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465 East High St., Ste. 201 Lexington, KY 40507
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As the vice president of community relations for TOPS Marketing, Vicki Evans ensures that the rich and diverse enterprises of Lexington, particularly its non-profits, have the chance to pursue dynamic growth strategies and continue their missions into the future.
“Seeing individuals and businesses that I work with thrive and knowing that the partnerships and marketing tools that we have put into place are playing an integral part of their success is the most rewarding part of my job,” Evans said.
Vicki Evans
“I love being out in the community and thoroughly enjoy working with and contributing to the growth and livelihood of various businesses and non-profit organizations. Seeing the end results of hard work and commitment is so rewarding! The more I can be involved and contribute to this success, the better.” Evans leads with a dedication to four key principles: honesty, integrity, commitment and hard work. And she’s driven by a heartfelt passion for the larger Lexington region.
“TOPS Marketing has a huge presence in the community,” she concluded. “By partnering with local businesses and organizations, TOPS is able to assist in making Lexington and its surrounding areas the very
Keni Parks Stephanie Gilmore
Woody Phillips Tracie Dillon
Mary Pace
Editor’s Picks
Happy Holidays, Friends!
It’s Christmastime in the Bluegrass again! If you’re still looking for last-minute gift ideas for your friends or loved ones, why not rep your old Kentucky home with a Kentucky-inspired gift? And what’s more, you can fi nd them from any number of stores around Central Kentucky and make your gift that much sweeter by purchasing from a local business. Happy gifting!
-Fr Elsen
For the Bourbon Lover:
Stave Jockey Silk Wall Hanging (Available at The Barrel Market)
For the Littles:
Keeneland Coloring Book (Available at The Keeneland Shop)
Editor-in-Chief
For the Equestrian Expert
For Your Four-Legged Fan:
For the Girl on the Go:
Spartina
Kentucky Stadium Spot Dog Bed (Available at Alumni Hall)
Kentucky Small Tote (w/ Zipper) (Available at My Favorite Things)
150th LE Kentucky Derby Roses Headband (Available at Peggy’s Gifts & Accessories) Kitty Keller Keeneland Hedge Ornament (Available at The Keeneland Shop)
For a KY-Themed Kitchen:
Kentucky Dish Towel
(Available at The Front Porch)
“Kentucky” Artisan Walnut
Paddle Board | 9” X 6”
(Available at Ada & Lo)
For the Foodie Friend:
A Gift Card to their Favorite Lexington Restaurant
For the One with Hope in Pope:
The Santa Pope Tee (Available at The Kentucky Shop)
YOU a ye Looking Ahead
Sug ed ad :
It’s almost impossible to believe that 2025 is nearly here. New Year’s always sees us making resolutions and planning for the near future. But what about the long-term lookout? How are you setting yourself up for the good life?
Review Career Goals
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” That’s a common interview question, but it’s one worth examining in your day-to-day life. Are you on a trajectory that aligns with your goals? What steps do you need to take within the next few years to keep yourself moving toward your ultimate career objectives? What support is your workplace offering you? Review not only your salary but your duties; are you being compensated fairly for your experience, workload and position? If not, what do you need to ask for?
Review Your Financial Goals
Money matters are so easy to put off for another day, but that can lead to headaches down the road. Face your finances head-on and be proactive about your money. Review your savings, retirement accounts, debt, portfolio and other financial factors. Set up a meeting with your wealth management team to review where you are and whether your current plan is on track to take you where you want to eventually end up.
Money Tip: What’s On Autopilot?
A lot of our money these days is tied up in “set it and forget it” expenditures: think subscription services, auto-pay billing and monthly payment plans. This can be a convenient way to save money without a lot of hassle. But it can also be a way to waste money on services you’re no longer using, or worse, for the bill to keep creeping higher and higher without you even realizing it. Take some time to review everything you have set up on automatic payments. Even if you’re not ready to cancel a service, you might be able to negotiate a better rate and save some money.
Review Your Joy!
There’s so much more to life than work and money. And while our jobs and finances can help set us up for experiencing more joy, it’s still important to think about how you’re setting yourself up for a happy life. From finding purpose every day to building up your close relationships, it’s important to ensure you’re working toward a joyful future. Set concrete goals for how you’re going to give your future self a happier, more fulfilling life. Think about the many aspects that contribute to your happiness, including your health, mental wellness, social connections, spiritual growth, family ties, friendships, hobbies, pets and more. Plan how you can improve each facet of your happiness in the coming years.
Stop Dwelling on the Past
The decisions you have made up until this point can’t be undone. Forgive yourself for past mistakes and missteps and focus on the future. Course correct any areas you can control and be more proactive about researching and understanding your options from here on out. You can learn from the past, but ruminating on your history is keeping you from seeing your future clearly! Let go of what’s done and focus on what you can do now. •
Her faves:
TASTEMAKERSLoc Kayla W. N d
OWNER & ARTIST OF KAYLA WEBER ART
Where would we likely find you on a night out?
Carson’s Food & Drink
What’s your can’t-miss event of the year?
Our August Maker’s Market at Springhouse Gardens!
What is your favorite Kentucky product?
“Bob” wine from Harkness Edwards Vineyards
What’s the most beautiful place in the area?
Springhouse Gardens
What’s your favorite “hidden gem” in Central Kentucky?
The Amsden
What’s your favorite local store?
Peggy’s Gifts & Accessories
What’s the best drink in town?
Espresso Martini from ItalX
What’s the best dish?
The fiori pasta at Mileta
What’s always in your pocket?
Lipstick and snacks ... or toy trucks for my kids!
What’s on your wishlist right now?
Lumebox red light, a Created Bracelet, and UGG slippers!
Mileta The Amsden Springhouse Gardens Harkness Edwards Vineyards
Here for GOOD
OnOctober 19th, 2024, Independence Bank teams across the state came together for their inaugural “Day of Good.” Over 450 employees, family members and board members supported 29 non-profits across 15 counties in Kentucky all day. The Lexington team spent their Day of Good with FoodChain.
FoodChain’s mission is to provide an equitable and sustainable food system in our city. For 13 years, they have collaborated with the local community to empower people with food through innovative methods of direct food access, unique and accessible food literacy programming, and a oneof-a-kind indoor aquaponics farm to provide meals and services to those without access to healthy resources.
“The moment you step into FoodChain’s kitchen, you can sense something extraordinary is happening inside," the Lexington team explained.
“FoodChain services aren’t a handout but a hand up. They want to ensure everyone has access to fresh food but also learn to love to eat locally sourced food.”
It’s no coincidence that Independence Bank’s motto is “We’re Here. For GOOD.” Since 1909, the family and employee-owned community bank has improved the quality of lives in the areas of their 26 locations in 15 counties.
Based in Owensboro, Kentucky, Independence Bank is the fourth-largest Kentucky bank with over $3.7 billion in assets. With a footprint as far west as Murray and extending through Bowling Green, the Bank began to develop markets in Central Kentucky over seven years ago and launched in Lexington in the spring of 2022.
During their Day of Good at FoodChain, the Lexington team packed Nourish boxes — boxes of meal kits delivered to families in need — sorted and prepped donated food, maintained the aquaponics farm, and so much more. “When our team volunteers together, everyone brings something unique to the table. Independence Bank plans to make Day of Good at least an annual event.”
As they’ve flourished over the last 100 years, Independence Bank has been able to reinvest over $1 million every year through charitable giving and meeting basic community needs.
“Giving back has become our position of strength,” Stacy Berge, Lexington President, reflected. “In 1909, we began with lean and limber service in the communities we serve. As we have grown, we haven’t forgotten our roots and the power of coming together. We firmly believe that you can start something great by doing something good.”
Traditions! Holiday}
by Amanda Harper, Holiday Enthusiast
While we sometimes call Santa Claus “Saint Nick,” they’re actually two different figures. Saint Nicholas was a real person, and the inspiration behind the jolly old elf! He also has his own day of celebration, separate from Christmas.
Saint Nicholas of Myra was a Christian bishop of Greek descent. As the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, singletons, students and repentant thieves, he was known throughout his life for acts of generosity.
Once, he heard of a father who could no longer afford dowries for his daughters; without the money, they might have to turn to desperate measures to make their way in life. Wanting to spare the family any embarrassment, Nicholas snuck up to their home under the cover of darkness and tossed a bag of gold in through a window. Upon discovering the gold, the father went out and arranged a marriage for his eldest daughter right away.
After the wedding, Nicholas went back and tossed in another bag. (In one version of the story, Saint Nicholas placed the gold in the girls’ stockings, which were hung from the mantel to dry.)
After the second daughter’s wedding, the father stayed awake all night. He caught Saint Nicholas in his act of kindness and fell to his knees, thanking him. Humbly, Saint Nicholas asked the father not to tell anyone who had helped the family – though, since we all know the story, word eventually got out!
His generosity inspired the idea that Saint Nicholas might come and leave gifts for children on the night of his Feast Day (December 6). Over time, this tradition blended with Christmas. St. Nicholas is still celebrated as a separate holiday figure in several Scandinavian countries.
Santa Claus has his beginnings in the story Saint Nicholas. Immigrants brought the figure to America and he was often still dressed as a bishop in their minds. Washington Irving penned one of the first written descriptions of the man in America in 1809, which most historians agree was more akin to a Dutch burgher.
The famous poem 1823 “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (the one that starts with “‘Twas the night before Christmas…”) helped solidify the big guy’s look. He picks up a pipe and a few pounds and “dressed all in furs from his head to his foot.” He gets a full team of reindeer, rosy cheeks, a white beard and a pipe.
Illustrations of Santa after this time generally seem to be some blend of Irving’s Dutch chap and the poem’s fur-clad “jolly old elf.” German-born political cartoonist Thomas Nast (who gave us the Republican elephant and Democratic donkey) illustrated Santa for Harper’s Weekly, bringing German-Bavarian elements to his look, and fun details like the belt.
Most illustrations of yore were obviously done in black and white, but hand-painted children’s books often included red, possibly based on those famous ruddy cheeks. When color printing became more common, Santa’s fur suit was often still brown, white or black – you know, realistic fur colors. But splashes of red, green and yellow kept appearing and it seems like red eventually won out, probably for its overall festive, fantastical note.
By the 1930s, all of the elements were more or less set. But it was Haddon Sundblom’s illustrations for the Coca-Cola Company that solidified Santa in our cultural eye. When you think of Santa, this is probably the version that comes to mind. (The fact that red happens to be Coke’s brand color was probably not a coincidence.)
TOPS
Traditions!
Every family has its own holiday traditions. Whether it’s an annual gathering of the whole clan or something small you simply must do every year to really feel the spirit of the season, traditions matter. They help us feel connected to our loved ones while embracing the memory of years past. Each year, our staff shares the traditions that make our holidays merry in the hopes that it warms your heart and helps you feel a little more connected to all of us. Happy Holidays!
Diana Gevedon, Business Manager goes with a big group of family and friends to Gatlinburg each year. Diana gets 90% of her Christmas shopping done on this one trip. Smart!
Everyone who knows Keith Yarber, Owner knows that he doesn’t consider it to be Christmas until National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has graced his TV screen... and until he has quoted the film at least a billion times.
