'Tis the season of gifts and giving
The holidays invoke a sense of coziness and belonging, and remind us all of what’s important in life.
Life slows down a bit with schools taking a winter break and families using that time to travel and see loved ones or settling in at home to spend quality time with each other.
While many families (mine included) want to make the holidays less materialistic and more about the reason behind the season, it can be tricky thinking about the most impactful ways to give back during this special time.
Local nonprofit group Secret Santa of Little Elm aims to do just that by aiding underprivileged children during this season. Toys, clothing, bicycles, bedding and any other items on the child’s wish list are provided to ensure a great Christmas for young ones to have a memorable holiday.
Our friends at GRIT Ministries also take the giving spirit to heart, training coaches on how to be positive role models through faith, love and humility so they can be the best inspiration to the young lives they are helping mold.
And for those who want to give their loved ones a fun day out or who would like to gather and celebrate a special occasion with delicious food, Guilia’s Café in Aubrey offers homestyle comfort meals for breakfast and lunch with the freshest, high-quality ingredients.
Whether you’re taking a trip out of town or hosting a full house, there are many ways to soak up the season through love and humility.
We hope you are able to celebrate those qualities for the holidays, and we hope these pages provide inspiration on how to remember what’s important this winter and heading into 2025.
From our families to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
ALEXIS JACKSON, PUBLISHER
@LAKESIDECITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Alexis Jackson | alexis.jackson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Gabrielle Bailey | gabrielle.bailey@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Shannon Spake | shannon.spake@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jason Laumer | jason.laumer@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Amber McMahan
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN DECEMBER 2024
city scene
1: Little Elm residents and small businesses come together for a local business expo. 2: The city of Aubrey opened its brand new Council Chambers and Community Center. 3: A one-of-a-kind mural was painted on the Aubrey MDD and Chamber building, celebrating the city. 4: Highland Village residents gather for a concert at Doubletree Ranch Park. 5: A young Little Elm resident gets her face painted while visiting The Lawn. 6: Krugerville residents show up for the city's monthly farmers market. 7: Brand Kiesling and Alexis Jackson connect at a “Conversation over Cocktails” event in Little Elm.
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KRUGERVILLE FARMERS MARKET
LITTLE ELM PARKS AND RECREATION
CITY OF HIGHLAND VILLAGE
CITY OF AUBREY ALEXIS JACKSON
business monthly
Bloomfield Homes
Homebuyers will have the opportunity to check out Bloomfield Homes' Open House Extravaganza. Those in search of a new home will be able to take advantage of significant savings on all inventory homes and could be eligible for financial incentives. Learn more at www.bloomfieldhomes.com
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Centurion American Development Group
Spiritas Ranch, Little Elm’s newest master-planned community from Centurion American Development Group, is now selling. Featuring homes from nine top builders, this development will encompass over 2,100 new single-family homes. Learn more about Spiritas Ranch by visiting SpiritasRanch.com
Allan Retail Group
Six new businesses have moved to new brick-and-mortar stores in the LakesideCelina areas thanks to Allan Retail Group. Fourteen Eighteen Coffee, Texas Amps and Axes, Priism Golf and Smoothie Factory + Kitchen/Red Mango will open in 2025, and SG Works TX and Di Marntzio’s opened their doors this year. To find the perfect location for a new business or to move into a different space, call Dorothy Allan with Allan Retail Group at 469-469-0939.
Photography by Bloomfield Homes
Photography by Centurion American Development Group
Photography by Allan Retail Group
How one nonprofit helps local kids feel special and loved for the holidays
A Charitable Spin on Secret Santa
ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE BAILEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER MCMAHAN
We have all participated in a Secret Santa during the holiday season at some point. Whether it was at school with our class or through work with colleagues, everyone has had the opportunity to surprise an acquaintance with a gift they wouldn’t have received otherwise.
Secret Santa of Little Elm aims to capture this excitement every holiday season for families in need, giving gifts to children up to 12 years old so they can have the special holiday they deserve.
“These families would not otherwise be able to provide gifts for their kids during the holidays,” said Jennette Espinosa, the president of the board of directors for Secret Santa of Little Elm.
“The financial burden is already so high to simply meet the basic needs of food and shelter. Not only do we have the pleasure of making sure the kids have special gifts to open, but we are also helping the parents maintain dignity so that they can give their kids some great gifts for the holidays.”
Formed in 2013, Secret Santa of Little Elm is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children in the community. The endeavor ensures kids from all backgrounds have a memorable Christmas and that they are not in need of everyday items during the winter months.
