SB+ January 2024

VERGI 24/7

is “paws”itively the best for critical care in pet emergencies

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January 2024

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HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where you need us

Convenient, easy-to-access locations for primary, specialty and emergency care

THE HEIGHTS

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MEMORIAL

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We offer a full spectrum of care, including:

WEST UNIVERSITY

• Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service • Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions • Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research

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 Houston Methodist Hospital

 Primary Care  Orthopedics &

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 Emergency Care  Breast Care Center  Specialty Care

Sports Medicine

To find care near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/central or call 713.790.3333.

VERGI 24/7

is “paws”itively the best for critical care in pet emergencies

/ January 2024 Send comments, thoughts, or ideas to springbranchplus@gmail.com

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January 2024

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ON THE COVER Meet VERGI 24 Hour Emergency & Critical Care Hospital — a unique business in that you hope to never set foot inside — but if you have furry friends in dire need of care, you might not have a choice. An emergency and urgent care animal hospital owned by Dr. Laura Noaker, VERGI’s staff includes certified veterinarians and vet techs whose love for animals knows no bounds. Read about VERGI and its philosophy of helping animals all over the Houston area on pages 4-6 (bonus: you get to see some pretty darn cute animals, too).

Cover photo by David Shutts Photography.

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Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo” is back in Houston next month Sloomoo Institute permanently parks its woman-owned slime bar in Houston 8 Long-awaited Wild Oats restaurant makes its debut in Spring Branch 9 Support Spring Branch FFA at its upcoming Show & Sale 10-11 Wine resolutions with The Drunken Cyclist 12-13 Community calendar

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14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Memorial High School Theatre premiers “Into the Woods” “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” hits The Hobby Center Visit the Houston Botanic Garden’s Radiant Nature light experience Feges BBQ and Spring Branch VFW post celebrate Veterans Day Vocalist Tianna Hall sings her way around the city Children At Risk luncheon recap Save the date for Spring Branch’s annual Color Run SBEF Golf Classic wrap-up It’s soup season (and National Soup Month) Why are New Year’s resolutions so hard to keep?

Editor’s Letter to the Residents

ear me out — January is a weird month. It feels like a clean slate, a fresh start, and a time to reevaluate the year past, but it’s a mixed bag that can simultaneously bring feelings of overwhelm and letdown once all the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over. While we can’t fix the January blues, we can provide you with some post-holiday cheer in our first issue of 2024 while you prepare to get back to a sense of normalcy. Read our cover story about VERGI 24/7 emergency animal hospital and their second-to-none dedication to saving animals in crisis, meet local singer Tianna Hall whose vocals will blow you away, and maybe feel not-so-alone as you understand why New Year’s resolutions typically don’t work (and some solutions to ensuring more success). We also have some favorite soup recipes and a fun, immersive light experience that lasts all through January (and February) at the Houston Botanic Garden. Gear up for a new year, y’all. 2024? We’ve got this.

Advertising Contact: Dawn Gunther Email: springbranchplus@gmail.com Phone: 713.828.4604

Pink Seat Media, LLC

Publisher/Editor Dawn Gunther

Content Coordinator Liz Clearman

Cover Photographer

David Shutts Photography

VERGI 24/7

Vet Tech Bonnie

Provides Critical Care for Furry Friends in Times of Need

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uch like when you have kids, it always seems like petrelated emergencies happen in the middle of the night, making it difficult to find care when you’re already anxious and worrying about your dog or cat. Enter VERGI 24/7, the Veterinary Emergency Room Group, which, as its name suggests, is a feline and canine emergency and critical care hospital located at 8921 Katy Freeway that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With 70 employees, including veterinarians Dr. Laura Noaker, Dr. Michael Seely, Dr. McKinsey Landers, and several others, there is no shortage of dedicated

By Liz Clearman veterinarians, vet techs, and office staff there to help your precious pet — and you — through any type of emergency.

Native Houstonian and Bellaire High School graduate Laura Noaker, owner of VERGI, wanted to be a veterinarian since seven years old after witnessing a neighborhood cat get hit by a car. She felt helpless, knowing there wasn’t anything she could do, and decided then that caring for animals in the midst of emergencies would be her life’s work. While helping creatures great and small is a career choice often declared as a dream job by the littlest of animal lovers, Dr. Noaker followed through with her 4

childhood passion and after graduating from Houston Baptist (now Christian) University with bachelors degrees in both theology and psychology, she attended veterinary school at — where else — Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1994.

After achieving her doctorate, she went on to do an internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to her career in animal medicine, she served for nine years with the Houston Police Department, receiving various promotions and commendations, but her heart led her back to caring for critters.

After working as a relief vet at VERGI for several years, Laura was asked to be chief of staff in 2000. Previously owned by several local veterinarians, the animal hospital, while geared toward emergency and urgent care, was only open overnight and on weekends.

Dr. Noaker felt strongly that the pet patients she cared for needed continuous care in one stable location as opposed to transporting an already sick and stressed animal back and forth to and from their regular vet. In 2006, she took the plunge and adjusted VERGI’s business model to a 24-hour-a-day/7-daya-week facility, becoming one of the first animal hospitals in the area to do so. In 2013, she purchased the business so that she could continue to provide the highest quality emergency and critical care medicine to the dogs and cats in the Memorial/Spring Branch (and beyond) community.