Joseph Yarber, Digital Specialist and his sister, Emma, fight over who gets to place the family’s Scooby Doo Mystery Machine ornament on the tree. Whoever hangs it first gets bragging rights for the year. And Joseph isn’t too grown to admit that losing can very nearly be a holiday-ruiner.
Christmas Eve for Emma Reilly, Graphic Designer always consists of preparing homemade reindeer food (oats and glitter) followed by a reading of The Night Before Christmas in front of the tree for the kids. Super cozy and nostalgic!
Jennifer Baker, Account Executive can never wait to open Christmas gifts. The excitement will become too much on a random day before Christmas, so she’ll excitedly ask, “Want to open presents?!” She says that growing up, her parents were the exact same way.
Gift
Wrapping
We humans love elevating ordinary objects into something seem magical through little tricks of presentation.
Art historian Cynthia Hahn dubbed this the “reliquary effect,” essentially making an ordinary object mystical simply by placing it in a shiny box; remove it from the box and it goes back to being ordinary.
And that feels pretty accurate, right? When something is beneath wrapping paper and ribbons, it’s a present; anything could be under there! Once it’s unwrapped, it’s just another possession. (Obviously, it’s still special to you, but you have to tell people it was a gift for them to see it as special, too.)
The first documented use of wrapping paper was in the last two centuries BCE in China. Fancy paper was folded into envelopes in order to present gifts of money to government officials. The Chinese tradition of giving coins or money in envelopes for good luck still continues today.
However, we were certainly wrapping objects with cloth well before that, keeping items bundled and protected through long journeys on horseback. No doubt, people caught onto the fact that not knowing what was under the cloth was a fun way to create mystery and surprise.
The modern art of wrapping gifts comes from the Victorian period. They’d use tissue paper and pretty bows to make their gifts stand out. To save on cost, many homes would use newspaper or butcher paper.
In 1917, a store in Kansas City ran out of the regular tissue paper they used to wrap presents. Legend holds that they reached for the next available thing; a thin, patterned paper from France meant for lining the envelopes they created. The name of that store? Hallmark! While they didn’t invent gift wrapping, they certainly revolutionized it forever.
An early example
of Hallmark wrapping paper, courtesy Hallmark
Gather ‘Round the...
christmas tree
When Queen Victoria married her first cousin (yikes), Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the pair bonded over their shared German lineage. One thing they both treasured was Christmas, but the holiday was actually in decline in England at the time of Victoria’s ascension. She and Albert worked to ensure that the holiday was more merry than ever.
Christmas trees as we know them date back to the Renaissance, but Germans had made them an art. And nothing said “Christmas” to Prince Albert quite like trees; he was known to set up many throughout
The menorah is a universal symbol of Hanukkah, a Jewish festival celebrating the recovery of Jerusalem and rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean Revolt. A miracle described in the Talmud holds that one day’s worth of oil lasted eight days during this time, which is why Hanukkah lasts eight nights.
Around sundown for eight nights, a candle or oilbased light is lit in succession; one candle is lit on the first night, two candles are lit on the second, and so on. Blessings are said during this ritual and the candles are left burning at least half an hour after it gets dark
The absence of a Christmas tree can be a sticky point in Jewish households. Faith leaders see the rejection of the Christmas tree as a proud statement of Jewish faith and culture. But for families with young children or in blended households, the absence of a tree could be a little less cut-and-dry, especially for those who see the tree as essentially secular.
Enter the Hanukkah bush. The first printed reference to this practice comes from 1879, when many Jewish households were adopting their own version of a Christmas tree to better fit into their communities.
Celebrated December 26 - January 1, Kwanzaa celebrates seven beautiful principles; Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
Kwanzaa culminates in a communal feast known as the karamu. The household typically lights a kinara, a candle holder featuring seven candles, one for each of
Windsor Castle, and he sent them to schools and army barracks.
While some previous English royals had decorated Christmas trees, Victoria and Albert gave the practice a major PR boost by publishing an engraving of the royal family decorating a Christmas tree. Since that famous picture, Christmas trees have been a staple of the holiday season for families across the globe.
Did you know: Around 75% of US households display a Christmas tree each year!
out while everyone celebrates inside, typically with games and great food.
Traditionally, menorahs are placed either just on the other side of the door bearing a mezuzah or in a street-facing window to help remind passers-by of the miracle of Hanukkah. Many communities – including Lexington – have public menorah displays to help share the holiday spirit.
Have you ever wondered why there are nine candles on a menorah, but only eight nights? The ninth spot holds a candle, known as the shamash, which is used to light the other candles.
No, it’s not necessarily a bush. The phrase was more of a wink and a nudge, a way to pretend that the decorated tree in the front room absolutely was not a Christmas tree Many households do decorate topiaries or other shapes of greenery to further differentiate their celebration. The trees are trimmed with Hanukkah-themed decorations or secular, personal items. Certainly not every Jewish family has a Hanukkah bush; in fact, many see them as kind of a cultural in-joke.
Don’t forget the Mensch on a Bench, created as an alternative to the Elf on a Shelf! He “adds more Funukkah to Hanukkah!”
Kwanzaa’s precepts. The seven candles represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. The center black candle is lit first on the first night, then candles are lit each night from left to right in succession.
While Kwanzaa was originally conceived of as a replacement for Christmas, most practicing households view it as a second celebration. The emphasis on community empowerment often means people celebrate together rather than just at home.
“The owner is amazing, she is very kind and looks at the family as individuals. The caregivers are so reliable, that makes a huge difference to us. They responded very, very quickly. They are personable, professional and they listen to my dad and respect him. We will use Fullers Family Home Care for many years to come our mom will need help in the near future and they have done an amazing job with our dad.”
-Darla, Lexington, KY
“I feel like a person with a voice, they have really listened to me when I have had any health problems or am depressed. Fullers Family Home Care is very responsive and Michelle advocates for me when I cannot advocate for myself.
My caregiver goes above and beyond to engage with me in conversation and in activity she takes and about every day and She has a great sense of humor, she has me smiling a lot and laughing. Something I have not done in a very long time. ”
-Suzanne, Georgetown, KY
“Michelle and her staff are hands down amazing! I never have to worry about my parents when they are being cared for by Fullers Family Home Care. Michelle is easy to reach in case of a question or concern and is always on top of things. She and her staff make sure everything is running safely and smoothly. I have peace of mind knowing they are there with my loved ones.”
-Heather Tierney
Holidays from Your Fu ers Family!
Festivus TOPS
Any Seinfeld fans out there? Festivus is a famous feature of the 1997 episode “The Strike,” wherein George Costanza unwittingly introduces his boss to his father’s “alternative” holiday celebration (by trying to collect donations for a fake charity).
What even superfans may not know is that the celebration was actually based on a “real” made-up holiday, invented by someone’s dad.
One of the show’s writers explained that his father, author Daniel O’Keefe, had created Festivus to celebrate his first date with his future wife. The other writers learned of it and became fascinated by the weird traditions he invented, such as putting a clock in a bag and nailing it to the wall.
In the show, Festivus is celebrated as an alternative to the pressures of commercialism on Christmas. Its iconic aluminum pole represents a bare faux tree. From the “Feats of Strength” to “The Airing of Grievances,” Festivus makes December 23rd a wild time.
The fake holiday’s tagline, “Festivus for the rest of us,” was also coined by O’Keefe. It was used upon the passing of the writer’s grandmother, signaling that Festivus would go on for everyone she left behind. Celebrants of the real-fake holiday felt that it made Festivus a holiday that welcomes all.
Traditions!
Fran Elsen, Editor-in-Chief has everyone over to her house on Christmas Eve for happy hour, appetizers and silly games while the siblings do their annual gift exchange. How fun does that sound?!
Chrismukkah
With the resurgence of everyone’s favorite TV boyfriend, Adam Brody (thanks to Nobody Wants This), we’re reminded of another fictional holiday: Chrismukkah Brody’s character from The O.C., Seth Cohen, grew up in an interfaith household in the show. At the age of six, he invented “the greeted super-holiday known to mankind.” By blending the most fabulous traditions of each holiday, Chrismukkah is eight crazy nights of gifts, movies, food and fun: Fiddler on the Roof and It’s a Wonderful Life, together at last.
Vicki Evans, Vice President of Community Relations calls her celebration “Little Family Christmas.” It’s a special day of gifts, brunch and Christmas movies with her daughter in their jammies. As she puts it, “Priceless times!”
Erin Oliver, Administrative Coordinator in recent years has taken over the crucial duty of no-bake cookies. Her family always makes several batches to enjoy and give away to friends and family. “It’s my favorite dessert of the season, and I take my role very seriously.”
Each Christmas, Gari Lynn Rossi, Account Executive makes peppermint ice cream with her son. “We use crushed candy canes for a little extra holiday spirit,” she explains.
As for me – Amanda Harper, Vice President of Production – my family’s tradition is in remembrance of my late maternal grandmother. She would always make a Jello mold for every holiday get-together, which inevitably, no one would eat. We always make sure a Jello mold graces our holiday table so she’s there with us in spirit.
“So what’s it gonna be, huh? You want your menorah or a candy cane? Hm? Christmas, or Hanukkah,” he asks. “Don’t worry about it, buddy, because in this house, you don’t have to choose!”
As he puts it: “It’s the new holiday sweeping the nation... or at least the living room!”
The Twelve Days of Christmas
If you weren’t already aware, the twelve days of Christmas start with Christmas Day. Known as Twelvetide, they run to the day before Epiphany, known as Twelfth Night, which marks the official end of Christmas celebrations.
The song is a traditional English carol that has been sung to a number of different tunes with virtually countless iterations over the years. Historians think that the song originated as a children’s memory game, sung on Twelfth Night; if you missed the words, you lost a mince pie or twelfth cake.
The tune you know best features an arrangement by traditional folk composer Frederic Austin from 1909. The earliest known publication of the words comes from 1780 in London.
Rumors have always abounded regarding a secret, hidden meaning for the words, but no solid proof has ever been offered. The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes does suggest that the days of Twelvetide have been viewed as a portent for the coming year, so it’s possible that the gifts offer some wish for each month, but the truth is lost to time.
