STRENGTH & RESILIENCE IN 2025
LEGACY CREEK RANCH
Lush creek-front, creek-view, and mountain-view tra cts. Located along the West side of the North Fork Mountain Rang e and Clear Creek, and only a few miles from Horsethief Reservo ir.
10-200 acre raw land parcels available
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Abundant wildlife
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Easy drive to McCall and Tamarack Resort
Unlimited recreational opportunities
Wellness in Balance
A new year feels like the perfect invitation—to dream big, refocus priorities, and chase after the things that truly matter. But January doesn’t have to come with the weight of “shoulds” or the pressure to transform everything overnight. Instead, what if we approached this season with a sense of grace and curiosity?
Here at Meridian Lifestyle, we’re embracing wellness as a lifelong journey, not a destination. Wellness isn’t a checklist; it’s a rhythm. It’s the small, intentional choices that help us feel our best in every season of life. Maybe it’s a walk through one of Meridian’s beautiful parks, setting aside time to reconnect with family, or trying a new healthy dish from a local eatery.
In this issue, we’re shining a spotlight on ways to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being—not just for January but for the months ahead. From community resources to inspiring stories, our goal is to help you find simple, sustainable ways to live well.
So here’s to a year of progress over perfection, joy in the everyday, and the incredible community that makes Meridian such a special place to call home. Let’s step into 2025 together, ready to live fully, love deeply, and prioritize what matters most.
Here’s to your health and happiness,
GREG GEWALT, PUBLISHER @MERIDIAN.LIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Greg Gewalt | greg.gewalt@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Jordan Gray | editorial@meridiancitylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Maria Serondo | support@boisecitylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Russell Detablan | editorial@meridiancitylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Loeb, Tricia Busalacchi, Denise Llorente, Chelsea Chambers, Claudia Martin Ayoade, Don Seaman, Kirstin Burnell, Emily O’Brien
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Loeb, Janie Jones, Charles Knowles, Michelle L. Bliss, Shannon and Bill Lind, Eb Combs
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
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Strength and Resilience
Embrace
Plant Based Eating
Embrace
Murdock
city scene
1-2: The Junior League of Boise women donated over 3,100 snacks benefiting a total of 333 female youth athletes at 25 Treasure Valley elementary schools. Committee Chair and Co-Chair pose with snack donations and volunteers during the Girls on the Run Celebratory 5k on November 9th, 2024. 3: The highly anticipated Downtown Meridian Loose Screw Brewery Taproom opened on Thursday, November 21st.
Kona Grill restaurant offers an experience unrivaled in the Treasure Valley. The unique combination of upscale American food freshly prepared in a scratch kitchen, award-winning sushi and modern bar provides an innovative restaurant concept. Come for lunch, dinner, or one of Boise’s best happy hours!
Kona Grill restaurant offers an experience unrivaled in the Treasure Valley. The unique combination of upscale American food freshly prepared in a scratch kitchen, award-winning sushi and modern bar provides an innovative restaurant concept. Come for lunch, dinner, or one of Boise’s best happy hours!
Columbia Sportswear offers innovative outerwear, sportswear, footwear and accessories for your spring and summer adventures. Whatever your outdoor thrills are, shop Columbia’s large inventory of camping essentials, hiking boots, and other performance products that will keep you warm, dry, cool, and protected year-round.
strength and resilience
EMBRACE THE POWER OF YOGA TO BUILD STRENGTH, RESILIENCE, AND INNER PEACE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON AND BILL LIND
A deep inhale and a rush of oxygen and energy moves to fill the body, to fuel the outstretched muscles. A feeling of euphoric bliss settles in with a sense of serenity; a long, slow exhale and the stress of the day seems to melt away, breath by breath. Yoga is filled with moments like this—as your body is gently challenged and pushed, you begin to build strength and flexibility that was hiding just below the surface.
Photo by Shannon Lind
When Shannon Lind injured her shoulder, she knew she had to find a way to rebuild strength but didn’t know exactly where to start. “I happened upon the Meridian Parks and Recreation catalog and found a yoga class, so I registered,” Lind said. “I had no idea that it would lead to yoga being so much a part of my life.”
