. But there are, within driving distance of your home, about 6,000 cabins available for year-round fun, with myriad construction, privacy and accommodations. You can move the entire family to a new weekend experience or the perfect summer excursion with just a finger and a phone. But first, a few simple rules to observe in selecting your getaway hideaway. Don’t expect every cabin owner or agent to allow you entrance to a cabin during the season “just to check it out.” In the cabin business, “renting it” is “checking it out.” This is why an evening on the internet is almost a requirement. If you have pets, be sure to inquire about the rules. The reason people leave happy and fulfilled is the good behavior of those who came before. Be aware that once you are checked in and settled, leaving with a refund in hand because the beds are hard or the icemaker doesn’t work is, in most cases, highly unlikely. (As someone who has rented more than a few vacation cabins over the years, this writer has yet to feel taken advantage of by owners or agents.) Put simply, owners rely on repeat business and word of mouth. If special accommodation is

required, bring that up clearly on first contact. Remember, the cabin is a business operation and satisfied customers are the best business. Not everyone travels to find the best fishing or the most secluded forest rentals so the four very different cabins chosen here are far apart, quite different in layout and appearance and only represent some of what you can find throughout Texas and adjoining states. As rates tend to change periodically, we leave pricing to you. You can generally expect a nightly rate from $125 to upwards of $330, somewhat higher for multiple bedrooms. LAKE TYLER PETROLEUM CLUB, TYLER TX The name indicates ownership. If you are a novice at cabin life, you may prefer more developed surroundings while still soaking up the great outdoors. Lake Tyler PC will make you feel at home. Six cozy cabins, each different, with comfortable quarters, all the conveniences and most of the kitchen supplies you’ll need. However, there is no television and no WiFi: these cabins are designed for relaxation, and all are within walking distance of Lake Tyler and the club pool. Fishing is great and the surrounding pines are ideal for long walks. ROWDY COYOTE LUXURY CABIN, BROKEN BOW OKLAHOMA Maybe the easiest choice to make because it has everything within walking distance from the two-level front porch: zip line, horseshoe pit, hook & ring toss, hot tub, fire pit, old fashioned barrel arcade with multiple games, memory foam beds, genuine wine barrel table and bar stools and Fios WiFi. All of it is nested on a 1.24-acre wooded lot in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest, surrounded by mountain views. GRUENE DAZE CHALET, GRUENE (“GREEN”) TX Stylish A-frame unlike most. Far from the ordinary but close to the best in water fun with the lazy Comal River and

Lake Tyler Petroleum Club

“You can move the entire family to a new weekend experience or the perfect summer excursion with just a finger and a phone.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

Canyon Lake

“Enjoy your stay and let others read your reviews. It’s The Cabin Way, Cowboy.”

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, only 17 miles from Canyon Lake. After floating down the river, come back and relax on the sun terrace in your A-frame. Four bedrooms, 3 baths, fully equipped kitchen, TV and free WiFi, plus other amenities that will make you want to come back. An evening of dancing to live music at the famed Gruene Hall is not to be missed. BOCA DE LA ROCA PRIVATE MOUNTAIN LODGE, TERLINGUA TX Great place to escape the world when wanderlust proves too difficult to resist. Kitchen, patio and 2 bath, 2 bedrooms, smart TV and WiFi with all the amenities, surrounded by 7,000ft mountains. Enjoy your stay and let others read your reviews. It’s The Cabin Way, Cowboy.

R OA D T R IP | TRAVEL

Up to 48 Months No Interest Financing $500 OFF Kitchen/Bath Remodels 940.382.4340 | THEDESIGNHOUSEDFW.COM | 2303 COLORADO BLVD. | DENTON, TEXAS

A DIFFERENT WAY TO LOOK AT KEEPING YOUR FEET AND MIND GROUNDED

Planted in the Moment ARTICLE BY AMY YOUNG

S ELF CA R E | H E A LT H + W EL L NESS

“

B y d e f i n it io n , g rou n d i n g i s s t ay i n g c a l m a n d c o n n e c t e d t o you r t h ou g ht s a n d fe e l i n g s du r i n g t i m e s of u n c e r t a i nt y.

Do you remember when you were young and being grounded was a bad thing? Staying home and having time to think about your bad choice was not your idea of time well spent. But now, research and studies are beginning to show that physical and mental grounding in reference to our bodies and minds has very positive effects and benefits. Keeping yourself grounded can be a very healthy choice by relieving pain, reducing inflammation, improving blood flow and increasing sleep and vitality. Bodybio.com offers stories and testimonials from people who have experienced these benefits over time and exposure to the earth’s surface. “Earth holds billions of free electrons that we are free to absorb as long as we are physically connected to the ground via skin contact. The Earth generates this electrical energy through thousands of lightning strikes, solar radiation, and deep energy generated from the inner core of the planet. The electrical intensity of the planet rises and falls with the sun, as do our energy levels.” You may have heard someone say “He is so down to earth.” Perhaps this is a way to describe someone who is practicing grounding in his life. By definition, grounding is staying calm and connected to your thoughts and feelings during times of uncertainty. Being grounded requires being present in the moment while not being swayed by stressors such as a job, family, friends or negative self-thoughts. Perhaps easier said than done. There are recognized physical and emotional ways to ground yourself if you feel like you are losing control of your thoughts and emotions. Scholars at the University of Rochester Medical Center and James Madison University offer many techniques on the university websites, sources that are easily within reach:

