Tulsa, OK April 2026 by City Lifestyle

THE BALANCE PHILOSOPHY

We believe that optimal health is the foundation of confidence and longevity. Our approach is built on three fundamental pillars: Medical Excellence, Personalized Care, & Holistic Wellness. We’re committed to helping you achieve your beauty and wellness goals, and your journey to optimal health begins with understanding, continues with transformation, and results in a more confident, balanced you.

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The Power of Investment

Investment, by definition, is devoting time, effort, energy, or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in many areas of our lives—our community, relationships, finances, faith, and health—hoping our efforts will create a positive impact. We invest in our community by supporting local businesses, schools, and organizations, volunteering our time, and investing in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and remain educated and engaged in future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meet long-term goals, and secure our future. On a personal level, we invest in our families by intentionally giving our time and energy to the people who matter most. These investments often yield the most meaningful returns, impacting not only ourselves but those closest to us.

Motherhood has reshaped the way I think about investment, especially as a first-time mom to my 12-month-old son. One of the most important investments I make each day is the love, time, and energy I pour into raising him to be kind, compassionate, and thoughtful. Every bedtime story, every scraped knee kissed, and every word of encouragement is an investment in his future. I hope to teach him kindness by showing it, resilience by modeling it, and love by giving it freely.

Equally important to me is investing in my relationship with the Lord. Through faith, prayer, and intentional spiritual growth, I find peace, guidance, and perspective that ground me in each season of life and shape how I love, serve, and show up for those around me.

While investing in ourselves, our relationships, our community, and our finances may look different for each person, the common goal remains the same: to create a positive impact that yields lasting results. In this issue, we explore meaningful ways to do just that—from investing locally as May West shares her favorite Tulsa spots, to investing financially as we learn about Don Conwell and his team, alongside insights from Arvest on the role of a private banker. We’re also reminded of the importance of investing in ourselves through stories from Emily McClure and Jennifer Cook, and of investing in the spaces we live in with Amish Craft Furniture and Southwood Landscape and Garden, where beauty, function, and longevity come together.

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Macye Reynolds | macye.reynolds@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Brock Reynolds | brock.reynolds@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kacey Gilpin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lily Siemens, Heather Broomhall

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Now at Tulsa Body and Sculpting: Emsella

Emsella is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment designed to strengthen the pelvic floor and improve urinary incontinence and overall core wellness. Often called the “Kegel Throne,” this advanced technology allows clients to sit fully clothed while delivering up to 11,200 pelvic floor contractions in a 28-minute session. With no downtime, Emsella supports women’s intimate health and men’s wellness, delivering impressive results for both. Book your session today!

Photography by Lily Siemens

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

for the exclusive reveal and more with Tim Tebow unfiltered.

the first time ever, Tim shares the inspiration behind a project he’s been holding close to his heart.

Redefining MVP

FEATURING TIM TEBOW

The Role of Private Bankers

HOW THESE EXPERTS ARE MANAGING COMPLEX FINANCIAL LIVES FOR TULSANS

Photography by: James Meierotto

Provided by: Arvest Bank

For busy professionals, managing all aspects of their finances can feel like another full-time job. Emails ping at 6 a.m., invoices stack up by noon, and the demands of both personal and professional finances never seem to end. This is where private bankers can help.

Previously regarded as exclusive to the ultra-wealthy, more professionals are discovering that private banking is accessible to support their growing financial picture, says Nikki Rex, senior vice president and private banking manager with Arvest Bank – Tulsa Region.

“It’s a common misconception,” Rex explains. “Our clients are diverse, from small business owners to health care professionals. The goal of private bankers is to handle the financial complexities so our clients can focus on what they do best.”

While the qualifying amount varies by financial institution and region, clients who work with a private banker receive a more personal level of service than in traditional banking. A dedicated private banker handles everything from opening a checking account to coordinating a complex business loan.

Rex notes that clients who benefit from private banking are those with a variety of financial matters. “We’re there to simplify the process by serving as a single point of contact and providing personalized financial solutions,” she adds.

