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November - Thankful
To the Team,
This month, as we celebrate River City Lifestyle's third year, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for each of you. Reflecting on where we started and where we are now, I am truly proud of how much we have accomplished together.
Three years ago, we gathered for several weeks around everything from coffees to cocktails to share big ideas, but whether we could turn our words into action was uncertain. If those first inspired conversations had not evolved into the business we now run, I still would have considered it a short-term blessing to have spent that time together catching up as friends and acknowledging the untold stories of our community. Instead, we were able to convert those impromptu meetings in 2021 - scheduled around our other professional, civic and family commitments – into a long-term enterprise that serves Memphis in a unique and, I think, often exceptional way.
During those meetings in 2021, we collectively agreed that Memphis had more to say. After months of rolling up our sleeves and working full-time with each other’s good company as our sole compensation for a lot of hard work, we successfully launched River City Lifestyle.
Since then, every challenge we’ve faced, every obstacle we’ve overcome, and every milestone we’ve achieved has been because of the trust and fellowship that define our product. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or joined us along the way, your contributions have shaped this team.
During this month of thankful reflection, I consider it one of my greatest blessings to be part of a business that is not just a daily job. Instead, from our small staff to the larger audience we serve, it is a community building project. With a goal to continue developing a media source in which each person’s voice is valued and successes of the River City are celebrated each month, I truly believe we have built a platform that represents our original mission.
I am confident in the strong foundation we’ve laid and excited about what the future holds. It is because of the people on this team that we will continue to grow. I am honored to work alongside each of you and look forward to all that we will accomplish in the years to come.
With appreciation and gratitude,
CHRISTIAN OWEN, PUBLISHER
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Bonner Morgan | bonnermorganphotography@gmail.com
MARKET AREA COORDINATOR
Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Amy Birdsong Golden, Margaret Ledbetter, Morgan Zanone
COPY EDITOR
Jo-Ellen Sharpe
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Maude Burrow
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster Learn
inside the issue
JUDITH R. LEE-SIGLER, MD
Dr. Lee-Sigler possesses over 20 years of clinical experience, specializing in non-surgical spine and orthopedic medicine, diagnostic and therapeutic injections, orthobiologic medicine techniques, spinal column simulator trials, electromyography and nerve conduction studies, and botox therapies for migraine headaches and torticollis. She possesses a 4.9/5.0 Google Star Rating across hundreds of reviews, and her patients describe her as "personable, present, engaging, extremely intelligent, and knowledgeable."
Individuals looking for conservative treatment for musckuloskeletal conditions can find Dr. Lee-Sigler at OrthoSouth offices in East Memphis, Bartlett, and Germantown.
November 14th | 5:30pm-8:30pm
$715,000 | UNDER CONTRACT 5675 Glade View Kelly Erb with Marx Bensdorf Realtors was referred to me by a co-worker as I was moving back to Memphis. I have worked with multiple realtors in the past and have never been as happy as I was with Kelly. She was very patient, responsive, honest and knowledgeable. Kelly’s main concern was me not just trying to sell a home. This is a rare quality and one which I sincerely appreciate. I would highly recommend Kelly to everyone I know.”
Tastemakers and Tablescapes
MEMPHIS CREATIVES SHARE THEIR TABLES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Meade Carlisle Lucia Heros
Colin Chapman
Meade Carlisle
For many, the joy of hosting is deeply rooted in family. Fashion and Interior Stylist, Meade Carlisle, is a passionate hostess inspired by her upbringing, where floral arrangements and family heirlooms play a significant role in creating memorable events.
Reflecting on her childhood, she shares, “Growing up, I always loved watching my mother and grandmother create arrangements for parties and family gatherings.” Although she admits, “I may not be as florally gifted as them,” she has absorbed countless tricks over the years. “I have always been drawn to purple flowers. I started there with a palette and incorporated fruits and vegetables to highlight ‘nature’s bounty’ for this time of year.”
