Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery that removes excess skin and/or fat from above or below the eyes. With age, eyelids stretch, and the muscles supporting them weaken. As a result, excess skin and fat can gather above or below your eyes. Many people who have blepharoplasty say they feel more self-confident and feel they look younger and more rested. It can significantly help improve vision and results are permanent! ASK
The professional team at Allen Dental Center is like a family. We genuinely care about taking care of our patients, and we are able to provide them with virtually any dental procedure right here in our office. You can be confident you will receive the highest quality care from our knowledgeabe, experienced, and gentle dentists.
Allen Dental Center is ecstatic to announce that we are expanding our office in an effort to accommodate and serve a greater number of patients. Stay tuned for updates!
OVER 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. ALL OF YOUR DENTAL CARE IN ONE PLACE FRUSTRATED WITH YOUR TEETH? WE HAVE A SOLUTION!
Pristine Landscaping & Lighting company takes pride in giving our customers excellent lawn care and landscaping services in McKinney, TX and the surrounding areas. We are a locally owned and operated company with professional teams of friendly, skilled members with years of experience, providing exceptional services such as routine lawn mowing, landscape construction, landscape maintenance, property cleanup, and much more. Leaving your property with a beautiful lasting curb appeal!
pristinelandscapingandlighting.com (469) 325-8191
is dedicated to delivering meticulous and transparent work, focusing primarily on kitchens and bathrooms while also accommodating a range of other renovation projects. With a wealth of experience, our priority lies in ensuring customer satisfaction and building trust with homeowners. Our journey began in the realm of real estate investing, where we honed our skills by tackling distressed properties, overcoming challenges, and learning valuable lessons along the way.
We excel in innovative remodeling techniques, always mindful of the end user’s needs and preferences. When entrusted with a project, we approach it with the utmost respect, recognizing the significance of the homeowner’s investment and striving to elevate every space into a cherished part of their home.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit in Our Community
As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts natu rally turn to family, friends, and the many traditions that make this time of year so special. For many, it’s a time of joy, celebration, and gratitude. Yet, for some in our community, the holidays can be a difficult reminder of challenges they face. This is why I believe it’s so important to embrace the spirit of giving and service during this season.
This holiday season, I encourage all of you to find ways to give back. One organization that holds a special place in my heart is the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. Their work is crucial in supporting children and families who face unimaginable hardships. It’s easy to overlook the struggles that others may be experiencing during this festive time, so let’s approach one another with grace and understanding. Your simple act of kindness could make a world of difference for someone in need.
In that spirit, I’m excited to share our City Lifestyle National Giving Campaign. This initiative allows you, our wonderful community members, to nominate someone in need of an extra blessing this holiday season. Whether it’s a neighbor facing financial hardships or a friend going through a tough time, we want to help spread joy. Please consider submitting a nomination, and let’s work together to brighten someone’s holiday.
As we gather with loved ones and celebrate the season, let’s remember to extend our hearts and hands to those who might need a little extra support. Together, we can make this a season of hope and generosity for everyone.
Wishing you all a warm and wonderful holiday season,
Lorena Balaguer: Lovelyn Photograher, Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia, Christian West: West Images
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Julie Brown Patton
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise. ANGI BURNS,
Are you on the association board for your subdivision? Do you have someone you would like to nominate for Student, Non-Profit or First Responder of the Month. Contact us for information on how you can be included in upcoming articles and share your events and ideas. We would love to partner with you to host our events in your neighborhood! Just give us a shout. We want to meet you.
