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The Woodlands is undergoing major roadway upgrades to support its rapid expansion and improve daily commutes.

At the busy intersection of Woodlands Parkway and Grogan’s Mill Road, work began in March 2025 to add landscaping, infrastructure improvements, and a special sculpture honoring the community’s 50th anniversary.

Intermittent lane and path closures are expected through December 2025, with well-marked detours for walkers and cyclists.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is also working to widen Highway 242, with progress at about 66% as of September 2025.

This upgrade, finishing in late 2026, will ease traffic between I-45 and FM 1488.

Expanded turn lanes at locations like Grogan’s Mill Road and Research Forest Drive aim to further reduce congestion.

While temporary closures are expected, these efforts promise lasting safety and smoother travel for all in The Woodlands.

The Woodlands community is hosting a variety of Christmas Eve worship services to celebrate the season.

Woodlands Church offers multiple services across its Woodlands, Atascocita, East River, and online campuses, led by Pastors Kerry and Chris Shook, with traditional and contemporary options available.

The Woodlands Methodist Church invites families to both traditional and modern worship, including ASL-interpreted services and special gatherings in Robb Chapel, the Sanctuary, and the Loft Worship Center.

Faith Bible Church welcomes everyone to worship and hear a Christmas message, with childcare for young children at every time.

Unity of The Woodlands hosts an intimate candlelight service with carols and inspiration.

At Trinity Episcopal Church, attendees can experience traditional candlelight, a Christmas pageant, and a blessing of toys on Christmas Day.

Celebrate the joy and meaning of Christmas with neighbors at one of these cherished faith gatherings.

The Woodlands Township will adjust hours and services for the upcoming holiday season, urging residents to avoid personal fireworks due to safety rules and the risk of fire in the heavily wooded area.

Township offices and recreation centers will be closed December 24–25 and January 1, with early closing at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Trash and recycling pickup will not occur December 25 or January 1, shifting service by one day for the rest of each week, but regular schedules return on January 5.

Residents can curbside live Christmas trees (sans decorations) starting December 26, or drop them at Rob Fleming Park for eco-friendly chipping.

The Woodlands Express Park and Ride and Town Center trolleys will suspend service on December 24–25 and January 1.

The Ice Rink operates daily, even Christmas.

Texas TreeVentures and Riva Row Boat House maintain special holiday hours—advance reservations are encouraged.

The Township wishes everyone a cheerful, safe holiday.

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5 Tips to Upgrade Your Home Office

Hybrid schedules and remote work have become the norm for many people, which means a functional and inspiring workspace is more necessity than luxury. With the right setup – be it a dedicated room or a cozy corner – your space can boost productivity, spark creativity and make your workday more enjoyable.

Consider these ideas to blend function, comfort and style, and create a home office that inspires creativity and makes you want to sit down and get things done.

Focus on Comfort
The desk and chair are the foundation of any home office. Be sure to build a setup that matches your work style by picking the right height desk (with the proper amount of storage and workspace to complete your tasks) and an adjustable chair with good lumbar support. If you’re at your computer most of the time during the day, an ergonomic keyboard and monitor stand can also make a comfortable difference.

Create a Clutter-Free Work Zone
Incorporating smart storage solutions like shelves, filing cabinets or baskets can help keep your workspace tidy and free of distracting clutter. Desk trays can keep small office supplies organized and within easy reach while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Add Personality with Decor
Much like the rest of your home, your workspace should reflect your personality and style. Add artwork, decorative accents, plants or a photo wall to bring inspiration and freshness to your office and choose a color palette that promotes positivity and focus, such as soft blues, greens or neutrals.

Layer Functional Lighting
For optimal productivity, combine natural light with task and ambient lighting. If possible, position your desk near a window to capture natural light then supplement your space with a desk lamp for focused illumination and floor lamps, under-shelf lighting or wall sconces to add warmth and depth.

Don’t Forget Acoustics
Distracting noises can negatively impact focus. To absorb sound, use soft furnishings like rugs, upholstered chairs or curtains and consider a white noise machine if you need a more soothing work environment.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Pair Simplicity and Flavor with Seafood Pasta

Simplifying family dinners after the holiday season starts with easy recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor. To save time heading into the new year, add a recipe like Shrimp Spaghetti to your repertoire. It’s a perfect winter warmup that makes kitchen duty a cinch while bringing loved ones to the table. 

Shrimp Spaghetti

Servings: 4-6

1          pound spaghetti noodles

2          tablespoons butter

1/4       cup avocado oil

1          package (12 ounces) raw shrimp

2          tablespoons garlic powder, divided

1          teaspoon smoked paprika

1          cup chicken broth

1/2       cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4       cup heavy cream

1          teaspoon onion powder

1          cup frozen or fresh spinach

Bread, for serving

Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.

In skillet over medium heat, add butter, avocado oil and shrimp.

Mix in 1 tablespoon garlic powder and paprika. Remove shrimp after they begin to turn pink; set aside.

Add chicken broth, Parmesan, heavy cream, remaining garlic powder, onion powder and spinach to skillet; mix well.

Add shrimp back to skillet to finish cooking. Mix in noodles and serve with bread.

The Baby Proofing Checklist for New Parents

 Baby proofing – or identifying potential hazards in your home and taking necessary measures to prevent accidents – is an essential step to help ensure the safety and well-being of your child.

