Premier Dermatology,Aesthetics & Wellness
Northwest Arkansas's Destination for Healthy Skin, Natural Beauty & Holistic Wellness
At Premier, we believe that confidence starts with healthy skin and whole-person wellness. Founded in 2004 by nationally recognized dermatologist Dr. Missy Clifton, our practice has grown into Northwest Arkansas’s leading destination for expert dermatology, advanced aesthetics, and personalized wellness care.
Dr. Clifton is triple board-certified in Dermatology, Laser Surgery, and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine. A proud Arkansas native, she graduated first in her class from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed her dermatology residency as Chief Resident. Her vision was clear: to create a cutting-edge clinic offering comprehensive skin care, cosmetic treatments, and wellness services—all under one roof.
Founded on a commitment to excellence and patient-centered care, Dr. Clifton leads a team of highly trained dermatologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, cosmetic nurses, laser technicians, wellness specialists and clinical aestheticians – all dedicated to helping you look and feel your best.
Whether you’re looking for expert dermatologic care, a refreshed and radiant appearance, or a personalized path to wellness, Premier Dermatology, Aesthetics & Wellness is your trusted destination for comprehensive, transformative care.
Kids These Days
Fall is in the air!
Well actually, as I write this, the “feels like” is a balmy 86 outside. But fall must be in the air because my wife, Kayla, and I just decorated a paper leaf with our 16 month old son that is to be returned to daycare tomorrow. Which is to say that Kayla and I decorated a paper leaf while our toddler—who has recently discovered his inner agent of chaos—threw markers and pompoms about in the kitchen.
I never thought I would be thankful for pompoms being thrown about in my kitchen by a tiny, seemingly-crazed, person but here we are. I’m drawing a very firm line at glitter being included on Kayla's craft supply shopping list, though. Which is also to say, be sure to look for my piece in the March, 2026 Home issue about dad hacks on cleaning up glitter off your kitchen floor. Dads, feel free to write in presumptively.
Truthfully, I love everything about raising this funny, sweet kid. I can’t wait to see what he hobbies he’ll have, what sports he’ll enjoy, what subjects he’ll like to study.
When I was in school, all I really enjoyed were my English and writing classes. I never would have dreamed of having an outlet or platform like this at some point. Looking back, I wish that I had. So when I started asking people in Bentonville to help bring this magazine to life, I had it in mind that at some point we would feature student voices in these pages.
I’m so excited to say that the time is here. Through a partnership with Thaden School, we’re going to be bringing you several student voices over the next year. The first group of students are introducing themselves in this issue. You can look for work from Thaden students in each issue to follow over the next several months.
This work wouldn’t be possible without the vision of Sam Bertoncino at Thaden School and their instructors. Our Managing Editor, Michelle Bazis, will be guiding these students to seeing their work in print.
We at Bentonville City Lifestyle can’t wait to hear the stories they choose to tell, see their photography and words in print, and feel the sentiment of their perspectives.
Thankfully,
WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER @BENTONVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Katriel Daniels | katriel.daniels@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andi Darling, Hannah Davidson, Karla Putts
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Claire McFarland, Teagan Kenny, Philip Thomas at Novo Studio, Michael Kleinberg Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
inside the issue
The Compton Hotel Now Taking Reservations
The Compton, a new independent lifestyle hotel opening this fall on the historic Bentonville Square, is now accepting reservations beginning January 2026 and beyond. Named for beloved preservationist Dr. Neil Compton, the 142-room hotel invites guests to experience the Ozarks like an insider, with design elements rooted in the region’s culture and natural world. The hotel will also introduce three new dining concepts: Field Notes, Sestina, and The Eddy.
Photography by Michael Kleinberg Photography
Amazeum and XNA Partner for Interactive Play Space
The Scott Family Amazeum and Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) are partnering to bring an imaginative, interactive play space to the airport’s new concourse expansion. The collaborative project will transform the site of a former moving walkway into a vibrant environment where children and families can relax, explore, and connect during their travels. The area features climbers, crawlers, and hands-on exhibits that celebrate the wonder of flight.
Photography by Amazeum
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Best Friends Introduces Reservation System for Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
To serve Northwest Arkansas’ pets more efficiently, Best Friends is introducing a reservation system for vaccine and microchip clinics. Through this new system, Best Friends aims to see all four-legged patients within a 15-minute window of their appointment time, making it easier than ever to keep pets healthy and safe. To schedule your appointment, please visit bfas.org/appointmentnwa
THE LOCAL NWA
Bentonville
Club Curated by Two Gals Who Found Friendship Through Design & Travel
What do you get when you mix two Arkansas natives with design backgrounds and a mutual appetite for experiencing global cultures? A culture-inspired supper club concept called The Local NWA.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS
The
Supper
“Whether it's our supper club or someone else's, we want people to have fun in the city they’re living in.”
