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- Dave & Ramona Blanchard

Certified Metabolic Health Coaches

Celebrating the Strength and Heart of Ogden’s Women

Happy May, Ogden!

As the flowers begin to bloom and the days grow warmer, our thoughts naturally turn to the incredible women who shape our lives. This issue is a heartfelt tribute to them—the mothers, mentors, storytellers, and trailblazers who make our community so special.

Inside these pages, we’re honored to highlight the stories of remarkable local women, including two who recently celebrated their 90th birthdays. Through the work of their biographer, their life stories have been thoughtfully preserved— offering a glimpse into decades of resilience, wisdom, and lived history. Their journeys are a powerful reminder that some of the most extraordinary stories are found right here at home.You’ll find a behind-the-scenes look at Baylee Sorenson, founder of Mountain Born Creamery, who shares the authenticity behind creating local artisan butter while balancing life as a single mother. Her story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and building something meaningful from the ground up.

We’re also sharing expert insight from dermatologist Dr. Julie Maughan, who offers practical and refreshing advice on caring for aging skin. From the importance of hydration to daily sunscreen, her guidance is a reminder that taking care of ourselves is a lifelong act of self-respect.

In this month’s Kindness Chronicles, we reflect on the Crozier family’s experience with sudden medical complications. During an incredibly challenging time, the Ogden community showed up in meaningful ways, demonstrating the strength and compassion that define a true community.

Each story in this issue speaks to the power of women—their resilience, their influence, and the lasting impact they have on the world around them.

Thank you for being part of this community and for continuing to celebrate the stories that connect us.

With gratitude,

KATRINA HAMMOND, PUBLISHER @OGDENCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Katrina Hammond | katrina.hammond@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Evana Mauriz | evana.mauriz@citylifestyle.com

SALES MANAGER

Chelsea Hanson | chelsea.hanson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Evana Mauriz, Katrina Hammond, Julie Maughan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Baylee Sorenson, Eva Barnett, Bethany Sorenson, Midnight Imagery

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

inside the issue

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Mother and daughter, Angie and Alexa Ferrin enjoying the day together. 2: Kelley Lord and Ben Jaffe engaged in Alaska! 3: Norma Kier and Heidi Posnien both looking spectacular at 90! 4: Friends, family, and neighbors all come to celebrate Heidi's 90th birthday! 5: Aria is celebrating her mom, Jessica, after retiring from the Air Force! 6: Exploring the great outdoors. 7: Celebrating spectacular sunset views.

JESSICA HENNIG

8: Anna Siciliano celebrating her new Life Coach Certificate! 9: Local teens making unforgettable prom memories. 10: Highland Ranch has a new calf! 11: Bosworth family photoshoot. 12: Ben Daniels lights up the room. 13: Caden introduces Milo, the German Shepherd who is awaiting his forever home. 14: Wendy and Sherry look stunning as always!

SAM CARVER

CoolSculpting® is FDA-Cleared and performed under on-site medical supervision, and backed by 9 years of proven results. We specialize in targeted non-surgical fat reduction. Book your complimentary CoolSculpting® consultation today. Call or visit wasatchdermatology.com to book today.

The Confident Smile You Deserve

European-Style Butter, Born in Utah

Mountain Born Creamery turns heads everywhere it goes—for good reason.

Brett

Board

Our European-style butter is churned weekly in small batches using the freshest cream from Northern Utah. Each batch is slowly churned on an Amish churn in Ogden, then crafted by hand and finished with a touch of mineral and flaked salt.

The result? A rich, firm butter with a silky texture and flavor so memorable, you’d swear it was European.

The Dirty Work, Done Right.

Our pet waste removal service is designed specifically for pet owners who want to keep their yards clean and enjoyable. We handle the dirty work by removing and hauling away pet waste, so you can spend more time with your furry friends. Let us take care of the mess, giving you peace of mind and a cleaner outdoor space. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with our reliable, efficient service. Sit. Stay. We’ve got this!

Scan to read more

Practical Planning for Your Path to Financial Freedom

Doutre Financial Coaching helps individuals and families move from financial stress to financial freedom through practical, personalized coaching. Founded by Josh Doutre, the business offers budgeting support, debt-reduction strategies, career-focused financial guidance, and real estate coaching for major life transitions. Serving clients locally in Utah and nationwide through virtual sessions, Doutre Financial Coaching combines emotional support with actionable financial planning to help clients build stability, confidence, and long-term momentum.

Scan to read more

mond: Publisher of Ogden

One Year of Ogden’s Heart

Celebrating 12 months of local kindness, community storytelling, and bringing the Ogden community together.

