A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
ON THE COVER Nuvo Home
contents
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NUVO HOME
Projecting the Soul Through Interior Design
10 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER 14 A NEW PHASE
Chateaux at Mon Abri Phase IV Now Pre-Leasing
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ALL SPRUCED UP
Unique Co-Op Spruced Cooperative Celebrates One Year
THE (HAIR) COLORS OF FALL TIPS AND TRENDS FOR FALL TRESSES FROM RUMORS SALON
15 A FAMILY HERITAGE
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16 2018 STREET OF DREAMS
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GET TO KNOW FAVORITE WINES FOR GIVING
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REWORKING A VISION
Josh Litsch of Valor Bank Comes by Banking Naturally
Oklahoma’s Premier Luxury Home Tour Returns
18 BUILDING EDMOND: BUILDER PROFILES
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Tom French, Paul Harrison, Matt Wilson and Dusty Boren
LUMINANCE
Mitch Park Winter Wonderland
A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Oklahoma Gourmet Popcorn Brings Young Entrepreneur to Edmond
GATHERED
Edmond’s New Home Interior Shop Appeals to ‘Gatherers’
DO-IT-YOURSELF OR HIRE A CONTRACTOR? Tips to Know How to Choose
Learn About a Few Favorite Types of Wine
Autoworks Continues Great Service at New Location
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A CLEAN SOLUTION
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A LEGACY OF SERVICE
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Alta Solutions Cleaning Services Edmond Businessman Has Milestone
ENJOY THE SEASON
Yoga Home of Therapeutics Offers Tips to ‘Slow Down’ for Holidays
54 ADVERTISER’S INDEX
THE FUTURE IS NOW A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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Cox Paves Way for Smarter Homes, Businesses in Oklahoma City It’s amazing how quickly technology evolves. It’s projected that the average household will have 50 internet-enabled devices by the year 2020. Once limited to the imagination, consumer demand is now strong for home automation features and smart appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. The rapid increase in internet-enabled devices and new technology continues to make our lives easier and helps businesses run more efficiently. But how?
Kristin Peck
Vice President of Public Affairs, Cox Communications
The backbone of technological advancement is a strong infrastructure. With gigabit internet speeds in Oklahoma City, Cox Communications is enabling smarter homes and businesses by delivering ultra-fast speeds throughout the community. Gigabit internet speeds allow users to:
• Run all internet-enabled devices at the same time • Stream more than 25 4K HD videos simultaneously • Download a HD movie in less than 60 seconds • Download 100 songs in three seconds • Upload about 1,000 photos in about a minute By offering GIGABLAST internet service to the Oklahoma City metro area, Cox is staying ahead of customers’ growing demands, as residents can already use multiple internet-enabled devices simultaneously to stream, download and share. Cox is making significant upgrades to its infrastructure in Oklahoma City as part of the company’s commitment to invest $10B in its network over the next five years. Cox has been committed to offering gigabit speeds to all customers – not just a select few – and an array of speed and pricing options for all homes and businesses. By heavily investing in our infrastructure, we are enabling smart homes, smart businesses and smart cities to be more connected than ever before. Fast and reliable internet connections are essential to driving local innovation and providing access to education opportunities. Having access to gigabit internet speeds helps drive us well into the future as we continue to innovate and use technology to connect to the world.
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
Nuvo Home
PROJECTING THE SOUL THROUGH INTERIOR DESIGN When was the last time you enjoyed a peaceful space to read or enjoy family and friends? What made it peaceful? Nuvo Home, Oklahoma City’s Modern Eclectic furniture store, assists metro residents by offering consultations and designing stylish rooms. At its heart, Modern Eclectic “borrows from every style and blends it into something perfectly suited for every space,” says Tracee Strong, owner of Nuvo Home. To achieve this style, the designer must have, according to
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NUVO HOME
See this collection and more at Nuvo Home where global interiors become achievable.
Tracee, “a keen eye and a strong sense of balance.” When done correctly, it is the ultimate expression of one’s personality.” Her journey to opening Nuvo Home began as a young child, inspired by her mother’s sense of style. Growing up in a single-mother household, Tracee learned that stylish surroundings don’t have to cost a fortune. When she became a mother, Tracee and her husband Trey spent time raising a family. “After being a stay-at-home Mom for over a decade, I started praying for my own mid-life revival.” And then her answer came through tragic and perplexing circumstances. Patricia Fransen, owner of Options 2 Design, employed Tracee for a short period of time. Shortly after hiring her, Fransen was diagnosed with cancer and passed away. In the time Tracee worked for Fransen, she was given a lifetime of wisdom by her remarkable mentor. Tracee’s 4000sq ft space offers customers hundreds of choices to make the individualized process of home design materialize. Nuvo Home’s dreamy wonderland awakens everyone’s muse. “Whether it is small or large, grand or normal, a room or a whole house, old or new, rental or yours, it should give you relaxation and that ‘new outfit’ feeling, making you feel fabulous and inspired when you’re home.” A vast chasm exists between a corporately run furniture store and Nuvo Home, an independently managed business. Earlier in life, continued on page 11
A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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Letter
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
from the
Publisher W
elcome to Our Edmond!
If you are new to Edmond or even just considering purchasing a home in this great town, we welcome you. This is a fantastic time of year to be in Edmond with many events that have become longtime favorites to the folks that live here. The weather becomes cooler, but activities heat up at a rapid pace going into the holiday season. The fall here in Edmond is my favorite time of year. You won’t want to miss the Saturday Edmond Farmers Market that continues through the last Saturday in October. Ray Hibbard It is a great opportunity to purchase farm fresh products, but it is also a weekly opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors. The vendors get to know their customers by name. There is nothing like it in the Oklahoma City area. We often get calls at Edmond Life & Leisure from folks new to the area about what activities their family would enjoy. Here are a few places to look. We are blessed to have a locally owned book store here in Edmond, Best of Books. It is in the Kickingbird Square Shopping Center at the corner of Danforth and Bryant. Best of Books has activities including opportunities to meet local authors. You can look for their weekly ad in our paper or even better, just stop by and visit with the owners about what is coming in the next few weeks. Inspirations Tea Room on Second street has several culinary activities you can enjoy. Our Edmond Historical Society and Museum on Boulevard always has great programs and changing exhibits to see. Downtown Edmond is always a buzz of activity for places to dine, live music, coffee houses and some great shopping. Any merchant can fill you in on upcoming activities in downtown Edmond. Edmond has the lowest crime rate in central Oklahoma, the best public schools in the State of Oklahoma, outstanding city services and a quality of life that is second to none. Your home will not only hold its value but will increase in value over the years at a rate that will give you confidence in the investment you make whether it is purchasing a new home or remodeling the one you are in today. We hope you enjoy this quarterly edition of At Home in Edmond. You will find our local news stories and advertising to be helpful in adding to the great quality of life here in Edmond. You can always view our Calendar of Events online at edmondlifeandleisure.com. We are a locally owned and operated media company and look forward to meeting you at all the fall events in our Edmond!
