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JA N UA RY 2 022 | TH E H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S I S S U E

THE HEALTH ISSUE

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Mike Seder

January 2022 PUBLISHER

Tonya Butler | tonya.butler@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Laura Green | laura.green@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

What Will You Choose to Do With This New Year? If ever there were a time for doing away with the old and choosing a new path, January is it. Starting fresh, developing a new outlook, can take place anytime we’d like. But clarity and insight seem to come to us, whether we want it to or not, when we wake up that first morning of a new year. In my own life, I feel a déjà vu every new year. We celebrate with traditional foods from our own Southern heritage—blackeyed peas, cabbage and cornbread. We watch college football. And I start packing up a few of the Christmas decorations, officially marking the end of the holiday season—out with the old, in with the new! Carrying out these same traditions every year always leads me to a challenging question: It’s a new year. What will you choose to do with it? Whether it’s our careers, our relationships, or our health, January is the perfect time to be intentional about making positive changes in the way we want to live. It may mean making choices that have been gnawing at us for long time! The things you truly value are the things that receive the most time and attention in your life. We hope that you will find within the pages of our January issue the inspirational stories and the insight you need to take stock and and make resolutions to tackle the difficult things, reach for new milestones, and invest your time and energy in the things that count. Happy New Year!

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Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

L AURA GREEN, EDITOR @THEWOODL ANDSLIFEST YLE

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Proverbs 3:5-6 The Woodlands City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Woodlands area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle 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 The Woodlands City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

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

considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

THERE’S A

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Caring for Caregivers

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Local Experiences

Mental Wellbeing

Our Town

The Backbone of the Long-Term Care System, Their Work Takes an Emotional and Physical Toll

F E ATU R E D

18 Best Hiking Trails around The Woodlands

With over 200 miles of trails and pathways, The Woodlands has endless options to escape into nature.

F E ATU R E D

26 What Fitness Experts Want You to Know Tips and Insight to Keep Your Workout Goals on Track

F E ATU R E D

36 Bringing Back the Glamour

22 House Call

36 Local Limelight Realty Report

42 Skin Care

Courtney Wilkerson’s Pell 1990 is an Ode to the Joys of Fashion

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Lenora Stein At Northshore Park, our Fitness Experts (l-r), Angelyne To-ong of The Woodlands Lagree, Tracy Cowley of Row House — Hughes Landing, Nick Gonzales of Torched Krav Maga, and Kelly Burgoon of Mōtiv, The Woodlands

HEA LT H + WELLNES S

26 Healthy Lifestyle 41

WELLNES S

HEA LT H + WELLNES S

FI T NES S

ST Y LE + B EAU TY

R EA L ESTAT E

HEA LT H + WELLNES S

IS N OW

Old friends, new name, same values.

8522 CREEKSIDE FOREST DR SUITE D-101 | THE WOODLANDS, TX | 281.367.4000 | CORCORAN.COM

©2021 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city. 1

6 PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSICA HOLLOWAY, THE JOHN COOPER SCHOOL

1: Hard copies of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s acclaimed “Malibu Rising” were available for purchase and signing. 2: Reid signing bottles of Opus One, which were a raffle prize at the event 3: The 17th Annual Signature Author Series luncheon featured bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid. 4: Attendees could enter a raffle to win Signatures Books for the Beach — signed books from all 2021 The John Cooper School visiting authors, including Reid. 5: Visiting author, Anna Marie Johnston Teague shows off one of her best selling books for young men. 6: Reid’s “Malibu Rising” is the story of surfer siblings, Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit.

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C I T Y SC E N E

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Low Inventory Means Time to Sell.

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Broker Associate

haley@haleygarcia.com | 281.701.6174 | haleygarcia.com

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city. 1

4 PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEGHAN PARISE

5 7

1: Tianna Hall & The Houston Jazz Band serenaded the evening with classic jazz. 2: Michelle Harper along with Johnston join our Editor, Laura Green in an introduction. 3: Carol Knott, Inaugural Partner, joins us in a toast. 4: City Lifestyle writer Alison Kartevold and husband Dale 5: City Lifestyle editor Laura Green and publisher Tonya Butler 6: Hamid, Vogue Rugs and Dragos, Glade Gallery, enjoy a great view of the gallery. 7: Liz Grimm, Melissa D’Mello and Lorrie Parrise enjoying the evening.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

A Toast to the New Year! Culture. Community. Giving back.

