

Christmas Cheer for Everyone








Christmas Cheer for Everyone
As 2024 draws to a close, I’m reminded of how special the holiday season feels here on the Gulf Coast. While much of the world is bundling up, we’re still enjoying the warmth of the sun, the sound of waves gently rolling onto the shore, and a landscape that remains lush and vibrant.
In our corner of paradise, the holidays take on a different hue. It’s a season marked by outdoor gatherings with family and friends, beachside celebrations, and chilly mornings that invite us to enjoy coffee outdoors; a perfect time to reflect on the past year. While we may not have snow, the spirit of the season—of generosity, joy, and connection—thrives just as strongly in our tropical setting.
At Gulf Coast City Lifestyle, we are always inspired by the beauty and sense of community that make our Island so unique. We celebrate the small businesses, artists, schools, and neighbors who bring warmth and creativity to our paradise. We are grateful to be part of a community that shares our passion for living well, supporting each other, and savoring the simple pleasures that Island life offers.
As you plan your Holiday season, we hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate the magic all around us—whether it’s the way the lights twinkle on the palm trees or the peace that comes from watching a calm, coastal sunrise.
Thank you for another year of support and for welcoming us into your home like family. Wishing you a joyous and memorable Christmas filled with love, laughter, and gratitude.
Love local, live local, and spend locally, Until 2025…
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Ashley Roberts | ashley.roberts@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Lillian Taylor | lillian.taylor@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
JD Swiger-Swiger Studio, Brent Williams-Wolf Bay Media
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
8: City of Orange Beach employees repping our city at their tent! Thank you all… 9: OB Professional Fire Fighters had a classic dunking booth at Freedom Fest. So much fun! 10: Freedom Fest, where the Army Rangers had us snake-charmed. Thank you for your service. 11: Some of the best volunteers with CABC selling refreshments at Freedom Fest. Thank you CABC! 12: Joey and Kelly Carmack repping Foxcrete at Freedom Fest. 13: Our National Guard at Freedom Fest. Thank you for your service to our country! 14: Some of the best volunteers with CABC selling refreshments at Freedom Fest. Thank you CABC!
15: Rob and Ginny Barnas of Island Air, are chair and co-chair for the Shrimp Festival. 16: 4th Annual Barks, Bags & Bushwackers Cornhole Tournament raised $1,000 for Service Dogs Alabama. 17: First Friday Forum with CABC, Steve Jones speaks about The Annual National Shrimp Festival. 18: Crye Leike is a proud sponsor of our Annual National Shrimp Festival. Thank you. 19: Our very own JD Swiger at his Swiger Studio tent for Shrimp Fest’s fine arts. 20: Lower Alabama Young Professionals extended their bike valet program to thee locations this year. 21: 51st Annual National Shrimp Festival is every October. The Festival is four days of fun.
22: Maya and Nick Cantrell in fine arts tents. Nick won Best In Show- Congratulations! #powercouple 23: 15 local high-school contestants sang their hearts out for a chance to win 3 scholarships. 24: 3rd place was awarded to Starla Hall from Central Christian School. Congratulations Starla! 25: Singing for Scholarships had 15 of the most talented high schoolers in Baldwin County competing. 26: 2nd place was awarded to Lyric Hall from Fairhope High School. Congratulations Lyric! 27: 1st place was awarded to Victoria Holley from Spanish Fort High School. Congratulations Victoria!! 28: The Maidens of Mischief hosted a silent auction benefiting The Gulf Shores Athletic Club.
ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JD SWIGERSWIGER STUDIO
Once upon a time in a vibrant community, there lived an artist whose journey was as colorful as the canvases she painted. We’re talking all things Tamara Scott this holiday season. From a young age, she was captivated by the magic of art. Raised in a household where creativity flourished, her earliest memories were of finger paints splattered across the kitchen floor and the warmth of art festivals, galleries, and museums. Her parents collected original artwork, filling their home with pieces that spoke to their souls, igniting a spark in her to create.