Start by getting down on your hands and knees to see the world from a small child’s perspective. Look for sharp corners, small objects that can be swallowed and other potential hazards. The goal is to create a safe environment for children to explore and learn.

Ensure the safety of your little one with this guide to effectively babyproof some of the most-used rooms in your home.

Essential Tips for the Nursery
The nursery is where your baby will spend a significant amount of time, so ensuring it’s a safe space is crucial. Anchor heavy furniture, such as dressers and bookshelves, to the wall to prevent tipping. Ensure the crib meets current safety standards and keep it free from pillows, blankets and stuffed animals to reduce the risk of suffocation. Use cordless window coverings, ensure electrical outlets are covered with safety plugs and keep cords from baby monitors and other devices out of reach.

Securing the Kitchen and Bathroom
The kitchen and bathroom are full of potential hazards for curious babies. In the kitchen, install cabinet locks to keep little hands out of drawers and cabinets that contain dangerous items such as knives, cleaning supplies and medications. Install stove knob covers and keep pot handles turned inward to prevent burns. In the bathroom, always keep the toilet lid closed and consider a toilet lock. Never leave your child unattended in the bathtub, install anti-scald devices on faucets and set your water heater to 120 F or lower to prevent burns.

Living Room Safety Measures
Another area where your child will spend a lot of time, the living room often features plenty of small objects that could be choking hazards, such as remote controls, coins and batteries. In addition to keeping small items out of reach, cover corners and sharp edges of furniture and secure TVs and other large electronics to prevent tipping. Cover electrical outlets with safety plugs and use cord shorteners or hide cords behind furniture.

Once you’ve completed your initial baby proofing, regularly reassess your home as your child grows and becomes more mobile. New hazards often arise as kids learn to crawl, walk and climb.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Healthy Habits Made Easy: Update Your Pet's Health and Wellness Routine Without Fuss

Pets are more than companions – they’re family – and keeping them healthy can be simple, enjoyable and rewarding. Today’s pet parents may be busier than ever, yet they’re also more committed to wellness than previous generations. That means approaching their furry friends’ unique needs with the same balance, care and attention to overall well-being as they do their own.

In fact, according to the 2021 Human Animal Bond Research Institute Benchmark Survey of Pet Owners, increased knowledge about the health benefits of the human-animal bond led 91% of pet owners to say they would be more likely to take better care of their pets.

Pet health isn’t just about food, however. A holistic approach to wellness combines daily supplements, dental care, exercise, mental enrichment and proactive health, with many owners looking for ways to simplify routines to support their pets every day.

These practical ideas can help support a pet’s overall wellness routine.

Tailor Flexible Nutrition Plans to Pets’ Needs
Every pet is unique, but balanced nutrition forms the foundation of wellness. Dog and cat parents are increasingly seeking customizable food and supplement solutions designed around their furry friend’s age, needs and lifestyle. Age-specific formulations and products featuring natural, minimally processed ingredients and eco-friendly sourcing allow owners to support their pets’ overall health, from mealtime to daily wellness routines.

Support Healthy Skin and Coat
A pet’s coat often reflects its overall health. Along with a balanced diet and plenty of water, adding a daily supplement can help support a natural shine. While professional grooming keeps dogs and cats looking their best, incorporating regular at-home brushing and bathing with a gentle shampoo strengthens the bond you share and provides an opportunity to spot any changes, like lumps or bumps.

Enhance Pet Wellness with Functional Support
Even with a balanced diet, many pets may benefit from extra support to maintain their overall well-being. Functional supplements can help target specific needs, including joint mobility, immunity and stress relief. For example, NaturVet’s easy-to-use Lickable supplements – available in Hip & Joint, Calming and Multi-Vitamin formulas for dogs and cats – offer a simple way to make wellness an effortless part of everyday life.

Promote Exercise and Mental Enrichment
Movement is essential to any wellness routine. Regular walks, agility activities and games help keep pets fit and happy. Physical exercise is only part of the puzzle, though. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, scent games and agility training help dogs and cats stay mentally sharp, even on days when outdoor activity is limited.

Create a Calming Home Environment
Dogs and cats can experience stress when routines aren’t followed, just like people. Maintaining a consistent daily schedule and providing a quiet, comfortable space – such as a bed in a low-traffic area – can help promote calm, comfort and security.

By taking a few simple, consistent steps each day, pet parents can create a balanced, enjoyable wellness routine that keeps their furry family members healthy, happy and thriving. From functional supplements and daily care habits to exercise, mental enrichment and a calming environment, small efforts can make a big difference, turning everyday care into a rewarding part of life with your pet.

To find more practical health and wellness solutions for your pet, visit naturvet.com

5 Easy Steps to Help Pet Owners Build Healthy Habits
Creating a consistent health and wellness routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider these simple steps:

Start slow. Introduce new supplements or activities gradually to avoid overwhelming pets.

Be aware. Review product labels and ingredient certifications to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your pet.

Incorporate naturally. Mix functional supplements into meals or use them as a reward for good behavior.

Stay consistent. Small daily actions can add up to long-term health and wellness.

Monitor and adjust. Work with a veterinarian to create a tailored plan and observe your pet’s energy, mobility and mood, adjusting as needed.