These are three facets of living that help to make us into who we are as individuals. To our readers, writers, photographers, and advertising partners, thank you for supporting City Lifestyle, The Woodlands. We look forward to exploring the very best in local arts, entertainment, dining, and active pursuits this year.

Cheers to 2022, and may you find peace, prosperity, and the promise of new adventures in the days ahead!

Photo Courtesy of Alex Bunch

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

local experiences Locals recommending the best places and things to do in the city.

The New Year is the perfect time to make your health and wellness a priority, so why not pamper yourself at one of the many spas around town? Invite a friend for a day of relaxation or take some time for some much needed quality alone time. Whatever you prefer, we have you covered.

Day Spas & Health Treatments BODY BENEFITS: Feel fresh again after treating yourself to facials, teeth whitening, massages, injectable treatments, and various other medical spa treatments at Body Benefits in The Woodlands. 4840 West Panther Creek, Suite #100, The Woodlands, TX 77381 BLISSFUL WATER S FLOAT CENTER : Escape all your stress and recharge at Blissful Waters Float Center. Experience no light, sound, or gravity with their flotation and sensory deprivation therapy. 2408 Timberloch Place, Spring, TX 77380 SPOR TS CR YOTHER APY THE WOODLANDS: Experience the rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory effects of a quick whole-body cryotherapy treatment from Sports Cryotherapy of the Woodlands to see the benefits for yourself. 8101 Kuykendahl Road, Suite #300, Spring, TX 77382 WHOLE BODY: At Whole Body Therapies, you can find halotherapy, infrared saunas, and NormaTec as well as spot, facial, and whole-body cryotherapy treatments to achieve optimal health. 26730 Interstate 45 N, Spring TX 77386 ACUPUNCTUR E HEALTH CENTER : Find relief from chronic pain, depression, anxiety, cancer pain, sciatic pain, frozen shoulder and other ailments with the Acupuncture Health Center’s whole-health approach. 25222 Grogan’s Mill Road, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Scan for more photos and the full list.

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LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

JANUARY 3 - 28, 2022 Q. What’s the best way that people can support this event and help local restaurants and their community?

Restaurant Month January 3rd - 28th, 2022

Purchasing their Taste of the Town ticket, visiting participating restaurants, and staying to enjoy some meals with their friends and family will help restaurants during a -usually- slow month for the restaurants. Invite your friends, family, co-workers, and make it a group outing!

Q. How can businesses get involved? Q. Tell us about this year’s Taste of the Town event, taking place January 3rd-28 th . Is the month-long format here to stay? These last two years have been a great way to adjust the format for Taste of the Town. After each event, we gather our amazing volunteers and team members to review each event and discuss how we will proceed for the following year. Only time will tell!

Q. What should guests expect when they visit Taste of the Town featured restaurants? Guests will purchase their tickets, save to their phone wallet, and scan at each participating restaurant upon arrival. Every restaurant will serve their choice(s) of cocktail, appetizer, or entrée sampling size for guests to enjoy. Guests will be surveyed the third week of January to vote on their favorite: Cocktail, Appetizer, Entrée, Dessert, and Guest Experience.

We have several opportunities for sponsorship or participation, from restaurants and other types of businesses. A non-restaurant fan favorite for this event is our “Friends of Taste” sponsorship, which features an exclusive spot for their business across all social media platforms, event website and the Chamber website-to showcase their business.

Q. What are the benefits of Taste of the Town to our community? How does it impact our local economy, businesses, and charitable organizations? Taste of The Town is a great way for our community to support and learn about restaurants in our community. We know that our participating restaurants’ staff also benefit with TIPS, especially during the month of January when restaurants attendance is low after the holiday season.

