Style, Soul and Thankfulness in West Bloomfield
There’s a particular magic in November, when the air cools but the colors warm. Even all the lovers of beige, sworn to subtlety, yield to the velvety browns and jeweled burgundies, the mystery of rich navy, the scarlets of bonfires and holiday ball gowns. There's a whole symphony of oranges that evoke why red and yellow fell in love. It’s always the golden hour in November!
This season, my personal muse has been a shade often misunderstood, yet impossible to ignore — the opulent chartreuse. I remember in art class boldly proclaiming I couldn’t stand that color, I would have called it more irritating than opulent. But seeing it woven through the stunning fashion of HBO's series "The Gilded Age," I couldn’t help but admire how its contrast to the more traditional colors created a stunning unexpected beauty, particularly when it’s whispered through a delicate bow or in the detail of a vintage cameo.
In this Thankful Issue, we celebrate another kind of beauty — the kind that doesn’t hang in closets or glow from the jewelry box, but radiates from the human heart. Last year, our annual Giving Campaign unveiled just that. What began as one small, tentative act — a reluctantly hopeful nomination — unfolded into something transformative. The gift met a tangible need, yes, but more than that, it brought a light that pierced through an often beige world.
Todd and I are so thankful to work with so many inspiring businesses in West Bloomfield. Our township boasts many thriving businesses and is also home to people who infuse success with soul. Here, entrepreneurs and our community members don’t just build; they serve, they share. They shine. They are the true gems — rare, radiant and dazzling beyond measure.
So as the leaves fall and the palette deepens, may we find inspiration not only in the season's natural brilliance but in the brilliance of giving. May we wear gratitude as boldly as chartreuse, and may we remember that the most enduring luxury is generosity itself.
Stay Fabulous, West Bloomfield.
MARGARET
MEYER HAIGHT, CO-PUBLISHER
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Margaret Meyer Haight
margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com
Jim Ghormley | jim.ghormley@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Stanton, Susan Thwing
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Simran Bajwa, Aly Darin, Wayne Norman, Nico Salgado
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
At Troy City Lifestyle and The Amour Women Work Community’s Gilded Era-themed Portrait Unveil Party: 1: Stylist Maria Alkhalil of The Style Project and West Bloomfield Publisher Margaret Haight. 2: Canetha Amour-Porter, founder of Amour Women Work Community. 3: Cheryl Arafat of Home Clean Heroes, Jamie Yaldoo, Mallory Kuhn, Nico Sparks and Adajah Irving. 4: Mallory Kuhn, Dr. Bethany Baker, Jamie Yaldoo, Margaret Haight, Adajah Irving, Canetha Amour-Porter and Cheryl Arafat. 5: Custom handpainted chocolates for the guests. 6: Toc Porter and Canetha Amour-Porter. 7: Margaret Haight and Roslyn Reeves, co-owner of BeBalanced West Bloomfield.
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dustfree until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
A Heart That Never Stops Giving
Kayla has always been the kind of person who puts others first. Over the years, she has opened her local home to friends, relatives and others with nowhere else to go — cooking meals, driving them to doctor appointments, even providing end-of-life care for her grandfather when no one else could. Today, she continues to care daily for her aunt in her home.
She does all of this quietly and selflessly. But generosity often comes with sacrifice. Kayla’s finances have been stretched thin, her house damaged by the wear and tear of constant caregiving, and her own needs pushed aside. Even so, she never stopped giving, asking nothing in return.
So when an unexpected $1,000 check arrived in the mail, Kayla nearly threw it away — convinced it was a scam. But it wasn’t.
The gift came from West Bloomfield City Lifestyle ’s annual Giving Campaign, where our readers nominate local people in need and our corporate team selects recipients for cash awards.
Kayla soon discovered the nomination came from Sherry Eckman of Midwest Diagnostic Imaging (mdimichigan.com). Sherry knew Kayla’s heart and saw the toll her selflessness had taken.
“She has a heart of gold,” Sherry says. “She’s always taking in people who don’t have anywhere else to go — feeding them, caring for them, giving them a safe place. She thinks of others before herself, even when it costs her.”
When Kayla realized the gift was real, she used it for something simple, yet meaningful — replacing her front door, broken during her years of helping others. “It was great to actually see something come of it,” Sherry says. “I never expected the nomination would turn into anything, but it really made a difference.”
This season, we invite you to take part. Nominate someone you know — a friend, neighbor or colleague — whose quiet kindness deserves recognition (see how on page 14). You never know the impact your nomination might have.
