Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’
Dec. 5, 2024
AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.
What are you hopeful for right now in this world?
More love from humanity, absolutely! Especially with the holidays upon us, I'm hopeful that we can all tap into that spirit of generosity and compassion. We've been through a lot, especially since the pandemic and its aftermath, and I think people are craving connection and kindness. I'm hopeful that we’ll take the time to truly appreciate each other and spread a little extra love this season.
What does love look like to you?
Love is about showing up for the people you care about, no matter what. It's about being present, offering support, celebrating their wins, and being a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Love is about creating a safe space where people feel seen and valued.
LeBrina, how do you incorporate the concept of gratitude into your daily life?
Gratitude is my secret weapon! Every morning, instead of reaching for my phone, I start my day by listing a few things I'm grateful for. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of coffee or the sound of my daughter laughing. Maybe it was my horse’s whinny of joy when I came to saddle him up and he knows a great ride is ahead. Or noticing my son working as hard on his homework as he does on the football field. Thinking of blessings like those helps me set a positive tone for the day and appreciate all the good in my life.
Why is that important to you? What do you get out of it?
Gratitude is like a reset button for my mind. It helps me shift my perspective from what's missing to what I already have. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters. And honestly, it just makes me feel happier and more content.
How can you encourage younger generations, kids to embrace this idea?
I think it starts with instilling an attitude of appreciation from an early age. Leading by example is key — kids learn by watching us express our own thankfulness. Create a culture of appreciation at home or in the classroom, encouraging kids to notice the good in their lives. Teaching them to say “thank you” sincerely, to be aware of other people’s feelings and to show kindness can go a long way.
Employees?
Building a culture of celebrating each other is key! Encourage your team to acknowledge wins, big or small, with shout-outs, thank-you notes, or even a fun team lunch. When people feel seen and appreciated, it boosts morale and creates a ripple effect of positivity that our guests can feel too. Lead by example and celebrate your team’s accomplishments!
How can someone incorporate a gratitude ritual into their lives?
It’s easier than you think! Start by literally scheduling a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. You can write it down in a journal, say it out loud, or just think about it quietly. It is a wonderful way to get in the mindset for your daily meditation time. Another idea is to incorporate gratitude into your existing routines, like saying what you’re grateful for before meals or when you tuck your little ones into bed.
What are you grateful for right now, at this very moment?
I'm grateful for this opportunity to share my thoughts on gratitude and hopefully inspire others to embrace it. I'm also incredibly grateful for my amazing family, my supportive friends, and my fantastic team at Escape Spa. And of course, I'm grateful for all of our wonderful guests who trust us to provide them with an escape from the everyday!
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HOUSTON BARS AND restaurants are making the most of Dry January by revamping their cocktail and mocktail lists. Increasingly, patrons are searching for non- and low-alcoholic options to capitalize on health and wellness benefits — and the city's best mixologists are taking note. Standard offerings like a virgin mule or a fun lemonade remain, but read on for some of the more inventive mocktails you'll find on menus around town!
Bar Bludorn
Bartender Alejandro Medina pours a mean margarita — with or without tequila! But for something more unique, try the virgin Amaretto Sour with pineapple. Plus, at the original Bludorn restaurant in Montrose, a portion of proceeds from all mocktails goes to Ben's Friends, a national nonprofit for hospitality workers struggling with addiction.
Bandista
This month, the speakeasy inside the Four Seasons Hotel Downtown features the zero-proof Crystal Cube Libre in a beautiful glass bottle, and the bartenders can also whip up a bespoke "Dealer's Choice" mocktail upon request.
Duck N Bao
Love at First Sight
The award for variety may go to this Chinese spot with locations in Rice Village, Cypress and Memorial. All 14 specialty cocktails can easily be made NA (and are only $6!). Try the sweet-and-sour-inspired Love at First Sight with pomegranate and lemon.
Little Woodrow's
Who doesn't love options? Little Woodrow's shakes up a yummy Cherried Away — sweet black cherry, vanilla, lime, salt and cola — and a more tropical Faux Loma with grapefruit and a spicy rim. Any of the mocktails here can be transformed into a full-blown cocktail, or even a low-BVA version, upon request. It's up to you!
