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Happy December! Thank you to the brilliant Vonda Rainey for sparking holiday cheer with her “Frosty Christmas” featured on our cover this month. It perfectly captures the spirit of the season!
Charles Schulz said, “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” This month, we shine a bright light on those in the community who are spreading joy by doing something extra for others — both here and abroad.

We begin by spotlighting the medical professionals from Baptist Health who visited Honduras this fall to treat families in need. They provided the care, and the patients provided perspective. Read more about this meaningful trip in “Mission to Serve.”
When we think about the holidays, we can’t help but think about the food — especially the cookies! Michelle Rogers, owner of Eggshells Kitchen Co., is offering her best recipes that are sure to be a hit at the “Cookie Swap.”
With the holidays come cooler temperatures, which are fun and festive, but also can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing. Luckily, our friends at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offer some tips on how to “Winterize Your Home.”
The holiday shopping season is in full swing! And we’re offering some gift ideas that will delight recipients and make a lasting difference in communities near and far.
One of the biggest ways to make a difference is to adopt a pet, and there are many local animals in need. Learn more about local foster and adoption opportunities in “A Home for the Holidays.”
Looking for the perfect recipe or host gift this season? Look no further than Tay Stratton’s Winter Spiced Pecans. These delicious bites will be the talk of your next gathering.
Lastly, we want to celebrate YOU, our readers, this month. So, we’re hosting 12 Days of Giveaways! Be sure to find the announcement in this issue and zap the QR code to find out more on our Instagram page. It’s going to be so much fun!
Happy holidays, friends! We hope your December is filled with magical moments and memory-making!
STEPHANIE
HASBROUCK, PUBLISHER @LITTLEROCKCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Hasbrouck
stephanie.hasbrouck@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Anna Yanosick | anna.yanosick@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anna Yanosick, Michelle Rogers, Tay Stratton, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Arsine Kaloustian
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Nelson Chenault
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle



Christian Brothers Automotive is located in West Little Rock on Chenal Parkway across from Splash Car Wash. Our most important mission is “To glorify God by serving our team, guests, and communities with excellence.” We are proud to be a member of our community. We offer full Automotive Repairs on most makes, (including but not limited to); Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Ford, GM, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Chrysler, Dodge, and VW. At Christian Brothers West Little Rock we have the same diagnostic equipment as the manufacturer(s). We perform everything from Oil changes to engine replacements, including tire replacement, batteries, and routine maintenance.


















1: Piano Specialists of Arkansas provided entertainment by Don Nichols for a Chamber event at Dassault Falcon Jet. 2 – 4: The Bolo Bash golf tournament was a record-setting success, securing nearly $573,000 through sponsorships, donations and gift-in-kind support. Proceeds will benefit the Baptist Health College Little Rock Renovation Project. 5: The Promenade’s Harvest Fest event offered fall fun and raised awareness for Goodness Village. 6 – 8: Baptist Health Foundation hosted Arkansas Charity Clays at the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Shooting Sports Complex. Proceeds support Baptist Health College Little Rock.







9: Drs. Christen Johnson, Jerrilyn Jones and Rhonda Mattox were the Distinguished Expert Panel at the Go Red for Women luncheon. 10: Marti Thomas, Leah Keel, Lorie Bowren, Cori Keller, Teresa Connor and Rebecca Echols at the Go Red for Women luncheon. 11 – 13: RPM Group was one of the proud sponsors of the Simmons Bank Championship held at Pleasant Valley Country Club 11: Kris Upton, Karen Upton, Marva Caldwell, Adam Gadberry, Caroline Otwell, Andy Newberg, Cecilia Gadberry, Melinda Purvis, Clark Marshall and Kerin Gadberry 13: Miles Upton, Alex Barnwell, Bart

Capture the magic of the season at The Promenade at Chenal’s annual “Selfies with Santa & Mrs. Claus” event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Bring your wish list and enjoy complimentary photos with the North Pole’s favorite duo in the Courtyard area. While you’re there, explore festive holiday shopping throughout the center and indulge in seasonal specials from Promenade restaurants serving up delicious holiday meals.

