Conroe, TX December 2025

HOME FOR The Holidays D E C E M B E R 2 02 5

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The True Meaning of the Season ... Presents !!!

December 2025 PUBLISHER

Kevin Bratton | kevin.bratton@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Dear Neighbors, It's not just about the presents. As the air grows cooler, the waters of Lake Conroe take on a serene winter calm. A familiar feeling of hope and fellowship begins to warm us from every corner of our community. This is the season of reflection, and as we look back on what we have accomplished and even what we may have failed epically at, we can’t help but feel grateful for the experience. This year brought some unexpected challenges, but it also delivered remarkable joy, chuckles, and new friendships.This season is about enjoying those connections with the ones we love and filling your homes not just with decorations, but with the people who matter most. Let’s forgive each other for any petty transgressions in our past. Let's each make a serious promise to appreciate those who made the effort to grant us their presence as a great gift during this time of gatherings.

Gather with us for Conroe's beloved annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Heritage Park the first Tuesday in December. Followed by the festive “Christmas on Main” celebration, that officially ushers in the holiday season.

The true hallmark of the Conroe community is that it understands that celebration is not just about what we have, but also about what we share. We see it in the inspiring work of so many, from the Montgomery County Food Bank, to Angel Reach and YES to YOUTH, who provide hope for our most vulnerable young people. We see it at Habitat for Humanity and the Montgomery County Women's Center. This collective spirit of giving fuels our optimism about the brightest possible future for Conroe. If you don't have a favorite charity, I encourage you to find one, even if it is just to donate an hour of your time. It will heal you more than you might realize.

As we at Conroe City Lifestyle prepare for our final issue of the year and our third anniversary, we are filled with gratitude for you, our readers. You are the vibrant, generous heart of this community. May your holidays be filled with abundant joy, holy nights, and meaningful connections.

Have a happy, holy-day season, K E V I N B R AT T O N , P U B L I S H E R @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

Chris Staples | chris.staples@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Margie Tayor | margie@taylorizedpr.com STAF F W R I T E R

Andie Monet | andie.monet@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Melanie Hood | melanie@melanheadphoto.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chris Staples, Kevin Bratton C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Hannah Cram

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Conroe City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Conroe area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CONROE

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Conroe City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 | HO L I DAYS & G I V I N G

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Featured

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Home For The Holidays

Story Built Homes helps Conroe families create spaces made for memories.

Celebrating A Howl Free Holiday

Calm training builds trust between dogs and families this season.

Legendary Secrets of the Poinsettia Local Writer’s Holiday Surprise

On the Cover

Departments

Warm golden light spills from a Story Built Home dressed for the holidays. Inside, a family gathers by the tree, laughter filling the air and reflecting the season’s spirit of home, heart, and connection.

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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House Call HOME + DESIGN

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Pet Care PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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Must See ARTS + CULTURE

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Local Limelight FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

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Trend Setter SHOPPING

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Events

Photography: Story Built Homes

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city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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KEVIN BRATTON

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MELONHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

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PROVIDED

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1: Youth Career Fair, 2000+ 7th graders learn to run Conroe City Lifestyle, TaylorizedPR agency, etc. 2: 80’s Builder/Realtor party: Lexington Heights, Century Communities, (Alta, First American, Colina, & Smith Douglas) Homes 3: Big ribbon cutting and certification at Keating Chevrolet 4: Andie Monet compliments Meredith Fisk star of the musical Carrie performed at the Owen Theater. 5: Lobster chefs prepare for the 2025 Annual Lake Conroe Chamber Lobsterfest dinner. 6: Students perform patriotic songs during TWCA’s Veterans Day concert at the campus amphitheater. 7: A festive party and ribbon cutting at MidSouth who had their 85th anniversary recently.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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DECEMBER 2025

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Your Escape Room (Conroe) adds Your Gameshow Place Owner Les Benodin of Your Escape Room in Conroe, opened a new business called Your Game Show Place at 1111 League Line Rd in Conroe. If you ever wanted to be on Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune or The Price is Right now is your chance. Ryan "Wildman" Holland the master or ceremonies has been meeting with local businesses to book their funnest team building events ever. See www.yourgameshowplace.com to learn more.

Photography by Kevin Bratton

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Legacy Title & Abstract Celebrates Willis Grand Opening Legacy Title & Abstract marked its Willis expansion with a community celebration. Guests enjoyed a ribbon cutting, food, and drinks, followed by an Oktoberfest hosted by Spear Point Engineering with prizes and food trucks. The event welcomed real estate professionals, lending specialists, and neighbors to connect, celebrate, and learn about the firm’s growing role in Texas real estate services.