If you’ve ever thought the lyrics are a little confusing, you’re not alone. Historians suspect that the words are probably mishearings of versions from other languages. For instance “a partridge in a pear tree;” they think that “pear tree” is probably a corruption of the French “perdrix…” which actually means partridge. “Four calling birds” comes from “colly birds,” which means black, like a Border collie dog.
wa ail
QuickBites
is a hot, mulled cider, ale or wine. “Wassail” comes from Old Norse and Old English meaning “be in good health” or “be fortunate. Wassailing was the act of going door-to-door to share those good vibes with neighbors. In a precursor to modern caroling, wassailers would typically sing at their neighbors’ doors; the neighbors were expected to share a little hospitality and a small donation to charity. The drink became a part of the tradition, sharing a goblet (or bowl) for warmth and a sense of community.
figgy pudding
is a traditional English Christmas dish. These steamed cakes are generally filled with honey, fruits and nuts. To make a festive display, they were often doused with spirits then lit aflame.
sugar plums
don’t necessarily contain plums; instead, it refers more to the shape. Traditional sugar plums were hardened balls of sugar, oven coated in seeds, nuts or spices. More modern recipes used the sugar coating as a way of preserving a fruit or nut.
eggnog
is a drink that has roots in traditional English possets and milk punches. It certainly transformed from its roots to a cream-based punch that became exceptionally popular in the American colonies.
fruitcakes
were traditionally reserved for weddings and Christmas in the United Kingdom. These cakes started as a way to use candied fruits and nuts while using alcohol to preserve the cake throughout the winter. Johnny Carson loved to joke that there was only one fruitcake in the world, and that we were all just passing it around.
kfc
is actually a customary Christmas dinner in Japan! A 1970s advertising campaign promoted the idea that fried chicken was the perfect Christmas meal. Now, the chain produces limited edition buckets each year to commemorate the holiday. •
HaultheHolly! Out
December is generally when most of us are settling into our holiday routines. But there is always more to do and prepare for during this festive season. Whether you think your home is fully decorated or you haven’t even begun to deck the halls, there are still lots of opportunities to squeeze a little more jingle joy into this month. by Amanda Harper
Get Fresh
Most folks hold off until December to get their fresh-cut greenery – for obvious reasons.
The varieties you choose are important. Short-needled pines are very traditional, but they tend to lose needles more quickly. When possible, select longer pine varieties. Cedar, holly, eucalyptus, juniper and similar stems often last a long time.
One way to ensure that your branches stay fresh is to get them as hydrated as possible as soon as you get home. Cut each stem on the diagonal, then gently crush the exposed end with a mallet or hammer. Set the ends in a bucket of water for a few hours before you begin arranging. When you’re ready to start crafting, spritz them with an anti-desiccant spray, available at your local garden center and many hardware stores.
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If possible, store or display your wreaths, garlands, arrangements and swags in cool, humid areas. Realistically, much of your greenery will be displayed in the warm, dry climate of your home; use a mister to keep those stems as perky as possible. Consider arranging the ends of indoor greenery in containers or floral foam that can be watered. But inevitably, time – and dry air – will do what it does to your fresh-cut greens. Rather than despair, simply plan ahead. Purchase some new greenery closer to Christmas and swap anything that has dried out.
Martha Stewart
Very Crafty
Holiday crafts are a fun opportunity to engage every member of the family. Not only is it a fabulous way to pass the time on chilly winter nights, it also helps get the work of sprucing up the place done much more quickly!
Paper Snow akes
This old-school project is a fun activity for crafters of nearly any age. While using cheap printer paper is totally fine, try mixing it up this year with patterned, colorful or heavier textured paper.
Book Snow akes and Stars
This is a wonderful way to recycle old books that are headed for the landfill. There are many tutorials for cutting, folding and otherwise repurposing book pages as holiday décor. Creating larger paper starbursts and illuminating them with battery-powered fairy lights is a wonderful way to add a rustic, romantic glow to your space.
Felt Ornaments
Felt offers a world of crafting possibilities. If you can complete a whip stitch or blanket stitch, the world is your oyster! If you can’t, then there’s no shame in pulling out a hot glue gun.
Coir Doormats
Doormats offer holiday greetings before guests ever set foot in your home. Get together with your friends to DIY your own! Purchase plain coir doormats, outdoor craft paint, sponge brushes and stencils (if you want), then go to town. A popular option is to paint the doormat to look like a gingerbread house!
Gift Bags
Yes, you can make your own gift bags out of wrapping paper or craft paper. Yes, you can turn it into an assembly line process with your family and friends to make your gift wrapping experience much easier. You’ll need paper, glue (or double-sided tape), scissors, a hole punch and ribbon. So simple! Little kids can help decorate the bags.
Bows
Much like gift bags, making your own bows can be a group project. Look up tutorials for chopstick bows, curling ribbon bundles and other easy bows.
Yarn Trees
Purchase styrofoam or paper cones, then wrap them with fancy yarns, twine or string. Decorate them or leave them as a minimalist piece of décor. You’ll just need a glue gun and your imagination.
Terra Cotta-Look Ornaments
Paint ornaments using a matte paint mixed with some baking powder or baking soda. This will add texture and help upcycle (and upgrade) some old ornaments that you no longer love. You may find it helpful to prime your ornaments before painting.
HootShack
Mix Measure Make
Bluesky at Home
New View
Identify one spot in your home that you’ve never decorated before, and give it a little holiday flair this year. Be it the window above the kitchen sink or a muchneglected alcove, decorating an unexpected area will give you all the festive feels!
Terrain
SpiritsBright
If you’re hoping to spruce up your entertaining spaces, look no further than your bar area. The bar (or bar cart) is one spot where most of your guests will end up congregating. Adding some holiday spirit will have everyone calling, “Cheers!”
Use wire, ribbon, Command hooks or twine to hang draped greenery around the bar. Tuck ornaments, decorative trees or other baubles in between the bar necessities. This year, we’re loving draped ribbon and velvet bows.
Also think about how your barware can serve as décor in the space as a whole. Gilt details and shiny metallics will reflect twinkling lights and candles. Bringing out your best glasses and decanters will help elevate the whole room. Even drink garnishes can add to the effect; sprigs of rosemary, citrus, skewered olives and frozen cranberries all provide a little holiday magic. •
Cella Jane Southern Living
Lulu and Georgia
Energy-Saving Tips This Winter
According to Trane®
The comfort of a warm home can come at the cost of increased energy consumption and higher heating bills during the winter. For homeowners, finding effective strategies to combat the winter chill while keeping utility expenses in check is a top priority. Here are some key elements to consider when trying to lower your winter heating bill:
• Consider investing in a smart thermostat: By connecting your HVAC system to your home’s Wi-Fi, you will be able to control the temperature settings of your smart thermostats remotely from your phone; you can also turn your system on or off when away from home, which can help reduce energy usage.
• Replace your air filters: A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing the heating system to work harder. Check your air filters regularly and replace them every 30-90 days. This simple task helps ensure that your system operates at peak efficiency.
• Inspect your ductwork: Leaks, loose connections, or other issues that may compromise efficiency. Professional duct sealing can address these issues and optimize the performance of your heating system.
• Create climate zones: Zone heating involves dividing your home into climate zones and controlling each room’s temperature with your thermostat. This strategy enables more targeted heating, potentially leading to substantial energy savings. By concentrating warmth in frequently occupied spaces, you can maintain comfort where it matters most.
• Schedule annual professional tune-ups: HVAC technicians can identify and address potential issues, clean and lubricate components, and helps your system operate efficiently throughout the winter.
To learn more about ways to help lower winter heating bill, contact your local Trane Comfort Specialist. Stay warm, stay smart, and enjoy the winter season without the financial chill.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, hosting duties are likely on the horizon for your household. When you’re welcoming guests into your home, there’s always a little stress waiting in the wings – no matter how joyful the gathering. We’re offering these handy tips to help you achieve hosting success without all the worry. by Amanda Harper
No Surprises
The best thing you can do as a host is communicate clearly. Logistics are an obvious area where communication is key: invite your guests, confirm that they’re coming – and how many to expect – and let your guests know when/how to arrive. But you should also be communicating about what they’d like to do while in town, whether there are any dietary restrictions or disabilities to take into account as well as other details to ensure that there are no unexpected bumps in the road.
Stock the Pantry
Institute a “help yourselves” policy when it comes to food and beverages. Absolutely you should plan meals ahead of time so long-term guests will know when they can expect to dine with you, but in between, let them graze or otherwise feed themselves. If your pantry has plenty of snacks and easy-to-prepare foods, you shouldn’t feel at all guilty for leaving them to their own culinary devices.
Welcome Kits
If your guests will be staying more than a night, welcome them to your home with a practical little welcome basket. Write a short welcome note that includes anything you think they’ll need to know. Also include a spare key, non-perishable snacks, bottles of water, necessities – like clean towels and basic toiletries – and anything else you think a guest might need. This not only helps them feel at home in your home, but it also saves everyone from the awkwardness of a 1AM knock on your door when they need something.
TOPS Tip: Aller-geez!
Food allergies are no joke. If a guest communicates to you that they have a food allergy or intolerance, first assure them that you’ll take their issue very seriously. But then try to ascertain the severity of the allergy; while you still shouldn’t serve dishes featuring a known allergen, some allergies are easier to accommodate than others. An allergy to bananas, for instance, is much easier to work around than an allergy to tree nuts during the holiday season.
Read up on safe meal prepration practices to see if it’s possible to cook an allergy-friendly meal for your guest in your home kitchen. Share your entire menu and ingredients with your guest to get their okay. It may be easiest for you to have your meal catered by an allergen-certified caterer or go out to an allergy-friendly restaurant.
If a guest communicates a pet allergy, let them know as quickly as possible if you have a pet. Suggest nearby hotels that may be more comfortable for your guest. Thoroughly clean your home before your guest arrives and ensure that your pet has minimal contact with surfaces like couches and chairs. Run a HEPA-filtered air purifyer to reduce airborne allergens. (Yes, your pet was here first, but it’s important that everyone be comfortable – and able to breathe!)
TOPS Tip: Guest Luxuries
Santa Maria Novella Body Milk
LV Harkness
Tyler Linen and Room Spray
Comfy Cozy
Anticipate your guests’ comfort needs. In each guest bedroom, set out extra blankets, linens and pillows, as well as a fan. If your home can be noisy or bright in the morning, offer guests earplugs or sleep masks. Add throws to areas where guests might lounge elsewhere in your home. If you want to offer bathrobes or houseshoes, that would surely be appreciated!
Closet Case
Everyone hates living out of a suitcase, no matter how brief the stay. Move things around so that the closet or dresser in the guest bedroom has space for them to hang at least some of their clothes – without them having to shove things around to get in there. If you simply don’t have the space, set out a foldable valet stand or luggage rack to make the room a little more accessible.
NEST Candle
The Front Porch
Norwalk Furniture & Design
TP & Plungers
For guests, running out of toilet paper or suddenly needing the plunger is basically a nightmare scenario. Don’t put your guests in that position! Ensure each bathroom has a plunger that’s easily accessed in the event of a toilet emergency. Stock up on many spare rolls of TP, and put them somewhere easily located, preferably within reach.
Lock It Up
If there’s anything in your home that would truly devastate you if it were used, broken or otherwise disturbed, then remove that item from common areas and lock it safely away. While guests ideally should keep their hands to themselves, accidents happen, so why risk it?
Include Guests
Toasty Toes 60% Cashmere Socks
Ada & Lo
Warmies Slippers
Peggy’s
Every family has holiday traditions that they love to participate in each year. If your guests will be present when you normally enjoy your annual holiday fun, find a way to include everyone, even if that means altering your tradition a little bit. As a reminder, it’s probably obvious that you should have a gift for each of your guests for when your family exchanges gifts; what’s less obvious is that if you have a “one more” or a tradition of opening a gift on Christmas Eve, you should also supply a little something for your guests in those moments.
Information
If you want to provide your guests with a little guide to answer their questions before they even have to ask, here is some information that may be helpful to include:
• Wi-fi password
• Garage or gate codes
• Emergency phone numbers
• Instructions for electronics
• Recommended local restaurants
• Local coffee shops
• Local attractions and activities
• Your address (for their GPS!)
