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The Woodlands, Texas, continues to thrive, with its population now reaching about 116,916.

This dynamic community was recently ranked the #2 Best City to Live in America, thanks to its exceptional quality of life and vibrant local economy.

Residents enjoy top-rated public schools and excellent family amenities, while diverse housing and strong job prospects add to its appeal.

As housing inventory surged by 56% in 2025, prospective buyers now have more choices, yet median home prices climbed to $646,000—a sign of enduring demand.

The area's dense suburban character offers abundant restaurants, parks, trails, and shopping, and residents report a strong sense of belonging and safety.

Recent highlights include the new Kevin Brady Library and Community Center, which features a podcast studio and makerspace, and a local winter photography exhibition celebrating area artists.

With ongoing investments and community-driven initiatives, The Woodlands secures its status as one of America's most desirable places to live and work.

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Festive Blooms:

How to Use Popular Christmas Flowers

Whether you’re decorating your space with a wreath or garland, giving a fresh gift or crafting the centerpiece for your holiday table, these festive blooms can bring a touch of nature’s joy to your celebrations and showcase the beauty that thrives even during the coldest season.

Poinsettias
One of, if not the most iconic, flowers of the holiday season, poinsettias are recognized by their bright red “blooms,” which are actually colorful bracts surrounding small yellow flowers. A symbol of love, hope and Christmas cheer, poinsettias thrive indoors with bright, indirect light and can be used for holiday decor, festive centerpieces or given as a potted gift.

Amaryllis
Popular for creating holiday arrangements or as a long-lasting indoor plant, the amaryllis features large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, white, pink or striped varieties. Grown from a bulb, they bloom year after year with proper care, including during the winter months.

Holly
Featuring glossy green leaves and bright red berries, holly has been a holiday staple for centuries. The flowers are commonly used in wreaths, garlands and other Christmas arrangements and can be displayed on mantels, doors or around doorways. However, holly berries are toxic if ingested, so keep arrangements away from children and pets.

Christmas Rose (Hellebore)
With blooms that typically appear around Christmas, the Christmas rose is a perennial that thrives in shaded garden beds, even in cooler weather. It brightens up winter landscapes with its creamy white or pink-tinted flowers, which have come to symbolize hope amid the snow.

Paperwhites
Ideal for tabletop decor or window displays, paperwhites, a type of narcissus, produce clusters of delicate white blooms with a sweet fragrance. They’re easy to grow from bulbs indoors during the winter months and can add a natural holiday touch to any room by simply placing in decorative containers filled with pebbles and water.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Hosting

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner with friends or a full-blown holiday gathering, preparing your home for guests doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little organization and a few simple steps, you can create a space that feels warm and welcoming, allowing you to focus on what really matters: spending time together.

Declutter and Deep Clean
Start by refreshing high-traffic areas, including the living room, kitchen and bathrooms. Clear off counters and coffee tables, dust surfaces, vacuum carpet, mop tile or hardwood and wipe down glass or mirrors.

Tidy Up the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of many gatherings, meaning it’s important to clear both refrigerator and counter space to make room for food, drinks and serving dishes. Before guests arrive, ensure your oven, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, coffee maker and other appliances are working properly. Don’t forget to stock essentials like paper plates, silverware, napkins, ice and paper towels so you’re not scrambling later.

Refresh Guest Spaces
If visitors will be staying overnight, prep sleeping areas by changing the sheets, fluffing the pillows and stocking extra blankets. Thoughtful touches like fresh towels, water bottles and a charging station can make guests feel at home.

Create a Functional Flow
Think about how guests will move through your home. Designate areas for food, drinks, games and mingling, arranging furniture to encourage conversation. If you’re expecting a large crowd, add extra seating options.

Add Seasonal Touches
For seasonal warmth, swap out throw pillows, add greenery and candles or hang a wreath or other decorations. Scattering cozy blankets and simmering a pot of cinnamon and citrus on the stove can also help create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Warm Up with a Comforting Casserole

Warm Up with a Comforting Casserole

When colder temperatures roll in, there are few things like a hearty meal shared with loved ones to help warm you up from the inside out.

