LIFESTYLE LETTER
May Your Happiness Be Large And Your Bills Be Small
As the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. Traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child, whether it's smells, sounds, lights, holiday activities or a combination of it all that reflect that best. As the years pass, we also add to those traditions in ways that nourish our souls. That may mean giving what we can to support causes or specific other people.
As poet Alberto Ríos indicates in his poem "When Giving Is All We Have," he suggests that one river gives its journey to the next.
"We give because someone gave to us. We give because nobody gave to us. We give because giving has changed us."
My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace, that getting opportunities to give to others changes you in ways that comfort, and that we all remember to take care of each other extending grace, empathy and love. Happy Holidays!
SHARON DUFFY, PUBLISHER @FRISCOMAG
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Sharon Duffy Thomas | sharon.duffy@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
William Thomas | william.thomas@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Amy Schmidt | amy.schmidt@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Anju Rao | anju.rao@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Brown Patton, Alexis Jacobs, Sharisa Lewis, Angela Broockerd, Leann Parker, Tyler Shane
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Julianne Winzenz, Sharisa Lewis, Janie Jones, Tyler Shane
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
At Jensen Orthodontic Arts, we combine ART, SCIENCE, and EXPERTISE in orthodontics to customize your smile and improve or reconstruct the function and harmony of your teeth. That alone says a lot, but Dr. Doug Jensen also uses his training in the closely-related specialty of PROSTHODONTICS and dental aesthetics to create wonderful outcomes for unusual or complex dental problems– Think VENEERS, CROWNS, IMPLANT CROWNS, and DENTURES. Dr. Jensen is one of the few dual specialists in both orthodontics and prosthodontics in America, and we are lucky to have his experience in this area. He offers clear orthodontic treatment options including CLEAR BRACES, LINGUAL BRACES, and CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY to meet your aesthetic needs. Count also on getting treatment rendered efficiently without ignoring the balance that should be present between the teeth, joints and muscles in a properly functioning bite.
Dr. Doug Jensen, DDS, MS
Board-Certified Orthodontist, Prosthodontist
Don’t wait! Come see us for an expert’s Complimentary Evaluation
Get a straightforward assessment and roadmap to the PERFECT SMILE!
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Texas
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Starwood Med Spa In Frisco: Age With Beauty
Award-winning Starwood Med Spa in Frisco, located at 6950 Lebanon Road No. 105, is a destination for advanced aesthetic and wellness treatments in a luxurious, physician-supervised setting. Whether looking to smooth wrinkles repair, seeking to body sculpt or hoping to restore a glow, they state their expert team of professionals can deliver natural-looking results with leading-edge technology and personalized care. Call 214.705.0400 or go to StarwoodMedSpa.com
Light The World With Real Giving, Real Impacts
Texas Giving Machine Returns To McKinney, Spreads Holiday Hope
Step into Historic Downtown McKinney this holiday season and discover more than twinkling lights and festive cheer: the Texas Giving Machine is back. Now through Dec. 4, families and friends can experience the joy of giving firsthand, turning simple acts of generosity into lasting impact through custom vending machines that allow donations of goods and services.
ARTICLE BY SHARISA LEWIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIANNE WINZENZ AND SHARISA LEWIS
Visitors can “purchase” gifts for people in need — from warm clothing, food and hygiene kits to livestock and meals — with a simple card swipe. In most places, Giving Machines accept credit and debit cards and mobile payment services. Each donation goes directly to local and global charities, making it easy to celebrate the season while helping those who need it most.
This year, the local Giving Machine will be located at McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee St.
This stop offers a perfect way for North Texans to gather with friends and family, share the spirit of the holidays, and create a meaningful tradition of giving in the heart of the community.
One hundred percent of every donation goes directly to the participating charities, thanks to sponsorship by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This year’s Texas Giving Machines will benefit seven nonprofits serving both local and global communities:
• Evergreen Life Services
• CASA for Kids of East Texas
• ACH Child and Family Services
• Hope Restored Missions
• Lifting Hands International
• USA for UNHCR
• Friends of Shiloh Field Garden
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to three of the 11 Texas Giving Machine locations and among more than 100 cities worldwide, part of the Light the World campaign by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Participating with friends at a Texas Giving Machine location and making a donation is one of the best ways to keep Jesus Christ in Christmas,” says Elder Jeremy Grisel, Area Seventy for the Church in North Texas. “It is festive, it is meaningful for the giver and the receiver, and it connects us with our community. Our family loves this tradition and we hope to see y’all there.”
For local nonprofit leaders, the impact goes beyond donations.