Setting them apart from other animal care hospitals is their focus on emergency and critical care veterinary cases, of course, but their work with over 200 animal rescue organizations around the Houston area makes them even more unique. “We help provide the pets with important medical care, ensuring they will have a better life in a new home. Because we think the work which these rescue groups do is so important, we try to help them financially by offering them special pricing. This allows their donated dollars to go further so they can help more animals,” Laura said. Several organizations that VERGI works with include Animal Justice League, Friends for Life, Houston Pets Alive Rescue, Scout’s Honor Rescue, Red Collar Rescue, Loving Arms Pet Placement, Houston K-911 Rescue, Caitie’s Foster Fam, Jamie’s Animal Rescue, and This is Houston Rescue.

Owner Dr. Laura Noaker

Vet Tech Rigo and Assistant Charlese

Vet Tech Jessica and Assistant Charlese 5

Unfortunately, as emergency veterinary care can pack a financial punch, the staff sometimes encounters clients who simply can’t afford continued treatment for their pets and feel that euthanasia is the only option.

Both cats and dogs alike who have been surrendered to VERGI have found loving homes with various staff members. “We have had a number of circumstances when a member of our staff has been willing to adopt an animal as they have felt it really should be given a chance at a good life. That is how many of our staff members’ pets have become a member of their family,” said Linda Croto, office manager at VERGI. “We have the H.O.P.E. Fund to assist clients who have exhausted their personal available funds to provide the necessary care for their pets and need a little financial help to help finalize their pet’s road to recovery. All of the money donated to this fund goes toward helping clients,” Linda said. Named and created in memory of Dr. Catherine Hartley, a beloved emergency room vet of many years at VERGI who sadly passed away in 2014 after a long battle with breast cancer, the H.O.P.E. (Helping Other Pets in Emergencies) Fund’s purpose is to give pets and their humans hope during emergency care and is applied on a case-by-case basis to aid financially when care might not be affordable. The ultimate goal is to avoid euthanasia whenever possible if financial roadblocks are the only thing impeding continued care.

Some of the most common pet emergencies that VERGI sees are trauma (being hit by a car or an animal attack), irregular breathing, sudden onset of pain, foreign object ingestion, vomiting or diarrhea, seizures, and broken bones. The hospital is a full-service facility with certified doctors and staff always available — Dr. Noaker herself is an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine board certified veterinary internal medicine specialist — advanced training in emergency medicine, critical and urgent care capabilities, state-of-the-art equipment, an on-site surgical center, and in-house laboratory, x-ray, and pharmacy services. In addition, VERGI has a separate “cat room” just for their feline friends who may get easily overwhelmed by lights and noises where the recovering patients can relax and take — what else — catnaps.

When Laura isn’t saving animals at her day (and night, and weekend) job, she enjoys reading, hiking, and volunteering, including providing musical education to elementary school students and caring for abandoned and abused horses at the Houston Humane Ranch. She is also kept busy with her own gaggle of animals including golden retrievers Amber, Parker, and Gable, and cats Wiley, Eli, and Dr. Seely (aptly named after VERGI’s current chief of staff, Dr. Michael Seely, when Dr. Noaker’s mom deemed both the cat and the vet “cute”). A native Texan, Laura’s family is originally from Pennsylvania, but her parents moved to Texas, making her the only native Texan and Houstonian of the bunch. “I enjoy all of Houston for the great variety of restaurants, music, and sports venues,” Laura said. “I have lived all over Houston and each neighborhood is special.

The people of Houston are what makes this a great place to live.” She currently resides in her childhood home in Bellaire but travels back to Pennsylvania to visit family and friends when her schedule allows. For a more relaxing vacay spot, Laura chooses to escape to the pristine beaches and crystal clear water in Florida.

VERGI’s staff feels it’s important to give back to the community that it serves, participating in events such as the Crawfish Festival in March, the World Series of Dog Shows in July, and Barktoberfest in October.

In December, they hosted the 23rd annual “I Survived” party, a celebration of life which was started in 2000 by Dr. Noaker during her first year at VERGI. It’s an opportunity for past clients and pets to come together to celebrate the fact that they survived whatever illness or ailment befell their beloved furry family members, and the clinic provides

Chief of Staff Dr. Seely, Vet Techs Jessica and Rigo

Chief of Staff Dr. Seely and Vet Tech Rigo

dinner and gift bags as a way to say thanks to the humans for entrusting VERGI 24/7 with their pets’ care and well-being. The holiday season also brought on the 9th annual cheesecake delivery, which was also initiated

by Laura in 2014, the year after she purchased VERGI. Dr. Noaker wanted to do something to thank the referring veterinarians that help keep the practice going, so she decided to deliver cheesecakes as a token of the staff’s appreciation. In 2023, they delivered 145 tasty treats to vets all around the city, making spirits bright and stomachs full.

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Although the VERGI staff is always available to help Spring Branch & Memorial residents take care of their beloved pets, they also hope — in the sincerest way possible — that they don’t have to see you walk through their doors.

However, if your furbaby needs emergency vet care, they’ll be welcomed with open arms and a highly trained, fast-acting team whose first priority is administering top-notch veterinary care. You can visit their website at vergi247. com to learn more. Follow them on Facebook at both VERGI 24/7 and VERGI To The Rescue and on Instagram at @vergi247er.

Photography by Maja Prgomet.