Lind and her family have been in the Treasure Valley for over 25 years. What was meant to be a three-year stint in Idaho turned into a lifetime in the Gem State, as often happens for many who fall in love with the beauty, nature, and pace of the Valley. “I appreciate all of the things there are to do in the area – hiking, snowshoeing, rafting, just generally exploring the state. All of that pairs perfectly with my love of photography and birding. I’m a nerd by nature, so any opportunity to learn is heaven to me.”
And plus, she’s built quite a career here, teaching the art and movement of yoga at Meridian Parks and Recreation. “Laurie McElroy was my first teacher when I got serious about my practice and her strength and flexibility inspired me to take a teacher training course. Another opportunity to learn something!” Lind expressed excitedly. “I’m absolutely fascinated with physiology and the mechanics of movement. I don’t know that I had aspirations to teach, but Laurie seamlessly brought me in as a substitute, and it took off from there.”
Yoga teaches flexibility and a range of motion that grows in importance as we age. “In my class, I teach functional movement,” she explained. “I think the most important first step is to find a place that is comfortable. Walking into a yoga studio for the first time is intimidating! We take pride in making yoga accessible and creating a friendly, inclusive space.”
Photo by Shannon Lind
Lind continues, “That first step is the hardest, but the next step is to release your expectations. Every time you step on your mat, you’re practicing with a new body so every practice is different from the last and will be different from the next.”
Alongside the variety of physical benefits, yoga also teaches a stillness of the mind and infuses a sense of calm that is so important in our daily lives. We are constantly battling life’s many stressors, yoga helps build an internal, mental armor against tension and grants us a necessary release and time to heal.
“The Meridian Community Center is a great place to practice because it’s spacious – we have room to spread out. We have all of the equipment and props that you would find in a yoga studio. And I like to think we’re a pretty welcoming group of yogis.”
Lind’s next sessions begin the first of the year and she encourages everyone to check out the catalog and find a class that’s right for them.
Photo by Bill Lind
Photo by Shannon Lind
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BUILDING HEALTHIER
HEAR FROM NASM-CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER ABOUT ESTABLISHING THE BEST HABITS
ARTICLE BY KRISTIN BURNELL
The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around. How many times do your resolutions fall through each year? It can be challenging to build new habits and switch up routines if you’re looking for a change. That’s why we rounded up the best advice to establishing habits and making them stay for good. We spoke with Danielle Johnston, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified personal trainer and aspiring kinesiologist, who broke down her top tips to maintaining healthy habits this new year.
HABITS
START WITH A SMALL HABIT AND MAKE IT SOMETHING YOU ENJOY
Think 1-3 things maximum and then give yourself at least a month or two to apply the change. If you like to eat and cook, maybe try a new recipe or browse a cookbook in the library or bookstore for inspiration. If you like fashion, maybe try cleaning out a section of your closet (i.e. tops, bottoms, shoes, etc) to make way for 1 new piece. If you like being outdoors, maybe you try adding in just a 5 minute walk down the road.
IF YOU MISS A DAY, TRY AGAIN
If you miss a day or make a mistake with whatever resolution you’re working on, take that next opportunity to try again. Danielle uses the goal to eat healthier as an example. Health can be interpreted in many different ways but if you can take the small first step of looking at ingredients, that alone can make a world’s difference in the recipe you use so maybe you don’t even have to alter or substitute it. Or if your goal is to snack less but one day you snack more, don’t wave the flag and sabotage your efforts. Take a minute to breathe through the moment and then move on, enjoying the ebb and flow of health instead of going all in or nothing. Starting small allows you to adjust everyday habits that will, with time, transition to lifestyle changes.
