Step into this meticulously newly remodeled Victorian home, nestled in the highly sought-after East Bench/University area. Built in 1898, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom masterpiece seamlessly combines historic charm with modern convenience. The recent remodel throughout this home are exceptional: new oak wood floors on the main and upper levels, all-new plumbing, electrical wiring, and service, plus a reinforced foundation for added peace of mind. Located within walking distance of the University of Utah, Trolley Square, 9th and 9th, and excellent schools, this home offers unparalleled accessibility in one of Salt Lake City’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. Income Potential with Private Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Next Door. This property also features a beautifully updated detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Currently rented for $1,700 per month, it offers an excellent income opportunity.
1146/1152 E 600 S
4 BED, 2 BATH
“Cathy and her team exceeded expectations on all levels! The sale of my home was not a particularly easy one due to some unique circumstances. Cathy handled all parties involved with top notch equity and respect. I will forever be grateful to have worked with Cathy and would recommend her to everyone. THANK YOU!”
—Mikeal Jensen
$1,375,000
Fine Furniture for Refined Spaces
Don’t just redecorate. Refine your spaces with the finest furniture from the world’s foremost luxury brands, including Baker, Century, Bernhardt, Hickory Chair, Lexington, Massoud, and more. Let HELM help you elevate your home’s elegance for the new year.
2025, Breathe it in!
Dear Neighbors,
The energy of January 1st is super refreshing! For many people I talked to... 2024 was a bit tough. It presented challenges that were felt in new ways. That's actually what life does, it helps us grow. Truth is our souls want to expand. Reflect for a minute, what feels different about this new year vs. last year? 5 years ago? It takes TIME to grow, learn, and evolve. Stay committed to the process because it does happen! Bring in a healthy dose of grace, curiosity and fun.
Here to inspire our first glance of 2025 is the incredible community warrior and lifelong fitness guru Denise Druce. If you are lucky enough to have come in contact with Denise, you know. Her kind heart, her desire to love and serve others, her passion for health and wellness, her commitment to healing.. I mean I couldn’t think of a better champion to start the year off with. Just wait til you read her insights…
Next we turn to our local expert on CBD. After a conversation with Diane, one of the inspired owners and visionaries behind Koodegras, Utah’s Best in State winner since 2019 and our first CBD retailer, I never would have really understood anything about this natural, safe and effective treatment option. Did you know that cannabinoids are naturally occurring in the body and we lose them as we age? CBD is the fountain of vitality, health and so much more.
We have so many health and wellness goodies in this issue. Todd Sylvester, from Todd Inspires podcast, (top 100 mental health podcasts in the nation,) inspires a conversation about mental health. If you want to feel renewed in your body, introduce your fascia to Jessa. Inspired owner and mastermind behind Rocksteady Bodyworks in Holladay. Also, the wellness no one talks about but more important than ever, dental. Dr Keith Warr celebrated 30 years last summer! This is the team you want inside your mouth offering confidence and comfort.
Friends, don't waste this life, use it. You’re here to EXPERIENCE YOU. In all the ways good, scary and exhilarating. This year, this issue… I hope we inspire you to find your dharma, feel your best and bring in a new sense of confidence. Life calls for courage, be curious in your approach and hopefully, this is your best year yet!
Allison's Eclectic Avenue, Dani Paskevitch, Scott Markewitz
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
JULIE JANKE, PUBLISHER @MILLCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN JANUARY 2025 Want to be seen in the magazine?
1: Woodhouse Spa celebrates 4 Year Anniversary! Jason Woodland, Owner Ryan Patano, Julie Janke, Kate Woodland 2: 4 years of Woodhouse Spa, nurturing our skin and invoking achievable wellness 3: A night of self care at the 4 year anniversary of Woodhouse Spa 4: Product Demonstrations at the Woodhouse Spa 4 Year Anniversary Celebration 5: Live Music at Millcreek Common’s Harvest Market 6: A peek inside the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Millcreek Common 7: Utah’s Own Holiday Shoppes at Millcreek Common @WOODHOUSESPAHOLLADAY @WOODHOUSESPAHOLLADAY @WOODHOUSESPAHOLLADAY
@WOODHOUSESPAHOLLADAY
WARM UP YOUR GUESTS AT UTAH’S COOLEST CORPORATE VENUE
From team building to corporate holiday parties and receptions to pop-up markets, our team is ready to turn uncommon experiences into memorable events. Take advantage of our state-of-the-art sound system and customizable interactive lighting. Rent the entire Skate Loop to enjoy the season and learn to ice skate with group lessons!