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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Chastity, Rachel, Caryn, Chayn, Raney, MaKenna, Travis, Cheyanne, Colter, Kendall, Jennifer, and Michael.

Story Built Homes helps Conroe families create spaces to build memories.

ARTICLE BY CHRIS STAPLES

Home For The Holidays 12

H OU SE CA LL | HO M E + DE SIGN

’Tis the season in Conroe, a chill on the lake, Loved ones gather, new memories to make.

A Story Built Home with tinsel and lights Makes the perfect place for magical nights.

A welcoming Story Built Home glows with garland, ribbons, and twinkling lights, ready to greet guests and celebrate the beauty of the holiday season.

In Conroe, winter does not need snow to feel like a storybook. It arrives with the scent of cinnamon and pine, the glow of Lake Conroe’s Christmas Boat Parade, and the sound of laughter drifting from porches lined with lights. Inside one newly built home, stockings hang on a custom mantle, and the first fire of the season crackles to life. The scene could belong to any family, in any generation, because the feeling of home is timeless.

For the builders at Story Built Homes, moments like these are the reason they do what they do. The company has become a trusted name across Conroe and Montgomery for creating homes that balance design, craftsmanship, and heart.

As Chief Personnel Officer Chastity White explains, “Home for the holidays means more than a place; it is a feeling.” Every space they create is meant to host the stories that make life memorable.

A DESIGN MEANT FOR GATHERING

At the holidays, Story Built’s homes come alive in the ways that matter most.

Wide porches glow under strings of light.

Kitchens open to the living room so no one misses the laughter or the sound of dessert plates. Windows are placed to frame a Christmas tree just right, and ceilings rise high enough for the tallest spruce to shine.

“Our favorite seasonal touches are often the simplest,” Chastity says. “Custom fireplaces that become the heart of the home, warm wood tones that soften winter light, and vaulted ceilings that make gatherings feel intimate and bright.”

Rachel Rost (Chief Executive Officer) and Chastity White (Chief Experience Officer) of Story Built Homes

CONTINUED >

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Soft lighting and natural wood beams bring warmth to a holiday-ready living space, where modern comfort meets classic Story Built craftsmanship.

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H OU SE CA LL | HO M E + DE SIGN

“Home for the holidays is more than a place; it is the warmth, laughter, and love that fill a Story Built Home, making it unforgettable.”

As the team at Story Built Homes puts it, “We build with heart, knowing how much these spaces mean during the holidays.” That care shows in every design, from inviting front porches to spacious kitchens made for baking cookies. Every corner feels like an invitation to come together.

BUILDING MORE THAN HOMES

For Story Built Homes, homebuilding has always been about more than construction. It is about connection. Each December, the team looks for ways to give back to the community they help shape, supporting local toy drives and family outreach programs. This year, they are contributing to the Playhouse for Patriots event hosted by University Title Montgomery and joining the Greater Houston Builders Association’s Annual Toy Drive.

“Building homes means helping build community,” the team shares. “The holidays are our reminder to do both.”

That sense of responsibility extends to how they work every day. Chastity explains that gratitude is built into their process.

“We are incredibly thankful for the homeowners who trust us with their dreams, the vendors and trade partners who go the extra mile, and our own team members who pour their hearts into every detail.”

WHERE THE MAGIC LIVES IN CONROE

When the season turns festive, the Story Built crew is out in the same places as their homeowners. They stroll through Downtown Conroe’s Christmas on Main, watch the Lake Conroe Boat Parade of Lights, and sip cocoa under the glowing oaks at Heritage Place Park.

CONTINUED >

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“Every Story Built Home is designed with intention, crafted for connection, and built to reflect the rhythm, comfort, and beauty of real Conroe living.”

“Conroe and Montgomery shine with small-town magic this time of year,” Chastity says. “Home is not just where you live; it is where you belong.”

Across Montgomery County, new neighborhoods glimmer with porch lights and golf cart parades. That small-town sparkle inspires every plan Story Built draws. For this team, each home represents both a personal milestone and a shared celebration of community.

company’s mission to design homes that make life beautiful. “Without tests, there is no testimony,” Chastity reflects. “And this year reminded us that gratitude is part of good building. It strengthens everything it touches.”