“CREATIVITY AND JOY ARE CONTAGIOUS. SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS—WHETHER THROUGH CRAFTING, DECORATING, OR SIMPLY BEING PRESENT—HAVE A PROFOUND IMPACT ON THOSE AROUND US.”
As she grew, this spark transformed into a blazing passion. Tamara was self-taught, developing her unique style through relentless experimentation. Her desire to do something different led her to incorporate clay into her paintings, a medium that challenged her to sculpt with her hands rather than just wield paintbrushes. Art was not merely a hobby for her; it was a calling that felt entirely natural.
In December 2022, she and her husband took a leap of faith by reopening a gallery that had long been curated by the late Nancy Wright. They breathed new life into the space, creating the Pink Pelican Art Gallery, a haven for local artwork. The name of the gallery was inspired by her love for the color pink and a surprising discovery: Pink-backed Pelicans were real! This delightful twist led to a space where art could flourish, bringing together the community and showcasing local talents.
Art, she believed, played a crucial role in the community, inspiring and provoking thought and emotion. With this conviction, she sought to create spaces where art could be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. This vision gave birth to “Wine Down Wednesdays,” an event that transforms the gallery into a lively social hub. Each last Wednesday of the month, the gallery opens its doors to the public, offering a chance to stroll through the artwork, sip wine, and connect with friends. The event is a warm invitation to embrace art without the intimidation often felt in traditional galleries.
Tamara envisioned a space where guests could unwind, socialize, and explore art at their own pace. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees can expect a funfilled evening with refreshments, pop-up shops featuring local businesses, live musicians, and interactive art experiences. Every event is unique, with over 50 talented artists showcasing new works each month.
CONTINUED >
In December 2022, Tamara and her husband took a leap of faith by reopening a gallery that had long been curated by the late Nancy Wright. They breathed new life into the space, creating the Pink Pelican Art Gallery, a haven for local artwork. This vision gave birth to “Wine Down Wednesdays,” an event that transforms the gallery into a lively social hub. Each last Wednesday of the month, the gallery opens its doors to the public, offering a chance to stroll through the artwork, sip wine, and connect with friends. Each Wine Down Wednesday brings new faces and stories, creating a tapestry of shared experiences. From designing hats and choosing beautiful dresses to enjoying delicious treats and engaging with local artists, each event is a celebration of creativity and community.
The Pink Pelican Art Gallery is located at 24823 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL. For more information visit their location or call 251.219.0050.
Each Wine Down Wednesday brings new faces and stories, creating a tapestry of shared experiences. From designing hats and choosing beautiful dresses to enjoying delicious treats and engaging with local artists, each event is a celebration of creativity and community.
As the holiday season approaches, her artistic spirit has flourished even more. Inspired by her love for clay florals and the beauty of Christmas, Tamara has created striking pieces that adorn her gallery. Her Christmas tree, a dazzling creation of clay poinsettias and holly, represents her artistic style and the joy of the holiday season. For her, Christmas is a time of family and togetherness, a cherished opportunity to share memories while decorating the tree with special ornaments.
Creating art during this time is especially meaningful; each piece—from clay poinsettias to nutcracker sculptures— is imbued with the joy of the season. Tamara believes that her creations bring happiness to others’ homes, spreading warmth and cheer during the holidays.
Inspiration for her art often comes from nature—the vibrant colors of trees and flowers surrounding her. Drawing from this wealth of inspiration, she crafted a unique tree design that blended her love for florals with the festive spirit of Christmas. The result is a stunning representation of both her personal style and the joy that the holiday season brings.
Tamara encourages everyone to bring the spirit of art and creativity into their homes during the holidays. One of her favorite suggestions is to design a holiday gallery wall, featuring local artworks and even personal creations from family members, hosting craft parties or joining classes to make personalized gifts, emphasizing the joy that comes from creating something unique.