Ray Hibbard, PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER
Ray Hibbard
EDITOR
April Burgess
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rose Drebes Mallery Nagle Kacee Van Horn
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS April Burgess Deanne York
PHOTOGRAPHERS Raina Wansick Deanne York
ADVERTISING
Alexx Harms Advertising Director For information on advertising in At Home in Edmond, call 405-340-3311
READER SERVICES
107 South Broadway Edmond OK 73034 Phone 405-340-3311 Fax 405-340-3384
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
edmondlifeandleisure.com @edmondlifeandleisure
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“DON’T LET YOUR EXISTING DECOR ALWAYS DICTATE WHAT YOU BRING HOME.”
Tracee Strong OWNER OF NUVO HOME
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Tracee was tempted to give up her creativity as a potential source of income. In the end, she bravely abandoned the “more practical” career advice and took a leap of faith by opening Nuvo Home. Featuring “artisanal pieces that express humanity and the vulnerability of the craftsperson,” is central to Nuvo Home. “I love a home that has the character of vintage combined with the freshness of modernity.” This unique quality cannot be achieved through mass produced products. “A home is more than just things. It’s a place of serenity, a place where you find your peace, a place that reflects what you love and who you are.” As a former artist handcrafting drapery, pillows, and cushions, Tracee possesses a natural eye for beauty which is evident in each room design. Because she took the road less traveled and jumped into the design world, she has a space that allows her to bring her dog Dazy to work, play the music she loves and enjoy getting to know her customers, sharing experiences and life stories. Tracee Strong has become more than a business owner; she is a neighbor and a friend. “Everyone has a good story or experience to share,” she says. Nuvo Home gives customers the opportunity to create stylish spaces with furniture, rugs, lighting, local accents and local artists’ works. Tracee’s store embodies a quote from Coco Chanel, “an interior is the natural projection of the soul.” Call 405-608-8001, swing by 9235 N Pennsylvania the Village, OK 73120 or browse online at your leisure at Nuvo-home.com
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A New Phase Page 14
At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
CHATEAUX AT MON ABRI PHASE IV NOW PRE-LEASING By Ray Hibbard Chateaux at Mon Abri in Edmond has become so popular that they are beginning and pre-leasing Phase IV of the master plan for this unique community. This last phase will have 1, 2and 3-bedroom homes. Many of them will have the muchdesired waterfront view of the beautiful pond and fountain located on the grounds at Chateaux at Mon Abri. There will be 20 new homes in this phase. They will have bigger homes with more garages and more amenities. Amy Camarata, project director for Chateaux at Mon Abri, is excited about Phase IV. “We have saved the best for last,” she said. Growth of assisted living or medical housing has been strong in Edmond, but Chateaux at Mon Abri is none of those. Instead, it is geared for folks over 50 that are just looking to down size from the large houses where they raised their children. Too often when the kids leave home, rooms go unused, maintenance of the home becomes expensive, taxes get higher and yard care can become a burden. Having to care for a large home when you travel can be difficult as well. According to Camarata, these are just some of the reasons that Chateaux at Mon Abri has grown, leading to the start of Phase IV. The neighborhood is located at 2500 N. Broadway on the west side of Broadway between Danforth and Covell. The neighborhood environment eliminates the burden of home and yard maintenance, but it also offers services and amenities that encourages residents to continue their healthy and active lifestyles. The luxury homes at the Chateaux at Mon Abri are situated in duplex, triplex and quad-plex variations. Each home offers luxury features including, slate tile, hard wood floors, stainless appliances, gas range and more. Maintenance free living isn’t just the yard, they do everything from fixing your ice maker to changing your light bulbs.
The planners and builders of the Mon Abri neighborhood made sure that the property had that home feel by using an experienced residential home builder for the construction. Every floor plan is different so there is no apartment style cookie cutter approach to these homes. There are several options that let residents tailor their new home to their own taste. These homes are loaded with all the amenities many had in larger homes in Edmond including a gated entryway. This neighborhood is designed from the ground up to offer luxury homes in a safe community. There is a 3,573-sq. ft. community clubhouse on the property that has a fitness center, meeting room with business capabilities and more. The neighborhood has above ground tornado safe rooms, outdoor living areas with fireplaces, water features including ponds, waterfalls and fountains, a sports lounge and walking trails. Optional services that residents can take advantage of are dry cleaning to your door, grocery delivery via online ordering, pet attendance, housekeeping, onsite car washing and detail and other concierge services. Chateaux at Mon Abri opened in Edmond the first part of 2016 and started with a focus group to determine what folks over 50 were looking for in housing. They have had a similar facility in south Oklahoma City since 2009 but Camarata said that folks would visit the south location who were from Edmond and want to know when they were going to build in Edmond, so they did. The concept is so on the cutting edge that appraisers come visit their property just to get an idea of the value of such a facility since there really isn’t another one like it. If you are interested in knowing more about Chateaux at Mon Abri or how to make application to do pre-leasing for Phase IV, they are open for tours M-F 9am to 5pm or call (405) 850-1546. Weekend tours available by appointment. You can find our more at their web site, www.monabriedmond.com.