ONE WOMAN’S GENEROSITY IS HONORED THROUGH OUR ANNUAL CITY LIFESTYLE GIVING CAMPAIGN.
ARTICLE BY TODD HAIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY GILLESPIE
Nominater Sherry Eckman of Midwest Diagnostic Imaging
PRESERVING THE PAST, ENRICHING THE FUTURE
ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICO SALGADO
Step inside West Bloomfield’s newest gathering place and you’ll find the aromas of fresh-baked bread drifting from a demonstration kitchen, children laughing as they explore cultural exhibits and seniors gathered around card tables swapping stories. The recently opened Chaldean Community Foundation West (CCF West; chaldeanfoundation.org/ccf-west) isn’t just a building, it’s a vibrant hub where heritage and community come together, blending centuries-old traditions with modern-day connections.
When the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) unveiled its new West Bloomfield campus in May 2025, it was more than a ribbon-cutting; it was a milestone nearly a century in the making. Chaldeans — Aramaic-speaking Eastern Rite Catholics — immigrated from Iraq to Michigan in the 1920s in search of economic opportunities and religious and political freedom. Rooted in their struggles and triumphs, the new center represents both preservation and progress.
“This center is about celebrating who we are and ensuring that future generations understand their heritage,” says Martin Manna, president of the Chaldean Community Foundation and the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. “For years, our Sterling Heights campus has focused on health, human services and immigrant integration. CCF West is about preservation — our language, our history, our traditions.”
Located on Walnut Lake Road, the $20 million, 42,000-square-foot facility is designed to inspire both reflection and connection. Inside are a theater, a demonstration kitchen, a full-sized gymnasium and the reimagined Chaldean Museum. The gym, constructed on the footprint of the property’s original school, now features a newly raised ceiling and modern design.
CONTINUED >
Martin Manna
LOOKING AHEAD: HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT THE CHALDEAN CULTURAL CENTER
“Food and family are at the heart of Chaldean life,” Martin Manna says. “Sharing those traditions with our neighbors during the holidays is one of the best ways to celebrate the season together.”
The holiday season is a time for food, family and cultural traditions, and the Chaldean Community Foundation West is bringing all three to West Bloomfield. Here’s a look at what’s planned:
• Cultural Cooking Demonstrations In the Nana Bernadette Sarafa Kitchen, chefs and community members will showcase traditional holiday recipes, offering both tastings and take-home recipes for guests to enjoy.
• Museum Tours & Storytelling Families can explore updated exhibits in the Chaldean Museum, including displays on Chaldean Christmas traditions. Special storytelling sessions will introduce children to folktales and customs.
• Community Film Screenings The theater will host holiday-themed movie nights for families, with refreshments available.
• Senior Gatherings Seasonal card games, light exercise sessions and festive group meals will provide a welcoming space for older adults.
• Youth Engagement Holiday crafts, language workshops and interactive activities will provide children and teens with opportunities to connect with their heritage.
The Chaldean Community Foundation West Opens in West Bloomfield.
“This center is about celebrating who we are and ensuring that future generations understand their heritage.”
— Martin Manna, President, Chaldean Community Foundation
The Mar Ibrahim Library, developed in partnership with the Chaldean Catholic Diocese, anchors the center with rare manuscripts and texts rescued from Iraq.
“We’re especially proud of the library,” Manna says. “It’s a living archive that connects generations to their faith and culture.”
Equally exciting is the revival of the Chaldean Museum. Once tucked into a smaller space, the museum is being reimagined with expanded galleries, interactive exhibits, even a gift shop. Visitors can explore timelines of Chaldean history, view artifacts and learn about the community’s resilience in the face of persecution.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to tell our story in a deeper and more engaging way,” Manna notes. “We hope to welcome not just community members but also school groups and curious neighbors who want to learn more.”
The center also features classrooms for language and cultural studies, as well as a media studio for Chaldean radio and television. Cooking classes, film screenings and art programs are already underway, providing engaging ways for people of all ages to connect with Chaldean life.
While heritage is the heart of the new center, community service is its soul. Programming has been designed for seniors and
families with special needs — two groups Manna believes deserve focused attention.
“We’ve launched initiatives like Special Needs Movie Nights and senior excursions,” he says. “Research shows staying active and socially engaged reduces health risks. We want this to be a place where people connect, stay healthy and feel less isolated.”
Partnerships with neighboring communities are also central to the mission. Collaborations with Jewish and other local organizations are already strengthening bonds across Metro Detroit.
