Kent dover, allison pickell, kelly o’dwyer, paulette richie, dana kellerman, inez reeder, jim McAdams, marva caldwell, stephanie hurst, karen upton
Not Pictured: Kim robbins, leigh spann, doug wingfield
Season’s Greetings, Friends!
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” — Charles Dickens
During the holidays the world seems softer and brighter. Cynicism turns to hope. We smile more at each other in passing. We decorate our homes on the inside and on the outside to show the world, and our neighbors, that we are filled with spirit. It truly is the most magical time of the year. If only we could keep that feeling all year long, as Dickens suggested.
We definitely channeled that holiday spirit as we created our December issue. We hope it inspires a bit of Christmas magic in all who read it. Thank you to the enormously talented Patricia Wilkes for lending her “Clara” to our cover. It perfectly captures the hopeful feeling of the season.
We are delighted to feature Ballet Arkansas’ 46th production of The Nutcracker Spectacular this month. One of the largest tourism events in the state, it is not to be missed.
For those searching for the perfect gift this holiday season, we suggest something that sparkles. Laura Stanley Fine Jeweler can help you source or even create something stunning to be cherished for generations. Read about her work in “Connecting, Creating & Customizing.”
We asked Kandi West, owner of WordsWorth Books, to offer her best suggestions for those hoping to “Cozy Up with a Good Book.” Her picks also would make excellent gifts!
Are you planning a holiday party? “Winter’s Revel” is the ultimate guide to creating a simple and stylized end-of-the-year celebration. Wondering what to wear to such an event? No worries! Our style guru Kristen Ford gives us the inside scoop on what’s trending.
Finally, the absolute best way to celebrate the season is to help those in need. City Lifestyle’s nonprofit The Kingdom Building Foundation helps those who are struggling in our communities. The campaign touched the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year. But we need your help to make an even bigger impact this year. If you know someone who could use a blessing, we want to hear about them. In “Making Spirits Bright,” learn more about the giving campaign and how you can nominate a family in need.
Friends, we hope you have a beautiful season filled with kindness, love and magic. Most of all, we hope you keep that feeling all year long.
Happy Holidays!
STEPHANIE HASBROUCK, PUBLISHER
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Hasbrouck stephanie.hasbrouck@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Alex Hardgrave | alexandra.hardgrave@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alex Hardgrave, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Kristen Ford, Kandi West, Nicolette Martin, Erica Bibb
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sarah Bussey Photography, Matthew Sewell Photography, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
The Nutcracker Project Brings An Enhanced Experience While Preserving the Beloved Holiday Tradition
With Three Decades of Experience and Generations of Inherited Wisdom, Laura Stanley Has Perfected the Art of Fine Jeweler
Arkansas Artist Patricia Wilkes’ “Clara” perfectly captures the magic of the holiday season. The painting is of Annalise Patel, who performed the role of Clara in last year’s Ballet Arkansas performance of The Nutcracker. Patricia’s work can be viewed at Art Group Gallery in Pleasant Ridge Town Center and online at artgrouparkansas.com
city scene
honoring the works of local beloved artists
Group Gallery held an opening reception for Artist Matt McLeod’s Journal Entries exhibition.
RPM Group’s leadership team hosted its brokers on a retreat to Big Cedar Lodge.
1: CPC Executive Director Jennifer Long received the Blue Ribbon Award during Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas’ Inspiration Gala. 2: Boswell Mourot Fine Art hosted an opening reception and conversation celebrating the works of Arkansas Artist Sammy Peters. 3: Artists Sammy Peters and Brent Rowley 4 & 6: Boswell Mourot held an opening reception
Robin and Harry Loucks. 5: Art
7: Coldwell Banker
8 – 10: Art Group Gallery artists April Burris, Bob Snider and Holly Tilley created live paintings during the Simmons Bank Championship. Photography contributed
business monthly
Regen Med’s Dr. Tina Ipe Speaks at AABB Annual Meeting
Dr. Tina Ipe, owner of Regen Med, was a distinguished speaker at the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) annual meeting. She discussed her journey in establishing a private medical practice and her work in regenerative medicine. She advocated for Transfusion Medicine physicians to become more involved in developing blood products and also spoke on enhancing patient outcomes in Long COVID, Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases through therapeutic apheresis.
Scan to read more
Faymonville Group Selects Port of Little Rock for First U.S. Production Facility
Faymonville Group has selected the Port of Little Rock for its first United States production facility. Specializing in custom heavy-duty trailers, Faymonville brings industry growth and 500 job opportunities to the city. Faymonville intends to invest more than $100 million. Additionally, the project is expected to create 389 indirect and induced jobs in Little Rock and surrounding communities, generating a $239 million economic impact.
