The holidays invite abundance, with tables overflowing with roasted meats, buttery sides, and more desserts than anyone can count. Yet once the celebration fades, that same abundance can quietly turn into waste. Across the country, millions of pounds of holiday food go uneaten each year, much of it perfectly good. Reducing food waste starts at home and it can be delicious. With a thoughtful approach, those leftovers waiting in your refrigerator can become the foundation for new dishes that are just as vibrant, comforting, and worthy of a second gathering.
Start with the holiday centerpiece: turkey. Shredded turkey can easily be transformed into delicious next-day meals. Add it to a creamy risotto, fold it into a pot pie with root vegetables, or toss it into a grain bowl with roasted squash and a drizzle of cranberry vinaigrette. For a more casual approach, layer it onto toasted bread with brie and arugula for a warm sandwich that balances rich and tart flavors.
Mashed potatoes also lend themselves well to reinvention. Stir in herbs, flour, and an egg to create crisp potato cakes, or use them to top a shepherd’s pie with leftover vegetables and gravy. For something lighter, spoon them into a waffle iron for a savory brunch twist, served with a soft poached egg and cranberry relish.
Cranberry sauce, often overlooked once dinner is over, can play a starring role in the days that follow. Whisk it into a dressing with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a seasonal salad, or use it as a glaze for roasted chicken or vegetables. A spoonful stirred into Greek yogurt or oatmeal brightens a simple breakfast with its sweet-tart flavor.
Stuffing, rich with herbs and texture, can become something entirely new with a bit of heat and creativity. Press spoonfuls into a muffin tin and bake until crisp for individual stuffing cups, ideal for brunch or as a base for poached eggs. It can also be folded into scrambled eggs or used to fill roasted mushrooms for an easy appetizer.
Reducing food waste is about more than saving money. It’s a way to honor the effort that went into every homemade dish, to stretch creativity in the kitchen, and to continue the joy of the season in small, delicious ways. Before tossing anything out, take a quick inventory of what you have and think about how flavors can complement each other. Soups, casseroles, and wraps are all forgiving canvases for leftovers that need a second chance.
Cool air outside meets endless warmth and adventure inside OKANA. The destination’s blend of luxury, recreation, and culture transforms every winter weekend into an inviting escape for families, couples, and friends looking for fun activities. As Oklahoma City slows into the colder months, OKANA offers a place to recharge and reconnect with loved ones through holiday events and onsite happenings. The season is a reminder that even when days are shorter and temperatures drop, opportunities for joy and connection can be found close to home. With kids out of school and schedules more flexible, winter is a perfect time to fill the calendar with experiences that create lasting memories.
This year, guests can gather for a festive Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet, enjoy Breakfast with Santa every Saturday in December, and ring in the new year in style at the New Year’s Eve Dinner and Party. Each celebration is designed to bring people together, share traditions, and capture the warmth of the season.
Winter also brings the gift of rest, and the Spa at OKANA offers a sanctuary for renewal. Guests can step into a world of calm where each treatment is designed to refresh the body and quiet the mind. A thoughtful lineup of seasonal spa promotions makes it even easier to indulge in self-care this year. Guests who spend two hundred dollars or more on spa treatments receive two complimentary waterpark day passes for the same day.
For those looking for the perfect holiday gift, OKANA is offering a limited-time gift card promotion from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Purchases of $250 include an added $25 in value, $500 includes $75 in added value, and $1,000 includes $175 in added value—an easy way to give the gift of experience this season.
Beyond the spa, OKANA remains a destination where locals can enjoy something new with every visit. Families can fill a day with laughter at the arcade, while couples can unwind over a meal or explore themed nights at the indoor waterpark. Opening in early December, Bullseye at the Boardwalk will complete the resort’s dynamic retail and dining lineup, adding even more excitement to the experience.