Cirque du Soleil Returns to Houston with One of Its Most Adored Productions, Corteo Corteo makes its comeback in Houston from Feb. 28 to March 3, 2024, at the Toyota Center

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orteo, the most enchanting arena show to ever be produced by internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil, is returning to Houston after six long awaited years. This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first graced the stage under the dazzling Big Top in Montreal back in April 2005. Houston audiences first experienced Corteo beneath the Big Top in 2007 and once again as an arena show in 2018. Since its debut in 2005, Corteo has astounded more than 10 million spectators in 20 countries across four continents. Now, this ethereal masterpiece returns to Houston, taking center stage at the Toyota Center for eight mesmerizing shows from Wednesday, February 28 to Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.

In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena and divides the venue, with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show, but also a performer’s eye view of the audience.

It’s an atmosphere never seen before in a Cirque du Soleil arena show. The set’s hand-painted curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the central curtains give a grandiose feel to the stage and sets the tone for the poetry of Corteo.

General tickets are on sale now at cirquedusoleil.com/corteo.

SLOOMOO INSTITUTE OPENS PERMANENT NEW FLAGSHIP IN HOUSTON

The immersive experience is designed to bring the joy of slime and sensory play to people of all ages via over-the-top installations for hours of uninterrupted fun.

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loomoo Institute, an experiential destination that taps into the joy of multisensory play through hand-crafted, artisanal slime experiences, announced that on December 9, 2023 the company will launch its fourth flagship located at Marq-E Entertainment center in Houston. Designed not just for kids, but the kid in each of us, the new 23,000 sq ft space features over-the-top installations that engage the senses of sight, touch, smell and sound, including: a DIY Slime Bar, Sloomoo Falls (where you get slimed!) and all-new experiences like Slimey Fossils, where guests explore slime imprints, FrooFroo Feels, where guests are blindfolded to heighten other senses and an enhanced Kinetic Sand “Doons” experience. The venue officially opens to the public on December 9th, and tickets start at just $39 which includes a custom DIY slime to take home.

The playful world of Sloomoo manifests through sophisticated, interactive flagships designed with the world-class architects of Method Design as well as contemporary artists. The experience is meticulously thoughtful, elevating recreational architecture to delight people of all ages. As you enter the Houston location, you’re guided through a path of play featuring dozens of slime vats that invite you to touch and squeeze various slime formats while taking you from one exhibit-style experience to the next.

To learn more about Sloomoo Institute and purchase early access tickets, visit sloomooinstitute.com.

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Texas-Inspired Restaurant Makes A Homecoming: Wild Oats Reopens In Spring Branch Underbelly Hospitality Debuts Second Concept in Memorial Area

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nderbelly Hospitality is pleased to announce the Spring Branch debut of its beloved Texas-inspired restaurant Wild Oats. The restaurant officially reopened on Friday, December 8 at 1222 Witte Road, next door to sister concept Underbelly Burger.

After much anticipation, a reimagined Wild Oats re-emerges after its move from the Houston Farmers Market. The revamped concept stays true to its roots and transports diners deep in the heart of Texas with appetizing fare inspired by the ingredients, people, and cultures of the Lone Star State. With two outdoor patios and a spacious indoor dining room and bar, the new location is thoughtfully designed to offer a warm and welcoming ambiance for the community to gather and enjoy great food and company.

“We’re thrilled to plant roots for Wild Oats on Witte Road,” said Jeff Lindenberger, Partner, Underbelly Hospitality. “Community has always been our core vision for the reintroduction of Wild Oats, and we have drawn inspiration from our neighbors to build a space that reflects the warmth and diversity of Texas. This is a concept and menu we all really love and are eager to share it with our newfound neighbors and loyal patrons.”

Bringing a fresh take on traditional Texas fare, diners at Wild Oats can expect to see the concept’s fan-favorite menu items including Wagyu Chicken Fried Steak, R-C Ranch Bavette Beef Fajitas, Catfish and Oyster Po Boys, Charred Romaine Salad and House Chili, in addition to new dishes such as R-C Ranch Smoked Sausage, Beef Short Rib, Gulf Seafood Boil, Wild Boar Shanks, Puffy Tacos, Tuna Tostadas, and more. Taking into consideration the familial aspect of the Spring Branch community, the new menu also highlights extended offerings for little ones including chicken strips, quesadillas, corn dogs, steak fingers, and grilled cheese.

“Our goal is to stay true to the core of the Wild Oats concept while continuing to evolve and refine it,” said Scott Muns, Culinary Director, Underbelly Hospitality. “We will always have customer favorites on the menu including our famous Chicken Fried Steak, Smoked Chicken and Armadillo Eggs. Other existing items have been updated, like our Chili, Campechana and Queso. There are also new dishes that allow us to dig into parts of Texas we haven’t been able to showcase yet, and to bring in the influence of our new team members. We want Wild Oats to encompass more than just the foods of Texas. We’re bringing the warmth of Texas hospitality to the experience.”

The grand reopening of Wild Oats marks Underbelly Hospitality’s expansion into the growing Spring Branch district, with a second location of Underbelly Burger opening right next door. The hospitality group is committed to offering an unforgettable dining experience deeply connected to the local community at each Underbelly concept.

Wild Oats is open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For menus and more information, please visit wildoatshouston.com or follow @wildoatshou on Instagram and Facebook.

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Spring Branch FFA Students

Ant Control • Roaches & Silverfish • Carpet Beetles • Rodent Control • Moths

get ready for their 46th Annual Show & Sale in February

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eet Olivia Nugent, SBFFA’s president and Area 3 vice president.