Indoor facility rentals, including the beautiful, new 6th Floor Community Room
Great space for holiday events and corporate retreats
Rent the whole loop for large parties and corporate events
Flexible catering options
Dorie Olds - The Creation Coach
The Creation Coach with Beyond Creation Institute & Global Certified Coach with Napoleon Hill Institute. Dorie assists people from adolescence to adulthood to change their story from stress, overwhelm, lack and bad habits to experiencing resilience, confidence, and success in all areas of their life including sports, learning & testing, habits, business, money, relationships and more. When You Want To Change Your Story, Call Dorie. 801.674.7329 dorieodesigns@gmail.com @dorie_19 or FB Dorie olds
Photography by Dorie Olds
Olympus Hills PantryFor the Food Insecure
Did you know in 2019 nearly two dozen Olympus High students dropped out due to food insecurity? The Olympus Food Pantry opened in Fall 2020 as a much needed resource. Each month approximately 230 Fresh Food Weekend Bags are given. Bags include: milk, bread, two dinners, breakfast and hygiene/household items. All students deserve access to fresh and nutritious food without sacrificing their education. Donate and make a difference! Thursday 126pm venmo @olympus-food-pantry olympus.food.pantry@gmail.com
Alloy Fitness HolladayPersonal Training
Did you know that up to 73% of people who set fitness resolutions end up quitting before reaching their goals? Some people get too busy, others lose interest, but sometimes there’s a bigger roadblock—mental barriers. Specialized training for 40+ adults in small groups that are supportive, effective and fun. Angela is here to help you meet your health goals and FEEL better so you can thrive, (and sleep!) @alloyholladay | 385.399.6998
WELLNESS IN MOTION
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON’S ECLECTIC AVENUE
Rocksteady Bodyworks is not your typical Pilates and bodywork studio—it’s a sanctuary for health, movement, and connection. Founded by Jessa Munion, whose global upbringing shaped her deep understanding of wellness, Rocksteady is built on the idea that wellness isn’t a luxury but a lifestyle to be embraced and made approachable in the community it serves.
Jessa’s early exposure to diverse wellness practices laid the foundation for her life’s work. “In Africa and Asia, where I grew up, what we consider wellness here in the U.S. was simply daily practice there,” she explains. This global perspective inspired her to create a space where wellness is integrated into every facet of her practice. From her early years practicing yoga to her hands-on work in bodywork and Pilates, Jessa has spent decades refining her approach. “Work done in the spirit of service is a contribution to humanity,” she says, a philosophy that defines the Rocksteady ethos.
Central to Rocksteady’s offerings is the belief that movement and regular bodywork is essential to overall health. Bodywork refers to advanced therapeutic deep tissue massage. “To be well, you have to prioritize your wellbeing,” Jessa asserts. The studio’s focus on Pilates and bodywork stems from a commitment to nurturing healthy, hydrated, and supple fascia and connective tissue. Pilates plays a central role at Rocksteady, offering a form of exercise that demands focus and presence. “It’s hard to zone out during our form of Pilates,” Jessa notes. Combined with manual therapy, these practices provide what she calls “a super smoothie” of nutrients for the body, blending physical health with emotional balance.
“Humans are moving less and in fewer ways than ever before,” Jessa points out. “Movement is the lubrication that keeps your system functioning and maintains structural integrity,” she explains.
ROCKSTEADY BODYWORKS REDEFINES SELF-CARE
Rocksteady’s approach to bodywork goes beyond physical health. Jessa explains that fascia can hold patterns, memories, and even trauma. With recent research highlighting the connection between bodywork and emotional healing, she sees the practice as an opportunity for transformation.
“Bodywork provides a positive sensory override,” she says, helping clients release physical and emotional tension. Combined with Pilates—a discipline that demands focus and presence—this dual approach fosters both physical recovery and emotional resilience.
Unlike traditional fitness studios, Rocksteady is intentionally intimate, with Pilates classes capped at six participants. The design environment is influenced by extensive time spent living in Portland and Northern Europe. The space is designed to feel like your living room, fostering a sense of community, calm and connection. “Rocksteady is a place where wellness is practiced by all who enter,” she shares.
