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TR AV E L

LO N D O N CALLI NG! H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

A SCENSIO N SAINT THO M A S AN D TH E AN GELS O F TH E N I CU S T Y LE + B E AUT Y

H OW O N E LO CAL J EWELER GIV ES BACK

HOLIDAYS,

THE SEASON OF GIVING D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy Holidays!

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Cassidy Polman | cassidy.polman@citylifestyle.com

The holidays are here and 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. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child whether it is the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities or a combination of it all that reflects that best. As I get older I realize that it wasn't always my grandmother's famous Apple Pies or my Parent's incredible Christmas Dinners sometimes refreshingly non-traditional, that brought the most joy to our family, but the house full of people and the table full of family that made the holidays special. I am thankful that my husband and I share the value of family first and always make the effort to re-create those memories for our children even if we have to travel to do so. This month, we wanted to highlight the magic of the season and what our city has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer. We’ve compiled a gift guide to make your shopping easier and that also supports our local businesses. We also wanted to share what our area has to offer this holiday season for entertainment and ways to give back. While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community who need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other extending grace, empathy, and love. Happy Holidays!

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Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karianne Beasley | karianne.beasley@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Courtney Stockton, Lisa Valentine, Sophia Delilah, DeAnn Hays, Michele Bogle CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Danny Mark Photography, Kimberlee Brooke Photography, Lisa Valentine, Michele Bogle

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

K I M B E R LY T H O M A S , P U B L I S H E R @BOROCITYLIFESTYLE

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Murfreesboro City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Murfreesboro area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. 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 Murfreesboro City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Sweet Charity

Lifestyle Letter

Local Jeweler Proves That it is only by Giving That You Can Receive

City Scene

More Than You Have

Business Monthly

Local Limelight ST Y LE + B EAU TY

Locally Sourced S HO PPI NG

Hometown Hero HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS

Trend Setter T R AV EL

Education Corner EDU CAT I ON

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

20 Miracle Workers

Let not your heart be troubled – NICU babies are in the hands of angels.

24 London Calling!

Explore Some of the Culture and History That London has to Offer!

28 Holiday Cheers!

Raise a Glass with Some of Our Favorite Seasonal Cocktails

O N T H E C OV E R

Lisa Valentine takes us on a tour of one of the world’s most iconic cities. “London is filled with culture, history, arts, food, and just about everything one could imagine.”

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DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

KIMBERLEE BROOKE

AMELIA’S CLOSET

KIMBERLEE BROOKE

AMELIA’S CLOSET

KIMBERLEE BROOKE

1-2: October 26th “Project Restyle” fundraiser benefited Amelia’s Closet. 3: Jackie Morgan, Angel Skinner, Jody Powers, Gina Urban, and Alicia Stachura for “Project Restyle”. 4-7: Andy’s Frozen Custard is NOW OPEN in Smyrna! Nov. 2nd, attendees enjoyed an exclusive sampling of Andy’s delectable Caramel Apples!

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C I T Y SC E N E

DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

John Jones Real Estate Helps to Sponsor Charity Dinner & Show

RICKY SKAGGS ANNOUNCES 2023 CHRISTMAS TOUR

J. Whitty & The Xmas Cowboys is a local “dad band” made up entirely of normal, everyday working dads. By day they’re veterinarians, carpenters and marketing professionals, but once a year they turn their shared passion for playing music into a benefit concert raising funds and awareness for local charities. This year they’ve partnered with Isaiah 117 House of Rutherford County. Thursday, December 7, 2023, 6:30 - 9:00 PM at 527 W. Main Street, Murfreesboro. Contact Rob@johncjones.com for more information.

Fifteen-time GRAMMY® winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs is getting in the holiday spirit with the announcement of his 2023 holiday tour, titled Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas with Special Guests. Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, hit the road this December with nine holiday shows scheduled to take place in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Skaggs’ upcoming holiday trek marks his first Christmas tour in seven years. For ticketing information, visit rickyskaggs.com/tour.

