Layered Throws and Blankets - Ad textures, like chunky knit or faux fu couches and chairs for a cozy vibe
Soft, Seasonal Pillows - Include plu in seasonal colors like deep reds, g winter whites to add comfort and w
Warm Lighting - Use table lamps o clusters to create ambient lighting softens the room.
Holiday Scents - Add subtle seaso through candles or essential oil dif cinnamon, pine, and vanilla are fav
Fireplace Comfort - If you have a f keep a basket of logs nearby and a seating to create a natural gatherin
Get UP Already!
Is there anything better than Christmas? I’m not sure my love for this holiday faded with age on pace with the societal norm.
As a kid, my brothers and I would be so excited for Christmas that we would all camp out in the same bedroom catching winks of sleep in between moments of uncontrollable elation. We would watch the clock until a reasonable hour to wake our parents to open presents around—say, 4 a.m.
My brothers are both older than me by four and six years so, naturally, I was volun-told to go in and wake our parents, whispering sheepishly, “Is it time yet?” It would begin with lining up in the hallway outside their door, hugged against the wall as if we were about to breach the room and take on the enemy forces holding our presents hostage from us. I would protest to my brothers that I didn’t want to be the one to ask until they would grow impatient and just shove me in the room, loudly enough that there was no turning back.
At 4 a.m., the answer was unsurprisingly a, “NO” sung in a chorus of two. So the troops would retreat, reload with gumption, and wait for the next opportune moment to attack. 4:30 a.m. seems reasonable.
Eventually our parents would relent, probably not a moment after 6 a.m., but who can remember? They’d get up, make their coffee, start passing out gifts and we would tear into them like maniacs.
It wasn’t until I was well into adulthood that my dad came clean to me about their side of that story. He and my mom would be lying awake, giggling to each other as they heard my brothers and I banter before the eventual push and ‘THUD’. As it turns out, they didn’t sleep much on Christmas Eve either. Too excited to see the joy on their boys’ faces the next morning.
We have a son of our own now and, at six months old, he likely won’t think much of Christmas morning yet. I imagine he’ll like the lights and crinkles of wrapping paper more than he’ll like the gifts. But as the years go on, you can bet I won’t be getting much more sleep than my parents did when I was a kid.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas.
WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER @BENTONVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Michelle Bāzis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
LOUISE
city scene
1-7: Premier Dermatology celebrates the season with their open house event.
Photography by Michelle Bazis
15: Puppy pals in Downtown Bentonville. 16: Connecting with local businesses in Downtown Bentonville. 17: Soaking up the last Bentonville First Fridays of 2024. 18: Enjoying the fall Farmers Market. 19-21: The community comes together at the ribbon-cutting for the Bentonville Public Library expansion.
business monthly
ROUNDUP
Peel After Hours: Christmas Edition
December 12th, 3-7pm • During this special holiday event, the Peel Museum comes alive with the warmth of Christmas. Guests can meet Santa, enjoy a guided tour while browsing the museum’s cozy holiday decorations, and partake in some seasonal shopping at the museum store including handcrafted ornaments and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Best Friends & 21c Launch Pet Sleepover Program
Best Friends NWA and 21c have partnered to create the Pet Sleepover Program, a special experience allowing hotel guests to host adoptable dogs during their stay. Best Friends provides everything needed to host an adoptable dog so guests can focus on giving the pet a sweet taste of home life.
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New Service & Location for ZIVEL Performance & Recovery
In addition to its newest location in Rogers, ZIVEL is thrilled to introduce red light therapy beds to its wellness lineup, offering cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments that promote skin health, muscle recovery, and overall wellness.
Scan to read more
Photography by Best Friends NWA
Photography by ZIVEL
Alice Walton School of Medicine Earns Accreditation
The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) has secured preliminary accreditation status by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. This achievement allows the school to accept applications for its inaugural class of 48 students with classes scheduled to begin in July of 2025.
Thursday, December 5th at 6:30 p.m. In partnership with Kayla at Mount Olive Farms, Hemma Homewares is hosting a unique seasonal workshop where attendees can create a stunning natural wreath to hang on their door or mantle all winter long. All materials will be provided.
Photography by Hemma Homewares
DEB Project: Fashioned for Foster Families
OFFERING CHILDREN IN NEED A NETWORK OF LOVE, THROUGH GIVING.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS
What is it about the holidays that puts us into a reflective mood? While decorating our homes with garland and gifts, it’s prudent to have a humble posture and open heart towards those with less. According to the DEB Project Founder, Sammy Laney, it’s often brave faces in our immediate circle [like her own] that secretly need extra love this season.