Her table is a blend of beauty and nostalgia, featuring a mix of family heirlooms and her wedding china. “The home I live in was actually my maternal grandparents’, Phil and Dorothy Brodnax,” she explains. Living in a space filled with childhood memories, she treasures her wedding china, crafted by the late designer Alberto Pinto. “I love the Chinoiserie design and how it includes silver and gold,” she adds. The chargers and glassware were wedding gifts from Social and Babcock Gifts. The place settings are complemented by her mother’s silverware and placemats, as well as her paternal grandmother’s tea set gracing the buffet.
When hosting formal meals, she employs a key styling trick: keeping table arrangements low. “I try to keep the table arrangements low so they don’t block conversation or take away from the beautiful chandelier,” she advises. This chandelier, a cherished piece from her grandparents’ family business, Brodnax Jewelers, adds a touch of elegance and sentimentality to her dining room. “My grandparents brought it with them when they moved to Memphis in the 1970s,” she notes.
As Thanksgiving approaches, she focuses on creating a cozy atmosphere that reflects the season. She extends the tablescape florals and décor to the front entry, fireplace and sitting areas in the home, creating a cohesive mood. “As you enter our home, there’s a wonderful Rumford fireplace that warms the whole space,” she describes, adding that the evening begins with champagne by the fire before transitioning to dinner in the dining room.
Meade Carlisle
Colin Chapman
For more everyday affairs, she still pulls out the “good stuff” and dresses the table. The menu for her gatherings often revolves around her husband, Thomas, who Meade claims is the ‘real cook’ in the family and a self-proclaimed grill master. “I love pairing more casual meals, like burgers, with a formal setting using our china,” she shares, relishing the unexpected contrast this creates.
When it comes to dessert, she has a family favorite that has become legendary among friends: her mother’s chocolate chip cookies. “At the end of every meal, people are always hoping for ‘Shelley cookies,’” she laughs, explaining how they pair perfectly with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Her hosting philosophy is simple: “I always remind myself not to overthink things. It’s important to have fun, and if I’m at ease, my guests will be too!”
Colin Chapman
Colin Chapman is a creative catalyst in Memphis. With a background in interior design, fashion and creative directing, he is the marketing manager for Joseph Stores. Also, he teaches in the Fashion program of the Art department at the University of Memphis. His hosting advice starts with the ambience. “Set the scene! Create a vibe! Have music playing. Dim the lighting or turn on your lamps to create a glow. Have a batchable drink ready to serve guests.”
“I absolutely love hosting at my home. I moved out from my parents’ house last year and have taken tips and tricks from my mom,” he says.
This season, Colin is preparing for a festive Friendsgiving with close friends Jayla, Carl and Rian. “I love to host all types of events, but the intimate ones are my favorite because I can really focus on my guests and live in the moment,” he expresses.
Colin shares his philosophy on incorporating special touches into his events, emphasizing the importance of a signature cocktail. “I love a signature cocktail for any event I host. This holiday season, I’m doing a Spiked Candy Apple Cider,” he says. His recipe combines 4 oz of apple cider and 2 oz of bourbon, topped with ice and garnished with a bruléed apple slice.
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Colin Chapman
And creating that ambiance? The art in his dining room immediately creates a sense of place. The portraits from Memphis artist Frances Berry Moreno add the illusion of more guests and a real party.
When it comes to florals, Colin says, “Yes to florals, always!” A modern centerpiece from florist TCB & Co. is both soft and striking. “I start from the middle out on everything. My statement piece will always be placed first, and then I work around it,” he notes. He adds playful touches like corn husks as place cards while mixing gold faux fruit with fresh plums, pomegranates, pears and apples around the table.
“It’s just like getting dressed. You want to mix pattern and texture and have a thoughtful approach to color,” he encourages.
For table settings, Colin prefers vintage pieces, sourcing his glassware and dinnerware from Kris at Vintage Modern Memphis. “She is responsible for all of my vintage glassware and dinnerware,” he emphasizes.
“I always call upon our local businesses. Feast & Graze completes any table for luxury grazing. And 17 Berkshire for sweets –they’ll work with you to create the perfect dessert for your event,” Colin advises.
As he continues to experiment with table settings and hosting, Colin pulls from fashion, art and design to create inspirational affairs. “It’s really about conversation, connection and celebration,” he says smiling.