“What a wonderful time of year it is to be a part of the Giving Machine,” says Tamara Monroe, founder and CEO of Hope Restored Missions, a nonprofit whose supporters focus on low-income and housing-vulnerable local residents as well as those in need abroad. “Please support the Giving Machine to help someone make a difference in their lives.”
Previous Giving Machine charities near McKinney include Hugs Cafe, Samaritan Inn and Lovepacs.
TexasGivingMachine.org/DFW LightTheWorld.org
Since the first Giving Machine launched in 2017, hundreds of thousands of givers worldwide have donated more than $50 million, providing real help to those in need and lighting the world one swipe at a time.
Melissa Hart: “Whatisone person’s ugly is anotherperson’streasure . ”
Ugly Sweaters Provide Holiday Fun
Prosper Small Business Turns Upcycled Sweaters Into Laughter, Connection, Community Holiday Spirit
What started as a simple love for holiday fun turned into a thriving small business for Melissa Hart, owner of DFW Ugly Christmas Sweaters. After moving from Kansas City, Missouri, to Prosper during 2023, Melissa noticed a gap in local Christmas markets.
“I realized no one was really doing ugly sweaters,” Melissa says. “Vendors had a few options, but they were mostly new and not funny, rather just pretty. I saw it as a missed opportunity.”
By January 2024, Melissa began collecting sweaters to give them new life for the holiday season. Most sweaters are thrifted finds, upcycled into joyful conversation starters. “I like to joke that they come from the North Pole. People usually wear a sweater for a season or two, then it sits in a closet. Giving it a new home makes sense and it’s fun!” she explains.
Melissa believes the “ugly” Christmas sweater gives people permission to relax and embrace the joy of the season. “It
gets you in the holiday spirit. You can say, ‘I’m here for Christmas, but I’m also ready to have fun,’” she adds. “Even a stranger in the grocery store might smile and tell you they love your sweater. It creates community.”
DFW Ugly Christmas Sweaters is partnering up with Neighbor Books in McKinney for a pop-up shop running Black Friday through Christmas Eve. Melissa says, “It’s a cozy, local shopping experience. Pick out a sweater, grab a book and get hot chocolate. It’s everything Christmas should be.”
Melissa says she’s grateful for the warm North Texas welcome. “Prosper has been so kind,” she says. “I love being part of a community that celebrates together and supports small businesses. Every market, every laugh, every customer, it all reminds me why I started doing this in the first place.”
DFW Ugly Christmas Sweaters can be found on Instagram at @dfw.uglychristmassweaters.
If a silly sweater makes someone laugh, that’s holiday magic to me. says Melissa Hart. “
Gifts Of Harvest Healing
Texas Chili Voted America's No. 1 Favorite Fall Food
Fall/winter food is all about comfort and connections. Sharing a meal brings people together, and research increasingly shows that gathering around the table can give meaningful boosts to mental health. To explore this link between food and wellbeing, representatives of A Mission for Michael, a family-founded organization providing treatment for mental health, asked 3,014 self-described U.S. food lovers one simple question: Which one fall dish would you most like to enjoy with family this season?
Respondents’ No. 1 answer to this question was Texas Chili!
Fall in Texas is synonymous with chili season, where this hearty dish becomes a staple at tailgates, cook-offs and family meals. Texas chili, often made with beef, chili pepper and a variety of spices, is a warm, flavorful dish that’s perfect for the cooler fall weather. The rich, spicy flavors of Texas chili reflect the state’s bold culinary traditions, making it a must-have during the fall months.
Some people say traditional Texas chili, or chili con carne, is only a thick, rich stew made with chunks of beef, a blend of dried chili peppers such as ancho, guajillo, and pasilla, and a flavorful broth, with no beans or tomatoes. Key characteristics include the use of larger cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, which are slow-cooked until
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
tender, and a paste made from reconstituted and blended dried chiles to create a deep, complex flavor. Do you enjoy basing chili on a dried chile paste rather than chili powder? That’s the secret some swear makes the magic of authentic Texas chili.
Other state foods that rounded out top 10 spots in this questionnaire were: 2) Illinois with pumpkin pie; 3) Tennessee with country ham; 4) New York with apple cider doughnuts; 5) Alabama with pecan pie; 6) Arkansas with chicken and dumplings; 7) Michgan for caramel apples; 8) Iowa for its cornbread; and 9) Kansas for pumpkin bread.
that’s a WRAP
DIY Gift Wrapping That Stands Out During The Season
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
‘TIS
‘Tis the season to get crafty, clever or characterized! Well-wrapped holiday packages create immediate enthusiasm and somehow seem to make gifts more meaningful. Whether going for shiny, vintage, colorful, rustic, playful or eco-friendly impressions, the following are some Do-ItYourself gift-wrapping ideas to make the wrapping process even more satisfying. Simply applying jute twine to gifts provides a ‘less is more’ vibe.