PHYSICAL STRATEGIES -

1. Breathe - it sounds simple, but focusing on deep breathing in and out can help relieve your anxiety. 2. Maintaining healthy habits such as plenty of rest, good nutrition and regular exercise

- practicing healthy habits keeps your body in shape to respond appropriately. 3. Nature - spending time outdoors while breathing fresh air and feeling the sun on your face can keep you focused on staying calm. 4. Music - turn it up loud and fast and dance or keep it soft and slow and close your eyes. 5. Tactile Activity - doing something with your hands such as knitting or squeezing a stress ball. 6. Disconnect from social media and skip the news - let your brain rest from all the stimuli it is exposed to each day.

EMOTIONAL STRATEGIES

1. Connections - Make an effort to reach out to someone you care about. 2. Remind yourself this is temporary - your feelings of panic will pass. 3. Positive Self Talk - make friends with that voice in your head that sounds critical. 4. Avoid the worst case scenario - instead of thinking “what is the worst” try thinking “what am I learning.” 5. Take small steps - allow yourself some grace and time to make strategies become habits.

USING YOUR 5 SENSES - IN A MOMENT OF PANIC, LET YOUR SENSES EXPLORE AND FOCUS ON THESE IDEAS:

5 things you see - a blue sky, a newborn calf, your child’s face 4 things you touch - a soft blanket, a warm cup full of coffee, a fidget toy 3 things you hear - a wind chime, a favorite song, a baby’s laugh 2 things you smell - freshly mowed grass, cookies in the oven, cologne 1 thing you taste - a lemon drop, Grandma’s chicken casserole, a candy cane Grounding can also refer to connecting your body with the earth. Research is being done to determine the

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

effectiveness of “electrically connecting” with the Earth. As the earth releases its electrons, we can be recharged by walking through the grass, building a sandcastle with our hands, or wading in a creek. According to The Christian Nutritionist, Chelsea Blackbird, “Grounding is about getting your body in contact with the earth. Exposing your body to the natural magnetic frequencies of the earth. Helping the balance of ions in your body.” You can find out more by visiting her website (thechristiannutritionist.com) or listening to her podcast.

S ELF CA R E | H E A LT H + W EL L NESS

It turns out that the groundhog has known all along the benefits of staying grounded. Perhaps that is why we experience six more weeks of winter, time and time again each year, beginning in February. Who knew a rodent could be an example of such a healthy habit? In 2024, begin to make grounding a daily experience to improve your overall self physically and mentally. And the next time the kids are grounded, remind them it really is good for them.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

Blue Moon

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

A spirit-free mocktail to celebrate a new year of joy and wellness

Blue Moon In light of the new year, with its dreams, goals, and resolutions, comes the desire to live happy and healthy in the coming months. As we start the year off with a focus on wellness, shake up this

IN G R E D I E N T S

spirit-free mocktail and dream about the months to come. May the following months be filled with joy and prosperity, with troubles coming to your door only once in a blue moon.

DIRECTIONS

• 1 ounce Blueberry Lavender Syrup • 1 ounce Lime Juice • 4 ounces Q Mixers Ginger Beer

1. Place a few ice cubes into a copper mug 2. Measure out the blueberry lavender syrup and the lime juice and pour over your ice 3. Top with the ginger beer 4. Skewer several blueberries to garnish the drink Enjoy!

BL UEBER RY L AV ENDER S Y RUP :

4-5 minutes and then remove from heat. Allow to cool and then strain, discarding the solids. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

Place ¼ cup sugar, 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries and ½ cup water into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until the sugar is dissolved and then add 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds. Bring to a boil, mashing the berries and stirring constantly. Boil for

Recipe by Tim Goodwin // https://www.jaspersrichardson.com/

“May the following months be filled with joy and prosperity, with troubles coming to your door only once in a blue moon.” ARTICLE BY MALLORY MCKEEVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PIXEL PERFECT ROSE JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

SMILING 400 times a day

THE POWER SMILING HAS ON US FUNCTIONALLY, SOCIALLY AND MENTALLY ARTICLE BY MALLORY MCKEEVER

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

On one of the walls in Gronberg Orthodontics is a bulletin board covered in photos of the beaming faces of Gronberg patients, all with shiny new smiles. Adults, teenagers, young adults and kids alike, all show a perfectly stunning, toothy smile. On the top of the board are printed black letters reading “Congrats on your new smile!” Across the hall is a shelf littered with prizes such as basketballs, nail polish, remote control monster trucks, and stuffed animals, the sign reads “20 Smile Points”. Dr. Kimberly Gronberg, DDS, MS of Gronberg Orthodontics beams her own smile on all the patients, parents, and visitors that walk through the office doors or meet her in the hall. What makes these smiles so special is that they accomplish countless goals.

