Fredericksburg, TX January 2026 by City Lifestyle

HEALTH &

WELLNESS

HOME + DESIGN

LEN ARD CRAFTED HO M ES BU ILDS H E ALTHY IN KERRV I LLE F O O D + B E V E R AG E

WIN ERY SPARKS M ENTAL H E ALTH AWAREN ESS

JA N UA RY 2 02 6

830.998.1556 • BLACKCHALKHOME.COM FOLLOW US @BLACKCHALKHOMEANDLAUNDRY

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy New Year from Fredericksburg City Lifestyle Magazine I am very excited to spend 2026 with our primary communities of Fredericksburg, Kerrville and Stonewall. We are fortunate to support both our locals and businesses. It is an honor to serve and highlight them. As the new year arrives, we can all sense a collective anxiety. We become more solemn with the transition of seasons; when the winter months grow dark, we hopefully take more rest and time for dreaming. We ask how we might grow. And what will we grow towards? This issue is a spark I hope ignites all that you anticipate this year. Our locals are diverse, and we are unearthing the beauty that lies in our own backyards. We offer a toast with a healthy mocktail from Ocotillo Chocolate and Wine. We also present some steadfast leaders who are committed to health and wellness. It is an absolute dream to create content threaded around our local people every month. My greatest thanks to our readers, community and advertisers for supporting our publication, that in turn supports our locals and our community. In this issue we are kicking up our health and awareness by featuring some who consistently demonstrate it to us. Firstly, we want to recognize Lenard Crafted Homes for taking us on a journey of what "healthy" home building entails; that our home is meant to be a place of safety and thriving. The Lenard family from Kerrville shares their personal commitment and journey of crafting the best healthy home solutions. Secondly, we honor Slate Theory Winery for not only creating exceptional wines but also for bringing mental health awareness to light in all they grow, produce and bottle. Fitness goals can be intimidating, so why not start with yoga? This issue we focused on two yoga studios in Fredericksburg, Blossom Yoga and Good Foundation. This practice can enhance your current fitness routine or be the first touch point to get you started on your goals. I am grateful to feature Evelyn Washburne and Alison Pounds who teach a practice designed around alignment of body and mind, and healing for all. Lastly, I am thrilled to share acupuncturist Kimberly Kraus, a long-time local with a dedicated following for those seeking natural relief and the benefits of healing. Thank you for supporting our publication and we can't wait to continue to tell more stories about our community for 2026 Happy NEW YEAR! K I M B E R LY G I L E S , P U B L I S H E R @FREDERICKSBURG_CITYLIFESTYLE

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Kimberly Giles | Kimberly.Giles@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Brent Burgess | brent.burgess@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amie Nemec | Travelingwinelady@mac.com STAF F W R I T E R

Ada Broussard | adalisab@gmail.com

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Fredericksburg City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fredericksburg area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fredericksburg City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

events + gatherings

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

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Featured

10 14 18 24 6

Healing Through Movement Add yoga to self-care practices in the new year

Getting to the Point

Acupuncture provides relaxing path to overall wellbeing

Lenard Crafted Homes Breathe Easy The family builder who came home

Wine that Invites Conversation Slate Theory inspires mental health awareness

24 On the Cover

Departments

Certified Yoga Instructor Alison Pounds offers both group and individual soma yoga instruction at two complementary studios in Fredericksburg. Here she demonstrates yoga at Good Foundation.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Inspired By HOME + DESIGN

Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Mental Wellbeing HEALTH + WELLNESS

Events

Photography: Brent Ryan Burgess

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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

Fredericksburg City Lifestyle celebrated November issue and cover at Whatley Wines. Guests were treated to multiple wine and food pairings. 1: Julie Raymer, Kari Johnson, Laura Terrell and Beth Raymer 2: John and Susie Bernard 3: Craig Lenard of Lenard Crafted Homes and Steve Eager of Eager Plumbing 4: Tyler Whatley, Andre Boada, Joslyn Eager and Steve Eager 5: Payton Schuette, Ashley Lenard and Craig Lenard of Lenard Crafted Homes 6: JeriLynne Clifford of Hill Country Bon Vivant and Pete Dionne of Fredericksburg Coffee Co. 7: Sydney Cohn, Patricia Tankey, Abby Schlehuber of SDS and Jonathan Card