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A Family Heritage
JOSH LITSCH OF VALOR BANK COMES BY BANKING NATURALLY
“My favorite part of Valor Bank is our mission to be faithful By Rose Drebes Banking is the family business for Drew and Josh Litsch. to our commitments, value people and have courage to follow Dad Drew started Prime Bank in April 2008 and currently God’s will,” Josh said. “We joyfully give 10 percent of our profserves as president and CEO. In September 2014, son Josh its to local non-profits making a positive difference in our purchased a bank named First communities.” State Bank with two locations in A few of the organizations Valor southwest Oklahoma and now, the has partnered with include Hope full-service banking location of Center of Edmond, Project 66 Valor Bank in Edmond is just west Food and Resource Center and of Kelly on 15th at 1501 Wings, a special needs community. Renaissance Blvd. “We will be faithful to give back The family moved to Edmond and hope to make a tremendous in 1988 and Josh went through the impact in the lives of the people we Edmond public school system are able to serve,” Josh said. before attending college at the Valor Bank specializes in real University of Oklahoma. He estate financing, in particular graduated with a Bachelors of anything related to financing a Business Administration and house and commercial real estate. Masters of Accountancy. After “I’ve always enjoyed helping college, Josh moved to Dallas and people with a home loan and worked in public accounting as a CPA. developed a niche that I’ve been He moved back to Edmond in able to carry over to Valor Bank,” 2009 and started working with Josh said. “We feel like we are the Drew at Prime, splitting his time Edmond’s leader in home loans due PHOTO BY ROSE DREBES with the CFO on accounting projects to our knowledge of the industry, Josh Litsch and father, Drew. and as a mortgage lender. unique loan products, low rates and “Mortgage lending was a natural quick closings.” fit for me and something I enjoyed Today, Valor Bank is around $80 million in assets with 17 so I quickly focused on it full-time,” Josh said. “I was also very employees. Ground will be broken soon on a 5,100-square-foot interested in all other aspects of community banking.” “Once addition to the current building which will be completed in I discovered my passion for the banking industry, I wanted to June 2019. follow in my dad’s footsteps and own a bank.” A new drive-through will be operational in January 2019. He said he has been blessed with people who have taken an At the end of the day, Josh said he loves working with his dad interest in his career and helped expand his skill set. in the same profession. “My dad has always been my biggest influencer, encouraging “I’ve learned a lot from him over the years as he has helped me in any endeavor and helping with the process of acquiring prepare me for this position,” Josh said. “We get along very well Valor Bank,” he said. The sale of the original two locations in southwest Oklahoma and Valor Bank has a friendly working relationship with Prime Bank.” has just been completed. Josh and Drew are looking forward “It is a gift to be able to share the experience of owning our to focusing all their efforts on serving and giving back to the Edmond and Oklahoma City communities. two banks in Edmond and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
2018 Street of Dreams
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
OKLAHOMA’S PREMIER LUXURY HOME TOUR RETURNS Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 1-7pm Saturdays & Sundays: 10am – 7pm Pricing: $20 – Single Day Advanced $25 – Single Day at the Door No charge for children 12 and under The Street of Dreams is central Oklahoma’s premier luxury home tour and the only home tour event of its kind in the state. It features the top home builders in central Oklahoma and showcases the latest home design trends, interior design, and technology. This years Street of Dreams takes place in one of the newest neighborhoods in Oklahoma City, October 13-28, at The Falls located in northeast Oklahoma City at the corner of NE 150th St. and N. Post Road. Presenting sponsors of Street of Dreams this year include Harry’s TV, Video & Appliances and Pella Window & Doors of Oklahoma. The Street of Dreams includes nine elite home builders including Adams Kirby Homes, Gibbs-Hancock Luxury Estates, Integrity Fine Homes, MassaRossa Luxury Homes, Matteson Custom Homes, McCaleb Homes, Rader Building Company, Ripple Creek Homes, and Time Hughes Custom Homes. Benefitting partner of Street of Dreams is the Children’s Hospital Foundation. They will receive a portion of ticket sales which go on sale in September. Mark your calendars now for this magnificent event!
All tickets sales are final and non-refundable. All ticket sales via credit card subject to a $4.00 fee to cover processing and tax. If you have questions regarding show sponsorships, advertising, home/event vendor space, or event specific information, please contact: Elisa Milbourn Event Director, Street of Dreams Director of Education & Special Events Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association elisa@cohba.org 405-843-1508
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Building Edmond
At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
BY ROSE DREBES
Tom French and his French Construction team are celebrating 30 years of building homes in Edmond. “I grew up working for my father in the wholesale gasoline business,” French said. “We would build and remodel our convenience stores and I always enjoyed that.” He had a friend who built houses. “I admired him for his work and thought it looked fun.” French branched out on his own and started his first house. “After I finished the house and it sold, I started my second house, and the rest is history.” It’s a real family business. Wife Julie does the interior design and runs the office. Son Andrew takes care of the daily operations of building the homes. Daughter Kadee is a realtor and helps sell the homes. “I am truly blessed to get to work with my family on a daily basis -- that’s what is the most fun part of our company,” French said. Over the years, French Construction has built homes in Oak Tree, Iron Horse Ranch, Fallbrook, Coffee Creek, Steeplechase, Kingsbury Ridge, Beaupre, Sweetwater, Stonebridge, Fairfax, Hidden Creek, Glenhurst, Timber Ridge Point, Savanna Estates,
Deer Creek Crossing, Bavarian Forrest, Chelsea Station, Chimney Hills, Faircloud and others. “I have enjoyed getting to know each and every one of our customers,” he said. French Construction’s specialty is building quality timeless highend homes that will stand the test of time. “We have a great team that works well together to give our customers the best possible home that we can build,” French said. The French family’s philosophy is to build homes for the way people live today. “What we mean by that, is each and every home we build, we think of it as if we are moving into it ourselves,” French said. “We pay attention to the little details, and strive to give our customers a true Andrew & Tom French one-on-one relationship.”
It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home. Time-honored integrity, an exceptional new homebuilding experience and a commitment to quality construction are the key elements of the mission of Q5 Custom Homes. Five years ago, Paul Harrison came back to Oklahoma to start the custom homebuilding side of 4Corners Homes. Under Paul’s leadership, the custom homebuilding side has grown into its own Q5 Custom Homes building division. Q5 Custom Homes now builds in multiple distinguished, luxury home communities around the OKC Metro Area. Harrison has been in the home building industry for over thirty years. Throughout his high school and college careers he worked for a custom home builder in Arlington, Texas. As a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Harrison earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management. After graduation, he moved back to Texas and worked for Highland Homes in Dallas for ten years. He eventually went out on his own to remodel and build custom homes. Q5 Custom Homes offers a wide selection of architecturally timeless luxury homes throughout the OKC Metro’s most notable neighborhoods, including Villagio, Abbey Place, Cambria Heights
and The Reserves at Still Meadows. Q5 Custom Homes also has a townhome project, Western Townhomes, which pairs a low-key lifestyle with luxury living by providing high-end finishes and designer touches. Lawn and landscaping maintenance is included in each the townhome package. Paul believes concentrating on providing an impeccable new home building experience is what sets Q5 Custom Homes apart from its competitors. He said, “I believe we need always to put the homebuyer first, have open and clear communication while staying up to date with the current trends and standards in home building. Our specialty is building custom homes designed to meet each of our homebuyers unique lifestyles while focusing on craftsmanship and attention to detail.” For more information about Q5 Custom Homes, visit Q5CustomPaul Harrison Homes.com.
