River City, TN December 2022

Holidays and Giving

It’s December in Memphis. The Tigers and the Grizzlies are playing; snow flakes shine their light down Poplar; it’s borderline sweater weather, and your calendar is filling up.

The holiday pageants, programs and recitals are set in stone (and get there early, but not too early). The St. Jude Marathon approaches. Don’t miss the nostalgia and childhood magic of The Enchanted Forest. You might contemplate if this year is the one where you get a fake tree. Ok, fine, one more year of a real tree, but make sure they deliver.

You’ll make a list and check it twice or 32 times. As you unpack gifts from your trunk, you plan to hide them away. On December 24th, I always find myself looking for one rogue present that has disappeared. It’s in this house somewhere. This must be why Santa Claus doesn’t wrap.

In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our commu nity who need assistance or are alone. The tradition of Hanukkah reminds us that one candle can light another and that light can defy the darkness. 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. 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 to all! AMY

Merry Christmas to

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Wellhouse Fitness: It's Personal

Wellhouse Fitness has offered per sonal training services since 1992. Personal training, semi-private and small group plans are all available in the heart of town. Whether you are seeking strength training, cardiovas cular conditioning, increased flexi bility, weight management or sports performance, the Wellhouse team, led by Dion Welling can safely help you achieve your personal goals. Come in for a consultation and begin the work of wellness -- you'll be 1% better than you were yesterday.  WellhouseFitness.com

Find Your Flow at Mind Body Haus

Mind Body HAUS is a locally owned yoga and fitness boutique in the heart of Midtown. Founders Jocelyn Brunotte and Rachel West and their team offer 60 classes each week at every fitness level including heated and non-heated yoga, Hot Pilates, Cardio Dance, bodyART®, Kinstretch® and Y12SR. This hol iday season, look for special gift cards, promotions for new members and super cute HAUS gear. Give your self and loved ones the gift of health.  MindBodyHaus.com

Core Collective Broad

Give the gift of health and wellness through Core Collective Broad Pilates studio this holiday season! Purchase a gift card and the recipi ent can choose from private lessons, class packages, and duet sessions with a friend. If you are new to CCB, check out their new client special offers to get started. And don’t miss their new Tavi Active and Lilla P clothing lines!

CoreCollectiveBroad.com

Photography by Wellhouse Fitness

Photography by Mind Body Haus

Photography by Sarah Bell, Sélavie Photography

Fitness

With a highly qualified team of instructors, you can train in a CLIMB, RUN, or TRAIN program. Higher is the only studio in Memphis with VersaClimber equipment, built for high intensity and low impact.  You can get started with a free trial to dis cover which type of class might be the best fit for you. Get ready to get after it in this motivated fitness community!

HigherMemphis.com

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

Photography by Higher Memphis

More than a Theater

SHAKESPEARE AND THE CULTURAL FABRIC OF MEMPHIS

ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY AND TENNESSEE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

TENNESSEE

TSC’s Outreach Director

Stephanie Shine and TSC founder Dan McCleary, photo by Sarah Bell, Sélavie Photography

Memphis is very fortunate to be the home of the Tennessee Shakespeare Company (“TSC”), one of only a handful of profes sional Shakespeare theaters located in the southern United States.

Founded by Dan McCleary in 2008, TSC has performed plays by Shakespeare and other classical writers for more than 53,000 patrons all across Shelby County. Developed in their beautiful new theater on Trinity Road in Germantown, this year’s program ming—a season of “panache”— includes Pete Pranica, voice of the Grizzlies, as Mark Twain; a Literary Salon featuring Ann Patchett’s works; a world premiere about the emergence of Emily Dickinson; and Cyrano de Bergerac. TSC also performed Macbeth for free in outdoor venues across the greater Memphis area this past fall to a record-breaking 1,600 patrons.

But arguably more impressive than its theater or performances is TSC’s dedication to serving the Memphis community through its award-winning education and outreach programs. According to Dan, TSC is unique in that “we put education, outreach, and

training at the same level of priority as performances.” Dan’s stated goal is to “build Shakespeare into the cultural fabric of our city,” and what better way to do that than to reach our city’s youth. TSC’s groundbreaking education program has already reached 120 schools and created over 285,000 student interactions.