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HE AL

ING

T HROUGH MOVEMENT

Alison Pounds at Good Foundation - Photo by Brent Ryan Burgess

ADD YOGA TO SELF-CARE PR ACTICES IN THE NE W YE AR With each new year on the horizon, we are patterned to reflect on the past 12 months. We hope and believe we can improve in many ways, whether in health, relationships, spiritual goals or finances. This pressure can add to insurmountable stress and impossible goals. After all, life often reminds us we are not always in control of our desired outcome. One positive step we can take is the practice of yoga. Becoming centered and present is not only an exercise of the mind but also involves our body in a confluence of breath and movement, strengthening our awareness and sense of self in the moment. Two yoga studios with this focus are located here in Fredericksburg. Both are very much a growing part of our community for all ages and genders. Evelyn Washburne founded Blossom Yoga to incorporate the practice back into her life after becoming a certified teacher. As a mother, wife and business owner, Washburne felt the call to return to what she began as a child. She cites her parents’ love of yoga as something akin to the first "Freethinkers" that settled in our area. This helped Washburne throughout her life and especially during her pregnancy. Washburne states, "So many sports look at measurable results. Yoga incorporates how to move your body and spirit by staying connected through practice. The gift of yoga is that it can be done anywhere, it does not need a dedicated space (but) can be done anytime, anywhere."

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Washburne opened Blossom Yoga so she could "help the community find calm and connection through nourishing, daily movement.” Classes are posted on her website and she encourages all ages at any stage of life to come in and explore with her growing community. "Like wildflowers, you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would,” Washburne said. Another yoga instructor using her passion to provide healing is Alison Pounds of Good Foundation and Blossom Yoga. Pounds’ need for yoga developed while in college as she suffered with anxiety and serious illness, and with symptoms that flared up with her emotional and mental health. "With yoga at this time I saw a noticeable improvement in all aspects of my life outside of talk therapy,” Pounds shared. This is why Pounds is very vested in somatic healing work - yoga for trauma. She is very involved in working with clients of all ages to help heal and process trauma, chronic stress, postpartum depression, domestic violence and more. Pounds instructs how to understand balance and boundaries through movement, breath work and flow. These self-care practices allow her students to connect with their own bodies by turning inward and listening, re-establishing that connection and sense of strength to one’s physical and emotional self. Pounds states, "The goal of trauma-informed yoga practice is to build resiliency and establish greater self-regulation. It's about feeling safe and at home in our bodies, creating a sense of stability, healthy self-esteem and sustainable healing.” Soma yoga classes and private sessions with Alison Pounds can be found online with both Blossom Yoga and Good Foundation as well as alisopoundsyoga.com. Whatever goals or intentions you have set for the new year, Alison Pounds and Evelyn Washburne wish to remind us that yoga is a wonderful way to incorporate more of "yourself" in your daily life. Blossom Yoga is at 334 West Main St. in Fredericksburg. Their website is blossomyogafbg.com. Alison Pounds offers both group and private yoga sessions and can be reached at 423-295-5294 or visit her website at alisonpoundsyoga.com. Good Foundation is at 613 W. Main St. in Fredericksburg.

Evelyn Washburne and Alison Pounds at Blossom Yoga

POUNDS STATES, "THE GOAL OF TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA PRACTICE IS TO BUILD RESILIENCY AND ESTABLISH GREATER SELFREGULATION. IT'S ABOUT FEELING SAFE AND AT HOME IN OUR BODIES, CREATING A SENSE OF STABILITY, HEALTHY SELF-ESTEEM AND SUSTAINABLE HEALING.”

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Alison Pounds teaches somatic yoga intended to bring emotional healing - Submitted photo

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GE T T ING T O T HE P OIN T

ACUPUNCTURE PROVIDES RELAXING PATH TO OVERALL WELLBEING

ARTICLE BY BRENT RYAN BURGESS

When discussing acupuncture, many will compare it to “traditional medicine,” meaning the process of disease treating medications prescribed by a licensed physician. However, the practice of acupuncture dates back more than 2,000 years, pre-dating the founding of the United States of America with more than ten times the history, challenging the idea of the traditional. Kimberly Kraus, licensed acupuncturist and owner of Rising Sun Acupuncture in Fredericksburg, has been practicing traditional Chinese medicine long enough to see its impact on the lives of many people, including her own family. Kraus began her path towards becoming a licensed acupuncturist following a meeting with a psychic who believed Kimberly had strong healing energy. Her own treatment experience exposed her to the body’s healing energy channels. She attended a rite of passage retreat experience that solidified her interest in

