NBTX, TX January 2025 by City Lifestyle

Health & Wellness Issue

Kairos International Prison Ministry Needs Local Volunteers.

Your local Kairos Prison Ministry chapter is comprised of volunteers from Austin, to New Braunfels, to San Antonio. We serve the Reuben Torres Unit in Hondo, TX. Kairos has ONE mission with THREE programs. Kairos Inside is for incarcerated men inside the prison. Kairos Outside is for women impacted by incarceration, and Kairos Torch is for incarcerated youth. Our mission is to share the transforming love of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of Incarcerated men and their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. It's God's plan to reach these people. We are just a part of it. Would you like to volunteer and involve your church?

Email Craig.Jones@citylifestyle.com for contact form: Name, Church that you attend, phone number, email address, check box to volunteer for prayer support, agape love support, financial contribution, Kairos Inside, Kairos Support team (food prep and prayer), Kairos Outside, Kairos Torch.

Create the Life You're Proud Of - Happy New Years!

Dear Friends,

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set our intentions for the year ahead. The new year offers us a fresh start—a chance to enhance ourselves, nurture our well-being, and embrace new opportunities for growth.

In this issue, we’re excited to share ways you can kickstart your year with positive habits and meaningful changes. One of my favorites is the Miracle Morning routine. By dedicating just a few minutes each morning to mindfulness, affirmations, and exercise, you can set a powerful tone for the day and the year ahead. It’s an easy, impactful way to prioritize yourself in the midst of life’s busyness.

We’re also shining a spotlight on functional medicine, a holistic approach to health that focuses on understanding the root causes of your health concerns. This year, why not explore a more personalized, natural path to wellness?

Lastly, check out Hear in Texas, a platform that brings people together through shared wellness goals. It’s a reminder that health isn’t just about what we do for ourselves, but how we support each other along the way.

Here’s to 2025—a year of self-enhancement, connection, and making health a priority. Let’s embrace the journey ahead!

With gratitude and excitement.

SAMANTHA BOWERS, EDITOR @NBTXCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2025

PUBLISHER

Craig Jones | craig.jones@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Samantha Bowers | samantha.bowers@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com

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 Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

@2TARTSBAKERY

@NBTXCHAMBER

@NBHOMEGIRL

1: 2Tarts & the team at New Braunfels KNBT learn to make the perfect pie crust 2: Twist, twist, twist do the polka twist. 3: Dancing at Dia De Los Muertos Festival in downtown New Braunfels. 4: The Long Creek High Schools German Class takes their lessons to Wurstfest. 5: Spinning fun for dad and son at the carnival at Wurstfest. 6: The music is nonstop and captivating during the 10 day Wurstfest. 7: Jolene Huereca and family prosting at Wursfest. @NBTXCHAMBER

Empowering People, Improving Lives, One Ear At A Time.

It brings me great joy to put a smile on someone’s face because their quality of life has improved through better hearing. Each day I strive to understand what is going on with a patient so I can help them achieve the best outcome possible. I feel fortunate to have a private practice where I am free to treat each patient as an individual. They are not a number to me and I can offer them the best solution based on their lifestyle needs, not the requirements of a corporate business. Hearing is so important for brain health. Being proactive with your hearing is known to delay and even prevent the onset of dementia. Everyone needs a baseline hearing test!

Dr. Sally

I was isolated because I could not participate in conversations well and I was missing out on life. But not anymore, thanks to Dr. Sally.”

Q & A Hearing Health for All

Hear in Texas and Their Commitment to New Braunfels

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA BOWERS

Q: WHAT INSPIRED THE FOUNDING OF HEAR IN TEXAS, AND HOW DOES THE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION ALIGN WITH THE NEEDS OF THE NEW BRAUNFELS COMMUNITY?

A: After helping tens of thousands of people achieve better hearing and earning a national reputation for advanced audiological care, I decided to make a change. My husband and I always dreamed of living in the Hill Country once our children were off to college. Carlos, being from

San Antonio, loved the proximity, and we were drawn to the vibrant music scene and close-knit community in New Braunfels. We planned to visit both New Braunfels and Wimberley but fell in love with New Braunfels immediately and never made it to Wimberley. In late 2021, I sold my clinic in Midland and relocated with my husband to start a new chapter. By July 2022, we opened our state-of-the-art clinic here, where I now dedicate my time to helping local residents reconnect with the world through better hearing.

“Education is a cornerstone of our mission.

By addressing hearing health, we aim to improve not just hearing but overall well-being.”

