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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Pause, Reflect, Renew As 2025 has come to a close, and I glance back at the year now behind us, I realize just how much this journey has shaped me. Launching a magazine has a way of holding up a mirror: you discover your strengths, your limits, and the grit you didn’t know you had. It’s a journey that asks you to grow just as much as it asks you to create, and I’m grateful for every challenge and triumph that shaped this publication and the community around it. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of pausing long enough to take care of yourself. We spend so much time keeping up, showing up, and pushing forward that we sometimes forget to simply be. And every now and then, it’s not just okay to treat yourself—it’s necessary. That’s why I loved our feature on Mystic Ozark Adventures this month. Their unique take on a staycation reminds us that rest, whimsy, and wonder are closer to home than we think. But self-care is about more than slowing down; it’s about actively supporting your health and well-being. Taking the time to nurture your body, mind, and senses is just as important as pausing. From caring for your eyes to understanding your body’s unique needs, investing in yourself allows you to feel more energized, focused, and ready for whatever the year brings. This month, we highlight ways to protect your vision and support whole-body health, offering practical insights for living a healthier, more balanced life. As you read this issue, I encourage you to pause and take it all in. Let the stories, ideas, and insights spark inspiration, invite reflection, and remind you to make space for yourself in the months ahead. Here’s to discovering new ways to care for yourself, finding joy in the everyday, and embracing each moment with intention. Happy New Year!
January 2026 PUBLISHER
Madelyn Massanelli madelyn.massanelli@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R
Bo Simpson bo.simpson@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R
Emma Kwasny emmadpick@gmail.com
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
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Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Springdale City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Springdale 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 Springdale City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S
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Featured
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18 20 24 6
20 On the Cover
The Root Cause of Functional Medicine Northwest Arkansas Functional Health’s Contribution to a Healthy Community Through Root Cause Treatment
Dry Eye 101
Dr. Horne’s Dry Eye Expertise and Main Takeaways
Power Poses
5 Yoga Poses to Boost Your Confidence and Self-esteem
Reaching Space from Springdale And You Don’t Even Need a Spaceship? at Mystic Ozark Adventures
Photography: Mystic Ozark Adventures
Departments 4
Lifestyle Letter
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Business Monthly
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Must See WELLNESS
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Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E
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Self Care WELLNESS
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Get Active HEALTH + WELLNESS
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Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE
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Healthy Lifestyle FOOD + BEVERAGE
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Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE
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Events
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JANUARY 2026
business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
New Year, New You: January Specials at Aesthetica! Kick off the new year with Aesthetica’s January specials! Treat yourself to our new services: $50 express facials, $145 teeth whitening, and $30 spray tans. Plus enjoy half-price weight loss consultations. It’s the perfect way to refresh, rejuvenate, and step into the new you. Don’t wait—these deals won’t last forever!
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Meet Crystal Mapes: Guiding Children Toward Healing and Growth 8
B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
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Northwest Arkansas Functional Health Clinic
Northwest Arkansas Functional Health's Contribution to a Healthy Community Through Root Cause Treatment
ARTICLE BY BO SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA KWASNY
The Root Cause of Functional Medicine 10
M UST SE E | WEL L NESS
Supplements at NWA Functional Health
Oh, medicine. The least divisive of all humanities greatest achievements. I’ve quoted Oscar Wilde before and I’ll do it again: “Let me be surrounded by luxury, I can do without the necessities.” Except, of course, this isn’t true. Necessities are by definition things we need. Wilde intended this contradiction, however, as contradiction stood at the heart of his wit. Because medicine can be seen as both a necessity and a luxury, I find the quote fitting. Unfortunately, there are many people in need of luxuries they cannot afford. And while access to treatment can be a privilege, access to understanding can be an even greater one. Functional medicine has become fashionable enough in recent years to create tension between its practitioners and practitioners of standard medicine. Yet beneath this lies a simple truth: the divide between necessity and luxury—between what keeps us alive and what keeps us well—is largely determined by what people know and what they can afford, regardless of which practitioner’s care they fall under. Northwest Arkansas Functional Health seeks to bridge the gap between health knowledge and accessible, personalized treatment. By focusing on proactive care and prevention, they help patients achieve wellness in ways that are practical, sustainable, and effective; for staying healthy is always better than last-resort treatment. Brent Rush started this clinic to “empower his patients with knowledge so they can better take care of themselves” and to “improve vitality and longevity.” His interest in functional medicine arose from a background in exercise physiology, with no shortage of tosses and turns in the road to get him there. Although, for Brent, a common thread has tied all of his experiences together. That is, Brent has always desired to help people. CONTINUED >