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Matt Wilson got his start in home building in 1980 with a $35k, one-bedroom, one-bathroom home with a carport. From there, the company has built a long residential development history, co-developing Old Towne Villas, Belle Point and the first two phases of Woody Creek. Wilson worked around houses in high school, doing construction clean up while paying attention to the process. “The clean up job turned into building decks, the wood decks turned into spas and then pools,” he said. “Building pools eventually turned into building houses and the home business outgrew the pools.” Today, Matt Wilson Custom Homes is continuing development in Autumn Ridge, Deer Crossing and Eagles Cove. Wilson said he is looking forward to adding garden and terrace homes in existing developments. Building custom homes from scratch is the company’s specialty. “It’s a bit of a lost art, in the value-driven, must-have-it-now society,” he said. “But, if you don’t want it an off-the-shelf, in-thebox, all-prepackaged-for-you home, we can design and build the napkin sketch.”
“The day of the stock home has passed us by. Our customers want to have input into their future home and they all have different needs.” He said the “recipe list” is the key to kick off the creative process – how many bedrooms, one level or two, one or two dining. Matt Wilson Custom Homes ultimately wants to build quality homes for its customers and maintain good relationships with them after the project is completed. “We want our homeowners to be proud of their homes, hosting birthdays, graduations and weddings in them,” Wilson said. “If possible, we like to build our products in our developments, creating an upscale environment with quality products throughout.” For more information, Matt Wilson visit www.mattwilsonco.com.
4Corners Homes’ passion is delivering a quality home – clean, complete, on time and on budget. Dusty Boren and Tracy Williams met in 2004, and they launched 4Corners Homes in the spring of 2005. Boren stated that “we have grown our business together and now, along with 4Corners homes, we also have Q5 Custom homes, Craft Homes, BlockOne Communities, Echo Mortgage and Canopy Insurance.” Boren grew up in a home of self-employed entrepreneurs, most of whom worked in the construction and service industry. He started young, purchasing his first home while completing his undergraduate degree. He put in lots of sweat and equity and then sold it for a profit two years later. Boren has always been interested in home building. He told us his first project was when he was about 6 or 7 years old- building a fort in the woods behind his childhood home. Today, Boren and Williams’ companies collectively employ 72 people and use hundreds of local subcontractors. “Watching my father, mother, grandfather and grandmother work so hard all those years is a constant reminder to me, as a leader and business owner, that I have a great responsibility to ensure we
treat our employees and subcontractors the way I would have wanted my family to be treated,” said Boren Throughout 2017, the companies combined built over 1,500 homes, resulting in $450 million in total revenue. The company currently operates in Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Des Moines and is expanding into the Tulsa market in 2018. According to Boren, “each of our homebuilding businesses have a different specialty. For 4Corners Homes, the specialty is building personalized homes in desirable communities.” All land developments are completed by BlockOne Communities, including Cambria Heights, West Lake, Highland Meadows, Oakdale Ridge, Meadow Ridge, Cottonwood Lake and Western Town Homes. For more information about 4Corners Homes, visit Dusty Boren www.4cornershomes.com.
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Luminance
MITCH PARK WINTER WONDERLAND By Mallery Nagle Edmond Electric will light up the night this holiday season when it turns Mitch Park into a winter wonderland. Luminance is walk-though light display that will feature over 50,000 LED lights lighting up the pavilions and surrounding trees, a 25ft walk through light tunnel and 20 3D lighted displays, according to Jessica Lyle, community relations coordinator for Edmond Electric. “Residents and visitors will get to experience a one-of-a-kind holiday lighting event that will for sure get them in the holiday spirit,” she said. “With Edmond being the premier city to have 3D lighted displays, they are sure to see something they’ve never seen.” Although there was a Luminance “preview” last year that showcased two light displays, this will be inaugural year for the full-fledged event. Lyle invited everyone to be a part of the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1.
“During this event, Mayor of Edmond, Charles Lamb will acknowledge the winners of the Mayor’s Essay Contest and will officially kick the holiday season off with the lighting of Luminance,” she explained. “There will be live singing from the Fine Arts Youth Choir as well as a few other holiday surprises. “Luminance will take the place of Edmond Electric’s Parade of Lights,” she continued. Lyle explained that parade, which began in 2009, was canceled due to inclement weather in 2016. “After having canceled the parade, Edmond Electric and City of Edmond staff began conversations about transitioning to something more reliable,” she said. “Because the Parade of Lights took place during December, Edmond Electric staff had many concurrent issues with planning; the weather was always a concern, staff was no longer able to get high school bands to participate due to All State Competitions, participation had been steadily declining for many years and the biggest factor was funds being spent to host
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a parade that may or may not happen,� she explained. Luminance will be staged between the baseball fields and directly north of the Edmond Outdoor Ice Skating Rink in the park. The walking only event is free and open to the public, every evening, 5-10 p.m., through Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Businesses involved in Luminance are the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, the Edmond Economic Development Authority and the Mitch Park YMCA. These entities have sponsored a lighted display. There are still several displays available to sponsor for this inaugural year. Businesses looking to get involved can view sponsorship opportunities at www.edmondlights.com or may contact Jessica Lyle at 405-216-7729 or jessica.lyle@ edmondok.com.
Luminance, a walk-through light display debuting in full this year after a preview last year, will feature over 50,000 LED lights.
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
A Recipe for Success
OKLAHOMA GOURMET POPCORN BRINGS YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR TO EDMOND PHOTOS BY RAINA WANSICK By Kacee Van Horn ‘Tis the Season for Popcorn. There’s nothing like the holidays to bring on feelings of nostalgia. The aroma of freshly popped popcorn, warm spices, and the sound of leaves crunching under our feet let us know that autumn has arrived. This season, you may want to start your trek down memory lane at Oklahoma Gourmet Popcorn. You won’t use this popcorn for stringing garland though. One taste and you’re hooked.
Owner D.J. Boles is an Oklahoma success story, opening two storefronts of his popular gourmet popcorn by the age of 24.
