Living Magazine December 2022

Do you suffer from heartburn, acid reflux, or regurgitation?

Have you awakened in the middle of the night with a burning sensation in your chest or throat?

Do you feel a metalic taste in your mouth in the morning?

Have you been on over-thecounter antacids or acid reducing medications?

Dr Moustafa Youssef

Dr S Odunsi Shiyanbade

Dr Gregory Brennan

Littee Anna Sam NP

letter from the publisher

Isaiah 9:6

December is here and for Christians it’s a time to focus on the birth of our Savior 2022 years ago. Before you find yourself knee deep in shopping, decorating, baking, and struggling to put up the Christmas tree, it’s the best time to decide how you’ll stay focused on the reason for the season this year? One way to do that is by looking for ways to be God’s hands and feet to those around you. Volunteer in a soup kitchen. Help an elderly neighbor with yard work. Write a Christmas letter to a missionary. Sing carols in a nursing home. Sponsor a child off a local angel tree. The best thing about sharing Jesus’ character, love, and spirit in practical ways like these is that it blesses you as much as it does others. It’s a great time to enjoy some family devotionals, too. Luke 2:1-20 is a good place to start. Plan a Christian Christmas movie night with another family. Invite an unchurched friend to attend Christmas church service with you. However you choose to share Christ’s love this month, never forget the best Christmas gift ever given, the gift of Jesus to a lost and dying world and the fact that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Wishing you a Christ-filled Christmas this year!

MISTY DANIELS, OWNER/PUBLISHER mdaniels@livingmagazine.net 682-556-1246

GRAPHIC

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.”

MAILBOX • INBOX • ONLINE

Anna Charles, LaRue Novick, Meredith Knight

ART DIRCETOR Jennifer Kelley

DESIGNERS Joseph Villegas Justin Womack

CLIENT SERVICES MANAGERS Jenefer Grady Veronica Garza

O UR M A Y O R S

MICHAEL EVANS

m a y o r

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Get ready to celebrate two great Mansfield traditions combined into four days of holiday magic! "Hometown Holidays" returns to our city on Wednesday, November 30th, through Saturday, December 3rd. Expect four days filled with midway rides, a slippery slide on the "Ice Ride," and special highlights for each day. To add to the fun, we conduct the annual tree lighting ritual, along with a fireworks display. Join us as we enjoy wonderful performances by our Mansfield ISD students. The United States Marine Corps has entrusted Mansfield with its own Toys for Tots donation event, and Hometown Holidays will host toy drop-offs. Get more information and ride tickets at MansfieldHometownHolidays.com!

The fun does not stop there; come to our festive downtown area and participate in our "Dash Into Downtown" holiday event beginning Thursday, December 8, with a laser light show, and Friday

RON JENSEN

What a wonderful time of year to offer praise, kindness and blessings. I often get asked, “How can I help?” You can drop off new coats or jeans for GPISD students at the Warmack Library, or new coats and blankets at Crosspoint Church. Or give to the charity of your choice.

And you and your family may enjoy the wide array of fun things to do in December. Prairie Lights opens Nov. 24 – Dec. 31 at Lynn Creek Park. The Chamber of Commerce offers Photos with Santa at Prairei Lights Nov. 24- Dec. 23. At Texas Trust CU Theatre Cirque du Soleil enchants with its Twas the Night Before performance Nov. 25-Dec. 11. Our historic Uptown Theater in downtown Grand Prairie is proud to present the Grand Prairie Arts Council’s A Christmas Story – The Musical Dec. 2-11. Also celebrating the season in downtown is a free ice skating rink at City Hall Central, open

JIM ROSS

When I hear stories like this, I love the people of Arlington even more. Recently, over 75 volunteers and community partners joined the Neighborhood Enhancement Team to remove seven and a half tons (15,000 pounds) of trash and debris from Turf Club Estates. Since December 2019, Code Compliance has partnered with 19 different neighborhoods encompassing all city council districts as individual volunteers, service organizations, and faith-based groups joined hands, spread kindness, and removed 127.2 tons (254,000 pounds) of trash and debris from residential neighborhoods. Thanks to all who’ve been a part of these efforts.

Thanks also to the generosity of Arlington voters, construction will begin next month on a new active adult center for those ages 50 and older. The city’s

with our Holiday Drown Show. The streets of downtown will be closed to traffic and transformed into Holiday Central. The next day will be even more exciting as we celebrate the holiday season at the Man House Museum, 604 W. Broad Street, on Saturday, Dec. 10, from noon to 4 p.m. Take a tour of the decorated Man House, enjoy hot cocoa and snacks, create a holiday card, and more! Admission is free.

Finally, dispose of your surplus cooking grease at our Holiday Grease Roundup. Recycle it for free beginning Nov. 22 through Jan. 10, when Mansfield residents can drop off used cooking oil at the collection station at the Environmental Collection Center. The collection station is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during this annual collection event. Grease can be recycled into biodiesel or biogas, reducing landfill waste. I hope to see you in Mansfield in December!

Dec. 2-26 (closed Dec. 25).

You can always zip through EpicCentral and enjoy the newly opened Bolder Adventure Action Park, as well as Chicken N Pickle, Main Event Entertainment, PlayGrand Adventures, lots of shopping and dining. And coming to EpicCentral in 2023 are six new restaurants and Hobby Lobby, and in 2024 Bass Pro Shops and Andretti’s Indoor Karting and Games.

Hope your holidays are Prairie and Bright,

newest recreational facility will be located on the southeast corner of Green Oaks Boulevard between West Arkansas Lane and West Pioneer Parkway and will include a full-court gymnasium, aquatics component for both water exercise and leisure, locker rooms, a fitness area, a walking track, multi-purpose rooms for educational programs and events or sedentary activities, special events space, and an outdoor patio. It’s just one more reason to love living, working, and playing in The American Dream City.

The merriest of Christmases from the Ross family to yours.