Photography J. Whitty & The Xmas Cowboys, photo provided by John Jones Real Estate

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Photography Courtesy of Skaggs Family Records

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Raises $38K+ and Stocks the Pantry of Harvest House of Destin Newman-Dailey is passionate about giving back to the local community. Through the passion of the staff and generosity of friends, family, homeowners, vendors, guests and clients, the team at Newman-Dailey Resort Properties united to raise $38,496 and 2,558 food items for the Harvest House of Destin to help fight hunger and help area families in need. Our community’s charitable giving extends all the way to the beach as Destin is one of Murfreesboro's favorite Vacation destinations! Photography Provided by Newman-Daily Resort Properties

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SWEET CHARITY Local Jeweler Proves That it is Only by Giving That You Can Receive More Than You Have

Philanthropy can, in the most paradoxical way, seem like a luxury of the privileged. One could be forgiven for assuming only the ‘elite’ among us, especially in today’s economy, can even afford to be generous. However, one legendary woman, at the helm of a successful local business, shows us that philanthropy can be personal and profound. Carolyn Linder is the proprietor of Lindell Jewelers, a family-owned jewelry store located in Brentwood, TN. She has successfully run this business for over 29 years. And while she’s well-known for her stunning jewelry, she’s also known for her spirit of generosity. In her case, charity is not a perfunctory part of success – it’s motivated by deeply personal reasons. Linder, not unlike other successful businesswomen (Coco Chanel comes to mind), was an orphan. At the tender age of nine, she arrived at

“Philanthropy is important to me because when I had nothing, some wonderful people silently cared for us at Monroe Harding. They helped shape the people we are today, and they made our lives better.”

Carolyn Linder, owner

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY MARK PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | STY LE + BE AUTY

Monroe Harding – a stately colonial in Nashville that housed children without homes. It was here that she experienced for the first time things that most children take for granted. Linder recounts, “I had never slept in my own bed. I did not understand what Christmas or birthdays were about. Having three square meals each day was wonderful.” In addition to material necessities, Monroe Harding provided children like Linder with something utterly priceless. When recalling her formative childhood years at this storied institution, Linder says, “I felt safe there.” For a child who did not experience the stability and security of loving parents, this was monumental. Though Linder notes that in her adulthood, she still struggled with feelings of self-worth and navigating the world without parental guidance, she became stronger for it – and perhaps it was the love that she felt from her first home that gave her the confidence to launch her own business. It makes sense then why, to this day, Linder donates jewelry to Monroe Harding events. “Philanthropy is important to me because when I had nothing, some wonderful people silently cared for us at Monroe Harding. They helped shape the people we are today, and they made our lives better. I will always give until I can’t give anymore. Kindness is special to me.” And today, she is not just a successful business owner, philanthropist, and pillar of the community, but she is a mother to two, “amazing, strong, and independent ladies,” for whom she says she tried to be the mother she never had. For a woman who grew up with nothing, she has given everything back. “When God calls me home, I want people to remember that I was kind and would give the shirt off my back if another needed it.”

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id the Hol ay Season e t wit bra e h l Ce LIMITED SPECIALTY BAKED GOODS SPECIALTY CASSEROLES LOCAL RETAIL VENDORS CHRISTMAS MORNING BREAKFAST MENU

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SHOP CLOSE TO HOME FOR THOSE SPECIAL PEOPLE ON YOUR LIST WHO APPRECIATE THE AMERICAN DREAM OF LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES.

UNIQUE NASHVILLE BORN GIFTS

When shopping for those on your list near or far, there is something so beautiful about not only supporting the local community that you live in but giving those you love a little piece and novelty of Nashville-born businesses. We found some adorable, tasty, and memorable finds that will leave you feeling grateful for supporting local Nashville-born businesses. From Nashville-made Whiskey to boutiques that give back, we love how much diversity Nashville offers. This uniqueness pours from our City-hub straight into our sweet suburbs and we are grateful to call them our neighbors.