• Important house rules
•
Luxe Playing Cards
Syers Browning
A Bluegrass Holiday Steeped in Tradition
by Fran Elsen | photos by Tracie Dillon
When j. stuart hurt was bequeathed his parents’ beloved Highland Hall home in 2022, he knew that he wanted to continue the vision they had for the home when they purchased it at auction in 1999. The home, completed in 1855, was first imagined by Isaac Shelby, a former governor of Kentucky. Gov. Shelby initially purchased close to 5,000 acres and then began to sell off plots, which eventually became today’s Hartland Estates and portions of Brannon Crossing. The portion he kept would become the site of his estate, Highland Hall. Although Gov. Shelby had grand plans for the property, his pocketbook eventually ran dry, and his uncle ultimately completed the home. At the time of completion, it was stated to have cost $20,000, a very hefty sum for the time.
In the early Fall of 1999, stuart’s parents, W.C. Hurt II and Judith A. Hurt purchased the home at auction with the plan to retire and make the permanent move back to Kentucky, where they were both born and raised. Unfortunately, Judith passed away in the spring of 2000 after a long health battle and was never able to live in the house or carry out her dream for the couple’s retirement.
After the house sat idle for a few years, stuart’s father decided it was time to go back to the house with a steadfast plan to make it exactly what they had envisioned. Through the many trials and turbulences associated with old home remodels – coupled with his own health battles – W.C. was able to complete the major renovations while
TOUR OF HOMES
leaving some meticulous plans for finishing touches to the side. He passed away in late spring of 2022. stuart and his husband, remodeler Jeremy DeWitt, were committed to carrying out W.C.’s vision. stuart’s main goal when finishing the house was to make it feel “intentionally” designed but very well lived in. For him, that meant anyone could use any part of the home without feeling like they “shouldn’t be in that room,” as he put it. The couple created spaces that have a formal feel but which feel very relaxed and unassuming at the same time. While they wanted the home to have all of the modern conveniences like central HVAC and wifi, it was important to keep the original details and history intact. The delicate balance of the two was challenging, but they achieved their goal through careful integration and forward thinking.
The couple’s overall style is “curated elegance,” which for them means they can incorporate family items as well as found objects and collectibles to create a cohesive look. “It is the mastering of mix and match – as well as compromise – among spouses that completes the design,” stuart says.
The hard finishes of the home are all original, including the solid walnut doors with original hardware; all of the exterior doors were fitted with modern locking mechanisms. The hand-cut and laid heart pine floors carry a stunning natural variation in colors and widths throughout the home. To best suit the home’s Greek Revival style, the woodwork is not ornate and, in some cases, non-existent. Since crown molding was not indicative of this style, they installed a simple crown in the front drawing room for depth and delineation of the space.
All of the walls in the home are 3 ½ layers of brick, covered with horse hair plaster. While this makes for a solid, sturdy home, installing newer electric and HVAC equipment into the space was quite cumbersome. The paint in the home is all Benjamin Moore; some colors were chosen for a more traditional look, and some for whatever the space called for.
While there are many features and rooms that stuart is drawn to, his favorite room is the dining room. This room houses memories of his parents, as seen in the cabinet displaying their wedding china and his mother’s ruby glass collection. Jeremy’s family collections are also showcased in an adjacent cabinet. Their combined artwork collection is also a favorite, as each room has various pieces collected over the past 30 years from travels, festivals, auctions, and family heirlooms. Festive and seasonal touches always complete the look.
As one of the owners of house in Lexington, stuart has used his extensive design background to bring the vision of the home to fruition. Jeremy owns DeWitt Endeavors, and they collaborated on not only the ongoing restoration of Highland Hall, but also the modern improvements that stuart’s father was never able to complete. •
SelectedVendors
-All Christmas décor provided by house on Industry Road, as well as accessories, accents, lamps, art, small furniture pieces, and custom floral throughout the home
-Carpet and Tile: Carpet One
-Sofas, Credenzas, and Coffee Tables: Paxton Home
-Chandeliers and Exterior Lighting: Wiseway
Shine On!
As women, we sometimes try our darndest not to be noticed. We are allegiant to the all-black attire, we wear oversized everything, we dress to be hidden. While we love a good sweatsuit moment or giant knit sweater, there are merry moments where we should stand out. Let’s take advantage of the season’s metallic and sequin trends and close out the year with some confidence and a little shine.
Out on the Town
a.) Pink Multi Jacquard Puff Sleeve Darcy Mini Dress (Tuckernuck, $158)
b.) Odette Slingback Pump in “Soft Silver Leather” (Sam Edelman, $150)
c.) Studio Bag 20 With Sequins (Coach Outlet, $170)
Hostess with the Mostest
a.) Sequin Embellished Shirt in “Red Allure” (Chico’s, $119)
b.) Floral Sequin Wide Leg Pants in “Red Allure” (Chico’s, $103)
c.) Lilly Pulitzer Brit Slingback (Peppermint Palm, $198)
Holiday Potluck
Vibes
a.) Long Sleeve Satin Button Down Shirt in “Ivory” (Land’s End, $70)
b.) Women’s Party Elastic Waist Metallic Shiny Accordion Pleated Midi Skirt in “Gold” (Target, $34)
c.) Gold Penny Knot Mules (Tuckernuck, $257)
Shimmer & Chill
a.) Beige Long Sleeve Sweater with Sequins (Ada & Lo, $53)
b.) Zantel Dune Sneakers (Peggy’s, $125)
Understated
a.) Sparkle Shawl in “Light Camel” (Carl Meyers, $328)
c.) The Colette Cropped HighRise Wide-Leg Jeans in “Animal Print” (Anthropologie, $130)
d.) Molded Buckle Leather Belt (LOFT, $33)
b.) Black Vegan Leather 90s Relaxed Pant (Abercrombie & Fitch, $110)
Plush Black Turtleneck (Old Navy, $14)
d.) Black Chelsea Boots (J.Crew, $64)
Out on the Town #2
a.) Mini Dress in Embellished Faux Leather in “Army Green” (J.Crew, $248)
b.) Silver Boots (find similar at Olive You Boutique)
c.) Leather Mini Envelope Pouch in “Silver” (Banana Republic, $40) (Banana
Merry & Bright
a.) Preppy Nutcracker Sweatshirt (Ada & Lo, $43)
b.) The Embellished Wide-Leg Jean (Ann Taylor, $111)
c.) Vintage Havana Grande Slip-On Sneaker in “Black/White/ Multicolor Glitter” (DSW, $90)
Glitz & Glam
a.) Silver Sequin Jumpsuit (Altar’d State, $98)
b.) Staud Tommy Beaded Flap Shoulder Bag (Neiman Marcus, $295)
c.) Sam Edelman Michaela Shine Flats in “Vintage Pink” (Zappos, $140)
Tied Up with a Bow
c.)
a.) Sequin Bow Crew-Neck Sweater (Anthropologie, $128)
Lanette Bow-Trim Suede Pump in “Black” (Ralph Lauren, $155)
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These local businesses are keeping good taste alive in Lexington. Keep reading to meet a few of our favorite providers of all things luxury!
One Stop Shop for All Your Wedding Needs
Celebrate your love story with us! Here’s what we offer to make your wedding unforgettable:
• Certified Wedding Event Planner: Let our expert planner assist you every step of the way, ensuring your vision comes to life seamlessly.
• Room Blocks: Convenient accommodations for you and your guests, ensuring everyone is close to the celebration.
• Versatile Venues: Choose from our stunning options for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, all tailored to create the perfect atmosphere for your special day.
• Waived Rental Fees: Enjoy no rental fees for weddings, giving you more freedom to allocate your budget to other memorable details.
• Exclusive Bonus: Earn 200,000 Bonvoy points, perfect for your honeymoon or future flights!
Let us help you create a magical wedding experience that you and your guests will cherish forever. Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding!
We can’t stand out this season without a little (or a lotta) bling! Bring your inner sparkle to the forefront this winter with some of our favorite jewelry picks sourced from Lexington and beyond.
Assorted Gold Bracelets
(find similar at Shelia Bayes Jewelers)
Gold Pave Rico Chain Earrings (Carl Meyers, $210)
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Station Necklace in 18K White Gold (Schiffman’s Jewelers, $2,900)
Diamond Oversized Curb Ring (Mejuri, $348)
bracelets
erings
Cecelia Gold Crystal Chain Bracelet in White Crystal (Kendra Scott, $65)
enewton Classic Sincerity Bead Bracelet in Mixed Metal (The Front Porch, $68)
Diamond Bezel Chain Bracelet in Gold (Pandora, $490)
Sea Fan Bangle (Peppermint Palm, $68)
Rhinestone Layered Chain Bracelet Set (Urban Outfitters, $20)
Gabriel & Co. 14K Rose Gold Oval Morganite and Diamond Leverback Earrings (Rivard Fine Jewelry, $925)
Ari Hold Heart Huggie Earrings in Iridescent Drusy (Kendra Scott, $49)
Camilla Rhinestone Earring Set (Urban Outfitters, $25)
Jenny Earrings in Pave (Baublebar, $44)
Rose Bottle Earrings (Peggy’s Gifts & Accessories, $78)
rings necklaces
Diamond
DY Petite X Ring in Sterling Silver with Diamonds, 4mm (Schiffman’s Jewelers, $395)
Rhea Red Rhinestone Ring Set (Urban Outfitters, $15)
Gold Flash Adjustable Ring
Emery Gold Band Ring in Multi Mix (Kendra Scott, $53)
Mini Gold Vermeil Alidia Ring (Baublebar, $168)
Sparkling Pink Bow Ring (Pandora, $85)
(Macy’s, $15)
Chainlink Necklace with Pave Crystals (J. Crew, $57)
Sparkling Infinity Heart Collier Necklace in Gold (Pandora, $175)
Krista Gold Bow Short Pendant Necklace in White Mix (Kendra Scott, $68)
Sea La Vie Necklace (The Front Porch, $38)
Rhinestone Heart Pendant (Urban Outfitters, $20)
Horseshoe Pendant (Macy’s, $88)
Stocking Stuffers Beauty
While you’re out shopping for all your big-ticket holiday gifts, don’t forget about your stockings! Here are some perfect last-minute beauty picks to stuff your favorite girls’ stockings (or your own!).
Mount Lai Gua Sha Face Lifting Tool (Sephora, $30)
The Highlight of Your Holiday Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight (Sephora, $25)
Silky Hair, Don’t Care
OLAPLEX No. 8 Bond Intense
Moisture Damage Repair
Hair Mask Treatment (Ulta Beauty, $30)
Glossier Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush (Sephora, $22)
a question of
etiquette:
Gift Guilt
Q: I really, truly hate my gift. How can I tactfully return, regift or otherwise get rid of a present that’s all wrong for me?
Like all sticky situations, the answer here is not a simple one. The first step is to send a thank you note specifically saying what you loved about the gift. From here, how you proceed depends on the gift giver and the gift itself.
First, if you suspect the giver will follow up and check your house to see if you still have it, then it’s definitely worth hanging onto, at least until they have verified its place of honor within your home.
If the giver included the gift receipt, then they’ve given you permission to return the item if you don’t love it. Do so guilt-free! If there’s no receipt, then returning is a no-go.
