Bozeman, MT November 2025

Redefining progress.

A Season of Gratitude: Celebrating the Blessings of Everyday Life

In this season of gratitude, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving encourages us to slow down, embrace the present, and appreciate the people and moments that bring us joy.

This month, I’ve been especially grateful for the small, everyday moments that make life beautiful: the laughter of loved ones, quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, and the chance to be part of such a vibrant community here in Bozeman.

Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering and giving back. We’re endlessly thankful for our advertising partners, whose support allows us to bring inspiring stories to your doorstep each month, and for the readers who make it all worthwhile.

As we prepare to gather with loved ones, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly brings meaning to our lives. This holiday season, may we find contentment not in possessions or accolades but in the connections we nurture and the good we do for others.

Wishing you and your family a season of gratitude and grace,

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Maggie Hebron | maggie.hebron@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Rachel Jackson | rachel.jackson@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Mila Azcona | mila.azcona@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

city scene

thanksgiving cornucopia

How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.

deliciously edible

Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.

florals

can be gourd- geous

Or, get inspired from the following ideas and have fun creating a centerpiece completely customized.

• Slice and fill real squashes with floral foam to hold classic fall flowers, such as mums, pom-pom daisies and dahlias.

• For a pop of color on Thanksgiving tables, a large turquoise or pink pumpkin goes a long way.

• For a cranberry-filled vase, place a smaller glass cylinder inside a larger one, then pour fresh cranberries into the gap between the two vases. For flowers, mix a few grocery-store blooms with dried millet and faux dill blooms, or silk and dried flowers.

• An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.

• Fill a stoneware sugar bowl with seeded eucalyptus, chrysanthemums and pears.

• Use one or a nest of baskets, floral foam and some blooms to craft a themed stunner.

• Incorporate family heirlooms by using an inherited (or thrifted) antique teapot, surrounded by other vintage finds.

• Stack two cake plates on top of each other with bite-size edibles; add other, shorter floral arrangements in pitchers or vases, if desired.

• Add soft candlelight with rustic textures of wood and lots of fall color via an assortment of fresh and faux gourds, silk sunflowers and dried seed pods.

use vintage finds

• Accentuate a beautiful vintage container, antique tins, teapots, pitchers and storage containers, for charming stand-ins for modern vases while adding a hand-me-down touch of family history to tables.

• Place a few blooms, in fall shades, in a clear water glass for a less complicated or casual look.

• Cut leaf shapes from colorful card stock and attach to bare branches gathered from the backyard; before the meal, ask guests to write what they’re most thankful for on the leaves, or just leave them blank.

Giving Back in Gallatin Valley

A

guide to donating your time and money in and around Bozeman

November marks the start of the holiday season, and a time of year when many of us are looking for ways to give back to our community. Giving back comes in many forms; whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, it’s our way of using our resources to show that we care about contributing to the vibrancy of our valley. Read on for a list of potential organizations to support in this season of giving.

COMMUNITY

• Befrienders: Volunteer to foster intergenerational friendships across the valley by spending time with senior citizens to combat loneliness and isolation. befriendersbozeman.org

• Casting for Recovery: Fund retreats that offer opportunities for women in all stages of breast cancer treatment and recovery to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life and experience healing connections with other women and nature. castingforrecovery.org

• HAVEN: Support confidential support, legal advocacy, counseling, and a safe place to stay for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. havenmt.org

KIDS

• Big Sky Youth Empowerment: Support vulnerable teens by building a transformative community rooted in belonging, mentorship, adventure, and a deep connection to nature. byep.org

• Thrive: Provide mentoring, education, and support for children and families so that everyone in our community has the tools they need to be successful. allthrive.org

• Windhorse Equine Learning: Donate to provide kids and teens ages 8-18 with experiential and reflective learning opportunities with horses, empowering them to discover and realize their full potential through their relationship with a horse. windhorseequinelearning.org

ENVIRONMENT

• Friends of Hyalite: Donate or volunteer to contribute to the stewardship of and access to year-round

recreation in Hyalite Canyon, including plowing, trail maintenance, and monitoring traffic patterns. hyalite.org

• Gallatin Valley Land Trust: Support the conservation of open spaces and creation of trail systems throughout the valley. gvlt.org

• Upper Missouri Waterkeeper: Donate to help enforce clean water protections, reduce pollution to our rivers, and secure science-based solutions vital to the future of Montana’s rivers. uppermissouriwaterkeeper.org

ARTS

• Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation: Invest in the next generation of readers and ensure that the library remains a dynamic, ever-evolving, world-class resource for everyone. supportbozemanlibrary.org

• Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture: Support art classes, contemporary exhibitions, gallery & studio spaces, youth camps and more. theemerson.org

• Random Acts of Silliness: Donate or volunteer to support whimsical, joy inspiring, all-ages art and theater for free, including Bumblewood Thicket, Cabinets of Curiosity, and Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade. randomactsofsilliness.com

For an even more comprehensive list of nonprofit organizations to support in and around Bozeman, visit Give Big Gallatin Valley’s website at givebiggv.org. Happy giving!

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.

Prep Meals & Set the Table 2-3 DAYS BEFORE

• 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.

Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks 1 DAY BEFORE

• 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.

crowd pleasing

comfort foods

Fall entertaining has never been easier than with these deliciously simple recipes.