The vision for CCF West is ambitious: to expand partnerships, build bridges and ensure that the story of the Chaldean people is not lost to history.
“Much of our heritage has been destroyed in our homeland of Iraq,” Manna says. “This center gives us the chance to preserve it here and share it with Michigan and beyond.”
For the 187,000 Chaldeans who call Metro Detroit home (the world’s largest population outside of Iraq), CCF West stands as a beacon of resilience and pride. For the broader community, it’s an invitation to learn, to connect and to celebrate a culture that has endured for millennia.
The June grand opening of the CCF West space in West Bloomfield featured a special blessing ceremony led by Bishop Francis Kalabat, Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim and other esteemed bishops, highlighted by the dedication of the Mar Ibrahim Library.
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SISTERS IN SYNC
BEBALANCED OWNERS FOCUS ON HORMONES — AND GRATITUDE — FOR WEIGHT LOSS.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WAYNE NORMAN
Sisters Roslyn Reeves (left) and Stephanie Kennedy-Kinney at BeBalanced West Bloomfield's grand opening
“I WAS DRAWN TO BEBALANCED WHEN I REALIZED THAT MANAGING MY WEIGHT WAS ONLY PART OF MY HEALTH GOALS AS I AGED.”
— ROSLYN REEVES
Sisters Roslyn Reeves and Stephanie Kennedy-Kinney have spent their careers serving people. Before opening their BeBalanced Natural Hormone Weight Loss center (bebalancedcenters.com/ location/west-bloomfield), the West Bloomfield residents worked in family-run organizations supporting adults with developmental disabilities.
“We grew up in that environment of serving people,” Kennedy-Kinney says. That service-first mindset now shapes their approach to sustainable weight loss and whole-person wellness.
BeBalanced is a non-medical, hormone-focused program and national
franchise that blends whole-foods nutrition, guided relaxation and one-on-one coaching. The sisters started seeing clients virtually long before they hung the “open” sign in West Bloomfield, the first location in Michigan and the 28th nationwide.
“The actual doors have been open for about a month,” Kennedy-Kinney says, “but we’ve been operating virtually for about a year now” — a necessity when coaching clients across Michigan. In-person sessions are encouraged, but virtual support keeps the program accessible statewide.
“I was drawn to BeBalanced when I realized that managing my weight was only
part of my health goals as I aged,” Reeves says. “I also wanted to address hormonal balance and refused to accept that weight gain, hot flashes and insomnia were simply unavoidable aspects of getting older.”
Adds Kennedy-Kinney: “I had tried so many other weight loss programs but my hormones had never been addressed. I could lose a few pounds but was never successful in keeping it off and still suffered from symptoms from hormonal imbalance. With BeBalanced, I lost 38 pounds and have been successful in keeping the weight off.”
At the heart of their franchise is a structured journey that begins with an intensive 28-day phase and continues through 14 weeks of supported habit-building.
“Our method works with your body to balance your hormones naturally,” Reeves explains, “resulting in fast weight loss as well as improvements to your mood, sleep, energy and PMS and menopausal symptoms.”
There are no packaged meals or punishing workouts.
“BeBalanced centers designed a simple-to-follow meal plan paired with our proprietary, all-natural supplementation, one-on-one support and relaxation tools to combat the upheaval that stress causes to your hormones,” she says.
Kennedy-Kinney breaks down the pillars: symptom-guided supplementation, a whole-foods plan that steers shoppers to the outer aisles and relaxation practices that help regulate stress.
“We are focusing on lowering your cortisol levels,” she says. During the first 28 days, clients eliminate common triggers, then reintroduce foods methodically to spot sensitivities — an approach that
helped Kennedy-Kinney realize peanuts fueled inflammation for her. The results can be swift.
“In that 28 days, the average person has lost between 15 and 22 pounds,” she says.
Equally central is mindset. Every client identifies a personal “why” and practices daily gratitude.
“Our 14-week program encourages clients to write daily about what they are grateful for,” Reeves says. “The reflections don’t have to be significant or life-changing, just an acknowledgment.”
She treasures entries like, “I had a long talk with my sister, and we usually only text.” That mindfulness, KennedyKinney adds, helps clients steer clear of emotional eating and back toward their goals.
Holiday-Ready Coaching
With November and beyond’s celebrations on deck, the sisters lean into planning over perfection. Their practical tips:
• Anchor with protein before a party. A mini meal at home curbs grazing.