Delahn Realty
Melanie Brigante, 214.499.6236
Anthony Brigante, 469.744.9107 Delahn.com
HEATING & AIR
Big D Mechanical
469.773.4328
BigDMechanical.com
DERMATOLOGY
Skin Specialists of Allen
972.649.6644
SkinSpecialistsoa.com
Nielsen's Remodeling & Construction
214.400.4585
NielsensRemodelingtx.com
CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
Origins Custom Homes
214.449.6602
Originscustomhomes.com
DENTAL SERVICES
Allen Dental Center 972.727.3941
AllenDentist.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Inspired Interiors by Meg 469.352.4517
Inspiredinteriorsbymeg.com
RETAIL SHOPPING
The Village at Allen
972.678.4732
TheVillageShopping.com
LANDSCAPE SERVICES
Pristine Landscape and Lighting
469.325.8191
PristineLandscapingandLighting.com
PERSONAL TRAINING
Hidden Gym 469.854.6414
Hiddengym.net
city scene
1 - 7: The second annual Allen En Blanc, the signature fundraiser for the Allen Parks Foundation, took place on Saturday, October 19, 2024. “Allen En Blanc” is a large chic dinner hosted in a unique public space in Allen, at a secret location revealed to attendees a week before the event. This year the event was held at the Pecan Grove. The magical party atmosphere at an outside venue with music, fine dining, and specialty paired wines to be shared with new and old friends was a huge success once again!
Photography by Merrick Multimedia
8 - 14: The second annual Allen En Blanc, the signature fundraiser for the Allen Parks Foundation, took place on Saturday, October 19, 2024. “Allen En Blanc” is a large chic dinner hosted in a unique public space in Allen, at a secret location revealed to attendees a week before the event. This year the event was held at the Pecan Grove. The magical party atmosphere at an outside venue with music, fine dining, and specialty paired wines to be shared with new and old friends was a huge success once again!
Photography by Merrick Multimedia
ARTICLE BY KATHY MORENO
local experiences
DISCOVER LOCAL GEMS, CREATE MEMORIES AND EMBRACE AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES.
This holiday season, give a gift that’s truly special! Our carefully curated list features unique shops, experts and online stores where you can find personalized gifts for everyone on your list. From custom jewelry and monogrammed home decor to handmade crafts and dream vacations, these places offer something for every taste and budget.
Artistic Endeavors | Specializes in creating unique portrait gifts, engraving, embroidery, and acrylic. 336 Town Place, Fairview, TX 75069
Mindful Mermaid | Essential items you need to create your sacred space, nourish your spirit, and fill your soul with magic and wonder. 604 West Bethany, Ste. 108, Allen, TX 75013
Rocky Creek Candle Company | Boutique hand-poured candles, signature lines of bath, body, and home products. 330 Town Place, Fairview, TX 75069
My Haven Travel | Customize your travel with a personal and professional vacation planner. Visit myhaventravel.com
Lili’s Party in a Box | Personalized themed party boxes that create an epic experience to engage, entertain, and inspire! Contact LiAnne at 817-663-3584.
Premium Coffee roasted locally to order with 13 different varieties ranging from the bold roasts of the forests of the Kaffa region of Ethiopia, the light notes of the Jinotega region of Nicaragua, to Papa Rob’s very own Special Esspresso Blend. Fresher coffee is better coffee!
a bag or join our subscription program, and start your day the Papa Rob’s way!
OUTSTANDING STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
SPONSORED BY HIDDEN GYM
JAELYN WALKER ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL
This month, we celebrate Jaelyn Walker as our Student Athlete of the Month. Nominated by tennis coach Justin Quest, Jaelyn has proven to be an outstanding leader both on and off the court. Coach Quest praised Jaelyn for her remarkable work ethic, intensity, and dedication to mentoring younger players. "She sets the standard for the team, always leading by example with her fight and commitment," he shared.
Jaelyn's impressive accomplishments include playing #1 Singles and Doubles for the team, which is currently ranked #4 in the state. Sheʼs also a key contributor to the teamʼs four District Championships
and has won two Spring Individual District titles in both Singles and Doubles. Beyond tennis, Jaelyn excels academically, ranking at the top of her class while balancing a rigorous Varsity schedule.
Her leadership extends beyond athletics, as sheʼs actively involved in P.A.L.S and WINGS on campus. Jaelyn has also earned the “Eagle Heart” award multiple times, voted on by her teammates for her exceptional sportsmanship and fairness. Jaelynʼs combination of athletic achievement, academic excellence, and character makes her a true role model for our school community.