Acupuncture is a 2,000 year old practice

KImberly Kraus of Rising Sun Acupuncture

Chinese medicine targets energy channels throughout the body

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

the healing arts and she soon decided acupuncture was her calling. “They (the Chinese) were able to see the energy flowing in a person’s body and then they put it down on paper and started mapping out the body and where the energy flowed,” Kraus said regarding the ancient practice. Her clinic also includes cupping, sound therapy, muscle testing, iridology (examination of the eyes) and The Body Code, a process to clear the body of physical and emotional traumas. She provides a comprehensive range of nutrition supplements as well. While once considered a rather mysterious form of alternative medicine, acupuncture has grown in popularity along with other health and wellness practices such as yoga and meditation. “People come and see me because they want to get better faster without any negative side effects,” Kraus said. Acupuncture uses extremely thin needles to target energy channels in the body, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. For a trained acupuncturist, each point of needle insertion connects to an organ system. This is typically done in a low-light and relaxing environment where the patient is comfortable. During her initial examination of new clients, Kraus conducts a full body analysis to determine any conditions requiring attention. While results can be different for each patient, Kraus has used her education and skills to treat her own family and testifies to the positive effects it has had on them. “I feel super blessed to have understood how to use this for my own family and myself, so that I haven’t had to experience any hospitals or doctors,” Kraus said about her now 21- and 24-year-old sons. Especially effective at pain relief, stress relief and digestive difficulties, acupuncture can bring a safe and relaxing element to the body and mind’s overall health and wellness. According to the Rising Sun Acupuncture website, acupuncture can be useful in treating menopause, gynecological issues, joint and muscle pain, arthritis, headaches, chronic fatigue, allergies, asthma and more. For a full list of conditions treated at Rising Sun Acupuncture, as well as descriptions of various treatment techniques, visit the Rising Sun Acupuncture website at lagovistaacupuncture.com. Rising Sun Acupuncture is in Fredericksburg at 108 E. Trailmoor Dr., Suite 9. To make an appointment, call 830-456-0097.

Fill Your Head

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LENARD CRAFTED HOMES BREATHE EASY The family builder who came home

ARTICLE BY ADA BROUSSARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON YATES AT KERRVILLEPHOTO.COM AND ASHLEY LENARD

I NSP IR E D BY | HO ME + D E SIGN

Before Craig Lenard ever learned to swing a hammer, he learned the rhythm of a job site. As a kid in the late 1980s, he rode in his dad’s truck to job sites, the Hill Country passing by in early morning blue. His earliest memories are less playground and more plywood - picking up trash,

sweeping sawdust, being “paid in donuts,” as he puts it. “I was raised in this environment,” he said. “Some of my very first memories in general are on a job site…. I worked framing houses with my dad and brother.” And yet, the first decade of Craig’s adult life took him somewhere else entirely, into the classroom. He earned an ag education degree from Tarleton State, joined the rodeo team, and spent nearly ten years teaching agriculture, science and technology from Glen Rose to Boerne. If you had asked him then what he would retire doing, he might say, “I would have absolutely told you I’d be a teacher until they made me stop.” But in 2017, something shifted. Slowly and insistently, he felt pulled back toward Lenard Crafted Homes, the family business. “I just felt God leading me,” he said. It did not fully make sense given the timing and the love he had for teaching, but he trusted the nudge. He left the classroom and stepped into the builder’s role he thought he had already left behind.

Within six months, he understood exactly why he had been called back. His mother was diagnosed with stage four cancer. His dad who ran the job sites and his mom who kept the books, were suddenly gone for months at a time, traveling from Houston to Arizona to Mexico for treatment. Craig had barely learned the software, much less the systems. “All of that knowledge…” He said, “Gone. I just kind of fought it out. I had never used QuickBooks before, but I had people needing checks. And I had never billed clients before, but I needed to bill clients so I could pay people. I had to figure out how to do estimates, too”. He calls that time his baptism by fire - a trial of a year that forced him to build something fresh for himself - a company with structure, systems and a future. He worked with a business coach for years, building the company backwards from a future exit strategy, something unimaginable at the time. And yet, he said, CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

“Their home had to be torn down. And Craig, who once saw himself simply as a builder, became something else entirely...”