Whether a family is gathering around the fire, baking together in a new kitchen, or standing beneath their first roof as homeowners, those are the moments Story Built Homes works to create. Each home is more than wood and stone; it is a lasting backdrop for connection, celebration, generosity, and joy. In every season, these homes hold the stories that make Conroe feel like family.

Outside, another night settles over Conroe. The lake glows with reflected lights, and laughter drifts down quiet streets. Inside a Story Built home, families gather, fires warm, and stories begin again. The scent of pine lingers, music hums softly, and joy flickers like candlelight across familiar faces. For every beam and brick, there is a heartbeat inside, a reminder that home is not only built but lived.

GRATITUDE IN THE DETAILS

WHAT TO DO NEXT IN CONROE:

As the year comes to a close, Story Built reflects on a season of growth and purpose. 2025 has brought its share of challenges, but it has also deepened the

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H OU SE CA LL | HO M E + DE SIGN

Book a consultation with Story Built Homes to begin designing your next chapter. Visit StoryBuiltHomes.com or call.

A grand holiday welcome framed in garland, wreaths, and ribbon. This Story Built entryway shines with festive warmth and timeless Conroe charm.

Paxton, Reagan and Brinlee sharing a memorable moment.

Inside, natural materials and clean lines create an atmosphere where families can unwind and connect.

Rachel, Katy, and Chastity at Story Built Homes in Conroe, bringing local craftsmanship and holiday warmth to life.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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ARTICLE BY CHRIS STAPLES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CALM TRAINING BUILDS TRUST BETWEEN DOGS AND FAMILIES THIS SEASON.

LIDAY HO

CELEBR A TI

E

E

G N

W O L FR H A

A well-trained Newfoundland walks calmly toward trainer Aaron Tolman during an off leash session at Sit Means Sit in Conroe.

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P E T CA R E | P RO FESS I O NAL SE RVICE S

A happy dog practices calm focus during an outdoor training session at Sit Means Sit in Conroe.

“Structure is compassion.

Lead with calm, your dog relaxes.”

When Aaron Tolman’s dogs came home from a month-long board and train program with no improvement, frustration quickly turned to curiosity. “We spent a fortune, and the dogs came back the same,” he says. “That’s when I started wondering what really makes training work.”

At the time, Tolman was running a different business entirely. But one conversation with a fellow entrepreneur changed his direction. “He introduced me to a Sit Means Sit owner,” Tolman recalls.

“I visited his facility, and those dogs listened off leash every time. I thought, what kind of magic is this?”

That moment led to a career change that now benefits hundreds of Conroearea families. Today, through Sit Means Sit in Conroe, Tolman helps dog owners replace stress and frustration with confidence and connection.

The early days were demanding. “I was learning from the ground up,” he says.

“Dog training isn’t just about reading body language. It’s about teaching people how to be calm and consistent leaders.” Tolman remembers long hours balancing the demands of business ownership with his growing fascination for canine psychology. He found that patience, timing, and tone could change a dog’s entire response in seconds. “It was humbling,” he says. “You realize quickly that the dog is often not the one who needs the most training. It’s the human.”

Tolman’s training philosophy is rooted in structure, not punishment. “I tell clients that structure is compassion,” he says. “If you’re not leading, your dog is, and that’s stressful for them.”

Dogs crave clarity. When owners fail to take the leadership role, pets fill that CONTINUED >

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“Training expands a dog’s world, opening doors to more freedom and joy.”

A Belgian Malinois leaps midair to catch a toy during advanced off leash training at Sit Means Sit in Conroe.

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P E T CA R E | P RO FESS I O NAL SE RVICE S

vacuum, often becoming anxious or reactive. “We see the same thing with kids,” Tolman says. “They function best with boundaries and consistent expectations.

Dogs do too. They just never grow out of it.”

His team’s mantra, obedience equals freedom, captures the spirit of their work.

A well-trained dog is not restricted; it is trusted. “When dogs know the rules, they get to go places like parks, hikes, and restaurants,” Tolman says. “Training expands their world.”

The approach works especially well in Conroe, where life often revolves around outdoor activity. Families take their dogs to Lake Conroe, the national forest trails, or backyard barbecues. “Those are the moments people imagine when they get a dog,” Tolman says. “But to truly enjoy them, you have to build trust first. Freedom without guidance isn’t freedom. It’s chaos.”

Every December brings an influx of new pet owners who received a puppy as a holiday gift. Tolman encourages families to start training right away. “The science says you have a window until about 13 weeks where it’s not so much about commands, it’s about exposure,” he explains.

“Different sounds, surfaces, people, even other dogs. The more they experience early, the fewer problems you’ll have later.”