This sense of togetherness extends to Rocksteady’s clients, instructors, and therapists. “We’re all working on some version of our best selves when we enter Rocksteady,” Jessa says. Whether it’s active parents, Wasatch mountain athletes, or seniors striving for lifelong mobility, everyone is welcomed and supported.
Rocksteady also serves as a training center for the next generation of wellness practitioners. Jessa’s two-year apprentice program offers aspiring massage therapists the chance to learn her principles and techniques. Over the past decade, she has trained more yoga teachers, Pilates instructors, and massage therapists than any practicing therapist in Salt Lake City. The Practice now employs around 15 wellness practitioners.
“We’re raising the bar for wellness in our community,” she says, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Rocksteady’s culture and quality of care.
For Jessa, Rocksteady is as much about personal balance as it is about client care. As a mother, she intentionally designed her business to support a healthy work-life balance for herself and her team. “We’ve created a place where practitioners can successfully balance home, work, and life,” she explains.
“Taking care of your body is as essential as changing the oil in your car,” she says. Regular bodywork sessions enhance clients’ ability to show up fully in life, breaking down the notion that wellness is an indulgence.
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and digital interactions, Rocksteady stands out as a place to tune out distractions and tune into the present moment. Jessa and her team are helping clients navigate the challenges of modern life with strength and grace. “We’ve created a space that’s conducive to building relationships,” Jessa says. The studio encourages clients to be fully present and engage with teachers and classmates alike.
Rocksteady Bodyworks is a reflection of Jessa’s lifelong commitment to wellness and her desire to share it with others. By integrating movement, bodywork, and community, the studio empowers clients to navigate the challenges of modern life with strength, resilience and connectivity.
“We’re providing antidotal experiences to help people thrive,” Jessa adds. At Rocksteady, wellness isn’t just a practice—it’s fundamental to our individual and collective growth. To learn more, you can visit rocksteadybodyworks.com .
Millcreek, Don’t Drink The Tap Water
Did you know Millcreek tap water contains 36 harmful contaminants, 14 of which are over the recommended guidelines?
These dangerous contaminants have been known to increase the risk of cancer, delayed childhood development, gastrointestinal diseases, and problems during pregnancy.
Don’t risk your health, order delivery or visit Water & Wellness today.
NATURE’S Remedy
6 Must-Try CBD Products from Koodegras to Enhance Wellness
ARTICLE BY JULIE JANKE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANI PASKEVITCH
Bingham Family
Koodegras, founded in 2015 by the Bingham family, is locally owned, operating 3 locations. Austin, a chemist with a master’s degree, leads product development, while Ryan, a health specialist, manages the Millcreek location and Tyler runs the Sandy store. Diane and Mike oversee operations.
In 2015, Diane, who suffered from tardive dyskinesia, a head movement disorder, found relief after just one week of using CBD. Inspired by this healing experience, Diane helped shape the vision and success of Koodegras, crediting her sons—especially Austin, who had extensively studied cannabinoids— for driving the business and developing their high-quality blends.
After 35 years of research, scientists are only beginning to understand the critical role of the Human Endocannabinoid System (HEcS), one of the most significant discoveries in late 20th-century physiology. This system regulates the body’s homeostasis—maintaining balance across all systems— through two primary receptors, CB1 and CB2. These receptors are activated by three types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids (produced by the body), phytocannabinoids (from plants), and synthetic cannabinoids.
Many experts believe modern lifestyles lead to "Cannabinoid Deficiency," causing the HEcS to function below its optimal level, potentially harming overall health. Supplementing with full-spectrum phytocannabinoids can help restore balance and promote well-being.
Phytocannabinoids offer a wide range of potential health benefits, including pain relief, reducing inflammation, immune system regulation, improving sleep, supporting mental health and anxiety, reducing the risk of blocked arteries, even aiding cancer patients inhibiting tumor growth, nausea and muscle spasms from working out. Koodegras provides custom blends and partners with the Huntsman Cancer Institute to offer patients a 20% discount. As Dr. Carl Pfeiffer once said, “For every drug that benefits a patient, there is a natural substance that can achieve the same effect.”
Pets can benefit from CBD in many of the same ways as humans, thanks to their similar endocannabinoid systems. CBD may help reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, support joint health, and improve mobility in aging pets. It can also ease symptoms of chronic conditions like inflammation, seizures, and skin issues. Additionally, CBD may promote a sense of calm and well-being in pets, enhancing their overall quality of life.