CREATE 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESOLUTIONS
Danielle says to create 1 health resolution, 1 personal resolution, and 1 professional resolution as it is the best format to better yourself in multiple realms instead of just physical health. Too often, we get caught up in this “New Year New Me” mindset and create a list of things you want to change or start doing. But as they get lost in the busy to-do list of life and we forget,
“The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around.”
we can also feel like a failure and revert to “I’ll try again tomorrow or next year.” But what if you don’t have to start over, just keep going.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS AND VISUALIZE YOUR FUTURE
Whether you keep a notebook of your habit building, or keep track on your phone, it is important to acknowledge the personal progress made. This will also help you see the future that you want to build as you make more desirable changes in your life. If you want to track how you feel after working out, it will serve as a reflection on the progress made through what has been written down. This will encourage you to continue pushing for your goals!
Mock tails
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Grapefruit Thyme Mocktail
INGREDIENTS
Thyme Simple Syrup
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup fresh thyme
Grapefruit Thyme mocktail
• 5 tablespoon pear juice
• 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
• sparkling water to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
How to make Simple Syrup:
• Combine water and sugar to a pot. Bring to a boil and then simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and add fresh thyme and steep.
How to make Grapefruit Thyme Mocktail
• Rim glass with sugar if desired. Fill glass with ice. Add 3 tablespoons thyme syrup to each glass and fill up with 1/2 cup grapefruit juice and approximately 1 cup sparkling water. Garnish.
Rosemary Pear Mocktail
INGREDIENTS
Rosemary Simple Syrup
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Rosemary Pear Mocktail
• 5 tablespoon pear juice
• 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
• sparkling water to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
How to Make Rosemary Simple Syrup
• Combine sugar and water in a pot and cook over medium heat. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off heat and toss in rosemary sprigs. Cool Completely.
How to Make Rosemary Pear Mocktail
• Pour pear juice, rosemary simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water. Add ice and garnish if desired.
Harry Potter Butter Beer
INGREDIENTS
Butter Beer Ingredients
• 2 liters of Creme Soda
• 2 Tablespoons Butter Extract
• 2 Teaspoons Rum Extract
Creme Topping Ingredients:
• 7 ounce container of Marshmallow creme or fluff
• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon rum extract
INSTRUCTIONS
Add the rum extract and butter extract to the 2 liter of cream soda. Close lid and gently mix. Prepare the topping by combining the marshmallow creme, whipping cream and rum extract. Beat on high for a few minutes until peaks appear. Add a few tablespoons of whipped topping to the bottom of glass. Pour cream soda over topping. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
• 3 cups milk of choice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• cinnamon to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour milk, sugar, vanilla and spices into a shaker and shake vigorously until blended and foamy. Pour into a glass and garnish if desired.
A JOURNEY TO THE JEWEL OF THE SWISS ALPS
Alpine Perfection
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY LOEB
Oeschinen Lake topped my must-do Swiss list as soon as I heard about this alpine beauty. Considered the most beautiful mountain lake in Switzerland, this turquoise jewel adorned my laptop wallpaper as a daily reminder of the Swiss Alps hike of my dreams. When my husband and I finally made it to the day of our Swiss Alps Exploration, we prayed for a weather miracle. Spring in Switzerland is finicky and the threat of rain was always near or imminent. Of course, weather wasn’t the only potential barrier. I awoke that morning with an odd sensation in my throat and suddenly the rain as the last thing on my mind.
Our travel medical insurance offered telehealth appointments, but nothing was available until late morning, which meant it was decision time. The hike was over two hours away by train and gondola. Hoping this odd sensation in my throat was a fleeting ailment, we started the trek with a plan to complete the appointment at a stopping point on the way. Between train stops, we took a funicular ride up to an incredible viewpoint just before the clouds and fog hid the beautiful twin lake views. Before returning to the train station, relief washed over me like a healing wave. My symptoms were fading, and my hope began to rise again. Maybe all I needed was to experience a moment of awe!
At long last, the lake came into view, nestled in the Swiss alps playing peek-a-boo behind the low-hanging clouds.