“All our popcorn is freshly popped daily right at our store,” says owner D.J. Boles. “We have 65 different flavors of popcorn, plus nostalgic sodas and candies, the type of items people used to get when they were younger.” According to Boles, the old-fashioned candy, such as the Cherry Sours and Stick Candy, is very popular, as are the Vanilla Cream Soda and other real cane sugar sodas. Boles notes, “Everyone also loves our Butterscotch Beer too, from the Harry Potter movies.” While Oklahoma Gourmet Popcorn carries all the traditional popcorn flavors, Boles says the more avant garde flavors such as Oreo and Loaded Baked Potato are customer favorites. Authentic, movie theatre butter popcorn is of course available, as is a healthier version popped in coconut oil. At the ripe old age of 24, Boles is young for an entrepreneur. The business idea was sparked in his senior year of college. “I had to come up with a business plan for my retail management class. Our professor was pushing us to come up with something new, to find a niche in the market,” recounts Boles. Why popcorn? “My dad is in the concession supply industry,” continued on page 24
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018 Boles answers. “I came up with the idea for a popcorn business. While I was writing the paper, I wondered if this could be a real deal. The next semester I took my paper to the bank and walked out with a small business loan.” The idea was a good one, and Oklahoma Gourmet Popcorn is now a real deal. “We opened our first location in Moore on August 2, 2016 and it took off pretty quickly. Our Edmond store at 33rd Street and Broadway opened on December 8, 2017 and business is great,” shares Boles. Popcorn flavors come in all size bags, from small to party size. Tins are also offered and may be customized with any variety of flavors. They range in size from one gallon to six and a half gallons. Gift baskets come in all sorts of themes such as “Movie Night,” “Thank You,” and the ever popular, “It’s About to Pop” for newly expectant parents. Baskets range in price from $14.99 to $40 plus and can be custom designed. “We also do a lot of “Welcome” baskets for realtors or the new neighbor that moved in next door, and of course we have a lot of holiday basket options,” notes Boles. The Edmond store is located at 3209 S. Broadway, Suite 129. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm on Wednesday. For more information, their website is www.ogpopcorn.com.
Oklahoma Gourmet Popcorn has over 65 flavors of popcorn as well as “nostalgic” candies and sodas, and comes in all sizes from “small to party size.”
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1251 N. Broadway EdmondFamily.org
(405) 341-3554
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Gathered
EDMOND’S NEW HOME INTERIOR SHOP APPEALS TO ‘GATHERERS’ By Mallery Nagle Gena Rainey is a gatherer. “I love traveling and finding unique items, both old and new,” she said. “I love shopping, and who doesn’t?” In April of this year, Rainey opened Gathered Home Shop and Creative Space at 115 S. Broadway in downtown Edmond. “I was doing it anyway,” she said of her gatherer instinct. “This was a way to showcase what I find and create a cool space. There is a lot of cool stuff going on in downtown and I wanted to up the cool factor,” she continued. Her travels have taken her to exotic locales such as Turkey, Morocco, Iceland and Finland. This has allowed her to make connections around the globe to bring a world of merchandise to her Edmond neighbors. Rainey also takes pride in featuring local artisans in her store. Rainey called her merchandise assortment “eclectic.” It includes candles, jewelry, artwork and wall hangings, planters, furniture, throw pillows and bath and body accessories. “There’s a mix of old and new, global and local,” she pointed out. The store also features a workshop for what she calls “creative
social classes.” Courses have included candle making, calligraphy, floral design, a henna workshop for henna designs, macramé and planters. Rainey explained this is an opportunity for people to meet others with similar interests and to network. “It’s been fun so far,” she said. She noted the workshop is also
“CLEAN LINES AND NEUTRAL COLORS ARE ‘HOT’.”
Gena Rainey
OWNER OF GATHERED HOME SHOP
available for rent for private workshops or as a creative space. Popular at Gathered are home décor items in the mid-century style, modern boho and Scandinavian. Rainey added that clean lines and neutral colors are “hot.” She also sees demand for continued on page 28
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
natural materials such as bamboo and rattan. Planters bearing succulents are a trend, as are items from Mexico. “Less is more,” she pointed out. “Elegance and simplicity.” Gathered has been asked to be part of the pop-up shopping village in midtown near downtown Oklahoma City the weekend after Thanksgiving. This will give Black Friday shoppers the opportunity to shop local while exploring beyond the city limits. Rainey is also planning a fall/holiday floral course at the Edmond workshop. “We’ve ordered a lot of cute décor for the holidays,” she said. The store is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For shoppers who prefer to do their gathering from the comfort of their own homes, Rainey invites them to visit www.gatheredhomeshop.com, and Gathered Home Shop on Instagram and on Facebook. All sites are transactional, and for the true gatherer, they are open 24/7.
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018
All Spruced Up
UNIQUE CO-OP SPRUCED COOPERATIVE CELEBRATES ONE YEAR
By Kacee Van Horn Spruced Cooperative just celebrated its one year anniversary at its West Edmond location. The unique co-op includes a boutique featuring affordable, on-trend apparel, a premier salon, home decor, plus interior design services and hands-on classes that give customers the opportunity to express their creativity too. The brain child of Edmond artist and interior designer Allison Griffith, Spruced offers patrons more than just a convenient one-stop shop for fashion, beauty, decor and creativity. Spruced offers an experience. The Makery is Spruced Cooperative’s creative outlet, where Griffith and guest artists teach classes ranging from calligraphy to hand-painting furniture. Classes are usually from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and vary each month. “People come from all over for these classes, even Chicago,” shares Griffith. “Calligraphy
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Allison Griffith (left) and Ali Jackson put the “co-op” in Spruced Cooperative.
is definitely the most popular.” Up to 25 people can participate in each session, and classes can be scheduled online at www. sprucedcooperative.com/events. “Our goal is an interactive, fun, shopping experience,” says Griffith. “We want our customers to come in, tour the store, see everything, get inspiration, and leave elated with what they’ve made or purchased,” adds Griffith. The boutique features on-trend women’s clothing that won’t break your bank account in both classic and trendy styles. The knowledgable staff is committed to creating individual styles for each customer. Geared toward the everyday woman, the continued on page 32
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At Home in Edmond Fall/Winter 2018 boutique focuses on helping women find comfortable, stylish items that they can feel good in. Ali Jackson, owner of Profile Concierge Hair Service, partners with Griffith to create an eclectic mix of shopping options. Known for her work with Brides of Oklahoma, Jackson offers a wide range of salon services and specializes in custom looks for momentous occasions. The home decor array showcases a wide range of furniture, custom upholstery pieces, home accessories and unique accent pieces. “We do projects from restoring pieces to helping people incorporate the things they already own by reimagining it.” Window treatments, accessories, gift items and other design services are also available. Griffith’s nationally renowned, do-it-yourself blog, Refunk My Junk, also keeps her busy. Her design expertise even takes her across state lines. She’s currently designing a master bedroom for a home in Kansas City, and DIY Network has noticed her talent. “I’m helping design a 35 s.f. container home for DIY,” says Griffith. “They just started construction. During the design phase, they’ll come to Oklahoma to film us as we shop for decor.” Spruced Cooperative is located at 610 S. Kelly, Suite J. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Their website is www. sprucedcooperative.com. Online ordering is available. Griffith says business is great, and she loves the West Edmond location. “We’re convenient to the turnpike, have plenty of parking and there’s not a lot of shopping in West Edmond. It’s a highly underestimated area. Now we just need a juice bar and a yoga studio.”