The Arvest Private Banking team collaborates with experts to help clients meet their goals. This approach includes a range of products and services tailored to their needs, including essential banking services such as loans and lines of credit, investment management, estate planning and other financial solutions.

“Our clients are experts in their fields and find value in our ability to simplify their financial life,” Rex says. “This is especially true for small business owners and physicians whose passion and expertise are undeniable

but whose financial complexity often requires the strategic guidance that a private banker can provide.”

A trusted private banker works closely with clients and advisors to find personalized solutions to manage complex financials. They can provide guidance to manage daily operations and help businesses expand when the time is right. Starting a new business? Private bankers can work with lenders on financing or connect clients to prospective partners. Starting a new residency? A private banker can help physicians secure a home loan with flexible underwriting, so clients can settle into the community.

Their needs aren’t just about the present, says Rocky Allison, vice president and senior private banking officer for Arvest Bank - Tulsa Region. Whether someone is early in their career or planning for retirement, a private banker can help with short- and long-term goals. “Private bankers don't just manage money,” she explains. “We see ourselves as partners in life’s big decisions, providing tailored solutions that fit our clients’ unique journey.”

At Arvest, the private banking team works closely with Arvest Wealth Management to help clients move from the "accumulation" to “distribution” phase. “Successful professionals work hard to earn what they have, so it’s understandable that they would want to ensure their estate is fully safeguarded,” Allison says. Private bankers can collaborate with financial advisors to create a retirement plan and work with trust officers to design succession plans for retirement, disability, or death, as well as insurance plans.

For Rex, the ability to help people reach their financial goals and ensure their legacy continues is why she loves her work. “Time is our most valuable asset,” she says. “Managing an increasingly complex financial life shouldn't cost us more of it.”

“Time is our most valuable asset. Managing an increasingly complex financial life shouldn't cost us more of it.”

“Private bankers don't just manage money. We see ourselves as partners in life’s big decisions, providing tailored solutions that fit our clients’ unique journey.”

Photo: Provided by Arvest Bank. Back row L-R: Logan Anderson, Taylor Ohl, Nikki Rex, Stacey Nester, Rocky Allison. Front row L-R: Makala Rebholz, Brittney Perez, Molly Francisco

Compassionate Care. Room to Bloom.

What We Offer:

Personalized

Flexible

Support

Compassionate

LOC AL ESTHETICIAN AND MASSAGE THERAPIST EMILY MCCLURE

COMBINES CLINICAL SKINCARE WITH LUXURIOUS RELAXATION

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KACEY GILPIN

DIVIDENDS BEAUTIFUL

With the fast pace of life, oftentimes it’s difficult to remember how vital it is to care for yourself, both physically and mentally. Stress is as common as ever as our society continues to speed up in the quickly advancing age of instant communication and information. As we all know, over time, stress can take a toll on your body. Emily McClure is a local esthetician and massage therapist bridging the gap between clinical skincare and luxurious relaxation. Her goal is to improve the wellness and overall quality of life of her clients by helping them feel more confident in their own skin while also counterbalancing the effects of daily stressors. For Emily, choosing to build her bespoke business locally was a natural choice. Born and raised in Broken Arrow, Emily has always felt a deep connection

to the Tulsa community. “I feel like Tulsa does a really good job of taking care of Tulsa,” she says. And when it comes to self-care, she wants her community to know: “It's a process. It's all a process.”

Emily’s approach is built on a foundation of profound empathy. Years ago, she battled acne and faced the challenge of learning how to heal her skin. This experience sparked a passion for education in the skincare space for Emily. Today she acts as a guide for clients trying to navigate an overwhelming beauty market, helping them find solutions to their skincare needs and build their confidence. “I really wanted to help people, to use my knowledge and my expertise to say, ‘I understand what you’re dealing with and I’m here to tell you how we can fix it,’ because that would have been nice for me to have years ago,” Emily explains. Ultimately, she wants each client to know that her treatment room is a safe space. “I don’t want someone to feel judged. You don’t know what you don’t know.”