I NSP IR E D BY | HO ME + D E SIGN

“What has happened is exactly what we planned,” Even if he did not fully believe it was possible in the moment. But the moment that truly reshaped Lenard Crafted Homes was not a business crisis. It was personal. Craig and his wife had been living in what should have been a dream home, until unexplained illnesses began appearing in their family: Cognitive symptoms, respiratory issues, fatigue. Eventually, they discovered hidden mold. Not the dramatic black splotches people imagine, but strains nearly invisible unless you shine a light just right. Mold in the walls, behind tile, in the roof deck and inside the HVAC system. All symptoms of what Craig

calls “standard building practices that are slowly killing people.” Their home had to be torn down. And Craig, who once saw himself simply as a builder, became something else entirely - a student of building science and environmental health. He’s currently studying to become a building biologist. High performance construction was no longer a luxury upgrade. It became essential. “It drove me to a nerdiness of needing to holistically understand how home systems work,” Craig said. “If we’re going to force ourselves to live in a box, a house, we’ve got to control it in the same way that nature is controlled…. Which means we have to filter the air, we have to circulate the air.”

That meant managing air, moisture, temperature and toxins with the same intentionality that commercial builders have used for years. It meant sealed and conditioned attics, rainscreens, hybrid insulation strategies, multistage HVAC and ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) systems that keep indoor air clean, dry and balanced, just to name a few. And despite the technical leap, Craig said the cost increase is modest, often only three to five percent above standard construction. “Would you pay three percent to protect your investment,” He asked. “Or your children? Or your wife? Or your husband?” Today, Lenard Crafted Homes builds mostly luxury custom homes, some in CONTINUED >

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traditional neighborhoods but more often on private land spread across Kerrville, Fredericksburg and the rural stretches in between. Their niche is serving clients who want not only a house, but an entire property brought to life. They handle wells, roads, gates, septic, land planning and the home construction itself. Many of their clients live out of town, but the company’s communication-forward approach, including daily updates through a client portal, keeps stress low even when homeowners are watching from another state. Unlike most home builders, projects are fixed-cost. “People walk in, and it's like walking into a resort,” Craig said. “[They say] I can take a deep breath in here. It’s fresh. Our homes feel different.” And that’s the whole point, Craig explains. Their homes may look the same. But the underlying systems keeping the home alive, ventilated and conditioned are not the same. “We build homes to protect the people living inside them,” Craig said. One might say houses built by Lenard Crafted Homes breathe easy, and that helps their clients do the same.

“We build homes to protect the people living inside them,” Craig explained. Craig Lenard, Dustin Lenard and Art Lenard

I NSP IR E D BY | HO ME + D E SIGN

FROM THE LENARD CRAFTED HOMES WEBSITE:

"Lenard Crafted Homes are built to last. Each home is thoughtfully crafted to be a healthy, high-performance environment where families can truly thrive. From the materials selected to the systems installed, every detail is designed to promote clean air, energy efficiency, and long-term comfort. Whether it’s a peaceful custom retreat in the Texas Hill Country, or a luxury custom home in Kerrville, TX, the goal remains the same: to build with excellence, create spaces that support physical health, peace of mind and honor God in the process." Lenard Crafted Homes is located at 429 Peterson Dr. in Kerrville. Contact Lenard by phone at 830-928-8311 or view their website at lenardcraftedhomes.com.

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Wine That Invites Conversation Slate Theory inspires mental health awareness If you’re familiar with the wine scene in the Texas Hill Country, you’ve no doubt heard about the impressive underground barrel cave and expansive glass-walled tasting room at Slate Theory Winery in Fredericksburg. The winery focuses on 100% Texas-grown wines from their estate vineyards and sources from exceptional regional growers. The business is family-owned with an inspiring look and feel that rivals any reputable winery around the world. A hint of the brand’s mission is seen in the artistic and precise skull logo with interesting wine names, such as The Pharmacist, The Neurologist, and the club-member-only Insomniac bold red blend. When the Jones family purchased the closed Terre de Pietra winery in 2018, they envisioned a winery that would challenge norms by creating wines “as complex as the human brain.” The winery name, and in fact, the focus of the brand, are influenced by John Locke’s “Blank Slate Theory.” In 1689, this English philosopher established a foundational concept in his work "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding." Locke proposed that individuals are born without any innate ideas or built-in mental content, but are a blank slate. In one way, the name represents the family’s fresh start in opening a winery. The brand strives to lean into artistic thinking and experimentation in the look and feel