Free of ailments, the cloud-ridden sky still threatened rain as the train clamored along to our next station. We slumped into our second train and an announcement came on in German. Even without understanding the words, his tone was concerning. There was a delay and uncertainty of our ability to move forward on the other path that led to the hike. My mind raced with “what-ifs" as I did my best to keep my composure. Nearly thirty silent minutes had passed when finally, we felt the train lurch onward! My sigh of relief was audible.
After jumping the first two hurdles we’d faced this morning and knowing the weather hurdle was still looming, we made it to the gondola to Oeschinensee, rising above the cows, greenery and rock cliff faces. A 20-minute stroll along a paved pathway led down to the lake. The rain had stayed clear, but the clouds were still prominent. The cool and damp air chilled our exposed skin while our waterproof gear swished with each step down the path.
At long last, the lake came into view, nestled in the Swiss alps playing peek-a-boo behind the low-hanging clouds. With the glamorous image still stuck in my mind, I knew its beauty was not fully unveiled. After snagging a quick bite to eat, I tried not to lose hope of a better view. We began the moderately hard hike that would wind us up along and above the lake. The smell of fresh pine misted the air as we followed the tree-lined gravel path, crossing over waterfalls through creative stone-stepping and constantly stealing glimpses of the lake as we gradually rose above it.
Short of breath and legs burning, we stopped for photo ops frequently. “I don’t know if I can
do this,” my husband choked out between gasps of air. But we’d already come so far. I slowed and waited semi-patiently for him to catch up. As we neared the middle of the hike, my heart nearly stopped despite my lungs screaming for more oxygen.
“Look look look!” I shouted unabashedly. “It’s happening!” I reached for my camera and tried to steady my shaking hands. The radiant blue sky suddenly peeked out from behind the puffy white curtain, allowing the sun’s rays to cast a spotlight upon the water. The icy gray blue transformed into a brilliant turquoise. Reflections of the surrounding snow-capped mountains spilled over the glassy water. It felt like a dream as the alpine perfection I’d seen in my head was finally right in front of me!
I couldn’t soak in the moment fast enough. The sense of awe ignited a happiness inside that could only happen in a moment like this. While the pictures impart the beautiful colors and composition of the landscape, the power of the scene and the grandness that impart a feeling of connection can only be experienced in its presence.
When I finally found my feet able to move again, a smile was plastered to my face for the rest of the journey past waterfalls tumbling into the brilliant lake below. The clouds may have stolen the blue away again, but they couldn’t steal that moment that filled my heart and soul with a joy that only mother earth can do. This was a perfectly-timed, once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I knew it was where I was meant to be, head over heels amongst Lake Oeschinensee’s unbelievable beauty!
Reflections of the surrounding snow-capped mountains spilt over the glassy water.
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• 3,000 sq ft patio, covered and heated for winter
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•
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Premium Cigar and Cocktail Lounge Garden City Location: 4204 W. Chinden, Garden City
• Rotating local food trucks
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PLANT based EATING
ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN AYOADE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Most people think a plant-based diet is strictly for those vegan and vegetarian types, but there is no debating the overwhelming evidence showing the benefits of improved health for those who make that diet choice. Plant based eating is more of a lifestyle than a diet. You are simply eating more foods that are closer to their harvested state with minimal processing.
Meatless diets have been shown to improve health outcomes by lowering the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and some cancers. It also improves gut health because of added fiber to your diet.
A plant-based diet still allows you to consume the carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals and vitamins that are necessary for good health, with the added benefits of being higher in fiber and phytonutrients.
You do not have to give up meat entirely, and there are labels to identify where you fall in your plant eating journey. Do what is comfortable for you so you will stick with it.
You can choose to be a flexitarian which means you occasionally eat meat but you choose plants as the primary foods you eat. You have some flexibility with your diet. If you choose to be a vegetarian, then you do not eat meat but you still eat eggs and dairy products as opposed to being a vegan who eats no animal products.
There is also another reason to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily food intake; It is better for the environment. The industries that produce our dairy and meats are said to account for a third of the world’s water usage in addition to producing greenhouse gas emissions. Eat your greens and save the planet!