ARTICLE BY SOFIA DELILAH PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | SH OPPI NG

(1) PROTECT AND SERVE - Not just your standard Hygiene products, but from the ground up, budding from a simple dream, Jeremy Branan and his wife, Katie, and their children created a hygiene line from their own home in Mount Juliet, TN. From soap bars to shampoo, Jeremy gives a solute to his career in the military and those who continue to protect and serve

our country. Jeremy and Katie construct everything from the recipes to the molds for the soaps, and they source all of their packaging from 100% American-made companies. Their products are meant to cater to both men and women as the scents have been “Katie-approved.” Also, 5% of their profits go directly to our military and our first responder communities. protectandservehq.com (2) GUNNER & GABBY was named by Tiffany Heavener after two of her best friends' children. She carries many locally sourced and

small business brands created by moms to support the maker’s community. Tucked away in the sweetest little corner of East Nashville, Tiffany and her husband have continued to thrive and give back to their community. gunnerandgabby.com (3) HAPPENSTANCE WHISKEY – Nashville’s only 100% women-owned Whiskey Company will whisk you right off your feet, you might just have to buy a bottle for yourself. For the Whiskey collector in your life, Happenstance is a true gem for holiday gifting. "Our Founder wanted a brand that pays CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

homage to the tradition of American bourbons that have come before us but with an unexpected punch of today’s most sought-after flavors. So born was our Founder’s Edition straight bourbon whiskey. A complex combination of vanilla, hazelnut, toasted oak, honey, and toffee notes." happenstancewhiskey.com (4) LINDELL JEWELRY – Be sure to read the full story in this issue to learn about owner, Carolyn Linder and her amazing journey to Lindell Jewelry. This is the jewelry store all of Nashville should stand behind. Once an orphan who was thankful to be raised by the Monroe Harding House, Carolyn grew up with big dreams and managed to start her own jewelry store located in Brentwood serving Mount Juliet, Murfreesboro, and beyond. Carolyn continues to give back to her community and finds the most unique pieces for men and women alike. lindelljewelers.com

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Miracle Workers Let not your heart be troubled – NICU babies are in the hands of angels. ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

H OM E TOWN H E R O | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S

Miracle: An extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs. When babies graduate from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), once fragile and slight, and now healthy, robust, and thriving, are some of the many words that come to mind. But what seems highly improbable and extraordinary is quite common in the NICU at Ascension Saint Thomas. So much so, that Saint Thomas has been facilitating NICU reunion events for many years, most recently this past September. This ceremony enables children who have graduated from the NICU to come back and see the doctors and nurses who saved their precious lives. Wendy Underwood, who has worked as a registered nurse at the Saint Thomas NICU since 1998, explains what a joy it is for the staff to be reunited with the tender souls that they so tirelessly nurtured --- and to see them transformed by the care that they personally provided; the event serves as an enormous morale booster amongst the staff. “I feel our NICU reunions are good for the community, in that the families get to see the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other ancillary staff who helped them through likely some of the most difficult times.” Though the ultimate credit can be ascribed to God (the Ascension group is Catholic in its mission), these doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and ancillary staff can certainly be thought of as the means via which divination intervenes. Ascension NICUs are replete with specially trained and highly skilled medical professionals. And beyond their obvious qualifications and skills, many of them have deep personal

connections to their work. Underwood is the consummate example of this. As far back as she can remember, she knew that she wanted to be a nurse, and through the culmination of various cosmic circumstances, she was drawn to the NICU. She recalls a rotation she did early on in her career at Ascension Saint Thomas, where she was given an impromptu tour of the NICU by a seasoned nurse – she describes this as the impetus for what would be her ultimate calling. She would also be drawn to her destiny in the NICU in the most personal way imaginable. Underwood recounts, “I personally had my first daughter born at 34 weeks. We didn’t have a NICU then (back in 1996), but we had a ‘Special Care Unit.’ That further reinforced my desire to work in a NICU.” Knowing firsthand the fear and anxiety of having one’s delicate baby in intensive care, has only served to make Underwood a better nurse. It's a special kind of empathy that enables Underwood to treat these babies like one of her own – and over her career, she actually has cared for family members. She recounts taking care of both her nephew at one point (who is now 24 years old) and her great niece. Underwood is so deeply tied to the Ascension Saint Thomas NICU that not only has she treated family members, she’s even created staff members. Her daughter, Amber, the aforementioned baby who was born at 34 weeks, has since followed in her mother’s footsteps. “My daughter grew up knowing nothing but NICU. She went on to go to nursing school and now works alongside me in our nursery. She occasionally gets pulled over to the NICU to help us.”