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“Brent and his wife Rhonda started Northwest Arkansas Functional Health to narrow the distance between the luxury of knowledge and the necessity of care.” After receiving his undergraduate degree from John Brown University, he went on to get a Master’s in Exercise Physiology from Wichita State University. From there, he returned to JBU where he taught health science and coached swimming and diving. But he realized something was missing. He wanted a more active, hands-on career. During his final semester teaching at JBU he took an EMT class, opening the door to emergency medicine. Afterwards he joined the Rogers Fire Department, where he worked for a ten year period in which he recognized a new goal: becoming a nurse practitioner. Though the road to get there wasn’t always clear, he found a way. Working as a firefighter paid his way through paramedic school, and around the same time, he received his nursing license, which prepared him for a paramedic-to-RN crossbridge with minimal clinical requirements. Working full time as a paramedic now, he completed his schooling. This prepared him for yet another crossbridge, from RN-to-NP. All of this together allowed him to slowly build toward his goal, designing an educational path that maximized learning and decreased debt. Immediately after NP school, Brent was hired into the Emergency Department. He also worked in Intensive Care. These experiences built up his clinical competence and gave him an opportunity to work closely with people in critical conditions. And yet, he still felt there was more to do. “I was looking for something that would marry my degree in exercise physiology with being a nurse practitioner,” Brent said. “That would fit my mindset and model of doing things because I was never really one for standard medicine.”
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M UST SE E | WEL L NESS
What captivated him from the beginning with respect to functional medicine was root-cause treatment. “If we can find the root cause of somebody’s ailment, then we get rid of the ailment,” Brent continued. “And there’s no reason for long-term medicine use that does more harm than good.” Because of this, he got involved with clinics that implemented stem cell injections, peptide therapies, herbs, supplements, and other forms of root-cause medicine. Through these experiences, functional medicine concepts became more familiar. Additionally, getting certified with the Institute of Functional Medicine became a top priority. The intrigue of functional medicine resides in the opportunity for the betterment of health through comprehensive care and intentional living. Brent makes clear that hormone treatment and supplements alone will not cure disease. Rather, combining those with an ecology of healthy practices including diet, exercise, sleep, and sunlight will help regulate the immune system and make us more resilient to sickness. Brent and his wife Rhonda started Northwest Arkansas Functional Health to narrow the distance between the luxury of knowledge and the necessity of care. Their aim is simple: make functional medicine accessible to the common person rather than the privileged few. At their clinic, patients receive a blend of practical guidance, supplements, vitamins, and even the world’s only non-painful hair restoration treatment. These tools are meant not just to impress, but to identify and target the root cause. In this way, they’ve built a model in which necessity and luxury meet: affordable health grounded in understanding, intentionality, and care.
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5102 W Pauline Whitaker Pkwy Suite 115, Rogers, AR. 72758 7231 W Sunset Ave Unit D, Springdale, AR. 72762 JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S P R I N G DA L E
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M I X IN G H E A LT H A ND F L AV O R A Delicious Mocktail to Savor Without the Alcohol.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
ROSEMARY PEAR MOCK TAIL
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP • 1 cup cane sugar • 1 cup water • 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL • 5 tablespoons pear juice • 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup • 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice • sparkling water to taste
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 into a glass. Add ice and garnish if desired. CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S P R I N G DA L E
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GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCK TAIL INGREDIENTS THYME SIMPLE SYRUP • 1 cup cane sugar • 1 cup water • 1/3 cup fresh thyme GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCKTAIL • 3 cups water • 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice • 1/3 cup thyme syrup • Ice
INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP: Combine water and sugar in 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.
W I Z A R D LY BUTTER BEER INGREDIENTS BUTTER BEER • 2 liters of creme soda • 2 tablespoons butter extract • 2 teaspoons rum extract CREME TOPPING • 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 liters 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!