100MG BATH BOMBS
These famous CBD infused Bath Bombs are handcrafted from an array of organic essential oils, each carefully selected to promote the ultimate relief and relaxation experience. With over 100 mg of slow release CBD, these bombs are sure to make your next bath an incredibly soothing, relaxing experience. They make an incredibly easy and satisfying gift for anybody!
NO. 9 MAX QUICK RELIEF SALVE FULL SPECTRUM
Saying this best-selling No. 9 Pain Gone Salve is the bomb is an understatement! With over a 40 different essential oils, Chinese herbs, and other natural remedies, this stuff really works miracles! The CBD used in this product is engineered with both an instant and time release CBD so you will be getting an initial, immediate burst of CBD, with a slower, steady release of time-release CBD lasting hours after application to give you relief all day or night.
ANGSTROMPLEX CBD + CBG
Angstromplex CBD + CBG blends two potent cannabinoids with terpenes in a water-soluble formula to help fight anxiety, inflammation, and many other chronic conditions.
QUICK RELIEF COOLING AND HEATING GEL ROLL ON
Our CBD Heating and Cooling gel contain 150mg of CBD each, and are designed to penetrate the skin and provide a warming or cooling soothing relief from pain or aching muscles/ joints. These topicals can be applied for chronic pain, acute injuries or muscle soreness. These products are best paired together but can be used individually as well.
SPOT ON WRAP
This 25mg CBD Hemp Cellulose Spot On Wrap is a newly formulated, topical relief wrap designed to target specific discomfort in various areas of the body with its cool-to-heat effect.
CBN + CBD SLEEP EDIBLES W/ MELATONIN
These fast acting, delicious 5mg CBD + 5mg CBN huckleberry flavored sleep edibles help even the most difficult of sleepers draft to sleep with ease. With our water soluble CBD/CBN combo plus 2.5mg melatonin, you will fall asleep easily and wake up refreshed without feeling drowsy or sluggish.
BREAKING the Silence
TODD SYLVESTER’S APPROACH TO CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH CONVERSATIONS
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY TODD SYLVESTER
WHAT ARE SOME EARLY WARNING SIGNS THAT PARENTS SHOULD WATCH FOR IF THEY SUSPECT THEIR CHILD IS STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES?
Todd Sylvester: It's often tricky because we may not notice it right away. One of the most common signs is when you see a drop in your child's energy levels. Kids naturally have a lot of energy, so if they’re unusually tired or uninterested, something may be off. Another sign is when they’re not engaging in conversations, especially with family members. You might also notice their school
performance slipping, or that they’re spending excessive hours on social media or video games. This could be a way for them to escape reality, so it's important to look out for these behavioral shifts.
YOU EMPHASIZE THE POWER OF BELIEF SYSTEMS. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP THEIR CHILDREN DEVELOP HEALTHIER SELF-BELIEFS?
Todd Sylvester: Before addressing mental health topics with your child, you need to establish a strong relationship with them. One of the best ways to do this is by spending quality oneon-one time with each of your children. Take each child on a monthly individual date. Leave your phones in the car and just have a conversation. This dedicated time builds trust, so when you do bring up sensitive topics like mental health or self-belief, they’ll be more open to discussing them with you. Once that trust is there, you can guide them through exercises to build healthier belief systems.
IF A PARENT NOTICES A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THEIR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR, WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO APPROACH THEM WITHOUT MAKING THEM FEEL JUDGED OR DEFENSIVE?
Todd Sylvester: Start by helping them identify the negative beliefs they’re internalizing. I use an exercise I call the "bully playlist," which focuses on the negative self-talk they might be experiencing. For instance, if they believe "I’m not smart," flip that narrative by creating a "champion playlist" with affirmations like "I am brilliant." Have them repeat it to themselves while looking in the mirror and truly feeling it. Then, visualize what it looks like to embody that belief in real-life scenarios. This process can significantly change their mindset and build self-confidence.
TODD Sylvester
WHAT ARE SOME SPECIFIC QUESTIONS PARENTS CAN ASK THEIR CHILDREN TO START A CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH?
Todd Sylvester: The key is to approach these conversations with genuine curiosity rather than judgment. Build on your existing relationship with your child. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?” Don't shy away from more direct questions like, “Do you feel anxious or depressed?” Another powerful question is, “Do you feel seen and heard by me as your parent?” It can be uncomfortable to hear the answers, but these questions can open the door to deeper understanding and stronger communication.
