Holidays Are Here In Our Golden City
THE MAGIC IS BACK...
“Wrapping” Up The Year With Celebration and Giving
As the year draws to a close, we welcome December with a spirit of reflection and celebration. This is a month of "wrapping" up loose ends, yet it's also a time for looking forward to what's next.
The December issue is filled with stories crafted to spark inspiration. Patrick Wages, designer with Porterfield's Flower & Gift Shop gives expert tips on holiday decorating in the home. We also included a story featuring our very own advertisers sharing their favorite holiday recipes. You'll find insights on everything from making the most of the winter season to preparing for the holidays with style.
What would this time of year be without the opportunity to give back? The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 5th year. This initiative aims to provide meaningful support to those facing financial hardships due to unforeseen circumstances. Your nomination could make a powerful difference in the life of someone who is suffering a hardship. Look for the article and QR Code for ways to nominate someone in need in our Golden City.
Whether you're curling up with this issue by the fire or squeezing in a few minutes of reading in a busy month, I hope you'll find both solace and excitement within these pages. It's been a joy curating the year's final issue for our readers. Brian and I are incredibly grateful for the time you spend with us each month. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Here's to a joyful December and a bright new year ahead!
KATHY GRAHAM, EDITOR @TOPEKALIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Linda Ditch | lindaaditch@gmail.com
Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com
Amanda Knowland | amandalanum@gmail.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com
Lindsey Wagers | info@wagersphotography.com
Create Uplift | info@createuplift.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erica Bibb, Nicolette Martin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Eagle Aerial Solutions, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
Proverbs 3:5-6
DECORATING TIPS TO Spark Joy
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EAGLE AERIAL SOLUTIONS
Patrick Wages has assisted customers at Porterfield's Flowers and Gifts for almost three decades in decorating their homes for the holidays. When it comes to his own abode, he enjoys enhancing his beautiful decor instead of packing it all away for the season. This allows him to enjoy the pieces he loves while making them festive for himself and his guests.
"I have lots of beautiful antiques and clocks, and I have plates and sconces on the walls and lovely lamps," Wages says. "There are things you can do to make your house seasonal. You don't have to wipe out an entire counter. You already have pretty stuff there."
Wages suggests starting with your senses. He notes people want to be greeted with the sight and smell of something beautiful. They enjoy the sound of lovely music and the feeling of warmth and welcome. And, of course, everyone delights in a delicious beverage and tasty holiday morsels.
PORTERFIELD’S DESIGNER SHOWS HOW TO UTILIZE YOUR EVERYDAY DECOR FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Then, look at what is already on display and think about how to dress it up for the holidays. In Wages's home, he likes to add a beautiful garland over mirrors and his wall-mounted plate collection. Then, he'll attach a touch of greenery and ribbons to sconces, candlesticks, and lamps. He uses artificial greenery so it doesn't shed everywhere while placing live evergreens in vases for the aroma.
Lighting is essential to Wages. He will only use lamps instead of overhead lights and likes to light up artwork. Candles with real flames and battery-operated ones are spread throughout, with rechargeable light strands woven through garlands and draped on tables.
"I love my house at night. I work all day, so I don't get home until the evening. So, I decorate my house according to when I will be there the most. I want it to be the prettiest when I'm there. And with winter, it gets dark so quick that I think it's beautiful to play into that," he says.
One of Wages favorite spots to decorate is his dining room table because it's easy to set up but makes the most dramatic statement. He utilizes his collection of lovely dinnerware, silverware and crystal. Then he upscales the look with metallic chargers under the plates and candles, greenery, and flowers down the center.
"You know, I have found in this paperplate world that people are just blown away when they come to your home and the table is decked out," he says.
What about those sentimental decorations that must appear each year? Wages says, "Don't always put the same thing back in the same place yearly. Switch it up. Say you put your reindeer on the mantle every year. Switch it up by putting them on the coffee table or entryway. Because it should be new for you, too!"
Wages and the staff at Porterfield's are willing to answer questions about holiday decor. It's common for people to bring in a pot, vase, or other item and look for suggestions on how to make it look festive. The shop itself is a wonderland full of decorations ready to inspire visitors.
"Decorating should never be a burden," Wages notes. "It should be a joy. It should bring us happiness. Your home is your sanctuary. Your place of refuge. You need to make it you.”
