Aromatherapy, a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and wellness, has continued to grow in popularity, particularly within the fields of science and medicine. Now, OKC-based bath and beauty company Honestly Margo is bringing an aromatherapy line that is simple, clean, and easy to use, no matter where you are.
Honestly Margo was inspired by a young Margo at just 12 years old. Hard at work crafting unique lip balms in the kitchen of her childhood home, Margo’s entrepreneurial spirit grew quickly as business demands ramped up. Now, this mother and daughter team are on a mission to celebrate women’s ability to be empowered, find confidence in themselves, dream big, take chances, and believe that anything is possible that they set their minds to. After all, this dynamic duo is living proof of that!
Honestly Margo has everything you’d ever need to have a spa day at home: from bath and body products like body wash and lotion, to bath bombs, bubble fizz bath powders, and shower sprays, to their extensive aromatherapy line, down to the Goddess and Unicorn beauty lines for women of all ages. Honestly Margo beauty lines offer body and lip balms, including tinted options, as well as roll-on lip gloss and fragrance selections. And their Unicorn Germ Warrior has been approved by the FDA to fight unwanted germs, just in time for the impending flu season.
Their aromatherapy line has been especially popular among customers, especially in recent months. All aromatherapy products are available as a balm, shower mist, lotion, or salt soak, and come in three distinct scents: menthol eucalyptus for serenity, grapefruit citrus clementine for a quick refresh, and lavender aurora for relaxation and rest.
These products are more than just gorgeously packaged, good-smelling solutions: they actually work. When asked why people are drawn to Honestly Margo’s aromatherapy line, co-founder and mom Irene Gianos shared, “The number one reason people love our products is because we offer essential oils that work – all without the mess. Our mess-free balm is easy and clean to use and can be taken on-the-go without worry about it leaking in your bag.”
Whether you’re experiencing achy muscles, allergies, congestion, or insomnia, you will truly feel the Honestly Margo’s aromatherapy line going to work to loosen and relax your body!
All Honestly Margo products are cruelty free, made with natural, organic, and simple ingredients for a fresh and “honest” approach to treat our bodies to a luxurious at home or on-the-go experience. And these versatile options are also the perfect gift to give this holiday season!
“Honestly Margo is about inspiring and empowering people,” Co-founder and daughter Margo Gianos shared, “You create your own opportunities, and Honestly Margo is proof of this. If we can turn a dream into a reality, so can other motivated women!” The brand has been featured on Good Morning America and The View, thanks to being on Oprah’s Favorite Things list.
Ready to get your hands on some of these self-care goodies? Visit honestlymargo.com to see what local business carries these nearest you – or to shop directly online! And be sure to follow the Honestly Margo team on Facebook for all of the latest updates.
Cold and flu season is upon us which means we want to keep our bodies and immune systems as healthy as possible. We put together this delicious immune-boosting soup great for recovery or prevention. It’s hot, steamy broth and a hint of pepper heat get your nose running—great for flushing out sinuses and potentially staving off an infection. This soup is packed with immune-boosting ingredients to keep your body healthy all winter long. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, while garlic provides antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. Turmeric, which is a relative of ginger, contains a powerful antioxidant called curcumin which is responsible for this decrease in inflammation that is oftentimes found to be related to various illnesses. It’s also loaded with antioxidants and vitamins from ingredients such as parsley and kale.
Heat the avocado oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and saute, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery, and garlic and continue sautéing, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened but still al dente, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the chopped chicken and cook just long enough to brown the meat, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, stir well and cover. Cook at a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes (ideally one hour). Taste soup for flavor and add more sea salt if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Buying and selling a home can often be an overwhelming and sometimes lengthy process, so it’s crucial for your overall health and peace of mind to find a trusted partner who will continually guide, communicate, and advocate for you and your family’s needs every step of the way.
Meet Darian Woolbright, a luxury real estate agent ranking in the top 1% of over 5,000 realtors in the Oklahoma City area, and in the top 2% of realtors nationwide. With over 155 homes sold over the past five years and an average 33 days on the market for listed homes, there’s a reason behind the success that she’s seen through the years.