• Pick your splurge , then make a plan for tomorrow. Enjoy the stuffing or the pie, then follow your day-after reset from the BeBalanced guide.
• Pack a swap. Keep fruit or a favorite compliant snack in your bag — one client traded her usual chips for fruit on the drive home and kept momentum.
“THIS IS THE FIRST APPROACH THAT’S FELT TRULY SUSTAINABLE.” — STEPHANIE KENNEDY-KINNEY
• Sip smart. Coffee lovers get coaching on re-introducing creamers and sweeteners; holiday wine drinkers learn strategies (and, when appropriate, supportive supplements) to keep blood sugar steadier.
The sisters’ coaching is personal — weekly check-ins, food reviews and real-life troubleshooting for travel, work and family gatherings. BeBalanced also supports clients beyond weight loss with options like gut restoration and bone health protocols, plus maintenance through hormone-balancing creams and supplements.
For Reeves and Kennedy-Kinney, the payoff is watching confidence return.
“When you balance your hormones, effective and lasting change happens,” Reeves says. Kennedy-Kinney agrees, noting this is the first approach that’s felt truly sustainable: “All I’ve done is stayed in a continual mode of losing and sustaining, but now having a plan, I know what to do. I have the tools.”
Fall Into A Healthier Youthful Smile
MODERN SURGERY OFFERS RELIEF FROM CHRONIC ACID REFLUX.
From Heartburn to Healing
ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALY DARIN
For many people, heartburn is an occasional annoyance. But for those living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the condition can become a daily struggle. GERD occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, leading to chronic discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and in some cases, longterm damage. While medications can provide relief, they don’t always address the underlying problem.
“Primary care doctors are slow to refer people for reflux surgery because medications do a good job of masking the symptoms — but the reflux itself continues,” explains Dr. David Chengelis, a board-certified surgeon specializing in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, and founder of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, PC, in Troy (dlcsurgery.com). “The surgery goes to the root of what is causing it. We can correct the problem and, in many cases, resolve it.”
Acid-suppressing drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can help manage the burning sensation associated with GERD. But they don’t stop acid from backing up into the esophagus — they only make it less painful. Over time, the constant reflux can still lead to complications, including Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition.
“There’s also increasing evidence that long-term use of reflux medications can have side effects, such as depleting bone density in women,” Chengelis says. “Surgery can eliminate the need for medication altogether.”
Reflux surgery, often performed laparoscopically or robotically, physically reinforces or reconstructs the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent acid from flowing back up. For non-obese patients, a common approach is laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, in which part of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
For patients who are also struggling with obesity, bariatric procedures can address both weight and reflux. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), for example, is highly effective at reducing acid production and improving reflux symptoms. While the popular sleeve gastrectomy helps with weight loss, its effects on GERD can be mixed — sometimes improving, sometimes worsening reflux.
“The best surgical option depends on each patient’s anatomy, weight and symptoms,” Chengelis says. “That’s why evaluation and a customized treatment plan are so important.”
WHY ROBOTICS ARE CHANGING THE GAME
At Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, Chengelis performs nearly all procedures robotically, including bariatric, gallbladder surgery and hernia repair. While both laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are minimally invasive, robotics allow for enhanced precision and control.
“With robotic surgery, the instruments have wrist-like movements that mimic the surgeon’s hand but on a smaller, more precise scale,” Chengelis explains. “The 3D, high-definition view makes a huge difference, especially in delicate procedures. Patients benefit from smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery.”
The benefits of reflux surgery extend well beyond eliminating the need for medication. Patients often report being able to sleep better, enjoy a wider variety of foods and live without the constant discomfort of heartburn. For those seeking a long-term solution, reflux surgery may provide lasting relief and a healthier future.
“People get great results from this,” Chengelis says. “Living with GERD impacts every aspect of your life, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”
To learn more about options for reflux relief, an assessment can be arranged at (248) 291-6516.
Dr. David Chengelis
Thanksgiving Refresh
OUR FRESH TAKE ON TRADITIONAL PIECES WILL HAVE YOU GIVING THANKS.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Love the look of traditional transferware? Try these easy, elegant pieces — mixedand-matched with juicy colors and modern lines for a fresh, updated look.