It’s been exactly one year since Ogden City Lifestyle (OCL) began, and what a journey it has been!

When OCL launched, I had a simple vision: to spotlight heartwarming, educational stories and local businesses that define our community. I wanted to unite Weber County by focusing on the positive, but as it turns out, that vision didn’t stop growing. Today, we’ve expanded to include our "Kindness Chronicles," a monthly feature that celebrates local heroes making a real difference. We also highlight our local "fur babies" awaiting their forever homes at nearby shelters. OCL has become a home for aspiring journalists, photographers, and writers, giving students a platform to see their work in print.

Reflecting on this past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who have transitioned from professional contacts to close friends. Some of my favorite moments involve sitting down with business owners and uncovering the

"why" behind their passion. However, the most profound moments happened when our community came together as one.

When we partnered with a local school to provide warm coats, our magazine partners didn’t hesitate—they ensured every child on the list was covered. That spirit continued through the holidays, as our partners and community members banded together to provide Christmas for 31 local families.

Ogden is undeniably beautiful. Our mountains are scenic, the hiking is topnotch, and the skiing is world-class. But the true soul of Ogden isn’t its landscape; it’s the people. Thank you for your incredible support this year. Life can be challenging, and I hope that OCL continues to be a consistent source of sunshine for Weber County. Here’s to many more years of sharing the good!

Please follow us and share your ideas for stories. Tag us in your pictures, and we may feature them in the magazine. Thanks, Ogden!

ARTICLE BY KATRINA

Butter candles are tough to make, requiring perfect tempering and balance. They last for hours, creating a memorable gathering experience.

Get to know the amazing woman who founded Mountain Born Creamery

CHURNING THE UNEXPECTED:

ARTICLE BY EVANA MAURIZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE EVERSON & BAYLEE SORENSON

When Baylee Sorenson traded her career in corporate health insurance for a commercial kitchen and a butter churn, she wasn’t just starting a business—she was crafting a movement.

As the founder of Mountain Born Creamery, Baylee is the force behind local artisan butter. She identified a gap in the fine foods market, recognizing that customers who seek out imported European butters would equally embrace a premium, locally sourced alternative.

She is truly authentic, and it shows in her craft. Baylee is a talented, driven culinary artist and a mother of two—Lenna, 9, and Ellis, 6.

For her, business is personal. She believes that sourcing locally is its own form of luxury. A way to support the environment and strengthen the surrounding agricultural community. By using high-quality cream from Cache Valley, she ensures every batch reflects her standards.

That same sense of intention carries through to the brand itself. With an intuitive understanding of the modern host, Baylee shaped Mountain Born Creamery to value beauty as much as quality.

Her signature butter candles reflect that philosophy—and crafting them is no easy feat. Each one requires precise tempering and careful balance. The reward? Hours of flickering warmth that turn any meal into an unforgettable shared experience. They double as a perfect savory dip for artisan breads, steaks, or vegetables, and are seasonally infused with flavors like cinnamon, garlic, or rosemary.

Building the business required personal clarity, creativity, and drive. Two years into her entrepreneurial journey, the pressures of startup life revealed a deeper truth: she was building a future that no longer aligned with her marriage. Faced with a choice, Baylee chose herself. Now a single mother navigating both family and business, she speaks openly about the realities behind the idea of having it all.

“Actually, I can’t,” she says with a laugh. With limited time and competing demands, she has learned to treat her energy as her most valuable resource. She explains, “I have to really prioritize what matters to me… and who I work with.” Her honesty resonates with those who understand the weight of modern motherhood. “I know broke,” she adds, “and I’m just not afraid of it anymore.”

Today, that resilience is translating into momentum. Baylee’s products are available at select vendors across Utah. Her artisan butter can be found at Sunnyfield’s in Ogden Valley, the Mercantile on 25th in Ogden, and Levity in Salt Lake City, as well as at seasonal farm stands in Park City, St. George, Ogden, and Salt Lake City.

To learn more, visit her website at mountainborncreamery.com and follow her on social media.

“This is the thing about being a single mom running a business—I can’t pretend to be anything but a mess.”

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction

Doutre

Certif

Celebrating Women's Stories

Today we highlight the extraordinary lives of local legacies

There is power in the written word, especially when that word carries the weight of a lifetime. Today, we are highlighting the stories of three remarkable women who prove that jaw-dropping history isn't just found in textbooks… it’s been lived by our neighbors.