Hungry's
Hungry's (photo by Jenn Duncan)
A Houston classic for healthful dining, Hungry's — including its massive new outpost on Woodway — has fantastic options for Dry January. The anti-inflammatory Ginger Turmeric Tonic is topped with sparkling water for a vibrant and tummy-pleasing affair!
JUN
For something comforting yet refreshing, opt for the zero-proof Oye Morro: Salvadoran Horchata, coconut milk, lime, pineapple gomme syrup, and piloncillo. When it inevitably warms up, cool down with a Tamarind Arnold Palmer!
Katami
The bar team at Katami has a fantastic NA botanical spirit to mix into some of its standout cocktails, such as the Okinawa Sizzle with passionfruit and lime, or the Shiso Side with yuzu, shiso and hot sesame oil.
Marigold Club
Windsor Fire
Craving a martini? Hit up Marigold Club in Montrose for a spirit-free, olive-forward version called Secret Garden. Alternatively, the Windsor Fire — allspice distillate, grapefruit, lemon — will warm you up from the inside out this month.
Milton's
Caffe Nonoretto
Director of Bars Máté Hartai offers an alcohol-free version of her popular Caffe Noncoretto: pistachio milk, house amaro blend, brown sugar and almond, all steamed and aerated before served hot in a frozen espresso cup, tableside. We'll drink to that!
Phat Eatery
Be whisked away to a tropical paradise at Phat Eatery in Katy and The Woodlands: The Coco Paradise has pineapple, passionfruit and coconut, while the Lychee Sunrise is comprised of fresh lychee, orange juice and pomegranate-reduced-syrup. Say ahhhh!
Verde Garden
Enjoy this cute patio spot with a Como La Flor in hand. The sparkling concoction is made with Lyre's Dry London, orange, lime, grenadine and ginger beer.
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AMONG THE MANY festive fetes held at The Post Oak Hotel over the Christmas season was the 50th annual Spindletop Holiday Ball.
Hosted by Spindletop Community Impact Partners, the energy-industry event supports more than 40 different nonprofits in the area, mostly ones benefiting at-risk children and families. Executives from big-wig oil companies including ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Equinor, Murphy Oil Corporation and many others attended the milestone gala, which honored individuals Dominic Macklon, Terry Bono and Jordan Zaiser for their involvement in the industry and community.
The evening kicked off with the national anthem sung by Etoile Academy Charter Middle School students, and a dance performance courtesy of Ensemble Theatre Young Performers. Throughout the night, artist Fumi McFarland wowed guests with her mesmerizing sand art, and patrons supported a toy drive for Girls Inc. After bidding on silent auction items — deBoulle diamond earrings, Astros and Texans tickets, dinners at Tony's, The Marigold Club and Brasserie 19, and a hunting trip to the Patagonia region — attendees hit the dance floor.
The evening raised a whopping $1 million!
Ann Adamson, Warwick King, Keelan Adamson, Wendy King
Veronica Foley
Billy-Jo Lafortune, Lindsay Weddle, Pragati Mathur
Spindletop Women in STEM BAFTX Scholar Reagan Crow
Constance White Volunteer Service Award Recipient Jordan Zaiser with Lia Vallone, Lindsay Weddle & Bart Cahir
Chad & Cristina Williams
Seliece & Lee Womble
Ensemble Theatre Young Performers
Eric Everett, Richard & Julie Mercer, Kaitlin & Jordan Zaiser
Sara & Ryan Young, Kerry Sedge
Laura Miller, Evan & Stacy Powell
Roger & Jill Jenkins
Liam & Gill Mallon
National Anthem Singers from Etoile Academy Charter School
Luna Rey, Genevieve Carter
Maggie & Greg Sheridan
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- Jingle Bells of the Ball! Black-Tie Spindletop Soiree Brings Together Energy Execs, Raises $1.1M ›
- Fall Philanthropy Report: Spindletop Community Impact Partners Engages and Supports At-Risk Youth ›
- At High-Energy Holiday Ball, O&G Pros Raise More than $1M for At-Risk Youth ›
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