This season is all about slowing down and finding joy in shared moments. At OKANA, that might mean a cozy dinner with family, a morning at the spa, or a spontaneous evening exploring the waterpark. The experience doesn’t require an overnight stay or even a day pass—just the desire to reconnect and enjoy what’s right here. The resort comes alive with warmth and community, offering a fresh start to the year ahead and countless memories waiting to be made.
Plan your visit or explore the latest events and specials at OKANA.com
@okanaresort
The new year is the perfect excuse to hit refresh and put yourself first. At Aesthetic Center of Excellence, every treatment is designed to leave you feeling vibrant, confident, and ready to take on the year with a healthy glow. The team at ACE focuses on results that enhance your natural beauty while keeping the experience relaxing and enjoyable.
Revitalize and Smooth Your Skin
Uneven texture, fine lines, or sun damage do not have to define your skin. Advanced laser resurfacing treatments, like the Halo laser, renew both the surface and deeper layers of the skin at the same time. This process stimulates new collagen and encourages healthy skin regeneration for a smoother, more radiant complexion. Halo can address a wide range of concerns, including sun damage, discoloration, acne scarring, enlarged pores, rough texture, fine lines, skin laxity, and melasma. The result is clearer, healthier, and more even skin with minimal downtime.
Encourage Natural Collagen Growth
SkinPen microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine, sterile needles to create micro-channels in the skin’s surface. This process stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing response, promoting collagen and elastin production. Over time, this leads to firmer, smoother skin with a more even tone. Microneedling is also highly effective for treating acne scarring, and a series of three to four treatments has been shown to increase collagen production by up to 400 percent. The treatment can also enhance the absorption of topical serums, maximizing their overall effectiveness.
Relax Expression Lines
Dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet around the eyes and lines on the forehead, are caused by repetitive muscle movements. Neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin work by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the targeted muscles, reducing their activity. This results in a smoother appearance of the skin overlying these muscles. Treatments are customized to each patient’s facial anatomy, ensuring natural-looking results that preserve facial expressiveness.
Lift, Sculpt, and Restore Balance
Injectables, including dermal fillers and biostimulators, are designed to restore lost volume, enhance facial contours, and stimulate collagen production. Dermal fillers provide immediate volume correction, smoothing wrinkles and folds. Biostimulators, such as Sculptra, work gradually to stimulate the body’s collagen production, leading to long-term improvements in skin elasticity and volume. These treatments are particularly effective in areas like the cheeks, temples, and jawline, offering a refreshed and youthful appearance.
Refresh and Replenish Between Treatments
Custom medical-grade facials and chemical peels offer a boost in between deeper treatments. Using professional-grade formulations, these procedures exfoliate, brighten, and support skin health. The team personalizes each session to your needs, leaving skin clear, smooth, and ready to shine.
Starting the year fresh feels even better with their new patient specials. $9/unit Tox treatments, $75 off your first Hydrafacial and 20% off skincare make it easy to try out services and experience what they offer. It’s the perfect time to explore new treatments or maintain your existing routine at a great value.
At Aesthetic Center of Excellence, the focus is always on you. Their team blends expertise, care, and a touch of fun to make every visit comfortable and rewarding. Step into the new year with treatments that help you feel confident and fully yourself.
For a complimentary consultation, visit acemedspa.com or call 405-452-0055.
@ace.medspa
Photos by Charlie Neuenschwander
In the heart of Oklahoma City, a dynamic duo is redefining wellness for women navigating the transformative journey of menopause. MECA Mvmt, founded by Hui Cha Poos and Jordan Ballard, emerged from their shared experiences and a deep-seated passion to create a supportive community for women in transition.
Hui, a seasoned dancer and choreographer with over two decades of teaching at the University of Central Oklahoma, and Jordan, a Broadway veteran and fitness educator, combined their expertise to address a glaring gap in the wellness industry. Their mission was clear: to provide a space where women could move, connect, and thrive during a phase often overlooked in traditional fitness settings.