FOR PARENTS WHO FEEL OVERWHELMED, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU OFFER TO KEEP THEIR OWN WELL-BEING IN CHECK WHILE STILL BEING SUPPORTIVE?
Todd Sylvester: It’s essential to take care of yourself first if you want to be there for your children. I practice what I call my “hour of power” every morning, which focuses on mental and emotional health. By taking that time for
myself, I show up better in every area of my life—whether it’s being a dad, a husband, or a coach. Parents need to find their own routines that help them de-stress and recharge. When kids see their parents prioritizing mental health, they’ll be more inclined to do the same for themselves.
WHAT RESOURCES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR PARENTS WHO ARE TRYING TO IMPROVE THEIR OWN MENTAL HEALTH?
Todd Sylvester: It is all based on your own personal preferences. There are so many resources available. I enjoy Andrew Huberman’s podcast, “Huberman Lab,” as well as "The Holistic Psychologist." The key is to take one small action step at a time. Focus on getting just 1% better each day. It’s less overwhelming and can lead to significant progress over time.
WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU?
Todd Sylvester: You can visit my website at toddinspires. com, where you can also access my podcast, Beliefcast, featuring interviews with inspiring individuals. I’m on all major podcast platforms. You can also find me on social media with the handle @tsinspires, as well as on LinkedIn and Facebook.
“Before addressing mental health topics with your child, you need to establish a strong relationship with them. One of the best ways to do this is by spending quality one-on-one time with each of your children.”
The Transformative Power of Yoga
DENISE DRUCE ON SHOWING UP FOR YOUR LIFE’S CALLING
ARTICLE BY SHEENA STEEDMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT MARKEWITZ
After 40 years in the wellness industry, when Denise Druce says it has got her through the toughest periods of her life, she means it.
Growing up with a father who was incarcerated and now experiencing her “second dance with cancer,” she’s no stranger to not only surviving life’s obstacles but thriving in them.
“Humans are resilient,” she declares, “and I believe that the whole world of wellness is here to support that resiliency.”
You could say that Denise first planted those seeds unsuspectingly while teaching “Jane Fonda-style aerobics” in the early ‘80s. She witnessed the impact movement had on the human spirit first-hand. “I saw a before and after picture in just that first hour… People would come in stressed out and leave better,” she recalls. And at one buck a pop, the irrepressible workout enthusiast paid her way through college.
Little did she know that her days of leotards and warm-ups teaching at UVU’s wrestling gym would provide a blueprint for the rest of her life. She opened her own corporate wellness business, owned three gyms, and enjoyed (well, she still does) a decorated career teaching fitness, including several on-screen spotlights. Eventually, she found her way to a deep-seated home within yoga—teaching, training, and creating the nonprofit foundation, Yoga Forward. The purpose: to bring yoga where it isn’t, like residential treatment facilities, prisons, shelters, corporations, schools, and parks.
As her mentor always said, “Go to your wounds—the place where you have experienced pain in your life, and there you’ll find your call to service” (or “dharma” in yogic terms). “And when you find that, it’s full circle,” her mentor concluded.
After Denise’s father passed several years ago, she did just that, she went to the prison where her dad had been—the source of her internalized layers of anger and shame as a 13-year-old visiting an incarcerated parent. She placed it on that concrete altar (after first addressing it through therapy), and alchemized her pain into something beautiful by facilitating healing with the power of yoga.
That one gesture soon flourished into a yoga teacher certification program within the prison that would undoubtedly change hundreds of the inmates’ lives from the inside out with an unbelievable ripple effect. Today, Yoga Forward has graduated over 100 incarcerated people with a 200-hour teacher training certificate.
One of those ripple effects involves a remarkable being named Ferosa, who’d been sentenced to life. As Denise recounts in her TED Talk, How Yoga Training Re-creates Prison Environments for Inmates, while Ferosa had “found freedom in her confinement” as a yoga trainer, it was unclear that she’d receive physical freedom in this lifetime.
Last November, however, Denise received a phone call that expanded the realm of possibility—Ferosa had been released on good behavior echoing the changes she’d made at the facility.
And that is the power of yoga.
But Denise will tell you, Yoga Forward has healed her as much as anyone—consistently reminding her to lean in “at the soft edge of the hard place.”
“There’s no avoiding a hard place in our lives,” she says, “they're just day after day after day—we're going to run into hard things. And we don't want them to make us hardened individuals.”