Welspun Tubular Announces $100 Million Investment to Expand, Upgrade
Welspun Tubular LLC has announced a $100 million investment to expand and upgrade its pipe portfolio in the United States. The site selection was announced by Welspun representatives, along with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Little Rock Regional Chamber. The expansion is expected to add 175 jobs to the company’s plant in Little Rock. Welspun Tubular is a subsidiary of Welspun Corp Ltd, one of the leading manufacturers of large diameter line pipes globally.
Photography by Little Rock Regional Chamber
Photography by Little Rock Regional Chamber
SESSENISUB the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Theater
The Studio Theatre studiotheatrelr.com
Argenta Contemporary Theatre argentacontemporarytheatre.org
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre therep.org/contact/
Actors Theatre of Little Rock actorstheatrelr.org/home
Murry’s Dinner Playhouse murrysdp.com
Specialty Stores
The Punch Bowl @punchbowllr
The Soap Factory thesoapfactory.life
Ozark Outdoor Supply ozarkoutdoor.com
The Full Moon fullmoonlittlerock.com
The Green Corner Store thegreencornerstore.com
BALLET ARKANSAS PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER SPECTACULAR
THE NUTCRACKER PROJECT BRINGS AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE WHILE PRESERVING THE BELOVED HOLIDAY TRADITION
Nutcracker decorations have become a staple of holiday magic, with roots in the classic tale, The Nutcracker.
This December, Ballet Arkansas’s annual Nutcracker Spectacular will bring the story of The Nutcracker to life once again in what has become one of the most anticipated holiday traditions across the state.
In the ballet, a young Clara receives a nutcracker doll as a gift. As she drifts to
ARTICLE BY ALEX HARDGRAVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BALLET ARKANSAS AND MATTHEW SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
sleep, her world transforms, taking her away on a wonderful adventure with her nutcracker prince, who has magically sprung to life. Together, they journey through lands filled with whimsical characters and elaborate dancing.
For the 46th year, The Nutcracker Spectacular will welcome nearly 10,000 Arkansans to share the joy of ballet over a single weekend, standing as the third-largest tourism event in the state.
This year, audiences can expect a fresh take on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 208-year-old short story in fascinating ways.
“Ballet Arkansas’s Executive and Artistic Director, Michael Fothergill…
skillfully balances the inclusion of a large community cast alongside the company’s professional dancers, creating a rich, neoclassical work that not only captures the festive spirit of the holiday season but also highlights the talents of all performers,” Associate Artistic Director Catherine Fothergill says. “This production is a true celebration of community and artistry, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation to create an unforgettable experience.”
Through The Nutcracker Project, a multi-year initiative focused on enhancing and evolving the show and engaging the community, the ballet is working to
“THIS PRODUCTION IS A TRUE CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AND ARTISTRY, SEAMLESSLY BLENDING TRADITION WITH INNOVATION TO CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.”
ensure that the show “remains a beloved holiday tradition while pushing the boundaries of creativity,” she says.
“These improvements began last season and continue to add greater depth and visual spectacle, giving the audience a more immersive experience while preserving the timeless elements of the story they love.”
The updates include a reimaging and refresh of set designs, visual effects and costumes. The show also will feature a community cast of 283 members from across Arkansas, ranging from ages 6 to 70, both pre-professional and amateur dancers alike, who have rehearsed and
trained for 12 weeks leading up to the production. These cast members will dance alongside the 16 members of the professional company, who hail from across the United States.
“Many cast members and their families have been a part of the production for generations, and we love seeing the tradition continue to have our community a part of the fabric of the production,” Catherine says.
The performance will be backdropped by music from beloved local staples such as the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and vocals from Mount Saint Mary Academy Belles and the Bryant High School Choirs Bella Voce.
“The collaboration with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is a key feature that elevates the performance and enhances its emotional impact,” Catherine says.
For those looking to bring a bit of “The Nutcracker” magic home, Ballet Arkansas’ Official Nutcracker Boutique offers a trove of holiday treasures, including ornaments, Ballet Arkansas merchandise and nutcrackers.
“It’s the perfect stop for picking up festive souvenirs or holiday gifts,” Catherine says. “The boutique is an extra layer of enchantment to the overall Nutcracker experience for both young attendees and seasoned ballet enthusiasts.”