TIPS TO GET STARTED ON YOUR PLANT-BASED JOURNEY:
1. Make small changes to test your comfort level when reducing meat intake. There is a risk of being overwhelmed if you suddenly stop eating meat altogether, and it will be harder to stick to your choice long term. Increase consumption of plant foods you already like.
2. Plant based diet does not mean boring. You can create a variety of dishes including ethnic meals that are meat free and delicious. This is a great time to try new spices to add a punch to your vegetables and add green leafy vegetables to your smoothies.
3. Use the whole plant because there are nutrients in every part of the plant including the stems, and leaves. Use the leaves from celery, radishes, beets and carrots, and use the stems from spinach. Don’t throw away vital nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and fiber. You are also reducing waste.
4. Eat the rainbow! Choose different colored fruits and vegetables to get a variety of nutrients. The color of plant-based foods is often an indicator of the vitamins and minerals they contain. So, more colors mean more nutrients. Example: Orange foods contain beta carotene, the precursor for vitamin A.
5. If you do not eat any animal products, you will need to take a B12 and possibly an iron supplement. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin available only in animal products. Low b12 can cause anemia and damage to the nervous system. Some vegan foods are fortified with vitamin b12.
6. A meat free diet does not automatically mean healthy if you replace the meat with highly processed junk food and meat substitutes. You need to eat good, fresh quality fruits, vegetables and grains to get the health benefits that can add years to your life.
Claudia Martin-Ayoade, is a Registered Dietitian, Writer and Public Speaker who is passionate about educating people on nutrition and addressing food insecurity.
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN
There’s probably no more quintessential symbol of winter than a snowman. We’ve all seen Frosty and are probably pretty familiar with Olaf. But if you want to install one into your own yard, you’ll have to put a little elbow grease into creating one without the help of world-class animators.
Here are some tips to help give your yard a well-dressed frozen sentry sure to turn your neighbors’ heads.
Tip 1:
NOT ALL SNOW IS SNOWMAN SNOW.
It takes more than a flurry to build a snowman. Heavy, slushy snow won’t work, and if it’s too powdery dry it won’t pack together. If you can pack a good snowball, you can build a snowman.
Bonus tip: Dry snow can be modified to workable snowman snow with a quick spritz of water from a spray bottle, or a light mist from that garden hose you really should have already put away for the winter.
Tip 2:
ROLL TOWARDS YOUR GOAL
— THE LONG WAY.
Decide where to position your snowman and make that your finish line. Start with a
A Few Tips to Get You Rolling
Creating a Better Snowman
well-packed snowball and get rolling, but don’t just go in one direction. Roll the ball to start accumulating snow, then roll back, then roll in a different direction. Pack and begin to shape your snowball as you go. Reinforce as necessary. Look to use a 3-2-1 ratio for the sections.
Tip 3:
EVEN SNOWMEN CRAVE STABILITY.
Once you get your base section in place, shore up the bottom with snow. Then at the top, create a bowl-shaped indentation to allow the next section to sit securely. Ensure each section is well-packed with added snow around the “joint” between the sections.
Tip 4:
SNOW IS HEAVY. ENLIST A BUDDY.
A willing helper can help lift that heavy next stage into place. You can even roll it onto a tarp and lift from either side to get it up there. A third set of hands can help move it into place. Otherwise, use plywood as a ramp to roll it up yourself (braced well against the bottom with plenty of support underneath, so as to not damage the base). You might need an extra bowl of Wheaties to roll it up there alone.
Tip 5:
PILOT HOLES ARE YOUR FRIEND.
Simply jamming details into your snowman can mess with its integrity. Use a sharp stick to gently create some pilot holes for your features before you set them into place.
Tip
6:
GIVE HIM SOME PERSONALITY.
There’s always that classic snowman uniform of a scarf, hat, a carrot nose and coal (sure, we all have that lying around these days — river rocks might be easier to get your hands on). Or you could be a bit more creative, maybe with an old oversized Hawaiian shirt, a jazzy vest, or go all-out and channel your inner Martha Stewart, breaking out your Dremel to make something custom for your wintery lawn guest. You might need to use your imagination — not many of us have corncob pipes or top hats anymore, either.