With SBFFA’s biggest event of the year approaching, the 46th Annual Show and Sale, she is not just busy with her FFA projects but with guiding other FFA students through the experience.

“My name is Olivia Nugent, and I am a senior at Stratford High School.

I’ve been a member of Spring Branch FFA for 8 years; I started in 5th grade after my best friend joined in 4th grade. My favorite part is raising animals and my public speaking contests. I raise cattle, rabbits, and broilers, and have raised a few pigs in the past. I love non-livestock too, and the hanging baskets and terrariums are my favorite. My favorite part of the show and sale is seeing the students supporting each other during the auction. We clap and cheer, and hope everyone can make the highest profit, and have fun. For the last eight years showing and selling, I’ve used the money I’ve made for my projects the following year, but since this is my last year, I will use the money for college. I hope to attend Texas A&M University to earn a degree in Animal Science. Outside of show and sale, I’m very involved in the FFA Career and Leadership Development Events that includes LDEs [Leadership Development Events], CDEs [Career Development Events], and SDEs [Speaking Development Events], and have seen great success at state. I was on the state champion Public Relations team, and the state runner up Ag Sales team both in my sophomore year. I also do prepared public speaking, and have advanced and placed at the state level for all three years. I’m currently working on my speech for my final year speaking.”

Student participation in Livestock projects has grown 20% and student success is based on community involvement and FFA project purchases, which includes non-livestock projects (floral arrangements, ag mechanics, food, etc.) Please consider supporting your local SBFFA students like Olivia and joining them at their 46th Annual Show & Sale. The show dates are February 8 & 9 while the sale is on February 10 and will be located at the SBFFA Ag Farm at 1905 Brittmoore.

The Spring Branch Chapter of Future Farmers of America (SBFFA) is open to students in all Spring Branch ISD schools. The National FFA organization began in the early 1920s and now has 945,988 FFA members in 9,163 chapters. The National FFA Organization is the largest student-led organization in the nation with a mission of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.

*Family Owned and Operated for 65+ Years *Centrally Located in the Heart of Spring Branch *Safe for Pets & Children *Green Products

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Wine

Resolutions T

By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. (The Drunken Cyclist)

his is the time of year for many to make resolutions. Whether to quit smoking, lose weight, or become more organized, most New Year’s resolutions involve breaking old habits and therefore they are usually not successful; I would love to lose a bit of weight but making that happen does not involve a whole lot of fun. Not all resolutions, however, need to be based in changing bad or unhealthy behavior, in fact, some can be informative, transformative, and even fun.

Instead, I propose a list of resolutions that revolve around wine.

There is no need to adopt all the following (although that would be great), just pick a couple and I can guarantee that your year will be memorable.

1. Try new varieties. We all can get stuck in the familiar, reaching for the same varieties, even the same wines, time and again. There are literally over 10,000 wine grape varieties in the world, yet most of the wine consumed in this country is made from about a dozen different grapes. Like Sauvignon Blanc? Try an Albariño from Spain, A Grüner Veltliner from Austria, or a Furmint from Hungary. Instead of Cabernet Sauvignon, opt for a Chilean Carmenère, a Bandol (Mourvèdre) from Southern France, or a Lagrein from Northern Italy.

2. Drink locally. Most people with at least a cursory knowledge of American wine would be able to name the top wine producing states in this country (California, Washington, New York, and Oregon), but would many be able to cite which state comes next?

Yup, Texas. According to the National Association of American Wineries, the Lone Star State is fifth in both annual production (in gallons) and number of wineries, but the state is third when it comes to wine’s economic impact. Some brands to try: Pedernales Cellars, Reddy Vineyards, Duchman Family Winery.

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Expires January 31, 2024 3. Explore the world. I realize that based on the previous resolution, my suggestion to “explore the world” might come off as hypocritical. Why? It’s wine, not war. There are countless regions producing fabulous wines and there has never been a better time to be a wine consumer. Haven’t been able to travel much as of late? Why not grab Nerello Mascalese from Sicily, a bottle of Cap Classique from South Africa, or even further off the path, Saperavi from Georgia (the country, not the state)?

4. Splurge once in a while. Life, for the most part, is hard and we deserve to treat ourselves every once in a while. Just as we might dig a little deeper for a nice ribeye or even lobster tail, it is important to reach up to the higher shelves when it comes to wine, too. Why not grab a bottle of Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon ($40) for that ribeye, Jordan Chardonnay ($35) for the lobster, or a bottle of Bruno Paillard Champagne ($50) because, well, it’s Tuesday.

5. Open that bottle. Similarly, don’t keep waiting for the “perfect” occasion to open that “special” bottle of wine you have been holding onto for far too long. Make the end of a hard day that special occasion. There will always be more great wine to open when a momentous event comes along.

6. Break some rules. Who says you have to have white wine with fish or red wine with meat? There are no grades being doled out that last time I checked, so if you love both Sauvignon Blanc and porterhouse steak, why not have them together? Wine enjoyment is all about that: enjoyment! Drink what you want when you want.

7. Join a wine club or mailing list. There is a ton of great wine being made that you will never find in Spec’s, Total Wine, or H-E-B. A ton. Why not join a mailing list or a wine club? It has never been easier to get wine shipped to Texas, so take advantage of it! Some of my favorites: Tongue Dancer Wines (CA), Purple Star (WA), and Brooks Wine (OR), just to name a few.