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT AWAITS
UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS, FOOD, AND GAMES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
ARTICLE BY LARKS ENTERTAINMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORENA BALAGUER WITH LOVELYN PHOTOGRAHPY
Getting the family together over the holidays offers a perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories. That's why we at Larks Entertainment are thrilled to have a new home in Fairview. No matter your age, interests, or palate, we promise something for everyone—providing families with a oneof-a-kind experience they’ll never forget. Here are a few attractions at Larks Fairview that we can’t wait for you and your family to try this holiday season:
1. Shuffleboard: Embrace the resurgence of a retro classic with our flagship attraction— shuffleboard. Play for fun or turn on your competitive edge by joining our fall league, complete with a cash prize!
2. Arcade: Our Larkade blends retro arcade games with modern technology, offering a wide variety of gaming experiences for people of all ages, featuring both nostalgic and contemporary games.
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3. Gel Blasters: Get ready for an adrenaline rush with Gel Blaster’s Nexus, combining the excitement of team shooting sports with the immersive thrill of video games.
In addition to our main attractions, guests can enjoy pool, table shuffleboard, and the ultimate sports-viewing experience on our 30-foot-tall TV. And don’t miss our variety of food and beverage options, guaranteed to enhance your visit. Take advantage of our cocktail bar and full menu, featuring crowd favorites like wings, quesadillas, and pizza.
So, gather your closest friends and family and join us at Larks Fairview to experience a whole new kind of fun this holiday season. 351 Town Place, Fairview, TX 75069
“I
-Joanna
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CELEBRATE THE SEASON
ARTICLE BY MARISA BINGHAM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN WEST: WEST IMAGES
The
at Allen is Your
It’s that time of year again! The trees are going up, lights dangle from the branches, and oversized ornaments twinkle in the moonlight. The Village at Allen is the picture-perfect place to be during the holiday season. Whether it’s a night out with friends or you need a place to grab a drink while checking off items from your Christmas gift list, The Village at Allen has it all!
When you enter The Village from Stacy Road, you’ll see garland hanging from The Village sign, welcoming shoppers as they veer off the busy street. White reindeer figures are nestled in the brush along The Village streets, adding to the festive atmosphere. Follow the road to the heart of The Village to an area called “The Grove,” where the Christmas tree stands tall. It’s the ideal spot to gather and take pictures before the hustle and bustle of the season begins.
If you need a little ‘pick-me-up’ before diving into your holiday shopping, head to Armor Coffee, located on the outskirts of The Village. You can grab a festive holiday peppermint mocha with that much-needed dose of caffeine to help you power through your to-do list.
Once you’re enveloped in the holiday spirit, take a stroll over to James Avery, where you can kick off your holiday shopping with their homegrown Texas jewelry collection. This year, the brand is celebrating 70 years in business, and their holiday gift guide is filled with handpicked items for the occasion. Our favorite? The new Whataburger bracelet charm—how Texan is that?!
Next, make sure to stop by Uptown Cheapskate, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind, gently used name-brand clothing and fun designer items. Right next door is Kid to Kid, where you can score previously ‘loved’ toys, shoes, and unique holiday sweaters.
For the gamers in your life, Game Nerdz is a must-visit. Reviewers call it a hidden gem. A relatively new addition to The Village, Game Nerdz is the go-to spot for unique collector's items and board games. Plus, they’re open until 10 p.m. most nights, so it’s perfect for latenight shopping.
When you’re ready to wind down your day of shopping, stop by Total Wine or Numero28 for a homemade bowl of pasta and a bottle of wine. The Village at Allen is the ideal place to accomplish all your holiday shopping right in your backyard. You can spend the whole day there, finish your shopping list, and enjoy treats along the way. Every time you visit, you’ll discover new gems. For a mid-day meal, Kelly’s at The Village is a fan favorite, along with Bar Louie and Goat & Vine. These hot spots are known for their fast and friendly service. At Bar Louie, insiders recommend the salmon bites and chicken nachos—deceptively delicious!