Q: CAN YOU SHARE AN OVERVIEW OF THE SERVICES HEAR IN TEXAS PROVIDES, AND HOW THEY SPECIFICALLY BENEFIT THE LOCAL POPULATION?

A: We offer comprehensive audiological services, including hearing assessments, advanced hearing aid technology, cochlear implants, tinnitus management, pediatric hearing care, cognitive screening, positional vertigo treatment, and earwax removal. We also provide custom hearing protection and in-ear monitors for musicians. For accessibility, we offer remote audiology services and hearing aid repairs. Our clinic is deeply embedded in the community. We’ve conducted hearing screenings for first responders, city employees, local businesses, and schools. Attending community health fairs, like those hosted by NBU and EdenHill, allows us to educate and serve the public directly. These events help us provide preventative care and immediate insights with our video scope, which shows participants the inside of their ears in real time.

Q: HOW DOES HEAR IN TEXAS WORK TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT HEARING HEALTH, AND WHY IS THIS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR NEW BRAUNFELS?

A: Education is a cornerstone of our mission. Through "Doc Talks," we’ve reached residents at assisted living facilities, 55+ communities, and organizations like the Retired Teachers Association. We’ve also been keynote speakers at events like the EdenHill Alzheimer's Symposium and the Lone Star Parkinson Society. These talks cover topics ranging from hearing loss prevention to the critical connection between hearing health and cognitive well-being.

We also distribute silicone earplugs at every event to encourage hearing protection. Recently, we partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to address how hearing loss can lead to dementia. By using our cognitive screening tool, Cognivue, we’ve seen how proactive hearing care can significantly improve patients’ cognitive, social, and physical health.

Q: CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT SOME SPECIFIC WAYS HEAR IN TEXAS HAS POSITIVELY IMPACTED LOCAL RESIDENTS?

A: One of our most cherished initiatives is the "Hear for the Holidays" giveaway. For the past three years, we’ve invited the community to nominate deserving individuals to receive the gift of hearing. Our team votes on the nominations, and the chosen recipient receives a full hearing evaluation, premium hearing aids, and follow-up care. Surprising recipients with this life-changing gift is a highlight of our year, with Santa often joining the celebration.

We’ve also co-hosted Veteran Resource Fairs, connecting local veterans with essential services. These events, held in partnership with Visiting Angels, bring together over 25 resources to ensure veterans in our community receive the care and support they deserve.

“Hearing aids today are stylish and functional, integrating into daily life.”

Q: WHAT ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HEARING LOSS, AND HOW DOES HEAR IN TEXAS ADDRESS THEM?

A : A common myth is that hearing aids are only for older adults. That’s simply not true. With today’s Bluetooth-enabled devices, hearing aids are stylish and functional, seamlessly integrating into daily life for people of all ages. Another misconception is that hearing aids won’t work for everyone. Often, this stems from improper fittings or inconsistent use. At Hear in Texas, we ensure each device is tailored to the patient’s needs and emphasize the importance of wearing them consistently for the best results.

Q: WHAT’S NEXT FOR HEAR IN TEXAS, AND HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY GET INVOLVED?

A: We’ve expanded our team to include a second audiologist, Dr. Anna McCraney, who brings over 30 years of experience. With her expertise, we’re continuing to grow and serve the community.

To support our efforts, we encourage residents to spread the word about our services and participate in our outreach programs. By raising awareness about the importance of hearing health, together, we can help more people reconnect with the sounds they love.

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA BOWERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIVE HEALTH

UNLOCKING HEALTH WITH Functional Medicine

DISCOVER HOW ADDRESSING ROOT CAUSES AND EMBRACING A HOLISTIC APPROACH CAN TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH AND ENHANCE OVERALL WELL-BEING.

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, functional medicine has emerged as a powerful alternative to traditional medical practices. While conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms or treating specific diseases, functional medicine looks deeper, addressing the root causes of illness to enhance overall well-being. This holistic and patient-centered approach offers a profound opportunity to improve health in ways that traditional medicine may not fully explore.

Traditional medicine typically follows a disease-focused model. It is highly effective in acute situations, such as infections, trauma, or surgeries, where swift intervention is critical. Physicians use standardized protocols and rely on medication or procedures to alleviate symptoms or treat conditions.

Functional medicine, on the other hand, views the body as an interconnected system. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, practitioners delve into the underlying factors contributing to the disease. This can include lifestyle habits, genetics, nutrition, and environmental exposures. By identifying these

“Health is your superpower, and when you take an active role in understanding your body, the results can be truly life-changing.”

root causes, functional medicine aims to restore balance and improve the body’s ability to heal itself.