If you want to regift the new, unused item, we recommend waiting until the next year’s holiday season; this gives you the plausible deniability that you went out and got the same thing for someone else because you loved it ever so much. Regift only to a completely different circle of people to ensure there’s no awkwardness.
If you tried the item and didn’t love it, then it’s not something you can regift. Give it away to someone in a different friend circle or donate it.
If the item was handmade, please at least consider finding a way to love the gift. Someone spent a lot of time and care making this for you, so you owe it to them to try and make it work. That said, if it’s just not going to work for you, be sure you give it away to someone who will appreciate the craftsmanship.
Q: Help, someone just gave me a present and I didn’t get them anything!
First of all, there’s no law that states every gift given must be reciprocated. That said, it is an awkward situation. If you want to give them something, you could:
•Quicky order a gift card to a local business they love on your phone, and either send it to their email or actual mailbox.
•Thank them for their kindness. Follow up with a thank you card. Thanks is its own reward.
•Claim that you didn’t expect to exchange gifts now, and send along a gift later, at your convenience.
If you actually do have a gift for them and just left it at home, you can say so. No harm, no foul.
Q:
Someone returned, regifted or donated my gift! How can I get revenge?
Here’s the thing about gift giving: once it’s out of your hands, you have no control over what the recipient does with it. Because it’s now their possession.
Maybe it wasn’t their style. Maybe it didn’t fit. Maybe they knew it would be absolutely perfect for one of their friends. Maybe they got a duplicate. There are countless reasons, but it’s really none of your business.
If you expect someone to keep something you give them –whether they like it or not – then it’s not a gift; it’s an obligation Demanding that someone be grateful for whatever you give them is selfish, mean-spirited and rude. Get over it, Scrooge!
Q: Do I really have to wrap all these presents?
Ummmm... yes.
The whole point of a gift is the surprise. Without the wrapping, it’s just stuff.
There are lots of tutorials online to teach you how to wrap presents, and it’s an art worth learning. But even if that’s not for you, there are lots of options out there. You can purchase pre-assembled gift boxes and bags; just don’t forget the gift tissue paper!
Going that extra mile makes what you give them seem truly magical.
Even if you’re giving someone a gift card (or cash), it’s important to present it in a way that feels, well... like a present. A colorful envelope or box and a big bow will make your recipient feel special. •
Gift Guide TOPS
John's Run/Walk Shop
Gift Card Giving
Struggling to find a gift for a new coworker you just met? Invited to a Christmas party at the last minute with no idea what to give at the gift exchange? Forget what anybody says – gift cards will always have their moments, and they don’t have to be a boring gift! Here are some ways to spruce up your gift card game just in time for the holidays.
by Emma Reilly
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Part of the reason gift cards get so much hate is because the recipient doesn’t get the instant gratification of something they can instantly use or wear – they have to go out and buy the gift themselves. To remedy this, pair your gift cards with candy to give them a treat they’ll enjoy now and later! Our favorites: tucked into candy sleighs or hidden inside holiday-themed candy jars.
The Gift of a Green Thumb
For group gifts or if you’re giving multiple gift cards (okay, overachiever!), you don’t have to just throw everything in a bag and have everyone draw. Try clipping your gift cards to a wreath using clothespins, numbering them off, and having each person draw a number to see which gift card they get. You can also attach them to a mini Christmas tree or a live plant if your recipient has a green thumb.
Pinterest / Make Life Lovely Walking on Sunshine
Fun Squared
Alex Marie Jordan
The Gift of the Big Screen
For the film aficionados in your life, purchase a gift card to your local movie theater or streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, then pop it into a popcorn box stuffed with microwavable popcorn and their favorite moviewatching candy.
The Gift of Adventure
Luggage tags are the perfect size for gift cards! There are so many ways to personalize the luggage tag to the recipient, as well, like having it monogrammed or buying it in their favorite color. Travel-related gift cards are a great gift for an aspiring globetrotter or someone with a big trip coming up in the new year. Gift cards to airlines, hotels, Airbnb/VRBO, Uber/Lyft, or even a restaurant or experience local to the recipient’s next destination are much appreciated (and thoughtful!).
The Gift of Laughter
For the past few years, without fail, the TikTok trend of “wrapping gifts as something not even remotely close” has circulated around Christmas. While you don’t have to go super extreme, you’re still sure to get some laughs with the art of misdirection. Try wrapping your gift cards as teddy bears using crumpled paper or candles using an empty jar.
The Gift of Simplicity
Sometimes, it’s the thought that counts! You’ve bought someone a gift card for someplace they’ll enjoy, so why overthink it? Don’t feel pressured to present your gift in a complicated way – simply wrapping it up will do.
The Spruce
Southern Home and Hospitality
Real Simple Southern Home and Hospitality
BEAUTY
frosted finish
Visions of sugarplums will surely be dancing in your head with this Hailey Bieber-inspired look with shades of plum and a Y2K shine finish.
sugarplum
style
crimson christmas
This look gives red-eye a whole new meaning. Celebrate this year by coordinating your makeup with the color of Christmas!
Whether you’re sitting around the tree or lighting up Times Square, your makeup should stand out and stand the test of time. The holidays are the perfect time to experiment with more glitz and glam than any other day! by Emma Reilly
all that glitters
We know glitter isn’t exactly trendy, but it’s timeless for a reason! Use loose glitter to add some texture you wouldn’t otherwise see.
berry nice
lips
This shiny lip look is here to stay through your last glass of champagne or cup of cocoa!
photo / Mary Phillips / Instagram
photo / Mikael Schulz
photo / Amber D Makeup / Instagram
photo / Tanielle Jai Makeup Artist / Instagram
photo / Lilly Collins / Instagram
photo / Mikael Schulz
chrome for the holidays
A metallic finish will instantly scale up your makeup look! Try adding an extra layer of glitter or chrome eyeshadow to the center of your lid or brow bone.
evergreen eyes
Sometimes, “just wing it!” isn’t bad advice. Coordinate your eyeliner with your tree this year to add some holiday flair to a simple makeup look.
bold blush
If you’re going for festive + elevated, copper is a perfect bet! The shade adds some deep (but sophisticated) color and shine to an otherwise neutral look.
Even while you’re inside celebrating, your cheeks can still look rosy from the cold. When your skin loses its natural glow in the winter, a dewy blush can be your best asset to battle dull skin.
Merle Norman Cheek Crayon in Berry / $30
photo / Makeup by Mario / Instagram
photo / Nikki Makeup / Instagram
photo / Ashley Graham / Instagram
photo / Hung Vanngo / Instagram
photo / by.jackie / Instagram
photo / Patrick Ta / Instagram
festivemanis
Sometimes, a good manicure is all it takes to really nail your look. Here are some of our favorite nail colors and styles to replicate for the holidays!
OPI Complimentary Wine
OPI Chicago Champagne Toast
OPI Icelanded
OPI Claydreaming
OPI Edinburgh-er & Tatties
OPI Red Hot Rio
OPI Brown to Earth
OPI Midnight Mantra
OPI Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green
OPI Mexico City Move-mint
OPI Decked to the Pines
OPI Millennium Mocha
OPI Stay Off the Lawn!!
OPI Fall-ing for Milan
styles of the season:
1. French Tip Bow: A classic French tip will always be in season – (sugar and) spice it up for the holidays!
2. Candy Cane: Make your mani as sweet as candy!
3. Festive Doticure: Not sure which Christmas color you want? Use them all!
4. Gift Wrapped: A manicure so perfect you can tie it up with a bow.
5. Gingerbread Friends: Make your manicure look good enough to eat.
6. Glitter + Green: A bright gold shimmer complements an evergreen polish perfectly.
7. Light + Bright: Adding a design to your nails can still be subtle! 1 2 3 4 56
photo / Instagram / @bycheznails
photo / Instagram / @bycheznails
photo / Instagram / @nailsbyalsn
photo / Instagram / @mynailfielife
photo / Instagram / @mynailfielife
photo / Instagram / @tamaminails
photo / Instagram / @stephstone
14. Minimalist Christmas Tree: Here’s a simple take on a winter icon! 8 9 10 11 12 13
8. Red Ombre: Take your classic red polish up a notch by adding an ombre.
9. Rudolph Nails: It wouldn’t be Christmas without the most famous reindeer of all making an appearance!
10. Santa Style: Ring in the season with holly jolly hands!
11. Neutral Beauty: You can’t go wrong with a simple standby!
12. Silver Sparkle: Take your nail art all the way into the new year with celebratory sparkles.
13. Snowflake Tips: Make sure you have a white Christmas, even if it’s not snowing outside!
photo / Instagram / @bycheznails
photo / Instagram / @bycheznails
photo / Instagram / @oliveandjune
photo / Instagram / @basecoatstories
photo
TOPS
Giving Guide 2024
"For it is in giving that we receive..." - St. Francis of Assisi
Lexington's many non-profit and charity organizations help keep our community vibrant and thriving in countless ways. As you plan your year-end giving, learn more about some of the groups that are working for a brighter tomorrow in central Kentucky.
Giving Guide
Learn how to support...
Easterseals Bluegrass
Easterseals Bluegrass devotes its time to ensuring that people of all ages, regardless of ability or life challenge, can play, learn, work and live in our community.
Who Are We: Easterseals Bluegrass is a nonprofit seeking to change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people's lives every day. Services and programs for both children and adults with special healthcare needs pave the way for them and their families – opening pathways to opportunity and creating a more inclusive world.
Our Programs:
• Pediatric Therapy
• Creative Beginnings Child Development Center
• Creative Day (A Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Program)
• Adult Day Health
These programs aim to empower individuals with disabilities by providing comprehensive support services that enhance their independence, inclusion in society, and overall quality of life. Your support of the Easterseals mission can truly inspire change in the lives of those most precious in our community.
For more information, visit our website at www.eastersealsbg.org or contact us at (859) 399-6270.
Sponsored by:
CASA of Lexington
At CASA of Lexington, advocates envision a community where every child lives and thrives in a safe, caring, and permanent home. To achieve this vision, CASA’s trained and supervised volunteers advocate through the family court system to ensure all victims of child abuse and neglect are safe in a permanent home.
Unlike lawyers and social workers, who are required to consider the parents’ or family’s interests, CASA advocates focus solely on what is best for the child involved. Throughout the child’s case, they will have to adapt to new environments and other changes due to placement, but CASA aims to minimize these changes by providing continual monitoring and advocacy for the child, and by being a stable person in the child’s life.
In 2023, 681 abused and neglected children had a CASA volunteer speaking up for their best interest across multiple counties, including Bourbon, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Scott and Woodford. CASA of Lexington is an inclusive and affirmative organization that serves all children with respect, understanding, kindness, and support at all times, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. A child with a CASA volunteer is not only more likely to find a safe permanent home, but is half as likely to re-enter the foster care system and more likely to succeed in school and beyond.
If you have a passion for helping children and want to serve as a constant in a child’s life, you can learn more about the mission of CASA of Lexington and how to become a volunteer at casaoflexington.org.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Caroline, also known as “Bug,” is 2-1/2 years old, and already a bit of a comedian. “I can already predict that Caroline will likely be a class clown,” says her mother. “She is constantly doing whatever she can to get people to laugh. She is in her ‘why’ phase right now, and always asks, ‘Why are you laughing?’ Like she didn’t just do something, looking for that kind of reaction!”
