A
PUBLICATION OF EDMOND LIFE & LEISURE
Letter from the Publisher Letter from the Publisher
WONDERFUL TIME TO OWN A HOME IN EDMOND
Feeling uninspired in your space? Buying or building a home seeking a contemporary look? Bring bright, cheerful feelings into your home with these DIY décor tips that will not break the bank. Lisa and I have been doing some remodeling at our house, and this is some of what we learned.
Make it Pop with Paint
Add cheery pops of color with paint. An accent wall is an easy, inexpensive way to brighten home design. The first step is to select the right location. Accent walls look best when they do not have windows or doors, and are highlighting a focal point, such as a fireplace or wall used to anchor furniture.
Next, select color. Accent walls look more organic when they are darker than the other walls in the room and harmonize with the adjacent wall color. When in doubt, remember that painting your statement wall the same color but two shades darker than the others is always a foolproof look. For best results, tape off trim and adjacent walls with a premium painter’s tape to prevent paint bleed. It is a small investment that will make a significant difference.
Up the Ante with Accents Restyle tablescapes with natural décor items, like a bouquet of garden roses, fresh fruit or beachy treasures. Position white candles or a large piece of coral inside an indoor fireplace. Swap out pillows for ones with floral designs. By adding a few accents, your home will feel fresh and rejuvenated.
Let in More Light Invite more light into a room by painting dark wood accents and trim white. It may seem like a large undertaking, but with the right tools and some patience, this project can completely transform your home to make it look brighter and feel larger
Look for a New View Consider rearranging to focus on a window or French doors, so you can enjoy the sunlit mornings or sunsets. This will give you a good reason to clean underneath everything and offer you an opportunity to add a colorful rug.
Greet Guests A bold front door will give guests a warm greeting. Just as a sunny day can boost your mood, a burst of yellow or vibrant blue will make guests feel happy as they enter your home. A fresh paint job on a front door can also increase your home’s curb appeal and provide a protective barrier from the elements.
The paint finish selection is important for the front door, no matter the color. While you can choose any finish, glossy paints are typically preferred for doors and trims, as they stand out, highlight architectural features, and hold up to nicks and scrapes better than other sheens. Make this pop by adding a color contrasting wreath.
I want to thank our staff for their hard work on this section. It is tough when producing a weekly newspaper to put out a section the size of this one as well. They have done an excellent job once again. Edmond Life & Leisure is 100% locally owned and operated, which means we are the only newspaper in town that can make that statement.
We do hope you enjoy our spring edition of At Home In Edmond. Our staff and our advertisers love our city and hope you do as well.
Best Regards,
Ray Hibbard
Publisher Edmond Life & Leisure
At Home in Edmond Magazine
PUBLISHER
Ray Hibbard
EDITOR
Deanne Marcella
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Erika Williams
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Deanne Marcella
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How to prepare for a lengthy renovation project
Home renovations can increase resale value and outfit spaces to make them more accommodating to residents. Homeowners interested in remodeling projects understand that such undertakings are often a lengthy process. But the time spent waiting often is well worth it when the work is done and the finished product looks just as homeowners imagined.
Depending on the scope and scale of a project, home renovations can take anywhere from a day or two for minor cosmetic changes to nine months for a major project. The lender RenoFi says projects like remodeling a kitchen or bathroom have a lot of moving parts, including plumbing and electrical work, structural changes, flooring, and installation of appliances. Due to that complexity, such projects may take six to 12 weeks. A home addition can take months. Homeowners weary of such lengthy undertakings can implement strategies to make conditions at home more manageable.
• Get a rough estimate from contractors so that you can budget accordingly. A project will go nowhere without proper funding. Get detailed estimates that include labor and building materials. Then start saving and stash money away for the project so you’re not caught off-guard later on.
• Clear out clutter. Remove any extraneous items from the room or rooms that will be remodeled. Although it will be an added expense, it is a good idea to rent a storage unit
or have a storage pod placed in the driveway or yard for the duration of the project. Move items that will not be needed into the unit. This will get them out of the way and protect them from damage.
• Consider starting in warm weather. Contractors will be going in and out of the home each day, and doors and windows may need to be propped open. Schedule a project during those months when temperatures are more comfortable. If the project involves limited access to the kitchen to cook, utilizing an outdoor grill or kitchen is much easier when the weather is pleasant.