MAN S FIEL D

m a y o r

GRAN D PRA I RI E

m a y o r

ARL I N GT O N

december 17

COOKIES WITH THE CLAUSES

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Everyone is welcome to come decorate cookies, play festive games and make some holiday crafts with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Bring your camera for pictures with the Claus family! 10am-12pm. $5/child. Ages 5-12. Visit our website to register.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

NOW - DECEMBER 31

PRAIRIE LIGHTS

Grand Prairie

Be dazzled with 4 million lights set along 2 miles of path. Hundreds of all new displays in shapes of all kinds’ line and arch over the roads. Experience the Holiday Village, sweets and eats, carnival, walk thru forest, photos with Santa, vendors and photo opportunities. This is the premier holiday light park in Texas! Lynn Creek Park, 5610 Lake Ridge Parkway. Visit our website.

VISITGRANDPRAIRIETX.COM/EVENTS/ PRAIRIE-LIGHTS

NOW-DECEMBER 24

SANTA VISITS AND PHOTOS

Cedar Hill

Create new memories with a special photo with Santa at Hillside Village, Suite 406 near Razzoo’s! Santa and his helpers look forward to seeing you all in your holiday outfits! Hillside Village, 305 W. FM 1382. Visit our website for times.

SHOPHILLSIDEVILLAGE.COM

DECEMBER 3

OLDE TOWNE CHRISTMAS

CRAFT FAIR

Arlington

Parks and Recreation

Calling all local and craft vendors to join us in making a memorable Christmas experience!

There will be photos with Santa, craft stations and treats. 9am-3pm. Dottie Lynn Rec Center, 3200 Norwood. Visit our website.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

DECEMBER 9

WORLD BALLET SERIES: NUTCRACKER

Arlington

This fairytale will take you on a Christmas night adventure with Clara and the Nutcracker to the

Land of Sweets. See the iconic Waltz of Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and meet Mother Ginger and the Drosselmeyer. 7pm-10pm. Tickets $30-$175. Presented by UTA Tickets.com. Texas Hall, 701 W. Nedderman Dr.

DECEMBER 10

PHOTOS WITH SANTA Arlington Parks and Recreation

Join us at the Beacon for photos with Santa. Bring your camera and smile big for Santa. Register for a time slot to guarantee your spot. $5/photo. 1100 Mansfield Webb Rd. Visit our website for time slots and to register.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

DECEMBER 10

MOBILE PET ADOPTION EVENT Arlington

Adorable adoptable pets looking for new homes will be available at the mobile adoption unit for immediate adoption! Visit with adoptable cats available inside PetSmart! Adoptions will be at the Petsmart® in South Arlington, 203 E. I-20 (Arlington Highlands) 10:00am-3:30pm. Scheduled events are subject to cancellation without notice due to weather conditions (heat, cold, storms, etc.) for the safety and protection of adoptable pets, volunteers, and staff.

DECEMBER 10

LANTERN FESTIVAL

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Enjoy holiday music and vendors during this wonderful holiday experience where we’ll light up the night. Free to attend or $10 per lantern. Preregister online for your paper lantern. 6-8pm. All ages Cliff Nelson Rec Center, 4600 W. Bardin. Visit our website.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

DECEMBER 12

HOLIDAY HOTCAKES

Arlington Parks and Recreation

50+. Come and help us celebrate the Christmas Season by joining us for the Holiday Hotcakes with sausage! Dress your best so we can take pictures next to our beautiful Christmas Tree. We’ll play bingo and have prizes. 9:30-11am. East Rec Center, 1817 New York Ave. Visit our website to register.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

DECEMBER 16

GRINCH SCRAMBLE Mansfield

Keep your eyes peeled for the Grinch while searching for candy canes with a flashlight! Look high and low while hunting; whoever finds the Grinch wins the grand prize! Music, games, snacks and more. Ages 12-15. 6:30-8:30pm. MAC, 106 S. Wisteria. Visit our website to enroll.

MANSFIELDTEXAS.GOV

see more events in your area on LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET

SPIRITED APPLE TV+

Each Christmas Eve, the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) selects one dark soul to be reformed by a visit from three spirits. But this season, he picked the wrong Scrooge. Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) turns the tables on his ghostly host until Christmas Present finds himself reexamining his own past, present and future. For the first time, A Christmas Carol is told from the perspective of the ghosts in this hilarious musical twist on the classic Dickens tale.

SEASONAL SOUNDS

FESTIVE READ

CHRISTMAS PAST

THE BISHOP’S WIFE

Nominated for five academy awards, this 1946 classic tells the story of a debonair angel comes to Earth to help an Episcopalian bishop and his wife in their quest to raise money for the new church.

SNOWED IN FOR CHRISTMAS

BY SARAH MORGAN

Lucy Clarke is facing a Christmas alone and the prospect of losing her job. Unless she can win a major piece of business from Ross Miller, the season promises to be anything but festive. She’ll just deliver her proposal to his family home and then leave. After all, she wouldn’t want to intrude on the Miller family’s perfect Christmas.

When Lucy appears on the Miller family’s snow-covered Highland doorstep, she’s mistaken for Ross’s girlfriend. By the time the confusion is cleared up, they’re snowed in, and she can’t leave, even if she wants to. But does she want to? As secrets spill out like presents from an overstuffed stocking and the chemistry between her and Ross ignites, this is going to be either Lucy’s worst Christmas ever or the best mistake of her life.

Imagery from Spirited (2022), Apple TV+. Movie poster image from The Bishop’s Wife (1946), The Samuel Goldwyn Company. Book cover from Snowed In for Christmas by Sarah Morgan (2022) Harper Collins, with description excerpt from the publisher. All images are presented for non-commercial illustrative purposes.

LESLIE ODOM JR. THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM

CARY GRANT, LORETTA YOUNG, DAVID NIVEN DIR. HENRY KOSTER (HARVEY)

KACEY MUSGRAVES

A VERY KACEY CHRISTMAS

NORAH JONES I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS

FINDING BEAUTY in the broken

BY ANDY HOWARD

“There’s no easy way to tell you this,” the doctor said. Those are words you never want to hear from a doctor. Especially when they are about your firstborn daughter. My wife, Tiffany, and I braced ourselves.