Woolbright approaches real estate as one would a master’s degree – with consistent education, studying the market to understand its current demand and competitive landscape. By listening to her client’s needs and wants, Darian helps families achieve their real estate dreams. Even though she is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, every client can expect to receive a luxury buying or selling experience, no matter their home or budgetary price point.
The key behind a successful sale or purchase of a new home is rooted in a custom-tailored strategy comprised of careful market research, cutting edge technology, and exceptional marketing. The process of listing with Darian starts with a consultation followed by a home evaluation, during which time she and her team of experts can recommend the most advantageous upgrades for a potential listing. Woolbright then studies the current market within the seller’s selected price range and completes an analysis of how many active and recently sold listings there are in the area. From there, a professional stager will set the house up for showings and a commercial grade photographer will capture the home’s best angles for the online listing.
For potential buyers, Darian gathers during the initial consultation more information on what her clients are looking for in their next home. Clients can expect to be well informed throughout the buying process, receiving feedback and negotiation tactics as needed. Both buyers and listers can expect premium assistance during the negotiations. “It’s my job to protect my clients’ biggest investments,” said Woolbright.
In light of COVID-19, the home buying and selling process has naturally been altered in a variety of ways. Realtors are vigilant with precautionary efforts such as limited showings, extra sanitation measures, encouraging mask usage, and no-touch showings. 3D tours are also available, providing state-of-the-art imaging for the ultimate online home tour experience.
According to Woolbright, the real estate market is still strong despite the pandemic, as many individuals still have real estate needs. This is an exceptional time to sell as there is currently a slight decrease in market competition.
When asked what her number one tip is for those looking to put their home on the market, Darian encourages sellers to use a professional stager. “People live in a house very differently than when they are looking at buying a house. Whereas your home may have some natural clutter in areas, a professional stager understands the importance of a clean, simple aesthetic to impress potential buyers,” Woolbright shares.
Beyond her real estate expertise, Darian is a helpful and highly connected community resource. Whether she’s sharing her local home improvement recommendations or fielding questions about investment properties, Darian continues to connect Oklahoma City in big and small ways.
Delving into the real estate market as a buyer or seller is a huge decision, and as in all service industries, not every agent will provide the same experience. From your first home to dream home and everything in between, Darian Woolbright is a dedicated real estate agent with history of success that speaks for itself.
For more information or to schedule a no-obligation consultation, call or text Darian Woolbright at 405-887-3007 or email her at darian@kw.com.
Article By: Samantha Rosenfeld
Fit City: What is the cause of stress urinary incontinence?
Dr. B: If you imagine your bladder is a water balloon. At the opening of the balloon you tie a knot to keep the water inside the balloon. We call this knot the sphincter. Attached to the knot is a straw that drains the balloon when the knot loosens. We call this the urethra. Over time the integrity of the knot can be compromised by injuries leading to a loosened knot. If you now put pressure on the balloon that has a loosened knot, you will start to lose water through the straw. This is exactly what is happening during episodes of stress urinary incontinence.
Fit City: In recent years, women have become the most active group (59%) of runners in sanctioned road races in the United States. One of the more taboo issues many of these women deal with while running is urine leakage. How common is this problem, and who should these women seek out for help with this issue?
Dr. B: We call this condition Stress Urinary Incontinence. You may have Stress Urinary Incontinence if you lose urine during activities such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, and exercise. Physicians who specialize in Urogynecology are experts in the assessment and treatment of women with lower urinary tract issues such as stress urinary incontinence.
Fit City: Are there certain women who are more likely to develop stress urinary incontinence during their lifetime?
Dr. B: Some women carry a genetic predisposition for the development of stress urinary incontinence, but there are other risk factors that can increase the risk of stress urinary incontinence such as a history of pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, chronic cough, chronic heavy lifting, and constipation. The key is anything that causes a woman to bear down repeatedly and at a high pressure can increase the risk of developing stress urinary incontinence.
Fit City: How is stress urinary incontinence diagnosed? What kind of evaluation should I expect when I make an appointment with a doctor to address my concern?