Q: How does this event benefit the community? in terms of funds and business Not only does this event focus on a huge part of the quality of life we have in The Woodlands, it also helps to support the Chamber and our core functions of advocating for the community, providing marketing and relationship building opportunities, serving as a resource for the area, and supporting charitable causes.

caring for caregivers

The Backbone of the Long-Term Care System, Their Work Takes an Emotional and Physical Toll ARTICLE BY ALISON K ARTE VOLD | PHOTOG R APHY PROVIDE D

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | WE LLNE S S

Being a family caretaker is both a blessing and a burden. There is satisfaction, even joy, in helping those you love, those who once cared for you, those with whom you desire more time. But with that privilege comes a responsibility that weighs heavy, even on the best of us. If you haven't experienced this yet, odds are you soon will. America is aging. As it does, "Boomers" will have more health issues and require more help. In just the past year, loved ones, 53 million of them, proved great at stepping up without pay to assist family and friends. What they aren't great at is prioritizing care for themselves. Being a family caregiver is emotionally and physically draining. This is unlike caring for a child whose development will progress, "This is the exact opposite," says Sharon Wofford. Sharon is caring for her 68-year-old husband, Blaine, who has advanced dementia and Parkinson's. Diagnosed in 2014, he has required constant care since 2019. "They talk about memory loss, but it is so much more than that." Blaine can no longer dress, shower, or use a toilet without assistance. Turn your back, and like a child, he might wander outside and into traffic. Yet, unlike a child, the hard truth is, Sharon's husband will not improve. He will continue to regress. It is no wonder that most caregivers suffer from increased physical and emotional ailments of their own. Up to 90 percent of family caregivers surveyed by the state in Texas report their caregiving obligations to be stressful. "Most people don't see the whole picture," says Patty Zukas, a social worker with Heart to Heart Hospice. During a short visit, it is easy for family and friends to underestimate the actual toll primary caregivers pay to constant worry, vigilance, exhaustion, and isolation. "A lot of people don't realize how much they have given up to be a caretaker." It's arduous, but like many caregivers, Sharon has also found solace through the grueling process. "If I weren't doing this, I would have so much more guilt and grief," she says.

CONTINUED >

AMANDA POOLE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR of CANOPY CENTER

“I have had the honor of working at Canopy since its inception five and a half years ago. In that time I had been able to see countless lives changed, lifelong friendships made, confidence grown, and strength restored. I have watched the guests and volunteers of Canopy become a family. The reason why raising awareness about Canopy is so important is because the more people that know about us, the more lives we can impact. That is how I measure success, by how many lives we have changed, many people we have brought together and by how many people we have made feel loved.”

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JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

We all cope in different ways, says Zukas. Through caregiving, relationships evolve, sometimes mend, people have time to accept the long-term fate of a loved one's passing, and some find out more about themselves. "I do feel proud of myself sometimes," Sharon says. To provide constant care by herself for 18 months through the pandemic, she tapped into an inner strength she didn't know she had. "I didn't think I had it in me, come to find out I do." It is not ideal, though. "Don't be by yourself, get help," says Carol Gillespie, who was the primary caregiver for her husband Frank from the time of his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2014 through 2017. During that time, Carol learned, "you have to take care of yourself, or you're no good to anyone." Study after study shows that caregiving compromises the caregiver's health. To combat this, they need support and respite. Professionals say it's essential to talk to family and friends and become educated about the illness a loved one faces. If the caregiver's family can't relate, they should seek a professional and connect with a support group. Sharon and Carol both believe in support groups. They actually met at a Heart to Heart Alzheimers Support Group. "I didn't think that would be for me," says Sharon, who started going for the included respite care. "I had no idea it would be as beneficial as it was. The support group is a Godsend." Carol's husband is now at Regent Care Center of The Woodlands. She spends about three hours a day with him and still attends her support group. The most important advice she's learned includes letting people help. "If they offer, let them do that," Carol says. She believes you have to get over feeling embarrassed for your loved one and yourself. In her experience, most people want to help but don't know how. Sharon agrees. Let neighbors know your circumstances, and don't be afraid to seek help, even if it is just for an hour. "It could make a world of difference," she says. Even with universal agreement that respite benefits both the caregiver and care recipient, paid respite is impossible for many to afford. A small percentage of people at the top of the economic scale have insurance that will cover it. A small portion at the bottom qualifies for government aid. The ninety percent in the middle are mainly on their own. One of the main reasons so many care for loved ones in their home is the lack of a suitable alternative. "They can't afford any other option," Zukas says, "I tell them, I hope you planned well or have kids who can pitch in." Texas HHS considers informal caregivers to be the backbone of the long-term care system. In 2017, informal caregivers in Texas provided an estimated 3.2 billion hours of service. Their services saved Texas an estimated $34 billion in annual healthcare costs. "Family caregivers are woven into the fabric of America's health, social, economic, and long-term services and support (LTSS) systems," states Caregiving in the US 2020, a study conducted by the AARP and Nation Alliance of Caregiving (NAC). "As the country continues to age, the need to support caregivers as the cornerstone of society will only become more and more important."