“Go to your wounds—the place where you have experienced pain in your life, and there you’ll find your call to service” (or “dharma” in yogic terms).
“Even
though we live differently, yoga invites us to look across and see one another as beings of light, human beings with infinite potential. And so
I’m
a yoga missionary.”
A testament to the way Denise lives as she crosses the river of cancer, she reverently bows before it as one of her biggest teachers, to learn all it has to teach her and travel through those hard spots in life with ease and grace. Anyone who’s met Denise would agree, as her light shines as bright as ever.
A battle cry for the journey called life, the largerthan-life teacher regularly delivers reverberating words to her yoga teacher training students:
“I cannot let you play small with your life. We stand on the precipice of becoming a better version of ourselves, of removing parts of ourselves that have been put on us through life that aren't really who we are… A lot of us are just scared to quit the safety of a job or leave the safety of a relationship that doesn't fulfill us or fill in the blank,” she continues. “But I just say, follow it because it's right there. It's a string pulling your heart out and we need you. We need people in the world who are living their dharma.”
Whether the noise of conditioned messaging comes from within or without, Denise reminds us to watch out for the voices that too often overshadow our soul’s desire or calling. They tell us that we are too old, too young, too fat, or whatever they might say to hinder us from meeting our true path or dharma. But we don’t need to look any further than ourselves for our life’s calling.
“Your soul actually knows what's true for you, and it probably feels scary,” she says. “And when it feels scary if you can just follow that a few inches out to the point where you come to tears, then you know… That’s when you know what your dharma is.”
Presence is another cornerstone for Denise at this junction, especially because she knows that she can directly affect the health of her body through stress management—not worrying about the future or
lamenting the past. And as she likes to remind herself, “Right in this very moment, we are alive and well.”
That power of presence threads itself throughout her entire life and is particularly potent around her three grown sons who she can’t stop smiling about. She says it’s only rainbows and sunshine when they’re around and describes her perfect day as being snuggled up to her husband at their Millcreek home (where they’ve lived 30 plus years) with her sons and chocolate lab.
If you’d like to get in touch with all of the beauty, healing, and grace that is Denise, consider attending one of her virtual classes every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. via Zoom. She invites your dog to join and says your significant other can hold your hand during savasana.
She also has a Patreon channel with a library of hundreds of yoga classes, meditations, and fitness and spin classes. Her yoga teacher training is not just for those who want to teach, it's a 200-hour immersion in self-inquiry and personal growth run in Millcreek.
Her Foundation, Yoga Forward would love your support through either donations or word of mouth to help them keep taking yoga where it isn't (see the links below).
Lastly, Denise wants you to know that yoga is for everybody, and she doesn’t mean that tritely:
“I can't think of a time in my 61 years on this planet when connection is more needed. We are a divided nation. We are a divided people. And I feel like yoga has something that invites us to come together and see common ground and see each other. Even though we live differently, yoga invites us to look across and see one another as beings of light, human beings with infinite potential. And so I’m a yoga missionary.”
To attend one of Denise’s classes or support her nonprofit foundation, Yoga Forward, visit: https://yogaforward.org/
Inspiring people to live healthier, happier lives since 1981, Denise's journey through fitness spans over four decades includs teaching high impact aerobics, step (on wooden benches), group resistance training, indoor cycling, and current passion, yoga.
Generations of Care
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON’S ECLECTIC AVENUE
THE LEGACY OF WARR DENTAL
“The product we have to offer is confidence, it’s not teeth.”
Warr Dental, a family-owned practice rooted in tradition, has been a pillar of dental excellence for decades. Originally established by Dr. Keith Warr’s father, Dr. Newell Warr, the practice has built a legacy centered on quality care and patient trust. Dr. Keith Warr has remained dedicated to these core values.
“We’re seeing patients my father treated 50 years ago—three generations of families,” he shares.
Continuing his father’s work is a grounding and meaningful experience for Dr. Warr. “It’s about maintaining the same quality of care and passing on that tradition to future generations,” he says. The family-oriented nature of the practice extends beyond its leadership. Warr Dental treats patients like family, creating a sense of belonging for everyone who walks through its doors.
Interestingly, dentistry wasn’t Dr. Warr’s initial career choice. His journey began with a summer spent working alongside his father. “It was then that I realized the artistic value of dentistry,” he explains. “You’re creating someone’s smile, and there’s so much beauty in that. The product we have to offer is confidence, it's not teeth." The transformative impact of a confident smile ultimately inspired him to embrace the profession and carry on his father's legacy. “What we really offer is confidence. It’s not just about teeth— it’s about changing lives,” he says passionately.