• Stay with relatives. While some people have no issues living in a residence during a renovation, others may find the work simply too inconvenient or distracting to be around. Time away from the property can help manage stress, and prevent kids, pets and others from getting in the way of work.
• Safeguard sensitive items. Take inventory of items in the home and catalog them for insurance purposes. This way you’re covered in the case of damage or theft. Remove documents, like birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and other private papers, and keep them in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe.
Home renovations may stretch on for weeks or months. However, with adequate preparation, homeowners can see such projects through without facing too much adversity.
Native Plants The benefits of planting native species
Spring and summer present ideal growing conditions for many plants, making these seasons an ideal time to tend to lawns and gardens. Though it’s easy to succumb to the temptation of exotic plants, avid gardeners and eco-conscious planters recognize the significance of native plants.
Novices may not realize that native plants are much better for a landscape and the local ecosystem it calls home. Recognition of the many benefits of native plants can make for healthier lawns and gardens and a healthier planet as well.
• Native plants are built for local climates. One of the issues gardeners who plant exotic plants run into is keeping those plants thriving when weather turns harsh. For example, exotic plants may require extra watering in areas that experience drought or even long periods without precipitation in spring and notably summer. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that at least 40
states anticipate water shortages by 2024. Planting native plants can help to combat those shortages by reducing the need to water plants if conditions become dry in late spring and summer.
• Native plants save money. It’s also important to note that native plants save homeowners money. Because they’re capable of thriving in local conditions, native plants tend to require less watering, which can hep homeowners reduce their utility costs. But native plants also require less upkeep, which means homeowners can save on potentially costly, not to mention eco-unfriendly, pesticides and other amendments in order to maintain the look of exotic plants. And though it’s not always the case, exotic plants tend to cost more at nurseries than natives.
• Native plants save gardeners time. In addition to saving money, native plants don’t require as much attention. Though spring and summer is a great time to be in the yard, it’s also a great time to be out and about.
Because native plants thrive in local conditions, gardeners won’t need to spend much of their free time tending to them. Exotics tend to require a lot of extra attention and effort, especially when conditions become harsh. Spending more time outdoors in harsh weather does not appeal to most gardeners.
• Native plants blend in with an existing landscape. Native plants look natural within an existing landscape, adding some instant aesthetic appeal without breaking the bank. When planting exotics, homeowners may feel a need to redesign their entire gardens to create a certain look (think Japanese garden). That can quickly consume a budget and take up a lot of free time in both the short- and longterm.
Planting season marks a great time to revitalize a landscape. Choosing native plants when doing so pays numerous dividends for homeowners and the planet they call home.
Must-have items for backyard entertaining
Summer entertaining season provides ample opportunities to soak up some sun and have some fun with family and friends. Backyard barbecues and other get-togethers at home are even more fun when hosts ensure they have certain must-have items for summer soirees.
• Fire features: The days when summer hosts only needed a few extra lawn chairs and some burgers and hot dogs on the grill for a backyard barbecue are long gone. Though those items still have a place at backyard barbecues, summer parties have taken a step up. Fire features, whether it’s a standalone fire pit, one built into a patio or a gas-powered fire table, are now wildly popular. Fire features provide a welcome place to relax and converse with guests after the sun goes down. And much to kids’ delight, a fire feature also paves the way for some post-meal s’mores.
• Insulated wine cooler: Coolers are great places to store water, soda, beer, seltzers, and other popular beverages. But what about wine? An insulated wine cooler ensures wine stays properly cooled but doesn’t get too cold, which can happen when wine is stored in a more traditional cooler filled with ice. Bottles are simply placed in the insulated cooler (much like canned beverages slide easily into can koozies), and the bottle can be kept on the table much like you would for formal dinners indoors. Hosts can go the extra mile by pairing insulated wine tumblers with their wine cooler.
• Games: Summer entertaining season might be all about relaxation, but games can up the fun factor at backyard gatherings. Cornhole is a wildly popular game, and
customized cornhole boards can help hosts come across as party professionals. Ladder toss, bocce and wiffle ball are some additional games that can make the festivities more fun. Hosts who don’t have a pool also can invest in an inflatable pool big enough to fit all the kids who will be coming to the party.