MECA Mvmt isn’t just another fitness class; it’s a movement tailored to the unique needs of women from peri-menopause to post-menopause. The program emphasizes functional movement, strength, and flexibility, all while fostering a sense of community and belonging. Recognizing the challenges that come with hormonal changes, MECA Mvmt offers a holistic approach that integrates physical activity with emotional support, ensuring participants feel empowered and understood.
Strength training is a key element of their classes. Research shows that postmenopausal women benefit significantly from resistance-based exercise, improving bone density, maintaining muscle mass, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. MECA Mvmt incorporates these principles into each session, giving women practical tools to stay strong, healthy, and resilient during menopause and beyond. Movements are carefully designed to engage multiple muscle groups, boost metabolism, and enhance overall functional strength, creating long-term benefits that extend far beyond the studio.
The founders’ commitment to inclusivity is evident in every aspect of MECA Mvmt. The classes are designed to accommodate all fitness levels and backgrounds, ensuring that every woman feels welcome and capable. This inclusive approach extends beyond the studio, as MECA Mvmt actively collaborates with local organizations to further its mission. In 2024, they were awarded a grant from Factory Obscura, an Oklahoma City-based art collective, to develop and expand their program. This partnership led to ongoing sessions and educational events at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, further solidifying MECA Mvmt’s role in the community.
The program thrives on community and connection. Local collaborations and partnerships are central to MECA Mvmt’s mission, creating opportunities for women to engage with trusted experts, explore complementary wellness practices, and feel connected to a supportive network. Every session fosters a sense of belonging, motivating women to show up consistently and invest in themselves while sharing the journey with others who understand the unique challenges of midlife.
MECA Mvmt offers ongoing movement sessions and educational events throughout Oklahoma City, with the calendar updated as new sessions and events are confirmed. The goal is to provide two 4–6 week sessions each quarter, complemented by events that coincide with each session to enhance learning and community connection. If you are interested in hosting a session, attending an event, or suggesting a topic for future programming, please reach out to info@mecamvmt.com. The program invites all women to experience movement that is purposeful, empowering, and designed to support the health and confidence of every stage of life—celebrating strength, knowledge, and community in each session.
At the core of MECA Mvmt is the belief that movement is a powerful tool for healing and connection. The founders understand that menopause is not just a physical transition but an emotional and psychological one as well. By creating a space where women can move together, share experiences, and support one another, MECA Mvmt fosters a sense of empowerment that extends far beyond the studio walls.
In a world where women’s health issues are often sidelined, MECA Mvmt stands as a beacon of support and advocacy. Through their innovative approach to fitness, incorporation of strength training, and unwavering commitment to community, Hui and Jordan are not just teaching women to move—they’re inspiring them to embrace their strength, celebrate their journeys, and thrive in every phase of life.
For more information on MECA Mvmt’s classes and community initiatives, visit mecamvmt.com.
Red light therapy isn’t just a trend. It’s a science-backed treatment delivering full-body benefits that go well beyond the surface. At Red Light Recovery in Norman, Oklahoma, this non-invasive therapy is helping clients feel better, recover faster, and glow from the inside out.
Also known as photobiomodulation, red light therapy involves exposing the body to low wavelengths of red or near-infrared light. Unlike ultraviolet light, which can damage the skin, red light works at the cellular level to activate the body’s natural healing processes and reduce inflammation.
Collagen is the protein responsible for strong, elastic, youthful-looking skin. As collagen production declines with age, fine lines, sagging, and dullness become more noticeable. Red light therapy helps reactivate fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin. With regular sessions, many clients report firmer, brighter skin and a noticeable improvement in tone and texture.
This skin-supporting benefit is one of the most popular at Red Light Recovery, where many notice a refreshed glow within just a few weeks.
From joint stiffness to muscle soreness, inflammation plays a role in many types of discomfort. Red light therapy targets inflammation by energizing mitochondria, increasing ATP production, and supporting the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue. With improved circulation and cellular energy, recovery happens more efficiently and with fewer setbacks.
This makes red light therapy a valuable option for those managing daily stress, autoimmune flare-ups, or high levels of physical activity.