The family started participating in the Great Strides walk when Caroline was one. “We are forever appreciative of all the effort the CF Foundation pours into finding treatments and helping families battling this dreadful disease,” her mom explained. “We are so hopeful that a cure will be found in Caroline’s lifetime.”
“As far as Caroline’s future, I see her being able to live a long, healthy life thanks to Trikafta and all of the future therapies that are on the horizon. That is certainly not something we thought was possible when we received the phone call telling us about her positive newborn screen,” her mom said. “Instead of looking at her and immediately thinking about CF as I did for so long when she was a baby, I look at her and see a wild, stubborn, silly toddler. She started preschool this year, and aside from needing enzymes at snack time, she can just be like any other child in her class!”
Caroline loves jumping in the waves and being a silly, stubborn toddler. But behind the fun, she faces a tough fight against cystic fibrosis. Trikafta has given her a glimpse of a better future, but we need more progress. Your donation can help fund the research needed to make CF a thing of the past. Let’s give Caroline the future she deserves! #CureCF
Our
Goal:
A Cure for 100% of People Living with Cystic Fibrosis
We are entering a new era in cystic fibrosis, with life-changing new therapies and promising treatments on the horizon. Yet, not every person with CF can benefit from the available therapies, and many still face serious challenges. We are driven by a dream that one day CF can stand for Cure Found.
To Learn More, contact Allysa Gooden at 502-454-8435 or agooden@cff.org.
GO RED WITH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Celebrate American Heart Month This February!
American Heart Month focuses on raising awareness about cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease. The AHA utilizes this month to educate communities about heart-healthy lifestyles, emphasizing nutrition, exercise, and regular check-ups, while advocating for research and policy changes to reduce the impact of heart disease nationwide. Wear Red Day is on the first Friday of February, encouraging individuals to wear red attire to bring awareness about women’s heart health.
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY
February 7, 2025
Post your photos on social media using the hashtag #GoRedKY and tag @heartkentucky for your chance to be pictured on our Heart Month billboards! to
Hope Center
Expanding Hope in Lexington
Over the last 30 years, the Hope Center has provided emergency housing in our shelter and built three permanent, affordable housing facilities with a total of 132 studio apartments. Now, as housing costs climb, we see the people we serve in need of support while they get back on their feet—they need a transitional step. We are excited to expand our housing solutions to include the Quantrell Jones Center, a Veterans and Transitional Housing Addition on the Emergency Shelter property.
The project broke ground in June 2023 and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2025. This expansion adds a total of 18,674 square feet of space across two floors. It will include 72 beds for transitional housing, 24 of which will be designated for veterans. This expansion will allow us to serve clients in a new way as we help them rebuild their lives with a goal of sustainable, independent living.
Transitional housing moves clients into an environment where they can tackle challenges with the support of targeted case management services, making strides toward independent living. It meets a need for those who need a step between our Emergency Shelter services and our permanent housing solutions. Within our transitional and veterans housing expansion, we will improve the quality of shelter for the veterans we serve — moving them from a multiple bunk, dorm setting to individual rooms.
Give to support the Hope Center this holiday season: www.hopectr.org/donations
Give to support the Hope Center this holiday season: hopectr.org/donations
Let’sMakeA Difference
Let’sMakeA Difference
At LexingtonPodiatry,givingbacktoour communityisnotjustavalue;it’sapassion.
At LexingtonPodiatry,givingbacktoour communityisnotjustavalue;it’sapassion.
Countless lives have been impacted by The Foster Care Council (FCC) since its inception in 2012. One path in particular that was dramatically changed is the life of Lauren. At 13, Lauren was 2 years behind in her public school classes. She enrolled in the FCC's tutoring program, and was tutored every week for two years. Lauren's tutor encouraged her not to allow her circumstances to define who she was. By her junior year of high school, Lauren raised her GPA to 4.4!
The Foster Care Council also financially supported Lauren's extracurricular interests, including archery. Lauren went on to receive a scholarship to Pikeville University in archery. She graduated from Pikeville University on the Dean's List, with a degree in Education. Fast forward a a few years, Lauren is now a local a business owner.
H“Sometimes it only takes a pure soul and a beautiful story like Hank’s to make a difference.” -Tammi Regan, Hank’s Mom
ank The Horse® is a 17-hand, 1,400-pound Equine Ambassador for the non-profit For Hank’s Sake. He raises awareness by visiting schools and libraries symbolizing love, kindness, and reading joy for children worldwide. Founder Tammi Regan inspires young readers through the stories of her rescued horses and retired racehorses.
Pages For A Purpose, Tammi’s Equine Assisted Learning Programs, and Hank the Horse® have impacted over 18,000 children since 2018. They
have visited 35 schools, 34 libraries, and traveled thousands of miles for their outreach efforts. Hank even has a collection of 34 library cards to encourage children to get their own!
'Be Like Hank' is a storybook written by Tammi and shares Hank’s heartwarming journey from rescue to serving others. Sales support initiatives for hunger, homelessness, and bringing joy to children during the holidays through Hank The Horse® and his Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
For more information, visit www.forhankssake.org
To purchase the ‘Be Like Hank’ storybook:
Rebecca Beatty Equine Photography
Spreading Throughout the Bluegrass
The folks at Wildcat Moving aspire to give people hope and happiness this holiday season. “As a local business we have an obligation to uplift our community any time the opportunity arises,” says owner Raleigh Bruner. Over the next month Wildcat Moving will provide logistical assistance to the following non-profits helping them to effectively carry out their charitable missions:
• Angel Tree
• God’s Pantry
• Hope for the Holidays
• Operation: Secret Santa
• Home Instead: Be a Santa to a Senior
• Fraternal Order of Fire ghters Toy Drive
• The Salvation Army
• The Toy Chest
• Senior Sleigh
These organizations are behind wonderful causes that range from distributing donated bikes, toys, food, and clothing to underprivileged children, to delivering the gift of joy to seniors and veterans. Wildcat Moving donates trucks, equipment, warehouse space, and labor to satisfy the unique needs and challenges each of these non-profits face during
the holidays. “Senior Sleigh is a huge project with upward of 300 packages. Wildcat Moving graciously volunteers to deliver the packages every year. They have truly been a blessing,” says Missy Ward, Senior Sleigh Founder.
The community partnerships Wildcat has forged with these non-profits are built on years of trust and stewardship. These long-term relationships are a testament to the company’s commitment to serving the community in an impactful way.
This holiday season, Wildcat urges those fortunate enough to donate resources or time to a local charity to do so. You can also make a difference by shopping local, which allows small business owners to give back to their communities and neighbors in need.
Wildcat
MOVING
SENIOR SLEIGH
The Salvation Army
Operation Secret Santa
God’s Pantry Food Bank
The Toy Chest Children’s Chairy
Rector Hayden Senior Sleigh Hope for the Holidays
Angel Tree
Local First Lexington Bluegrass Realtors
Carnegie Center
The Queer Literary Hoedown
December 10, 7 pm
Lexington Ballet
The Nutcracker
December 13 - 22
Lexington Philharmonic Cathedral Christmas
December 13 & 14, 8 pm
Lexington Art League Holiday Market
December 14, 2 pm - 8pm
Arts for the Holidays
The Kentuckians Chorus Once Upon A Christmas
December 14, 7:30 pm
The Lexington Singers, Inc 2024 Christmas Concert
December 16, 7:30 pm
Living Arts and Science Center
Discovery Saturday: Winter Wonderlab
December 21, 10 am - 2 pm
Bluegrass Youth Ballet
Nutcracker in One Act
December 19 - 21
Woodford Theatre
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
December 6 - 22
For more information, visit lexarts.org/eventscalendar/
Holiday Cheers!
There are many proposed origins for using the word “toast” to mean sharing a sip with friends and family, rather than a piece of bread.
In ancient Rome, it was fairly common for people to add pieces of burnt toast to their wine. While that may sound unpleasant, the char could actually soak up certain “off” flavors, enhancing the overall taste of lower-quality vino.
We know that at least by the 1500s, the custom of adding bread to wine and ale had spread to England –Shakespeare even referred to the practice in The Merry Wives of Windsor. By this point, the toast was often spiced to add a little flavor to the cup.
The word “toast” quickly came to refer to the cup the bread was placed into, as well as the act of sharing this drink in a ritual that – even then – looked a whole lot like our toasting tradition today.
Some think that clinking glasses together may have a grim history. When poison was the most fashionable way to
Old Fashioned Eggnog
2 eggs, separated
1/4 c. sugar, divided
1 1/2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. heavy cream
1/2 c. bourbon
Nutmeg
In a large bowl, beat egg yolks together with 3 T sugar until fluffy. Stir in milk, heavy cream and bourbon.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with remaining 1 T sugar until soft peaks form. Folk the egg whites into the yolk mixture.
Divide evenly between glasses. Garnish each with freshly grated nutmeg. (adapted from Liquor.com)
dispose of a rival, some suspicious guests began pouring a bit of wine from their own cup into the host’s just to see if the host would drink it. Clinking cups together without swapping wine would be a show of trust and confidence in your host. Some also say that the clinking would shake off any bad spirits – so to speak – in the glass.
In any case, as long as there have been gatherings, there have been traditions of saying a few kind words over the food, in someone’s honor or to the group. The word “cheer” has long been associated with a happy expression or an event that might cause such joy and evolved into something someone might say to cheer someone up. But it wasn’t until 1919 that the word was recorded as something said in a toast.
If you’d like to spread some holiday spirit this season, toast to your guests using these festive sips. From all of us to you: here’s to the holiday season and a blessed 2025! Cheers! • by Amanda Harper
Pear Tree Martini
1 1/2 oz. pear vodka
1 1/2 oz. St-Germain liqueur
3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
Add vodka, liqueur, lime juice and bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake until well-chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
If desired, garnish with thinlysliced pears. (adapted from Liquor.com)
CandyCocktailCane
6 candy canes, crushed
1 c. whole milk
2 c. vanilla ice cream
4 oz. peppermint schnapps
1/2 c. sweetened whipped cream
Mini candy cane (optional)
Place candy cane pieces, milk, ice cream and schnapps into a blender. Blend until well combined. Pour into two chilled glasses.
Top with whipped cream. If desired, crush a mini candy cane and sprinkle on top as a garnish. (courtesy of Kroger)
Cranberry Sage Cosmo
2 oz. cranberry sage simple syrup
1/2 oz. lime juice
cranberry seltzer
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, cranberry syrup and lime juice; cover and shake for 30 seconds, or until outside of shaker is very cold to the touch.
Strain into a martini glass. Top with seltzer and garnish as desired.
Cranberry Sage Simple Syrup
2 c. cranberries
1 c. liquid sweetener
2 c. water
1 sprig sage
1 orange zest, peeled
In a small saucepan over mediumlow heat, combine cranberries, liquid sweetener and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries soften and burst, about 20 minutes. Turn off heat, and stir in sage and orange zest; steep 10 minutes. Strain out solids and refrigerate until chilled, up to 1 week. (adapted from Kroger)
Notes: This recipe works well with both zero-calorie sugar substitutes and more traditional liquid sweeteners.