CONTINUED >

Guessing with trendy skincare products is a bad investment. Emily advocates for a streamlined philosophy: start with a simple, solid routine and gradually introduce targeted clinical treatments, such as Corrective Enzymes, Nano Infusion, or an Oxygen Rx treatment. Partnering with a professional is the smartest way to curate this routine. “It takes the guesswork out of all of it,” she says. This collaboration is essential for long-term improvement. “I think estheticians typically will say it's 80% home care, 20% treatment,” Emily notes.

Consistency is the hallmark of any smart investment, and your daily routine protects the powerful work done in the studio. Because skin operates on a 30-day cycle, monthly facials allow Emily to monitor changes, adjust for seasonal shifts, and address concerns in real-time. By maintaining a monthly schedule, you're investing in preventative care, catching signs of aging or barrier damage early rather than reacting to a full-blown crisis. As Emily wisely points out, “Catching issues before they’re more drastic makes them easier to correct.”

But Emily’s studio offers much more than just a glowing complexion; it provides a profound investment in your mental wellbeing. There is a deep, proven connection between stress reduction and physical appearance. Thanks to her dual licensing, Emily goes beyond standard clinical facials. She integrates her massage therapy expertise into her services, incorporating soothing lavender and eucalyptus aromatherapy, along with tension-melting neck, décolleté, and peppermint scalp massages. “We don't have enough time to relax, breathe, and enjoy the moment,” she observes. “We're always onto the next thing, so to be able to come in and have that calming experience really helps.”

Time spent in Emily’s studio isn’t just a fleeting afternoon luxury; it is a vital, holistic reset for the mind and body. Prioritizing wellness is a crucial part of a successful, well-rounded lifestyle. For Emily, her mission is not only to help improve her clients’ quality of life, but also to develop a personal connection with them and let them know they have an advocate in her. “Building a relationship is the most important thing for me. While it provides me with valuable insight that improves results, it also develops trust with my clients.” By trusting an expert with your skincare and relaxation needs, you are making an investment that pays beautiful dividends every single day.

@empower_with_integrity empowerwithintegrity

CRAFTING MODERN GENERATIONAL HEIRLOOMS

How Mary, Dale, and Nick Yoder brought timeless craftsmanship to modern furniture

ARTICLE BY BROCK REYNOLDS

When you hear the phrase “Amish furniture,” your mind might instinctively envision heavy, rustic oak pieces suited for a traditional farmhouse. While those classic styles certainly hold their charm, the modern reality of Amish craftsmanship extends far beyond rustic styles. Today, it seamlessly complements the interiors of Tulsa’s finest homes. At the forefront of this aesthetic evolution is Amish Crafted Furniture. As the local business marks its 20th anniversary this year, it continues to prove that centuries-old woodworking is the ultimate secret to bespoke, contemporary furniture.

“I wasn’t very familiar with the Amish furniture at that time. I had in mind the oak, more country, rough; not very fine furniture. I really wanted to bring a modern approach to Amish furniture. More contemporary styles; what I would want in my home,” Mary says.

The authenticity of Amish Crafted Furniture is rooted deeply in the heritage of its founders, Mary and Dale Yoder. Having both grown up within the Amish community, the couple possesses a profound understanding of the craftsmanship involved, as well as an exclusive link to the artisans who bring these designs to life. “My husband and I both grew up Amish, which is how we have close relationships with these Amish artisans. My cousin is actually one of the builders,” says Mary.

This foundation of authenticity extends beyond the showroom floor and into the very fabric of the Yoder family. Married for thirty-seven years, Mary and Dale have raised four sons—James, a firefighter captain; Nick, a co-owner in the furniture business; Shawn, a sawmill owner; and Eric, a Marine officer— and are now the proud grandparents of sixteen. The dedication, hard work, and family-centric values that define their personal lives are echoed in how they operate their business.