ARTICLE BY AMIE NEMEC PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JONES & CODY JONES

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

of the winery, and in the wines themselves. Slate Theory is built on the family’s unified commitment to mental health advocacy with the goal of showcasing incredible wines while opening conversation. Randy Jones is the business patriarch and is often in the tasting room, greeting guests and sharing stories. Four of the seven children are a daily part of the winery’s operations. Cody handles the company image. He created the skull logo to be a blend of aesthetics and awareness. Justine manages human resources, while Maranda handles philanthropy, and Erika deals with merchandising and swag. Chase, general manager, is often seen in the tasting room overseeing much of the daily operations, as his wife, Emily, manages social media and marketing while providing her viticulturist expertise. Chase explains, “We wanted to make wine with a purpose.” From the very beginning, the family had a goal in mind rather than just selling wine. “When you have something that helps you get up in the morning, it really helps you do your job better. So, we named all of our wines CONTINUED >

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Wine labels at Slate Theory raise awareness of mental health

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Slate Theory makes wines intended to create conversation

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The underground tasting room is a popular attraction at Slate Theory

after a mental health condition or challenge,” Chase added. “And, you know, when you're sitting around drinking wine with family and friends, it stimulates conversation. We wanted to help break the silence around a topic that is way more relevant than some people realize.” The family’s commitment to mental health awareness goes beyond just breaking the silence. Each of the wine club member parties has a silent auction with 100% of the funds raised donated to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. To date, well over $50,000 has been donated for the purpose of bringing awareness to and providing support for mental health. What's stated on the winery’s website is also felt through the guest encounters in the tasting room: “Our mission is to offer a tasting experience unlike any other while sparking meaningful dialogue around mental health. Fill Your Head with Texas wine, immersive spaces, and ideas that linger long after the last sip.” This is a winery that is making an impact, and we can all raise a glass to that! NAMI can be found online at NAMI.org. Slate Theory Winery is located at 10915 US HWY 290 in Fredericksburg, TX.

Slate Theory is a family operation

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

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Sunf lower Seed Pesto CRUSTED COD ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERILYNNE CLIFFORD

January always inspires me to make choices that feel a little lighter and brighter, especially after the richness of the holiday season. I’m not a dietician, but I do believe in meals that nourish both body and spirit—simple dishes made with wholesome ingredients and plenty of flavor. This Sunflower Seed Pesto - Crusted Cod is one of my favorite ways to ease into the new year: fresh, vibrant and delightfully satisfying without being fussy. The crunchy sunflower seed crust, fragrant lemon and tender cod make it feel special enough for company yet easy enough for a weeknight. It’s a beautiful reminder that being healthy can still be delicious, comforting and full of grace.

INGREDIENTS:

Sunf l owe r Seed Pesto Cr u st ed Cod

• 1 lb. fresh cod or other flaky white fish • 1 tsp. whole black peppercorns • Zest of one lemon • 2 cups of shelled, dry roasted sunflower seeds - divided

PAIRING: ROASTED RAINBOW CARROTS • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley • Diamond Crystal salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • Lemon wedges for serving, if desired

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees 2. In a food processor, combine the peppercorns, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, parsley and 3/4 cup of shelled sunflower seeds. Blend until forming a paste and with the motor going, slowly add the olive oil. 3. Place the cod on a cookie sheet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 4. With a spoon, place the pesto on top of the fish. Top with the whole sunflower seeds to form a beautiful crust. 5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until flakey and you can smell the sunflower seeds. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

He a l t h -fo r wa r d a n d f l avo r f u l

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Rainbow carrots can be found at many grocery stories. They come in hues of purple, orange and yellow and provide an unexpected pop of color to any side dish or veggie tray. Roast extra carrots and refrigerate to awaken your winter salads or to add a fun and nutritious ingredient to a favorite dish. 1. Peel carrots. 2. Par broil with smidge of salt approximately six minutes. 3. Drain water and remove carrots. 4. Line cookie sheet or baking dish with parchment paper and toss carrots to coat with olive oil and a dash of sea salt. 5. Lightly drizzle honey over carrots and sprinkle with thyme. 6. Bake at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Check regularly for tenderness and serve to desired texture. 7. Remove from oven and plate carrots on favorite serving dish and enjoy.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

DESERT CALM CITRUS COOLER Ring in the new year with a refreshing and flavorful mocktail that brings a nutritious element to your sipping experience.