Red light therapy has shown promising results for those living with neuropathy and nerve-related discomfort. By improving blood flow and cellular oxygenation, it can help reduce tingling, numbness, and nerve pain. For many, this gentle and non-invasive option offers much-needed relief and supports long-term nerve regeneration.
At Red Light Recovery, this has become an important part of care for clients managing chronic conditions.
In addition to anti-aging benefits, red light therapy promotes overall skin renewal. By boosting circulation and encouraging faster cell turnover, it helps calm inflammation and reduce concerns like acne, uneven texture, and dullness. Many clients report healthier-looking skin with fewer flare-ups and a more balanced complexion.
One of the most exciting benefits of red light therapy is its ability to enhance overall cellular performance. Healthier cells mean faster healing, improved immunity, and better day-to-day energy. Whether recovering from a recent injury or simply trying to stay ahead of daily wear and tear, red light therapy helps the body recover more efficiently.
This full-body benefit is what makes red light therapy such a valuable wellness tool. It helps maintain momentum, improve how you feel daily, and support the body as it adapts to life’s demands.
At Red Light Recovery in Norman, clients experience these benefits in a clean, comfortable setting, guided by a knowledgeable team. From first-time sessions to regular recovery routines, the team is dedicated to making the experience effective, approachable, and restorative.
To learn more about red light therapy or to schedule a session, visit redlightrecovery.com
This wellness investment could be the key to feeling and functioning your best—inside and out.
@red.light.recovery
New Mom School Edmond offers a unique, research-based program designed to support women during one of the most transformative seasons of life: early motherhood. Their thoughtfully designed classes help moms gain not only valuable knowledge from local experts but also meaningful, lasting connections with other women walking a similar path. The school creates space for learning, reassurance, and real friendship—all while navigating newborn life, sleep deprivation, emotional shifts, and the everyday challenges of caring for a baby.
Newborn Class (0–3 months)
In the newborn class, moms learn to navigate early parenthood with confidence. Topics include infant feeding, sleep strategies, postpartum recovery, soothing techniques, and how to tune into a baby’s cues. The environment is warm and open, encouraging questions, community support, and open discussion.
Infant Class (3–6 months)
As babies grow, this class helps moms understand milestones like introducing solids, teething, sensory development, and routine-building. Moms are encouraged to share their experience and learn from each other while gaining insight from trusted professionals. The emphasis is on supporting both mom and baby during a season of rapid change.
Rising Toddler Class (6–12 months)
Here, the focus shifts to early communication, movement, curiosity, and fostering independence. Moms receive guidance on safe exploration, behavior cues, language development, and how to navigate the shift from baby to toddler. It’s also a chance to reflect on how far both mom and baby have come.
Second-Time Mom Class
This class is designed for moms with a newborn and at least one older child under three. The group offers practical tools and emotional support for balancing the needs of multiple children, managing guilt, resetting expectations, and rediscovering joy in the chaos of multi-child motherhood.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Moms at any stage can participate in this peer-led support group, designed to help navigate milk supply, latch issues, pumping routines, and feeding transitions. It’s a safe space for encouragement and honest conversation.
One of the most powerful parts of the New Mom School Edmond experience is the community it creates. Ashten Child, who participates in the infant class with her son Hendrix, called it “the biggest blessing of people over perfectionism.” Surrounded by other moms in the same stage of life, she formed friendships that quickly extended beyond the classroom. Daily group chats and late-night support during pump sessions created a bond she could truly rely on.
“The teachers are a breath of fresh air and always so helpful. The first time I showed up to class with my baby carrier and diaper bag overflowing, our teacher, Yasmin, offered to hold things and help me get all set up in our classroom. I just about cried. You expect to do this alone. This big, hard journey of getting a tiny human out of the house for the first time. And there’s New Mom School to the rescue, coming alongside to make even getting to class a blissful and calm experience.”