To see additional photos from this story visit the digital version at citylifestyle.com/Topeka
To learn more about Porterfield's, visit PorterfieldsFlowers.com
From Our Kitchen to Yours
ARTICLE BY AMANDA KNOWLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CREATE UPLIFT
In this special feature, we are bringing you an exclusive look into the kitchens of four of our magazine’s advertisers. Beyond their business acumen, these entrepreneurs know how to whip up crowd-pleasing dishes that have become family treasures. From cozy comfort foods to delectable desserts, these recipes have been passed down through generations or perfected over time, capturing flavors and traditions that have a special place in their hearts. Each shared the stories behind each dish and reveal their personal recipes so you, too, can bring these beloved family meals to your own table. Get ready to cook up some heartwarming inspiration!
FOUR FAMILYFAVORITE RECIPES TO BRING WARMTH, FLAVOR, AND TRADITION TO YOUR KITCHEN
“I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF SITTING AROUND THE KITCHEN TABLE WITH SITTY, MY MOM, AND SISTER-IN-LAW,
CAREFULLY ROLLING EACH LEAF AND SHARING STORIES,” APRIL RECALLS.
We begin with a special recipe shared by April Kelsey, a local Farm Bureau Financial Services agent. April’s sitty – which is an Arabic word for grandmother – passed down a family recipe for grape leaves that combines a savory filling of rice, ground meat, and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s a recipe that Sitty learned from her mother.
One of April’s fondest memories is Sitty standing at the stove in front of her green pot, grape leaves simmering inside. Sitty would put one on a plate for anyone to taste to see if they were done. April’s mom uses that same green pot today! April’s husband, Kelly, has embraced this tradition too, considering holiday meals incomplete without it. “Every time I make grape leaves, I’m reminded of the love and care Sitty put into every dish,” April said. “It’s more than food; it’s a piece of our family’s history and a way to keep her memory alive.”
GRAPE LEAVES
Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups rice (not instant)
• ½ stick butter – softened
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 Tbsp vinegar
• 2 small cans tomato sauce
• 2-3 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pepper
• 1 large can of tomato juice
• 1 jar grape leaves - cut off small stems
• Butter slices
Directions:
1. Soak rice in hot water for about 3 minutes to get rid of the starch. Drain. 2. Add ½ stick of butter into the hot rice. 3. Add ground beef, vinegar, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. 4. Wrap mixture in grape leaves. 5. Layer in pan. Pour tomato juice over them…may need to add a little water. Add pats of butter over the top of the grape leaves. Salt and Pepper. 6. Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours or until rice is tender.
ERIC SAYS, “I LIKE TO INJECT A CAJUN BUTTER INTO THE MEAT, ADD A GOOD HEALTHY LAYER OF DRY RUB, AND YOU’VE GOT A PERFECT TURKEY.”
Eric Kueser, owner of CBD American Shaman of Topeka at Wanamaker & Croco Rds, knows a thing or two about smoking a holiday turkey. Years ago, as holiday family gatherings grew, there was not enough oven space to cook all the food. Eric took charge of cooking the turkey using other methods. After getting a smoker, Eric began working on different rubs and injections until he concocted the perfect blend for what is now his Cajun smoked turkey.
“Some people like to brine their bird,” Eric said, “but I don’t. I like to inject a Cajun butter into the meat, add a good healthy layer of dry rub, and you’ve got a perfect turkey.”
CAJUN SMOKED TURKEY
Ingredients:
• 1 can chicken broth
• ½ stick of butter
• 2 Tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Olive Oil
• Cajun dry BBQ rub
• 15 lb. turkey
Directions:
1. Melt and blend chicken broth, butter, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning for your Cajun butter injection.
2. Inject mixture into the breasts, thighs, legs, and wings of the bird.
3. Spray turkey with olive oil and coat heavily with your favorite dry Cajun BBQ rub. Apply under the skin, too.
4. When smoker reaches 300 degrees, place turkey in the middle of the cooking grate and get smoke rolling. Do not walk away; turkey requires continuous monitoring.
5. A 15 lb. turkey will smoke for 3-4 hours. Keep spraying it with olive oil to prevent skin from drying out and turning black
6. Cooked turkey meat should reach 165 degrees in the breasts and 175 degrees in the dark meat.
7. Once cooked, let turkey rest for about 30 minutes after you pull it off the smoker. Make a tent of aluminum foil to cover turkey while it rests.
“I HAVE SEEN MANY VARIATIONS OF THIS RECIPE, BUT THE FIRST TIME I REMEMBER EATING IT WAS WITH HOLIDAY MEALS AT MY GRANDMA’S HOUSE.”
A chef by profession, Kyle Baker shares a classic casserole recipe, elevated for special occasions. Kyle first remembers having cheesy potato casserole at his grandma’s house over the holidays.