ADD NATURAL TOUCHES TO CRAFT PAPER:
For gifts with a rustic, organic feel, use seasonal accents, such as sprigs, pine cones and cinnamon sticks, tied up with twine, encircling recycled paper for the wrapping.
FIRST INITIAL DECORATION:
In lieu of a gift tag, attach an oversized paper mâché letter of the recipient’s first initial to the top of the box. The letter then can serve as customized décor, too.
POLKA DOTS:
Wrap gifts in plain craft paper and then cut out big, multicolored polka dots to glue down. It’s hard not to smile at big, bright dots.
CARDBOARD BOX SNOWPERSON:
Wrap three or four boxes in white paper, with different gifts inside, and then stack them. Tape the boxes together, tapering to the top. Glue buttons on the bottom ones, create a snowperson’s face on the top one, with carrot nose cut out of orange paper.
‘tis the SEASON
Attach a real hat, if desired. Tie wider, festive bow around the snowperson’s ‘neck.’ Add a real corncob pipe for a bonus finishing touch, if preferred.
MINI TREE GIFT WRAPPING:
Pine needles and small tips of real tree branches make quick and easy mini Christmas trees that can be glued onto Christmas gifts. They will smell nice, too.
BOOK PAGE WRAPPING PAPER:
Repurpose old book pages by cutting out shapes of dreidels, snowflakes, ornaments, candles or reindeer to paste on gifts.
DIY STAMP WRAPPING PAPER:
Wrap gifts in solid colors of paper. Secure ink stamps and an ink pad in a themed color(s), and stamp the paper as much or as little as desired.
UNBOXED:
Apply other types of containers, rather than boxes or bags, for gift wrapping; examples: canisters, pillow cases, baskets, fabric scraps, maps, glass containers, towels, blankets, scarves, Bento bags (also called triangle bags or origami bags).
ARTICLE AND
BY TYLER SHANE
A PERFECT M ARRIAGE SOUP AND BREAD:
Hearty food nourishes the body during cold winter months
PHOTOGRAPHY
What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food? Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt.
As we continue to embrace the cold weather, we may find ourselves craving heavier and grounding foods as we retreat into hibernation. This change in appetite reflects our body’s desire to align with the cycles of nature. Moving into the New Year, it can be common to place more discipline or restrictions on our eating habits. But what if instead of dieting, we nourished ourselves by choosing to support the ebb and flow of our body’s seasons? What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food? Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt. This Italian wedding soup recipe is simple in its approach, but the result is a hearty and brothy dish. Chunky meats and vegetables add texture to the rich, savory broth making it the ideal meal to help you retreat from the cold temperatures. The Hasselback bread loaf is a straightforward, melty wonder and the perfect vessel for sopping up any leftover broth and goodies in your soup bowl. Together, the soup and cheesy bread make for a well-rounded meal to ground you this season, with a little indulgence.
CONTINUED >
HASSELBACK MOZZARELLA BREAD LOAF
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Italian bread loaf
• 1 cup butter
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 8 oz. bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Cut foil that is 3 times the length of the bread loaf and lay flat on countertop.
3. Place bread loaf parallel to the length of the foil.
4. With a serrated knife, cut bread in ¾ in. slices, making sure not to cut all the way through.
5. Melt butter in a bowl. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir to incorporate.
6. With a pastry brush, coat the slices of bread with butter mixture. Be generous with your butter! If you have leftover butter, pour the rest over the entire loaf.
7. Grab handfuls of mozzarella cheese and stuff in between each slice.
8. Cover the bread loaf with foil and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes, uncovering the foil for the last 5 minutes until the top of the bread is golden brown.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP RECIPE
4 Servings
INGREDIENTS
• 1 lb. fresh or frozen pre-made meatballs
• ½ cup carrots, diced small
• ½ cup celery, diced small
• 1 cup onions, diced small
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 48 oz low sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup orzo pasta (or any small, short noodle)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped roughly
• 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley
DIRECTIONS
1. Whether freshly baked or cooked from frozen, prepare your meatballs and set aside. Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
2. Bring a medium-sized pot to medium heat. Add oil and butter.
3. Add vegetables to the pot and sweat until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.
4. Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to vegetables. Turn heat to medium-high.