Whether you’re stopping by local shops or visiting retail giants, The Village at Allen has something for everyone this holiday season. We hope to see you and your family at The Village this holiday season!
At 100% Chiropractic Fairview we specialize in quality Chiropractic care and whole body wellness. We want our community to enjoy life and achieve their full potential at whatever stage of life they are in. Dr. Jenny Garner and her amazing team will greet you with a smile and will make your health our priority.
SEASONAL Elegance
ARTICLE BY VALERIE MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADELINE MERRICK WITH MERRICK MULTIMEDIA
Decorating for the season can be more impactful than focusing solely on holiday-specific decor. We met with Interior Designer and Owner of Inspired Interiors by Meg, Meg Labaziewicz, for a few helpful tips. Here are a few of her expert suggestions.
Winter-inspired elements, like sparkles that evoke the look of ice and snow or miniature sleds, bring a seasonal feel to any space. A flocked tree can also be a beautiful addition, especially for those who grew up surrounded by snowy landscapes.
Since family is central to the holiday spirit, incorporating old photographs into the decor can make everyone feel included and nostalgic. Items that bring back cherished memories, like a small toboggan reminiscent of snowy days with loved ones, add warmth and a personal touch to the decor.
Oftentimes, it’s easier decorating for seasons rather than for holidays, because you can keep the decorations up after the holiday ends! This season, try including wintery items, such as sleds or ice skates, in your decor.
Simple swaps like changing out pillow covers, blankets, and other small accessories make a big impact in transforming a home for the season. Textiles in creams and reds, such as poinsettia pillowcases, create a festive yet understated look that feels seasonal without being overly Christmas-specific.
In decor, sometimes less truly is more. When holiday to-dos become overwhelming, a single, thoughtful item can make all the difference. For example, when the kids come home for Christmas, go together and cut down a tree at your local tree farm. Decorating it together as a family will bring the festive spirit alive, proving that one meaningful touch can be enough to make the season feel special.
For expert guidance, contact Meg at www.inspiredinteriorsbymeg.com
Jewelry Guide Gift
Griffin: Love Shines While Creating Sparkles That Last For Lifetimes
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
As a family-owned store since 1985, Griffin features jewelry designs ranging from classic to contemporary. From their full-service jewelry store in McKinney at 2811 Craig Drive, this staff offers lab diamonds and moissanite, bridal and engagement rings, fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, custom designs, appraisals and on-site repair services, including watches.
Griffin Jewelry team members indicate the store has the latest in state-of-the-art equipment for jewelry repair. They state their high-tech laser welder is extremely
precise, via applying the same technology used for critical eye surgery. They add that their laser welder allows them to work directly adjacent to precious gemstones with no fear of overheating them. This process also fuses the metal, creating an incredibly strong bond.
Regarding holiday gift shopping, Cherye Walker, Griffin Jewelry owner, says hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store also is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cherye’s parents, Jack and Fran Griffin, founded the store.
972.548.9192 GriffinJewelry.com
NON-PROFIT OF THE MONTH
Did you know that each year, more than 6,000 reports of child abuse are made in Collin County? The unfortunate fact is that one in ten children will experience abuse before their 18th birthday.
For over 30 years, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC) has provided hope for children and families victimized by child abuse and neglect. Through partnerships with law enforcement agencies, Child Protective Services, medical and mental health professionals, and the Collin County District Attorney’s Office, CACCC’s approach brings experts
together under one roof to ensure safety, healing, and justice for the most vulnerable members of our community. This collaborative approach allows the center to meet the therapeutic needs of each child they serve and increases effective communication, enabling child abuse detectives to complete investigations more efficiently and expeditiously, leading to stronger cases for the prosecution of child predators.
Last year, CACCC provided nearly 29,000 services to over 4,600 clients. These services included forensic interviews, family advocacy and support, and
ARTICLE BY CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER OF COLLIN COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County: Breaking the Silence
trauma-informed counseling. CACCC is the only agency in our community offering multiple comprehensive services critical to healing, all provided at no cost for life.