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | WE LLNE S S

Truly One of A Kind Art

lanawilliamsgallery.com

26407 Preston Avenue Spring, Texas 77373 - OLD TOWN SPRING JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

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T H E WO ODL A N D S

ARTICLE BY MELISSA D’MELLO PHOTOGRAPY PROVIDED

With Over 200 Miles of Trails and Pathways The Woodlands Area Provides Endless Options to Escape Into Nature. If your new year’s resolution involves getting outdoors more, then you are in the perfect community, as most homes in The Woodlands are located within a 10-minute walk to a park. Here are a few of our favorite trails to explore this month.

spring creek NATURE TR AIL

Surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife, this 14-mile natural surface trail was built completely by volunteers and runs along the meandering Spring Creek. With four entrances across The Woodlands, the nature trail is easily accessible and has multiple fishing spots, archery ranges, even an off trail aerial adventure course, and over 100 species of birds. Don’t forget to download the TravelStorys app to enjoy an audio tour as you make your way along this wonderful little slice of paradise in our community.

O UR TOWN | HEA LTH + WELLNE S S

sweetleaf

lone star

Located in the William Goodrich Jones State Forest, which is known for its

If you’re seeking a little more adventure, a 45 minute drive north will take

conservation efforts of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers, the Sweetleaf Nature

you to the longest continuous hiking trail in Texas. The Lone Star Hiking

Trail is a 1-mile loop of urban wilderness. The trail is well marked and runs

Trail is a whopping 129 miles long with 96 miles winding through the Sam

parallel to a creek, complete with a suspension bridge. Along the trail, you can

Houston National Forest and an additional 32 miles of loop and foot-

also see logs of petrified wood, the fossilized remains of vegetation that have

path-only trails. While the trail itself is not very demanding in terms of ele-

transformed to stone. W.G. Jones State Forest offers educational events as well

vation, water sources are not as ample as other large hiking trails, so make

as horseback riding.

sure to carry sufficient water.

NATURE TR AIL

HIKING TRAIL

WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO HIKE LOCALLY OR TAKE ON THE LONGEST TRAIL IN TEXAS, WE HOPE YOU ARE INSPIRED TO EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS! JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

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ARTICLE BY LAURA GREEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN PARISE

Dr. Tiffany Kristensen

WHERE BODY AND MIND MEET AT VIBE, DR. TIFFANY KRISTENSEN GETS TO THE ROOT OF ILLNESS SO THAT PATIENTS CAN ACHIEVE HEALTHIER LIVING

H OU SE CA LL | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

MEET DR. KRISTENSEN Dr. Tiffany Kristensen, owner of VIBE Acupuncture & Holistic Healing Center, received her doctorate from Pacific College of Health and Science and a masters from the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). In addition to VIBE, she works one day a week at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center as lead acupuncturist and is part of the school staff at ACAOM. She has extensive training on the mind-body connection and understands the psychosomatic cause of many illnesses, not only treating them through with natural means, but also teaching patients how to understand the psychological aspect that led to the disease and how to re-navigate to a healthier body and mind.