Pro tip: if you’re dressing your snowman, put any body clothing you might use on before adding the arms.
Just remember. If you mess it up, it’s ok because he’ll be back again some day.
SOUPS, STEWS, AND CROCKPOT DELIGHTS
ARTICLE BY TRICIA BUSALACCHI
Warm up this winter with hearty stews, soups, and easy crockpot recipes featuring seasonal vegetables
As the weather cools, there is nothing better than sitting down to a warm bowl and a crusty piece of bread.
For stews this winter, try some popular winter vegetables including potatoes, carrots, leeks, and celeriac. Mushrooms can add depth and complexity to your recipes and your favorite protein can make your stew into a full meal. Stick with the standards like a hearty Irish Stew or explore new flavors with Coconut Chicken Curry.
Soups can be the central dish or a delicious side. A roasted winter squash makes a creamy addition to any meal or create a minestrone to integrate all your veggies into a delicious offering. Classics like French Onion soup are always family favorites while a Broccoli Cheddar can warm the coldest winter night.
Crockpots can help to take the burden of cooking after a long day. There are so many delicious, easy, one pot recipes that you can start in the morning and enjoy when you are ready. Combine the love of a stew with the ease of the crockpot with a slow cooker beef stew or enjoy a slow cooker zucchini soup.
Take inspiration from the uniquely winter offerings to create new options and family favorites this year!
smart SWEETS
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste, oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
Quinoa BREAKFAST Bars
Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites
Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.
1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.
2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.
3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.
4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.*
These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.
Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter)
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chocolate chips as desired
Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.
Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites
A NEW home
MURDOCK GRANT JUMPSTARTS WORK ON LED HOME
ARTICLE BY JORDAN GRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE L. BLISS
Having a space of your own is a dream for many, and for performance group LED, that dream is now coming true. Thanks to a generous $200,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, LED has secured a 20-year lease on a historic 6,658-square-foot building in Garden City (3300 W. Chinden Boulevard). This new venue will feature telescopic seating for 150 guests and will provide the perfect place to share talent and hard work with the community.
The theater design is a collaborative effort between Jeff Hatch of Hatch Design and OPSIS, a design firm based in Portland, Oregon. Together, they are creating a space that reflects LED’s innovative spirit, with a design that balances functionality with creative expression. "The magnitude of this grant recognizes LED's accomplishments as an innovative arts organization," said Mallory Walker, LED's Managing Director. "The funding will play a critical role in transforming the building into a cutting-edge arts hub, where performances, rehearsals, artist residencies, and community engagement will thrive.”
Renovations began in October, with plans to complete Phase 1 by April 2025. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust offers grants to organizations in the Pacific Northwest that are working to strengthen the region’s cultural and educational base in creative and sustainable ways. Their commitment to the arts is evident in this grant, which will help make Garden City a destination for the arts.
Founded in 2015, LED is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to creating original dance, music, and film productions. The new Garden City space won’t just be for LED’s artists—it will also provide access to local artists, organizations, and educational institutions. This new space will be a creative haven for 50-100 artists annually, and it’s expected to welcome over 10,000 people through its doors each year. The theater will host
performances, provide rehearsal space, and foster artistic collaborations, contributing to the rich cultural landscape of the region.
"This moment is truly a turning point for LED," said Lauren Edson, LED's Artistic Director and Co-founder. "Our new home will not only provide a permanent space for our artists to create and innovate, but it will also become a center of artistic vibrancy, where audiences and creatives can come together to experience something extraordinary. With the support of the Murdock Charitable Trust, we're building more than just a phenomenal home—we're shaping the future of LED and the arts community here."
While the $200,000 grant is a fantastic start, the estimated cost of the renovation is $2 million, meaning there’s still work to be done. The community’s support will be vital to making this project a success. LED is committed to creating a space that will not only house its own artists but also serve as a resource for the entire arts community. With that, the project will be an anchor for the arts in Garden City for many years to come.