“Functional medicine is about asking why,” explains Christa Elza, FNP-C, founder of Elive Health. “Instead of just treating a symptom like fatigue, we investigate what’s causing it— whether it’s a hormonal imbalance, nutrient deficiency, or chronic inflammation. That deeper understanding allows us to create solutions that truly transform health.”

Functional medicine begins with an in-depth assessment of the patient’s health history, lifestyle, and even psychological well-being. Advanced testing is often utilized to uncover issues such as hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and gut health problems. This personalized analysis forms the foundation for a tailored treatment plan.

For instance, a patient suffering from chronic fatigue might discover that their symptoms stem from a combination of nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep hygiene, and chronic stress. While traditional medicine might prescribe stimulants or antidepressants, functional medicine works to correct the deficiencies, improve sleep, and address stressors through lifestyle interventions.

The benefits of functional medicine extend far beyond symptom relief. By addressing the root causes of illness, patients often experience improvements in energy, mental clarity, and resilience. Conditions that may not respond well to conventional treatments, such as autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and digestive issues, can often be better managed through this approach.

“Our goal is to empower patients,” says Elza. “Health is your superpower, and when you take an active role in understanding your body, the results can be truly life-changing.”

It’s important to note that functional medicine doesn’t seek to replace traditional healthcare; instead, it complements it. While conventional medicine excels in emergencies and advanced interventions, functional medicine fills the gaps by offering a proactive and integrative approach to long-term health.

In a world where chronic conditions are on the rise, functional medicine represents a shift toward sustainable, personalized care. By focusing on the root causes of illness and empowering patients to take charge of their health, this innovative approach has the potential to transform lives and redefine the future of healthcare.

smart SWEETS

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.

Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

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

• 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.

Quinoa BREAKFAST Bars

Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites

Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.

1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.

2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.

3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.

4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!

Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.*

These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.

Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter)

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• Chocolate chips as desired

Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.

Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites

PARADISE ON a Paddleboard

EXPLORE SERENE RIVERS, SCENIC LAKES, AND YOGA ON THE WATER.

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA BOWERS

DISCOVER THE JOY OF PADDLEBOARDING IN NEW BRAUNFELS

Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels offers an array of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Among its many outdoor treasures, paddleboarding has emerged as a beloved pastime for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a curious newcomer, New Braunfels provides the perfect backdrop for your next waterborne adventure.

THE PERFECT PADDLEBOARDING DESTINATIONS

COMAL RIVER

Known as the "longest shortest river in the world," the crystal-clear Comal River is a paddleboarding haven. Its calm, steady flow makes it ideal for beginners, while the serene environment offers a relaxing escape. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid tubers and enjoy the river’s tranquility.

GUADALUPE RIVER

For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the Guadalupe River offers stretches of calm water interspersed with light rapids. Paddleboarders can immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery of limestone cliffs and lush greenery. Pack a waterproof camera to capture the beauty!

CANYON LAKE

Known as the “Jewel of Texas Hill Country,” Canyon Lake is a stunning spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts. With 80 miles of shoreline, the lake offers plenty of space to explore coves, watch wildlife, and even fish right from your paddleboard.

WHY PADDLEBOARDING?

Paddleboarding isn’t just a fun activity— it’s a full-body workout. Balancing on the board engages your core, legs, and arms while providing a low-impact way to stay fit. Additionally, gliding across the water can be a meditative experience, offering mental clarity and relaxation.

TAKE YOUR PADDLEBOARDING TO THE NEXT LEVEL: PADDLEBOARD YOGA

For a truly unique experience, why not try paddleboard yoga? This fusion of fitness and mindfulness takes traditional yoga poses to the water, adding an extra layer of challenge and tranquility. Balancing on a paddleboard enhances your focus, strengthens your core, and deepens your connection with nature.

Many local instructors and outfitters, like Paddle TX, offer paddleboard yoga classes at serene locations such as the Comal River or Canyon Lake. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, paddleboard yoga invites you to stretch, breathe, and flow under the Texas sky.

3. Plan Ahead: Weekdays are often less crowded, offering a more peaceful paddleboarding experience.

4. Respect Nature: Leave no trace, and be mindful of the wildlife and environment.

“Balance, nature, and serenity— paddleboarding in New Braunfels is an unforgettable experience.”

LOCAL OUTFITTERS AND RENTALS

Not ready to invest in your own gear? New Braunfels boasts several local outfitters where you can rent paddleboards, take lessons, or join a yoga class:

• Paddle TX: Specializing in paddleboard rentals and tours, Paddle TX also offers yoga sessions for those looking to enhance their experience.