He recommends gentle introductions to controlled environments, especially around Conroe’s holiday bustle.

“Fireworks, doorbells, music, let them hear it young,” he says. “If they learn those things are normal, they’ll stay calm as adults.”

He often reminds clients that even five minutes a day of mindful engagement can make a dramatic difference. “It’s not about perfection,” Tolman says. “It’s about communication. Every time you guide your dog through a new experience, you’re building trust.”

One of Sit Means Sit’s defining tools is the e-collar, a training device often misunderstood by pet owners. Tolman likens it to a gentle tap on the shoulder. “It’s not a shock collar,” he clarifies. “It feels like a chiropractic tens unit, just a pulse. It’s communication, not correction.”

Used properly, the collar becomes an extension of the handler’s voice, building trust and responsiveness. “The tool is not the problem,” Tolman says. “It’s how it’s used. Under proper guidance, it’s the best communication system we have.”

That focus on connection transforms even challenging cases. Tolman recalls working with an aggressive dog named Marco who had bitten several people while boarding elsewhere. “When we got him back into structure, he relaxed,” Tolman says. “He went from panic to play. That’s the power of consistency.”

He sees that transformation daily. “It’s amazing how quickly a dog can change when it feels understood,” he says. “They don’t want to be in charge. They just need someone who shows them how to follow with confidence.”

Beyond household training, Tolman devotes time to Montgomery County Search and Rescue and Texas EquuSearch, where he and his dogs assist in missing person and recovery missions. “We work cases across Texas,” he says. “It’s a different kind of reward, seeing the dogs use their training to help families find closure.”

That dedication reinforces his core belief that disciplined training doesn’t just create better pets. It builds stronger bonds between dogs and people. And in a season centered around home, connection, and gratitude, Tolman’s work reminds families that patience and guidance can turn even the most energetic puppy into a calm, confident companion.

For dog owners in Conroe who want more peace at home, Sit Means Sit offers free evaluations. “You’ll see your dog’s potential in one visit,” Tolman says. “And once you see that change, you’ll never look at training the same way again.”

SIT MEANS SIT: CONROE

13813 McComb Rd., Conroe, TX 77302 Phone: (281) 984-5102 Website: www.sitmeanssit.com/dog-training-mu/ north-houston-dog-training/ YouTube: @aarontolman463

CONTINUED >

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Three well-trained dogs rest together after completing obedience exercises at Sit Means Sit in Conroe.

Two small dogs enjoy a break between training sessions at Sit Means Sit in Conroe.

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P E T CA R E | P RO FESS I O NAL SE RVICE S

Holiday Calm Checklist Teach a “go” command so dogs can exit busy rooms during gatherings and rest where they feel safe.

Ask for small obedience cues throughout the day such as sit, wait, and out before meals or walks to reinforce calm focus.

Expose puppies early to holiday sounds like bells, laughter, music, and fireworks so they learn that celebration is safe, not stressful.

Reward quiet, steady behavior instead of excitement when greeting visitors, and create a calm example for children and guests to follow.

An Australian Shepherd focuses during an outdoor obedience drill at Sit Means Sit in Conroe.

Tip: Training does not have to be long to be effective. Consistent, short sessions every day build the confidence and muscle memory for calm behavior that lasts throughout the year.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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THE GIVING

F l owe r

Alda P. Dobbs -Author

A Local Writer, Alda Dobbs, Reveals the Legendar y Secrets of the Poinsettia

Luke and Jaxon take turns reading The Giving Flower

ARTICLE BY KEVIN BRATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN BRATTON & PROVIDED

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M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

Over 100 colors of Poinsettia

Over 35 million Poinsettias will be sold for the holidays

Just in time for the holidays our local, award winning author Alda P. Dobbs unwraps her new book “The Giving Flower.”

The illustrations are warm, vibrant, and creative. The poinsettias legend is rooted deeply in Mexico’s culture starting way back with the Aztecs. Really, it’s a weeds to riches story. The mysterious evolution of this now globally favorite flower that blooms in winter is finally revealed under the cover of this children’s book. This Christmas story teaches about history, culture and botany. As we come forward in time toward present day, we learn about all the pivot points where The Christmas Flower gained colors and notoriety throughout the world.

The story is fascinating for children and adults. Younger kids will need help with sounding out some of the larger words.