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8. Host a wine tasting or dinner. Every winemaker on the planet will tell you that wine is meant to be shared. There are few products produced that will bring people together like a bottle of wine. Hosting a wine tasting or a wine-themed dinner for friends, neighbors, or co-workers is easy and informative, and if you need any help in the planning or execution (warning: shameless plug coming), drop me a line: jeff@thedrunkencyclist.com.

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All Month

“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” @ The Hobby Center, 2 pm & 8 pm

Friday-Sunday nights: Radiant Nature @ Houston Botanic Garden

American Shuffleboard tournament and Queen of Hearts drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm

1 Happy New Year!

Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm

SBISD winter break New Year’s cash giveaway ($5,000 in door prizes) @ The Post Bingo Hall, all day

7 “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” @ The Hobby Center, 1:30 pm & 7 pm

2 SBISD winter break

8 SBISD winter break

“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” @ The Hobby Center, 7:30 pm

Preschool Story Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm

3 SBISD winter break

9 First day back for SBISD students

Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am

10 Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am

“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” @ The Hobby Center, 7:30 pm

Snow Day! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm

4 SBISD winter break Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm

11 Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm

Spring Branch Super Neighborhood Central meeting @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm

Energy Corridor Farmers Market @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 5 pm Toastmasters! @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm

“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” @ The Hobby Center, 7:30 pm 5 SBISD winter break

13 Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am

3D Printer Orientation @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 4 pm

Farmer’s Bazaar @ St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 10 am

Steak Night! @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” @ The Hobby Center, 8 pm

American Shuffleboard tournament and Queen of Hearts drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm

6 Customer Appreciation Day ($2,500 in door prizes) @ The Post Bingo Hall, all day

15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Tiny Market @ John Knox Presbyterian Church, 9 am

SBISD holiday

Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ Firstsbmd-2023-sbplus-one-third-pg-ad-print.pdf Congregational Church, 9 am

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12/8/23

Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm

Preschool Story Time 11:40 AM @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm

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January Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm

16 SBISD board of trustees special meeting @ Wayne Schaper Sr. Leadership Center, 6 pm

Energy Corridor Farmers Market @ 1520 Eldridge Pkwy, 5 pm Toastmasters! @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm

17 Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am

Memorial High School Theatre’s “Into the Woods” @ MHS, 7 pm

18 Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm Spring Branch Super Neighborhood East meeting @ Harris County Assessor, 7 pm

26 Spring Woods High School Theater Company Safari Players’ “Shrek The Musical” @ SWHS, 7 pm Memorial High School Theatre’s “Into the Woods” @ MHS, 7 pm

19 Parents’ Night Out @ Splat Zone, 5:30 pm

Stratford High School Playhouse’s “42nd Street” @ SHS, 7:30 pm

Hamburgers & hot dogs @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm

27 Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am

20 Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ First Congregational Church, 9 am

Spring Woods High School Theater Company Safari Players’ “Shrek The Musical” @ SWHS, 2 pm & 7 pm

American Shuffleboard tournament and Queen of Hearts drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm

Memorial High School Theatre’s “Into the Woods” @ MHS, 2 pm & 7 pm

Floral workshop @ Freedom Floral (Long Point), 4 pm Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm

American Shuffleboard tournament and Queen of Hearts drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm

22 Valentine’s Day pre-orders open @ freedomfloral.com (use code EARLYBIRD for 10% off thru 1/31)

Mini Book Nooks @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:30 pm Queen of Hearts game @ VFW Post 8790, 5:30 pm Stratford High School Playhouse’s “42nd Street” @ SHS, 7:30 pm

Preschool Story Time @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 2:15 pm SBISD board of trustees regular meeting @ Wayne Schaper Sr. Leadership Center, 6 pm

28 Stratford High School Playhouse’s “42nd Street” @ SHS, 2:30 pm

Spring Branch Super Neighborhood North meeting @ Spring Shadows Civic Association board room, 6:30 pm

29 Spring Woods High School Theater Company Safari Players’“Shrek The Musical” @ SWHS, 7 pm

24 Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am 31 SBISD pre-K, elementary, and middle school early dismissal Baby Time! @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10:15 am

25 Holocaust Remembrance Week: Meet Author Megan Hoyt @ Spring Branch Memorial Library, 10 am

7 1 3 - 6 8 2 -3 6 6 3

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Buy tickets at memorialtheatre.com 14

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical Comes to Houston in January!

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INA – The Tina Turner Musical makes its Houston premiere January 2 – 7, 2024 at the Hobby Center.

The North American touring cast is led by Ari Groover (TINA Broadway, Head Over Heels, Holler If Ya hear Me, Little Shop of Horrors) and Parris Lewis (Hairspray) who will evenly share the role of Tina Turner, each playing four (of eight) performances a week. Also starring are Deon Releford-Lee as Ike Turner, Roz White as Zelma Bullock, Wydetta Carter as Gran Georgeanna and Sarah Bockel as Rhonda. The ensemble includes Daelyanna Kelly Benson, Antonio Beverly, Ben Bogen, Karen Burthwright, Aliyah Caldwell, Brianna Cameron, Max Falls, Zachary Freier-Harrison, Reyna Guerra, Gordia Hayes, Takia Hopson, Geoffrey Kidwell, Symphony King, Gigi Lewis, Natalia Nappo, Wildlin Pierrevil, Gerard M. Williams, Nia Nelson-Williams, Terance Reddick, Shari Washington Rhone, Eric Siegle, Kristopher Stanley Ward, Christine Suddeth, and Jeff Sullivan.