• Outdoor storage cabinet: Hosts can save themselves the stress and effort of walking in and out for dinnerware and other table accessories by investing in a sturdy outdoor storage cabinet. As meal time draws near, hosts will appreciate that all the plates, napkins, utensils, and placemats are already outside. The top of the storage cabinet can double as a small but convenient buffet station for sides that aren’t being cooked over an open flame.
• Projector and screen: A projector and screen can really up the ante on summer entertaining, turning a backyard barbecue into a great place to watch a game or cuddle up after dinner for a movie night under the stars. Projectors and screens won’t bust the budget, but those who have more to spend may want to consider an outdoor television. Outdoor televisions are built to handle the glare of the summer sun, but a retractable awning may be a good safety net for hosts who plan to spend many a weekend afternoon outside watching games or movies with family and friends.
These are just a handful of items that can up the ante on traditional backyard barbecues. Homeowners should know that there’s no limit to the number of items that can make summer entertaining season more special.
Georgia Hair Solutions
Clients have an opportunity to discuss the best option for their
and
with a stylist who can trim or dye the wig to customize it perfectly to the customer.
By Erika Williams
Female hair loss can be a sensitive subject, and finding convenient ways to deal with thinning hair can be daunting, but a new salon in Edmond is aiming to change that.
Georgia Hair Solutions, located at 3452 S. Blvd., is a hair salon that focuses specifically on women who are struggling with hair loss. With services like consultations, wig fittings, stylist offerings, and more, the goal of this business is to help women regain confidence through their hair. Georgia Hair Solutions’ first location was opened by Diana Cowan in Jackson, Georgia. As the salon grew in popularity on TikTok, people flew across the country for appointments leading Diana to consider opening a second location in a more central part of the country.
Tracy Tadlock, the managing
operator of the Edmond location, met Diana in 2018 when they were both selling hair toppers for another business and have been friends ever since. Tracy had her own wig shop in Oklahoma, but she and Diana decided to join forces with the goal of serving more women
Our mission is just to help women that have lost their confidence in losing their hair to gain that confidence back.”
Both Diana and Tracy have dealt with hair loss themselves as a result of Androgenetic Alopecia, and they are passionate about helping other women who may be going through something similar.
“I feel like myself again.”
resulting in the Edmond location of Georgia Hair Solutions. Said Tracy, “[Diana] needed a central location here in the United States because she had people traveling from Texas, Arkansas, Kansas to her in Georgia. I also needed a bigger location.
“We are here to help any ladies dealing with any type of hair loss related to anything from their cancer journey, a lot of ladies have hair loss there. We also help ladies with Alopecia, thinning hair from auto immune diseases, aging, or hormone issues,” said Tracy. “We deal with all types of ladies with all types of hair loss, and our mission is just to come alongside them to make whatever hair loss journey they’re going
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PHOTOS BY ERIKA WILLIAMS
hair with a wig specialist
meet
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continued from Page 12
through as easy as possible.” Georgia Hair Solutions offers a variety of hair toppers, which are added to existing hair to add coverage, volume, or length. They also offer both synthetic and human hair wigs which cover the whole head. There is even a stylist who can trim or dye the wig to customize it perfectly to the customer.
To ensure quality, the synthetic wigs are sourced from high-end companies. The human-hair wigs and toppers are Georgia Hair Solutions’ own brand that they had a large part in producing.
“Our toppers and our human-hair wigs will be our own brand. We’ve gone through that production, and we have some actually specially made just for us,” said Tracy.
Interested clients can book an hour-long consultation either by calling or scheduling online. At the appointment, they’ll have an opportunity to discuss the best option for their hair with a wig specialist like Tracy or Diana who will be traveling to the shop monthly. From there, they’ll be able to meet with the stylist to discuss what tweaks need to be made.
Understandably, hair loss can be a very sensitive subject for some women, but Diana and Tracy want potential customers to feel comfortable and uplifted when visiting the salon. They have a Warrior Wall that women who are fighting cancer can sign as well as a Prayer Wall for prayer requests. These extra touches allow women to enter the shop feeling accepted and leave with a renewed sense of confidence.
Said Tracy, “Diana and I both say hair is like a woman’s crown. It doesn’t make our personality, but it definitely makes us feel beautiful, you know, and we have been able to bless those ladies going on cancer journeys or even Alopecia journeys that sit in our chair, and they say, ‘I feel like myself again.’”