When CACCC opened in 1992, it was only able to serve 10 percent of the children in Collin County who were victimized by abuse. Today, CACCC has grown exponentially to meet the needs of our community. With two locations in Plano and McKinney, CACCC now offers services to 100 percent of children and non-offending family members affected by child abuse. As a nonprofit organization, this is only possible through funding and support from our generous community.
At CACCC, children and families find support, resources, and, most importantly, a place where healing begins. To learn more about CACCC, visit http://www.caccollincounty.org
This holiday season, help bring joy to children and families victimized by child abuse. By partnering with Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, you can make holiday wishes come true! Every year, CACCC’s Holiday Project provides toys, gifts, and other support to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Whether you donate funds for toys, shop our Amazon Wish List, or choose to adopt a family to support specific needs, there are many ways to make a difference. Your generous support of the CACCC Holiday Project helps ensure child abuse victims have a bright and joyful holiday. Visit our website to learn how you can make an impact.
Holiday Traditions in Our Town
THE DIVERSE WAYS IN WHICH WE CELEBRATE AND GIVE
ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI
It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year – Christmas! While many are preoccupied with shopping and decorating trees, there are several other (and perhaps lesser-known) holidays celebrated within our own community.
Here, we’ll highlight just a few in an effort to showcase what makes our community so special: the diverse ways in which we celebrate and serve.
• Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday commemorating the day that Buddha attained enlightenment. In much of the Western world, it is celebrated on December 8 with visits to shrines, reflective meditation services, and decorating Ficus religiosa trees.
• Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1 and focuses on seven main ethical principles, Nguzo Saba. Food and feasting are central, as is honoring ancestors and different aspects of African American culture (such as reciting poetry and writing from Black authors).
• Hanukkah is celebrated from December 26 to January 2 and is a Jewish celebration commemorating the victory of Jews over the Syrian Greeks in 164 BC. It is marked by the nightly lighting of the menorah (a nine-branched candelabrum), symbolizing the miraculous story of how a small amount of oil lasted 8 days to light the menorah in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Playing games like dreidel or making foods such as latkes are often family endeavors, bringing together members of all ages.
Bodhi Day
• The Winter Solstice on December 21 is celebrated by many, regardless of religious affiliation. Lighting candles and setting intentions for the new season are common ways to honor this holiday. The cool thing about celebrations is that they aren’t confined to just a season. Many communities follow the lunar calendar for their holidays:
• The Chinese New Year festival begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar, approximately January 29, 2025.
• The Buddhist lunar Bodhi Day is on January 7, 2025.
• Nowruz is an ancient Persian festival marking spring's arrival on the Equinox, March 20, 2025.
• Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, occurs in the ninth month of the lunar calendar, approximately March 1, 2025, and culminates with the Eid celebration on April 1, 2025.
• Holi, known to Sikhs and Hindus as the Festival of Colors, falls on the first full moon between February and March 2025.
• During the Festival of Lights, known as Diwali, on October 9, 2025, you may see rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists.
• On November 5, 2025, the Sikh community celebrates the birth anniversary of the first guru and founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev.
• Hispanic Christmas celebrations often occur during December and January, blending Spanish traditions and Indigenous rituals.
“My family is from Mexico, and we celebrate Christmas on December 24 with lots of family get-togethers, tamales, and gifts. Some will put up elaborate nativity scenes; others may celebrate Las Posadas, which involves a singing procession that visits homes for nine days leading up to Christmas on the 25th,” says Deniz Limon, an Allen resident of 19 years.
What is common among all these holidays, in December or at any other time of the year?
Mouthwatering food!
“The cool thing about celebrations is that they aren’t confined to just a season. Many communities follow the lunar calendar for their holidays.”
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“Beyond the glorious food, religious and cultural diversity reveals our common humanity. All of these holidays emphasize acts of righteousness, such as donating time and money to worthy causes or feeding the needy. You won’t have to look far to experience the spirit of giving.”
Ever wanted to try latkes (Jewish) or salty yogurt lassi and sweet ladoo desserts (common in Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim festivals)? Or maybe your thing is aromatic saffron rice (during Eid) or “lucky” dumplings (Chinese New Year)? How about devouring spicy blackeyed peas (Kwanzaa) or golden baklava pastries (Nowruz)?