Established in 2012, the DEB Project was inspired by Laney’s childhood friend, Deborah, who had been adopted out of foster care when they met in elementary school. “Deborah was a spunky third grader when we met,” Laney said. “Her adopted mother worked with my mother, so when she brought her home, they brought her over and it was an instant friendship.”
It wasn’t until adulthood that Laney learned more about Deborah’s pre-adoption life and the difficulties many children face throughout their foster experience. “I never knew about her life before adoption; she didn’t talk about it," Laney shared. "I was raised by a strong Christian family. We did everything together and there was so much love in my home that I couldn’t fathom something like that could happen.”
Deborah’s passing was the fire that ignited Laney’s mission to minimize the burdens foster families and social workers face during crisis by providing essentials like clothing, undergarments, hygiene kits, car seats, and toiletries. According to Laney, the average monthly stipend in Arkansas is $300-500 per child, and in situations like an emergency placement, foster parents could be receiving their child with nothing more than the clothes they have on.
“I had no idea how to start a non-profit, I just knew it had to be done,” she said. Laney filed for a 501c3 in the fall of 2012 and received her non-profit number the following spring - An uncharacteristically quick turnaround. The DEB Project - DEB stands for Deserving, Enriched, and Blessed - operated out of the Laney household for four years before moving into its current storefront near Downtown Bentonville.
DEB Project Founder, Sammy Laney.
Year-after-year, the organization has expanded its physical presence until it had no room left to grow. “We’ve expanded as much as we can until I can get a building,” Laney said. The current storefront functions as a donation center, thrift boutique, food and hygiene pantry, and operational headquarters for her non-profit. The added space has allowed the DEB Project to expand its support services to include a therapy dog placement program called Unleashed, a scholarship program, and its annual Christmas Tree Project, which provides wrapped gifts for foster families nominated by local school social workers, DHS, and Connect Care.
Laney’s long-term plan for the DEB Project is to find a building in Bentonville where they can house a café and coffee shop on one side and offer a mentorship program for children aging out of foster care. “Eighty percent of kids that age out of a foster home end up homeless or in jail because they don’t know how to do life. They need someone to teach them how to do things like applying for a job, saving money, applying to college, or managing their prescriptions.”
In addition to the coffee shop, boutique, and donation center, the ideal building will also have enough space to offer a variety of counseling services. “Families are driving 18-hours a week to different places around Northwest Arkansas for therapy,” Laney explained. “If we could have a wall of offices for counselors to come in and take care of the kiddos - where they can get everything they need in one place - that’s very important to me.”
The energy behind the DEB Project mission is unwavering, but Laney’s primary call-to-action isn’t about donation requests. While she would love to see community partners come together to sponsor the organization with a monthly commitment and internal education campaigns, her greatest hope is to inspire individuals to join her in expanding the support system for foster families. All it takes, she says, is reaching out and offering a helping hand.
“I wanted foster kiddos to come and have a safe place to shop; I want to be able to offer whatever they need.”
A classic red sweater layerd over a stylish plaid dress - The perfect Christmas party look.
“Check in with your personal groups. How many foster families do you know? Reach out and support them. Even if its just a meal or encouraging text, they need their family and friends, and coworkers to be there.”
“My vision is bigger than my budget has ever been. But what we really need is awareness. Check in your group. How many foster families do you know? Reach out and support them. These kids matter and they need us.”
If you feel moved to support the DEB Project monetarily or with physical goods, you can visit www.DEBProject.com to donate or contribute to the organization’s Walmart Wish-List, which includes items like toothpaste, socks and underwear, toys, and food pantry items. The DEB Project Thrift Boutique is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. at 1140 N Walton Blvd.
DEB Project offers a comforting place for foster families to find support and shop
DEB Project volunteers carefully curate donated goods for quality and style.
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
BENTONVILLE GIVES
These Local Non-Profits Are Lifting Locals
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS
Supporting Pedal It Forward means helping more locals gain access to the freedoms a bike can provide such as transportation to school or work, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Pedal It Forward collects and refurbishes used bikes for those in need including low-income families and at-risk youth. Learn more at www.pedalitforward.org
Empowering local women is as easy as shopping at Beautiful Lives Thrift Boutique. This unique shop not only offers beautiful fashion finds but also supports a mission to nurture partnerships and create collaborative opportunities for women in Northwest Arkansas. Visit the boutique at 1327 S Main St, Bentonville, Arkansas.
Calling all pet parents and friends of fur babies! NWA’s Best Friends Animal Society could use your support to end euthanasia in animal shelters by 2025. Through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—you can help more pets find loving homes. Stop by Best Friends Pet Resource Center at 1312 Melissa Dr, Bentonville, Arkansas.