Ingredients (1 serving): Desert Calm Citrus Cooler

DESERT CALM CITRUS COOLER Start the year right with Ocotillo mocktail Ocotillo is passionate about creating beautiful, healthy ways to unwind. The menu features mocktails using adaptogenic herbs and soothing botanicals - ingredients traditionally used to calm the nervous system, quiet the mind and balance the body. Whether you’re catching up with friends or settling in for a peaceful solo moment, Ocotillo offers a warm, grounding, “chill vibe” where wellness and flavor meet in every sip. Ocotillo Wine Bar is located in Fredericksburg at 427 East Main Street. Email them at ocotillowine@yahoo. com or call at 830-992-3059. The Courtyard at Elk & Main is a collection of several unique businesses including The Market at Elk & Main, Six Twists Champagne and Caviar Lounge, The Harvey, and Ocotillo Wine Bar. The Harvey is an elegant event space, beautiful for small to medium sized gatherings which includes private dining, a bar and a kitchen. Six Twists is a lux - lounge with a conversational atmosphere featuring a large selection of champagnes and sparking wines, presented by an expert sommelier. The Market at Elk & Main offers an upscale place to enjoy food curated perfectly for a Texas outdoor picnic. Artisan cheeses, charcuterie, chocolates, sauces, beans, grains and more are all offered at The Market, along with a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy a Hill Country afternoon. Visit all of the businesses located at The Courtyard at Elk & Main online: OcotilloWine.com TheHarveyFBG.com SixTwistsSparkling.com TheMarketAtElkAndMain.com

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

• • • • • • • • •

3 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice 2 oz. white tea (brewed and cooled) 2 oz. sparkling water ½ oz. honey or agave syrup ⅛–¼ tsp. ashwagandha powder (or 1 dropper liquid ashwagandha) 1–2 drops chamomile extract (optional but beautiful) Squeeze of lime Pinch of sea salt Ice

Garnish: • Grapefruit/orange peel • Sprig of rosemary or sage

Directions: 1. In a shaker, combine grapefruit juice, white tea, honey/ agave, ashwagandha, lime and a pinch of sea salt. 2. Shake well until fully blended. 3. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water. 4. Garnish with rosemary or sage for aromatherapy with every sip. Flavor profile: Bright citrus, botanical calm, lightly sweet, spa-like and grounding. Benefits: • Ashwagandha calms the stress response. • White tea provides gentle clarity without jitters. • Chamomile soothes the nervous system. • Citrus and minerals refresh and rehydrate.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT

The New Frontier of Health

Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers? Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.

1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”

Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you.

2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”

Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED

Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows.

3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”

Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.

4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”

Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.

A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT

“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.

To hear the extended conversation with Dr. Kyle Gillett, scan the QR code for an exclusive podcast episode.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FRE D E R I C KS BUR G

JANUARY 2026

events Forging meaningful relationships through thoughtful design solutions

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

JANUARY 10 TH

Paint & Sip “Night’s Sky” 810 N. Llano St., Fredericksburg, TX | 5:00 PM Yellow Door Art & Pottery Studio will host “Night’s Sky” Paint & Sip on Jan. 10 from 5-7 p.m. Paint & Sip classes are about enjoying wine, relaxation and connection. Perfect for date nights or a fun friend outing, enjoy painting a night sky with a glass of wine. For more events visit theyellowdoorstudio.com. JANUARY 15TH

Third Thursday Locals Night Downtown Fredericksburg | 5:00 PM Third Thursday is a monthly event planned by Fredericksburg business owners to open shops and restaurants for special hours to local shoppers. Many shops will feature special promotions, sales or demonstrations during the event. JANUARY 24 TH

Polar Classic Indoor Pickleball Tournament 3508 W. US HWY 290, Fredericksburg, TX | 9:00 AM The first annual Polar Classic Pickleball Tournament will take place at Pickle Haus Social on January 24th. Prizes will be awarded. Registration is available at book. picklehaussocial.com.

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