“Your daughter only has 10 percent brain function.” In the span of two sentences, our world collapsed.

“Barring a miracle,” he continued, “she’ll never walk, will be legally blind, is unlikely to talk, and won’t be able to use her hands.”

I wanted him to stop. In a matter of seconds, our beautiful Payton lost the future she was supposed to have. I mourned the friends she’d never play with. The tender conversations we’d never have.

As my head spun, he stood, apologized for the difficult news, and excused himself from the room. He had another patient to see. His footsteps echoed down the hallway. Screaming silence filled the room.

We wept for Payton.

I’m sure you’ve had awful moments, too. Where the people we love most get hurt. Or the cancer returns. Or the wounds feel too deep to heal. My wife handled our challenges with Payton with grace and strength. But I fell into a deep depression. And in a way, that made me feel worse. Wasn’t I supposed to be the strong supportive one? Didn’t I love my daughter as she was? What was wrong with me?

Depression is like a choke collar. Sometimes it loosens for a moment, but just as fast, it snaps back with a vengeance. I was already strung out from working multiple jobs (because we always had more month than money left). This pushed me to the breaking point. My wife and close friends saw me losing myself and intervened. Our Hail Mary would be a trip from Dallas to the Alabama seashore.

It was the perfect location with the perfect people — yet I was miserable. Everywhere I looked, I saw dads playing with kids on the beach. Dads splashing with their kids in the waves. Dads and their kids building sandcastles.

And a voice in my head whispered: “That’ll never be you.”

After another sleepless night, I got up at 4:30 a.m. and went to the beach. The waves crashed beneath twinkling stars. Tears ran down my cheeks.

But as I walked barefoot in the cold sand, I noticed something odd. A couple was collecting seashells. They’d place the whole ones in their basket, then toss the broken ones aside.

I walked slowly to where they’d been. And like a lightning bolt, I saw the battered constellation of broken shells the couple had discarded.

I heard God say, “There is beauty in the broken.”

In a moment, the trinity of anger, bitterness, and sorrow began to lose their grip. Everything I’d carried since that day in the doctor’s office spewed out of me. I fell to my knees and sobbed.

It was a full-on ugly cry. And I didn’t care.

Like a madman, I gathered every rejected shell and loaded them into my shirt, which I made into an impromptu basket. I must have collected 100 broken shells that morning. But now brokenness — and beauty — coexisted.

They were everywhere, stretching far down the beach to where I couldn’t see the end.

I trudged back to the condo. My shirt overflowed with seashells, and my eyes were red and watery. And for the first time in months, I knew something had changed. Because deep down, I had changed.

That moment on the seashore wasn’t a magic wand. My pain didn’t vanish all at once. But my journey out of the pit began that morning. That’s when I learned a lesson that changed our lives forever.

In Man’s Search for Meaning, Victor Frankl wrote: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

When you smash against an obstacle, you have two options: you can quit, or you can find the beauty in the broken. No matter how dark the night, hope still glimmers — but only if you look up.

As of this year, Payton is 14. She has spent the equivalent of 2.5 years in ICU rooms. She requires a nurse’s care around the clock. But nothing is as magical as seeing her smile or watching her light up when she hears my voice. She may not be able to say my name. But she knows my voice.

Friend, I don’t know what’s happening in your life as you read this. Things might be really good for you. But I also know things might be really hard. You could probably write a book about what you’ve been through that’s longer than mine.

But I can promise you, what this world labels as being broken, God names as beautiful. There is healing on the other side of pain and depression. Keep walking. Collect the discarded shells. And find beauty in the broken.

After pastoring for 20 years, Andy and his wife Tiffany co-founded a business that has helped almost 100,000 people transform their lives. Today, he writes, podcasts, and speaks on national stages to help people find mental health, build vibrant faith, and nurture thriving families.

SUNSHINE YOGA SHACK

NEW E NERGY, ANCIENT PRACTICE

BY DREW ANDERSON P HOTOS BY LAUREN MEDEAN

At its most basic, yoga is a mindful practice that helps build strength and flexibility. If you ask Lynn Rozak, however, yoga is so much more than that. Lynn began practicing yoga in 2001, and from the very beginning she realized there was something magical about the experience. It was so much more than an exercise. It was simultaneously relaxing, challenging, rewarding and mentally stimulating. After 10 years of discovering all the benefits yoga provides, Lynn knew she wanted to help others experience the same life-changing practice she fell in love with. In 2012, after earning her yoga teaching certification, Lynn opened Sunshine Yoga Shack. Her goal, and the goal of everyone at Sunshine Yoga Shack, is to serve their clients and their community by bringing yoga to everyone. Their mission isn’t just to help you understand the practice of yoga, but to help you better understand your body as well.

One of the many misconceptions about yoga is that the practice is essentially just stretching. While it does incorporate stretching, the true practice of yoga goes far beyond the simple “touch-your-toes” most of us associate with the word stretch. “Yoga does not only stretch the body; it strengthens the body and decompresses the spine and joints” Lynn says. “Yoga releases stress, and it has been proven to reduce blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression. Yoga helps improve mental focus and mindfulness. Yoga helps to connect the body and the mind with the energies of the body. Yoga can unlock the potential within each of us.” At Sunshine Yoga Shack, they believe yoga works out both the body and the mind, providing many benefi ts to both.

The art of practicing yoga has been around for millennia. So long, in fact, that the origin of the practice is still debated to this day. Despite yoga’s long history of success and many proven benefi ts, it is still evolving and adapting to this day. Lynn and the team at Sunshine Yoga Shack aim to be at the forefront of this evolution. They not only want to master the traditional practices, but also be a part of new, exciting yoga styles aimed at offering new challenges and exciting techniques. To do this, Sunshine Yoga Shack has incorporated the four elements into their various classes: earth, water, fi re and air.