Get your home winter-ready. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Greater Little Rock is offering $75 off any water heater replacement scheduled before Dec. 31. The company also is offering a free Pipe Insulation Check with any paid service. Just be sure to mention you saw this offer in Little Rock City Lifestyle when scheduling an appointment.

Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler will hold a Christmas Estate Show Dec. 5 and 6. Appointments are available, or guests can drop in. A third-generation jeweler, Laura Stanley specializes in custom design, personal shopping, estate jewelry and jewelry redesign. For more information, visit laura.diamonds and follow @Lauradiamondsandpearls on Instagram.

Congratulations to Rick and Michelle Rogers of Eggshells Kitchen Co. on their ribbon-cutting with the Little Rock Regional Chamber. The event included a grand re-opening celebration with food by Dished by Andrea and Don-E-G’s Salsa and drinks by Bloody Darn Good. Eggshells Kitchen Co. is the kitchen store for foodies. From culinary gizmos and gadgets galore to a carefully curated selection of gourmet foods, Eggshells has it all — even cooking classes! For more information, visit eggshellskitchencompany.com.
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Baptist Health Team Travels to Honduras To Treat Others and Gain Perspective
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY BAPTIST HEALTH
This past fall, Drs. Peter Kim and Cliff Fullerton traveled to Honduras with a team from Baptist Health to provide care to those in need. They provided treatment, and the patients provided perspective.

“I was reminded of the value of service simply to help people and the joy of helping people who are suffering.”
“Medical providers have countless opportunities to serve the communities where they practice. Even in our day-to-day patient care, we’re able to connect with families from all over the state. But taking your medical practice abroad requires a different kind of bravery — and a true calling on your heart … It offers a completely new perspective on the care we provide, a deeper appreciation for the system we work in and a renewed desire to improve the lives of those who live far away and have limited access to the kind of care we often take for granted,” Dr. Kim says.
Predisan Hospital Cristiano hosted the team of 26 healthcare providers, who spent five days caring for patients. More than 50 needed surgical care, and the medical team treated more than 240.
“We mainly provided minimally invasive surgeries for gallbladder diseases but also treated hernias and soft-tissue tumors,” says Dr. Kim, who is a general surgeon at Baptist Health Medical Center and served on the surgical team.
Dr. Fullerton, SVP Chief Value Based Care Officer at Baptist Health, says the medical team treated mostly chronic diseases, respiratory infections and rashes and performed well checks on children and adults.
“The patients were extremely thankful,” he says. “This was a great blessing to the two teams. Many patients cried because they had waited so long to get their surgeries. They were so thankful to receive care and did not treat it as a transaction. I was reminded of the value of service simply to help people and the joy


of helping people who are suffering. Not because of salary or goals to meet the demands of payers. Just a team working together to help.”
Both doctors say the trip also reminded them of the importance of being part of a team.
“Participating in a medical mission trip is a truly unique experience for any healthcare provider. You find yourself practicing in an unfamiliar environment, often alongside providers you may not know well, while asking patients you’ve never met to place their trust in you and your team. This trip brought members of our medical community together, allowing us to build new bonds of trust and mutual respect,” Dr. Kim says. “Ultimately, for me, it reinforced the team mentality that is so vital to the care of a surgical patient. Whether it’s the circulating nurse, surgical tech, CRNA, anesthesiologist, sterile instrument processor, pre-op or post-op nurse, translator, chaplain or surgeon, the team does not function if one piece is missing.”
Beyond the work, Dr. Fullerton says new relationships were forged. “We have new friends,” he says. “There was laughter and fun and sharing that was made more meaningful because the physical conditions were not as comfortable as home, but we shared them together.”
Both doctors say they look forward to future missions to help underserved communities –because, in turn, they receive a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose.
“Helping others who have much less helps us appreciate what we have, be content with what we have and enjoy the pleasure of serving,” Dr. Fullerton says.
“Collectively, I hope that it becomes a large part of our mission,” says Dr. Kim. “Out of gratitude, we serve.”