Cherry Burley Temple Sugar Cookie Martini
1 1/2 oz. bourbon
4 oz. Ale-8-One
Grenadine
Maraschino cherry
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add bourbon and a splash of grenadine to the glass; top with Ale-8-One. Garnish with a cherry. (courtesy Ale-8-One)
Notes: For a stronger punch of cherry, use Cherry Ale-8®! You could also replace the grenadine with juice from the jar of maraschino cherries.
3 oz. vanilla vodka
3 oz. Irish cream liqueur
2 oz. butterscotch schnapps
2 oz. half-and-half
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add all ingredients. Cover and shaker vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into chilled coupe or martini glasses. (adapted from The Pioneer Woman)
Notes: If desired, wet the rims with halfand-half, then dip into crushed sugar cookies or sprinkles before filling.
Naughty or Nice Punch Sparkling Pomegranate
3 oz. chardonnay
2 oz. pinot noir
2 oz. cognac
2 oz. maraschino liqueur
4 oz. ginger ale
Blood orange, thinly sliced
In a large punch bowl, add chardonnay, pinot noir, cognac, liqueur and ginger ale. Add a large block of ice. Float slices of blood orange in the bowl. (adapted from Liquor.com)
1 c. pomegranate juice
1/4 c. simple syrup
1/2 c. white rum
1 c. prosecco
Pour pomegranate juice, simple syrup and rum into a small pitcher; stir. Pour over four glasses filled with ice. Top glasses off with prosecco.
If desired, garnish with pomegranate arils. (adapted from Kroger)
Mocktails!
Mulled “Wine”
6 c. 100% grape juice (see notes)
1 piece ginger, 2” long
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise pod
Add all ingredients to a medium pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and let simmer 20-25 minutes, or until flavors fuse. Ladle into mugs. Garnish with additional slices of orange, cinnamon sticks or star anise pods. (adapted from Kroger)
Notes: If you’d prefer, you can use two bottles of nonalcoholic wine for a more authentic flavor.
Tart Cherry Nightcap
1/2 c. tart cherry juice
2 T lime juice
Zest from 1 lime
2 tsp. maple syrup
1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. sea salt Cherry seltzer
Add tart cherry juice, lime juice, lime zest, maple syrup, vanilla extract and sea salt into a cocktail shaker or jar; shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Pour over a glass filled with ice, and top with seltzer. (adapted from Munching With Mariyah)
Christmas Morning
3 c. pomegranate juice
1 c. orange juice
1 c. pineapple juice
1 piece ginger, 2” long
1 bottle sparkling apple juice (or nonalcoholic champagne)
Combine juices in a large pitcher; add ginger. Refrigerate overnight.
Fill a large glass with ice. Fill halfway with punch. Top with sparkling juice and serve immediately. (adapted from The Pioneer Woman) •
Cookie Swap
Unpopular opinion: holiday cookie swaps could use a makeover.
While we're huge fans of recipes that have been family traditions for years, we think you could maybe skip some of the old standbys this year. Updating your repertoire of holiday cookie recipes will make this year's swap so much more fun for everyone.
We also encourage you to rethink how you package up these sweet treats. Many people make the mistake of throwing various varieties of cookies into the same tin or bag. That results in many cookies turning stale or chewy and all of the flavors getting muddy. Instead, package
each type of cookie separately in thick, airtight containers – sandwich baggies need not apply.
If you're giving them as gifts, make sure you're handing them out as soon after baking as possible. If any of your cookies are prone to getting chewy or soggy, consider adding food-safe silica packets to the package, especially if you'll be mailing them.
Want to make your cookie gifts more special? Using a ribbon, tie a corresponding recipe card to your stack of cookies. You could also package the wrapped cookies in a cute box. Be sure to write your name on the boxes so everyone remembers who made them! by Amanda Harper
German Pfeffernüsse
The name of these German cookies translates to “peppernuts,” since they’re heavily-spiced little nuggets made from acorn-sized balls of dough. They're a surprising pop of flavor that will delight everyone.
1/2 c. molasses
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. shortening
1/4 c. margarine
2 eggs
4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. anise extract
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamon
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
3-4 T hot water
Add molasses, honey, shortening and margarine to a saucepan over medium heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until fully melted.
Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. Beat in eggs. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, brown sugar, anise extract, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, pepper, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Stir in molasses mixture until combined.
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into roughly 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheet 1 inch apart.
Bake until firm to the touch and slightly cracking, around 12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes; remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and water. Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze and let dry on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet. If desired, you can sprinkle the tops with chopped dried fruit, spices or other decorations. (adapted from AllRecipes)
RECIPES
Cinnamon Pecan Bangers
The name may be funny, but the process of making these cookies is completely cathartic! By whacking the pan against your countertop, you spread out the dough and create attractive, chewy ripples over the surface of the cookie. If the prospect of knocking your cookware against a solid surface is daunting, no worries; these cookies will come out just fine without any pan banging.
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 T ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 sticks butter, room temperature
1 1/3 c. sugar
1/4 c. packed dark brown sugar
1 egg, room temperature
5 (1.4oz.) toffee bars, chopped
3/4 c. pecans, finely chopped
Adjust oven rack to middle position; preheat to 375°F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
Whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda in a bowl; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, add butter; beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar and brown sugar; beat on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add egg and beat until combined. Reduce speed to low. Sift in the dry ingredients, beating until just combined. Fold in the chopped toffee bars and pecans.
Scoop 1/3 c. leveled mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Gently roll each mound into a ball. Transfer 1 baking sheet to freezer until firm, about 20 minutes. Transfer frozen baking sheet to oven. (Meanwhile, freeze the next baking sheet.) Bake until edges have melted but center is still domed, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and firmly bang the baking sheet on a work surface until a ripple forms around the outer edge. Return to oven until center puffs up, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven and again bang pan until edges are rippled. Let cook on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Repeat for other 2 pans. (adapted from Food Network)
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies
Cherry cordials are an iconic treat of the holiday season. While the ones you’ll find in a box can be a bit divisive, everyone will love these cookies!
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. butter, room temperature
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
10oz. jar maraschino cherries
6oz. semisweet chocolate pieces
1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a medium bowl; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds, until softened. Add sugar and beat until well combined. Add egg and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Slowly sift in the flour mixture, beating until completely combined.
Using hands dusted with additional cocoa powder, shape dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Using your thumb, press down into the center of each ball to create an indent. Remove the cherries from the jar, reserving the syrup. Place a cherry into the center of each dough ball.
Add chocolate and sweetened condensed milk to a small saucepan over mediumlow heat; heat until chocolate is melted, stirring frequently. Stir in 4 T reserved cherry juice and mix well (this mixture should be the consistency of a spreadable frosting; if it’s too thick, thin with additional cherry syrup.)
Spoon about 1 T of chocolate mixture over each cookie to completely cover cherry. Bake for about 9 minutes, or until set. Allow to cool on pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. (adapted from Better Homes & Gardens)
Easy Rugelach Spirals
Rugelach has been a Hanukkah treat for centuries, but most recipes have been daunting for home bakers for just as long. This easy version incorporates jam, chocolate, nuts and raisins for a sweet treat that just about anybody can whip up.
Dough
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
1/2 lb. cream cheese, cubed
1/2 lb. unsalted butter, cubed
Filling
2/3 c. sugar
1 1/2 T cinnamon
1/3 c. miniature chocolate chips
1/3 c. toasted walnuts, chopped
1/3 c. raisins, chopped
1/2 c. apricot jam
Topping
1 egg
1 tsp. milk
Add flour and salt to a food processor, and pulse until combined. add cream cheese and process until fully dispersed. Add butter and pulse until dough begins to clump. Pour out onto a large sheet of plastic wrap and form into a disc. Chill until firm, around 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In a small bowl, stir together cinnamon and sugar; set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together chocolate, walnuts and raisins; set aside.
Divide dough into quarters. Roll each quarter out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle roughly 12” wide and 8” long with the wider side to you. Spread roughly 3 T jam out over the surface of the dough, leaving the 1/4” nearest you bare. Sprinkle with 2 T cinnamon mixture, then 4 T chocolate mixture. Roll dough from the 12” side –ending with the bare end – into as tight a log as you are able, using your fingers to seal ends. Place each log into freezer for about 10 minutes. Trim ends. Cut log into 10-12 even slices. Arrange on prepared baking sheet 2" apart, spiral side up.
Whisk together egg and milk. Brush tops and sides with egg wash, then sprinkle each with some of the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden brown on top. Let cool on baking sheet until stable enough to transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. (adapted from Smitten Kitchen)
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread was supposedly brought to Europe in 992CE by an Armenian monk. This unique treat became a popular treat at medieval festivals and fairs. At first, their popularity was owed to the fact that many people used them as a treatment for indigestion. But people quickly recognized that hard gingerbread could easily hold complicated decorations. Fun fact: while bakers had been creating complicated sculptures and designs from gingerbread for years, it wasn’t until the Grimm’s fairytale of Hansel and Gretel was published that gingerbread houses became popular.
When gingerbread became a staple of German Christmas markets, it also became a beloved holiday tradition for the rest of the world. When German immigrants came to the Americas, molasses replaced some of the sugar, resulting in a softer cookie (or cake), much like the recipe shared below.
Cookies
3 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. dark brown sugar, packed
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 T cinnamon
1 T ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
12 T butter, room temperature
3/4 c. molasses
2 T milk
Icing
2 T butter, room temperature
2 c. powdered sugar
2 T milk
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Add butter and cut in butter using a pastry blender until mixture resembles a fine meal. With a mixer running on low, drizzle in molasses and milk and mix until combined, about 30 seconds.
Divide dough in half; form each half into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
Remove one dough disc from refrigerator to a well-floured surface. Roll out to 1/2” thickness. Cut using cookie cutters, and place on prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate filled baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Bake until centers are set and dough barely holds a fingerprint when touched, around 8-11 minutes. Remove cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
To prepare the frosting add butter, milk and 1 c. powdered sugar to a bowl. Mix until smooth. Add final cup of powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add to a piping bag or squeeze bottle and decorate your cookies as desired. (adapted from Tastes Better from Scratch)
Decorating Ideas
Gingerbread is more or less a blank slate for your imagination to run wild. You can use the icing to attach just about any candy to the cookie, as well as edible pearls, sprinkles, edible glitter or even gold leaf! Adding a few drops of food coloring to the icing can really bring your figures to life.
Creating your childrens' favorite characters on these cookies is a great way to get the whole family excited about these sweets. It was a tradition of the Russian court to create gingerbread replicas of their guests, which could be a fun, festive replacement for place cards!
If you'd like to try your hand at creating gingerbread houses or other sculptures, find a recipe for a very stiff royal icing. More accomplished bakers may prefer melted sugar for construction.
Don't feel like you have to use traditional Christmas cookie cutters. Ignore what the shape of your cookie cutters are "supposed" to be and simply have fun decorating! •
Season’s greetings from all of us at C&C Pharmacy! At this special time of year, we look back with appreciation for our customers who place their trust in us, the medical providers that we work and collaborate with and our very dedicated and hard working sta that makes our success possible. We wish everyone the very best this holiday season and look forward to serving you in the new year.