Beyond the glorious food, religious and cultural diversity reveals our common humanity. All of these holidays emphasize acts of righteousness, such as donating time and money to worthy causes or feeding the needy. You won’t have to look far to experience the spirit of giving. Delivering gifts to children, breaking bread together, reciting scripture and song, or cleaning out the old to make way for the new are often family or communal events.
So, it doesn’t matter whether you decorate your house with colorful lights and warm clay candles in the spring, or with poinsettias and Christmas trees in December—there are plenty of traditions to enjoy this season!
Hanukkah
Diwali
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
CONFECTION
Elevate your holiday hot chocolate with a charcuterie experience
As winter settles in and the air chills, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board. Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy.
OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Ingredients
• ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
CREATING THE PERFECT HOT COCOA CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure.
Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER
A liate and Partner with The Franchise Consulting Company, a collection of professional franchise executives with decades of experience who collaborate to make these dreams a reality.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 29TH - DECEMBER 15TH
My Favorite Year Presented by Allen Contemporary Theatre
Allen Contemporary Theatre: 1210 E. Main St., Suite 300 Allen | 7:00 PM
It’s 1954, and Benjy Stone, writers’ assistant on TV’s “King Kaiser Comedy Cavalcade,” is assigned the daunting task of babysitting the veteran Hollywood swashbuckler, Alan Swann. The reckless Swann is in town to do a live guest appearance on the show and his antics and alcoholism nearly get Benjy fired. When Benjy is given an unexpected glimpse into Swann’s broken heart, though, he begins to discover a thing or two about life and love.
Jumpstart your holiday season with the Plano Symphony strings! Dancers from Pure Movement Dance in Allen will help us travel around the world in 45-minutes of holiday carols, traditions, dances, and fun! This interactive program invites kids to be part of the action on stage and culminates in a Christmas sing-a-long for the whole family.
DECEMBER 7TH
Health & Wellness Industry Expo presented by City Lifestyle
Join us for an inspiring and transformative experience at the Health & Wellness Industry Expo! This premier event brings together industry leaders, innovative vendors, and passionate wellness advocates for a day dedicated to promoting health and well-being. This is a FREE event for local residents and business professionals.
DECEMBER 7TH - 8TH
Allen Civic Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
Allen High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Blvd, Allen | 7:00 PM
Join the Allen Civic Ballet as they present “The Nutcracker,” with live music by the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra! The performance begins with a festive gathering, then Clara’s nutcracker comes to life! After defeating the Mouse Queen, he whisks her to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy greets them with enchanting confections and dances. allencivicballet.org
DECEMBER 13TH - 15TH
Dallas Repertoire Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
The Eisemann Center: 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson | 7:00 PM Academy of Dance Arts Allen home of the Dallas Repertoire Ballet presents the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker Ballet is a holiday classic following Clara on a magical Christmas Eve adventure. After receiving a nutcracker, she dreams of visiting the Kingdom of Sweets, meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy, and watching enchanting dances from around the world. www.eisemanncenter.com
DECEMBER 21ST
Dallas Sidekicks Home Opener
CUTX Event Canter: 200 E. Stacy Road #1350 Allen | 7:00 PM
Get ready for an exciting night of action as the Dallas Sidekicks kick off their home opener! Join us in cheering them on as they face off against the Milwaukee Wave at CUTX. Experience the thrill of live soccer as the Sidekicks take to the field in front of their hometown crowd. Bring your friends and family and wear your team colors!
Want to be featured?
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Keeping warm this
Winter is the season when your HVAC system works hardest to keep your home warm and comfortable. Regular winter maintenance is crucial to ensure your system runs efficiently and reliably during these colder months. By checking components like the furnace, filters, and thermostat, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduce energy consumption, and extend the life of your equipment. Don’t let a neglected HVAC system leave you out in the cold—schedule your winter tune-up with Big D Mechanical today and enjoy a worry-free winter.