Barbara Cochran, another mom at the school, shared how much the program has meant to her: “After moving to Oklahoma and facing a difficult pregnancy far from family, I found myself overwhelmed and isolated. New Mom School became a place to breathe, to connect, and to heal. I’m so grateful for the community I found here and the hope it helped me rediscover. It’s been a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there’s always hope. I’m incredibly thankful to be here, and because of New Moms School, I’m looking forward to building friendships with other moms who are walking their own beautiful, messy, and brave journeys too.”
In addition to their class offerings, New Mom School Edmond is active in the community, sponsoring upcoming events like Nurture Fest 2025, Bump Fest 2025, and the 405 Mama Mixer this October. These events further their mission to create real spaces where moms feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
To learn more or register, visit newmomschool.com/edmond-ok.
@newmomschool_edmond
“Being a new mom is the most transformative experience of my life, and this school made sure I didn’t face it alone.”
Located at 164th and N. Western in Edmond, Traditional Strength isn’t your average fitness facility. This private member gym is built around one mission: helping people move better, get stronger, and live longer through intentional, results-driven training, with the simple philosophy of “We Make Strong People.”
Founded by Greg Herman, a Marine Corps veteran and Edmond native, Traditional Strength was created for those who want to improve the way they live—not just the way they look. With a strong focus on function, education, and discipline, this gym empowers everyday people to pursue lifelong strength in a purposeful environment.
**Our motto is “We Make Strong People” if you would like to toss it in anywhere you deem appropriate.
More than just lifting weights, strength training is one of the most powerful tools for improving your health, energy, and independence over time. Research shows that strong individuals tend to live longer, healthier lives. Strength supports mobility, protects against injury, increases bone density, decreases all cause mortality, and helps prevent age-related decline.
At Traditional Strength, the goal isn’t short-term aesthetics. It’s long-term vitality. As Greg puts it,
“We’re not training for the stage—we’re training for life.”
Training here is centered on barbell work and compound lifts—movements that recruit multiple muscle groups, build functional strength, and carry over to everyday life. Each session includes three of five key exercises that are both efficient and scalable, no matter your experience level.
Workouts happen in semi-private groups, usually between 7 and 15 people. This format combines the energy of a group with the attention of individualized coaching. Members book times that work for their schedule, building consistency without sacrificing flexibility.
As a coach, Greg ensures that each lifter fully understands what he wants them to do on every single rep—and that, as a result, they improve and implement the changes he’s looking for. At Traditional Strength, the team offers more than just training instruction and programming. They develop people over a long period of time—not just in terms of strength, but also in mental resilience and habit formation.
Programs are tailored to each person specifically. As a result, no two people in the gym are doing the exact same thing. While members may use similar exercises, the programs are uniquely designed for them and would likely not work for anyone else. Each individual has their own limitations and needs, based on the complexities of their life, injuries, or other factors.
Greg believes it’s important to make this distinction clear: Traditional Strength offers more than personal training—they offer real, actual coaching.
“It is my belief that the process of weight training is also a Rite of Passage,” Greg says. “And it works for all ages.”
Traditional Strength is open to all, from kids and teens to older adults. Most current members fall between the ages of 35 and 60, with about 70% of male members between 40 and 65.
Whether you’re brand new to training or returning after years away, this gym is for people who want to build strength that lasts. Members value performance, health, and function—not just appearance.
The environment at Traditional Strength is focused and free of distractions. You won’t find mirrors, loud music, or crowded machines. Instead, you’ll train in a clean, intentional space with knowledgeable coaches and like-minded members.
Every movement is taught with purpose. Technique and safety come first, so members leave each session knowing they’ve trained smart—not just hard.
Barbell training remains one of the most effective ways to improve full-body strength and functional movement. Members often report increased energy, better posture, more confidence, and greater ease in their day-to-day lives.
But the impact of this kind of training runs deeper. It builds resilience, discipline, and a strong foundation—physically and mentally.
Greg’s mission is simple:
“To help everyday people become stronger—physically, mentally, and
personally—through disciplined, effective strength training.”