While traditional yoga remains their foundation, Sunshine Yoga Shack also offers aerial yoga. This modern style enhances the practice of yoga by elevating (literally) the participants off the ground. Utilizing silk aerial hammocks, much like what they use in Cirque du Soleil, participants are suspended above the ground as they perform new yoga techniques. “The fi rst half of class uses yoga postures in the fabric, and then we build upon that practice by learning cirque-style tricks in the fabric” Lynn says. “These feats are so dynamic that we put on a showcase every year to show off what we learn.” The studio even offers aerial yoga parties, great for birthdays, bachelorette parties or just getting together with friends or coworkers for a fun new experience.

Additionally, the studio offers classes that incorporate another element, fire, through heated yoga. For these classes, Sunshine Yoga Shack offers rooms equipped with Far infrared heat panels to keep the room at 85 degrees, so the body warms throughout the session. This heated version of yoga offers participants increased fl exibility and greater lung capacity, as well as many other benefi ts such as increased stress reduction and improved heart health. If heated or aerial yoga doesn’t yet seem to fi t your skill set or experience level, the studio offers a multitude of other classes for every experience level. Yin yoga and yoga Nidra keep participants on the fl oor for mindful, deep release yoga techniques with guided meditation. They also offer Hatha classes, like deep yoga and just yoga. These classes are great for beginners and utilize basic yoga postures and full complete breathing techniques to explore the body.

Sunshine Yoga Shack offers amazing classes and experiences for everyone, whether it is your fi rst yoga session or you have years of practice. As a result, the studio has been named Best Yoga Studio by Living Magazine three years in a row.

But despite their success, Lynn and her staff work every day to make the studio and their client’s experience better. They also aim to make better teachers. Within the studio, they host Sunshine School of Yoga, a fully accredited yoga school through Yoga Alliance. This school offers a 200-hour yoga teaching training program, with both in-person and virtual training. Next year they will add a 300-hour training program beginning in the fall.

Lynn Rozak grew up in north Fort Worth before beginning her family in Mansfield. She has been married to her husband, Eric for 23 years, and together they have 3 children aged 18, 19 and 21. Her oldest two children attend The University of Texas at Arlington, with the youngest planning to follow in the spring. Her family also includes her three feisty dogs. When she is not at the studio or with her family, Lynn travels the world teaching yoga and gaining inspiration at fabulous resorts in new and exciting places with her husband by her side.

Behind everything they do, Lynn and her team of talented teachers at Sunshine Yoga Shack strive to bring the practice of yoga to the students where they are today. They believe that with consistent practice, anyone can build strength in the body, in the breath, and most importantly, in the mind. They use yoga as a tool to untangle the distortions of the mind which cause us unhappiness, stress, depression and anxiety. The studio operates under the motto “Elevate your body, elevate your mind, elevate your life!” They believe everyone should take advantage of all the wonderful benefits of yoga, no matter your experience level or style preference. Sunshine Yoga Shack is proud to offer time-tested, traditional sessions as well as new and exciting classes as they strive to breathe new life into an amazing, ancient practice. 2880 HWY 157 NORTH, MANSFIELD, TEXAS USA 76063 | (817) 343-4786 | SUNSHINEYOGASHACK.COM

ROOFTOP WITH A VIEW

THE ULTIMATE OPEN-AIR CINEMA EXPERIENCE, ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB STARTED AS A SINGLE ROOFTOP IN LONDON’S SHOREDITCH IN 2011 AND HAS NOW EXPANDED GLOBALLY WITH VENUES IN THE UK AND ACROSS THE UNITED STATES IN LA, SAN DIEGO, NEW YORK, HOUSTON, MIAMI, AND FORT WORTH. Sold out crowds enjoy movie screenings under the stars using stateof-the-art screens, high-quality personal headphones, and comfy deck chairs, all coupled with food and drink.

For movie line up Fort Worth visit, rooftopcinemaclub.com.

Follow: instagram.com/rooftopcinemaclub/ facebook.com/rooftopcinemaclub/

A LOCAL WORTHY CAUSE

JAMES N. AUSTIN, JR. IS THE OWNER OF AUSTIN COMPANY COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE, ESTABLISHED BY “JIM” IN 1981. The Austin Company has served the Fort Worth-Dallas area with commercial real estate and property management services for over 30 years. Austin also served on the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner for eight years.

Jim and his wife, Gloria, are co-founders of the National Multicultural Western Heritage Foundation. Austin’s community service rendered him national recognition from the National Association of Realtors as a recipient of the coveted Realtor Magazine’s Good Neighbor Award in 2003. Austin is a 1976 graduate of Howard University, where he received a BA in Business.

Jim Austin Online offers venue and event space in the DFW area for weddings, performing arts, banquets, corporate meetings, and more. Call to learn more about event space at The Warehouse on Berry and the Western Heritage Center. Contact us for your event space needs. 2029 N. Main Street, Ft. Worth, TX 76164, (817) 923-9305, info@jimaustinonline.com

Jim is the quintessential entrepreneur, and through one of his many businesses, he had quite a few children’s items he wanted to donate to a worthy cause in the metroplex. He heard about the Isaiah 117 House changing how foster care begins one child, one house at a time. Isaiah 117 House, a non-profit organization, exists primarily to reduce trauma for children entering the foster care system. They provide a safe, loving place where children can stay while they transition into the system. “Currently, when children are removed from their homes, there is a lag time between removal and when they fi nd placement. This lag time can be a few hours to several days, meaning that children in our community sleep on office building floors, in cheap motel rooms, or in makeshift facilities while waiting for a foster family. We want to change that.” said Meagan Haasbroek, Program Coordinator for Isaiah 117 House, Dallas County.

The first Isaiah 117 house in the state of Texas is currently under construction with plans to open the home at the beginning of 2023

PET CLUB

FEATURED PETS this month

PET CLUB MEMBERS

To join the club, visit LivingMagazine.net/pet-club Send your pet’s name, your name, your address, and a clear photo of your pet. They might just turn up in a future issue of Living!