However, the journey to becoming Tulsa’s premier destination for high-quality furniture was born out of a leap of faith. Twenty years ago, the couple was navigating the lingering economic uncertainties that followed 9/11. Dale, an entrepreneur at heart with an eye for opportunity, was approached about the opportunity of opening an Amish furniture store in the small town of Chouteau. Mary, admittedly more cautious, sought a sign that this was the right path. "We prayed a lot about starting this business, asking God for confirmation on our decision. We did get a lot of confirmation, but the biggest confirmation came

when we were pricing out furniture. We were having doubts at the time, but one day before we were even opened, a pastor came in, purchased the Lord's Prayer plaque, and prayed a blessing over our new business. That was the confirmation we had prayed for, and He certainly has blessed it,” reflects Mary.

The business officially opened in 2006 and quickly found a dedicated clientele. Over the next decade, a recurring theme emerged: many of their customers were driving in from Tulsa, repeatedly asking when the Yoders would bring their exceptional pieces to the city. Listening to the feedback, they relocated to Tulsa in 2016. The response was immediate, and the business grew more in its first two years in Tulsa than it had in the entirety of its time in Chouteau.

A significant catalyst for this explosive growth was Mary’s role as the showroom’s curator. Recognizing the discerning tastes of Tulsa homeowners, she took it upon herself to shatter the “country oak” stereotype and elevate the store's offerings. "I wasn't very familiar with the Amish furniture at that time. I had in mind the oak, more country, rough; not very fine furniture. I really wanted to bring a modern approach to Amish furniture. More contemporary styles; what I would want in my home," Mary says.

Amish Crafted Furniture prides itself not only on the quality and craftsmanship of their furniture, but also how the material is procured and built. With wood and hardware ethically sourced from here in the United States, built by artisans that Mary and Dale know personally, they are able to confidently offer the highest quality of furniture one can find.

In a modern consumer era increasingly dominated by mass-produced, transient goods, the Yoders offer something incredibly rare: permanence. The robust, solid-wood construction of their furniture ensures that it does not just fill a space; it anchors a home for generations. "We want our clients to have something that they can pass down to the next generation,” Mary says.

Because they firmly believe in the unparalleled durability of their artisans’ work, the Yoders back their furniture with a lifetime warranty. But beyond the physical product, it is the genuine warmth and respect offered to every client that transforms first-time customers into lifelong patrons. "Our goal is for people to feel comfortable when they come into our store. We care for them, and we want them to feel like they've been treated with respect."

Ultimately, the greatest reward Mary and Dale experience from their business is the positive impact their furniture leaves on their clients. Their mission is to provide peace of mind and warmth to every client’s home through high quality furniture that will exceed expectations and earn the trust of their customers.

Left to Right: Nick, Dale, and Mary Yoder

Secure your future with real estate investments.

Real estate is a powerful tool for building long-term wealth and security. No longer reserved for industry insiders, property investment is becoming a cornerstone for those who want their capital to work as hard as they do. It can help diversify your portfolio, protect against inﬂation and create multiple income streams through rentals and real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Investing in real estate can be complex, but when done carefully, it can yield signiﬁcant ﬁnancial rewards. An Arvest Wealth Management advisor can help you understand how real estate investments align with your goals.

WISDOM, CALMNESS, AND CARE

GUIDED BY FAITH, DON CONWELL LEADS A PURPOSE-DRIVEN TEAM DEDICATED TO THE DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP. ARTICLE BY

Faith is the center of Don Conwell’s purpose. While now a senior consultant at First United Bank Mortgage Group, Don did not start his career in the real estate industry. “I didn’t find this career until I was 42,” says Don, “but I have always known that God is going to put what he wants me to do right in front of me.” He has dedicated his life not to his specific career path, but to adding value to those around him down every avenue of life. “He is a Godly man. His faith shines through first, and that's very important to me. I think that comes through in all that he does—in his work and the way he talks to people and cares for people,” says Jordan, his longest tenured team member, working closely with Don for 17 years.