FUNCTIONALLY

Several factors are considered when working to perfect someone’s smile, says Gronberg. “We look at so much more than just the teeth in deciding treatment: jaw structure, lip thickness, gingival or gum heights, chin muscle strain, lip strain, etc. all play a part in our treatment plans.” The top priority is functionality, aesthetics comes later. Functionality focuses on making sure that the teeth will wear and tear well throughout time. “The function of teeth is, of course important,” Gronberg explains, “and when teeth are properly aligned and the bite fits correctly, the teeth and bone/gums will not break down like they would in traumatic occlusion (bad bite/position of teeth).” Maintaining one’s smile is vital to maximizing functionality and aesthetics over time, “While we always say a good bite is the best retainer, Gronberg says, “retainers are important wear as well. There are many different types and we pick the best one for each individual patient.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

“Perhaps we could bring back the joy we had as children and do what we used to, smile 400 times a day and find joy in every moment.” SOCIALLY

Beyond the physicality of a smile, smiles work wonders in the world in an idealistic way. Smiles mean more than straight teeth but are integral to communicating in everyday life. Their presence, or lack thereof, is constantly sending us signals throughout the day, whether we realize it or not. From grocery shopping to dating relationships to passing a stranger on the street, smiles and our perception of them affect our daily social interactions. A study published by the International College of Prosthodontists concluded that attractive smiles are closely related to personality traits such as warmth, calmness, extroversion, and low anxiety. Researchers at Penn State University found that smiling not only makes you appear more likable and courteous but also more competent. Whether you like it or not, people read into your smile, whether it’s there or not. Your smile affects how people perceive you, friend or foe.

MENTALLY

Research seems to pile up in the name of smiling and its benefits on our mental health and overall wellbeing. “When you smile more, you feel better and confidence increases,” Gronberg says. “So many adults never had the privilege of orthodontics growing up. Many have had teeth they tried to hide for years, but didn’t have the means to correct them. So many adults have cried when we’ve finished treatment because it was something they wanted for so long.” Perfecting something as simple as one’s teeth goes farther

DR. KIMBERLY GRONBERG, DDS, MS OF GRONBERG ORTHODONTICS

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

than you would think. It affects your perception of yourself, it can change the chemistry of your brain, and tells your friends and neighbors what kind of person you are. Researchers at London Metropolitan University write that smiling improves one’s health in more ways than a temporary mood but helps to improve stress recovery and even reduce illness over time. A 2010 Wayne State University study found that baseball players that smiled in their 1950’s Major League player card lived an average of almost 80 years, those that didn’t lived an average of 72.9. Whether or not they smiled in their card predicted their life span. Smiling isn’t only a result of happiness but also spurs on the feeling of happiness. When we smile, our body releases hormones like dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These hormones are the signals in your body that make you feel happy. One British study found that one smile is as stimulating as eating 2,000 bars of chocolate or receiving up to $20,000. In his talk titled “The Hidden Power of the Smile”, author and researcher Ron Gutman said, “Children smile as often as 400 times per day. What happens to us [as] we grow up, we go from smiling 400 times per day to smiling maybe 20 or 25 times per day.” Smiling is not merely a concept of happiness, something to flash as we pass by a stranger, but affects us deeply, physically and mentally. Perhaps we could bring back the joy we had as children and do what we used to, smile 400 times a day and find joy in every moment.

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Dr. Kimberly Gronberg, D.D.S., M.S. • Dr. Charlene Sugay, D.D.S., M.S. 3000 Village Parkway, Suite 430, Highland Village, TX 75077

972.966.2326 | GronbergOrthodontics.com

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C RO S ST I M BE R S

JANUARY 2024

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S JA NUA RY 1 ST

New Year's Day Resolution Run/Walk Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers 2615 Dove Loop Rd, Grapevine | 8:00 AM Meet Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers and start the New Year out on the right foot! This new year's run or walk will begin at 8 AM and will wrap up with a wonderful potluck breakfast so be sure to bring a delicious breakfast dish! JA NUA RY 1 5T H

MLK 31st Celebration Lewisville High School Auditorium | 6:00 PM Join the LISD community in celebrating the 31st annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Event, in partnership with MLK of North Texas. The MLKNT Committee has chosen the theme of “Becoming ONE: The Time is Always Right to do What is Right” for this year's art, essay and photography contests! JA NUA RY 2 6T H

Lewisville Texas Symphony Lewisville Lake Symphony Association | 7:30 PM Lewisville Lake Symphony Association is hosting the first International Chamber Series of 2024 on January 26. This night of musical talent and wonder will star harpist Zoe O’Shaughnessy, Jocelyn Kasparek on the viola and Di Cao on the flute.

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