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CALENDER OF EVENTS A B DE EdFest Edmond Historic Ghost Tours Edmond Turkey Trot Small Business Saturday Free Wagon Rides Very Merry Art Workshop at FAI Santa at the Police Safety Center
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The (hair) colors of fall PHOTOS BY RAINA WANSICK
TIPS AND TRENDS FOR FALL TRESSES FROM RUMORS SALON By Kacee Van Horn Fall is all about change, and there’s no better way to get ready for the new season than with a new ‘do. A new color, updated cut or a simple change in style might be just the thing to find the look to suit the season. As the serenade of fall color begins, hair color trends also start transitioning. This season is more about toning down bright blonde, or adding a little lift to brown, than going all the way dark. Whatever your color choice, think healthy. Healthy hair is the the biggest trend, and fall is the perfect time to repair summer wear and tear. No matter what color, cut or style you choose, take care of your hair. Shelee Marx, owner of Rumors Salon in downtown Edmond, agrees. “Healthy hair is definitely the biggest trend, hair that shines and shimmers and looks and feels great.” Marx adds, “We love working with our clients to find the color that works best for that individual person while using products and techniques that promote healthy hair.” “The Balayage technique is quickly growing in popularity,” shares Marx. The technique, involves painting highlights on to create a natural looking effect. Application begins away from the roots and gets heavier as it travels along, usually with the heaviest application at the ends. “Balayage tends to produce a warmer type finish and you can put the lighter pieces right where you want continued on page 38
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them,” continues Marx, “and it’s easier on hair. We love using this technique at Rumors, it’s very artistic for the stylists and our clients like that they can go longer between visits.” Whether highlighting or going with all over color, consider red for fall. This rich hue will be everywhere this season. From subtle
“LOOK FOR MORE AND MORE WARMER TONES AS OPPOSED TO GOING REALLY DARK.”
Shelee Marx OWNER OF RUMORS SALON
auburn to full on red, both blondes and brunettes can jump on board. A deep red adds vibrance to brown, while a touch of strawberry, or the ever popular rose gold, can breathe new life into your blonde. On the lighter side of the look, caramel, cinnamon and copper lights will also be popular. Honey blonde is a great color for toning down summer brightness. “Look for more and more warmer tones as opposed to going really dark,” notes Marx. Located at 205 N. Broadway in downtown Edmond, Rumors has been open for just over three years. Marx is an American Board Certified Hair Colorist and self-proclaimed color nerd. She specializes in customizing the look that works best for the client. “I love studying and doing hair color,” says Marx. “We work hard to create the color that is most flattering for our clients. Our goal is to find the perfect color that really makes them feel good about themselves.” Rumors Salon caters to their clients’ schedules. “We’re mostly appointment only,” says Marx. “We work whatever hours best accommodate our clients.” Rumors is open Monday through Saturday and evening appointments are available. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 405-823-9583.
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Do-it-yourself? Or hire a
contractor?
TIPS TO KNOW HOW TO CHOOSE Many people use the weekend to catch up on jobs around the house. Do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects usually start out well, until you make a major mistake, unintentionally set something on fire or cause bodily harm with a power tool. Should you hire a contractor before there’s real damage done to you or the house? That depends on you and the project. It’s always tempting to attempt any home repair or improvement project in an effort to save money, but you do need to know what kinds of projects you can safely handle and when it’s time to call in the pros, say personal financial planning experts at the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA). Otherwise, you may end up spending even more money by having to hire someone to undo accidental damages. Should you do it yourself? If you’re wondering if you should take the DIY approach or hire a contractor, here are a few considerations: • Know the degree of difficulty. Whether you’re grouting your tile or installing new kitchen cupboards, understand what you’re getting into before you get started. • What’s your budget? Can you afford a contractor? If hiring someone else isn’t even an option, be sure to educate yourself before you get started. Read a book, watch a video or head down to the local home improvement store for tips. And don’t just budget your money, budget for your time as well. Your spouse may not be too pleased if you say it will take a few hours to fix the kitchen sink and days later, there’s still no running
water in the kitchen. • Prepare for the unknown. A simple tile re-grout may unearth water or mold damage that has to be repaired first. Be prepared for the project to get more complex. • Be safe. Truly, this is where your ego needs to take a backseat to common sense. If you don’t have the appropriate skills, consider a contractor for your own safety.
If you’re hiring a contractor… If you’ve decided the project calls for a contractor, there are a few more things to consider for a successful outcome: • Research your options. Ask friends for contractor names, check your local neighborhood page, contact the Better Business Bureau, use a customer referral service and contact local trade
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associations. Compile a list of contractors who specialize in the services you need. • Get an estimate. Most contractors provide free estimates. Others may require you to pay for an estimate and then reduce your job cost by the cost of the estimate if they’re chosen for the work. While free estimates are nice, consider the quality of work as well. Get the estimate in writing, and pay attention to the terms, including how long the estimate is valid. • Establish a timeframe. The most important question isn’t “When can you start?” It’s “When can you finish?” The estimate should include start and completion dates so you’re not living in home improvement project limbo. • Look for bonded, licensed and insured. Bonded means that a bonding company has secured money that is available to the consumer in the event they file a claim against the company. Certain professions require a license to show someone is permitted to perform certain types of work. Insured refers to what happens if someone gets hurt on your job – do they hold insurance to cover the claim or will it be filed against your homeowner’s insurance, which you do not want. Ask to see a contractor’s paperwork in each of these areas before work begins. Confirm who will be working in your home. Will it be employees of the company or subcontractors? • Compare estimates. Don’t jump at the lowest estimate. Compare carefully. Does the lowest bid include all of the project components? Is warranty work included? Is the same quality of
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materials included? • Be specific. If you have a vision for how you want the project to turn out, be specific. Show pictures, drawings or photographs. • Use a contract. Unless your job is a really quick fix, you need a contract. Get every detail in writing including things like the materials and paint colors to be used, how trash will be removed, how your home will be protected from damage, how changes to the original work order will be handled, etc. What happens if you need to cancel the job? Get it all spelled out ahead of time. Don’t make the final payment if there is still work to be completed. • Watch out for scams. While most contractors are ethical, there are those who are unscrupulous. Beware of people coming door-to-door or calling you on the phone to work for an unusually cheap rate. Other red flags include asking for money in advance, wanting an immediate decision, asking you to sign illegible documents and asking you to secure necessary permits. All of these could indicate a less than reputable company or individual. For more financial advice, like Know What Counts on Facebook, follow Know What Counts on Twitter or visit KnowWhatCounts. org. For personalized financial assistance, go to www.FindYourCPA.com where you can get a free referral and free 30-minute consultation. -The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants
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Get to know favorite wines for giving LEARN ABOUT A FEW FAVORITE TYPES A glass of wine makes a nice accompaniment to a meal or something to enjoy and sip while conversing with friends in social situations. Many people have a favorite style of wine, and some even have a favorite vineyard. In addition, the popularity of wine makes it a versatile gift for the holidays or something to bring along to a holiday party as a hostess present. Novice wine enthusiasts may be interested in learning more about wine so they can choose their wine selections for gifting and enjoyment more readily. According to the experts at Wine Enthusiast, learning to taste wine and differentiate between flavors is similar to appreciating art or music. Understanding the varietals can simplify the process of selecting wines. • Cabernet Sauvignon: This is a full-bodied red grape heavily planted in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet generally has high levels of alcohol and tannins. • Merlot: The smoothness and mild flavor of this red wine make it a great option for those who need an introduction to red wine. This wine is lower in tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, and it tends to have a more fruity flavor profile as well. • Cabernet Franc: This is a light- to middle-weight wine that features a high acid content and savory flavors. • Malbec and Carménère: Similar to Merlot, these grapes originated in France but then made their way to other regions of the world. Malbec is most popular in Argentina, while Carménère is grown in Chile. • Zinfandel: Although mostly associated with the rosé wine White Zinfandel, Zinfandel is actually a medium-bodied red wine that originated in Croatia.