Friends, Hannah Morehart and Chef Meleah Minard met in New York City through a mutual connection. Minard had moved to the city to work in UX design while Morehart focused on apparel. Their serendipitous meeting spurred a special bond that blossomed into shared experiences around the world and ultimately, one of Bentonville’s first supper clubs.
It was during her season in New York that Minard decided to pursue her culinary dreams.
“I became a chef in 2021; I call it my COVID freak out,” she joked. “I went to Leiths School of Food and Wine in London. When I decided to go to culinary school, I knew I didn’t want to work in restaurants, per se; I liked the private chef game, and supper clubs are huge over there.”
“When we became great friends in New York, one of our big things was traveling,” Morehart added. “We would go to Europe together, and those were the
experiences we wanted to bring to Arkansas with the supper club.”
When life and career brought the two back to Northwest Arkansas, Minard presented the idea for this creative side project to Morehart, whose response was a swift, “Heck yeah!”
“I have a super creative mindset, but even outside of apparel, I’ve always been someone to throw the party, host, come up with a theme, and connect people,” Morehart said. “We always talked about doing something creative outside of work, and when she came back from London, she was telling me about these dinner clubs.”
The partnership they landed on merged Chef Minard’s culinary background with Morehart’s passion for designing experiences. Their signature twist: each event is themed around a different country they’ve visited or have a connection to.
Hannah Morehart and Chef Meleah Minard
“Our first was England – specifically London pub flair – which was fun and more approachable,” said Morehart. “Now we’ve done quite a few countries, and each supper club, we’ve had people either from that country or with a family tie to that country.”
“Bentonville is the perfect spot to do something like this,” Chef Minard added. “There are so many people here from other cities and countries, but there are still a lot of people who have never left. When I was in school in Europe, I had a bunch of cultural influences, but I still have my southern roots, so I like to call myself a southern chef with global flair.”
Take their Spain-inspired September event, for example: The five-course menu included traditional tres pintxos served on cornbread , a classic paella prepared shrimp boil style, and finished with a sangria cobbler
Sobremesa, the title of the evening’s menu, is a word that describes the relaxing period of meaningful conversation that happens after a meal. For this event, the sentiment was felt from start to finish. The seating assignments, painstakingly curated by Morehart, perfectly merged couples, friends, and solo guests of all ages, backgrounds, and personal interests.
“We both feel super energized when we travel to different places, so I think that has been a good tie-in to bringing people together and giving them that fun escape,” Morehart explained. “When I started traveling, every time I was in a space of people who were from different places and backgrounds, there was a different type of connection.”
The Local NWA’s bi-monthly supper club events host up-to 30 guests and feature a five-course
Shrimp Boil Paella
Tapas Nachos
“When we became friends in New York, one of our big things was traveling. We would go to Europe together, and those are the experiences we wanted to bring to Arkansas with the supper club.”
menu planned and prepared by Chef Minard. She prioritizes sourcing NWA produce and meats from Prairie Woods Farm in Sulphur Springs, Jim’s Meat Market in Bentonville, and Richard’s Country Meat Market in Fayetteville.
“Food brings people together,” said Chef Minard. “Whether it’s our supper club or someone else’s, we want people to have fun in the city they’re living in.”
While Chef Minard is managing the menu, Morehart is curating the theme, color palette, decor, music, and seating, adding non-cheesy conversation starters to the back of each name card.
“When we decided to do this, it was the perfect mix of her handling the food and my
passion for curating spaces for people to feel comfortable. There are more supper clubs coming up, and it’s so fun because everyone has their own vision for a different experience. I love spending my money on experiences, and we want Bentonville to have more of these amazing experiences.”
For event updates, follow @TheLocal_NWA on Instagram.
When purchasing a ticket from The Local NWA, guests are required to indicate any food allergies or aversions before checkout so Morehart and Chef Minard can effectively accommodate their experience with care. Each event is signed off by the Arkansas Health Department.
Tres Pintxos
THANKFUL THROUGH CANCER:
AN ENTREPRENEUR'S DIAGNOSIS STORY
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS & SUSAN WOODWARD
“The whole time I’ve been running this studio, I’ve had cancer.”