THE HOW AND WHY OF CHINESE MEDICINE Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is thousands of years old and focuses on the root causes of an issue. “Acupuncture and herbs are highly researched and becoming more and more evidence-based,” says Kristensen. “A TCM practitioner can be viewed as someone who can often treat anything that a general practitioner would treat, but using acupuncture and herbs, or other natural means.” Allergies, chronic sinus infections, fertility issues, hormonal issues, COVID “long-hauler” symptoms, neuropathy, high blood pressure, migraines, auto-immune issues, digestive problems, and back/neck pain are examples. HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS Does acupuncture hurt? “Usually, no,” says Kristensen. “It’s actually a very relaxing experience. If you walk in feeling nervous and anxious, you will walk out feeling refreshed, renewed and lighter.” She says acupuncture can work in many ways. Some points stimulate nerves, while others are known to have high concentrations of mast cells, stimulating healthy immune response. Acupuncture activates your body’s natural opioid system, says Kristensen, releasing endorphins. It can create trauma in specific areas and speed the healing process. It affects the autonomic nervous system, helping to naturally regulate hormones. It can also release muscle tissue, providing needed relief.

DR. TIFFANY KRISTENSEN

TREATING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION Although patients don’t usually walk in for anxiety or depression, Kristensen says most tend to check those boxes. “Treating these illnesses is a passion of mine. We can become addicted to stress hormones in the same way we get addicted to opioids. When a person is constantly in fightor-flight mode, it can elevate blood sugar, blood pressure, and cause inflammation throughout the body. Chronic stress can lead to diseases such as fibromyalgia, infertility, IBS, osteoporosis, and more. Along with acupuncture treatment, I teach my patients how to reverse the addiction to cortisol and adrenaline through meditation and visualization, essentially teaching them to be their own best doctor over time!”

Meditation Room

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

Change Your View of retirement LiVing!

The Village at The Woodlands® Waterway Located directly on the scenic waterway, the setting is perfect. And from the indoor heated pool to the restaurant-style dining room and beautiful private residences, you’ll find retirement simply looks better here— inside and out.

Respite care also available! Now caregivers can recharge, recoup and relax, too. Loved ones can enjoy all the benefits of professional short-term assisted living and memory care in a furnished apartment designed to make them feel right at home.

Call (281) 292-4600 to visit and see for yourself.

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TIPS AND INSIGHT TO KEEP YOUR WORKOUT GOALS ON TRACK

ARTICLE BY LAURA GREEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LENORA STEIN

What Fitness Experts Want You to Know

Warming up for a class

Working out and staying healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. These local fitness experts offer sound advice for staying on track and reaching your fitness goals this year.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FI TNE S S

Kelly Burgoon of Mōtiv

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE KEEP IN MIND AS THEY START A NEW FITNESS REGIMEN? Our world expects fast results, like shopping at Amazon, so people often think they’re going to lose a lot of weight or feel great immediately. But it’s a process, and there are other factors they need to gain control of, like bad sleeping and eating habits. IS THERE A KEY TO STAYING COMMITTED? Community is important. It’s hard to sustain your routine by yourself. People showing up in person, working out together and forming friendships, all of that contributes to accountability. It’s hard to get up at 5 a.m. and work out alone! WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET THE MOST OUT OF ANY WORKOUT? You need the right fuel. Drink enough water and get enough protein before you go to a spin class or get on a trampoline. ANY OTHER TIPS FOR MAINTAINING HEALTH AND FITNESS? Don’t get caught up in diet culture. Exercise for the way it makes you feel, not just the way it makes you look. Working out should not be a punishment. You should be thinking, “This is fun, and I’m thankful to move my body.”