• Pinot Noir: Soft tannins and high acid give this lightbodied red wine its appeal. The grapes were first widely planted in France but can now be found elsewhere. • Chianti: Chianti is the most famous Italian red wine in North America. It’s a dry red that pairs very well with food. Chianti, which comes from the Chianti region in Tuscany, is made
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exclusively with Sangiovese grapes, or at least 80 percent of them and other blends. • Chardonnay: This is a medium- to full-bodied dry white wine. The Chardonnay grape is a white grape from the Burgundy region of France. • Sauvignon Blanc: Citrus-driven and often light-bodied, Sauvignon Blanc is another dry white grape planted widely in France. It also is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon. • Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a zesty, dry white wine that is particularly associated with Italy even though it originated in France, where it is thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Grigio skins are not green like other white grapes, but have a gray hue, hence the name. • Reisling: Those who prefer a sweet white wine can opt for Reisling, which can be traced to Germany. It can be a good match for those who appreciate other sweet white wines, such as Moscato or Gewürztraminer. There are many wines to tempt palates. When gifting, the selections mentioned above can tempt foodies and budding sommeliers alike.
-MS
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Reworking a vision AUTOWORKS CONTINUES GREAT SERVICE AT NEW LOCATION By Rose Drebes At its new location at 200 W. 1st. in Edmond, Autoworks is offering the same fine service for Japanese cars that it has for the past 21 years. Sheryl and Joe Janis opened the repair shop in February of 1997 in rented property off of 8th Street. Joe was “turning wrenches” and going to school studying accounting with aspirations of being a CPA when he decided instead to become a mechanic. He and Sheryl worked for several car dealers before they went out on their own. Along the way they raised three children. Then, four years ago, they were driving around Edmond and noticed a ‘for sale’ sign on a corner property at 1st Street. “It was a God thing,” Sheryl said. They called the realtor and discovered it had just been listed three days before. Once they closed on the lot, Sheryl said they put their vision for the shop on paper. “We drew it from the ground up,” she said. “It’s kind of cool how it actually turned out.” She said it really took a village to make the new Autoworks, which is twice as big as the original, become a reality. Friends and family all pitched to offer their expertise. The new shop opened in June, about a year after breaking ground. Autoworks offers “everything but body work” for Japanese cars, Joe said. That includes oil changes, brakes, air conditioning service, 30,000-, 60,000- and 90,000-mile services and timing
chain and alternator repairs. Joe said that some people just come in and say, “My car is making a noise,” and they can fix that, too. Sheryl said they have a great customer base. “Our first few customers are still our customers,” she said. In fact, some of those who bring their cars to Autoworks for service are the PHOTOS PROVIDED third generation of Owners Joe and Sheryl Janis pose in customers. Sheryl and Joe front of their new building, which said they are excited opened in June 2018. to be able to serve the customers at the new location. “We love being here,” Sheryl said. To schedule a service, call Autoworks at 348-6522.
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A Clean Solution ALTA SOLUTIONS CLEANING SERVICES
By Rose Drebes A desire to do something that would allow her to get up and get moving was what led Tiffany Tayar to starting her cleaning business, Alta Solutions. “I worked at an oil and gas company for 13 years,” she said. “I just needed something to move around more.” “I was tired of sitting at a desk and I thought about what I could do that would keep me moving.” It was more than a year ago when she secured her first customer and traded the desk and computer for a vacuum and a broom. While it’s mostly a one-woman company, Tayar said she does have a couple of helpers – and she gets assistance from her daughters who are 13, 12 and 9. Keeping one’s surroundings clean and neat goes way back. “When I was young and an only child, I had to keep my room and bathroom clean,” she said. “I do like a clean house. I don’t like clutter – it bothers me.” Alta Solutions provides both residential and commercial cleaning services. She does do windows and will polish and buff out floors, in addition to the usual cleaning services.
A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure The first time Tayar visits a new customer, she said she likes do a deep cleaning. For regular customers, she said she will repeat that process every other week just to stay on top of things. Tayar said everyone has “that one room that don’t want cleaned” and that is considered in her price schedule. Her rates also depends upon if she bring her own supplies or uses those of the customer. If she comes along something that needs repair, she makes note of it. “If it’s something real simple, I will fix it myself,” Tayar said. Tayar said the benefits of calling her to clean your home or office is that she will return phone calls, texts and emails. She will show up on time and will do a thorough job. Alta Solutions is bonded and Tayar carries liability and workers compensation insurance. For more information, call or text Tayar at 938-7286.
“I THOUGH ABOUT WHAT I COULD DO THAT WOULD KEEP ME MOVING.”