& Consuelo
Chris
Star Anise
Star anise
is the star of many warm winter sips – pardon the pun. Its distinctive shape makes it a wonderful garnish, but its delicious flavor makes star anise a must-have in the kitchen throughout the year.
These curious fruits come from an evergreen tree native to Vietnam and South China. The star-shaped pods are picked before they ripen, and then are dried. You can find ground star anise, but most grocers only sell the whole pods.
Star anise tastes similar to anise, but is actually completely unrelated. Star anise became an inexpensive substitute for anise or anise seed in baking and liquor production. Star anise lends itself well to spiced cookies, cakes and desserts, such as poached pears. But it can really bring to life the flavors of sauced meats, such as glazed hams and braised beef. Star anise also adds a lot of depth to soups, such as pho. Star anise is a key ingredient in both Chinese Five Spice and Garam Masala spice mixes.
Fun fact: Japanese star anise and swamp star anise are similar trees, but are actually highly toxic; don’t get these plants confused!
Mulled Wine
1 bottle red wine
1/4 c. brandy
1 orange, sliced
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
4 T sugar
Add all ingredients to a large saucepan over medium-high heat; stir to combine. Cook until it reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer up to 3 hours. Strain into heatproof mugs and garnish with star anise. (adapted from Gimme Some Oven)
WELCOME TO FIREBROOK Richmond’s
Newest Subdivision
Ifyou’re looking to put down roots in central Kentucky and searching for your dream home, look no further than Richmond, Kentucky’s newest subdivision, Firebrook! Our planned development will have 240 total large lots, all qualifying for 100% financing. Firebook has three beautiful parks and a guided walking trail throughout; the development will perfectly blend new homes with the natural beauty of the area.
Situated off Moberly Road in the 40475 area code of Richmond, homes in the luxury development start at $290,000. The project is spearheaded by Danny Settles and Jack Vanwinkle of DS + JV properties, with plats available to other local builders. Firebrook sits only 11 minutes away from the Center of Richmond.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of spending time in Richmond, the growing city has more to offer than you may realize. Madison County is home to several large
Welcome Home!
parks and golf courses. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing on the Kentucky River, Wilgreen Lake and Owsley Fork Lake. Richmond is home to EKU Center for the Arts – a 2,000-seat performance venue – as well as several local boutiques, salons and spas for those looking to stay on-trend. For the foodie, local restaurants, breweries, and wineries offer something delicious for everyone. For the Lexington commuter, Richmond is just a 20-minute drive from amenities like the large Baptist Hospital development in Hamburg and wholesale stores like Sam’s Club and Costco.
Though Firebrook will eventually be home to 240 singlefamily residences, the first phase of the project includes the construction of 100 homes with 20 available lots left. Phase two will be available in early spring 2025. To make sure you don’t miss out on your new dream home, you can contact Jack Vanwinkle at jackvanwinkle@ymail.com or by phone at (859) 433-4378. Welcome home!
Jack Vanwinkle Meet
The man behind the vision, Jack Vanwinkle, owner of Vanwinkle Real Estate Holdings, has been in the business for over two decades, and the Firebrook subdivision will be his fourth major development.
Growing to specialize in residential building and development, Vanwinkle is committed to constructing luxury dream homes that families can spend forever in. “I’ve been at it for 25 years, and I always knew that this is what I wanted to do,” says Jack. “I started off in the construction trade and started gravitating toward bigger and better things, eventually leading me to starting Vanwinkle Real Estate Holdings.”
“Firebrook holds a special place in my heart, as it’s my fourth major development and surpasses the others due to its immense size, and unique location,” explains Jack. “It’s unlike anything I’ve done in the past and I’m so excited to share it with the Richmond community!”
Let Jack help you with buying your properties with quick, discreet closings on: • FARM LAND
VACANT LOTS
DIVORCED HOMES
FORECLOSURE HOMES
Dec b 1
Peter McPoland
8:00 PM | The Burl
Dec b 3
Blind Boys of Alabama
7:30 PM | Kentucky Theatre
Dec b 5
Christmas on the Farm
DECEMBER 2024 // WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TOWN THIS MONTH?
Through Dec. 8 | BraveHearts Equine Center
Stephen Wilson Jr: Son of Dad
World Tour
8:00 PM | Manchester Music Hall
Dec b 6
The Crafted Social Winter Market
6:00 PM | Greyline Station
Dec b 7
Elf the Musical Jr.
2:00 PM | Lexington Opera House
Illuminated Evenings
4:00 PM | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Matt Rife - ProbleMATTic World Tour
8:00 PM | Rupp Arena
Lexington SC vs. Brooklyn FC
7:00 PM | Lexington SC Stadium
Dec b 8
Art on the Town Holiday Market
12:00 PM | Tandy Park
Holiday Afternoon Tea
3:00 PM | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
7:00 PM | Rupp Arena
Dec b 9
UK Women’s Basketball vs. Queens
6:00 PM | Historic Memorial Coliseum
Dec b 10
Acoustic Jam
7:30 PM | Lexington Opera House
Dec b 11
NUTCRACKER! Magical
Christmas Ballet
7:00 PM | Singletary Center for the Arts
Trampled by Turtles
7:30 PM | Manchester Music Hall
UK Men’s Basketball vs. Colgate
8:00 PM | Rupp Arena
Dec b 12
The Emo Night Tour
8:00 PM | The Burl
Decb 13
Christmas by Candlelight
5:00 PM | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Holiday Gitdown
8:00 PM | The Burl
My Platinum Playlist with T.I., Lil Jon, Monica, Fat Joe, & Ying Yang Twins
7:00 PM | Rupp Arena
Lexington Ballet’s The Nutcracker Through Dec. 22 | Lexington Opera House
Decb 14
Tea Time with Mrs. Claus
11:00 AM | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
UK Men’s Basketball vs. Louisville 5:15 PM | Rupp Arena
Lexington SC vs. DC Power FC 12:00 PM | Lexington SC Stadium
Decb 15
Shuler King
7:00 PM | Comedy O Broadway
Decb 17
PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure
6:00 PM | Rupp Arena
Decb 19
Sayre Christian Village Live Nativity & Holiday Festival
4:30 PM | 580 Greenfield Drive
Decb 20
UK Women’s Basketball vs. Belmont
6:00 PM | Historic Memorial Coliseum
Phantom of the Paradise 10:00 PM | Kentucky Theatre
Decb 22
Linsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour 8:00 PM | Rupp Arena
Decb 28
UK Women’s Basketball vs. Western Kentucky 4:00 PM | Historic Memorial Coliseum
The Local Honeys 8:00 PM | The Burl
Brian Regan 9:00 PM | Lexington Opera House
Decb 29
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 7:30 PM | Lexington Opera House
Speedy Ortiz
8:00 PM | The Burl
Decb 31
UK Men’s Basketball vs. Brown 2:00 PM | Rupp Arena
250Lex New Year’s Eve Celebration 5:00 PM (indoor), 9:00 PM (outdoor) | Central Bank Center
*While we make every e ort to ensure accuracy of the information presented, some listings may be out of date. Before attending any event, please check with the hosting organization for the latest updates.
Full of Surprises
Story by Larry Vaught / Photos via Chet White
Lamont Butler says he is not shy but does describe himself as a “quiet, reserved guy” who normally keeps his comments to himself, especially on the basketball court. However, he understands his role on the Kentucky basketball team requires him to be more of a vocal leader than he was during his four seasons at San Diego State before he transferred to Kentucky this season.
“My main job is to show them how to win,” said the 6'2" guard.
Winning is something he knows a lot about. San Diego State won 100 games, including 52 conference games, in his four seasons and went to the 2023 Final Four, where he hit the game-winning shot against Florida Atlantic to put his team into the championship game against Connecticut.
Butler is a capable scorer — he racked up over 1,000 points at San Diego State — but his forte is defense. He had 183 career steals at San Diego State and is what Kentucky coach Mark Pope calls a “defensive menace.” The UK coach believes he is one of the nation’s elite perimeter defenders.
“He is an unbelievable defensive guard,” UK associate coach Mark Fox said. “He’s really important to us. He can help take a team out of its o ense by the pressure he can put on a point guard. He’s a tough, physical defender, but he’s also smart in the way he defends. He gives us that elite defender that not every team has.”
Pope remembers what it was like to coach against Butler and the pressure he applied with his defense.
“I’ve been the opposing coach going against Lamont Butler, and every time you bounce the ball as a coach, you kind of hold your breath and say, ‘He didn't take the ball that time,’” Pope said.
Former Kentucky All-American Jack Givens knows UK’s offense and 3-point shooting has garnered a lot of attention, but knows Butler’s tenacity helps make UK a better defensive team than many realize.
“When you have a guy playing defense like that, it's kind of like everybody has to come along for the ride. You have to pick up your game because if you do not, you're going to stand out (for not playing defense),” Givens said.
Wake Forest transfer Andrew Carr has learned that Butler thinks about defense in a way few other players do.
“It’s not just physical ability but also mental. He reads you on and o the ball. He is the best defender on the ball I have ever seen,” Carr said. “He impacts the other team in a big way. If he’s not getting a steal, he still makes someone other than the point guard bring the ball up. He adds so much value to the team.”
Givens admits that Butler reminds him of his former UK teammate Larry Johnson except that Butler has an even longer wingspan to disrupt opponents.
Butler also grew up a Kentucky fan because of the 2009-10 team — John Calipari’s first team — that had John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and Patrick Patterson. When he put his name into the transfer portal, it took Pope only two days to secure his commitment to UK.
“I just knew this was a special opportunity for me, and I also believed in what Coach was putting together,” Butler said. “I love our team and know we are going to surprise a lot of people this year. We don’t focus on the negatives. Coach always shows us positive clips (of the team’s play) and focuses on what we want to do and not what we don’t want to do.”
out & about!
Robert Barbosa, Mason King and Cruz Culbertson at the Jubilee Jobs Celebration of Dignity and Hope
Greg David, Sheila David, Kelli McGraw and Jeremy McGraw at the McDazzle Gala
Holly Day Market “Creative Juices Committee”
Hadley Turner, Catherine Collier and Mindy Lynn Coleman at FinnFest
Shannon The Dude, Ryan Lemond and Matt Jones during KSR Live at Estate Renovations
Santa’s Arrival at Brewster’s Christmas in The Summit at Fritz Farm
Hank the Horse Red Kettle Campaign Kicko
Logan Buren and Mighty L
Carrie Thayer Cardwell and Heather Lyons at the AFP National Philanthropy Day Celebration
Meredith Turk and Kristina Beasley at the Top Producers Club Sponsor Appreciation Dinner
Michele Ripley and Kip Cornett at the TOPS 250Lex Luncheon
Chad Williams and Troy Black at the Jubilee Jobs Celebration of Dignity and Hope
Greg Funfsinn, Justin Ferrarella, Craig Olive and Alan Stein at the Commerce Lex Business Link at Legends Field
Amber Bowling, Crystal Newton, Alisa Michelle Rose, Vicki Evans and Gayle Cornett at McDazzle