Inspired by traditional Dutch Delftware and French toile fabrics, these dainty hand-painted Abi Teaspoons are a sweet treat when serving dessert. ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM
The tradition of setting a Thanksgiving table with fine English transferware depicting the holiday bird or other pastoral scenes is almost as old as Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation of an official Thanksgiving Day - established in 1863. In the aesthetic tradition of these transfer-printed pieces, Juliska’s Country Estate Serving Platter recalls the charm of English country life in a decal hand-painted by designer Deborah Sears and applied to hardy stoneware. Perfect for your Thanksgiving bird. (Looking for early Christmas inspo? Check out Juliska’s Country Estate Winter collection.) Nordstrom, Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi. NORDSTROM.COM
Kim Seybert’s linen Metafoil Napkin in gold glistens with an organic splatter effect — and easily elevates or blends in with your table setting. KIMSEYBERT.COM
Hearty and textural yet sleek, Fortessa’s Ashton Flatware in stainless steel will stun with any style of decor. Pottery Barn, Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi. POTTERYBARN.COM
The Iris Tall Candle Holder in Blush by Kim Seybert is crafted of three stacked globes of hand-blown glass. KIMSEYBERT.COM
The peachy tone of Anthropologie’s Savannah Wine Glasses — crafted of soda glass with a vintage-inspired floral diamond motif and pedestal stem — add a kiss of the harvest season to the holiday table. Anthropologie, Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi. ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM
Ginori 1735 has been crafting ceramics for three centuries — the Italian maker’s colorful Oriente Italiano Collection offers a vibrant take on traditional printed ceramics. Shown in gold-rimmed deep fuchsia, all 10 color varieties are easily mixed and matched for festive layers. Zieben Mare, Franklin. ZIEBENMARE.COM
Elegant yet relaxed: Juliska’s Forest Walk Collection is festooned with forest creatures (soup bowls and tureens topped with pheasant), rustic organic elements (pumpkin place-card holders and gilded-leaf napkin rings) and more magical treasures. Slades, West Bloomfield. SLADESGIFTS.COM
The organic forms of Contract Grade’s minimalist Pure White Ceramic Vases soften their look to suit any style. West Elm, Birmingham. WESTELM.COM
Give your pumpkin pie the presentation it deserves: The shimmering Mosser Colored Glass Cake Stand in Milk is made in Ohio at family-owned Mosser Glass using decades-old molds and vintage-inspired colors. FOOD52.COM
Cotton slub with contrast binding, Serena & Lily’s Wave Table Runner is as easy as it is elegant. Serena & Lily, Birmingham SERENAANDLILY.COM
It’s Pumpkin Bread Season
The Perfect Recipe For Some Autumn Comfort
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda and baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the oil, butter, and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup.
4. In a mixing bowl (with a paddle attachment), beat the pumpkin, sugar, and eggs until combined.
5. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the liquid ingredients. Let this process take about 1 to 2 minutes so the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
6. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet and slowly fold until the ingredients are blended.
7. Prepare a 10 x 5 loaf pan by buttering it really well and then adding a strip of parchment paper to the bottom and up the sides for easy removal.
8. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour. The bread will be fully risen in the center, like a loaf. Make sure it’s fully cooked and brown on the top otherwise it will fall in the middle once removed from the oven.
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN
Todd turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
West Bloomfield City Lifestyle
Published by Todd Loved by West Bloomfield
NOVEMBER 4TH, 12TH, 18TH & 19TH
Wine & Bourbon Dinners at Carrabba's Italian Grill
Carrabba's Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy | 6:30 PM
On Nov. 4 & 12, enjoy a special four-course dinner featuring award-winning wine selections from Antinori. Then, on Nov. 18 & 19, a different four-course meal is paired with small-batch bourbons crafted by family distilleries. Whether you prefer wine or bourbon, these special dinner events are a shared experience. Approximately $65/person plus tax and gratuity. Visit Carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095.
NOVEMBER 8TH & 22ND
The Magic Soiree: Where Magic Gets Funny
Embassy Suites by Hilton, 850 Tower Drive, Troy | 5:30 PM
An intimate magic-comedy show, beginning with close-up magic performed at your table in the Atrium Bar & Grill, followed by a cabaret-style stage show hosted by the magical and hysterical Lady Sarah and Keith Fields. Dinner and drinks available for purchase. Call (248) 990-8198 or visit TheMagicSoiree.com for tickets.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Lea Kalisch in SHTETL
CABARET
The Berman Center for the Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield | 8:00 PM
Don't miss this night of Jewish entertainment and Yiddishkayt, delivered with young, zestful energy. Lea Kalisch gives new life to tradition with her energetic performance, mixing Yiddish theater, original music, folk, rap and theatrical interludes. $35-$50. Tickets: Email The Berman Center at theberman@jccdet.org or call (248) 661-1000.
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