“My daughter grew up knowing nothing but NICU. She went on to go to nursing school and now works alongside me in our nursery. She occasionally gets pulled over to the NICU to help us.” CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

“I feel our NICU reunions are good for the community, in that the families get to see the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other staff who helped them through some of the most difficult times.” There is little doubt that the Ascension Saint Thomas NICU is performing miracles. The NICU treats around 350 to 400 babies annually, and about 15 to 17 babies at a time. With those numbers, it’s easy to imagine the kind of personal connection one might form with these tiny warriors. And though it may sound trite, the talented and dedicated staff are the guardian angels who are making these miraculous recoveries possible. Shift by shift, the nurses, doctors, and specialists are giving so much to the community – and

H OM E TOWN H E R O | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S

the NICU reunion events give just a little bit back to them by showing them the invaluable work that they do and the indelible impact they have made. Miracles are often described as extraordinary – inexplicable even. Though the recoveries that the NICU babies make at Ascension Saint Thomas are indeed extraordinary, they are not shrouded in mystery. It’s readily apparent that these precious babies are in the capable and loving hands of angels.

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LONDON CALLING!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA VALENTINE

EXPLORE SOME OF THE CULTURE AND HISTORY THAT LONDON HAS TO OFFER!

T R E N D SE T T E R | TR AVEL

The great writer Samuel Johnson once said “… [W]hen a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." This could not be more true as London is filled with culture, history, arts, food, and just about everything one could imagine. It would take a lifetime to explore everything this city has to offer, but even if you only have a few days in London, it’s still possible to pack in the highlights! With direct flights traveling from Nashville to London’s Heathrow Airport, it’s the perfect destination for a dedicated vacation or a weekend layover trip on the way to another European destination. While seeing the sights can be done on a “hop on hop off” bus-made tour, there are other modes of transportation that can let you experience the landmarks. London is filled with “free” walking tours where a local will take a small group around the city to see the landmarks, share history, and give recommendations of their favorite local restaurants, pubs, and activities. These tours can be booked online through

companies like SANDEMANs NEW Europe or Free Tours by Foot and at the end of the tour, you simply tip the tour guide what you think the tour was worth. Another option is to take an Uber boat down the Thames River. Doubling as both transportation and sightseeing, depending on where you hop on the boat, you can cruise past Big Ben, Parliament, the London Eye, and even under Tower Bridge. Simply pay with your Uber app! The city buses also have routes that take riders past many must-see landmarks (check out the “bus leisure routes” on Transport for London’s website). For those wanting to try a variety of food outside of the traditional restaurant setting or do a little shopping, London is brimming with unique markets to peruse. Borough Market is filled with stalls selling everything from freshly baked bread to mushroom risotto and everything in between. If you’re looking to bring home an antique souvenir or new outfit, head over to Portobello Market in the charming Notting Hill neighborhood for their street market. Stroll the streets of cotton candy colored pastel houses while looking through vintage clothes, cameras, and tea sets. Old Spitalfields Market and Camden Market also have their own offerings worth checking out! For a little arts and culture, spend a morning wandering the streets of Shoreditch to see incredible street art or take in a show in London’s West End theatre district. The TKTS booth in Leicester Square even offers last-minute discounted tickets, making it easy to score a deal to some of the top shows! Another great place to take in a play is none other than Shakespeare’s Globe with standing tickets starting for as little as five pounds.