Toby

Chloe

Fluffy

Ellie

Pearl

Lina

Thunderbear

As seen on:

Landon Day

BY COURTNEY WARREN

I’ll be the first to admit I have had a few years where the tinkling sound of silver bells makes me want to massage my temples. Not because I don’t love Christmas, I am a huge fan. But sometimes, life is overwhelming enough, and decorating for the holidays seems like one more thing on a never-ending to-do list. It can be tempting if you don’t have small kids or hosting responsibilities to forgo the ordeal of decking the halls. After all, it takes organization, effort, and hard work to display and remove it all in a month.

If adulting has been all you can handle this year, here’s how to decorate when you feel a little bah humbug.

SCALE IT BACK

Rather than decorate multiple or even one large Christmas tree, opt for a tabletop tree or add minimal holiday touches throughout your home. Instead of outlining your house with lights that rival Clark Griswold, hang a lit wreath on the front door. We can tend to be all or nothing in holiday decor and, in turn, lose sight of the entire point. However, a little bit of Christmas decor might be the spark that helps you feel more festive.

MAKE IT MEANINGFUL

It’s easy to get so caught up in the merriments and plans and miss the entire purpose of the season. My favorite way to remind myself of the deeper meaning is to incorporate mementos.

Instead of your everyday dishes, bring out your grandmother’s China for the entire month of December. Even a Pop-Tart feels fancy when eating on them. Or perhaps you display a treasured keepsake on your tree, like an old pair of baby shoes. What items do you have that you could bring out in December and celebrate your family memories?

BUY A NEW PIECE

If your Christmas decor is overwhelming to haul from the attic, why not freshen things up with a new purchase? There are so many adorable new baubles each year. Perhaps adding something fresh to your decorations will keep some spirit alive. Small new items, like a throw pillow or garland, can make a room feel festive without much effort.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Courtney Warren is a Rockwall native interior designer whose award-winning design work has been featured in numerous national magazines and media and whose clients span the North Texas area. She believes “you deserve a beautiful home you can be proud of, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.” She loves decorating for the holidays, and her most embarrassing Halloween costume was when her parents made her dress up as a Magic Skunk. You can find her recent projects on Instagram and Facebook at @courtneywarrenhome or courtneywarren.com.

BE A WELL woman

Obstetric and gynecologic care is essential to women’s health, but it’s easy to take your Ob-Gyn visits for granted. It’s tempting to postpone an annual well-woman appointment when you’re busy, and everything seems to be going smoothly. And let’s face it, who relishes the idea of discussing uncomfortable issues with their doctor?

As we celebrate the holidays and look forward to the New Year, now is an ideal time to focus on your health and selfcare. Vow to make the most of every visit to your Ob-Gyn. It’s the best holiday gift you can give yourself.

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY VISIT TO YOUR OB-GYN BY ANNETTE BROOKS

DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP

Your Ob-Gyn is your partner in women’s health. Find a boardcertified Ob-Gyn with whom you feel comfortable engaging in candid conversation, asking questions, and sharing concerns. An Ob-Gyn has unique training and skills, but mind-reading isn’t one of them. Don’t be shy about bringing up sensitive topics. Make a list to bring to your appointment if this helps.

BEYOND ROUTINE WELL-WOMAN PREVENTIVE CARE

Ob-Gyns do more than monitor pregnancy, deliver babies, help you with family planning, and perform routine pelvic exams and PAP tests. If you have any signs or symptoms that may signify a potential feminine health problem, schedule an appointment with your Ob-Gyn right away.

Vaginal Discharge and/or Odor – This may not be a comfortable topic to discuss, but if you experience an unusual discharge or an odor that’s not normal for you, please tell your Ob-Gyn. It could be something as common as a yeast infection or as serious as cervical cancer. Get it checked out instead of hoping it will go away on its own.

Bumps, Growths, and Swelling – Don’t brush off something unusual, assuming it’s an ingrown hair or razor burn. It could be a cyst on the wall of the vagina or something else. See your Ob-Gyn for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Period Pain – Unusual or extreme pain could be due to treatable conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Don’t continue to suffer in pain. Schedule an appointment with your Ob-Gyn, who will help identify the cause and recommend treatment options.

Urine Leakage – This is often caused by health events such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. See your Ob-Gyn, who can offer solutions, so you don’t have to worry about those embarrassing leaks.

Feeling Pressure or Fullness in the Pelvic Area – This could be due to several things, including fibroids, pelvic congestion syndrome (venous insufficiency in the blood vessels of the pelvis), and pelvic organ prolapse, where the pelvic muscles and tissues become weak or damaged and can no longer support the organs. Your OB/Gyn can diagnose the problem and offer solutions.

HPV and the Importance of Annual Cervical Cancer Screening

According to the National Cancer Institute, an extensive study of HPVvaccinated females showed nearly a 90% reduction in cervical cancer. This is excellent news and points out the value of getting vaccinated, but what about the other 10%? While the HPV vaccine

protects against infection from nine common HPV types — two low-risk HPV types that cause most genital warts, plus the seven high-risk HPV types that cause most HPV-related cancers — it doesn’t protect against every single HPV. Since it’s possible a fully vaccinated person

could be infected with an HPV that isn’t contained in the vaccine, regular cervical cancer screening is essential. This should be a part of your annual exam but knowing HPV vaccines don’t offer 100% protection is another reason not to skip your screening.

PROCEDURE planning

PREPARING FOR PLASTIC SURGERY IN THE NEW YEAR

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

You’ve decided to make your dream a reality and have cosmetic plastic surgery in the New Year. The next step, leading up to the big day, involves some basic preparation and planning. We’ve put together a few suggestions to help make your experience positive and rewarding.

FOSTER A POSITIVE MINDSET Cosmetic surgery is a journey. Start by refl ecting on your “why.” Get something done because it’s what you want for yourself, not because someone else wants you to do it, to save a relationship, or because you want to impress or make someone jealous.

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It’s also essential to have realistic expectations. Go into a plastic surgery consult with an open mind. Speak candidly with your surgeon, share your goals and concerns, then listen as they compare recommendations and options. Building a trusting rapport with your plastic surgeon and the team helps ensure you have a good overall experience and are happy with your results.