Door Design Tips to Enhance Your Home’s Beauty and Value
When choosing doors for your home, remember that careful selections can improve not only your home’s beauty and value, but also your quality of life. Here are a few door types to consider, along with their benefits:
Elevate with exterior French doors: French doors double the design impact, and elevate the front entryway and curb appeal of any home. Manufacturers like ProVia offer customizations on every element of French doors so you can make a truly unique statement. Start by choosing from various styles, materials and finishes. Then, consider the addition of sidelites, transoms and decorative or privacy glass. Given how many factors you have control over, it’s helpful to use a design tool to configure the door of your dreams. Visit provia. com/design-center to get started. Rest assured, no matter what your end results look like, there are a few factors
you won’t have to worry about with ProVia doors: durability and energy efficiency. Virtually every possible combination of door style, glass, sidelight and transom is built to last a lifetime and is ENERGY STAR certified.
Protect with storm doors: Storm doors provide doors and homes with an extra layer of protection from moisture, heat, wind, rain and other elements. Everyone has different requirements though. Fortunately, storm doors can be individually customized to meet your practical and aesthetic needs. Depending on where you live, factors like the thickness and construction of the storm door can make a big difference in its performance. You’ll also want to investigate your glass and screen options for added fresh air circulation in your home. While storm doors are often thought about more in terms of their functionality, it’s important to keep in mind that varying hardware options, styles and paint finishes
allow you to seamlessly blend yours in with the aesthetic of your home.
Bring the outside in with sliding glass patio doors: Want to bathe your home interiors with light and the beauty of your natural surroundings? One of the most effective, low-maintenance ways to do just that is with vinyl sliding glass patio doors. Those from ProVia are tested against the most stringent industry standards for air and water infiltration, wind load resistance, ease of operation and more. This means you’ll have lower heating and cooling costs and increased comfort all while offering your household full, unparalleled views of your outdoor spaces. Customization options, such as the materials and colors of the interior frame and the type of glass you choose, can help you tailor the look and functionality of your sliding glass doors.
For more design tips, visit provia. com. -StatePoint
Did you know?
Friday and Saturday night might be the day people most identify as the best night to dine out at a restaurant, but a recent survey found that Sunday reigns supreme among diners.
According to a 2022 survey from Real Research, just under 30 percent of din-
ers said they eat out on Sunday, which makes the first day of the week more preferable than Friday (18.9 percent) and Saturday (15.4 percent). Perhaps more surprisingly, a greater number of respondents indicated they prefer to dine out on Monday (23 percent)
than Friday or Saturday. Despite these preferences, experienced diners know that it’s still wise to book a reservation when dining out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Diners might be more likely to find a table without a reservation on Monday.
Mini Lemon Meringue Pies
A lemon meringue pie is the perfect warm weather treat. Full of tangy lemon, bright coloring and loaded with flavor, lemon meringue pie is almost like having sunshine on a plate.
Mini Lemon Meringue Pies Makes 8
Pastry
2 1⁄2 to 3 cups flour, plus extra for dusting
2 tablespoons icing sugar
1 cup chilled unsalted butter, cubed, plus extra for greasing
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons cold water
Filling
Zest of 4 lemons
2⁄3 cups lemon juice
1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
3 eggs
3 egg yolks
Topping
3⁄4 cup white granulated sugar
1⁄4 cup water
3 large egg whites
Grease and dust flour over the insides of eight individual 4-inch loose-bottomed tart tins.
In a large bowl, sift the flour and icing sugar and add the butter, egg
yolks and cold water. Rub the mixture together with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs, bring together with your hands and knead in the bowl until smooth.
Turn the pastry out onto a lightly floured work surface and roll out until 3 mm (1⁄8 inch) thick. Cut out eight circles of pastry a little larger than the tart tins and press each pastry circle into the bottom and sides of each tin, trimming the edges. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375º F. Cover each pastry case with a circle of parchment paper and fill each one with baking beans/rice. Bake “blind” for 15 minutes.
Remove the parchment paper and the beans from each tin and bake for an extra 10 minutes until the pastry is cooked through and turning golden in color. Leave to cool in tins.
For the filling, in a large pan, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, butter and sugar and heat, stirring until the mixture has dissolved and is smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and egg yolks together and then add to the pan. Heat the mixture for 7 to 8 minutes until thickened. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture to each pastry case.