CONTINUED >
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Lucia Heros
Lucia Heros invites us into her world of entertaining, sharing her inspirations for hosting an intimate, Italian-inspired ladies’ holiday luncheon.
The portrait of her namesake, her beloved Nonna Lucia, serves as a muse for the gathering. “This little dining nook feels very whimsical,” she adds. “And a better setting for the occasion than the formal dining room.”
Lucia’s table harmoniously blends the old and new, featuring her grandmother’s silverware, delicate place card holders and petite antique cordial glasses. “I prefer serving wine for a ladies’ lunch in these smaller glasses,” she explains. To enhance the magical ambiance, she incorporates crystals with personal significance and other delicate décor pieces like silver salt cellars and small pieces of art.
“I love table dressing that gives you something tactile and interesting,” she shares. “It serves as conversation pieces that add to the experience.”
Lucia enjoys experimenting with her tableware, styling and stacking plates that don’t necessarily match. “Sometimes making a mess leads to a brighter and better idea, so pull out all the options and start editing until you have something that feels authentically you,” she notes. “I always want to bring out my finer porcelain and ceramics and blend them with more casual pieces.”
“Florals are always a splurge for me,” Lucia reveals, naming LeFleur as her go-to for fanciful and everyday arrangements. The tiny vases that adorn her table also double as take-home gifts for her guests.
CONTINUED >
Lucia emphasizes the thrill of sourcing unique pieces for her gatherings. “I appreciate diving into a good estate sale for special finds and source locally from Stovall Collection for pretty papers,” she shares. She also explores antique shops and online platforms like Etsy and 1stDibs. “If a piece speaks to me, I usually buy it, knowing I will instinctively find a way to incorporate it into my home.”
Her meticulous organization shines through in her “entertaining closet,” where she curates items for future gatherings. “I love to open those doors and start plotting!” she exclaims.
Walking through her garden is another source of inspiration for Lucia. “Whatever you are growing is certainly worth showcasing!” she notes, mentioning how she incorporates fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme into her meals or anything fresh to the table decor.
“Adding extra little elements to your entertaining— like lemon slices on your glass or fresh herbs as a garnish—is an effort worth making,” she advises. From special flavored butter to pretty ice cubes, Lucia believes that these details elevate home entertaining beyond the restaurant experience.
Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone for Lucia. “Peruse Spotify and find an interesting playlist for the occasion,” she suggests. Starting with mellow tunes, she recommends picking up the energy as guests enjoy their second drink. “In the evening, just please keep dimming the lights!” she adds, emphasizing the importance of atmosphere.
As the conversation flows and the laughter fills the air, Lucia reminds us that making a beautiful tablescape is an opportunity to create a scene and gift your guests with your own creativity and style.
MARGARET MIKKELSEN
MODERN LIVES IN MEMPHIS
mobile: 646-898-6901
office: 901-754-0800
margaret@modernmemphishomes.com modernmemphishomes
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THE COUNTRY PLACE
A Christian retreat center where families can disconnect from smartphones and reconnect with one another.
ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY B. WEBB
The Country Place, located in Moscow, Tennessee, is a Christian retreat center where families can go to disconnect from smartphones and reconnect with one another. In 1972, John and Jo Walt started a Young Life camp that has grown into what is now TCP Ministries. The Country Place remained a bunk-style Young Life camp until the mid 1980s when they became their own nonprofit, independent ministry. Due to the generosity of many over the years, they have completed several renovations to the cabins, inns and other areas, making it more comfortable for families. Other amenities include a conference center, dining hall (the barn), pool, basketball court, obstacle course, lake and a recently restored walking trail in memory of John Walt. In 2015, they added a 170-seat chapel that has become the signature building of the property. Additionally, their outdoor chapel can hold over 200. The Country Place hosts 10-15 weddings each year.
Andrew describes The Country Place saying, “For the first 50 years we were mainly a rental facility, but now we are putting our focus on families and how we can encourage and strengthen the family bond.” They are most excited about their weekend Family Camps, which will be offered in July and August of 2025. Gus Walt, Andrew’s son, says they can accommodate 20 families per camp, providing a variety of activities to promote family values while building lasting memories. Gus further explains, “We provide food, programming, speakers, games. Everything is led by us. We’ll host; all you do is sign up.”