On average, Secret Santa of Little Elm helps 250 children and their families, although that number increased to 354 kids in 2024. The organization had to close the application window early because the maximum number of recipients the nonprofit could aid was met so quickly.
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“We would love to be able to raise more funds and partner with more businesses in the community to increase the number of recipients ..."
“We would love to be able to raise more funds and partner with more businesses in the community to increase the number of recipients next year,” Espinosa said.
Not only did the applicant list significantly grow, but the number of essential items needed versus toys had grown, as well. Collection boxes are placed at participating businesses in the community for the public to drop off new and unused toys.
To be considered as a recipient, applicants must provide proof of residency, photo identification and income documentation to ensure the charity’s resources are going to those in need. Children are asked to make a wish list for items like toys, bicycles, skateboards, clothes and bedding.
The nonprofit’s goal is to provide all recipients with every item on their wish list, especially the essential items. However, Secret Santa of Little Elm does try to include fun
toys in each recipient's gift bundle for some extra cheer during the season.
While gift cards and extremely expensive gifts, such as video game consoles, are not permitted, toys that stimulate the mind and are educational, like books, arts and crafts and reasonably priced toys, are encouraged.
“Being a part of Secret Santa of Little Elm is very fulfilling for all of our volunteers,” Espinosa said. “Seeing the smiles on the parents’ faces when they pick up their boxes and hearing them say how excited they are to watch their kids open the gifts brings us so much joy.”
While the deadline to become a recipient has passed, Secret Santa of Little Elm is always open to receiving donations for this Christmas season or for next year.
More information about donating or sponsoring a collection box can be found by emailing secretsantaoflittleelm@gmail.com.
EXPERIENCE THE AROMA
In the heart of Aubrey where neighbors greet each other by name and the sense of country and community run deep, there’s a café that has become a local gem where locals flock not just for the food, but for the experience.
ARTICLE BY SHANNON SPAKE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER MCMAHAN
Giulia's Café, owned and operated by Anthony and Giulia Porcaro, embodies the spirit of family, warmth and
Giulia's Café is Aubrey's own version of “Cheers” for the entire family
"Aubrey is a place where people watch out for each other.”
exceptional hospitality. Walking through its doors feels like being invited into a cherished gathering place where everyone is treated like family and the food nourishes the body and soul.
Located in the heart of town on U.S. 377, Giulia's Café has an atmosphere that is cozy and intimate, with the hum of conversation filling the air as regulars and newcomers alike settle into comfortable booths or on the sunny patio. What truly sets this café apart is the feeling of familiarity that permeates every corner.
With its laid-back “Cheers for Family” vibe, Giulia's Café has become the go-to spot for breakfast, brunch and special moments shared over a great meal.
Anthony and Giulia are no strangers to the art of hospitality. Each has a background in fine dining and have mastered the skills of running a top-tier establishment.
But after years of working long hours in the high-pressure world of upscale restaurants, they craved something with a better work-life balance and a chance to focus on the simple joys of life. They decided to open their own café that would not only serve great food but would also become a hub for the local community.
“We welcomed Aubrey [residents] into our establishment to provide a warm atmosphere with exceptional food,” Anthony says. “And they, in turn, welcomed us with such amazing support that we are now a part of the community. We cater for their weddings, family reunions and church functions. That means the world to us.”
The café is a labor of love, from the carefully curated menu to the personal interactions with guests. Regulars come for great food and to enjoy the relationships they’ve built with the staff and owners.
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Anthony and Giulia’s presence is felt in every detail, and their hands-on approach has helped create a loyal customer base that continues to grow.
The heart of Giulia's Café, of course, is the food. The menu is a delicious blend of classic comfort dishes with a gourmet twist, reflecting Anthony and Giulia’s fine dining background.
Breakfast and brunch options dominate the menu, with every dish made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients. Whether someone is in the mood for fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, a perfectly seasoned breakfast pork chop or classic eggs Benedict served with a side of crispy hash browns, Giulia's Café has something to satisfy every craving.
And let’s not forget their signature coffee blends, brewed fresh daily, which pair perfectly with a homemade pastry or two.
For many, Guilia’s is not just a place to grab a bite to eat—it’s where people gather with friends, catch up with neighbors and celebrate milestones. As a trusted partner in the community, the restaurant’s catering events continue to please, from intimate family reunions to community-wide church events.