Dr. B: The first step is making an appointment with an Urogynecologist to discuss your unique situation. Your doctor will take a bladder history and assess any risk factors you have for developing stress urinary incontinence. You may be asked to cough during the exam to look for leaking. Your doctor may perform certain tests to ensure your bladder empties correctly and will likely screen you for a urinary tract infection. If there are still questions with regard to your diagnosis, your doctor may order specialized bladder testing to take a closer look at your bladder’s ability to store and empty urine.
Fit City: Once the doctor confirms the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence, are there any lifestyle adjustments I can make to improve my symptoms?
Dr. B: There are both non-surgical and surgical options for the management of stress urinary incontinence. Non-surgical options include lifestyle changes such as fluid intake manipulation and weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight has been shown to reduce symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. If you have constipation issues, have your doctor recommend a bowel regimen for you.
Fit City: Aren’t there specific exercises I can do to strengthen my sphincter muscle?
Dr. B: Yes! With the guidance of a pelvic floor physical therapist, you can learn pelvic floor exercises that can decrease your leaking. Up to 75% of women with stress urinary incontinence show an improvement in symptoms with pelvic floor therapy.
Fit City: For those who have failed lifestyle modifications and pelvic floor physical therapy, what surgical options are available for these women?
Dr. B: For stress incontinence, our goal is to correct the support of the urethra. The most frequently performed surgical option is called a sling procedure. The sling provides improved functioning of the urethral sphincter when you cough, sneeze, or exercise. There are other surgical options that are utilized in more complex situations where we use stitches or harvest a graft of your own tissue to rebuild the urethral support. In some patients who are not ideal surgical candidates, we utilize a hypo-allergenic filler material and inject this into the urethra to decrease the caliber of the urethral tube and to promote new collagen formation. These injections can be performed under anesthesia or in an office setting with success rates up to 80%.
Fit City: How can patients reach you to schedule a visit to discuss their bladder concerns?
Dr. B: Patients can be scheduled with me by calling Optimal Health Associates at 405-715-4496 Monday through Friday. Patients can also refer to our website for more information at www.optimalhealthassociates.com. I can be reached on Facebook and Instagram by using @Oklahomaspelvichealthexpert
To all our female athletes, remember just because a medical issue is common does not mean it is normal. Don’t let your bladder dictate your daily activities.
Generational Recreation Lives on at the Oklahoma Athletic Center
For the residents of Oklahoma City, the facility that now houses the Oklahoma Athletic Center signifies something different for each who has walked through its doors over the past fifty years. For some, it holds memories of time spent together as a family, an evening of recreational activities concluded by a quick stop for ice cream on the way home. For others, it was the place to hang out with friends and have a friendly game of three-on-three – something that often continued into adulthood. No matter one’s memories of the old Lighthouse, it always was a place apart from the noise of the outside world – a place to cherish the time and community created within its walls.
Today, the Oklahoma Athletic Center (OAC) houses over 25,000 square feet of fitness facility with both indoor and outdoor training spaces and a variety of state-of-the-art equipment. OAC Fitness & Performance offers a total health experience that includes personal and small group training, group exercise classes, outdoor sand volleyball courts, indoor turf, and more. As the Center continues to renovate, there are plans to add an Olympic size pool, a therapy pool and eight hardwood basketball courts, providing something for everyone! OAC also plans to have a wellness partner adjacent to the Center who will provide medical offerings such as IV therapy, cryotherapy, and more.
At the foundation of OAC Fitness & Performance is the concept of “elite effort”, an approach that doesn’t represent superiority, but rather a mindset or self-selected standard of excellence. The facility, trainers and staff have created a space where members can rise to be the best version of themselves. OAC’s overall goal is to create a community of individuals who strive to reach their peak performance in all areas of their lives. Because of this total mind-body concept, OAC is the ideal facility for competitive athletes to train, and in early 2020, Oklahoma’s Energy FC designated the Oklahoma Athletic Center as its official strength and conditioning facility.
As part of the organization’s elite effort dedication, they’ve also partnered with Justin Wren and the Fight for the Forgotten, a program with a mission of eradicating bullying through awareness and prevention tactics. OAC is proud to collaborate with this anti-bullying initiative to ensure that the facility is an inclusive, safe place for the entire community.