Susan Woodward is no stranger to crafts. The Arkansas-native from a farming family grew up in the 4-H program, submitting sewing, baking, and craft projects to the county fair in hopes of earning a blue ribbon.
“My dad grew up in 4-H and my mom was our 4-H leader, so I think that’s kind of where I got my spirit to create,” she shared. “We had a garden growing up, and raised our own beef and chicken; very farm to table before it was cool to be farm to table.”
This creative homestead atmosphere permeates Woodward’s Pinspiration studio. Her maker’s space, located off SE Walton Boulevard, merges elevated farmhouse stylings with colorful corners and cozy community tables perfect for crafting, celebrating, and fellowship.
“I am not a business person, but in the spring of 2021, I remember scrolling on Facebook and an ad for the Pinspiration franchise popped up. Immediately, I was drawn to it because when Pinterest first came out, my friends and I would have Pinterest parties. It was so much fun.” Susan Woodward
Woodward Family at Susan G Komen Walk: Ella, Heidi, Susan, Aaron, Haden
Susan Woodward
Pinspiration offers Pinterest-inspired arts and crafts workshops, such as knit blankets, wall art, and seasonal gifts, along with the instruction and materials needed. “We can provide you with everything,” she explained. “You come here and make the mess. You don’t have to go to the craft store and buy all the things. Everything you see on our website is available for you to make and take the same day.”
Pinspiration’s most popular offering is its Splatter Room: a dedicated space for friends to create a canvas painting in food-fight format, letting loose with the protection of goggles, caps, and coveralls.
“I have no doubt that owning this studio is part of God’s plan for my life. It has been the hardest thing but also the most rewarding.”
Woodward opened Pinspiration Bentonville in June of 2023, one month after a clear mammogram and two months before receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.
“The culprit was the pain in my armpit; one lymph node, undetectable by a mammogram. Mammograms are so important, but I wouldn’t have been a candidate for a breast MRI because I didn’t have a history of breast cancer in my family.”
She described developing a cough and intense fatigue, which she attributed to exhaustion from opening the studio. Initially, she was treated for mastitis, and it wasn’t until her regular gynecologist appointment in early August that a doctor recommended a biopsy. On August 10th, the wife and mother of three was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.
Woodward’s husband, a radiologist, immediately scheduled an MRI and PET scan, which returned images resembling a Dalmatian. From head to toe, his wife’s body was covered in black spots representing the presence of cancer.
“It was everywhere; in my lungs, my liver, my brain,” she said. “I would have thought being led to open this business was a big enough deal, but doing it with cancer is life-changing.”
Despite the odds and with the support of her “village,” Woodward pressed on with her first entrepreneurial endeavor while also beginning chemotherapy and radiation. Two years later, Pinspiration Bentonville is still getting crafty with kids, young and old, while its founder fights for her Cancer Free title. Ironically, she says the added focus on wellness has her feeling better than she did before cancer, and the little miracles throughout the process have only strengthened her faith.
“The doors are still open. I’m still here.”
–
Earlier this year, Woodward started a new drug called ENHERTU, and if the results of her December scan are clear, it will be the first time since her diagnosis that she will be able to say she is cancer-free. If you feel moved, consider this time to send thoughts of encouragement and/or pray for her and her family.
CARMELITA
R e s e r v e y o u r
d a t e a n d l e t u s
d e l i g h t y o u r
g u e s t s w i t h
e v e r y b i t e .
C A T E R I N G C O
e v e r
future journalists
Bentonville City Lifestyle's First Cohort of Thaden School Interns
ARTICLE BY ANDI DARLING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEAGAN KENNY
With a focus on a balanced yet academically rigorous education where curiosity is encouraged, mistakes are welcomed, and support is offered, Bentonville’s Thaden School strives to prepare students to be college-ready and lead lives rooted in community
Millie Neal Pearl Harris
Social Media Intern
Pearl, if not competing in volleyball or track, can be found backstage memorizing lines and running vocal warm-ups. Viewing life through both creative and athletic lenses, Pearl’s content provides a rich, fresh, and artistic perspective. As a native Arkansan, she enjoys relaxing outdoors with her family at barbecues and being near the water.