To learn more about the theater, upcoming productions, and how you can support the renovation, visit LED’s capital campaign page ( ledboise.com/capital.) Whether you’re interested in donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference in the future of arts in the region.
Meridian + Valley Events
JANUARY 2025
1 — NEW YEAR’S DAY RUN
Celebration Park, 10 AM: Followed by a “Toast to the River Gods” and a BBQ at Celebration Park. westernwhitewater.org
1 — NYE WHITE PARTY
525 E Karcher Rd, 12 PM: Ring in the New Year dressed in all white. facebook.co
1-19 — ICE SKATING
The Village Ice Rink: All lessons are taught by FSA-certified coaches. meridianchamber.org
2 — GLIDE ON GROVE
Downtown Boise: a free, all-inclusive ice skating rink. downtownboise.org
5 — PAINT WITH PENGUINS
Zoo Boise, 3:30 PM: Magellanic penguins add their touch to your artwork. zooboise.org
9 — IDAHO BUSINESS BUILDER GRANTS PROGRAM
NWRM RFBC, 12 NN: Grants of $3,000 to $15,000 for Idaho food and farm businesses, with $100,000 available in total. idahopreferred.com
9-19 —THE ULTIMATE RV SHOW
Ford Idaho Center, 10 AM: Explore and shop hundreds of new and used RVs. fordidahocenter.com
10 — AN EVENING W/ THE DELOREANS
Knitting Factory, 7 PM: Feel the 80s come alive with an electrifying tribute band. knittingfactory.com
10-25 —THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS
Boise Little Theatre: A comedy about women at a day spa facing challenges,
laughing, and transforming their lives. boiselittletheater.org
11 — GEBERT-ARBAUGH GREAT POLAR BEAR CHALLENGE
Spring Shores Marina, 10 AM: Help grant life-changing wishes for kids. wish.org
11 — CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN & THE BEATLES
First Presbyterian Church, 6:30 PM: Blending timeless hits from both bands with classical arrangements in an intimate, candlelit setting. myrockshows.com
13 — AUTOMATE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS WITH ZAPIER
Meridian Library unBound, 12:30 PM: Automated workflows to save time on everyday tasks. mld.org
16 — PAINT AND PINOT
Zoo Boise, 6:00 PM: Unleash your creativity with wine and painting. zooboise.org
17 — MANIA - THE ABBA TRIBUTE
Egyptian Theatre, 7:30 PM: A dazzling concert full of iconic hits and nonstop dancing! boise-theater.com
18 — THE DINNER DETECTIVE
Riverside Hotel, 6 PM: North America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner. thedinnerdetective.com
18 — WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL
Boise State Special Events Center, 6 PM: A night of unforgettable short films, prizes, and more! sierraclub.org
18-19 — REMODELING & DESIGN SHOW
Boise Centre: Build, remodel, or update
your home with expert advice and top professionals. iblevents.com
19 — MASKED BALL
American Legion Hall, 3 PM: Dancing, games, desserts, and a Best Dressed contest facebook.com
20 — SILENT DISCO: ICE SKATING PARTY
Indian Creek Plaza, 5 PM: Skate, dance, and switch between DJs with wireless headphones. indiancreekplaza.com
21-31 — HAMILTON
Morrison Center: A musical blending hiphop, jazz, and Broadway to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton. morrisoncenter.com
22-24 — IDAHO HORTICULTURE EXPO
Boise Center, 8 AM: Idaho’s green industry, including nurseries, landscapers, and arborists. inlagrow.org
24 — CANYON COUNTY KIDS EXPO
Ford Idaho Center, 10 AM: With special guests Cody & JJ from Cocomelon! canyoncountykidsexpo.com
26 — ROBBIE BURNS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
The Riverside Hotel, 9 AM: Celebrate Scottish poet Robbie Burns with bagpipes, dancing, dinner, haggis, and shortbread! facebook.com
29 — CONNECTION IS THE CURE
Ford Idaho Center, 6:30 PM: Providing hope, support, and resources for all in need. fordidahocenter.com
@knowlesgallery
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