TEND TO YOUR HEALTH

A mad dash to get everything ready at the last minute creates stress and can make you physically rundown. Give yourself permission to take it easy and practice self-care. Talk with your family about your needs and plans and what you expect from them. They should be on board and support your efforts.

Eat healthily, drink lots of water, and stay physically active. Avoid fast and highly processed foods and increase protein and fiber intake. Get plenty of sleep. If you feel anxious, enjoy a massage and practice relaxation techniques.

Avoid consuming alcohol and stop taking medications like NSAIDs and supplements that can hinder blood clotting. If you smoke, please stop. Your body needs a healthy supply of oxygen to heal. Smoking hinders this.

CREATE A PERSONAL RECOVERY PLAN

Even if you have a procedure that usually requires a minimal recovery period, create a plan and build some cushion into it. Your plastic surgeon will educate you on what to expect during recovery and provide guidelines. Prepare to follow them and be patient. You’re not a superhero.

Make accommodations for time away from work and family responsibilities, and don’t be shy about enlisting help from family and friends. Arrange for childcare. Plan meals in advance. Make healthy dishes and freeze them or create a nightly menu for food delivery with healthy options. If you live alone, schedule someone to come in and help you for as long as it takes. This is your time to rest and heal. Before surgery day, gather items to keep nearby while you recuperate, such as books, movies, tissues, medications, bottles of water, and your cell phone charger.

Planning on Cosmetic Tourism?

The promise of low-cost treatments in another country combined with an allinclusive vacation is tempting. Sadly, countless people have paid a high price for this decision, either with their lives or dealing with botched results that require expensive revision surgery. Even if you feel you’ve thoroughly researched the physician and facility, you can still encounter communication issues, poor infection control and drug-resistant bacteria, inadequate screening of blood products, falsified

credentials, or outdated medications. Continuity of care is also a concern. Any surgery carries risks. If complications arise, who is going to provide care when you’re back home, and at what cost?

Finally, remember that medical tourism is unregulated. There are plenty of highly reputable, board-certified plastic surgeons in your area with exceptional credentials and proven track records of quality outcomes to choose from. A positive, safe experience and results you’re happy with are priceless.

BY AUDREY SELLERS

While there are plenty of seasonal events to enjoy around town, the most magical moments happen right at home. Here are some ideas that are sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

Get creative. Try your hand at crafting a wreath for your front door, painting some ornaments, or designing homemade holiday cards. Hold a gingerbread-decorating contest for individuals or teams if you’re hosting out-of-town guests.

Trim a tiny tree. Even if your tree is already fully adorned, you can still have fun decorating mini spruces. Give each family member a small tree from your local arts and crafts store and invite them to create a theme for decorating it.

Deck the doors. For another festive activity for the whole family, use regular or homemade wrapping paper to adorn your door. Add a finishing touch with ribbons and bows.

Settle in for movie night. Whether your crew loves It’s a Wonderful Life , Home Alone , Elf , or another holiday film, relaxing with a beloved movie is a great way to bond.

Hold a holiday photo shoot. When your house is already decked out, make the most of it by snapping some fun pics. Get your crew all gussied up in their holiday best or let everyone wear their favorite PJs and fuzziest socks. Pose in front of the crackling fireplace or create your own backdrop with a cozy throw on the couch.

Gear up for holiday game night. Pour some mugs of hot apple cider and gather your family around the table for game night. You could play anything from a classic board game to holiday charades.

Design your own wrapping paper. Have some brown kraft paper or a roll of white freezer paper? Turn it into custom wrapping paper with art, lettering, or embellishments like stickers or cutouts.

Create a DIY hot cocoa bar. Kids and adults can help themselves at an interactive hot cocoa station. Mix up a big batch of hot chocolate and set out all the tasty toppings, from marshmallows to peppermint sticks. Snuggle up with a story. Wind down from a busy day by reading a seasonal classic or a family favorite to your kids or grandkids.

Whether it’s a sprinkle-filled shindig for your kids or a more grown-up soiree for your friends, we have some quick tips to make your cookie-decorating party unforgettably festive and fun.

• Pick a theme like a winter wonderland with snowflakes and snowmen or follow a red and white color scheme with pops of green or gold.

• If you’re hosting a party for kids, encour age them to attend in their favorite holiday pajamas. Invite adults to wear holiday-themed sweaters.

• Gather your themed décor and supplies, including frosting, sprinkles, piping bags, wax paper, and take-home boxes for guests.

• Make or buy your cookies. Aim for each attendee to have 6 to 8 cookies to decorate.

• The day before your party, prepare your space by tidying up and laying down dis posable table cloths or wax paper.

• On cookie-decorating day, set the scene by switching on twinkling lights and turning up the holiday tunes.

• Frost, glaze and adorn your confections. Just be sure to let decorated cookies set for at least an hour before boxing them up.

• Get into the spirit of the season by assem bling cookie care packages and delivering them to senior centers, fire stations, or shelters.

t he N

TOASTING THE TRADITIONS OF CELEBRATING A FRESH START

BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

ne of the best parts of the holidays is sharing traditions with family, friends, and your community. While New Year’s may not have as many traditions as Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are still some customs people wouldn’t dream of beginning their new year without.

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The most common New Year’s tradition is resolving to live better next year than last. Fortyfive percent of Americans admit to making a resolution each year, with the most popular ones being to eat healthier, get organized, spend less, save more, lose weight, get fit, and quit smoking. Unfortunately, 25% also report they’ve caved on their resolutions by February 1st. Let’s beat those odds this year, shall we?

Champagne is the most popular drink on New Year’s Eve celebrations, a tradition dating back to the 1700s when the cork was invented, and sparkling wine became a sign of celebration and sophistication. In America alone, nearly 360 million glasses are consumed to mark the occasion.

Who could forget the midnight kiss in When Harry Met Sally or Bridget Jones’s Diary? A kiss with the one you adore at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve has long been a symbol of renewed commitment to relationships and love. And almost missing that kiss is a Hollywood trope few romcom directors can resist.