5. Bring broth mixture to a rolling boil for five minutes. With tongs, add meatballs to the boiling broth.
6. Add orzo to the broth, stirring continuously to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
7. Continue to cook the pasta for 6-7 minutes. Taste test to make sure pasta is al dente.
8. Throw the fresh herbs into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately.
Holiday Entertaining Boards
The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board
• Fig Jelly
• Honey
• Variety of Cheeses
• Salami or meat of choice
• Olives (provide a variety)
• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut
• Grapes, berries, persimmon
• Crackers
Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries. CONTINUED >
Sweet Treat Cocoa Board
• A variety of fresh berries or desired fruit
• Marshmallows
• Hot Cocoa Mix
• Chocolate Covered Pretzels
• Chocolate Covered Cherries
• Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
• Chocolate Covered Biscotti
• Hot Cocoa Bomb
• Holiday Cookie Cutter
Place your favorite holiday cookie cutter on the board first. Fill the cookie cutter with mini marshmallows. Next, layer the large items first. Begin with the chocolate covered Biscotti and build around that using berries. Pile the berries high. Next add a variety of chocolate covered treats on opposite sides of each other between the mounds of berries. Be sure to add touches of berries around the edges. If space allows, place hot cocoa on board. Otherwise, set bowl full of hot cocoa mix and any additional hot cocoa fixings adjacent to the board.
DIY HOLIDAY GIFTING
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER
Cookie Mix
DIY Jar gifts are a thoughtful way to share holiday cheer this season. These particular jar gifts require JUST ADD WATER as instructions for an easy homemade gift that anyone would love to receive.
Hot Cocoa
COOKIE MIX JAR
• store bought cookie mix (labeled add water only). Include instructions to add water and bake (use amount and bake time as instructed on the package you purchased).
HOT COCOA JAR
• hot cocoa mix
• chocolate chips
• mini marshmallows
Instructions: over stove top, bring water (or milk) to a simmer. Add cocoa mix and stir until chocolate chips have melted. Top with marshmallows. Enjoy!
BREAKFAST JAR
• pancake mix
• maple syrup
Include instructions to add water and bake (use amount and bake time as instructed on the package you purchased). Top with warmed maple syrup.
POTPOURRI JAR
• pine cones
• dried or fresh greens
• dried citrus
• cinnamon sticks
• star anise
• whole cloves
Add instructions to place contents into a pot on the stove with 8 cups of water. Simmer low for a wonderful holiday aroma.
CANDLE JAR
• Floating candle
• Greens
• Dried citrus and berries
Add water to the jar and light candle to enjoy on a dark winter night.
LeAnn can’t wait to see what you create and give to your family and friends. Tag her on IG @silvertoothhome and #silvertoothhome so she can share. Happy Holidays!
Breakfast Jar
Potpourri Jar
Candle Jar
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS DECEMBER
DECEMBER 1ST
Christmas In The Square
Frisco Square | 6:00 PM
Organizers indicate Christmas in the Square is the largest choreographed lights and music display in North Texas. It returns for its historic 20th anniversary. The spectacular show runs daily 6-10 p.m. It also features an outdoor ice-skating rink, as well as a Christmas tree lot. The light and music show is free to experience; some activities require a fee.
DECEMBER 5TH
Claudia In Concert
Nack Theater | 7:00 PM
Experience the heartfelt sound of rising country star Claudia Hoyser live. She's written or co-written 200-plus songs. She claims to be a "country music artist made of coffee and whiskey." With vintage vibes, soulful lyrics and a voice that pulls in listeners, this country music is raw, real and unforgettable. Doors open at 7 p.m.
DECEMBER 13TH
Texas Legends Vs. Austin
Comerica Center | 7:30 PM
The Texas Legends, NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, serve up family-friendly, action-packed basketball at Comerica Center in Frisco. The NBA G League is the NBA's official minor league. For more information on partnerships and season tickets with the Legends contact info@texlegends.com or call 214.469.0822.
DECEMBER 21ST
2025 Military Appreciation Bowl
Ford Center At The Star | 7:30 PM
Bowl Week highlights include the Big Game, All American Flag Bowl and The National Combine for many of the top high school and middle school underclassmen players. Bowl Week showcases a Middle School and Youth Team Tackle Tournaments, Club Flag Football Tournament and All-American Cheer program. To view more details, go to USMilBowl.com
DECEMBER 23RD
2025 Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl
Ford Center At The Star | 8:00 PM
The college bowl season returns to Frisco. The game will air live on ESPN. The 2025 bowl game will feature two teams from the following conferences: American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference or the Sun Belt Conference. The Frisco Bowl is one of 17 college football bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events.
DECEMBER 26TH
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland
Comerica Center | 7:00 PM
Experience the magic of Cirque like never before with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland. A thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and favorite holiday music, this production will transport attendees to a winter wonderland of awe and enchantment. With breathtaking acrobatics, soaring aerial performances and an all-new production, this show delivers an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family.