Over a decade ago, at the request of then-Mayor AC Wharton, TSC’s Outreach Director Stephanie Shine created The Romeo and Juliet Project. The project’s mission is to combat teenage armed violence. Students who participate in the program are prompted to rehearse life-saving choices through Shakespeare’s characters and to speak on their feet in front of their classmates; the pro gram has proven invaluable in increasing confidence, literacy, and compassion among the students involved. When working with young people, Dan and Stephanie like to approach their students as if they are professional actors, feeding them lines and watching them use their innate intelligence to determine the meaning of the text and relevance to their lives.

Nic Picou, TSC teaching artist, and Cara Geissler, TSC Director of Education, photo by Sarah Bell, Sélavie Photography

PUT EDUCATION, OUTREACH

Dan and Stephanie are committed to the idea that reading Shakespeare is intended to be a healing experience. With that in mind, they created the Juvenile Justice Program to bring Shakespeare to incar cerated Memphis youth. TSC’s Director of Education Cara McHugh Geissler speaks about this program as “a way to teach students to embrace their own voices and use them for positive change.” Nic Picou, one of the teaching artists involved in the program, says “We are focused on helping these youth find some good in their tragic, troubling circumstances. The kids are vulnerable, honest and candid about the problems in their lives and their commu nities.” Nic and Cara are able to engage the students by making them feel comfortable sharing their emotions and making them feel loved and appreciated.

TSC has achieved national recognition for these successful, creative outreach programs; in fact, TSC is one of only a few U.S. theaters to be awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts four years in a row. Dan says, “Tennessee Shakespeare Company has happily evolved into a wide-ranging service organization for Shelby County through classical the ater. William Shakespeare and his stories are for everyone – as diverse as the char acters with whom he populates his plays.”

“WE

AND TRAINING AT THE SAME LEVEL OF PRIORITY AS PERFORMANCES.”

Photo courtesy of TSC

Photo courtesy of TSC

TSC's award-winning education and outreach programs, photo courtesy of TSC

Photo Courtesy of Joey Miller

Greg BaudoiN

Seasonal Simplicity AND Surprise

Holiday ornamentation should complement, not distract, from the setting. -Kevin

Adorned with a eucalyptus wreath, one of Kevin’s favorite architectural elements of his home is the limestone façade with its many details of the past.

Coble of Le Fleur

Kevin Coble is known for his imaginative, eclectic floral interpretations, as seen in his home this holiday season.

In a paradoxical creative process, Kevin’s world of inspiration and design is never trendy, yet with his unprecedented combinations of aged and modern elements, new trends emerge. He is drawn to the archi tecture and steadfast charm of historic buildings, and natureisalsohisreliablemuse.Kevin’sworkemphasizes simplicity and surprise: “One blossom can make more impact in some cases than a plethora of florals. And con nections between styles of the past and present provide inspiration to complete stylings that look and feel mod ern, interesting and textural.”

Kevin has been involved in the floral industry for 35 years. His shop, Le Fleur, was established in 1993. The first location was a small office space on Poplar, then he relocated to the Laurelwood Shopping Center after a coupleofyears.Presently,heisina cottage-likebuilding on Perkins, a peaceful departure from the busy streets nearby. With each move, the addition of square footage has allowed him room to elevate the Le Fleur brand with distinctive gift items and decorative furnishings. And holidays are, of course, a specialty.

An expression of his complementary interest in interior design, one of Kevin’s favorite tasks is build ing visual displays. The Perkins location pairs Kevin’s aesthetic with a clearly defined sense of place, greenery and natural materials for a seamless blend of earthy elements in both a main building and workshop, where an overabundance of florals stirs anticipation of what composition will emerge next. With support from a Le Fleur team that supports Kevin’s artistry with hard work, dedication and a shared appreciation of floral design, pristine arrangements with florals from around the globe materialize at a fast pace.

Following an impressive, self-taught floral design career originally informed by his love of gardening, Kevin was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 2000. This prestigious organization is comprised of approximately 1200 members worldwide. “An annual AIFD symposium of my peers across the globe rejuvenates me to return home with a fresh perspective,” Kevin adds. This honor, in combination with an impres sive portfolio, are confirmation that there is, indeed, an original Kevin Coble aesthetic.

ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN OWEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Eclectic artwork and fresh flowers are spotlighted by natural light from leaded glass windows anchoring a carved staircase.