A typical day at Family Camp includes home-cooked meals, devotionals, educational speakers and a wide variety of fun and games designed for team building and family bonding. There are games where families need to work together to complete a challenge, as well as a low-level obstacle course and a leap of faith. They also offer canoeing, fishing and outdoor games like basketball and pickleball.
“Spending time with family is a lost art in today’s society,” explains Andrew. “With all the social media and everything else. We encourage everybody to put their phones away and just have family time.” In addition to Family Camp, The Country Place offers other activities, such as bonfires, supper clubs and exploring traditional Jewish celebrations for families who would like a taste of the traditions from biblical times. These activities are designed to help families build lifetime memories. As stated on their website: The Country Place invites you to “unplug, reconnect and embrace adventure.”
To learn more about The Country Place and their upcoming events, visit countryplaceretreat.com .
“WE ARE PUTTING OUR FOCUS ON FAMILIES AND HOW WE CAN STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY BOND.”
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Friendsgiving
BRINGING FAMILY TRADITIONS TO THE TABLE WITH FRIENDS, NEW AND OLD
ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Friendsgiving has become an annual event signaling the start of the holiday season for many friend groups, usually at the beginning of November. Lifelong-hometown friends or new-job-new-city friends celebrate Thanksgiving in a casual, potluck, all-hands-on-deck fashion. While scheduling a group dinner in November is challenging, friend groups make the extra effort to ink this occasion on calendars. Friendsgiving can be anything from a seated dinner or a buffet with football as the main entertainment to a game night with turkey and pumpkin pie.
For many, Friendsgiving is not just a gathering, but an exciting opportunity to create new memories with both new and old friends. It’s a chance to relive the magic of unique childhood traditions around the holidays. Friendsgiving beautifully blends our families’ traditions
while intentionally (or unintentionally) creating new moments to look forward to every year. Friends learn more about one another through the cherished holiday moments and time honored traditions they each reimagine and bring to the table. One friend brings sweet potatoes with marshmallows piled high with extras for everyone - just in case. Another friend brings mulled wine that her grandmother taught her how to make when she turned 21. Another friend brings paper turkey feather hats, which everyone must wear until the night is over. The joy of creating these new memories is what makes Friendsgiving so special.
This holiday-within-a-holiday is a creative, jolly opportunity for friends to distill family traditions and reimagine them with their contemporaries, creating new memories with every year and every burnt turkey.
Hester and Cook placemats and table runners from RSVP are perfect for easy cleanup without sacrificing style.
Dishes and Drinks
A Friendsgiving menu can range from a classic Thanksgiving meal with the usual trappings and turkey to a few pizzas. There are no rules! However, a potluck-style meal is the tried and true Friendsgiving formula. Guests select their side dish, dessert or beverage and put their twist on it. Whether they bring a classic side or a family secret recipe, enjoying the different interpretations of Thanksgiving food is always a treat.
A charcuterie board is a great addition to a night full of friends and drinks. Build your charcuterie board so it can be moved from the kitchen with cocktails to the table for dinner as an edible centerpiece and land in the living room for football at the night’s end. Replenish your board as the night progresses, adding cheese that pairs perfectly with the wine for dinner or the cookies one of your guests brought as you move towards dessert.
Creating a make-your-own bar set-up is a great way to include any beverage options guests bring for the night. Include a few local wine, beer and spirits options for out-of-town friends to
enjoy. Get a recommendation from the local liquor store, like a Gundlach Bundschu Dry Gewürztraminer from Joe’s Wines and Liquors. This traditional German white wine pairs well with turkey, stuffing and lighter base foods. Get it thoroughly chilled before serving. Or try this Château de Pougelon Fleurie, a Cru Beaujolais with notes of black fruits and mushroom undertones. The smooth flavor of this red will bring together the vast variety of food items your friends have brought for the evening.
Hack the Meal Prep
Working smarter, not harder, is the key to any truly fun, stress-free Friendsgiving. Don’t have time to defrost a turkey? Pick up a couple of roasted whole chickens at the grocery, dress them up and serve them with gravy. Don’t want to labor over crumbling pie crust? Grab a few pies at your favorite local bakery, plate them, garnish them to perfection and add whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. If no one asks, you don’t have to tell them they didn’t come from your oven.