Kelly Burgoon

Instructor, Mōtiv Fitness — The Woodlands

SHARE A KEY EXERCISE FOR A HOME WORKOUT. It’s important to maintain and enhance functional movements for everyday life activities—like lifting a car seat with your toddler in it! In class, we do roll ups. Lie down completely on the ground, bring your arms up over your head without lifting the legs—peel yourself up off the ground without anything to assist you. Strengthening your core and hamstrings is key. I’ve had 85-year-old women in my class who were stronger than a 22-year-old girl! Whether you’re a biker, runner, skier, or a grandma, everybody needs a strong core.

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

Angelyne To-ong Owner and Instructor, The Woodlands Lagree

Angelyne To-ong of The Woodlands Lagree

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE FOR A WORKOUT? Before exercising, some people think, “Don’t eat.” But you need to eat and drink something ahead of time. You need that fuel to complete the workout. Also, breathe deeply and stretch! GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO HELP PEOPLE MAINTAIN THEIR 2022 FITNESS GOALS. Your workout has to become part of your life, and you need to focus on a goal. Honestly, the people who make it a part of their daily routine, who have goals—to get back to pre-pregnancy weight or to improve their core—they have that goal in mind, and it keeps them going. They see the progress—they can hold a plank now, they can accomplish the harder moves.

D EEA H PALTRT HY M ELIF N TE ST | CATEG Y LE | ORY FI TNE S S

WHAT’S A FITNESS MYTH YOU’D LIKE TO DISPEL? It’s not true that you have to eliminate carbs to look fit. Focus on the good carbs. You need them for energy when you’re working out!

A class at the Lagree studio

IN ADDITION TO REGULAR EXERCISE, HOW CAN PEOPLE MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE? The number one thing is a consistent, healthy diet—breakfast, lunch, dinner— with healthy snacks in between. Eat real food in addition to being active at least 3 to 4 times a week. SHARE A KEY EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE WORKING OUT AT HOME. Doing planks will keep your core strong, which is crucial as you get older. Planks engage and strengthen your entire core, helping with posture, balance, and stability, all of which help prevent back injuries. Put your forearms on the floor, keep your neck and spine aligned, and hold yourself up with your toes. You can also do them straight-armed. Start out at 15 seconds, then challenge yourself to increase your time by 5 seconds each day until you get to 1 to 2 minutes every day.

CONTINUED >

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JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

Gonzales instructing a class at Torched

ANY ADVICE FOR REACHING FITNESS GOALS IN THE NEW YEAR? People get so amped up that they try to go from zero to 100. Instead of dipping a toe into the water on exercise, they’ll go all out. They put themselves behind the 8-ball and end up so sore, they can’t work out at all. Start with small goals. Get someone who’s an expert who can onboard you at the right speed. THAT FIRST DAY OF STARTING A NEW FITNESS PROGRAM, WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE KEEP IN MIND? Come with an open-mindedness. It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Enjoy the journey. Be ready to learn. No pressure. IS THERE A MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT EXERCISE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO CLEAR UP? It drives me crazy, and the idea never goes away. If someone is trying to lose weight in their mid-section,

D EEA H PALTRT HY M ELIF N TE ST | CATEG Y LE | ORY FI TNE S S

they do a thousand crunches—the idea of targeted weight loss or fat loss. Instead, the answer is a healthier lifestyle overall—exercise and diet together. BESIDES EXERCISE, ANY TIPS FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE? Find simple ways to make each meal healthier. What works best to give you the energy you need during the day? What can you adhere to? I personally try to stay away from anything drastic where you’re cutting out everything. Tinker with it. Be smart. WHAT’S A GO-TO EXERCISE THAT SHOULD BE PART OF ANY HOME WORKOUT? Squats are important. During the pandemic, people have been sitting on the couch doing work from a laptop. They lose strength in their quads, glutes and hamstrings. The older we get, the more difficult a squat can become to perform. Do them with or without weights.