Even after the holiday season comes to a close, the magic of Ballet Arkansas remains, with more performances slated for the rest of the 2024-2025 season, including February’s Romeo & Juliet , with music from The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. April will bring performances of Nouveau and A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the stage.
The Nutcracker Spectacular will run four performances from Dec. 13-15 at the Robinson Center, 426 West Markham Street. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit balletarkansas.org
CONNECTING, CREATING & CUSTOMIZING
ARTICLE
BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BUSSEY PHOTOGRAPHY
WITH THREE DECADES OF EXPERIENCE AND GENERATIONS OF INHERITED WISDOM, LAURA STANLEY HAS PERFECTED THE ART OF FINE JEWELER
Marilyn Monroe may have professed that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” but for Laura Stanley, diamonds have always been a way of life.
Her grandparents began the beloved Stanley Jewelers Gemologist in North Little Rock in 1936, and Laura spent 30 years working in the family business, until the store closed in 2017 and she began her own adventure, Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler.
“We had been an institution for 80 years, and when my father wanted to retire, I decided it was time to change things up a little bit. It was an easy transition for me because I had loyal clients from the start, and I’m pleased to say, my client base has grown enormously since then. I credit my family history, ethics and experience,” she says.
Laura also can credit her extensive knowledge of the trade. She has been a Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) for 29 years and is one of two CGA Instructors for the entire American Gem Society, which she says is a “privilege and huge honor.”
“As a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, I understand the differences in types of appraisals and what details and information are needed for accurate valuation,” she explains.
Her areas of expertise include diamonds, estate jewelry and custom pieces. She especially enjoys developing relationships with the clients she serves.
“I really like meeting a client, getting a feel for their style and jewelry needs and then helping create or recreate a ring, necklace, etc. I have honed my ability to visualize what kind of jewelry will work best for each client,” she says. “It’s a skill I’ve developed but I like to think it’s a natural talent, too. I love when someone shows up with six items of jewelry they never wear and says, ‘What can we make?’ It’s the best!”
Each creation is as unique as the clients she serves.
“Sometimes it is as simple as changing the setting on a diamond solitaire or changing the metal a gemstone is in, and sometimes we start with an idea and design the item. Then I source all of the necessary elements,” she says. “I love seeing an idea transform from my initial sketch to a CAD, then a wax model, then the finished product. It’s so much fun! I have several custom jewelers who have different skills and strengths, so I can match the project to the right creator.”
In addition to Laura’s diamonds, estate and custom pieces, she also has amassed an impressive assortment of rare Arkansas turquoise.
“I discovered Arkansas turquoise about five years ago, and I fell in love!” she says. “It’s the best kept secret in the state. Clients really connect with this product, and it has been a great gift item, especially for expats who moved away but still cherish their Arkansas connection. And it’s from the Mona Lisa Mine. It sounds beautiful even before you see it. With only one source, the production is limited, so I treat each piece we create with special care.”
In a career that revolves around beautiful and unique objects, it can be difficult to choose the most meaningful – but Laura says a few projects do stand out.
“A few years ago, I created a ring with the biggest, prettiest sapphire I’ve ever seen. It was an anniversary gift to replace a small, inexpensive sapphire my client gave his wife 40 years ago, when they had no money. Another one was taking diamonds from a wedding set a friend inherited from her mother and resetting them into a necklace she could wear every day and remember mom. And a few years ago, we made a wedding set — engagement ring and wedding band — for a him and her, using Arkansas turquoise. It was unique and so special.”
Laura’s creations have been the centerpieces of so many memorable moments. It’s hard to believe she almost chose a different professional path.
“It’s funny that I never thought I’d go into jewelry, the family business. My degree is in broadcast journalism from TCU,” she says. “But here I am.
“In 1989, I was going to work part-time through Christmas, and fast forward to now. I feel so fortunate to have been born into this business and learned from the best – my father, Loyd Stanley. I think of him daily and try to live up to his standards while challenging myself to grow in every aspect of fine jewelry,” Laura says. “I treasure my clients and consider most of them to be friends. I really do have the best job ever.”
For more information about Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler or to schedule an appointment with Laura, visit laura.diamonds.
“I LOVE WHEN SOMEONE SHOWS UP WITH SIX ITEMS OF JEWELRY THEY NEVER WEAR AND SAYS, ‘WHAT CAN WE MAKE?’ IT’S THE BEST!”
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
KRISTEN FORD
Personal Stylist | @itsmekristenford
holiday style
Local Stylist Kristen Ford Shares What’s Trending This Season
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN FORD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BUSSEY
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PEARL BY LELA ROSE
The holidays are upon us. Are you stressed about what to wear to an office party, luncheon, family get-together or formal event? Personal Stylist Kristen Ford is here to help you be well dressed and less stressed this holiday season.