Michelle Rogers, Co-Owner of Eggshells Kitchen Co., Shares Some Family Favorite Holiday Recipes

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE ROGERS
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Makes 5 dozen 2-2 1/2-inch cookies
• 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp almond flavoring
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp soda
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
1. Mix sugar and butter well. Add egg and flavorings, mix thoroughly. Fluff or sift flour before measuring. Stir together dry ingredients in a separate bowl and then blend into wet ingredients. Shape dough in flat round circle, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 2-3 hours.
2. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough in half and roll 3/16-inch thick on lightly floured surface. Cut with cookie cutter; sprinkle with sugar or decorations before baking (or use icing after baking).
3. Place on parchment or silpat lined baking sheet. Bake 7-8 minutes or until lightly golden.

Makes about 4 dozen
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup shortening
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Grated Rinds and juice from 2 oranges (about 1/2 cup)
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup sour milk (Don’t use buttermilk; add 1 Tbsp vinegar/lemon juice and enough milk to equal 1 cupstir and let stand 5 minutes before using.)
Frosting:
• Grated rind and juice of one orange
• 1 stick butter (can use 1/2 cup Crisco)
• 1 box powdered sugar
• Orange juice to make desired consistency to spread on warm cookies
1. Cream together shortening and sugar, add eggs and blend together. Then add remaining ingredients and mix.
2. Drop by large spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets.
3. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
4. With a mixer beat together frosting.
Note: These cookies are delicious, but they are a bit temperamental in my experience. I think it may be because the recipe was one of those that never got written down until Grandma Iris was really elderly, and she liked her secrets.
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla
Filling:
• Equal parts finely ground nuts and sugar, about 1/4-1/2 cup each, with just enough milk to make a sticky paste, 1-2 tsp, added slowly.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix dough ingredients well, roll into quarter sized balls and refrigerate overnight.
2. Spread powdered sugar on a hard surface and roll out dough balls very thin. Spoon 1/2 tsp of filling onto dough round and roll dough up around it, pinching ends to form a crescent shape. Place on undressed cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Remove and cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.


Makes 4 1/2 dozen
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/4 cups butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1-1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 cups Quaker Oats
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat butter and sugars until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add combined flour, baking soda, salt and spices; mix well. Stir in oats. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.
2. Bake 8-9 minutes for a chewy cookie or 10-11 for a crisper cookie. Cool one minute on cookie sheet and remove to wire rack for complete cooling.













ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
PROTECT YOUR WARMTH AND YOUR WALLET THIS SEASON
As temperatures drop, protect your wallet and your warmth by winterizing your home. By following proper protocol this winter, you can avoid the costly headaches of burst pipes and water damage.
“Preparing for the winter can save you thousands in potential repairs,” says Erin Cooperman, marketing coordinator for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “We recommend keeping an eye on the weather shifts so you don’t suffer the dreaded frozen pipes, broken water heater or to prevent damages to your plumbing system and home.”
Take action before the first frost by following these four tips from Lead Master Plumber Matthew Thrift.


01

Since outdoor faucets for houses and sprinkler systems are not insulated, make sure they are protected from the cold by installing a hard or soft cover. This will prevent cold air from seeping into your home’s walls. If a pipe freezes, turn off the water at the meter and contact a licensed plumber, such as Benjamin Franklin Plumbing at (501) 204-8235.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate more effectively and prevent exposed pipes from freezing. Pipes located along exterior walls, such as under kitchen or bathroom sinks, are at a higher risk of freezing because they’re closer to outdoor air. When these cabinet doors are closed, a pocket of cold air can potentially freeze water in the pipes.