If you’re ready to feel better, move better, and train with purpose, Traditional Strength is ready for you.
Learn more or schedule your free one hour session at tradstrength.com.
You can also follow along on Instagram at @traditionalstrengthokc for updates, training tips, and a look inside the community.
Stronger. Leaner. Built for Longevity.
—it’s the everyday reality at Traditional Strength.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Tips for customization:
Reza Koranki and Joe Garcia bring a new level of fitness and function to the boxing gym experience
Boxing is back, but this time, it’s not just for fighters. At Donnybrook Boxing Club, CEO & Founder Reza Koranki and President & Head Coach Joe Garcia are bringing boxing to the modern fitness world in a way that’s technical, empowering, and surprisingly welcoming. Their signature Box and Burn method mixes authentic boxing with functional training, building both physical power and mental resilience.
We sat down with Reza and Joe to talk about the philosophy behind Donnybrook, what sets their approach apart, and why boxing might just be the workout people didn’t know they needed.
Reza: Donnybrook is a boxing gym, but not in the traditional sense. We took the best of old-school boxing training and reimagined it for today’s fitness community. You’ll learn real boxing technique, but you don’t need to be a fighter to belong here. We’ve created an environment that’s high-energy, challenging, and completely accessible to all fitness levels.
Joe: Most people come in thinking they’re going to get a good workout, and they do. But what keeps them coming back is how they feel after. It’s not just sweat and soreness. It’s confidence. It’s community. It’s that feeling of doing something hard and walking out better for it.
Joe: We offer Donnybrook curated curriculum as well as 1-on-1 sessions, however we are also the only licensed Box and Burn facility on Oklahoma. Box and Burn is a full-body fitness experience rooted in boxing fundamentals. You’re hitting pads, working footwork and combos, but you’re also doing strength circuits, mobility drills, and high-intensity intervals. It’s fast-paced, fun, and incredibly effective. The method itself was created by Tony Jeffries, an Olympic Boxing medalist, so it’s grounded in elite-level training that’s been made approachable for everyday athletes.
Reza: What makes it different is that we’re not faking the boxing part. You’re learning real skills from real world-class coaches, but in a format that’s built for general fitness. That said, Box and Burn is only part of our training offering. Some members come in expecting a standard circuit or HIIT class, but we also have boxing-only sessions that focus heavily on technique and movement. So no matter what kind of workout you’re looking for, from Box and Burn, technique and sparring, or 1-on-1 training you’ll find it here. Every round demands your full attention, mentally and physically and is massively rewarding.
Reza: We’ve been intentional about creating a culture where people feel supported the minute they walk in. There’s no ego here. Whether it’s your first day or your hundredth, we meet you where you are. Our coaches break down the technique clearly, adjust for all fitness levels, and make sure everyone feels seen.
Joe: And the community plays a huge role. Our members cheer each other on. They know what it’s like to be new, and they help others through it. That camaraderie makes a big difference.
Joe: Physically, boxing builds lean muscle, boosts endurance, and melts fat. But the bigger transformation is mental. We’ve had people tell us they sleep better, handle stress differently, and feel more in control of their lives. It’s not just a workout. It’s a mindset shift.
Reza: When you throw punches, you tap into something primal. It challenges your body, yes, but it also sharpens your focus and builds real self-trust. People come back because it’s one of the few workouts that trains your body and mind at the same time.
Reza: We’re growing the community, expanding our classes, and exploring programs for teens and athletes. Long-term, we plan to continue to invest into the community through hosting and sponsoring events, challenges, and even other locations, but only when we are sure we can maintain our culture and focus on the member.
Joe: We’re building something that lasts because boxing isn’t a trend. It’s a lifelong tool for strength, growth, and resilience.
Ready to throw your first punch? Visit donnybrookboxingclub.com to book a free class.
@donnybrooksboxingclub
snag our healthy living guide –
Top 15 Ideas for Living Your Best Life in OKC.