Nick Gonzales Program Director, Torched Krav Maga

Program director Nick Gonzales of Torched Krav Maga

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

Tracy Cowley Owner, Row House Hughes Landing

ANY WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PEOPLE STARTING A NEW FITNESS REGIMEN? The hardest part for anyone is to walk through the door. Staying fit and healthy has been a challenge for a lot of people. People may have gained weight during the pandemic, and since rowing is effortbased, we can meet you right where your fitness level is today. Anyone can work out and get back to being active. Get moving! WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR STAYING COMMITTED? Set a meeting with yourself about your health and wellness. Treat your workout as something you can’t miss. Your boss would never cancel an important meeting, so why would you? You may be tired when you walk in, but you’ll be so glad you did it!

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FI TNE S S

Row House owner Tracy Cowley

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE PREPARE FOR A WORKOUT? Do a stretch warmup, then a five-minute stretch after your workout. [For a professional deep stretch, Cowley suggests StretchLab, which she also owns.] Hydration repairs muscles, so hydrate before, during, and after a workout. When we don’t do these things, it makes us susceptible to injury. Your body, as you age, is not meant to be flipped on like a microwave. It’s more like an oven. ANY OTHER TIPS FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE? Balanced eating. You don’t have to be perfect, but eat more from the healthier side. We live in a fast-paced society, and we eat on the go. Don’t grab what’s not good for you. Diet is the majority of what makes you healthy. Exercise is one component. SHARE A KEY EXERCISE FOR A HOME WORKOUT. Walkout to a plank: Hands on the floor, slowly walk out to full plank, then stand up again. Start on your knees, if you need to. Do three sets of 15. Planks engage your core and upper body. Also, do slow, methodical squats, or modify your squat into a wall-sit. You’ll be using your quads, the largest muscles in the body.

A full row class at Row House

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9 9 4 0 Wo o d l a n d s P a r k w a y, S u i t e 3 0 0 T h e Wo o d l a n d s , Te x a s

VBEF JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

BRINGING BACK THE GLAMOUR

Courtney Wilkerson, owner of Pell 1990 (photos courtesy of Megan Owen Photography)

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | STY LE + BE AUTY

HOUSTON’S DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED SURGEON

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The era of the 1990’s evokes fond pop culture memories of people like Brittney Spears, the Spice Girls, Justin Timberlake and the cast of Friends. A playful glamour, a sense of fun, seem to have been hallmarks of that pre-9/11, pre-pandemic time.

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4800 W. Panther Creek Parkway Ste. 200 The Woodlands, TX 77381 CONTINUED >

NOW OPEN IN THE WOODLANDS MEMORIAL - GALLERIA

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

Courtney opened the boutique in fall 2021.

COURTNEY WILKERSON’S PELL 1990 BOU T IQU E IS A N ODE TO T H E JOYS OF FA S H ION

“Women shouldn’t have to travel far to find the clothes they love.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | STY LE + BE AUTY

Courtney Wilkerson’s new boutique pays homage to that feeling. The shop’s name, Pell 1990, is a combination of Courtney’s maiden name and her birth year. She opened the shop last October with the goal of creating a destination fashion experience, a place where women can find the fun, effortlessly stylish pieces from top labels they might otherwise drive miles to find. “Women shouldn’t have to travel far to find the clothes they love.” The oldest of 5 sisters, Courtney developed an eye for style as a teenager working at Abbey Road, a well-known boutique that was located in The Woodlands. She fell in love with the world of high fashion and was drawn to the aesthetic she found when shopping at the likes of Intermix and Tootsie’s in Houston. With Pell 1990, Courtney says her goal is to bring some of those same lines and more to The Woodlands-Spring, creating a place that women can rely on as a source for versatile clothes that will make them look and feel smashing wherever they go. The boutique is a treasure chest, filled with the latest fashion edits. “Like a trip to your best friend’s closet,” says Courtney--a friend with impeccable style sense, that is! Shelves and racks display the trending essentials—artful print blouses; uber-feminine, floral dresses; billowy knit sweaters; luxurious loungewear--from labels that include A.L.C., Equipment, Nicholas, Rails, Cinq à Sept, and in an exclusive for The Woodlands area, up-and-coming Houston-based designer Christy Lynn Lee’s label, Christy Lynn. Women are ready to put aside the yoga pants and flip flops they’ve worn every day at home during the pandemic, says Courtney. Whether for the board room or the next PTO meeting, she believes the confidence that comes from knowing you look fabulous can be found inside her boutique. Her biggest fashion advice? Don’t worry that you have to adhere to a mandatory look or a set of guidelines that are etched in stone. “Fashion should be fun. It should not be hard.”