Supporting local artists and art initiatives is a significant aspect of her vision. Tamara passionately advocates for the community to buy local, highlighting the importance of unique, handmade gifts that carry stories and memories. Encouraging everyone to engage in art programs, donate supplies for children, and hang local artwork in their homes.
As the holiday spirit envelops our community, Tamara shared a message of inspiration. “Creativity and joy are contagious. Small acts of kindness—whether through crafting, decorating, or simply being present—have a profound impact on those around us.” Tamara urges everyone to extend grace, embrace kindness, and appreciate each other, especially during the hectic holiday season.
AAs the holiday season approaches, our Gulf Shores Middle School Cheer team took the time to reflect on what the Christmas Spirit truly means for them. For many, this time of the year is about more than just festive decorations and gift-giving; it’s a celebration of Jesus’ birth and an opportunity to cherish the relationships we hold dear.
Mae Margaret Reed beautifully articulated the team’s sentiments stating “To me, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and appreciating all that he
has given us. I am thankful for my relationships with my family and friends, but most importantly my relationship with Jesus.” Coach Jill stated, “Her words resonate with our entire team, emphasizing the significance of faith during this sacred season.”
Maddox Tabb added another layer to our understanding of Christmas noting, “Christmas is about spending time with the people you love. But it’s also about giving to others and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for having a wonderful family and this amazing team I get the privilege to cheer with this season.” This blend of gratitude and generosity encapsulates the Christmas spirit they embrace as a team.
In addition to their shared values, they are all thankful for the time spent with family and friends, the blessings that God provides, and their health. As they look back on their achievements, such as being named the 2024 All American Cheerleaders and excelling at cheer camp, they also recognize the hard work and dedication that has brought them all together.
This Christmas they are celebrating not only their accomplishments as a team but the love and joy that bind them into sisterhood. Embodying the true spirit of Christmas, one that honors faith, family, and friendships.
Sharing the Secret of THE PERFECT Prime Rib Recipe
“When it comes to Christmas, many people opt for holiday ham or turkey. As for my family, we go for the BEEF! The juiciest, tastiest, BEST roast beef in the entire world is prime rib” says Erin with Farm Fresh Meats.
Also known as a standing rib roast, this roast is slathered in herb and garlic butter and then roasted to juicy perfection. By using a lower oven temperature, you will have a beautiful even cook throughout the whole roast, and have it on the table within just a couple of hours. A meat thermometer is a musthave for this recipe.
Ingredients:
• 5 lb. standing prime rib roast (BRT, Boned, Rolled and Tied)
• 1 onion, unpeeled and quartered
• 1 head of garlic, unpeeled, halved horizontally
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Garlic Herb Butter:
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
Red Wine Sauce:
• 1 ½ cups beef broth/stock
• 2 ½ cups dry red wine
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions:
1. Bring your beef to room temperature! Crucial to making the perfect Prime Rib! Pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Preheat oven to 460* F and adjust oven rack to the middle position.
3. Garlic Herb Butter, mix together.
4. Place onion, garlic, and herbs in a heavy- based oven-proof skillet or roasting pan.
5. Spread a thin layer of butter on the underside of the beef. Place roast on top of the onion, garlic, and herbs butter side down. Spread most of the rest of the butter on the top and sides. Reserve a bit for basting.
6. Roast for 20 minutes.
7. Remove roast from oven and spread over remaining butter. Turn oven down to 250*F and slow roast for 1 1/2 hours, basting the roast every 30 minutes with the juices in the pan. Once the roast has reached an internal temperature of 118 degrees in the center (medium-rare) remove from the oven and transfer the beef to a plate. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 20-30 minutes. The Internal temperature will rise to 125 degrees F.
8. Remove string and bone and slice for serving.
Red Wine Sauce:
1. Place the skillet with onion and garlic left in it on the stove over high heat. Add wine and beef stock, then rapidly simmer for 10 minutes until it reduces by 2/3.
2. On medium heat, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, drizzle in half. Stir. The sauce will thicken within a minute, add more if a thicker sauce is desired.