ARTICLE BY EVANA MAURIZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVA BARNETT

Rhonda Lauritzen

Founder & Biographer

Behind every fantastic story is an exceptionally great listener. For Rhonda Lauritzen, that responsibility is a lifelong passion, manifested into full-time work.

Rhonda is a local biographer who has written more than a dozen books that focus on historical buildings and memoirs here in the Ogden area. Her work is driven by a deep love for local history and the personalities who shape our community.

Rhonda transitioned from a career as Vice President at OTech College to a fulltime writer and publisher in late 2016. Working alongside her writing partner,

Rachel Trotter, she founded Evalogue. Life, where she helps individuals transform memory into narrative.

The philosophy is simple, yet profound: every story deserves to be told authentically, in the voice of the person who lived it. For Rhonda, the stories of women like Heidi Posnien and Norma Kier are more than individual accounts; they are threads in a larger tapestry. These words help weave memory back into existence by illuminating an otherwise forgotten past. It has become her life’s work to ensure that personal legacies are never lost to time.

CONTINUED >

“I love helping people [write] themselves, then their voice is authentic. It’s important that people write in their own voice.”

Heidi Posnien Norma Kier

The Storyteller

A cherished figure in Ogden Valley and a living testament to resilience, Heidi’s story is preserved in her book, A Child in Berlin . The story is about a childhood shaped by the chaos of World War II. Written by Rhonda Lauritzen and published by Post Hill Press in 2024, the book is the result of five years of careful research and thoughtful storytelling. Available in audio for those who prefer to listen.

What began as a personal history has become something far greater. Heidi recently celebrated her 90th birthday and has outlived much of her family and friends. Without the book, Heidi said she might have "declined fast," but the publication has instead surrounded her with a new sense of community. Her recent book signings have filled the parking lots of The King’s English Bookshop as well as local libraries, where she greeted standing-room-only crowds. Today, she is surrounded by a devoted community and working on her second volume.

The Matriarch

Every successful business has a heart, and for Kier Construction, that heart is Norma Kier. She and her husband, Jim Kier, moved as Canadian newlyweds to Ogden in 1957 with $100 and a dream.

Norma’s energy and vision helped shape a business that now generates hundreds of millions in annual revenue, but it’s her passion, humor, and unwavering grit that truly define her. Norma also recently celebrated her 90th birthday with the same fire and joy that have fueled her life.

In fact, she was Rhonda’s first non-family client. Together, they wrote the memoir Remember When , a tale of Norma’s lessons, love, and tenacity behind the Kier legacy. Norma’s life is a constant celebration of family, with four out of five children running the business and living close by. She shares her love of being a grandmother with twenty grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

“It has been a very busy but very fulfilling life. I am truly blessed.”

Start Your Own Story Tips & Tricks

If reading about the incredible lives of Heidi Posnien and Norma Kier has you thinking about the unwritten chapters of your own family history, you’re not alone. Many of us feel the pull to write our memoirs but simply don’t know where to begin. The team at Evalogue.life believes everyone has a story worth telling, and they’ve created free tools to help you discover yours.

INTERVIEW

YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE:

If you want to capture a voice but aren’t sure where to start, you can access a free interviewing tutorial at Evalogue.life/mini-course . This mini-course teaches the professional techniques used to draw out those “hidden” memories—the key to making a memoir truly come to life.

QUESTIONS EVERYONE SHOULD ASK:

Here are some thoughtful questions to explore— either on your own or with a loved one—that can help you begin your memoir or uncover the hidden treasures of your family history:

1. Tell me about your hometown.

2. Tell me about your grandparents.

3. Do you have any regrets?

4. What was the happiest time of your life?

5. How would you want to be remembered?

There are 15 questions in total, but we’ve highlighted five to get you started. Dig a little deeper and access the full set with a free printable questionnaire at: Evalogue.life/questions-for-everyone/

Heidi and her mother (1940)

BERRY BRUSCHETTA

A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 baguette slices

• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)

• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

9. Serve and enjoy!

THE REMARKABLE STORY OF HOW THE OGDEN COMMUNITY RALLIED TOGETHER TO SAVE A LIFE.

KINDNESS CHRONICLES: A COMMUNITY CURE

It might be said that the Ogden Valley Moms Facebook group saved Scott Crozier’s life— but in truth, it was the embrace of an entire community. The Facebook page is a familiar gathering place for locals, but for Ellie and Scott Crozier, it became something far more: a lifeline.