02
03

Set the faucets in your home to a drip when the temperature is between 20 and 32 degrees, and run them at a slow stream when the temperature drops below 20 degrees. This keeps water moving through the pipes so they do not freeze or burst. Be sure to drip both the hot and cold faucets near outside walls.
LEAVE THE HOUSE AT AN APPROPRIATE TEMPERATURE IF OUT
If you go out of town during a cold spell, don’t turn your heat off. Set your thermostat to between 50-60 degrees to help prevent your pipes from bursting and flooding your home. For houses with large crawl spaces, make sure to close exterior vents to keep the cold air out while you’re away.

04
















ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED


potterybarn.com
With notes of fir needle, fir balsam, clove, firewood, sandalwood, oak moss and cedarwood, this candle not only looks like Christmas, it smells like it too! Pottery Barn donates 25% of the purchase price of select items to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Give a flock of ducks or a flock of chicks, a pig or a goat or even a water buffalo! Giving to Heifer International supports the lives of families in need throughout the world. Every animal gift comes with a free honor card to let your gift recipient know their holiday gift is providing families access to medicine, school, food and a sustainable livelihood.
Powered by a library of more than 13,000 literary quotes from works spanning six centuries, this piece is sure to turn the bibliophile in your life into an avid clock-watcher. Uncommon Goods partners with non-profit organizations through its Better to Give program and donates a portion of each sale. Since launching the program, Uncommon Goods has donated more than $3 million to support causes like Breastcancer.org, American Forests and International Rescue Committee.



This sentimental piece features an 18k goldplated single paw print charm on an adjustable cord bracelet. Gorjana will donate 50% of net sales from this style to A Lending Paw, a national non-profit that connects people in need with rescued and trained service animals.
We have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love Mancala! This mango wood set was handmade in India by artisans working with Tara Projects. Ten Thousand Villages partners with artisans in under-resourced communities and helps them earn income by bringing their handcrafted products to its global markets.
For 20 years, the employees at Thistle Farms have lit a candle at their Nashville offices as a symbol of sanctuary and hope. Every purchase helps support Thistle Farms, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women survivors recover from prostitution, trafficking and addiction.






Consider Fostering or Adopting a Pet this Holiday Season
Every being deserves a home, and with appropriate forethought and planning, the holidays can be a wonderful time to foster or adopt a pet.
Joanne Colebank, a volunteer at Little Rock Animal Village and a board member of Friends of the Animal Village, advises against gifting a pet unless it has already been discussed or agreed upon. Instead, she suggests giving an adoption certificate so the recipient can choose their own animal.
“Always consider starting your animal search at a shelter,” Joanne says. “Shelters are so overcrowded, and you are saving a life in most cases when you adopt from a shelter.”
Most shelter pets are fully vetted, and adoption fees are far less than purchasing from a breeder. Many animal shelters also offer foster programs for those who want to see what type of pet best suits their lifestyle.
“Rescues also depend on fosters to be able to ‘pull’ animals from shelters,” Joanne says. “To foster would be a good opportunity to see if you are ready for a long-term commitment of an animal.”
Across Arkansas, many organizations work tirelessly to rehome pets.
ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK


“Always consider starting your animal search at a shelter.
Shelters are so overcrowded, and you are saving a life in most cases when you adopt from a shelter.”
The Little Rock Animal Village not only houses the city’s Animal Services department but also features an adoption center with five play yards and a learning center for volunteers to promote animal welfare. With a fully staffed veterinary clinic, LRAV has cared for thousands of animals every year since 2007. It also receives supplemental support from Friends of the Animal Village.




Since its founding in 1998, CARE has evolved from four volunteers into a nonprofit corporation with three employees and hundreds of volunteers, who have saved more than 4,800 animals. While it doesn’t operate a physical shelter, CARE relies on volunteers to foster pets until they find permanent homes. Through its efforts to reduce overpopulation, CARE has spayed/neutered nearly 14,000 pets.
careforanimals.org
The Humane Society of Pulaski County has been a cornerstone for animal rescues and veterinary care since 1946. It is Central Arkansas’ largest and oldest no-kill shelter and typically houses 200 animals at any given time. All adoptable and foster dogs and cats are available through online applications. The organization also runs Puppy Love, an outreach program that takes animals to local nursing homes and hospitals.
Last Chance Arkansas has worked statewide to rescue abused and abandoned animals since 2005. The organization offers low-cost spay and neuter services and visits to underfunded shelters to save animals in need. LCA provides guidance to local pet owners on the importance of spaying and neutering, behavior training and nutrition. It also partners with Arkansas Paws in Prison to help inmates in rehabilitation using shelter dogs.

ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE COZY SCENTS OF TART CRANBERRIES, BRIGHT CITRUS, AND WARMING SPICES
Creating stovetop potpourri is a delightful way to indulge in the scents of the festive season. This Cranberry Orange Potpourri combines sparkling notes of fresh citrus and cranberries with nostalgic spices and woodsy herbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 3 star anise
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2-3 cups water (plus more as needed)
Combine cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary in a pot. Add 2-3 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Simmer on low heat, allowing the aromas to release. Check the water level, adding more as needed to prevent drying out. Simmer for several hours to fill your home with the scents of the season.
This potpourri is perfect for setting the holiday mood, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want your home to smell warm and inviting.

















ARTICLE BY TAY STRATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

These Snacks Are the Perfect Gift or Addition to a Holiday Gathering
Fennel and Fire’s Winter Savory Seasoning is a warm, delicious blend of organic cinnamon, ginger and allspice layered with chilis, herbs and spices — crafted to bring bold winter flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. These Winter Spiced Pecans are a perfect addition to any holiday gathering and also make a wonderful host gift!
• 2 cups pecans
• 1 egg white
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 to 3 tsp Fennel and Fire Winter Spice
Step 1. Whisk one egg white + one Tbsp water.
Step 2. Toss in two cups of pecans.
Step 3. Mix two tablespoons of sugar, two tablespoons of brown sugar and two to three teaspoons of Winter Spice; coat pecans.
Step 4. Bake at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes, stirring once.
Step 5. Sprinkle with Fennel and Fire Fire Salt to taste.
To shop Fennel and Fire’s spice blends or for more recipe inspiration, visit fennelandfire.com .






DECEMBER 5TH
Holly Days
Pleasant Valley Country Club | 11:00 AM
Visit more than 60 unique vendors at Holly Days, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Pleasant Valley Country Club. For more information, follow @hollydaysLR on Instagram and Facebook.
DECEMBER 5TH
Holiday Party at Boswell Mourot Fine Art
Boswell Mourot Fine Art | 6:00 PM
Come shop and mingle while enjoying art, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and live music from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Boswell Mourot Fine Art is located at 1501 S. Main Street, Suite H, in SoMa.
DECEMBER 5TH
Holiday Party at The Punch Bowl
The Punch Bowl | 6:00 PM
Shop and mingle while enjoying antiques, drinks and hors d’oeuvres 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. The Punch Bowl is located at 1501 Main Street, Suite 300, in SoMa.
DECEMBER 6TH
The Big Little Rock Holiday Parade
Broadway and West Markham Street | 3:00 PM
Join Little Rock for a festive downtown parade featuring glowing lights, holiday music and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Cap off the night with the 86th Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 12TH – 14TH
Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker Spectacular
Robinson Center | Various Times
Enjoy “The Nutcracker Spectacular,” Arkansas’ largest and longest-running holiday production, presented with live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and supported by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. For tickets, visit balletarkansas.org.
DECEMBER 19TH – 21ST
ASO Presents: Home for the Holidays
Robinson Center | Various Times
Celebrate the holidays with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s concert series, featuring festive music, special guests and family activities. For more information, visit arkansassymphony.org

Escape to a place where Southern charm meets modern comfort. Stay at The Louis Hotel, explore the Mississippi River, play a few rounds of golf, or roll up your sleeves for a hands-on apple pie–making class in our kitchen studio.
Whether you come for adventure, relaxation, or a taste of something new — Wilson welcomes you.