“The North American tour of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is one of eight productions that have opened around the world since the show began in the West End in 2018, which is testimony to Tina’s extraordinary legacy,” the producers, Tali Pelman from Stage Entertainment and Jimmy Nederlander said. “We can’t wait for America to see the two megawatt superstars—Naomi Rodgers and Ari Groover — who share the role of Tina, Roderick Lawrence in the role of Ike, and the incredibly talented company who are on the road in this tour!” Produced by Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL was written by Tony Award nominee and Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is directed by Tony Award nominee Phyllida Lloyd with choreography by Tony Award nominee Anthony van Laast, set and costume designs by Tony Award nominee Mark Thompson, Music Supervision, Arrangements & Incidental Music by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Tony Award nominee Bruno Poet, sound

by Tony Award nominee Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Tony Award nominee Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Tony Award nominee Ethan Popp, wigs, hair and makeup design by Drama Desk Award winner Campbell Young Associates, and casting by The Telsey Office.

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.

Tickets start at $40 and are available online at TheHobbyCenter.org or BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com and in person at the Hobby Center Box Office (800 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002).

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Photography by Houston First Corporation

Houston Botanic Garden’s New RADIANT NATURE Will be Houston’s Most Unique Holiday Light Experience

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complements the natural beauty of the Garden and looks uniquely stunning both day and night. We look forward to seeing Houstonians enjoy this spectacular display.”

On the zodiac calendar, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, so Radiant Nature features a massive illuminated dragon nearly the length of a football field. Among the other highlights and Instagrammable visuals set to delight guests are a 50-foot tall pagoda; beautiful larger-thanlife flowers and plants included to represent the Garden’s living collections; lighted swings, seesaws, and other interactive elements; and more.

Radiant Nature is open Friday through Sunday nights through February 25. The extended run allows the experience to remain open through the Lunar New Year celebration on February 10 and the annual Chinese Lantern Festival on February 24. Admission is $28.50 for adults and children 4 and up, with children age 3 and under admitted free. To secure a preferred date and 30-minute entry window, tickets for specific time slots should be purchased online in advance. Each ticket purchase for Radiant Nature helps support the Botanic Garden’s mission of enriching life through discovery, education, and the conservation of plants and the natural environment. Premium onsite parking or an off-site shuttle service from

he Houston Botanic Garden unveiled Houston’s newest and most unique holiday light experience and celebration of cultural diversity on Friday, November 17, when Radiant Nature, presented by Reliant, officially opened to the public. Produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture and inspired by traditions celebrating the Lunar New Year, Radiant Nature features more than 50 Chinese lantern installations across the Global Collection, Culinary Garden, and natural ecosystems on the Island, the centerpiece of the Garden’s initial phase of development.

“The Houston Botanic Garden is a reflection of our cosmopolitan city and we are delighted to focus our holiday celebration on the beautiful traditions of Asian cultures,” said Jill Barry, HBG’s newly appointed CEO. “As with our global gardens, we strive to authentically reflect the regions and cultures of the world around us, and we want our holiday light experience to help expand guests’ appreciation for and understanding of that.”

“There’s something really special about lighting up the holidays here in our hometown of Houston, which is why we’re thrilled for the community to experience Radiant Nature presented by Reliant,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president, Reliant. “This all-new display

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Radiant Nature visitors can enhance the experience by enjoying festive food and beverages from one of the on-site vendors along the route and shopping for unique Chinese handicrafts in the holiday marketplace. Radiant Nature installations are equally stunning by daylight, so visitors to the Garden during its normal daytime operating hours — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the show’s run — will get a sneak peek of what to look forward to after dark while also experiencing Glass In Flight — a limitedrun exhibit of gigantic sculptures of butterflies, dragonflies, and more that seem to come alive as sunlight streaks through transparent colored glass, mimicking the iridescence of insect wings.

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Pet Emergencies Happen 24/7 Call The VERGI Pet Emergency Hotline at: (713) 932-9589 Feges BBQ + VFW Post 8790 Team Up to Host Red, White & Blue Veterans Appreciation Celebration

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n November 18, 2023, Spring Branch’s own VFW Post 8790 hosted a Red, White & Blue Veterans Appreciation BBQ at Feges BBQ on Long Point Road. Patrick Feges, owner of the popular barbecue establishment and veteran himself, offered to cook the provided food with his staff while the meat for the feast was provided by Tim Smith, an auxiliary VFW member and longtime Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Steer Auction Committee chair. The delicious fare included steak fajitas, Salisbury steak, meatballs, baked beans, green beans, and dirty rice and brought 250 veterans and guests to the event. Centerpieces to decorate the tables were put together by auxiliary members before the event, balloon displays graced the post, and goodie bags were generously donated by H-E-B. Post 8790 members assisted by manning the greeting table and serving food, and their collective efforts brought in ten new members to the post, including Patrick Feges himself.

The event was the product of collective brainstorming

by Tim Smith and other auxiliary members when Smith suggested a celebration to honor local veterans, and Patrick Feges said he’d be honored to host. Many thanks to Feges BBQ, Tim Smith, H-E-B, the Armed Forces Appreciation Rodeo Committee, Buckle Belles, and the Downtown Rotary Club of Houston for their support and for helping Post 8790 in thanking the veterans in Houston for their service.