New Year’s celebrations come with some fun — and funny — menu traditions. Many farm folks serve pork on New Year’s Eve but never chicken, so they can “root forward” in the new year instead of “scratching back.” In the South, we eat black-eyed peas, cabbage, and corn beef to bring health, wealth, and luck in the coming year. Although nobody can quite agree which food brings which good fortune. Las doce uvas de la suerte (or the 12 lucky grapes) is a Spanish tradition of eating one grape at each stroke of the clock at midnight for luck in each of the coming twelve months.

Around a million people cluster in Times Square each year to watch the New Year’s Eve ball drop, a tradition since 1907. The current ball is covered in 2,688 crystals, lit by 32,000 LED lights, weighs 11,875 pounds, and is 12 feet in diameter. Other places around the country celebrate with their own unique “drops,” including a lighted cheese wedge in Plymouth, Wisconsin, a Moon Pie in Mobile, Alabama, a giant pair of flip flops in Folly Beach, South Carolina, and a fleur-de-lis in New Orleans.

So, crank up the “Auld Lang Syne” and let the bubbly flow. The best is yet to come in 2023.

If you are hosting guests on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, consider offering them a resolution tree. There’s something about the simple act of writing down a resolution that helps solidify our resolve to keep it. A resolution tree takes that idea one step further.

You can construct your tree by spray painting a nice, gnarly tree branch and securing it in a flowerpot or simply sketching a large one on poster board. Or you can repurpose your Christmas tree or buy a small, artificial one. Provide your guests with paper tags and an assortment of colorful pens from the craft store. Then, invite them to write their resolutions and post them on the resolution tree. Go ahead and hang a few of your own before your guests arrive so they know what to do.

ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT BY PLANNING NOW

BY PETE ALFANO

etting aside savings from your monthly paycheck can be difficult whether you are single or raising a family. Even more challenging is saving for the future — in other words, your retirement. Who wants to contribute money that cannot be touched without penalty for a few decades?

But with the future of Social Security and Medicare in question, it is even more imperative to contribute to a retirement plan that will enable you to pay the bills and keep food on the table in your senior years. And there are several options available.

As with most financial matters, first, determine your disposable income after paying monthly bills. Trim the fat if you have any. For instance, do you need four streaming services? Now you will have a better idea of how much you can contribute to an employer-sponsored 401k, an IRA, a Roth IRA, or a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP).

Any of these is an excellent way to watch your money increase at a rate estimated to be between five and 8% annually — much higher than a traditional low-interest savings account. That’s true even when the economy goes through cyclical ups and downs. While a savings account will give you instant access to your money, it will lose value over time because of inflation. The federal government does insure your savings up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for joint accounts, but if you have that much stashed away, consider withdrawing some of it and investing in a retirement fund.

One of the best options is an employersponsored 401k. This plan enables you to contribute pre-tax dollars, which are deducted automatically. Many employers still contribute to the plan, adding to your fund. For example, if your salary is $75,000 a year and you contribute $10,000 to 401k, the federal government will base your tax rate on $65,000. Remember, this is a longterm form of investment. If you are forced to withdraw money before you

are 59 1/2 years old, there is a 10% penalty. In 2023, you can contribute a maximum of $22,500 to your 401k.

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) enables you to invest pre-tax dollars into funds that you choose.

In 2023, you can contribute up to $6,500 in pre-tax dollars and even get a tax deduction based on your annual salary or if your employer does not offer a 401k plan. If you are 50 and older, you can contribute $7,500. You must deduct a pre-determined amount in your IRA when you turn 72, and that money will be taxed as ordinary income. You can contribute to an IRA and a 401k.

A Roth IRA is different because your tax benefit comes when you withdraw your money. In other words, your contributions are funded with aftertax dollars, but your withdrawals are tax-free. You can contribute $6,500 in 2023 and $7,500 if you are 50 and older.

What if you are self-employed or own a small business with several employees? Then, a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA allows you to contribute up to 25% of your annual income with a maximum of $66,000 in 2023 and fund your account and those of your employees. And those contributions are tax-deductible.

Lastly, consult your CPA or a financial advisor who can help you determine which retirement investment strategy is optimal for you and provide professional guidance to help grow and safeguard your nest egg. Whichever retirement plan you choose, keep in mind that the future is not as far away as you may think.

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‘TIS THE SEASON in San Antonio

ADMIRE THE HISTORIC CITY AGLOW WITH CHRISTMAS BEAUTY

BY CHRISTINA GARCIA PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT SAN ANTONIO

River Walk

Whether it is with family or friends, San Antonio is the perfect pilgrimage to celebrate the holidays.

STROLL

The River Walk shines with thousands of twinkling lights picturesquely dangling from the towering bald cypress trees and reflecting on the water’s surface. This magical, even romantic display continues from sundown to sunrise through January 9 at dawn.

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between December 2 and 18, the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias sets the River Walk aglow with more than 2,000 luminarias, celebrating the centuries-old tradition of symbolically lighting the way to Bethlehem for the Holy Family.

While out, listen for the evening boats of Christmas carolers. Should the thought of belting Christmas carols fi ll your heart with joy, consider renting a boat from Ford Holiday Boat Caroling to do just that. Festively decorated with lights, the boats come with a driver, Christmas music, and printed lyrics.

EAT

One of only two UNESCO “Creative Cities of Gastronomy” in America, San Antonio has a lot of hype to live up to. The holidays are a perfect time to judge for yourself, starting with the city’s Mexican holiday season culinary staples: tamales and atole. Tellez Tamales is a well-known local purveyor with long lines promising a quality product. While you’re at it, order a warm, fragrant cup of atole, a traditional Mexican drink of the holidays, at Market Square’s Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia.

Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias

EXPLORE

Natural Bridge Caverns is an underground cave with incredible formations. Small rooms shimmer with glowing pools of water, while others are almost as big as a football fi eld. During Christmas, the caverns echo with the addition of carolers singing in the caves. The singers fi ll a few of the amazing chambers with mellifluous voices as an added feature of an already spectacular tour. Outside the cavern, a Christmas market, outdoor fi res for roasting smores, and more holiday fun await.