• Rockin’ R River Rides: Convenient access to paddleboards and other water sports equipment.

• Canyon Lake Marina: A one-stop shop for paddleboard rentals if you’re heading to the lake.

INSIDER TIPS FOR PADDLEBOARDING IN NEW BRAUNFELS

1. Safety First: Always wear a life jacket and check river or lake conditions before heading out.

2. Hydration is Key: Bring plenty of water, especially during hot Texas summers.

A LIFESTYLE WORTH TRYING

PADDLEBOARDING EVENTS AND COMMUNITY

New Braunfels is home to an active paddleboarding community. From sunrise paddles to clean-up events, there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Many outfitters also host special paddleboard yoga workshops and social paddles, creating a welcoming space for connection and growth.

Paddleboarding in New Braunfels is more than just a recreational activity—it’s a way to connect with nature, improve your fitness, and experience the town’s stunning waterways from a unique perspective. From gliding peacefully along the Comal to mastering a yoga pose on Canyon Lake, paddleboarding offers something for everyone.

READY TO PADDLE?

Dive into the waters of New Braunfels and create unforgettable memories on your paddleboard. With its variety of scenic locations, supportive community, and opportunities for activities like paddleboard yoga, this charming Hill Country gem promises an adventure you won’t forget!

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S t i l l Y o u O n l y B e t t e r

ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE

whirled PEAS!

Vegetable juice is a great addition to your diet especially if you want to lose weight, gain energy, and feel great. Sometimes life gets too busy and you don’t have the time to cook healthy meals. Fall in love with leafy greens, fresh fruit, nut milks, and chia seeds all combined to make a quick, easy, and delicious contribution to your day.

Veggies And Blenders Bring The Health We Need

ENERGY ELIXIR

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 beet

• 1 carrot

• 1 celery stalk

• 1-2 inches of ginger

• 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

BLUEBERRY MINT

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

• 1 fresh or frozen banana

• 1 cup spinach

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or 1-3 drops of peppermint essential oil

• 1 cup ice if using fresh fruit

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

GREEN SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cucumber

• 1 cup Granny Smith apples

• 1 cup celery

• 1 handful baby spinach

• 1/3 cup fresh pineapple (for a sweet smoothie or zest and juice of a small lime for tart smoothie)

• 1 sprig parsley

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

PINK FLAMINGO

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups spinach

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk

• 2 cups strawberries

• 1 cup chopped mango

GREEN MACHINE

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups spinach

• 2 cups water

• 1 avocado, peeled

• 1 cup chopped mango

• 1 banana

DIRECTIONS:

First, blend the spinach and almond milk in a blender until smooth. Then add the berries and mango and blend again until smooth.

DIRECTIONS:

Place spinach and water in the blender and blend until smooth. Then add avocado, mango, and banana and blend again until smooth.

KALEFORNIA ENERGIZING

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups kale, stems removed

• 1 cup water

• 2 oranges peeled

• 1 cup chopped pineapple

• 1 cup chopped mango

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (soak in water for 10 minutes)

DIRECTIONS:

Blend kale, chia water, and oranges until smooth. Add pineapple, mango and blend again.

BUILDING HEALTHIER

HEAR FROM NASM-CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER ABOUT ESTABLISHING THE BEST HABITS

ARTICLE BY KRISTIN BURNELL

The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around. How many times do your resolutions fall through each year? It can be challenging to build new habits and switch up routines if you’re looking for a change. That’s why we rounded up the best advice to establishing habits and making them stay for good. We spoke with Danielle Johnston, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified personal trainer and aspiring kinesiologist, who broke down her top tips to maintaining healthy habits this new year.

HABITS

START WITH A SMALL HABIT AND MAKE IT SOMETHING YOU ENJOY

Think 1-3 things maximum and then give yourself at least a month or two to apply the change. If you like to eat and cook, maybe try a new recipe or browse a cookbook in the library or bookstore for inspiration. If you like fashion, maybe try cleaning out a section of your closet (i.e. tops, bottoms, shoes, etc) to make way for 1 new piece. If you like being outdoors, maybe you try adding in just a 5 minute walk down the road.

IF YOU MISS A DAY, TRY AGAIN

If you miss a day or make a mistake with whatever resolution you’re working on, take that next opportunity to try again. Danielle uses the goal to eat healthier as an example. Health can be interpreted in many different ways but if you can take the small first step of looking at ingredients, that alone can make a world’s difference in the recipe you use so maybe you don’t even have to alter or substitute it. Or if your goal is to snack less but one day you snack more, don’t wave the flag and sabotage your efforts. Take a minute to breathe through the moment and then move on, enjoying the ebb and flow of health instead of going all in or nothing. Starting small allows you to adjust everyday habits that will, with time, transition to lifestyle changes.