A younger reader Luke Bratton (left) commented, “I really like the fact that it started out like kid’s story and ended up telling the actual history of the flower” Jaxon Staples his friend, loved the book and thought, “it was cool that the Poinsettia was used for so many different things like medicine and clothing dye” Luke's dad, was surprised to find out how many different colors this flower came in now and how the made it bloom longer.

It was fascinating how the flower's fame grew so quickly from it's appearance on the tonight show and other television programs during the holidays calling it the "Christmas Flower." It quickly became a holiday mainstay on T.V. programs and at home holiday celebrations.

A L D A P. D O B B S

The Story of the Poinsettia

It’s rare to find a book that is so entertaining for both kids and adults at the same time. After reading this anyone encountering a poinsettia trivia contest will be well trained. Alda's prior book, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, a children's historical novel, was named Book of the Year by National Public Radio and the New York Public Library. So, she is a well respected author of childrens books.

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Helpful Hints, Businesses Filing 1099-NECs An often missed tip that could lower your taxes.

ARTICLE BY ANDIE MONET

Getting a little help

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

As year-end approaches, getting prepared is crucial for avoiding late or non-filings.

1. WHAT THE 1099-NEC IS:

This form reports payments made to nonemployees— like contractors, freelancers, or vendors—who’ve been paid $600 or more for services during the year. No need to file if a contractor earned less.

2. WHO SHOULD RECEIVE ONE:

Any contractor that you PAID $600+ in the calendar year, for business services and who is not on your payroll (meaning they didn’t receive a W-2).

3. WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE ONE:

You don’t need to send a 1099-NEC to corporations (except attorneys), or for non-business expenses, or employees already reported on a W-2.

Better BookKeepers celebration

4. THE IMPORTANCE OF FORM W-9:

Before paying any contractor, you should collect a Form W-9. It provides their legal name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN)—all required to complete their 1099-NEC accurately.

5. FILING DEADLINES:

Both the IRS and your recipients must receive their copies by January 31.

6. ELECTRONIC FILING IS EASIER:

Vendors should fill out a W9

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FI NAN CE + LE GAL SE RVICE S

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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ARTICLE BY ANDIE MONET | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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FOR PIC K L EBALL EN T H USI ASTS FOR OUTD O OR BBQ & EATING

The ScoreButts Scorekeeper keeps matches clear and organized. Ideal for all players so games run smoothly, efficiently and players stay focused, and competition stays fair and fun.

The Clip N Rip Portable Paper Towel Holder makes cleanup effortless anywhere. Its sturdy clip fits surfaces up to 2 inches thick—perfect for camping, tailgates, or picnics. No setup needed— just clip, load, and clean with ease.

M E DICAL HEA LING T EC HNOLO GY This patented OTC laser device speeds healing for cold sores, canker sores, and herpes lesions. Safe, painless, and easy to use—backed by a lifetime money-back guarantee for fast, lasting relief.

SK I P USI NG FOI L & PL AST IC WR AP The Safe-T-Sirv keeps food warm and protected with its fitted cover and seamless hinge. A silicone brush keeps utensils clean—so you enjoy great food, less mess, and more moments together.

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PERFECT CHAI The BruChai Brewer crafts the perfect cup every time. With a built-in strainer, no-drip spout, and burn-safe handle, it blends tradition, innovation, and flavor beautifully.

Go to: www.themercury.shop

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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DECEMBER 2025

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S DECEMBER 2ND

Toby Powell Conroe Christmas Celebration Heritage Place | 500 Metcalf | 6:30 PM Celebrate the magic of the season at Conroe Christmas! Bring the whole family to enjoy festive lights, holiday music, fun Christmas activities, and exciting rides as the City of Conroe marks the official start of the holiday season.

DECEMBER 18TH

Pictures with Santa The Table at Madeley | 6:00 PM It’s that magical time of year again!

Put on your best Christmas attire and join us for Pictures with Santa Nate at The Table. Gather your family, friends, and even your furry companions for a festive evening filled with holiday cheer. Secure your free ticket now at Liveatthetable.com.

Everyone will take home a keepsake picture with Santa!

DECEMBER 26TH

Shen Yun Performing Arts Houston’s Jones Hall for the Performing Arts | 7:00 PM Experience the breathtaking artistry of Shen Yun, where ancient Chinese legends come alive through dance, live orchestra, and vivid storytelling. This world-renowned performance blends timeless culture with stunning visuals and original compositions, creating an unforgettable journey through 5,000 years of tradition and renewal.

Close the year with beauty and grace.

Check www.shenyun.com/houston for additional showtimes and more details.

Want to be featured?

G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/CONROE

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