3. Strain, pouring into serving ramekin.
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• Standing Rib Roast aka Prime Rib.
• Use any cut of prime rib - with the bones attached, trimmed and frenched (I.E. bones scraped clean of meat and excess fat, excess fat mostly trimmed away) or with bones removed but then re-attached by tying it with string, with or without a thick layer of fat. The choice is yours!
• Get the best quality you can afford.
• Prime rib is graded by the USDA: Prime is best, then Choice then Select.
• Beef stock/broth - it is important to use low sodium otherwise, the sauce may end up too salty.
• Use any red wine that’s not sweet or too oaky and good enough to drink. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlots are all good options. If you cannot drink red wine, skip the wine and just use beef stock to make a terrific beef-flavored garlic gravy.
• Internal Temperature of Cooked Prime Rib: The internal temperature will rise by 5 - 7°F while it is resting so it needs to be taken out of the oven before it reaches your desired doneness.
• The internal temperatures of cooked beef:
• Rare is 49°C/120°F. Remove from oven at 46°C/115°F.
• Medium rare is 51.7°C / 125°F. Remove from oven at 48°C / 118°F.
• Medium is 55°F / 130°F. Remove from oven at 51°F/123°F.
• Medium well done is 57°C/135°F. Remove from oven at 53°C/127°F.
• Cook times vary for different sizes: Add 10 -15 minutes for each additional 2 lb. increase. Check temperature early due to variations.
• Once the internal temp hits 104°F, the internal temp increases by 10°F every 10 to 15 minutes. Cornstarch is optional. This thickens the sauce slightly for a thinner sauce you can skip this.
• Unpeeled onion and garlic hold together better and will keep the prime rib elevated off the base of the skillet. They are strained out later when making the sauce.
As the holiday season approaches, the Orange Beach Makos Middle School cheer team embodies the true meaning of Christmas, sharing what’s on their hearts and minds. These spirited young girls not only bring energy to the games but also uplift those around them, showcasing what it means to be part of something greater than themselves.
While many focus on Christmas presents under the tree, these cheerleaders understand the importance of quality time with family and friends, worshipping their savior, and embracing the holiday spirit. Cheerleader Madison shares her excitement for “Bookmas” with her aunt SueSue, who gifts her beloved books and enjoys a cozy evening filled with games and family bonding. This tradition highlights the value of connection over material gifts.
Harper Arnold, on the other hand, is gearing up for an unforgettable Christmas adventure in the French Alps, where she will ski with her family and indulge in her mom’s freshly baked goodies. Her enthusiasm for creating lasting
memories in such a magical setting captures the essence of family togetherness during the holiday season.
For other team members, the focus shifts toward strengthening friendships and reconnecting with loved ones, even those far away. Many are dedicated to giving back to the community, participating in church activities, and volunteering at the local animal shelters, reflecting their commitment to service and compassion.
The holiday spirit radiates from the cheer team, making their cheers not just about sports but also spreading joy and positivity. Their infectious enthusiasm reminds us all of the importance of cherishing relationships, embracing community, and celebrating the true essence of Christmas. As they cheer on their players, they also cheer for the spirit of giving, love, and togetherness that defines this special time of year. Whether through cheerful performances or involvement with charitable activities, these young ladies remind everyone that the true gifts of Christmas lie in love, kindness, and their giving spirit.
“Aunt
SueSue gifts her beloved books and enjoys a cozy evening filled with family bonding.”
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Get in touch today to discuss what’s really important: family.
ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY JD SWIGER- SWIGER STUDIO
There’s one thing for certain and two things for sure. Firstly, Jeanne Picou has a Christmas Tree collection that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, giving new meaning to the Christmas Spirit. Secondly, her trees are shaking up the holiday buzz with some things old and new, some things coastal, and some things you’d find in the zoo!
Jeanne shares “I’ve always loved the spirit of Christmas and over the years I’ve added trees to nearly every room in our home. Every tree has its own style and feel, its own story, its own space.”