For the topping, in a heavy-bottomed pan, add the sugar and water
and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. When the mixture starts to boil, monitor the temperature until it reaches 120 C (240 F), a firm ball stage, with a sugar thermometer. If any sugar splashes up the sides of the pan while boiling, brush the sides with a pastry brush and cold water to stop the mixture crystalizing.
Meanwhile, using a clean bowl and whisk, add the egg whites to the bowl and whisk until they start to form stiff peaks. When the sugar syrup has reached temperature, start to slowly trickle it onto the egg whites at the edge of the bowl while continuously whisking. Make sure you do this carefully so that the egg whites stay smooth.
Once all the sugar syrup has been added, continue to whisk the mixture fast and at high speed for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is smooth and has cooled down. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and with a piping nozzle of your choice fitted, pipe the eight individual lemon meringue pies. If you have a cook’s blowtorch, carefully toast the edges of each meringue. Otherwise, place the meringues under the grill in the oven to brown slightly. Chill the lemon meringue pies for 1 hour. Remove them from the tins and enjoy.
Repurpose your dining room
Many homeowners can undoubtedly take a stroll through their homes and find at least one space that could be repurposed to provide more functionality. Real estate professionals know that such sentiments are not uncommon, and many point to formal dining rooms as spaces that have fallen out of favor in recent years.
Formal dining rooms were once common in newly built homes, but the pivot toward open concept floor plans left it up to homeowners to decide if such spaces were for them. In a 2017 book published by the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press, authors used cameras to monitor life in many people’s homes, including how they used each room. The authors concluded that formal dining rooms were rarely used for eating. If that sounds a lot like home to many current homeowners, then it might be time to consider some ideas to convert formal dining rooms to make these spaces more functional.
• Home office: Though the percentage of professionals working remotely has dipped considerably since the end of the pandemic, hybrid working is perhaps among the more lasting work-related byproducts of COVID-19. In its Global State of Remote and Hybrid study published in early 2024, the career networking resource LinkedIn noted that 13 percent of jobs posted to the platform were for hybrid positions. That means millions of workers can still utilize an accommodating home office space. A formal dining room can be converted to provide such a space, and the good news is that such a conversion need not require extensive renovations. A fresh coat of paint, an additional outlet or two and perhaps a new overhead lighting fixture can instantly transform the space at minimal cost.
• Reading room/library: Homeowners who dream of
having a designated space for quiet reading can convert a little-used formal dining room into a space to curl up with a good book. Some comfortable armchairs, built-in bookshelves and perhaps an expanded floor-to-ceiling window overlooking a side or backyard can help homeowners create a home library that will be the envy of any avid reader.
• Studio space: If there’s a resident yogi and/or artist living under the roof, then converting a dining room into a yoga or art studio, or perhaps even a hybrid space for those who enjoy both activities, is a no-brainer. A yoga studio conversion may not require as much investment as a kitchen overhaul or bathroom renovation, but an ideal home yoga space requires more than a mat and room to stretch. The Yogapreneur Collective notes that flooring in a yoga studio should be non-slip, easily cleaned, durable, sound-absorbing, and low maintenance. The Yogapreneur Collective asserts that different flooring materials may be ideal for certain types of yoga, noting that cork flooring is a go-to choice for professional studios that offer hot yoga. Similarly, the right flooring for an art studio may depend on the artist’s preferred medium, whether it’s oil painting, arts and crafts or another artistic pursuit. But any artist knows that a floor that’s easy to clean is perhaps best for a home art studio.
• Additional ideas: Some additional ways to repurpose a dining room include a gaming room for avid gamers, a memorabilia showcase for collectors or a pantry for foodies who love to cook but need some extra space to store ingredients and tools of the trade.
If a formal dining room is only utilized on occasion, homeowners may want to consider the many ways to convert such spaces into areas that are more usable every day.
Transform a living room
Watch parties are wildly popular. Whether it’s a gathering for the big game or a group of friends anxious to see the latest episode of a favorite television show, watch parties have become a fun way to enjoy special events with family and friends.
Many bars and restaurants have recognized the popularity of watch parties and looked to capitalize on the trend, particularly for sporting events. Watch parties can make for a fun night out, but homeowners can do much to make their own living room a go-to spot for the next big game or series finale.