Lisa Valentine

Furthermore, London is filled with amazing art museums including the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Modern, as well as interesting history museums like the Natural History Museum and the British Museum. A visit to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard and a walk around the gardens of Kensington Palace is also a must. And experience historic churches like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey through their traditional Evensong services. Understanding the importance of a good cup of tea is crucial in England. Whether you decide to go the fancy route with a proper afternoon tea experience of finger sandwiches and delectable sweets or a more casual stop for cream tea—tea with milk—and scones, getting a good “cuppa” is a must when in London. Stop by a British pub for fish or chips or “bangers and mash” (sausage and mashed potatoes) and be sure to visit a “greasy spoon”—similar to an American diner—for an English breakfast or “fry up”. With so much to see and do, London is a city that will have you wanting to return time and time again! D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

MTSU Gives Back to the Community

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | EDUCATI ON

“The impact of MTSU’s Charitable Giving Campaign can be felt no matter the donation size.”

EACH YEAR, MTSU RAISES THOUSANDS TO HELP TENNESSEE CHARITIES ARTICLE BY DEANN HAYS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MTSU For over a decade, employees, staff and faculty have worked together to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to help the local community. The Charitable Giving Campaign is Middle Tennessee State University's largest, most impactful community outreach each year. "Being True Blue means also that we look for opportunities to lift up and benefit others. Through our annual Charitable Giving Campaign, the combined contributions of our employees have made an overwhelmingly positive difference in the lives of our neighbors and friends," said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee. Led by a committee of faculty and staff volunteers, they help rally financial support for more than 140 organizations and charities, like community health charities, community shares and local United Way organizations. "MTSU is firmly embedded in this community. Most of our employees

and students call this area home. The University is proud to regularly offer the community educational, cultural, and athletic opportunities, but we understand that our fellow residents have all sorts of needs. Our Charitable Giving Campaign enables us to provide financial support for organizations that work to help people living here. We are proud to be able to help our fellow Middle Tennesseans," University Provost Mark Byrnes said. The campaign is fueled largely by monthly payroll deductions from employees or one-time, lump-sum gifts. "MTSU gives us an easy way to give back to try to solve some of the problems in our community," said Dr. Joyce Heames, Dean of MTSU's Jennings A. Jones College of Business. This year, 670 people from the MTSU community helped raise over $158,000, setting a campaign record and surpassing the initial goal of $147,500. "I participate in the Charitable Giving Campaign because I believe in giving back to my community. The campaign makes it easy," said Account Clerk, Deana Rankin. "This year, I selected the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center in memory of my dad, who was an Air Force veteran, and friends who

have served. The Center's mission statement is admirable – to assist veterans and their families as they return to civilian life – and I am proud to contribute to their effort," Rankin explained. The impact of MTSU's Charitable Giving Campaign can be felt no matter the donation size. A $60 donation to the American Red Cross helps a person learn CPR or other life-saving skills, $7 to St. Jude's Children's Hospital can provide a medical teaching doll to help explain a diagnosis to children, $3 per week provides two families with free admission to the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring for a year or $9 per week helps ACE Learning Center purchase a set of classroom tumble forms for children to learn positioning, fine motor activities, and neuro-and sensory developmental training. "I give to the Ann Campbell Early Learning Center because education needs to start when kids are young. With all the technology these days, if a child isn't taught the basics at an early age, they might never catch up," Print Production Assistant, Rose Eylward said. Last year's campaign raised a record $144,906 from more than 800 faculty and staff participants, surpassing the goal of $142,500.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

Holiday Cheers! Raise a Glass with Some of Our Favorite Seasonal Cocktails

With few ingredients, impress your guests with a selection of spirited offerings that’ll ignite conversation. The holidays have arrived. Trees are adorned, lights are all strung, cookies are baked, and gifts are wrapped for the young. What about you? Have you taken care of yourself? Have you rested your feet, employed the help of an elf? Take some of the guesswork out of preparations this season, by planning to serve a handful of easy-to-make cocktails, certain to leave more time for you to enjoy your own gathering. To unabashedly coin a phrase, “It is the most wonderful time of the year”, and how better to entertain than by presenting your guests with festive drinks filled with good cheer! A procession of images with great food, friends, family, and extravagant beverages in holiday settings helps us reimagine what this time of year could be like. Why imagine it, when you too can create your own memories at home? Enjoy the simplicity of mixing cocktails by design yourself. Customize favorites, or experiment on the side. Fully equipped bars are an entertainer’s dream, but a shaker set and access to freshly crushed ice is all you really require. Whether chocolate or peppermint, vanilla or citrus, the combinations of elements are really quite limitless. To help you begin, and to narrow the choices, here are some suggestions of vibrant, eye-catching, and flavorful drinks for the holiday that are easy to prepare, and delightfully fun on the palate.