A STORIED HOME

Undeniably a Southern gentleman, when we called on Kevin at his 100-year-old home in Midtown, he graciously welcomed us inside after the hard work of decorating for the holidays was complete and even served us margaritas alongside a few specialty food items he sells in his shop.

Throughout the home, his engaging interest in a range of framed artwork is pronounced alongside sculptural objets d’art. In his words, “I enjoy collecting interesting, eclectic art. It makes a home feel alive. This, to me, is an individual connection to another artist in a different medium. I also love to interpret art through floral design.”

Woven throughout his historic home are stately collec tions of antique silver chalices and vintage garden statuary, and Kevin’s affinity for architectural floral work is readily visible as well. He asserts that his favorite quality of this sto ried building is its aged, architectural interest, especially the limestone façade with its many details of the past.

“A photo may portray my home to be very formal,” Kevin describes, “but all in all the balance of fine antiques and art create a welcoming sense of warmth and comfort.” The architect of this 1921 home was F. Frazier Smith. It is an

All holiday embellishments used in this holiday display are flawless, seasonal statements, meant to complement not distract from the interior.

Kevin’s home is an ideal setting for the artistry of floral design. Here, a Depression-era painting is the backdrop for an urn filled with orchids.

“One blossom can make more impact in some cases than a plethora of florals. And connections between styles of the past and present provide inspiration to complete stylings that look and feel modern, interesting and textural.” -Kevin Coble

Kevin's choices demonstrate that holiday décor can veer away from bright reds and greens. In the living room, he chose to pursue monochromatic color harmony.

With the floral product on hand, select an area and create, because floral design should not be a rigid, methodical process. It should evolve.

example of coursed ashlar masonry with Gothic stone and a gang-sawed finish. Another interesting feature of this storied home is the leaded glass of arched windows anchoring a carved staircase, a source of soft natural light in the foyer.

HOLIDAY DÉCOR

At Christmastime, Kevin feels that holiday décor should enhance a home and not be overdone, which he achieved this season by combining traditional garden flowers with bold and dramatic tropical varieties to cre ate extraordinary expressions of color.

When decorating for the holidays, Kevin advises us to have the floral product on hand, select an area and cre ate, because floral design should not be a rigid, method ical process. Instead, it should evolve. In his home, Kevin identified areas to highlight with an assortment of fresh botanicals and holiday ornamentation. All holiday embellishments used are flawless, seasonal statements, meant to complement not distract from the interior.

Kevin's tree fills a corner of his living room, and bold fresh botanicals complete this room’s holiday ornamentation.

A variety of natural textures creates an inviting and engaging table scene.

A Christmas tree draped in hand-blown glass ornaments displays a marriage of simplicity and modern in early evening light.

A Christmas tree draped in an assortment of various sphere-shaped, hand-blown glass ornaments displays a marriage of simplicity and modernity to launch this holiday setting. “The color palette of the ornaments speak autumn, my favorite season, yet create a warm, inviting space,” Kevin explains. “The subtle, autumn tones blend to create color harmony.” In the living room, he chose to pursue monochromatic color harmony. “I love the combination of the white, green and black accents. The juxtaposition of color harmony allows the room’s art objects to shine.” In the early evening light, all of this home’s holiday adornment is especially luminous.

Exemplified in Kevin’s home for the holi days, 2022, he encourages floral design out side of the comfort zone. Like artists of other mediums, when creating with flowers, seek to generate enthusiasm and curiosity about what the designer was thinking. “And honestly, sometimes the outcome is nothing that was even considered when speculating about the final outcome,” Kevin concludes. “After many years in the industry, I have a sense of just let ting things evolve.”

giftguide

Home for the Holidays

ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Store Credit is going home for the holidays. This gift guide has a little bit of everything for your recipients to enjoy at home. Not pictured: all of the helpful and friendly local shop owners, asso ciates and elves who are waiting to help.

DON’T COME A RINGIN’ WITH YOUR ARMS A SWINGIN’

Plan ahead for hostess gifts with our favorite foodie ideas. You can wrap them just like you would a bottle of wine. Fino’s Memphis carries Fatworks Wagyu Beef Tallow if your host is a pit master. If you are lucky, there will be some browned butter chocolate chip cookies by Macaronagerie Memphis. Word has it they are Santa’s favorite. Wrapping a bow around a Penn Station sandwich also works.