• Expand seating space, if necessary. Of course, guests for the big game or movie night will need a place to sit. Homeowners who love to host can determine their ideal gathering size and then work to ensure their entertaining space has enough seats to accommodate everyone. Multifunctional furniture can help if space is limited. For example, some stools that are typically used as footrests can be repurposed as seats when guests arrive and an upholstered coffee table can provide an additional space for guests to sit. Another option is to work with a contractor to add a built-
into a go-to viewing space
in window seat or bench beneath a picture window.
• Convert an existing space into an open floor plan. A 2023 survey from Rocket HomesSM found that more than half of individuals surveyed preferred open layouts to traditional layouts. Open layouts can make living spaces feel more airy and less claustrophobic, and such designs also make it easy to accommodate more guests. Homeowners can speak with a local contractor to determine ways to convert living spaces into open floor plans.
• Invest in your internet. Whereas cable television used to be the go-to option when watching sports, movies and television at home, streaming platforms have now taken over, as many, including Peacock, Amazon Prime and Netflix, are now even broadcasting National Football League games. Homeowners who want to host watch parties must invest in high-speed internet and perhaps even a new router to ensure games and shows are not interrupted by the dreaded spinning wheel or issues that can arise if internet speeds are slow. If necessary, relocate the router to the living room to reduce the risk of
streaming interruptions.
• Reconsider your lighting scheme. If movie nights or television shows dominate your watch party schedule, some recessed lighting in the living room can reduce glare and reflections on the screen once a movie or show begins. Recessed lighting above a mounted television can illuminate the screen so everyone can see it but won’t appear in the screen and adversely affect what viewers can see.
• Consider upgrading your television and sound. It goes without saying that a television is wildly important when hosting a watch party. The experts at Best Buy note that 8K resolution is the highest resolution available in the television market. Such devices provide an extraordinary viewing experience, but they also can stretch homeowners’ budgets. A 4K television won’t cost nearly as much, and these devices also provide superior image quality. When a new television is paired with a premium soundbar, viewers can settle in for a memorable game day or movie night experience.
Homeowners can embrace various strategies to make watch parties an extraordinary experience for themselves and their guests.
Soda Labsweet sips in Edmond
By Erika Williams
Warmer weather means it’s the perfect time to enjoy a bubbly soda with fresh fruit and flavorful syrup, and Soda Lab, located at 18001 N. Western Ave., is the perfect place to get your fizzy fix.
Soda Lab is a family business owned by Michael Denny that specializes in sweet drinks and tasty treats. Their drink menu features 12 different sodas, over 15 different syrups, and more. Michael wants customers to know that this is not just an average soda shop.
“I like to say that we’re kind of a new take on the old school soda shop. We’ve got 12 different sodas, as well as lemonade, High-C fruit punch, and some other things. We basically take flavors and add to that and make it amazing,” said Michael. “We have everything from flavored syrup to fruit purees, marshmallow fluff, fresh fruit, all kinds of creams
and things like that. We even have boba bubbles.”
Customers can create their own drink combination or choose one from the signature drink menu and customize it as they please.
“We have a premade selection of drinks that I call our signature drinks menu. Those are, you
Coca Cola column, but you want to make it with Dr. Pepper we can do that. We’re all about customizing and giving the people what they want.”
Some of the fan favorite menu items are Rad Grandma, which features Dr. Pepper, cherry, vanilla, and maraschino cherries, The Goat which includes cream, coconut, raspberry puree and Utopia which has Mountain Dew, pineapple, and oranges.
know, tried and true recipes that work great and people love, and those are all recipes that we developed in house,” said Michael. “People mix and match from the menu too. If you see a drink, everything looks good, but the coconut, we can obviously take that out. If you see something in the
Said Michael, “I’m kind of partial to fresh fruit in mine because even though I run a soda shop, I’m kind of a health nut.”
While soda is not typically thought of as a healthy drink option, Soda Lab has many add-ins that can be beneficial to a person’s health and wellness. There are energy, hydration, immunity, and protein options that can be added to drinks to help meet peoples’ physical needs.
“The [energy, hyrdration, and
immunity] pumps are basically similar to our syrup where they have a neutral flavor to them, but you can add them to any drink. So, no matter what you get on our menu, you can add in the immunity boost, which is a multiple vitamin type formula, or you can add in the hydration, which has potassium and magnesium like what a Gatorade would have in it. Then of course, there’s the energy one, and the energy comes from tea extracts and things like that. So, it’s a natural caffeine source. It’s not from sugar, and some of the other energy drinks,” said Michael.