Warr Dental takes a comprehensive approach to oral health, emphasizing both quality care and patient education. The practice utilizes advanced tools like intraoral cameras to show patients exactly what’s happening in their mouths. “You can drive a car and have no idea what's going on under the hood. If someone takes the time to show you how your car runs, you may take better care of it. We want our patients to have awareness about their oral health,” Dr. Warr explains.
Education and awareness are central to the practice’s mission. Dr. Warr encourages patients to adopt preventative habits, such as maintaining proper dental hygiene, following a healthy diet, and staying informed about their oral health. By making patients active participants in their care, Warr Dental ensures they can make informed decisions for a healthier future.
The practice’s reputation extends beyond general dentistry. Known for its expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, Warr Dental attracts patients from across the globe. Whether it’s repairing smiles or enhancing them, the team prides itself on using high-quality materials and techniques that ensure long-lasting results. “We want the work we do to last for a lifetime,” Dr. Warr emphasizes.
Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment is another cornerstone of Warr Dental. Recognizing that visits to the dentist can be intimidating, the team goes above and beyond to put patients at ease. This commitment to patient comfort, paired with exceptional care, has made word-of-mouth the practice’s strongest form of advertising.
Dr. Warr’s dedication to innovation is another legacy inherited from his father. “He was always on the cusp of technology,” he recalls. To stay at the forefront of advancements, Dr. Warr participates in seminars, hosts in-office training sessions, and works with experts to continually enhance the practice’s offerings.
For Dr. Warr, dentistry is about more than technical skills—it’s about transforming lives. At Warr Dental, the focus is on creating smiles and fostering connections that last a lifetime. To learn more you can visit their website at warrdental.com.
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
smart SWEETS
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste, oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JANUARY 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND AND 29TH
Energy Renewal Sound Bath with Mallory Sceili
Sacred Energy | 261 East 4500 South Murray, Utah 84107 | 6:30 PM
Give yourself a gift and join Mallory for this relaxing sound bath! This is a great way to get centered and refocused. Enjoy breath exercises to release stagnant energy, go through a short guided meditation to help you relax followed by the beautiful tones of crystal sound bowls, drumming and more.
JANUARY 2ND - 5TH
Utah's Hogle Zoo ZooLights
Utah's Hogle Zoo | 2600 Sunnyside Ave (840 South) Salt Lake City, UT 84108 | 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
ZooLights returns for its 18th year this holiday season! While the animals slumber, immerse yourself in a wonderland of brilliant light displays featuring animal and holiday scenes throughout the zoo. Explore a holiday walk-through event filled with nature-focused lighting displays. Tickets can be purchased at hoglezoo.org/zoolights-event.
JANUARY 18TH - FEBRUARY 17TH
The Art Market at Millcreek Common
Millcreek Common | 1354 E Chambers Ave, Millcreek, UT 84106
The Art Market Wonders of Winter features local, Utah-based fine artists who work in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, and woodwork. Explore emerging artisans and new works from renowned professionals as the community gathers to celebrate visual art.
JANUARY 20TH - MARCH 10TH
Healing Feathers Healing After Religion Group
Healing Feathers | 4578 S. Highland Drive Millcreek,UT 84117 Suite 270 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Join the Healing After Religion Group, an 8-week journey starting January 20th. Meet on Mondays, 5:30-7:00 PM, through March 10th. Explore new beliefs, heal from past limitations, and connect in a supportive space open to all, regardless of religious background. Discover freedom and growth in this inclusive community!
JANUARY 24TH
Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge Kickoff Event
Millcreek Common | 1354 E Chambers Ave, Millcreek, UT 84106 | 2:00 PM
Kick off the new year with the Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge at Millcreek Common on January 24th, 2–5 PM! Enjoy free ice skating, fun activities, hot cocoa, and prizes. Tailored for 4th–6th graders but open to ages 5–18, participants collect stickers for monthly challenges. Free admission; register now for general or skating tickets!
JANUARY 29TH
Lunar New Year Celebration at Millcreek Common
Millcreek Common | 1354 E Chambers Ave, Millcreek, UT 84106 | 7:00 PM
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Millcreek Common! Enjoy a parade, live music, and festive displays that honor the traditions and spirit of the Lunar New Year.