Their ordeal began with a string of frightening medical emergencies. Scott had suffered a stroke and a concussion while skiing when, three months later, he woke with severe stomach pain. Violent tremors overtook his body, and doctors placed him in a medically induced coma. A punctured bowel caused by a feeding tube led to a dangerous infection, unleashing E. coli and severe sepsis.

Scott’s organs began to fail, and doctors prepared Ellie for the possibility of letting him go. She refused to give up hope.

While Scott fought for his life during weeks in the hospital, another weight pressed heavily on the family: mounting financial strain.

ARTICLE BY EVANA MAURIZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETHANY SORENSON

Then the community stepped in.

Hoping to ease some of the pressure, Ellie contacted local mortgage agent Ashlie Roe to ask about refinancing their home. Instead of beginning the loan process, Roe quietly paid the Croziers’ mortgage for two months herself.

It was the first of many generous acts.

Shanelle Russell, local realtor, along with a network of friends, organized a meal train that kept them fed. She even hosted a golf tournament to raise additional funds. Neighbors, friends, and strangers found ways to help.

When local specialists could no longer provide answers, doctors decided that hospice was the next step. Ellie turned to the Mayo Clinic. After several difficult rejections, the clinic in Rochester, Minnesota finally accepted Scott’s complex case—but admission required a $5,000 deposit.

Their family immediately helped pay for the deposit. And within 24 hours, the community had raised $6,000, which covered their hotel stay and mortgage for another 6 weeks.

The support followed them across the country. As the couple traveled to and from Minnesota, hotel stays along their route were often mysteriously covered by people who were following their journey.

“We would check into a hotel and find out it had already been paid for,” Ellie recalled. “Or I’d get messages saying, ‘Stay here tonight—it’s covered.’”

When Scott later required an emergency procedure to remove necrosis—again with a $5,000 cost—friends like Bethany Sorenson helped bring their story to KSL News. The funds were raised in just twelve hours thanks to random donors who had Ellie’s Venmo.

The couple returned home feeling defeated, uncertain of what the future would hold.

Instead, they were welcomed back by the community that had carried them through the worst months of their lives.

The local American Legion organized a fundraiser, with local businesses donating goods and gift certificates for raffle. Neighbors came to hug Scott and tell him how grateful they were that he was still alive.

During the long winter that followed, people showed up regularly to shovel snow from the Croziers’ driveway. Groceries appeared on their doorstep. Someone even delivered a fresh Christmas tree, bringing a small but meaningful moment of holiday joy to their home.

Today, Scott’s recovery feels nothing short of remarkable. Aside from some food restrictions, he is healthy and back to running the couple’s company. Life, in many ways, has returned to normal.

For the Croziers, sharing their story is a way to say thank you to everyone involved. Gratitude to their friends, neighbors, and strangers who all stepped forward when they needed it most.

Their experience is a powerful reminder that beyond politics, backgrounds, or differences, the quiet strength of human kindness can still bring people together and even save a life.

Ellie & Scott before the fight for life

Ellie & Scott Crozier grateful for another day

Design With Confidence

EXPERT ADVICE FROM OUR TRUSTED DERMATOLOGIST

AGING

ARTICLE BY DR. JULIE MAUGHAN

Healthy aging isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about protecting and preserving your skin so it looks vibrant and confident at every stage of life. In Utah, where high altitude increases UV exposure year-round, skin longevity begins with intention.

First, daily sun protection is non-negotiable. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ should be worn every single day — even in winter and indoors. Ultraviolet light penetrates clouds and windows, quietly accelerating collagen breakdown and pigmentation. Sunscreen remains the single most powerful anti-aging product available.

Regular skin exams are equally important. Professional skin checks help detect early cancers and allow us to track subtle shifts in tone, texture, and redness over time.

Aging gracefully also means supporting your skin from within. Staying well-hydrated helps maintain elastic, plump skin. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables deliver antioxidants that neutralize oxidative stress and support collagen integrity. Adequate protein supports structural strength, and consistent sleep allows the body to repair and regenerate overnight.

Finally, resist the urge to pile on products that aren’t tailored to you. The most effective routines are curated, designed around your skin type, concerns, and lifestyle. Carefully introduced retinoids improve fine lines and uneven tone; antioxidant serums bolster defense; and personalized adjustments over time consistently outperform onesize-fits-all regimens.

Aging well isn’t about looking different. It’s about looking healthy, rested, and confident with a plan designed specifically for you.

“AGING WELL ISN’T ABOUT LOOKING DIFFERENT. IT’S ABOUT LOOKING HEALTHY, RESTED, AND CONFIDENT.”

Dr. Maughan with Wasatch Dermatology and MedSpa

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.