The Glade

8 3 2 - 557 - 87 8 1 | g l a d e a r t s fo u n d a t i o n . o r g contact@gladeartsfoundation.org 2 0 0 0 W o o d l a n d s P a r k w a y T h e W o o d l a n d s , Te x a s 7 7 3 8 0 O p e n Tu e s d a y - S a t u r d a y 1 2 P m t i l l l a t e

Christmas Market Days, concerts, art shows and entertainment, come to The Glade this Holiday Season Check out the website for dates and times.

Updated Evening Entertainment and New Exhibits posted daily Follow us on our social media

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

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APPR AISAL

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Houston Galleria

Houston North

Houston West

1001 W Loop S, Ste 205

7302 N Grand Parkway W

738 Highway 6 South #150

Houston, TX 77027

Spring, TX, 77379

Houston, TX 77079

713-629-4543

281-893-4484

281-496-7386

REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

THE WOODLANDS

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Carlton Woods

$3,850,000.00

$3,750,000.00

97%

5 full 3 half

Carlton Woods

$2,380,000.00

$2,230,000.00

94%

108

4 full 1 half

Sterling Ridge

$2,250,000.00

$2,100,000.00

93%

5 full 2 half

East Shore

$1,975,000.00

$1,968,500.00

99%

4 full 2 half

East Shore

$2,100,000.00

$1,880,000.00

90%

5 full 1 half

Carlton Woods Creekside

$1,695,000.00

$1,625,000.00

96%

5 full 2 half

Carlton Woods

$2,350,000.00

$2,129,449.00

96%

135

4 ful 1 half

Carlton Woods

$1,690,000.00

$1,598,000.00

95%

206

5 full 3 half

Sterling Ridge

$1,598,000.00

$1,554,000.00

97%

7 full 1 half

Creekside Park

$1,495,000.00

100%

5 full 2 half

This data is a sampling of sold properties from a previous month. Source: IRES MLS system.

The Top 10 Highest Dollar Sales in The Woodlands referenced f rom MLS

Working for You

Carol Knott Tefft is one of the hardest working agents in this marketplace. Find out why her team has been named a Top 500 RE/MAX Real tor ® for the past 10 years.

Give me a call today! Carol Knott Tefft (713) 253-7812 TheHometownTeam.com

Off ice (281) 370-5100

carol@thehometownteam.com JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH E WO O D L A N D S

ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD

Achieve Healthy Skin by Optimizing Your Biome

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LENORA STEIN

Like forests, people are habitats where flora and fauna form biomes. “When we talk about a biome, we are talking about the trillions of cells in and on our bodies that make us what we call humans,” says Amy Reynolds, a nutritionist and wellness consultant with 40 years of experience. “Keeping our good bacteria healthy means eating and putting healthy nutrients on our skin.” A Houston native with a degree from the University of Houston, Amy has traveled the globe studying food, herbology, and natural healing processes. After living in Peru for the past several years, Amy is back and putting her experience to work at her new company, Up! Natural Products.

As part of this venture, Amy developed a skincare line called Biome Supercell. Many companies claim to be all-natural, yet “If you look at their ingredients, they’re not,” Amy says. “I just wanted to prove I could make a skincare line that is 100% pure, and Biome Supercell is.” Amy believes using plant-based products like hers, which are adaptogenic, is crucial to achieving healthy skin but adds, “The health of your skin is determined by more than what you put on it.” To get your biome functioning optimally, Amy advises you also reduce stress by utilizing meditation and healing plans. In addition, she recommends a diet that includes high amounts of diverse fiber to feed your gut’s microbiome. She says aligning your inner balance “makes you look good and feel vibrant.”

S KIN CA R E | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S

amy reynolds

up! natural products

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