Social Media Intern
Millie–a compassionate animal lover–can often be found with her mother, older brother, and their multiple foster pets . When she isn’t at home, she likes spending time at the gym lifting and training for her next tennis tournament. Millie dreams of attending medical school to become a dermatologist and pathologist. Millie’s content offers a wholesome and charming viewpoint that is unmatched.
engagement, strong purpose, and integrity. Beginning with this issue, Bentonville City Lifestyle Magazine is partnering with Thaden School to launch a unique internship experience. Four high school students were selected from a large pool of applicants to participate as either a writer, photographer, or social media content creator. The first cohort of Thaden interns includes Andi Darling [Writer], Pearl Harris and Millie Neal [Social Media], and Teagan Kenny [Photographer]. Each student was chosen for their creativity, enthusiasm, and demonstrated ability to blend into the magazine’s established vision and voice.
Ranging from sophomore to senior, each intern provides a fresh perspective to both the editorial and social media presence, helping to create exciting, relevant, and engaging content. The Bentonville City Lifestyle internship allows Thaden students to further explore their journalistic passions, whether in writing, photography, or social media, while simultaneously gaining experience working in a professional, welcoming, and creative environment. Students are encouraged to hone and nurture their talents in a way that will prove useful to future educational and career endeavors.
Andi Darling
Writing Intern
Coming from an artistic family consisting of five children, five pets, and 4,000 books, Andi’s playful approach to storytelling is no surprise to anyone. If not lost in the pages of a romantasy book, Andi can be found under a mound of yarn for her latest crochet creation or studiously studying for her next exam.
Teagan Kelly
Photography Intern
Guided by her interest in film and visual art, Teagan attended a school photography class and fell in love with the camera. This passion, combined with her Bentonville background, creates authentic work that elicits the magic of her subjects. Teagan’s favorite images are those that capture candid, lively day-to-day moments of human emotion.
SUN lovers, MEET BBL
PREMIER AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS CORRECTS DECADES OF DAMAGE, REWINDING THE CLOCK ON AGING WITH PERSONALIZED CARE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MICHELLE BAZIS
During my twenties, while living in sunny Florida, I watched a news story about ‘Super Agers.’ These men and women in their 80s and beyond were defying time with active lifestyles and balanced diets. Aside from their physical vitality, I noticed the interviewees also looked much younger than their age. Realizing their biohacking began well before the Botox boom, I was ready with pen and paper when they shared their secrets to looking and feeling young until 100.
1. Minimize Stressors
2. Daily Physical Activity
3. Balanced Plant-Forward Diet
4. No Smoking & Minimal Alcohol
5. Sun Protection, Always
As many millennial women might confess, tanning beds were too popular in our teens, and dial-up internet didn’t offer much info about skincare. These Super Agers were my pre-social media influencers. Not only did they use sunscreen, but they also wore hats, sunglasses, bandanas, and sun shirts while enjoying their favorite outdoor activities. Now in my late 30s, I can say this has been my regimen for over a decade. Still, damage had been done, so I sought the advice of Triple Board Certified Dermatologist, Missy Clifton, Founder of Bentonville’s Premier Aesthetics and Wellness. I asked Dr. Clifton to check some concerning spots and offer recommendations for treating my sun damage.
“I’M A freckle factory WHO ALSO TANS, WHICH DR. CLIFTON SAYS IS risky ; THOSE WHO TAN DON’T OFTEN believe THEY’RE AT RISK OF SKIN CANCER.”
Nellie McCulley, CLT
BBL for sun damage
Dr. Missy Clifton
SKIN CARE
For context, I am a genetic freckle factory who also tans easily, which Dr. Clifton says is often the most risky combination, because those who tan don’t typically believe they’re at risk of skin cancer. I also spend time outdoors daily, whether it’s to ride mountain bikes, hike, paddleboard, or read a book. Knowing these details, Dr. Clifton recommended annual scans to check my spots. She also suggested a skincare regimen with a quality cleanser and moisturizer, a daily serum catered to your skin type [me: Revision C+ Correcting Complex], and a reparative serum in the evening [me: Revision Retinol Complete]. For sunscreen, Dr. Clifton says it’s important to choose a mineral sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen [me: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen].
DAMAGE REPAIR
Believe it or not, sun exposure is the most likely cause of more than just brown spots or cancerous lesions. Sun damage can cause premature wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone and texture, enlarged pores, broken capillaries, and more. Thankfully, my spots of concern were not cancerous, but my skin analysis with Aura 3D Imaging did reveal hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity, redness, and fine lines. In addition to skin care, Dr. Clifton recommended a few optional treatments, including Jeuveau, a neurotoxin to soften and prevent fine lines, Radiesse, a collagen stimulator to restore volume, and BroadBand Light [BBL] to reduce the appearance of brown spots, redness, and uneven skin tone.