Personal Touches
Friendsgiving is an excellent opportunity to bring different friend groups together! Make everyone feel welcome with personalized name cards and a welcome note. Let your guests know how thankful you are for taking time out of their busy holiday schedule for a night of laid-back fun. Get a set of hand-embroidered napkins you can use every year, passing them from one host to the next. A new tradition that you can add to as your group grows.
your
Family Traditions
While many friends may bring the predictable dishes, others may show up with a family recipe you’ve never seen before - like a Rice Krispies turkey with M&M stuffing. This new-to-you dessert may be the perfect sweet addition you didn’t know your table needed. The recipe will immediately circulate in the group text, and guests will fight over the leftovers.
Personalize
place settings for each guest with name cards, gift tags and stationery from RSVP.
Give your guests something to commemorate the special night. Since most celebrate Friendsgiving at the beginning of November, give each guest a blank Thank You card and stamped envelope that they can send to whoever may be hosting them in a few weeks for the main Thanksgiving day event. Or maybe they simply send it to someone who lives far away just to tell the recipient how grateful they are for them even if they can’t be together for the holidays.
Set each place with a miniature jar of your family’s meat rub and a jar of raspberry jam you made with your mom in July, giving your guests a sweet taste of summer during the darker months ahead.
Something to Take Home Cheers!
Between all of the thoughtful preparation and choreography, don’t forget to enjoy it. Savor the wine, eat the rice crispy turkey leg. This season dedicated to thankfulness often becomes quite rushed, frantic and busy. Use an evening like Friendsgiving to slow down, and appreciate all there is to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Napkins by Lake Home Collective by Memphian Shelby Lake @lakehomecollective
Grateful for THE JOURNEY
LARRY ROBINSON’S PATH TO SUPPORT SUCCESS FOR LOCAL YOUTH
ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Kudzukian Media Production is a Memphis-based audio and visual content and event production company.
Formed in 2014, the company has created a wide variety of podcast series, including Humans Being with Kirk Whalum, Breaking Bread with the Chief led by Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis and I was Told There Would be Snacks. The Journey is a podcast series chronicling stories of Black men in business hosted by Larry Robinson, CEO and founder of Kudzukian.
Describing the intent of the series, Larry says, “It unspools the ups and downs, twists and turns faced by these local gentlemen. There is no straight or narrow or neat path.” The common denominator, however, is that these men have all experienced success and they want to share the journey with young men in our city. These stories are also shared in the public schools to help further spread the message. “We are leaving bread crumbs for our young men to follow. Memphis needs as much support from African American males as possible. The city needs us.” Larry is following what he refers to as an “assignment” that started with his first
company, Lasting Perceptions. Larry recognized super talent when he first saw the Beale Street Flippers perform downtown. He saw something special in them and felt like the world needed to see it. He worked hard to get them the opportunity to perform at a Grizzlies game, helped them win a Nike contract and realized he had a purpose with those young boys that went well beyond flipping.
“With those young men, I got to talk to them about responsibilities that come with being a man. I took them all over the country, spent a lot of time with each of them. I still feel like my job is to protect boys and show them a better way.
I feel personally responsible that if all men in the community would step up, we wouldn’t have the problems we are having in our community. These youth are 20% of the population and 100% of our future.”
After a successful marketing career at Lasting Perceptions that kept him busy and away from home, Larry knew it was time to move in a different direction. After praying during a long road trip, Larry says God nudged him in the sports radio direction and told him to include Howard Roberts, sports fan and former athlete. Howard and Larry began the R&R On
Sports Podcast series in 2013, and Larry’s new career in media production was off and running. Renamed Kudzukian in 2014, their clients include Fed X, International Paper, Nike, Le Bonheur, Ford and several local hospitals and government agencies. For these clients, they are able to help with podcasts, event production and overall content management.
In creating Kudzukian and KMG, the non-profit arm of the business, Larry decided, “Instead of standing on a soap box and complaining, it was my responsibility to act and look for like-minded
individuals to partner with me to help these kids.” Larry has amassed an incredible staff for whom he is grateful. “I couldn’t do it without the help of all the creative and productive individuals on the team.”