Made using ingredients you may already have on hand, this Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food featuring canned tuna, noodles, cheese, veggies and a creamy sauce, topped with breadcrumbs. Filling, affordable and easy to prepare, this heartwarming dish is perfect for busy weeknights and may even find its way into your family’s comfort food rotation alongside dishes like chicken and dumplings, chili, meatloaf and chicken pot pie.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Tuna Noodle Casserole
Recipe adapted from “Spaceships and Laser Beams”

6          ounces egg noodles

1          cup peas (canned or frozen)

2          cans (5 ounces each) light chunk tuna in water, drained

1          can (10 1/2 ounces) cream of celery soup

1/2       cup milk

1 1/2    cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2       teaspoon celery salt

1/4       teaspoon black pepper

2          tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus additional for garnish (optional)

nonstick cooking spray

1/4       cup dry breadcrumbs

2          tablespoons butter, melted

Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 F and cook egg noodles according to package instructions.

In large bowl, mix egg noodles, peas, tuna, soup, milk, 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, celery salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons parsley.

Spray 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and add tuna mixture. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

While casserole is baking, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter. Remove casserole from oven and top with breadcrumb mixture and remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake, uncovered, 5-10 minutes, until breadcrumbs are golden brown and cheese on top is melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and additional parsley, if desired, before serving.

Inspired Holiday Entertaining

The holiday season is a time for creating meals and memories that last a lifetime, but it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. In the blur of commitments, crowded schedules and endless prep, the tension between a desire to create magical meals and wanting to actually enjoy them is real.

Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli with White Wine and Herb Butter Sauce

Servings: 4

Ravioli:

1          can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

1          large egg, lightly beaten

1/3       cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus additional for serving (optional)

2          tablespoons plain dried breadcrumbs

2          teaspoons sugar

1/4       teaspoon salt

1          pinch ground nutmeg

48        round dumpling wrappers

water

Sauce:

6          tablespoons cold unsalted butter, divided

1/3       cup chopped shallots

2/3       cup dry white wine

3          tablespoons heavy cream

2          tablespoons chopped fresh sage

1          tablespoon chopped fresh chives

1/4       teaspoon salt

To make ravioli: Line fine mesh sieve with dampened cheesecloth. Add pumpkin puree and strain 1 hour. Transfer to bowl and stir in egg, cheese, breadcrumbs, sugar, salt and nutmeg.

Arrange six dumpling wrappers on work surface in single layer. Place 1 tablespoon pumpkin mixture in center of each and brush edges with water. Place second wrapper over filling, carefully pushing out any air bubbles then pressing edges to seal.

Transfer ravioli to baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Place sheet of plastic wrap over ravioli. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

In 6-Quart Ceramic Stockpot over medium heat, bring salted water to a gentle simmer

To make sauce: In Saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Add wine, bring to boil and cook until mixture resembles wet sand, 8-9 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in remaining butter and heavy cream until melted. Stir in sage, chives and salt; keep warm, stirring occasionally.

To cook ravioli, add half to simmering water and cook, stirring gently once or twice, 3 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and divide between two plates. Add remaining ravioli to pot and repeat dividing between remaining plates. Spoon sauce over ravioli and serve with additional grated cheese, if desired.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Bacon

8          ounces elbow macaroni

6          slices center-cut bacon

1          onion, chopped

5          cups butternut squash, cubed

3 1/2    cups chicken broth, divided

3/4       cup low-fat milk

1          teaspoon dry mustard

1          pinch nutmeg

1          pinch salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

1          pinch pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided

1          cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1          cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

chopped parsley (optional)

In  6-Quart Stockpot, cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Set aside.

In Saute Pan, cook bacon until crisp. Chop and set aside.

In same pan, add chopped onion and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until pieces are soft and lightly caramelized.

Add butternut squash cubes to onions along with 2 cups chicken broth. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat and cook until squash is soft and most liquid is reduced.

Pour squash and onions into bowl and add milk, remaining chicken broth, dry mustard, nutmeg and pinch of salt and pepper.

Puree mixture until smooth and creamy.

Pour pureed sauce into saute pan. Over low heat, add Parmesan cheese and 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly. Add noodles and stir well.

Add salt and pepper, to taste. Top with chopped bacon, remaining cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

Protecting Children in a Digital Age

Keeping a watchful eye on your kids requires an increasing level of tech savvy many parents find intimidating. Not only are your kids vulnerable to bad actors online, but your family’s personal information could be at risk, as well.

Learn how to protect your children and family in this digital age with these tips:

Elementary-Age Children

Encourage open communication. Have conversations about what your kids see and do online and talk with them about potential dangers. Avoid lecturing in favor of an open exchange of information.