Tiffany Tayar OWNER OF ALTA SOLUTIONS
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A Legacy of Service
JOE WHITE AGENCY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
W
Joe White
“YOU WANT TO PUT CLIENTS IN A SITUATION WHERE THEY ARE PROTECTED AND OFFER SERVICE WHEN SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS. YOU’RE NOT JUST SELLING SOMETHING.”
Joe White
By Mallery Nagle hen Joe White opened his insurance agency in 1988, Edmond’s population was about 42,000, there was only one high school and the I-35 corridor was populated only by trees. A lot has changed since then, but the Joe White Agency selling for Shelter Insurance has been successful by offering the same white-glove customer service at the best rates for clients that it has for 30 years. Shelter Insurance was founded in 1946 in Columbia, Mo., and offers home, auto, life and business insurance lines. White started his career in insurance after college. He then migrated to the savings and loan business, only to fall to the collapse of the industry. He decided to return to insurance and to run his own business. The failure of the S&Ls turned out to be a blessing in disguise for White. “I don’t know if there’s a magic bullet,” he said when asked about his secret for success. “Luck, timing in any business, location and the company are all ingredients,” he said, adding persistence, not giving up and working hard are all factors in his longevity. “The most successful insurance agents see the positive; they are determined,” he continued. “They don’t give up. They see the big picture. They see it as a career and as helping people.” The way an agent deals with customers also determines his or her success. “Developing relationships with clients and understanding their needs and being willing to work with them is important,” he said. “You want to put clients in a situation where they are protected and offer service when something bad happens. You’re not just selling something,” he pointed out. He noted that he has sold to second and third generations of client families. “It’s neat to know they feel so connected,” he said. And it’s a family affair at the Joe White Agency. Daughter Danielle Hill joined the company about two years ago. As White contemplates retirement, he is glad to keep his a family business. The agency employs four full time people. Although he looks forward to growing the agency, he plans to continue to work hard and to provide high quality products and services. White has been an Edmond Chamber of Commerce member since opening his business in 1988. This year, the Edmond Chamber held a special ribbon cutting marking Joe White’s 30th Anniversary here in Edmond. He was named Chamber Ambassador of the Year. He has been married for 47 years, has three grown daughters and eight grandchildren, the eldest of whom started his freshman year at the University of Central Oklahoma in August.
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Enjoy the season YOGA HOME OF THERAPEUTICS OFFERS TIPS TO ‘SLOW DOWN’ FOR HOLIDAYS Yoga is all inclusive of the mind, body and spirit, she said. By Rose Drebes It helps with social etiquette, personal self-care, nutrition and The holidays are quickly approaching and with them, the breathing. Those who practice yoga will experience a clearness stress the hustle and bustle can cause. of the mind, as well as physical well-being and increased energy. Sara Alavi, owner of Yoga Home of Therapeutics, says “It’s all addressed at one time and that’s what makes it so practicing yoga is a great way to slow down and enjoy the most complex and popular,” Alavi said. wonderful time of the year. So many people suffer from post Alavi herself was attracted to yoga traumatic stress syndrome or PTSD. after she was diagnosed with MS in Yoga can help with that, too, she said. 1999. She soon became a teacher and In this day and age, Alavi said, a certified yoga therapist. She taught people are busy all the time. There is at the Downtown YMCA and would no “stop” button. That is only going to even come to peoples’ homes before become more so as people begin to get she opened the Yoga Home of Therainto all of the holiday decorating, peutics in 2009. baking, shopping, entertaining, parties “Everyone wants to become and more. healthy,” she said. “Yoga is Alavi offered some tips for dealing becoming very commercialized.” with the stress of the holidays. “That’s a good thing.” First, she said it is important to set While yoga, in general, is often aside 10 personal minutes each day. known for the poses, it is so much “We turn off our cell phones, but we more than that, she said. never turn ourselves off,” Alavi said. “If you want to be healthy, it’s more Staying mindful of breathing all day is than just eating less sugar,” Alavi said. PHOTOS PROVIDED another way to de-stress. “It is not enough to go to church one day Sara Alavi, yogi and owner of a week.” Yoga Home of Therapeutics. continued on page 52
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PHOTOS PROVIDED
Sara Alavi (left) not only instructs students in yoga, but also trains teachers at Yoga Home School of Therapeutics.
“Find the ‘now’ of yourself,” she said. “That’s where your power is. Slow down, breathe, touch your heart.” “Bring your mind to where you are – what thoughts we give power to.” And, try coming up with your own holiday traditions and rituals. “Let’s not be followers,” Alavi said. “Just because everyone is giving gifts, you don’t have to give gifts.” Alavi said yoga helps one figure out why they are how they are. “Learning these tools is priceless,” she said. “The body can really heal itself when you feel relaxed.” Yoga Home School of Therapeutics is located at 5801 W. Britton Rd., Suite K. In addition to yoga classes, Alavi offers teacher training classes. For more information, call 470-8180.
Any individual of any age can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of yoga.
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Advertiser’s Index
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Adams Kirby Homes............................................................... 17 Amini’s Galleria......................................................................... 5 Bachle’s Fireplace Furnishings................................................... 4 Brent Gibson Classic Home Design......................................... 9 Broadway Antiques & Market................................................ 35 Chateaux at Mon Abri............................................................ 13 Cinnamon Bears..................................................................... 34 Citizens Bank of Edmond....................................................... 29 City of Edmond Household Hazardous Waste....................... 47 City of Edmond Water Resources........................................... 27 Clothes Mentor....................................................................... 49 Cox............................................................................................ 7 Don’s Floor Gallery................................................................. 46 Edmond Convention & Visitors Bureau................................ 49 Edmond Electric..................................................................... 51 Edmond Family Counseling................................................... 25 Edmond Furniture Gallery..................................................... 56 Edmond Life TV..................................................................... 31 Edmond Optical Shop............................................................ 39 Edmond Parks & Recreation.................................................. 21
Fashion Boutique.................................................................... 35 Fillmore & Chambers Design Group....................................... 2 Framin’ Gallery....................................................................... 47 French Construction............................................................... 45 Garage Innovations................................................................. 39 Gary Baccus – State Farm....................................................... 31 Head Over Heels..................................................................... 35 Integris Health Edmond......................................................... 33 J.C. Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio Shop................................... 25 Ken Chambers Design/Build.................................................. 23 Matthews Funeral Home........................................................ 39 Oklahoma State Bank............................................................. 54 Prime Bank............................................................................. 25 RCB Bank............................................................................... 53 Reid Printing........................................................................... 49 Scott Coleman Homes.............................................................. 3 Shawn Forth Homes............................................................... 55 Shop Edmond......................................................................... 37 Sterlings’ Home Décor & Gifts.............................................. 34
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