Dave’s Bagels is Memphis based with a New York taste. You can find these at your favorite local grocer. Pair them with lox, spreads and you have a complete gift.

Humphrey’s Prime Cut Shoppe lets you take the best of Folk’s Folly to others. The egg salad and chicken salad make a nice happy, along with their hand-cut potato chips. Of course, a cooler

of steaks and sides would be a delight. The real star is the garlic beef jerky. Get one for yourself, because holiday shopping makes you hungry. You will eat this in the car.

Ranch dressing is more than a salad dress ing; it’s an iconic condiment. Garibaldi’s Pizza sells a full bottle of their house-made (and our favorite) ranch. It will be the most used bottle (of anything) over Christmas break. If you really love your hostess, bring a BBQ Pizza as well.

Gibson’s Donuts works for any holiday house call. Visiting family in the morning or rolling in late at night to the afterparty.

COME OUT ON TOP!

Sometimes a gift card is the best answer. Even if you are last minute, add a topper to the gift. A nail file to a manicure/pedicure gift certifi cate. For a gift card from Novel Memphis , add a book.  Around town, we have spotted everything from tacos, oysters, fried chicken, kale and bacon ornaments for your tree. For restaurant gift cards, add a corresponding Christmas orna ment. A favorite topper on any gift requiring such – batteries!

For your dad who used to drink Chablis in the 80’s. Joe’s Wines & Liquor, 1681 Poplar Ave. A topper for any wine - chips! RSVP Stationers, 6150 Poplar Ave.

“Ding Dong Ditch” your favorite neighbor with sleigh bells - expertly adorned with greenery. Garden District, 5040 Sanderlin Ave.

If your dog has a stocking toobraided leather leashes.

Fern at La Grange. 50 Main St., La Grange, TN

One for the sizzle. One for the driz zle. Graza Extra Virgin Olive Oil Set. City & State, 2625 Broad Ave.

Best accessory for her greenhouse. Garden Glory Fancy Garden Hose. Social, 600 S. Perkins Rd.

Serpentine Wall Sconces. Designed by Powell Smythe and fabricated locally. Powell Smythe, 2537 Broad Ave.

For those who wish to wear slippers out of the home. Chaco Ramble Puff Boot and Clog. Outdoors Inc., 5245 Poplar Ave.

From tea time to happy hour. Handmade copper and silver ladles by Kingfisher Designs. Metal Museum Store, 374 Metal Museum Dr.

Modern day elf uniform - Pretty Rugged puffer vest. G Brady, Chickasaw Oaks Village, 3092 Poplar Ave.

Opposite page: Selections for everyone on your list at Novel Memphis, 387 Perkins Ext.

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” - Andy Rooney

light candles in testament that faith makes miracles possible.” – Nachum Braverman

For your favorite niece who just moved. A chic backgammon set for game nights and instant décor.

Mimi Morton, Saddle Creek North @Mimi _Morton

For fans of Memphis’ newest pastime who know to stay out of the “kitchen.” Stovall Collection, 430 S Grove Park Rd.

The brightest hostess happy and stocking stuffer. Star Resin Coasters by Tealy Hewgley, @DeceauxArt

Treasures for everyday occasions, cof fee or dessert - Antique sterling silver demitasse spoons. Wellford’s Antiques and Interiors, 4754 Poplar Ave.

If he already has every book and tool for gardening - Fish Poop Fertil izer. From aquaponic farming. Ounce of Hope, 5101 Sanderlin Ave.

This handmade Tulip side table can still fit underneath a tree. And next to any sofa. Collected by Elizabeth Malmo, 2537 Broad Ave.

They can hang it before the 25th. Artwork by Greely Myatt, VEIL (two birds on a wire) 2022. David Lusk Gallery, 97 Tillman St.

“We

Charmée

The Inspired Series

ARTICLE

AND

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

As we enter the holiday season, I am filled with gratitude and extremely thankful to Christian, our  River City Lifestyle publisher, for inviting me to join her during a fall 2022 fashion week trip to Paris organized by Chantal Johnson of the local boutique 20twelve. Our Paris excur sion is the focus of this month’s inspired series.