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/S P R I N G DA L E
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Dry Eye 101 WHAT I LEARNED FROM DR. HORNE ABOUT DRY EYE AND A FEW OBSERVATIONS
Insofar as people would like to take care of themselves, they must recognize the dangers (and potential benefits) of self-reinforcement—both in sickness and in health. Good health corresponds to good habits, and bad health corresponds to bad habits. The good thing is that even bad luck in the health department can be mitigated by good habits, so long as you take time to consider how well you’re getting along. In the same way, good luck can be undone by bad habits. Thankfully, our bodies tend to communicate with us when it’s time to take a trip to the doctor. But not always. And as much as this digital age comes with new technology, it also comes with more eye strain. As the hustle and bustle of everyday life takes us from coffee, to Zoom meetings, to workout classes, to more Zoom meetings—with copious amounts of screen time in between—the irritation you feel in your eyes could indicate a problem. Assuringly, if you don’t feel any irritation … you might just as well have a problem. This was the case for me when I visited Radiant Eye Care to talk with Dr. Horne about the common ophthalmological condition known as dry eye (see me in the picture to your left). Roughly two in three people who have it don’t even know, as symptoms can exist for quite some time before they become disruptive. Dry eye refers to a condition in which the eyes fail to produce or maintain enough quality tears to keep the surface lubricated. Evaporative dry eye is a common form today, with technologies stimulating our attention to the point that we forget to blink, causing tears to evaporate.
ARTICLE BY BO SIMPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA KWASNY
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S ELF CA R E | WEL L NESS
Our bodies try to prevent dry eye with the meibomian glands inside our eyelids, which produce an oily substance called meibum that protects tears from evaporation. With eyes locked onto screens and lazy blinking habits, however, those glands are prevented from rubbing properly, decreasing or thickening meibum production as the glands harden. To make matters worse, chronic dryness and inflammation desensitize nerve endings. Dampened pain signals reduce the brain’s repair signals—and with them our motivation to go to the doctor. While eye drops may provide temporary relief for those feeling inflammation, they will not get at the root causes in accumulated bad habits. Hence, a self-reinforcing, self-perpetuating problem. Symptoms of dry eye include blurry vision, burning or stinging eyes, redness, heaviness, and other forms of irritation. Dry eye can also exacerbate underlying conditions such as scarring, infections, and visual disturbances. Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and turn into more serious complications, so they should not be mistaken as “normal” sensations. Dr. Horne emphasized the importance of reaching the root cause of dry eye. Modern treatments offered at Radiant Eye Care focus on improving gland health, reducing inflammation, and correcting bad habits by replacing them with good ones. Specifically, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy, thermal treatments, and Dynamic Muscle Stimulation Therapy (DMST) help regenerate tissue, renew gland structure, and retrain proper blinking mechanics. In Dr. Horne’s concentration on dry eye, she reveals her clinic’s distinguished approach to preventative care in Northwest Arkansas, and that the best response to self-reinforcing problems are self-reinforcing solutions.
“In Dr. Horne’s concentration on dry eye, she reveals her clinic’s distinguished approach to preventative care in the area, and that the best response to self-reinforcing problems are self-reinforcing solutions.”
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POWER POSES 5 Yoga Poses to Boost Your Confidence and Self-esteem
ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT
Brett Larkin, is the founder of Uplifted Yoga and teaches yoga designed to ignite a personal transformation. Her award-winning YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers. A trailblazer in the online yoga space, she started certifying yoga teachers virtually through her online yoga school in 2015. Brett shares five power poses to incorporate into your practice for a confident and powerful new year. For more info about Brett and her online training options for all levels, go to BrettLarkin.com.
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G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS
Low Lunge (Parsva Anjaneyasana) Stand taller and open your side body in this low lunge variation.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) Project radiance up and out from your heart while strengthening your back body.
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Camel Pose (Ustrasana) Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.
CAN YOGA HELP BUILD SELF-ESTEEM? Confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin, and practicing yoga makes you more aware of your body. You are tuning into your breath, your feelings, and your true vision. Physically it strengthens you. Mentally it helps you focus. With improved posture, you stand taller; and with a clear mind you are more prepared and confident to take on what comes your way.
Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) Usher in a fresh perspective and new creative ideas. Also great for relieving low back pain.
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G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS
Wild Thing (Camatkarasana) Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.
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Reaching Space From Springdale
And You Don't Even Need a Spaceship? at Mystic Ozark Adventures ARTICLE BY BO SIMPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MYSTIC OZARK ADVENTURES
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE
It all started with a contest. $100,000 paid in increments to the winners, or those who come up with the most creative, quaint, and anti-quotidian ideas for rental properties across the globe. In the running, you see plans of Candyland, 1950s nuclear silo renovations—except without the danger of planetary disaster (one hopes)—a floating avocado in Chile, and thousands of others. Among them is one in Springdale, Arkansas, best described as a Planetarium Treehouse. The OMG! Fund was a 2022 Airbnb contest that gave $10 million to one hundred winners across the world, the mission being to assist property owners in putting together the most dazzling, unique, and out-of-the-ordinary homes ever seen. Users could find these strange homes under the company’s OMG! category. Of course, the mission (and requirement) for property owners was intrigue, mystery, and surprise. Not to mention plausibility—a trustworthy spaceship rental that could reliably take visitors to and from space for a night’s stay at a reasonable price would no doubt lead the OMG! factor. No matter, however, because you might as well have that or better right here in Springdale. But more on that soon. The true test of this competition came after the fact and exceeded mere tests of creativity, budget, and architectural viability. This was a test of heart, character, and fortune. Extraneous levels of opposition confronted winners as storms picked up massive fake nukes (remember the 1950s nuclear silo?) and rolled them into lakes while tornadoes ransacked projects in South Africa. CONTINUED >
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Only a small fraction of the winners saw their projects through to completion. Among those that did, once again, was the Planetarium Treehouse. Mark and Natalie Jones, the terrestrial star-lovers who came up with the idea for this design, discovered it shortly after moving to Arkansas from California. “Our goal is the FIRE movement: financial independence, retire early,” said Mark. “We started back in 2020, when mortgage rates were at historic lows, and we got into doing real estate—but we wanted to do something unique.” They purchased an A-frame to renovate and rent out in Springdale; it came with five other parcels of land. After investing time in that project and finding traction in the community, new ideas soon made their way onto spare papers and notepads. “While taking a break from work, I just started doodling,” Mark continued. “And what I doodled was a planetarium treehouse.” Natalie, the artist to Mark’s pragmatist, refined their sketches to make them more attractive and feasible.
“While taking a break from work, I just started doodling,” Mark continued. “And what I doodled was a planetarium treehouse.”
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE
“We looked through Zillow to see if someone was selling a dome house or something weird,” said Natalie. “Something weird, anything weird.” Then they stumbled upon Airbnb’s OMG! Fund. “So we had the idea, Natalie had the graphic design and video editing skills, and we also had all this land over here. It was the perfect combination,” Mark said. Of the ten thousand applicants, one hundred were selected and seventeen countries represented. Three of the winners were from Arkansas. But as I’ve made clear, winning the prize money was only half the challenge. Putting the idea into action was another thing entirely. Mark and Natalie were no strangers to these challenges. Costs took them over budget, plumbing froze in the winter, and the giant clear dome central to their design went missing in delivery. “How do you lose the dome?!” Natalie asked. “I was calling every day, tracking down warehouse locations, and trying to get them to respond to my emails.” In the end, only twenty-five to thirty of the winners actually finished. Mystic Ozark Adventures, their vacation rental company, now has two properties: the Lakeview Haven and Planetarium Treehouse, both overlooking Beaver Lake. The Planetarium Treehouse features a geodesic dome containing a kitchen, lofted bedroom, and bathroom. A
large hexagonal window dominates the bedroom, with an at-home star projector that turns the ceiling into a planetarium. An LEDlined hallway connects the first dome to a second one serving as an observatory tower. Here, you can stargaze with high-powered telescopes or lie on cushions, staring at the night sky through the clear dome—once lost, now found—without leaving the comfort of earth’s homely soil. Having moved from California, Mark and Natalie were drawn to Arkansas because they knew nothing about it. Many people view Arkansas as something of a mystery, often conflated with a false suspicion of poor quality. But they saw Northwest Arkansas as an up-and-coming place where opportunity existed in abundance, where even if life moves slower, it cherishes more in its steady gait. This highlights a Southern draw (not to be confused with a Southern drawl) toward moments of quiet reflection. As a convenient addition to our Health & Wellness issue, having these moments is essential to our health and sanity. Without them, we miss even the beauty of ordinary things. As Ferris Bueller says: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” With their creativity, perseverance, and optimism, Mark and Natalie Jones have shown that the best ideas are found in the most unexpected ways, the best opportunity exists in the most overlooked of places, and the universe is accessible from right here in Springdale. Book your staycation at Mystic Ozark Adventures to make a few miles outside of town feel like a million!