BROADBAND LIGHT [BBL]
In this article, I’ve shared some personal before and after images of my results within weeks of taking Dr. Clifton’s advice. While injectables do best with quarterly or annual upkeep – depending on the product and personal preferences – I noticed a dramatic change just two weeks after my first BBL treatment. For the best results with BBL, Dr. Clifton suggested starting with three treatments six weeks apart, followed by an annual treatment in the fall or winter for maintenance.
Premier’s BBL treatment is non-invasive with minimal discomfort, thanks to numbing cream. After my first treatment, my skin felt sensitive, like a mild sunburn, for 24 hours; brown spots flaked off like coffee grounds within a week, and my sun damage continued to fade in the weeks that followed. The makeup-free, before and after images you see, I feel, show more than a 50 percent reduction in sun damage, and I still have a few weeks left to see the full results of my third BBL treatment.
Before Treatment
“AFTER
JUST one BROADBAND LIGHT TREATMENT, I SAW A dramatic reduction IN DARK SPOTS.”
AGE YOUR WAY
It’s important to note that, apart from regular skin cancer screenings and sun protection, these products and treatments were catered to my skin type and goals, and are completely optional. We are entitled to age our own way, and if you prefer to earn your lines and collect ‘healthy’ spots like badges of honor, wear them with pride! Whatever you choose, Premier offers a treasure trove of top-tier products and treatments, both invasive and non-invasive, for preventing damage, promoting skin health, and slowing the skin aging process. However you choose to care for your skin, you can be certain of a pleasant experience at Premier. Hands down, Dr.
Clifton and her team – many of whom have been with the clinic for nearly a decade or longer – will feel like your best friends by the time you leave. Where doctors stereotypically struggle with bedside manner, Dr. Clifton is a joyful and comforting presence before, during, and after your visit. In early 2026, Premier Aesthetics and Wellness will extend its services to a new location on the Walmart Campus.
For updates on their new location and a behind-thescenes look at my experience throughout this process at Premier Aesthetics and Wellness, follow @PremierDerm and @BentonvilleCityLifestyle on Instagram.
Find Holiday Hominess at BlakeSt.
BIRDIE’S TRANSFORMS BLAKEST INTO A HOLIDAY REFUGE OF WARMTH AND WONDER
ARTICLE BY HANNAH DAVIDSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP THOMAS AT NOVO STUDIO
Within the historic walls of a house once belonging to Birdie and Thomas Blake, the holiday bar at BlakeSt, Birdie’s, is designed to attract those seeking an escape from the loud and cluttered seasonal pop-ups, offering an ambiance of understated elegance and heartwarming comfort.
From 4 PM to 10 PM daily, Birdie’s opens its arms wide to BlakeSt Members. Its walls have been transformed from the familiar into something magical. More than just another holiday hot spot— Birdie’s is a homecoming wrapped in nostalgia. Here, comfort food gets a playful holiday twist, drinks capture the seasonal spirit, and evening events stoke a festive spark.
Picture yourself enjoying elf-sized eclairs while Santa’s spinach dip brings us back to simpler times. The North Pole nachos pile high
with festive flavors, and the nutcracker crunch—those perfectly spiced nuts—add a mischievous crackle to quiet conversations.
Birdie’s festive beverages carry whispers of rebellion and warmth. Chase away the winter chill and warm your hands with a Gryla, a Nordic-inspired brew.
Come evening, Birdie’s reveals its true nature. Trivia nights spark friendly feuds, and festive karaoke unleashes voices both bold and bashful. Gift swaps turn strangers into conspirators, sharing treasures and tales alike. And tucked in a cozy corner, the Christmas gift wrapping station waits—because even rebels understand that some traditions deserve tender care.
So settle in, dear friends. At Birdie’s, you’re not just visiting— you’re coming home to where holiday magic lives and breathes.
leankitchenco.com 479-235-6008
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Aromatic Potatoes
ARTICLE BY KARLA PUTTS
Carmelita's Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fragrant, and full of flavor, Carmelita's Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a perfect side dish for cozy dinners and holiday gatherings.
ingredients:
• 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup whole milk (warm)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste
directions:
Step 1. Roast the Garlic
Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast for 30–35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze the cloves out of the skins and mash with a fork.
Step 2. Cook the Potatoes
Place potatoes in a pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender. Drain.
Step 3. Mash and Mix
Add garlic, milk, butter, rosemary, and salt. Mash until smooth.
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