When the plane landed in Paris and I set foot on the French ground, it immediately felt like home. People often ask me if I miss France, and I never think about

it really because I try to live in the present. Paris is not actually my home, as I am from Corsica just south of France. But I did live in Paris for eight years. I left 15 years ago, but when I have the opportunity to return, this city never disappoints. It is a seductive, creative playground, and I always walk the streets there with a smile like a child.

On this trip, inspiration was, as I expected, swirling all around me. But it was a charming, small Airbnb that

captured my heart during this Paris adventure–the view, the brightness, the mid-century vibes, the soul, and the art on the walls.

It is not a huge apartment, but every space is properly appointed, from the wall cabinets without han dles, which look like art even though it is for storage, to mid-century influences visible in light fixtures, a sofa, and the wallpaper. Note the dining room glass and brass chande lier reminiscent of the 60s. Even the radiator is stylish!

One of the things that greatly inspires me is how light plays with spaces. I am constantly chasing light. I love books and wallpaper, so when these three elements are mixed together, it is a delight. The way the sun falls on this apartment study is truly poetic. I could stay hours just enjoying the light changing on the wall, which is covered with vintage wallpaper in a mustard color. The rooms are moody, much like a cozy, aged library. It is a hideaway ideal for reading a French novel, perhaps, while sipping a French coffee.

It was at the last minute that we found this Airbnb. I lived there for one week but felt like it could have been my own place, like I had been there before. Every day I soaked in the view, enjoyed the décor, listened to the city noises and enjoyed being under Paris’ spell once again.

“The way the sun falls on this apartment study is truly poetic.

I could stay hours just enjoying the light changing on the wall, which is covered with vintage wallpaper in a mustard color.”

A FLOWER SHOW IS MUCH MORE THAN FLOWERS.

GREENWAYS AND GREENLINES

GARDEN CLUB OF AMERICA

As winter quietly replaces fall color, it is a magical time in Memphis gardens. Bold, warm, rich hues of fall foliage and annuals, as well as a few lingering roses and faded hydrangeas, are framed by glossy ever greens. Last month, the Little Garden Club of Memphis took inspiration from our region to present an innovative Garden Club of America (GCA) flower show at the Memphis Botanic Garden. The GCA was formed in 1913 to “promote greater understanding of the interdependence of horticulture, environ mental protection and community improve ment.” They have a vast network of members and clubs who celebrate and protect the natural world in many ways.

The Greenways and Greenlines show, named in honor of Memphis’ pedestrianand cyclist- friendly, 26-mile Wolf River Greenway and 10.65-mile Shelby Farms Greenline, included floral design, horticul ture, nature photography and educational exhibits that highlighted the River City’s natural beauty. Consistent with the theme, entries featured bicycle and water refer ences. As in all GCA shows, there were mul tiple classes within each division, and every entry was judged according to the strictest principles and design elements.

Novice floral designer Stephanie Wilson won the Best in Show Award

with her bicycle-inspired arrangement of florals sourced locally. Another class of miniature gardens featured a footpath or bicycle trail made entirely of plant material. In the horticulture competition, specimen quality entries from exhibitors’ yards were cut and con ditioned to perfection. Blue ribbon hor ticulture winner Jean Johnston planted her winning Cryptomeria japonica over 15 years ago. This GCA horticulture cat egory promotes the conservation of endangered and threatened plants.

The Wonders of Watersheds exhibit was particularly enlightening as Memphis is home to multiple watersheds. Extensively researched by Little Garden Club members Michelle Dunavant and Leslie Schutt, the presentation was designed to educate the public about how individuals treat the land and our direct impact on water quality. They even challenged the public to make a “healthy yard pledge” to prevent pollution.

The GCA flower shows are celebratory by design and show the community how gardens inspire us as well as how the natural world informs our lives. The Memphis Garden Club will present our city's next GCA show at Dixon Gallery and Gardens in the spring.

ARTICLE BY MARGARET LEDBETTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY UDAY SRIPATHI

From Grove to Table

DOROTHY’S PECAN PIE

ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN OWEN

We are in the Mississippi Delta gather ing pecans and baking pies with Chef Jennifer McCullough, a devotee of Southern food. Her signature  dishes combine quality seafood with fresh vegetables and a deli cate selection of herbs to create flavorful, delicious appetizers and meals for any occasion. But today, Chef Jenn is preparing the most Southern of desserts. From scenic pecan groves to holiday tables, this seasonal staple concludes many a celebration in the River City region. Key ingredients: A few pecans mixed with a dash of tradition and a taste for simple pleasures. Compliments of Chef Jenn, here is her family’s favorite pecan pie recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup white sugar

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 2/3 cup light brown sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup white syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 1/2 cups pecans halves

• 1 9-inch pie crust

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, brown sugar, and salt.