In one of The Journey episodes, Larry asks Rodney Herenton, “What is your why?” When asked the same question, Larry says, “I have always wanted to be a blessing to others. As an only child, I realized the importance of relationships and loyalty. I don’t worry about success. I feel it every single day as I wake up and do what I love.”
ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN
BY BONNER MORGAN
Store Credit: Thank You Letter Edition
UNIQUE GIFTS TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE
Grateful for your kindness… Your support means the world… Thank you for your generosity… We’d be lost without you… Your help made a difference… Merci beaucoup… Thanks for being there for me… I’m so thankful for your friendship… It takes a village, but maybe just you… I value your encouragement… Gracias… Thank you for helping me when I couldn’t ask for it… I appreciate all that you do… We are humbled by your spirit…Thank you for your time and effort… You shouldn’t have, but I’m so glad you did!
Cottontails
To the Phillpses,
Grateful that you are our adopted family in Memphis. And they say you can’t pick family?!
Love, The Wrights
To Lila,
I loved being in your hometown this weekend! Thank you for carting me around and indulging me in the estate sale and antique stops! I miss our treasure hunts with a crisp Diet Coke. I could have stayed at Novel for hours (I get hungry around books). And the shopping! I know we were eyeing that gorgeous bag at Joseph. But since I can’t gift you the real thing... I thought this was a close second. A play purse for little Virginia from Cottontails. I know she will be fashion-forward like her mother.
XO
Grace
Dear Blanche,
How are we old enough for this reunion? This math doesn’t add up. Spending the weekend with you was the best. I laughed so much but somehow feel like I have less wrinkles. Enclosed – please find some gift tags with your new last name. It’s a beautiful thing in life, a second season. This calls for all new monograms, you know. I loved meeting Charles. He adores you and I am grateful he is patient with learning all of our inside jokes. I am likely too old to be a bridesmaid, but if you want me to wear a dress that matches the punch, I’ll do it.
See you next at the altar –
Love, Vivian
RSVP Stationers
To my favorite neighbor ever,
Excuse me, Florence Nightingale! How do you take care of everyone? My medical background only extends to Tik Tok and the use of Bacitracin. I know Dermatology is your specialty, but I sure am grateful you remember everything else from nursing school. Thank you for all of the help. If you have any leftover napkins, we can decoupage pumpkins with them – HA!!
XX,
Your favorite neighbor ever
To Katie,
We did it! The first supper club in the books. I snuck this note and arrangement upstairs by your bed. Check your party pantry, I left new napkins because I know you used your pretty ones tonight. And in your freezer you’ll find a breakfast casserole from Lucchesi’s should the morning be hazy. If you think this is me trying to skirt hosting next time, you would be correct. Don’t worry, I should be home and not asleep on your new sofa in the morning. But if I am, it just means you are the most gracious host. Thank you!
Fondly,
Ashley
Dear Mr. Webster,
That class full of kindergartners… When I dropped Kathryn off the other day, I just shook my head and couldn’t decide if you needed a double espresso or the martini kind. Here is a spice version along with some other goodies – like a sensory bin for grown-ups. The classroom would be pretty bland without your humor, energy, zeal and leadership! Also enclosed, a gift card to Buster’s Butcher. It’s better than a Lakeshore Learning shopping spree ;) Enjoy the Thanksgiving break. We are all thankful for you!
With gratitude and kindergarten love,
Your class
Le Fleur
Buster's Butcher
Le Fleur
Dear Mary Esther, A feather in my cap? Hardly. That is YOU my darling. Love, Susan
Dear Chief,
My wife says this is a decanter – de what?! I had to squint a bit, but sure enough it’s a duck as well. I am not sure anything we are drinking lasts too long out of the bottle, but nonetheless – I also brought those bottles of red you like. Thanks for having me yet another day, in another season. The ducks are always better at your place.