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Melting Snow The ‘Melting Snow’ is a vodka-based drink that tastes like a rich cup of coffee, flavored with Kahlua and Amaretto.

ARTICLE BY MICHELE BOGLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELE BOGLE AND PROVIDED

Pecan Pie

Jack Frost

Santa Hat

Pecan Pie is an Irish cream-like beverage with a hint of cinnamon from the Rumchata, finished by heat from bourbon.

Jack Frost is a refreshingly effervescent vodka and Blue Curacao drink, made less bitter paired with prosecco.

The Santa Hat’s grenadine creates the bright red color in this cocktail, which complements the lemon-lime and vodka.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 30

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

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This Giving Campaign is all 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.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “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 during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

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Drive-Through Christmas Lights at Cannonsburgh Village

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Irving Berlin's White Christmas at The Center for the Arts

CA N N ON S BURG H VILLAG E 312 S . F R O NT ST R E E T MUR F R E E S B O R O, T N 37 1 29 | 5 :0 0 P M Cannonsburgh Village is hosting a Drive-Through Christmas Lights event! Load up the car and enjoy a festive way to add to those cozy holiday memories. Cannonsburgh Village will come to life with a Christmas light display on the first three weekends in December. Visit murfreesborotn.gov for more details.

T HE CEN TER FOR THE ARTS 1 1 0 W C O L L E G E AV E . MUR F R E E S B O R O, T N 37 1 30 | 7 :30 P M Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former commander. For more information and tickets, visit boroarts.org.

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The Xmas Cowboys Annual Charity Dinner & Show

LUN A’S 527 W. MAIN STREET, MUR F R E E S B O R O | 6 :30 P M J. Whitty & The Xmas Cowboys is a local “dad band” made up entirely of normal, everyday working dads. By day they’re veterinarians, carpenters and marketing professionals, but once a year they turn their shared passion for playing music into a benefit concert raising funds and awareness for local charities. For more information and to purchase tickets visit J Whitty & The Xmas Cowboys.

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EVENTS CONTINUED

D E C E M BE R 9 T H, 1 0 T H

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The Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta and SoZo Dance Academy present The Nutcracker

SI EG EL HIG H S CHOOL THEATRE | T I ME S VA RY Join us for three performances of The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm and on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Siegel High School Theatre. The Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta is directed by Jeffrey Keever and the SoZo Dance Academy is led by Anna Claire Rosson. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at: buytickets.at/middletennesseesinfonietta.

Christmas Magic, Murfreesboro Christmas Parade

FROM MAIN STR EET BEG IN N IN G AT MTS U TO H I STO R I C DOWNTOWN S Q UA R E . | 2:0 0 P M Sights and sounds of the holiday season coming soon at the annual Murfreesboro Christmas Parade! Floats, musical acts, and, of course, Santa and his sleigh will travel down Main Street beginning at MTSU and ending at the Historic Downtown Square. This year's theme is Christmas Magic! Visit Murfreesborotn.gov for details.

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WINTER RUNNERLAND 5K

18 75 W COLLEG E ST., MURFR E E S B O R O, T N | 1 0 :0 0 A M Join us on December 16th, 2023 for the Winter Runnerland 5K and fun run. The race will take place around Murfreesboro's Greenway Trial at Gateway Island. Carry the momentum from racing at the Borodash, or jumpstart your training for your New Year's Resolution. Proceeds for the race will go to The Portico Ministry and The Kalós Project. Visit tnkalosproject.org for registration details.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Murfreeboro

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

STEPHEN MILLER

NASHVILLE AREA REALTOR c: 512.470.3426 | o: 615.203.3300