Soda Lab also has a vanilla protein add-in that has up to 30 grams of protein and fortified vitamins and minerals.
In addition to their expansive drink menu, Soda Lab offers several salty snacks including Uglies kettle chips, Lesser Evil popcorn, and pretzels which customers can dip in the purees or sauces sold in the shop.
“I’ve got knotted pretzels, like you would find at the ballpark or something like that. Whenever I first brought them in, I didn’t want to bring in the standard cheese dip because I’m trying to bring in things that are a little different, so I don’t have the traditional cheese sauce. What we use is some of our
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” -Leo Tolstoy
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sweet stuff that we have to dip in. So, we have caramel or dark chocolate sauce, and then our fruit purees which is mango, peach, strawberry, or raspberry,” said Michael.
The menu at Soda Lab is constantly changing and expanding, and with the warm weather, the store is returning to their extended summer hours making it easier for customers to visit. While Soda Lab does have a drive-thru, customers can also come
into the shop to order, eat, and relax. As an Edmond native, building space for community is an important part of doing business for Michael.
Said Michael, “I think one of the things that separates us from some of the competition in town is you can actually come into the shop and hang out. We’ve got music going, we engage with all the customers and greet them with a smile. We treat everyone like they’re our only customer.”
18001 N. Western Ave
Luxury Design Features to watch for in 2025 Custom Homes
Looking ahead to 2025, luxury custom homes are pushing the boundaries of design, offering innovative elements that blend functionality with high-end aesthetics. From cutting-edge technology to timeless materials, these features are setting the standard for what’s next in luxury living. Here’s what to expect as you explore the homes of tomorrow.
1. Smart Glass: The Future of Privacy and Elegance
Imagine having complete control over your privacy with just the touch of a button. Smart glass, also known as switchable or privacy glass, transitions from clear to opaque instantly, eliminating the need for traditional window treatments.
Benefits you’ll love:
• Instant privacy control via smartphone integration that’s ideal for bathrooms, room dividers and other areas
• Flexibility between views and privacy in areas such as the primary suite
• UV protection while allowing in natural light
• A sleek, minimalist aesthetic with no curtains or blinds
2. Revolutionary Virtual Linear Fireplaces: Where Art Meets Warmth
The fireplace is no longer just for warmth—it’s a centerpiece. Virtual built-in linear electric fireplaces with LED technology are redefining how these features function. They combine custom design with energy efficiency, creating stunning focal points such as:
• Customizable flame colors and patterns
• No maintenance or ventilation needed
• Energy-efficient heating when desired
• Safe-to-touch technology
• Practicability for all climates, with a no-heat option
3. Architectural Water Features: A Bold Focal Point for Your Home’s Entrance
Water features are a striking hallmark of luxury design, transforming an entrance into a sensory experience. Imagine a dramatic two- or three-story
water wall, where the soothing sound of cascading water sets the tone for the entire home and:
• Creates a stunning first impression
• Adds tranquility and elegance
• Enhances beauty with LED lighting
• Functions as a living work of art
• Increases home value
4. Hurricane-Rated Pocket Doors: Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
For truly seamless living, hurricane-rated sliding pocket doors are a must. These engineering marvels connect your indoor and outdoor spaces, offering:
• Expansive openings for entertaining
• Hurricane protection without compromising design
• Smooth, quiet operation
• Added real estate value
• Energy efficiency
These doors transform how you experience indoor-outdoor living, and are a must-have in areas prone to wicked weather.
5. Statement Skylights: Bringing the Sky Indoors
Natural light and large statement skylights are the perfect way to bring the sky inside, providing:
• Energy-saving natural light
• Unique architectural interest
• Opportunities for star-gazing
• Increased perceived space
6. Gilded Perfection: Gold and Brass Accents
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and adding gold and brass accents can add:
• Timeless elegance
• Warm metallic reflections
• Custom personality
“While touring luxury custom home projects of our partners set for completion in 2025, I had the opportunity to meet with industry leaders redefining the standard of living—like HLevel Architecture, Wright Jenkins Home Design, and interior design firms such as Design and Company and Leili Design Studio. Working alongside them, we’ve seen firsthand how their innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” says Jennifer Kis, regional and brand marketing manager at Alair Homes.
For more 2025 luxury custom home trends, visit www.alairflorida.com. -StatePoint