Make their inherent interest in privacy work in your favor. Kids in this age group, particularly toward the middle school years, understand the concept of privacy and value it immensely. Use that context to help them understand what goes online is there to stay. Talk about what kinds of information should always be kept private, including identifying details like addresses and social security numbers.

Stay on alert. Not all apps are completely safe (even the ones you can access from trusted stores) and not all filters are foolproof. Keep close tabs on what your kids are downloading by reading comments and reviews, and regularly monitoring what kind of content they see.

Middle School and High School Kids

Continue talking about privacy. You can never have too many conversations about privacy. What seems like harmless sharing on social media can be quite revealing. For example, frequent posts about visits to a favorite store or restaurant can allow a predator to begin tracking behavior patterns that make your child a target. It’s also important for kids to understand how their privacy settings work. For example, settings that allow exposure to friends of friends make their visibility to strangers much broader than they may realize.

Help manage their online reputation. Behaviors that once resulted in a day or two of hallway chatter can now live forever. Documenting mischief online is only fun until it spills over into real life and everyone sees those mistakes in full color – including prospective future employers.

Be clear about your position on bullying. From the safe distance of a screen, it’s easier for kids (and adults) to say things they’d never say in person. Teach your kids to handle problems constructively offline and avoid engaging in attacks on others through social media, email and other platforms.

College Students

Reinforce the risks. Once they’re on their own, kids may feel more liberated to make their own choices online. However, college students are easy prey for identity theft and worse. Remind them what’s at stake if they fail to protect their identity and private information, like where they live and what they do on a regular basis.

Teach smart practices. With all the independence that comes with college life, this is an ideal time for your student to take personal responsibility for his or her online security, including learning about virus protection, updating software, avoiding scams and backing up data.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

5 Tips to Help Anxious Dogs Find Their Calm

Just like humans, pets experience anxiety due to various triggers such as loud noises, changes in their environment or separation from their owners. Understanding the root cause of your pet’s anxiety is the first step in coping.

Common signs of anxiety in pets include excessive barking, destructive behavior, pacing and restlessness – especially when experiencing separation or environmental stress. By recognizing these signs early, pet parents can take proactive steps – including these ideas from Oh Norman! , the pet wellness brand co-founded by “Big Bang Theory” actress and animal advocate Kaley Cuoco – to help their furry friends overcome anxiety and live calmer, happier lives.

Practice Desensitization Training
Desensitization training involves exposing your pet to anxiety-inducing stimuli in a controlled (and gradual) manner. Start with short departures if your pet experiences separation anxiety and gradually increase the length of time you’re away to help your pet become more comfortable being alone. Pairing these departures with positive reinforcement, like treats or favorite toys, can help create a positive association.

Harness the Power of Familiar Scents
In your absence, leaving behind a worn t-shirt or blanket that smells like you can be soothing for anxious pets. A familiar scent can provide a sense of security and reassurance, reducing anxiety levels.

Consider Science-Backed, Vet Approved Supplements
For pets needing extra support, science-backed supplements like Oh Norman’s Calm the Eff Down! can help anxious pups. The all-natural daily supplement – developed with board-certified veterinary specialists – combats stress from separation, vet visits, travel and fireworks.

“I love seeing my dogs get super excited, but sometimes they need to effing chill,” Cuoco said. “Having a vet-approved natural supplement that calms stressed-out dogs gives me peace of mind. I only want to give my dogs something that is safe and effective, so Calm The Eff Down has been a game changer. I’m so proud of this product!”

In fact, the supplement has been shown to reduce activity in anxious dogs by almost 20%, according to data collected via Tractive, a leader in GPS tracking and pet health insights, monitoring activity, sleep, barking and resting heart and respiratory patterns, signaling a step forward in addressing pet anxiety through nutrition and smart technology.

“We’ve always known Calm the Eff Down! makes a real difference for anxious dogs but seeing that impact measured in the data confirms our formula is making a measurable, positive change in dogs’ lives,” said Oh Norman! CEO Katie Hunt.

Provide Mental Stimulation
Regular mental stimulation can help reduce anxiety for some pets. Try introducing interactive toys, puzzle feeders and other engaging activities to keep your pet’s mind occupied and help prevent boredom-induced anxiety.

Increase Physical Activity
Exercise, such as daily walks or play sessions, helps release pent-up energy and promotes relaxation. Prior to departing, give your pet some extra attention by playing a game of fetch in the backyard, spending some time at your local dog park or going for a walk on a new trail.