The café’s involvement in the community goes beyond catering. Giulia and Anthony are active participants in local events, frequently donating meals to fundraisers and supporting local causes. Their café has become more than just a business—it is where a love of good food is nourished. Don’t be surprised if you see kids in the kitchen learning recipes or helping with their family’s meals.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better town to call home. The people here have embraced us, and we’re so proud to be a part of their lives.”
“What really stands out for me is that Aubrey is a place where people watch out for each other,” Giulia said. “Our veterans and first responders are so respected [that] they rarely have to pay for a meal.
"One day, they paid it forward and chose to pick up the tab for a young family with children. Then that family did the same, and it went on that way all day long until the last customer’s tab was paid in full. That is the heart of this community.”
As the café continues to thrive, Anthony and Giulia remain grateful for the support they’ve received from the Aubrey community.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better town to call home,” Giulia said. “The people here have embraced us, and we’re so proud to be a part of their lives.”
Giulia's Café is a testament to the power of good food, warm hospitality and the ties of community. Anthony and Giulia have found the perfect balance and, in doing so, they’ve created something exceptional.
CRAFTING CHEER:
DIY WINTER CRAFTS
ARTICLE BY ERICA BIBB PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
ORNAMENT CLUSTERS
SUPPLIES
• 22 gauge wire
• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes
• Wire snips
STEP 1
Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”
STEP 2
Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 3
Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.
STEP 4
Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 5
Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!
Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!
Mustang Special Utility District provides reliable, sustainable and efficient water and wastewater utility services to over 220 square miles in North Texas. Our dedicated staff of 140 individuals work tirelessly every day to ensure we meet the needs of our customers and our growing community. As the largest Special Utility District in the State of Texas, we take our role as an industry leader seriously. From water quality monitoring to conservation and drought efforts, we never stop working to establish ourselves as a utility Second to None
2 Offices
32,417,280
40,683
120,000
CHANGING THE GAME
HOW GRIT MINISTRIES SHAPES COACHES TO BE LEADERS ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Grit Ministries is redefining what it means to lead in sports, with a mission that goes far beyond the field.
The organization operates under Christian-based leadership principles, aimed at transforming coaches into leaders who inspire not only their teams but their communities. As their mission statement says, "Grit Ministries exists to glorify God through equipping, encouraging, supporting, and challenging individuals in living for Christ."
Founded by Travis Labhart and Connor Nichols, both men recognized the need for strong leadership in coaching from their own experiences in athletics, Grit Ministries was built to create a space where coaches could learn, grow and connect with one another.
The organization’s goal is to help coaches see their role not just as sports mentors but as life leaders, empowered by faith, service and compassion.
“We believe through the avenue of sports, we can play a small part in shaping future generations,” Labhart said. “Sports are the ninth-largest industry in the world. Coaches are at the tip of the spear for this industry.”
At the core of Grit Ministries’ philosophy is the recognition of the pivotal role that coaches play in the lives of young athletes. From little leagues to professional arenas, coaches influence character, resilience and teamwork.
In today’s sports culture, the pressure to win can often times weigh heavily on coaches, causing them to forget that sports are supposed to be fun and uplifting. Grit Ministries seeks to counter this trend by providing a holistic approach to coaching—one that prioritizes leadership development grounded in Christian values.
But what if the focus shifted from winning by all costs to encouraging young players to take the skills learned on the
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field and apply them to every day life? This is the heart of Grit Ministries’ mission: To teach coaches to lead with compassion, integrity and a servant’s heart.
“We believe that through the sharing and equipping of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to coaches, lives can be changed” Labhart said. “Coaches have one of the largest platforms of any profession that has a direct impact on the future generations.”
At its core, Grit Ministries focuses on three guiding principles: Faith-based leadership, community engagement and personal growth. These principles serve as a moral compass for coaches as they guide their teams on and off the field.
Faith-based leadership is the foundation of all the organization’s programs, teaching coaches to lead by example and live out Christian values, including humility, honesty and grace.
The second pillar, community engagement, encourages coaches to extend their leadership beyond the playing field. Grit Ministries empowers coaches to serve as role models within their neighborhoods, schools and churches.
The third focus, personal growth, underscores the idea that leadership development is an ongoing journey. Grit Ministries offers workshops, seminars, and one-on-one mentoring designed to help coaches hone their leadership skills. Topics range from effective communication and conflict resolution to team building and servant leadership.
“Many coaches have difficulty creating relationships,” Labhart said. “They are scrutinized on every level. But they are most scrutinized by the scoreboards at the end of games.”