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Houston’s Own Tianna Hall Delivers Sultry Sound Around Town

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By Liz Clearman

f you’re familiar with the Houston and Texas music scenes, Tianna Hall might be an immediately recognizable name as a Grammy-award recognized vocalist living right here in our city. With her current credentials including acting bandleader and singer for The Houston Jazz Band, The Texas Jazz Band, Mighty Pretty Mixtape and The Houston Jazz Band Orchestra, Tianna is one of the busiest and most sought-after vocalists in the region. Her sultry vocals evoke the sounds of music from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s with Sinatra swing, jazz standards, bossa nova, and vintage soul.

Her journey to success began at the University of Houston where she majored in vocal performance, working professionally in musical theater and opera for years after graduation before focusing on vocal jazz.

Mentors Marsha Frazier, Duke Ellington Orchestra pianist and Paul English, composer, arranger, and jazz pianist, helped her launch her career in 2004.

Her vocals are influenced by artists across all genres including Tony Bennett, Jane Monheit, Frank Sinatra, Nancy LaMott, Ella Fitzgerald, Eva Cassidy, Kurt Elling, Sarah Vaughan, Michael Buble, KD Lang, Karen Carpenter, Anne Murry, Nancy Wilson, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, and Annie Lennox, among others.

With seven recordings under her belt, Tianna has long since proven worthy of her Grammy recognition, with albums including “Tianna Hall & The Houston Jazz Band – Live”; “Tianna Hall & The Mexico City Jazz Trio – Lost in the Stars”; “Tianna Hall & Danny McKnight – Ballads & Bossas”; “Tianna Hall – Never Let Me Go”; “Two For The Road”; “Noel” (a holiday album with guitarist Chris Cortez); and “Hit Me With a Hot Note.”

She’s also a voting member of The Recording Academy (The Grammys) and is actively involved in the jazz and recording artist communities along with the event professionals community as an active member of the Houston chapter of NACE – International (the National Association of Catering and Events).

Tianna is also kept busy outside of her singing career by her two kids Lex (12) and Evie (10), who both attend Spring Branch ISD schools. Her current schedule includes regular gigs at some of Houston’s finest venues, including Artisans, Plane & Level, Savoir/ Patton’s Speakeasy, The Rouxpour – Memorial City Tuesdays in January: and The Rouxpour – BayThe Houston Jazz Band brook, The House of Blues, @ Patton’s Speakeasy Houston Country Club, River Oaks Country Club, Wednesdays The Houstonian, The Lone n January: Star Flight Museum, and Jazz Night @ Patton’s The Astorian.

Speakeasy w/ Tianna You can follow Tianna, Hall & Jimmy Smith watch recordings of some of her live performances (trust Fridays in January: me, it’s worth it) and peep Tianna Hall & her performance schedule at The Houston Jazz Band tiannahall.com. @ Artisans Even more exciting, she’s currently recording a new Saturdays & album titled “Tianna Hall Sundays in January: & Mighty Pretty Mixtape – Le Jazz Brunch The Vintage Jukebox.” Keep @ Artisans w/ an eye out for its release in The Houston Jazz Band April 2024!

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CHILDREN AT RISK Raises Over $200,000 for Children!

Shawn & Donald Bowers

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generation, has spent 50 years in higher education and served as president of Brown University, Smith College, and Prairie View A&M University. She currently serves as a President’s Distinguished Fellow at Rice University and Adviser to the President of Harvard. Each guest received an autographed copy of Dr. Simmons’ new book, Up Home: One Girl’s Journey. The nonprofit also recognized the 2023 Outstanding Child Advocates from around the state who support and advocate for children.

Chaired by Robert & Georgiana Ladd and Ben & Mary Patton, Accolades raised more than $200,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission of speaking out and driving change for children. CHILDREN AT RISK works hard to improve child care and education, ensure new mothers and children have access to healthcare, lobby for free meals at school, and end Human Trafficking in Texas. Special Guests: Reggie DesRoches, Jodie Jiles, Amanda Edwards, Doe & Henry Florsheim, Dr. Bernadine Duncan, Larry Wisniewski & Krista Frazier, and Kevin Hattery.

Doe & Henry Florsheim

upporters came together to honor a distinguished leader and recognize advocates from around the state at the CHILDREN AT RISK signature Accolades Luncheon: “The Texas Academy Awards of Child Advocacy.”

Upon arrival, the more than 300 guests enjoyed music by Mariachi singer, Mateo Puente, and were greeted by CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) President and CEO Dr. Bob Sanborn and Board Chair Donald Bowers. Guests mingled, placed bids on silent and big board auction items, before entering the ballroom at Hotel ZaZa – Museum District.

Dr. Sanborn and Rashi Vats of FOX26 emceed the program that honored Dr. Ruth J. Simmons with the Accolades Award.