Nothing is sweeter than her Candy Tree. This tree is filled with lots of little goodies that her children and grandchildren know and love. As the years passed, her collection of Christmas candy goodies grew. Adorned with sweet treasures large and small, this is just one of the focal points when you walk into her home.
Next up on our list is her New Orleans Tree. True to her Louisiana roots, Jeanne brought part of her home and heritage with her to the island. “This tree has so many special things on it, and if you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you’ll understand why.
This tree is as diverse and special as the people from there. There’s something for everyone on this tree.”
Coming to take a walk on the wild side is tree number three. Jeanne says “I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, I used to spend hours volunteering my time with the sea turtle rescue and now I’m at the zoo. I wanted to bring the joy I feel when I’m with them into our home.”
Jeanne Picou has been crafting her Christmas Tree collection for over 30 years. We’re so grateful to her for inviting us into her home to share the stories and inspiration from Christmas past.
Her Louisiana roots also gave Jeanne more than family heritage, it also gave her a true Louisiana “Poor Folks Tree.”
Jeanne says “Many years ago, if people couldn’t afford a tree they would bring in a limb like this one and decorate it with what they had. These ornaments are all handmade and my mother used to make a tree like this.” There’s something incredibly sweet and sentimental about taking something from the past and bringing it back for the future. Jeanne has done so beautifully.
Lastly, Jeanne has brought the snowy white feel of Christmas to the island with her Almost White tree. Decorated and adorned with delicate snowy and soft white colors, you can almost feel the cold air of Christmas along our sugar sand beaches. Jeanne has found a way to bring elements from nearly all over the world to our little island paradise.
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
EVERYDAY IN DECEMBER BUT CHRISTMAS DAY
The Wharf
Let us bring winter to you! Grab a pair of skates and glide, spin or fall into the season. December 1-December 22: Monday-Friday: 4-10pm, Saturday: 10am – 10pm, Sunday: Noon - 8pm | December 23: 10am - 10pm | December 24: 12-4pm | December 26-28: 10am – 10pm December 29: Noon - 8pm | December 30: 10am - 10pm |December 31: 10am – Midnight
DECEMBER 6TH, 12TH, 20TH, 27TH, JANUARY 10TH, 16TH, 24TH, 31ST
Wine events in December 2024 & January 2025
C’est Le Vin.
December 6th - The Southern Hemisphere w/Winston | December 12th - Wines for the Holidays w/ Kelani | December 20th- A Taste through Europe w/Winston | December 27th- All Things Italian Pt. 4 w/Winston | January 10th - All Things Australian w/Winston | January 16th- Wine and Cheese w/Kelani | January 24th - Blind Tasting w/Winston | January 31st- The Judgment of Paris
DECEMBER 7TH
Flora-Bama Annual Santa Drop
FloraBama | 11:00 AM
Kick-off the Christmas holidays with our annual Santa Drop. See Santa skydive onto our white sandy beaches then jump in line in the tent for Santa pics! It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still sit on Santa’s lap and ask for whatever you want.
DECEMBER 10TH
The Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert
Erie Meyer Civic Center | 7:00 PM
Get into the holiday spirit with some Christmas tunes by The Baldwin Pops. You may even see a special guest from the North Pole. This concert is free, but a toy donation is encouraged as the Baldwin Pops are collecting unwrapped gifts for Toys for Tots.
DECEMBER 12TH
Light UP The Arts
Coastal Arts Center | 5:30 PM
Please join us for: Hot Glass and Cool Clay Demos, Raffles and Gift Shop Specials, Live Holiday Music, Refreshments and Wine Bar, Limited Edition Ornaments, Christmas Photos
DECEMBER 14TH
The Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
LuLu’s to The Wharf
We like to celebrate the holidays in Gulf Coast style with brightly decorated boats to light the night! The boats will leave LuLu’s Gulf Shores and Homeport Marina at dusk and head to the Wharf in Orange Beach. The boats will be visible along the canal from Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.