If you’re shopping for something new, start by looking for these trends: faux leather, metallics, fringe, feathers, velvet and sequins. Mix and match them all, whether formal or casual.
Perhaps you don’t want to splurge on new pieces for every event. For less formal gatherings, think about dressing up your wardrobe staples or dressing down something fancier. Look through your closet with a fresh perspective and see what can be transformed into a holiday outfit!
• Sequin midi-skirt with a crisp white cotton blouse
• Chocolate brown trouser with a cream blouse and suede jacket
• Faux leather trouser with burgundy blouse and bow earrings
• Winter white pants with embroidered sweater
These are all pieces you might already have in your wardrobe. Get creative and add some holiday sparkle and flair to your everyday pieces!
Other holiday trends include:
• Accessories: jet black pieces, bows, personalized items, two-tone metals
• Colors: burgundy, cobalt blue, cranberry, cream, mink, moss
• Makeup: Soft Glam, shimmery and smoky
For more style tips, follow Kristen on social media @itsmekristenford
CRAFTING CHEER: DIY WINTER CRAFTS
ARTICLE BY ERICA BIBB | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
ORNAMENT CLUSTERS
SUPPLIES
• 22 gauge wire
• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes
• Wire snips
STEP 1
Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”
STEP 2
Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 3
Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.
STEP 4
Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.
STEP 5
Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!
Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!
WINTER’S REVEL
Your Guide To a Simple and Stylized End-of-the-Year Soirée
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
Following closely on the coattails of autumnal and winter holidays, the celebration of the new year can often be overlooked due to an understandable desire to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season. But, a holiday that celebrates past memories and the opportunity for both new experiences and a fresh start shouldn’t lack any of the glitz of its celebratory predecessors. Round out the final days of the year reminiscing on or saying goodbye to the experiences—good and bad—of the previous 12 months with a simple end-ofthe-year gathering that isn’t lacking any of the glamour.
the drinks
Champagne has long been a traditional drink to toast to the new year. Keep it simple but step up your game with your own DIY Champagne cocktail bar. Consider stocking your bar full of custom Champagne or bubbly choices, festive mixers like cranberry juice or rosemary simple syrup and unique garnishes like fresh fruit and herbs or decorative ice cubes with edible flowers.
the decor
There’s no need to go out and buy a ton of additional decor when you just decked the halls (quite literally) with holiday ornamentation. Make those decorations work as hard as you did by repurposing all the greenery, pine cones and wood place settings you just couldn’t say no to. Throw in some neutral napkins, some natural twine and some dried orange peels for a woodsy (and fragrant) twist.
the snacks
Keep your guests happy with the perfect cheese plate. Consider how many people you’ll be serving, whether you’ll be serving before or after dinner and what cheeses you’ll want to include. According to WineFolly.com , sparkling wines pair best with creamy, sticky cheeses due to the high acidity and carbonation.
WHAT YOU NEED
• Cheese board or serving plate
• Assortment of cheeses
We recommend Brie, Port Salut, Muenster, Camembert or Gruyere
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Cheese is best served at room temperature, so be sure your cheese has time to rest prior to serving. Slice the cheeses and arrange artfully on your cheese board with labels for each. Consider providing separate serving knives for each cheese to avoid any mixing of flavors. Add any additional bites you’d like and enjoy!
the traditions
No matter where you are in the world when the clock strikes midnight, ring in the new year internationally by taking part in one of these worldly traditions.
+ SPAIN Spend Nochevieja (“old night”) at home watching the countdown on TV—you can party later! Are you in need of some luck for the upcoming year? Wearing red underwear for the night may give you some.
+ MEXICO Be sure to have lots of grapes on hand. Demonstrated by Spaniards as well, this tradition involves eating 12 grapes with every strike of the clock, symbolizing good luck for every month of the new year.
+ DENMARK Destroy your frustrations and start the year fresh by smashing unwanted glassware. Danish tradition calls for smashing plates on the doors of friends and loved ones around midnight, but we think you should probably save that part for when you’re actually in Denmark.
+ SCOTLAND Although its singing has become pretty standard worldwide, “Auld Lang Syne” originated in Scotland in 1788 as a poem by Robert Burns. Go ahead and make a cheat sheet for all your friends—we won’t judge.