CREATE 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESOLUTIONS

Danielle says to create 1 health resolution, 1 personal resolution, and 1 professional resolution as it is the best format to better yourself in multiple realms instead of just physical health. Too often, we get caught up in this “New Year New Me” mindset and create a list of things you want to change or start doing. But as they get lost in the busy to-do list of life and we forget,

“The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around.”

we can also feel like a failure and revert to “I’ll try again tomorrow or next year.” But what if you don’t have to start over, just keep going.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS AND VISUALIZE YOUR FUTURE

Whether you keep a notebook of your habit building, or keep track on your phone, it is important to acknowledge the personal progress made. This will also help you see the future that you want to build as you make more desirable changes in your life. If you want to track how you feel after working out, it will serve as a reflection on the progress made through what has been written down. This will encourage you to continue pushing for your goals!

A Simple ROUTINE FOR SUCCESS

Starting your day with intention can transform your life, and the Miracle Morning routine, developed by Hal Elrod, is a powerful way to do just that. It’s based on six activities, called S.A.V.E.R.S., to set the tone for a productive and fulfilling day:

1. Silence – Begin with peace. Meditate, practice deep breathing, or sit quietly to clear your mind.

2. Affirmations – Speak positive affirmations aligned with your goals to build confidence and focus.

3. Visualization – Imagine achieving your goals and experiencing success to train your brain for action.

4. Exercise – Boost your energy and mental clarity with movement. Even 10 minutes of stretching works wonders.

5. Reading – Fuel your mind with motivational or educational material to inspire growth.

6. Scribing – Journal your thoughts, plans, or gratitude to clarify intentions and track progress.

You don’t need hours to make this work. Start with 30 minutes and tailor it to your lifestyle. By dedicating your morning to personal growth, you’ll create a ripple effect of positivity and productivity that can change your life. Try it tomorrow—your Miracle Morning awaits!

CRAFTING POWERFUL AFFIRMATIONS:

Create affirmations that inspire and motivate!

• Be Positive: Focus on what you want, not what you lack.

• Use Present Tense: Phrase affirmations as if they’re already true (e.g., “I am confident and capable”).

• Stay Specific: Highlight clear goals or qualities.

• Feel It: Say them with belief and emotion.

Repeat daily to rewire your mindset for success!

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA BOWERS

Creating Your Miracle Morning

Elevate your eye care Experience and take your Eyewear to the next level!

At Elevated Eye Care, Drs. Jennifer and Kymber Blaschke provide a personalized exam experience along with the latest technology to evaluate your vision and eye health needs. They see patients of all ages and specialize in: Pediatrics | Myopia Management | Vision Therapy Specialty Contacts | The Management of Ocular Diseases

www.elevatedeyecaretx.com | 830.221.9358 1750 E Common St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 V@elevatedeyecaretx

MIXING HEALTH AND FLAVOR

A Delicious Mocktail to Savor Without the Alcohol.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP

• 1 cup cane sugar

• 1 cup water

• 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL

• 5 tablespoon pear juice

• 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup

• 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice

• sparkling water to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP

Combine sugar and water in a pot and cook over medium heat. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off heat and toss in rosemary sprigs. Cool Completely.

HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL

Pour pear juice, rosemary simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water. Add ice and garnish if desired.

JANUARY 2025

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JANUARY 4TH

Model Fiesta

375 S Castell Ave., New Braunfels, TX | 9:00 AM

ModelFiesta is the longest running annual modeling event in IPMS Region 6. The contest has grown in size and quality since its early days and now averages over 120 vendor tables and over 500 models entered in the contest each year.

JANUARY 10TH-12TH

Antiques Extravaganza

375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX

The New Braunfels Antique Show has been running since 2013; our 2025 event will mark our twelth year since the show first began. Throughout the entire time, the show has hosted some of the best antique dealers from across Texas and several other states.

JANUARY 18TH-19TH

RetroMania

375 S. Castell St., New Braunfels, TX

The RetroMania Collectibles Show & Comic Con Returns to New Braunfels, Texas on Saturday & Sunday, January 18 & 19, 2025! This is a pop culture collector’s dream filled with vintage and modern comic books, toys & action figures, video games, trading cards, apparel, art, autographs, anime, plush, Pokémon, posters, Funko Pops & much more.