3. In a medium bowl, mix eggs, syrup, vanilla, and butter.

4. Gradually add the egg mixture to dry ingredients and beat until frothy.

5. Fold in pecans into the mixture.

6. Pour into uncooked pie shell.

7. Place on middle rack of preheated oven and bake for 1 hour or until the filling is set.

TIPS

The pie is ready when a knife inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean. This recipe makes enough filling for a shallow, 9-inch pie plate. If you prefer a deep-dish, 9-inch pie, add 1/2 of each ingredient to the recipe. Store-bought pie shells are a good, time-saving option. If you make a homemade pie crust, remember to keep ingredients and even the cooking tools and pie plate chilled to minimize the development of gluten in the flour. Overworking the dough also encour ages gluten and toughens the dough. After gently molding the crust into your pie plate don't forget to prick the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork to prevent air bubbles.

If you would like to add signature style to your pie, create a decorative edge on the rim of your crust with a knife or fork, or reserve some of the pecans from your mix ture to place in an elegant design on top of the pie just before placing in the oven.

Happy Holidays!

AUNT

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign

Now in its third year, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign will give away $300,000 this holiday season to help individual community members who would benefit from a helping hand during their time of need. But they need YOUR HELP to make it happen! Maybe you know of a single parent strug gling to provide, an elderly person who has experienced loss, a child enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a finan cial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need—even if nobody else does.

To preserve and protect the dignity of every recipient, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely con fidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized in ANY way. (Even those who nominate others may remain anonymous if they choose.)

Last year, City Lifestyle was able to give to more than 70 recipients all over the country by sending checks in the mail through New Year’s Eve. (This year, the goal is to double that number with checks ranging in amounts up to $3,000 each.) 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.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communi ties where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “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.”

Together with Matthew Perry, Chief Sales Officer, Steven adds that the outpouring and gratitude from the recipients was overwhelming and affirmed that this is a tradition they want to continue.

“We believe God has blessed our company with contin ued success,” Matthew adds, “so we in turn want to be a blessing to others.”

City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving pro gram 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 doing it on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is so rewarding that it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster that culture of generosity.”

“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.”

Where has the campaign gifted?

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.

A MEDLEY OF INTENTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR FROM OUR RIVER CITY LIFESTYLE JOURNALS AND A FEW WELL-KNOWN MEMPHIANS

River City Resolutions for 2023

The present is a gift. “I want to focus on the NOW of my life. I can do nothing about yes terday and tomorrow is yet to come. I only have this moment and how I think about it will determine my state of joy.” Dr. Scott Morris, MD, MDiv, Founder and CEO of Church Health.

Think, “H.A.L.T.”—An acronym to remind us that it is never wise to let ourselves become too hungry, angry, lonely or tired. Dr. Charles Stanley.

Follow local development along side our city's greatest natural resource: the Mighty Mississippi. “Deliver a phe nomenal new front door for Memphis at Tom Lee Park by Labor Day, 2023, that fills locals with pride, visitors with envy and everyone with something to rave about.”

Carol Coletta, President and CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership.

Take a class at a local school or attend a workshop in the community. "Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one." Malcolm Forbes.

Advice from someone who under stands  changes in the weather : “Next year I look forward to continuing to serve my community, my city, my home. I’ve been blessed with a big platform, and I want to use it and my voice however I can in order to make a difference, no matter how big or small–as long as I leave a positive mark on the city that raised me to be the woman I am today.” Chelsea Chandler, Meteorologist.

Strive for balance. Do not over-sched ule. “What I dream of is an art of balance.” Henri Matisse

Support our city's admirable restau rant scene by making a point of eating at a new (to you) local restaurant each month. “Looking forward to opening in our new location on South Main in 2023!” Felicia Suzanne, Chef and Owner, Felicia Suzanne’s Restaurant.

Explore. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken.”