Dr. Simmons, regarded by peers as among the most respected university president of this

Rob Ladd, Dr. Bob Sanborn, Ben Patton 19

Dr. Bob Sanborn, Dr. Ruth J. Simmons

Golfers Play to Support Spring Branch Education Foundation

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(L) to (R): Catherine Bellshaw, Rodrigo Portales, Megan Madorsky, Raymond Romero

undreds of golfers enjoyed a beautiful day of golf at Wildcat Golf Club, raising funds to support Spring Branch Education Foundation and the teachers and staff of Spring Branch ISD. At the SBEF Golf Classic on November 6, more than 200 golfers collectively raised more than $200,000 to be used for grants for innovative teacher and district initiatives within SBISD. Co-Chairs Linda and Tom DeBesse are grateful for the support of the community for this event and for Spring Branch ISD. SBEF Golf Classic Chair Linda DeBesse said, “Spring Branch ISD is facing challenges due to insufficient state funding. SBEF events like this support grants to encourage the SBISD campuses and departments to pursue innovative programs that make our district special. We are fortunate to be able to offer resources to help our students grow and excel far beyond the foundation they build while they are in SBISD.” To register for future Spring Branch Education Foundation events or to learn more about the Foundation and its support of Spring Branch ISD, please visit sbef.springbranchisd.com or contact the SBEF office at (713) 251-2381.

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It’s a Soup-er Season

By Liz Clearman f I’m being honest, I can eat soup pretty much every night because the possibilities are quite literally endless. My daughter and I both love soup so I’m always looking for new variations, but we have some tried and true recipes that I fix at least once every two to three months (as I type, I have the Tuscan soup recipe simmering in the crockpot). One of the best parts of soup is the leftovers that you can freeze to pull out and pop in the microwave or on the stove for a quick, easy meal during those busy winter nights. Another win for soup — you can adjust, add, and subtract ingredients to your heart’s content.

Don’t like sausage? Use ground beef. Hate beans? Leave ‘em out. Customize away and prepare yourself for a delicious, hearty meal perfectly suited for chilly weather. Here are two of my most-loved recipes.

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Spicy Tuscan Soup (From tastykitchen.com)

Ingredients:

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1 lb spicy breakfast sausage 1 whole medium red onion, diced 2 slices bacon, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 whole medium potatoes 1 quart warm water 3 cubes chicken bouillon ¼ bunch kale, roughly chopped ½ cup heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions: Crumble sausage into a Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain off the grease and set sausage aside. Add onions and bacon into the Dutch oven. Reduce heat to medium and cook until onions are clear. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and cut into ¼-inch slices. Add warm water, bouillon cubes, and potatoes to the Dutch oven and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are almost done. Add remaining ingredients as well as the sausage and simmer for 5 more minutes.

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Easy Taco Soup (From dinnerthendessert.com)

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Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 packet taco seasoning 1 packet ranch dressing mix 15 oz dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with chiles 2 cups corn 2 cups broth (chicken or beef) 28 oz crushed tomatoes

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Instructions: Add the ground beef and onion to a large dutch oven on medium heat and cook until browned. Add in the taco and ranch seasonings and mix well. Add in the kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, corn, broth, and crushed tomatoes. Mix well. Bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer and cooking for 15 minutes before serving. Top with tortilla strips, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and/or avocado.

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Why New Year’s Resolutions Are Hard to Keep + Practical Solutions

By Liz Clearman

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t’s the beginning of a brand-new year.

Maybe you’ve been thinking about how you’re finally going to get your life together this year (or maybe that’s just me). Ideas swim through your head — you want to be more organized. Declutter. Meal plan and prep so that you’re not ordering takeout so much.

Manage your money better, save more. Exercise. Lose weight. Stop procrastinating (ouch — this one stings). Whatever your resolutions, you’re not alone in thinking that the clean slate of a fresh, untouched January will magically bring about new habits that you’ll stick to for a lifetime, but the harsh reality is that most fade into the background by February (data states that 80% of people fail to follow through with resolutions as quickly as one month into the new year). Why is that? Psychology Today gives us a few reasons why the road to resolutions, while paved with good intentions, is often rocky and leads nowhere without strategies in place to truly commit.

Problem: You’re trying too hard to ingratiate multiple new habits into your life literally overnight. Various sources state that it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days (⅔ of a year!) to actually create a new habit.

Try this instead: Habit stacking. If you’re wanting to, say, take more vitamins, put them next to something that you already habitually grab (like your toothbrush). This can be a bit trickier if it’s a bigger goal like going to the gym three days a week, but you can still make a routine out of packing your gym bag the night before and putting it by your keys and bag so that you’ll see it when you leave for work in the morning.

Problem: It’s just something else you have to do. This one probably resonates the most with 22

me. Life is busy enough as it is for all of us, and feeling like we have to do one more thing — whether it’s meal planning, going to the gym, or losing weight — can be overwhelming, meaning you don’t commit.

Try this instead: Suss out how it will make your life easier in the long run. While meal planning, grocery shopping, and food prepping take up time, is it worth it to you to spend a weekend day getting the “hard” part done so that you don’t have to worry about it during the busier days of the work and school week? If that’s appealing, start small and work your way up. Meal prep one or two dinners at first, and note how you feel during the week when you’re able to pull a planned meal out of the fridge or freezer.

Problem: Your resolutions are too vague and lack meaning. If you declare “I’m going to work out more,” what does that entail? Once a week, once a month, five times a week? Same goes with goals like simply “losing weight.” How much do you want to lose, and by when? Nebulous goals don’t stick.

Try this instead: There is nothing wrong with having goals like losing a few pounds or working out more, but they don’t carry weight — pun totally intended — unless you assign a concrete number or time frame to each one. Commit to working out once or twice a week until that becomes a habit, and then increase to more — or don’t if that frequency hits your sweet spot. Want to lose 25 pounds?

Great! Be realistic about a time frame and for Pete’s sake, stay away from quick weight loss diets and gimmicks. Go slow and focus on healthier habits and moderation.

Source: psychologytoday.com

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