BEHOLD

Everyone knows about the Alamo, but four lesser-known San Antonio missions, built in the 1700s and still in use today, are an impressive, even stately sight to behold. To work in

outdoor fitness, consider biking the 14-mile loop connecting these Spanish relics in the relatively temperate early winter. If you’d rather drive, explore these architecturally stunning structures from sunrise to sunset or 9 to 5 at Mission San José. Visit Mission Concepción’s English-language mariachi mass on Sundays at noon or experience Mission San José’s performance of matachines dances — re-enactments of prayer dances created by the indigenous populations converting to Catholicism — on December 12, the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, directly after the morning mass. Take part in a traditional Mexican re-enactment of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter by joining in on Las Posadas at Mission San José, where piñatas, food, and snacks will be available. Visit nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit for more events during the very popular month of celebrations.

River Walk

Natural Bridge Caverns

Mission San José

SHOP

Don’t miss a stroll through the cobblestone lined La Villita, one of the fi rst neighborhoods in the city for locally crafted jewelry. The brightly colored Mexican toys in Historic Market Square are perfect for stocking stuffers. Where “chili queens” once labeled hot soup as street food, today’s contemporary food vendors serve hot, delicious treats under papel picado. The holiday artisan market at the Pearl is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with a popular area known for creative culinary attractions, beautiful architectural integration of the original Pearl Brewery, and convivial outdoor ambiance. Stop into small shops nearby and enjoy the picnic-friendly turf and outdoor seating near attractive fountains and lush greenery.

SLUMBER

The historic boutique Hotel Havana is stylish and elegant, serving pan-Latin cuisine at its on-site restaurant, Ocho, from a quiet area of the River Walk within walking distance of the Pearl District and next door to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Nearby, the Pearl District’s Hotel Emma features beautifully integrated machinery from the days when it functioned as part of the original Pearl Brewery. Next to the Alamo, the Menger Hotel is another exquisitely attractive site with walls that many say do talk at night.

Historic Market Square

COOKIE cravings

BAKE UP SOME TASTY TREATS THIS CHRISTMAS

BY MELISSA TATE

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE CUPS

TIPS & TRICKS:

Warm jam for 10 seconds in the microwave if it’s too firm to spoon into the dough. Also, any jam, jelly, or preserves will work just fine!

CHERRY THUMBPRINT COOKIES

SERVINGS: APPROX. 20 COOKIES | PREP: 50 MIN. | COOK: 12 MIN. | TOTAL: 62 MIN.

INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ sticks (12 Tbsp.) butter, softened | 2/3 cup sugar | 1 egg | 1 2/3 cups flour | ½ tsp. baking powder | 6 Tbsp. red sugar crystals (“sprinkles”) | 1 small jar cherry jam, jelly or preserves

DIRECTIONS: PREHEAT oven to 375°. MIX butter and sugar on medium until fluffy, about 2 minutes. ADD egg and mix. REDUCE speed to low and add flour and baking powder. Beat until combined. FORM dough into 1 Tbsp. sized balls. ROLL in red sugar and place on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper. USE your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to place an indention in the center of the dough. REPEAT until all dough is prepared. PLACE dough in freezer for 30 minutes or refrigerator for several hours. Firming the dough prevents it from spreading. SPOON jam into each thumbprint when ready to bake. BAKE for 11 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn brown. ALLOW cookies to cool completely before enjoying.

TIPS & TRICKS: Ginger snaps are a traditional holiday treat. Serve these cookies next to a bowl of candied ginger pieces for extra spice.

ABOUT OUR CHEF

Melissa is a freelance food writer with a passion for hospitality and home cooked meals. Along with writing, she helps her husband run their working ranch and event venue in Rockwall, Texas. To follow her cooking and ranching adventures visit MelissaTateTX.com or find her on Instagram at @MELISSATATETX

GINGER SNAPS

SERVINGS: APPROX. 22 COOKIES | PREP: 15 MIN. | COOK: 11-13 MIN. | TOTAL: 26-28 MIN.

INGREDIENTS: ¾ cup butter, softened | 1 cup sugar | 1 egg | ¼ cup molasses | 2 cups flour | ¼ tsp. salt | 2 tsp. baking soda | 1 tsp. ground cinnamon | 1 tsp. ground cloves | 1 tsp. ground ginger | additional ½ cup sugar for rolling, I use coarse sparkling sugar, like for sprinkles

DIRECTIONS: PREHEAT oven to 350°. PREPARE a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. CREAM butter and sugar together with an electric mixer. ADD egg and molasses, mix until combined. In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger together. GRADUALLY add the dry mix to the butter mixture and incorporate on low speed. SCOOP dough into 1 Tbsp. balls. ROLL the dough ball in sugar and place on baking sheet. BAKE 11-13 minutes. ALLOW to cool on cookie sheet for a few minutes before serving.

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A SMATTERING of stuff

THAT’S MAKING US SAY “WE LIKE IT!” THIS MONTH

BY HEATHER WITHERSPOON

PLAY ALL DAY

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HEAD TURNER

An inviting blend of textures, the Josephine Cloche from French

LOCK LOVE

One of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2022, and an ideal stocking stuffer, the Maya J bracelet hair ties take two things we love to wear on our wrists, hair ties, and trendy bracelets, and combine them into one fashionable jewelry accessory.

Crocodile Embossed Leather Foldable Slippers with Eco-Fu r are handcrafted by artisans in Italy using the finest quality Nappa full-grain natural leather. The minimalist chic style available for men and women is designed for on-the-go wear and is the perfect gift

Volo’s plush Hero Hair Towel gently absorbs water, decreasing dry time by 50%, and features a unique snug strap to keep the towel secure enough to make you forget we’re wearing it. It also won Allure’s Best of Beauty Award in 2021 and 2022, one of the highest honors in the beauty industry.

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