BROCK REYNOLDS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KACEY GILPIN

Don’s team at First United Bank Mortgage Group is a family that has each other’s backs. “I am loyal to Don because he has always been loyal to me. I know that he's always going to take my best interests to heart and make sure I'm well cared for,” Jordan says. The true strength in the Conwell team lies in the common faith and purpose that they all live by. With Austin connecting the team to the community and driving growth, Jordan adjusting and fine-tuning the operations, Jennifer keeping the wheels turning, and Don setting the standard and steering the team's vision, the Conwell team functions as a perfectly calibrated machine. “Don makes me want to be a better person in life in general. Just making good decisions even when they're hard,” says Jordan.

Don believes that authentic leadership requires consistency, holding fast to the same principles in every setting. “You do not

separate your business self from the rest of your life,” he asserts. “I’m the same person no matter where I am or who I’m with.” His integrity is vital in real estate, an industry where his team’s work directly touches the most personal aspects of his clients' lives: their homes. To him, real estate is about nurturing the dream of homeownership. He understands that a home is more than property; it is a sanctuary that strengthens family bonds, stabilizes communities, and builds generational wealth. His goal is to help families thrive.

In a fast-paced industry, Don distinguishes himself through his transparent approach. Instead of needing complete documentation upfront merely to find the maximum loan clients are eligible for, he addresses the practicalities families care about. "I deal with affordability, not approvability," he says. "The first question clients ask themselves is, 'Hey, I wonder what a $2,500 payment would buy us?'" While much of the industry still gates estimates behind credit pulls and paperwork, Don provides clear answers and guidance from day one. "I can tell you with certainty: here's the range of cash to close you'll need, here's the interest range you'll be in, and here's the payment range." This approach to lending highlights the care Don lives and works by. “Just because you qualify for a higher payment does not mean it fits your life,” Don says. “Approval does not equal comfort.” By helping buyers intentionally manage their equity, Don ensures that a new home strengthens a client’s longterm goals rather than competing with them.

Ultimately, Don and his team’s exceptional success is a testament to unwavering integrity. Whether he is guiding a client through a complex purchase or supporting his loyal team, his mission is clear. “I try to bring wisdom, calm, and caring to moments that matter,” he says. “And I believe every moment matters.” Through this principled leadership, Don Conwell and his team continue to build lasting legacies across Tulsa.

Where locals gather, shop small, and build everyday life here

OBSESSED WITH TULSA

ARTICLE BY MAY WEST

Tulsa has a way of making everyday life feel easy. It’s a city where supporting local is second nature and where you’re always one degree from knowing your neighbor. As a Realtor and mom of two girls, I get to experience Tulsa through daily routines and through clients seeing it for the first time. Whether it’s a park afternoon, a favorite shop, or a dinner spot that becomes tradition, investing in Tulsa means investing in the life you build here.

LIVING IN TULSA

As a mom, I tend to judge a city by its parks, and Whiteside is one we return to again and again. It may not be the iconic Gathering Place, but that’s part of its charm. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and always full of families. The playground is great, there’s plenty of space to run, and kids almost always find a friend within minutes. Tulsa has a small-big-town energy where community shows up in simple ways, and this park captures that perfectly.

Mother Road is one of my favorite places to take both clients and my girls. It captures Tulsa’s spirit in one space. You can grab lunch from a local vendor, sit outside, and let the kids play while you actually get a minute to relax. Tulsa supports local like nowhere else, and places like this make it easy to see why. It’s a gathering spot that works for everyone.

SHOPPING IN TULSA

The Meadow Gold District has quickly become one of the most fun areas to wander. There’s history, character, and a growing collection of shops and small businesses that make it feel fresh and local at the same time. Stop into Decopolis, the charming toy store that feels straight out of a storybook, browse the antique shops, and grab a coffee at one of the little cafés along the way. It reminds me of Cherry Street years ago. If I were investing in Tulsa real estate today, this is one of the areas I’d be watching.

Brookside is one of those areas that feels like a built-in routine. You can get a workout in at League Studios, browse Shoppe Sasha and Favored by AK for interior inspiration, and pop into Ribbons when you need something special for an event. It’s walkable, familiar, and always full of life.

Brookside captures what Tulsa does best — supporting local businesses while creating a neighborhood people genuinely want to spend time in.