He recalled how he had been working with one coach for some time on how to deal with the pressure of losing. Labhart said they studied the Bible together during his coaching season and during the offseason, which helped this coach on a personal and professional level.
“One day at the close of our session, tears filled his eyes and he said, ‘Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done, if you had not shown up in my life,’” Labhart said. “My own heart was heavy at these words. He and many others have this experience ... My greatest joy is to bring a hope that is lasting and goes beyond wins and losses. For the first time in his life, he began to experience a burden lifted as he learned of a lasting love that is unchanging.”
One of the most unique aspects of Grit Ministries is the community of coaches it fosters. The organization builds a strong sense of camaraderie among coaches, encouraging them to lean on each other for support.
“Our long-term vision is to support and discipline coaches in what it means to follow Jesus through active one-on-one coaching, retreats, coaching clinics, conferences and an online database that provides coaches with guidance and support,” Labhart said. “Our hope is to expand our team and reach beyond the boundaries of Texas.”
To learn more about Grit Ministries and to donate to help future coaches be better stewards, visit www.gritministries.com
Grit Ministries cofounder Travis Labhart leads a conference.
Making Spirits
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
Holiday Entertaining Boards
The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board
• Fig Jelly
• Honey
• Variety of Cheeses
• Salami or meat of choice
• Olives (provide a variety)
• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut
• Grapes, berries, persimmon
• Crackers
Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries. CONTINUED >
Sweet Treat Cocoa Board
• A variety of fresh berries or desired fruit
• Marshmallows
• Hot Cocoa Mix
• Chocolate Covered Pretzels
• Chocolate Covered Cherries
• Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
• Chocolate Covered Biscotti
• Hot Cocoa Bomb
• Holiday Cookie Cutter
Place your favorite holiday cookie cutter on the board first. Fill the cookie cutter with mini marshmallows. Next, layer the large items first. Begin with the chocolate covered Biscotti and build around that using berries. Pile the berries high. Next add a variety of chocolate covered treats on opposite sides of each other between the mounds of berries. Be sure to add touches of berries around the edges. If space allows, place hot cocoa on board. Otherwise, set bowl full of hot cocoa mix and any additional hot cocoa fixings adjacent to the board.
The Pastry Board
• Donuts
• Cinnamon Rolls
• French Beignets
• Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Layer board with larger pastries first and layer in with smaller pastry next. Garnish board with holiday sprigs or fresh herbs.
DECEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 3RD
Cross Roads Winter Festival
FM 424 & Fishtrap Road | Cross Roads | 9:00 AM
Kick off the holidays season at the Cross Roads Winter Festival at Cross Roads Park, where Santa will be available for pictures with kids, families and even pets! Christmas carols will be playing, hot chocolate will be served and the holiday lights will be turned on before dusk to beat the night cold.
DECEMBER 4TH
City of Aubrey Christmas Tree Lighting
301 S. Main St. | Aubrey | 5:30 PM
Guests can see the town of Aubrey come to life with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Veteran’s Park. The entire family is welcome and can meet Santa Claus and his reindeer and enjoy live music. Food trucks will be onsite, where guests can enjoy warm food and hot cocoa.
DECEMBER 13TH
Wine Down with the Grinch
310 Highland Village Rd. | Highland Village | 6:00 PM
Wine Down with the Grinch is the perfect date night opportunity for adult couples during the holiday season. The night features music entertainment, adult beverages, dinner and a special appearance from the Grinch himself! Space is limited and registration is required. Tickets can purchased online at www.anc. apm.activecommunities.com. Registration closes Friday, Dec. 6.
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DECEMBER 14TH
Christmas at the Ranch
310 Highland Village Rd. | Highland Village | 10:00 AM
Head to Doubletree Ranch Park for a holiday extravaganza the entire family can enjoy. The park will be transformed into a winter wonderland, where guests can enjoy snow hill sledding, a snow play area, a trackless train, bounce houses, food vendors and photos with Santa and his reindeer.
DECEMBER 15TH
Holiday Bazaar in the Lakefront
125 Main St. | Little Elm | 12:00 PM
Embrace the holiday spirit with an array of vendors offering unique gifts, delicious treats, and festive decorations. The event promises a day filled with seasonal cheer and activities for the whole family.
DECEMBER 21ST
Elf Extravaganza
125 Main St. | Little Elm | 5:00 PM
Dive into the holiday spirit with an Elf-themed Christmas event featuring a thrilling snowball fight and all things Christmas. Along with pictures with Santa, food and drinks, ice skating, gingerbread house decorating, and horse and wagon rides will be available. This event is free to attend.