Perhaps the number one thing that makes the Oklahoma Athletic Center the elite athletic facility it is today is its team of dedicated owners, management, staff, and trainers. These hardworking individuals strive to provide their members with the best support and experience possible each and every day.
The Oklahoma Athletic Center would like to publicly thank the incredible, management, staff, trainers, partners, construction team, and more – those listed below create and sustain the excellence of OAC.
Brian Jamison
Brad Cofer
Garrett Baker
Megan Cowan
Brady Tener
Amaree Brit
Nikole Halladay
Ciera Mitchell
Hannah Hudson
Anysia Romain
Blair Hall
Hayden Keidl
Kaleigh Krimmel
Kimberley Haddock
Miriam Bell
Triston Willis
Dax Hamption
Aaron Diaz
Adam Black
Landry Hammond
Macy Zaloudek
Meghan Black
Reggie Hines
Rob Wood
La’Mere Cornelius
FC Energy
Tom George of QB Impact
Justin Wren and Fight for the Forgotten
DJ Gregory of Skybridge Construction
The OAC membership and staff has a special thanks for the owners, Blaine Dyer and Andrew Schroeder, without whom none of it would be possible. Their constant support of the OAC vision has brought the facility back to life, creating a cornerstone for the community once again.
For more information about the Oklahoma Athletic Center, visit them online at www.oacfitness.com or visit them today to meet the staff and see the facility for yourself! The Oklahoma Athletic Center is located at 3333 West Hefner Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73120.
Boil some water and pour over the noodles in a bowl. Allow them to sit for about 3 minutes (or until softened), then drain and run cool water over them.
Arrange all of your ingredients so they are easily accessed.
Fill a large container or skillet with some warm water, and dip one rice paper roll into it for about 5 seconds. If it’s not completely malleable after 5 seconds, don’t worry- the residual water will seep into it while you are assembling the rolls and make it easy to roll up.
Place the softened rice paper on a plate, and begin layering your ingredients on the bottom half of the paper. Begin with the noodles, then add the carrots, cucumbers, herbs, and finally the shrimp. Then, fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling and roll up like a burrito.
Repeat for the remaining rice paper rolls.
Mix all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
Serve rolls with the sauce for dipping.
Spring cleaning is a great time to clear out anything that is no longer serving you so you can make way for new ideas, perspectives, intentions, and desires. To make we this process a little more enjoyable, we suggest first setting the mood for the space you are about to tackle. Put on your favorite upbeat song and diffuse a relaxing essential oil blend to calm your mind and keep you relaxed throughout the process. Here are our top cleaning and organizing tips from our friends Brooke and Taylor at Relax and Revamp.
Deep Cleaning
Pick one space a week and tackle it. What spaces need the most work? Add those in between easier spaces! These spaces can be as simple as one cabinet. If a full room or closet is too overwhelming- simplify it.
Junk Drawer
Look through that dreaded junk drawer. We all have them but try a seasonal clean out so they don’t get too out of hand!
Think Green
Think Green while cleaning/organizing! What small ways can you add a more “clean green” change in your home? Nontoxic products, more glass less plastic, etc.
Kitchen
Go through your pantry and refrigerator. Wipe down the shelves, and throw away any old items. You’ll be amazed how many items you’ll find have been expired for months.. OR YEARS! Maximize cabinet space in your home with turntables or risers – these are great for items like hair care, spices, oils, etc.
Closet
When was the last time you cleaned out your kiddos closet? Or your own? Pull everything out. Wipe down the drawers and shelves. Start with clothes, then shoes, then accessories. Sort items into donate, sell, or trash piles. If your closet is too small to functionally hold all your belongings, try creating a seasonal storage method.
Makeup
Go through your cosmetics drawer or medicine cabinet and throw away any expired items. If you have organizing inserts in your drawers and find that they are constantly sliding around, use “museum glue” from the container store or Velcro to secure them in their places!
Cleaning Hack- if you’re contemplating if you should hold onto something and you have not used it in the past 6 months to 1 year- donate, sell, or purge it. Don’t over think it, you won’t miss it!
Cleaning Hack- if you have sticky residue from stickers, labels, etc you can use a citrus essential oil blend and rub it on the affected area with a towel and it’ll come right off!