EATING IN TULSA

As you can imagine, choosing favorites for this section is nearly impossible. Tulsa has a fantastic culinary scene, and one of the reasons I love living here is how easy it is to build routines around local spots. Even just one stretch of Brookside could fill an entire guide. Shades of Brown is a neighborhood staple for coffee, while R Bar is a classic lunch spot to meet friends or catch a game on the patio. For date nights, Doc’s and Malfi both deliver an elevated feel without losing Tulsa’s relaxed charm. Blue Moon has long been an iconic breakfast stop, sitting right next to Breakfast by Day. That’s just one street. Step outside Midtown and the list keeps going. Mizo is my go-to for all-you-can-eat sushi and always a crowd-pleaser. Mi Tierra is a neighborhood favorite for Mexican food, and Boston Deli is a longtime staple for lunch or dinner. Shuffles brings a fun, game-night energy that works for families or friends, and Maple Ridge Grocer might have one of the best breakfast sandwiches in town.

The list keeps growing, and I’m always exploring the best Tulsa has to offer. One of my favorite parts of working with relocation clients is getting to fall in love with Tulsa all over again through their eyes. Showing someone these places for the first time is a reminder that investing in where you live is really about the life you build around it.

May West - Harrison @itsmaywest

The Art of Outdoor Living

Transform your yard into a stunning, functional space with Southwood Landscape and Garden Center—enhancing curb appeal, boosting home value, and creating a personal sanctuary in Green Country

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTHWOOD LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN CENTER

As you navigate the neighborhoods of Green Country, certain homes naturally catch your eye. What makes them stand out so effectively? Usually, it is “curb appeal”—the artful way landscaping, trees, and hardscaping complement architecture. Real estate experts suggest that professional, intentional design can increase home value by 15% and shorten time on the market by weeks. Yet, landscaping is not just for the front yard. Thoughtfully designed backyards serve as home extensions, offering sanctuary and a deep connection to nature. Let’s explore how to elevate your outdoor space this season.

The Foundational Canvas: A vibrant, well-maintained lawn serves as the starting point. It is often the first thing visitors notice—a symbol of pride that some local neighborhoods celebrate annually. Beyond the curb, healthy turf acts as an inviting stage for family life, from children’s games to evening gatherings. By incorporating defined borders or decorative edging, you transform an ordinary grass patch into an intentional, organized feature.

Structural Beauty: Trees provide essential depth and functional benefits. Beyond their seasonal beauty—the spring blooms and striking winter bark—well-placed trees offer significant cooling benefits. They can shade your home, potentially lowering energy bills by up to 25%. In the backyard, these natural giants define outdoor rooms, turning a sunny patio into a cool, shaded oasis perfect for relaxing throughout the warm summer months.

Texture and Privacy: Shrubs, both evergreen and deciduous, introduce vital layers of texture and color. A thoughtful mix ensures your garden looks vibrant in all four seasons. In private backyard settings, strategic shrub placement creates essential privacy, muffles noise, and separates functional zones—such as distinguishing a quiet reading nook from a lively dining deck.

Color and Character: Flowering plants offer immediate value. Annuals provide bursts of seasonal color, while perennials return year after year. Applying a fresh layer of contrasting bark mulch serves a dual purpose: it makes colors pop and conserves soil moisture while suppressing weeds. These elements allow you to personalize your space and create a welcoming environment for guests.

Hardscaping and Focal Points: Hardscaping— stone paths, retaining walls, patios, and fire pits—is where functionality meets artistry. These features

anchor the landscape. Installing these heavy elements is best handled by professionals who understand site drainage and structural integrity. A well-designed path improves accessibility, while a patio becomes a seamless outdoor dining room. Finally, consider a specimen plant. A Japanese maple or a flowering dogwood creates a powerful “wow” factor. These focal points are best enjoyed from both inside and out, creating a cohesive visual connection between your interior living space and your garden.

Start Your Transformation: Today’s homeowners increasingly view their landscapes as essential, daily living areas. With expert planning, your yard becomes a beautiful, functional asset that enhances your property value and elevates your quality of life in the process. If you are ready to boost your curb appeal, Southwood Landscape and Garden Center is here to guide your unique journey. From bespoke custom designs to fullscale yard transformations, our studio specializes in bringing your vision to life. As Green Country’s largest independent garden center, Southwood is your premier, trusted local partner.