- Roger
To Joe,
Thank you for your support when everything has felt heavy. I have decided we should just consult this crystal ball going forward. It predicts nothing but laughter, friendship and maybe a few unexpected plot twists. This seems more reliable than the Magic 8 version. It’s also heavy enough to hold down some serious papers at your desk – or if you need to throw anything around the office. You are an amazing mentor.
Thanks again,
Thomas
Dear Blair,
What a celebration! I decided you needed another roadie. As your mother used to say, ‘no bow, no go’… Thank you for hosting us for the big weekend. I almost considered moving in permanently. The Wi-Fi was faster than my holiday shopping and the food was delicious. A big cheers to you! I hope you’ll relax (but I know you won’t!).
XO, Stephanie
Babcock Gifts
Photography by Kristy Dorman
CAPTURING Family Portraits
Professional tips for seamlessly snapping the annual group photo during your holiday gathering
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
The air is crisp, the table is set and the house is full of those you love most. Somewhere between carving the turkey and settling down for your post-lunch recliner nap, you hear those fated words: “Let’s take a group photo!” After ushering everyone outside and wincing smiles through the third request to “say cheese,” someone realizes that the lens cap has been on the entire time, and you’ll need to start all over again.
Ahh, the holidays.
Even as a photographer who loves family portraits, I know this isn’t necessarily everyone’s favorite part of gathering for special occasions. I do, however, believe it’s an important and wonderful opportunity to capture times together in pictures that will be cherished for years to come. So, to help keep the tradition going without testing everyone’s patience, here are my top tips for taking your annual family photo:
step one: scout a location
When picking a setting, consider the lighting. Make sure the sun will not be in everyone’s eyes or cast harsh shadows on faces. Waiting until close to picture time will give the best idea of what the lighting conditions will be for your portrait.
step two: adjust the settings
Recruit an assistant to stand in frame while you take test photos. Make final adjustments to your settings as needed to make sure your portrait turns out as you planned.
step three: find your window
As everyone is finding their places, check that all faces are in clear view. You may need to rearrange people to help them “find their window,” where their full face is visible and not blocked by the person in front of them.
PRO TIP: A wireless remote allows you to take photos hands-free (even using a phone!). They’re easy to purchase online. Say goodbye to self-timers and running into frame before the shutter clicks. Simply point the remote, press the button and voilà!
step one
Scout a location while considering lighting conditions
Test and adjust your camera settings before showtime
step three step two 1 2
3
Position everyone in frame and make sure all faces are fully visible
From the River City Kitchen
REPURPOSING LEFTOVERS
ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR AND KIT GARROTT
Serves 6
ingredients
• 1 cup wild rice blend or brown rice (the easy microwavable bags work just fine)
• 3 cups cooked turkey, cubed and shredded
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 8 mushrooms (can use any kind, such as button)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ t dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¾ cup broth (turkey/chicken/beef) – I used beef for extra flavor
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 10 ounces frozen peas
• ½ cup sharp cheddar (optional) or any other cheese you like/have on hand
directions
1. Cook the rice per instructions.
2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions are tender.
3. Add the minced garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Stir for another minute.
4. Pour in broth and stir. Then add flour and stir until thickened.
5. Combine the cooked rice, turkey, frozen peas, cheese and onion mushroom mixture in a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
6. Stir all of the ingredients together then transfer to the oven and cook covered for 15 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you’d like to top it with extra cheese, you can do so in the last 5 minutes.
LIGHTER TURKEY CASSEROLE
Serves 8 - 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
After the big Thanksgiving meal and the famous Leftovers Sandwiches have been enjoyed, don’t throw away what’s left behind! You can make a hearty, comforting soup that’s easy to prep and easier to love.
ingredients
• Turkey carcass and leftover turkey meat
• Additional leftovers
• 6 carrots, peeled and diced
• 6 celery stalks, diced
• 1 white onion, finely diced
• White, long grain rice
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions
1. Place the turkey carcass in a large pot with the diced carrots, celery and onion.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add salt and pepper. Let it simmer for at least two hours.
3. Remove the turkey carcass. Pull off any remaining meat and set aside.
4. Strain the broth and return to the pot with the turkey and vegetables.
5. Cook the rice in a separate pot. Add cooked rice to the large soup pot and simmer.
6. Serve with additional leftover sides and enjoy!
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