“She loved to top it with crushed and buttered corn flakes,” he remembers.
Kyle, who works as a chef at Aldersgate Village Life Plan Community, said he loves how simple and quick this recipe is, while also being able to dress it up.
“It looks great when it is decorated with bacon, green onions and shredded cheese,” he said.
Cheesy Potato Casserole is always a fan favorite at Kyle’s house because of the creaminess of the potatoes mixed with the hash browns, and of course the stretchy cheese. If you’re making this recipe at home, Kyle emphasizes, “You can’t skimp on the cheese!”
CHEESY POTATO CASSEROLE
Ingredients:
• 1 can Cream of Chicken soup
• 8 oz. shredded colby-jack cheese
• 16 oz. mashed potatoes
• 16 oz. shredded hash brown potatoes
• 8 oz. sour cream
• 4 oz. + 2 oz. melted butter
• 6 chopped green onions
• 1 ½ cups Corn Flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Butter a 9x13 oven-safe dish and set aside.
2. Mix all ingredients - except corn flakes and 2 oz. of melted butter - in a large mixing bowl. Mix to combine, adding salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place mixed ingredients into the buttered oven-safe dish.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
5. While casserole is baking, crumble corn flakes and toss with the reserved 2 oz. of melted butter.
6. Uncover the casserole and top with buttered corn flake mix. Bake an additional 15 minutes until casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
HEATHER LOVES MAKING THESE COOKIES FOR HER KIDS, ESPECIALLY DURING CHRISTMAS TIME. “IT’S A NOD TO GRANDMA AND HER LOVE FOR OUR FAMILY.”
Heather Souther, owner of Safely Sunning and Sakred Salon, brings us a twist on an annual treat she enjoyed growing up. Nearly every year for Heather’s birthday, her grandma, Wanda Lawrence, baked Heather a red velvet cake: Heather’s favorite! Grandma Wanda topped the cake with her own homemade, butter-based glaze frosting for the cake.
As an adult, Heather transformed the red velvet cake recipe into a more convenient, portion-controlled treat for her kids to enjoy.
“I love making these cookies for them and they look forward to them during Christmas time,” Heather shared. “It’s a nod to Grandma and her love for our family, and a twist for a new generation of red velvet cake lovers.”
RED VELVET COOKIES
Ingredients:
• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 6 Tbsp butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix cake mix, butter, eggs, and lemon juice in large mixing bowl until well blended and a dough forms.
3. Mix powdered sugar and cornstarch together with a fork in a shallow dish until blended.
4. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the powdered sugar mixture. Place balls about 2 inches apart onto the baking sheet.
5. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool for 1 minute on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Recipe yields 15-20 cookies.
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.org
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MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
WINTER’S REVEL
Your Guide To a Simple and Stylized End-of-the-Year Soirée
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
Following closely on the coattails of autumnal and winter holidays, the celebration of the new year can often be overlooked due to an understandable desire to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season. But, a holiday that celebrates past memories and the opportunity for both new experiences and a fresh start shouldn’t lack any of the glitz of its celebratory predecessors. Round out the final days of the year reminiscing on or saying goodbye to the experiences—good and bad—of the previous 12 months with a simple end-ofthe-year gathering that isn’t lacking any of the glamour.
the drinks
Champagne has long been a traditional drink to toast to the new year. Keep it simple but step up your game with your own DIY Champagne cocktail bar. Consider stocking your bar full of custom Champagne or bubbly choices, festive mixers like cranberry juice or rosemary simple syrup and unique garnishes like fresh fruit and herbs or decorative ice cubes with edible flowers.
the decor
There’s no need to go out and buy a ton of additional decor when you just decked the halls (quite literally) with holiday ornamentation. Make those decorations work as hard as you did by repurposing all the greenery, pine cones and wood place settings you just couldn’t say no to. Throw in some neutral napkins, some natural twine and some dried orange peels for a woodsy (and fragrant) twist.
the snacks
Keep your guests happy with the perfect cheese plate. Consider how many people you’ll be serving, whether you’ll be serving before or after dinner and what cheeses you’ll want to include. According to WineFolly.com , sparkling wines pair best with creamy, sticky cheeses due to the high acidity and carbonation.