Visit [SouthwoodGardenCenter.com/landscaping] today to explore our professional services and finally begin your much-anticipated outdoor garden space transformation now. Let Southwood create the perfect garden that you have always envisioned for yourself and your family, ensuring that your home remains a truly stunning destination.

GRAND REOPENING

Wellness Reinvented

Tulsa’s Jennifer Cook blends high-tech treatments and holistic health, helping clients restore their bodies, reclaim their time, and live boldly.

For Jennifer Cook, the journey into the wellness industry didn't begin with a traditional business plan; it began with a profound personal turning point. After a fulfilling 16-year career in public education, the sudden loss of her mother to vascular dementia shifted her perspective entirely. Guided by grief but fueled by a newfound desire to live boldly, Jennifer decided it was time to step far out of her comfort zone. Encouraged by her entrepreneurial husband, she took a leap of faith and purchased a local body sculpting facility in Tulsa.

“I always thought, Mom's not here, but she'd want me to step outside my comfort zone," Jennifer reflects. "If I think it's a fun idea to buy a spa and try this out and do something new and different with my life, I need to be brave like she was, and I need to just try.”

That bravery quickly transformed the facility’s DNA. Jennifer didn't just want to run a traditional inch-loss center focused solely on superficial results. Instead, she rebranded the space as Tulsa Body Sculpting & Collective Wellness. Her vision was to bridge the gap between aesthetic contouring and deep, restorative cellular health, creating a holistic sanctuary that addresses the body as an interconnected system.

ARTICLE BY BROCK REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILY SIEMENS

“I completely flipped the switch on this place and turned it into less of a 'just come here to make yourself look better and fit in your clothes better.' I turned it into a health spa,” she explains.

For Tulsa’s busy professionals and active homeowners, time is the ultimate luxury. Jennifer curated her spa’s offerings to reflect this demanding lifestyle, investing in cutting-edge, non-invasive technology that delivers maximum results with zero downtime. A prime example is the breakthrough BTL Emsella chair, a revolutionary treatment for pelvic floor rehabilitation. In a single, 28-minute session—during which the client remains fully clothed and completely relaxed—the device uses powerful electromagnetic energy to induce the equivalent of 11,200 Kegels. It is a discreet, time-efficient solution for age-related or postpartum urinary incontinence and intimate health, proving that taking care of one’s foundational strength doesn't require surgery or weeks of stressful recovery.

“The core of your body, I realized and learned, is so much more powerful than we ever expected,” Jennifer notes. Beyond the Emsella chair, the spa offers a comprehensive suite of highend therapies designed to optimize longevity and physical vitality within a serene, upscale environment. Clients can access targeted body contouring that utilizes ultrasonic cavitation and laser lipo to naturally shrink fat cells, allowing the body to safely flush them out through the lymphatic system. Full-body Red Light Therapy and Cryotherapy are also cornerstone treatments at the spa. These modalities are highly sought after by those looking to turn back the clock on aging, naturally boost collagen production, accelerate athletic recovery, and soothe chronic joint pain.

What truly elevates Tulsa Body Sculpting & Collective Wellness from a standard day spa to a premier health facility is its medical-grade efficacy. Because these advanced therapies provide legitimate medical benefits, such as reducing chronic inflammation and rehabilitating muscle tissue, many of the treatments are HSA and FSA eligible. For clients, this distinction is a powerful testament to the clinical legitimacy of the services provided. It represents a paradigm shift toward proactive, pill-free wellness that genuinely enhances daily quality of life.

Today, Jennifer has successfully channeled her personal loss into a thriving, family-run community asset. She has cultivated a sophisticated space where Tulsa residents don't just go to look their best, but to profoundly heal, recharge, and reclaim their time. By intertwining high-tech aesthetics with holistic health, she honors her mother’s legacy every day, one transformative session at a time.