1. PEDAL IT FORWARD
2. BEAUTIFUL LIVES THRIFT BOUTIQUE
3. BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY NWA
If you’re a fan of outdoor recreation in Northwest Arkansas, chances are you’re familiar with the Ozark Foundation and its events including the Arkansas Graveler, Enduro Series, and US Pro Cup. This charitable foundation strives to elevate Arkansas as a premier outdoor recreation destination through hosting and supporting outdoor activities that inspire wellness and connection. Engage at www.ozarkfoundation.org .
By supporting the Peel Compton Foundation, we’re contributing to an initiative that cultivates vibrant community spaces throughout Bentonville. The Foundationwhich supports the Peel Museum, Compton Gardens, COLER Preserve, and Osage Park - maintains a mission to create enriching experiences for all by promoting nature, education, recreation, and preservation throughout NWA. Get involved at www.peelcompton.org
The arts are part of Bentonville’s DNA thanks to organizations like Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange [CACHE]. Your support of CACHE helps foster an environment where artists of all disciplines can thrive and our region can benefit from the enrichment arts culture provides. Donate at www.cachecreate.org
5. OZARK FOUNDATION
6. CACHE
4. PEEL COMPTON FOUNDATION
Protect your family's financial future: Life is full of moments that matter. We can help you get ready for that next moment.
Chef Dennis Prescott Talks Falling in Love with Feeding People and the Connection
Food Creates
Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with.
When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on.
Travel Recommendations for Foodies
“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”
Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.
“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”
AJ Shirey
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
YOUR NORTHWEST ARKANSAS EXPERT!
Being a native of Northwest Arkansas, my pride and understanding of our community are unmatched. Whether you are buying or selling, I recognize that it can be an emotional journey. Ensuring that your concerns, needs, and wants are honored is my top priority throughout the entire process. I am dedicated to delivering a fivestar service to all my valued clients and I look forward to the opportunity to provide you with the same level of care
With a career sales record exceeding 80 million and being ranked among the Top 20 Realtors® in 2023, I can say with confidence that I am ready to represent you to the highest level
DECEMBER 17TH ARTventures
Bentonville Public Library • 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712 | 4:30 PM
Stop by the newly expanded Bentonville Public Library for story time and an art project. No registration is required for this event for kids in K - 6th grades. Materials will be provided.
DECEMBER 18TH
FAST Ugly Sweater MTB Ride
Pedaler’s Pub • 500 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712 | 6:00 PM
Gather your friends and your bikes and head to Pedaler’s Pub on December 18th for the FAST Ugly Sweater/ Festive Attire MTB Ride. This group ride is for all experience levels and a great way to meet new people while enjoying Bentonville’s famed trails.
DECEMBER 31ST
New Year’s Eve at Ledger Bentonville
Ledger Bentonville • 240 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712 | 8:00 PM
Join Downtown Bentonville Inc. for a night full of fun at its New Year’s Eve celebration at the Ledger. Guests will enjoy live music, delicious food, and a champagne toast at midnight. Dress to impress and ring in the New Year with your favorite people.
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HOLIDAY decor LIKE A PRO
Holiday decorating can be daunting, but Stephanie Strack of Strack Interiors has great advice for tackling the centerpiece of the season - your Christmas tree - like a pro.
ARE THERE ANY CHRISTMAS TRENDS WE SHOULD TRY?
My favorite themes are the classic red and green or icy blue. But I’m seeing more requests for contemporary trees, which have more of a minimalist look with muted textures. I also love a nature theme, like the mushroom tree at 72 West.
WHAT ARE FIVE KEY INGREDIENTS FOR A PERFECT TREE?
Start with large filler items like big ornaments and poinsettias, then add a classic medium-sized ball and smaller ornate ornaments. I also like to incorporate a velvet ribbon and finish with themed picks to create shape.
WHAT WOULD ELEVATE A TREE FROM GOOD TO PROFESSIONAL?
Anything can be a decoration. I’ve used framed photos, baby shoes and stuffed animals; all you need is the right support. When filling out your tree, work from the inside out and decorate in odds. For example, use five large bulbs and seven medium ornaments. Focus on creating little moments around the tree and try something different from a star on top.
HOLIDAY THEMES TO TRY:
Classic Red & Green
Bright red and grassy green, or deep burgundy and olive.
Icy Blue
Think snow and sparkle with bright whites and silver.
Nature
Try acorn and mushroom ornaments with pine cones and feathers.
Contemporary
This minimalist style favors small, sparse ornaments and muted textures.
Nostalgia
Antique ornaments and decor icons, like tinsel.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS
Design The Perfect Christmas Tree With Tips from Strack Interiors
A classic Christmas vignette curated by Stephanie Strack of Strack Interiors with goods from 72 West.