WHAT YOU NEED
• Cheese board or serving plate
• Assortment of cheeses
We recommend Brie, Port Salut, Muenster, Camembert or Gruyere
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Cheese is best served at room temperature, so be sure your cheese has time to rest prior to serving. Slice the cheeses and arrange artfully on your cheese board with labels for each. Consider providing separate serving knives for each cheese to avoid any mixing of flavors. Add any additional bites you’d like and enjoy!
the traditions
No matter where you are in the world when the clock strikes midnight, ring in the new year internationally by taking part in one of these worldly traditions.
+ SPAIN Spend Nochevieja (“old night”) at home watching the countdown on TV—you can party later! Are you in need of some luck for the upcoming year? Wearing red underwear for the night may give you some.
+ MEXICO Be sure to have lots of grapes on hand. Demonstrated by Spaniards as well, this tradition involves eating 12 grapes with every strike of the clock, symbolizing good luck for every month of the new year.
+ DENMARK Destroy your frustrations and start the year fresh by smashing unwanted glassware. Danish tradition calls for smashing plates on the doors of friends and loved ones around midnight, but we think you should probably save that part for when you’re actually in Denmark.
+ SCOTLAND Although its singing has become pretty standard worldwide, “Auld Lang Syne” originated in Scotland in 1788 as a poem by Robert Burns. Go ahead and make a cheat sheet for all your friends—we won’t judge.
COOPER GRACE
HAYDEN HIGH SCHOOL
H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: I was born in Knoxville, TN, moved to Topeka at two and attended Christ the King. I’m a student ambassador at Hayden Catholic High School and participate in debate/forensics. I am a member of National Honor Society and play soccer, basketball and baseball. My love is baseball and I spend some part of everyday working on my game. I have volunteered as a coach for Top Soccer & youth baseball and helped Cast for Kids (Capper Foundation). One of my favorite activities is to volunteer at Helping Hands Humane Society and assist in the vet clinic providing medical treatments and surgeries to the animals. I plan to continue my baseball career at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and major in pre-medicine. View Bio online...
3 things to know about Cooper
PAIGE LINDECRANTZ
SHAWNEE HEIGHTS H.S.
H.S. SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: At school I am part of the dance team, student council, NHS, and Math club. I am president of Key Club as well as the Activities chair of National Art Honors Society. Leadership roles have been really rewarding and allowed me to help lots of people. Outside of school, I dance for Infinity Dance Company and volunteer at Stormant Vail’s daycare. After high school, I plan to attend K-State to either pursue becoming a Physician's Assistant or Social Worker.
View Bio online...
3 things to know about Paige
I have 4 cats. We ended up taking in a cat from outside named Lucy and she was pregnant. We kept most of her kittens. 1.
My go-to meal at restaurants is a kids mac and cheese and fries. 2. My uncle just retired from the NFL, he played for the Rams, Jaguars, and Patriots.
This Senior Spotlight Made Possible By
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!
realty report
NOVEMBER 27TH - DECEMBER 24TH
Santa Arrives At Westridge Mall
Westridge Mall
Come see Santa at the Westridge Mall. November 27-December 24, 2024. Santa’s Hours Mon-Sat: 11am-7pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm, Special Hours December 23rd: 10am-3pm, December 24th: 10am-4pm.
DECEMBER 7TH & 8TH
PAW Patrol Live! "Heroes Unite"
Stormont Vail Events Center
The PAW Patrol is on the lookout for Adventure Bay’s Top Heroes in the new live show “Heroes Unite”. Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo Dog and cloned him, causing chaos. It’s up to the pups to catch those clones, rescue Robo Dog and show that when the going gets “ruff", lending a paw makes you the ultimate TOP HERO! Dec 7 (10am & 2pm) & Dec 8 (11am & 3pm)
DECEMBER 21ST & 22ND
Kansas Ballet Nutcracker With The Topeka Symphony Orchestra
TPAC 214 SE 8th Ave, Topeka, KS
Join Clara’s adventures with the Nutcracker Prince, his army of toy soldiers, and their plan to defeat the evil Mouse King! Performed with live musical accompaniment by Topeka Symphony Orchestra. Each year, we are proud to feature student dancers from Kansas Ballet Academy along with visiting guest artists from renowned companies such as Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Ballet West
DECEMBER 31ST
PRCA New Year’s Eve Xtreme Bulls
Stormont Vail Events Center | 7:00 PM
PRCA New Year’s Eve Xtreme Bulls is coming to Topeka on Tuesday, December 31 inside Landon Arena at the Stormont Vail Events Center! Get the crew together, and celebrate your New Years Eve watching some of PRCA’s best riders in the country, as they compete against the top bulls from the 12-time PBR Stock Contractor of the Year, Chad Berger!