KNEE & JOINT PAIN! NATURALLY REVERSE
CAN’T GO UP OR DOWN STAIRS
KNEES LOCK UP WITH PROLONGED SITTING
CAN NO LONGER PLAY GOLF OR YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY
DO YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS? Helping
DIFFICULTY WALKING OR HIKING
DIFFICULTY GETTING OUT OF THE CAR
SWOLLEN, STIFF, AND SORE KNEES
$49DISCOVERY VISIT
CONSULTATION & EXAM FIRST TREATMENT XRAYS PERSONAL GAME PLAN
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COZY UP WITH A GOOD BOOK
1 . 3.
WordsWorth Books Owner Kandi West Shares Her Winter Reading Recommendations The Blue Hour
ARTICLE BY KANDI WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
by PAULA HAWKINS
From the masterful storyteller and New York Times bestselling author of The Girl on the Train , this propulsive novel asks questions about ambition, power and gender. A remote Scottish island hides dark secrets as a young museum curator investigates a human bone in the work of the artist he exhibits. This thriller will keep you turning the pages to the very end.
Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions
by JOHN GRISHAM & JIM MCCLOSKEY
New York Times bestselling author John Grisham and Centurion Ministries Founder Jim McCloskey share ten harrowing stories of wrongful convictions. These impeccably researched stories will grip the reader as they offer an inside look into the many injustices inside our criminal justice system and highlight the causes of the wrongful convictions such as racism, misconduct, flawed testimony and corruption.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens
by INA GARTEN
2.
This much-anticipated memoir of one of America’s cultural icons does not disappoint. Garten’s memoir reads like one of her cookbooks...warm and inviting. Intimate in tone, covering a painful childhood, entertaining and inspiring...the hard work involved to become the iconic Barefoot Contessa is sure to impress.
What I Ate in One Year: (And Related Thoughts)
by STANLEY TUCCI
You may think of Stanley Tucci for his work in television and film; however, thanks to the pandemic and his series Searching for Italy, many now know him as a serious foodie. Following his bestselling memoir Taste, Tucci now gives us an epistolary view of how important food and drink are to his everyday life. Starting on Jan. 1, he chronicles his days and how he spends them, telling us where he ate and what he ate there and continuing on through the year. Some days include a simple recipe. Easy to read and very giftable!
MORE INFO: Kandi West is the owner of WordsWorth Books. The store is located in the heart of the Heights at 5920 R Street and is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. on Sunday.
4.
events
DECEMBER 7TH, 8TH, 14TH, 15TH, 21ST, 22ND
Madeline’s Christmas
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts | Various Times
This charming musical will tell the tale of Madeline’s Christmas as she and her friends embark on a high-flying journey across Paris. The show offers a sensory-friendly performance, an ASL-interpreted performance and a performance with audio descriptions. For more information and to get tickets, visit events.arkmfa.org/event/madelines-christmas-2/
DECEMBER 7TH
The Big Little Rock Holiday Parade
485 West Markham Street | 4:00 PM
Kick off your holiday celebration right by watching The Big Little Rock Holiday Parade! An unforgettable evening filled with cheer, the downtown holiday parade culminates in the dazzling Christmas tree lighting at the Arkansas State Capitol.
DECEMBER 7TH
Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony
Arkansas State Capitol | 5:30 PM
Enjoy the 86th anniversary of the Capitol Lighting Ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol. Following the ceremony and the fireworks show, attendees will have the opportunity to step inside the Capitol and explore a wonderland of Christmas decorations and visit Santa in his workshop.
DECEMBER 13TH – 14TH
Christmas Estate Show
Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler | 11:00 AM
You are invited to shop a magnificent collection of estate jewelry curated from the United States and the world 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. The collection starts in the 1850s and goes through 1960s retro, including Edwardian, Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
DECEMBER 20TH – 22ND
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Presents: Home for the Holidays
Robinson Center | 7:30 PM
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the symphony and sing your favorite holiday tunes.
DECEMBER 21ST
Ugly Sweater Race
Two Rivers Park | 7:00 AM
Grab that ugly holiday sweater and join the Ugly Sweater Race benefitting Little Rock Parks & Recreation. The event includes an Elf Dash (for children 10 and younger) and a 5K.
Two
central Arkansas’ most trusted name in
and Laura Stanley is proud to continue the family tradition. A 3rd generation jeweler, she specializes in custom design, personal shopping for just the right piece, estate jewelry, or re-designing those pieces that just aren’t working for you anymore. Working by appointment is a private and personal experience, and once you visit her salon, you’ll feel the difference! Laura’s passion for fine jewelry comes through with every project.