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the BENEFITS OF 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.
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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
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 to you 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 mean 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 meats 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 is 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 stick to your choice long term. Increase consumption of plant foods you already like. 2. A 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 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 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. AgeSmartNutrition.com
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Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
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.
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
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C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
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 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
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New Year, New You!
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JANUARY 2026
events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S
JANUARY 6TH
Trivia Night Odd Soul | 7:00 AM
Whatever change you're looking to make, big or small, we'd love to help you reach your goals! youraesthetica.net | 479-320-8588 BChantalAPRNnurseinjector Vaesthetica_bychantal 3291 S Thompson St Suite G102
Trivia Night takes place every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Odd Soul in downtown Springdale. Odd Soul offers a lively setting for teams to test their knowledge and enjoy a fun night out. It’s a weekly favorite for locals looking for good food, great drinks, and friendly competition. JANUARY 14 TH
Bingo Night at Tontitown Winery Tontitown Winery | 6:00 PM Join Tontitown Winery every Wednesday, from 6–8 PM! Enjoy an evening of fun in the indoor lounge and covered patio while dining and sipping your favorite drinks. Play for exciting prizes, compete for the coveted Spirit Stick, and make it a night to remember. First-come, first-served—no reservations needed! JANUARY 17TH
NWA Comic Con Rogers Convention Center | 10:00 AM NWA Comic Con returns January 17– 18, bringing cosplay, comics, gaming, celebrity guests, and exclusive merch to Northwest Arkansas. Meet artists and creators, explore interactive exhibits, and celebrate your favorite fandoms. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday the 17th and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday the 18th.
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VISIT YOUR LOCAL HARPS IN SPRINGDALE, AR
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events
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JANUARY 18TH
8th Annual Wedding Fair The Apollo on Emma | 12:00 PM The 8th Annual Wedding Fair showcases top NWA wedding and event vendors as well as 2026’s luxe styles and trends. Explore the beautiful Apollo Theatre, enjoy samples from premier bakeries and caterers, and meet local florists and event planners. JANUARY 26TH
Free Pool Mondays at Springdale Pool Lounge
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B saraposeynwarealtor | V Saraposey_nwa_realestate
O: 479.445.6228 | D: 479.264.2471 | saraposeyrealestate.com | saraposeyrealestate@gmail.com
Sara Posey, REALTOR®️ Collier and Associates Executive Broker | Executive Broker C&A Commercial
Springdale Pool Lounge | 5:00 PM Springdale Pool Lounge hosts Free Pool Monday, where guests can enjoy complimentary pool with the purchase of one drink per person. It’s a great spot to relax with friends, unwind after work, and explore this new bar just off Emma Avenue. JANUARY 27TH
Tacos and Trivia at Shirley’s Shirley’s | 7:00 PM Join Shirley’s every Tuesday night at 7:00pm for $2 tacos and trivia.
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www.HelloLocalAR.com | 479-925-0507 100 W Emma Ave, Suite 111 Springdale AR 72764
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Have You Seen The New Shop On Emma Ave?
Bea & Bleux was founded by two friends who turned their passions for art, cooking, and home décor into a boutique filled with charm and craftsmanship. Thoughtfully curated gifts, kitchen treasures, and home accents make every space and every moment feel special. From styling a cozy corner to building the perfect gift at their GIFT BAR, Bea & Bleux inspires creativity, connection, and joy. Stop by their Springdale boutique today.
479.365.7050 | 117 W Emma Ave., Springdale Follow us on Instagram for events and new drops