Whether you plan to host family for holiday festivities or come together for a Friendsgiving you’ll need plenty of options to feed a crowd. Lauren Lane knows how to make everyone feel cared for and cozy. As a distinguished culinary influencer recently showcased on a Netflix cooking competition, Lauren has cemented her status as a prominent figure in the world of food and entertainment. We hope her recipes inspire you to slow down and gather around the table to feed the dreams of those you love. For tips on these comfort foods and more fall inspiration, visit Lauren-Lane.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)

• 2 medium carrots, chopped in rounds

• 2 ribs celery, sliced in half moons

• 1 large (about 1 pound) sweet potato, peeled and chopped in large chunks

• 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon, chicken flavor

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice

• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced

• 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Fall Vegetable, Kale & Rice Soup

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large stock pot. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add in the chicken stock, carrots, celery, sweet potato, Herbes de Provence, bay leaf and Better than Bouillon. Stir to combine.

3. Add rice and bring to a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Add kale and mushrooms and stir gently until combined. Cook for 3-5 minutes.

5. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.

DRESSING

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

SALAD

• 1 small head of butter lettuce, torn into pieces

• 1 small head radicchio, core removed and torn into pieces

• 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and very thinly sliced

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and finely crumbled

• 1 apple, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped

• 2-3 ounces of goat cheese (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and black pepper and whisk to combine. Taste, add more salt and pepper as desired.

2. Add Brussels sprouts to a bowl and toss with a small amount of the dressing.

3. Arrange lettuces, Brussels sprouts, apples and shallots on a platter.

4. Top with bacon, nuts and goat cheese if using.

5. Drizzle with additional salad dressing, to taste.

Fall Radicchio Brussels Sprouts Bacon Salad

Parmesan Bread

Bites with Thyme Honey

INGREDIENTS

• 1 refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade pizza dough)

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (heaping)

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (use good quality Parmesan)

• Honey and a few sprigs of thyme for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Divide dough into 4 pieces.

3. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope shape. You’ll want it to be about 1 inch thick all the way around.

4. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 1-inch pieces.

5. Melt butter and add salt. Brush the tops of the bites with the butter mixture.

6. Dip the top of each piece of dough into Parmesan.

7. Bake for 15 minutes. They will be very lightly golden. Do not overbake or they will become hard.

8. Serve sprinkled with thyme leaves and honey. Garnish with sprigs of thyme.

HOW TO: seasonal home scents

ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO

S PROV I DE W A R M A N D C O Z Y S C E N T S

Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting from sickness prevalent in the colder season. Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.

immune boost

DIRECTIONS :

Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).

INGREDIENTS:

• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic

• Lemon: Uplifts; Kills Bacteria Reduces Inflammation

• Oregano:  Antimicrobial; Antioxidant

• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing

HOW TO USE:

Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.

home defender

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the following essential oils.

INGREDIENTS:

• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial

• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing

• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System

• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory Fatigue

HOW TO USE:

Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.

Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts

ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY

The art of gratitude can be healing. It’s a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.

1. Five things that make you happy instantly:

2. Did you get any pleasant surprises today?

3. Did you do any acts of kindness today?

4. What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself?

5. Five personality traits you're grateful for:

6. Favorite song and how does it make you feel?

7. One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face:

8. List something good that caught your attention today.

9. What nice thing did another person do for you this week?

10. What's something you did for another person this week?

11. Three things you own that make your life easier:

12. How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant?

13. Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them.

14. What are you most thankful for in your life?

15. Name three of your significant accomplishments.

16. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited:

17. Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too?

18. What's your favorite holiday and why?

19. What friends are you most grateful for having in your life?

20. What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today?

21. What are you grateful for in your career?

22. Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active.

23. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for:

24. Three things you love about your town:

25. List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them?

26. What meals do you enjoy most?

27. Something you saw this week that melted your heart:

28. A time when someone went out of their way to support you:

29. A happy memory from childhood:

30. Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.

Rates are dropping. The time to get a cash-out refi* is now.

With rates dropping for the first time in years, there’s no better time than now to tap into your home equity with a cash-out refinance.

Getting extra funds through a cash-out refi could help you**:

• Consolidate debt at a rate lower than most credit cards

• Pay for a large home renovation project

• Fund a down payment on an investment property

• And so much more!

Contact me today to discuss if a cash-out refi makes sense for you!

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an

guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.

*Using funds from a Cash-Out Refinance to consolidate debt may result in the debt taking longer to pay off as it will be combined with the borrower’s mortgage principle amount and will be paid off over the full loan term. VA cash-out refinance not available in Texas.

**Source: Bank Rate, Cash-out Refinance. How is works and when to do it, 2023: htttps://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/cash-out-refinancing/ Licensing information AZ - 1032279, CA - CA-DFPI400361, FL - LO103297, ID MLO-2080400361, MT – 400361 Rate NMLS #2611

NOVEMBER 1ST & 2ND

Bridger Ski Foundation Ski Swap

Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715 | 10:00 AM

The 56th annual ski swap is almost here! Buy & sell winter gear. 10,000+ items. Alpine, Nordic, snowboarding, backcountry & more. Details at bridgerskifoundation.org/events/ski-swap.

NOVEMBER 5TH AND 6TH

Pecha Kucha 48

The Ellen Theatre, 17 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715 | 5:30 PM

Pecha Kucha  (peh-chak-cha which means “chit-chat” in Japanese) offers anyone with a passion or a vision – designers, artists, inventors, architects, adventurers, entrepreneurs – an opportunity to share their ideas with the community during a fast-paced, friendly social get-together. Just one catch: presenters have only 20 slides x 20 seconds each, a total of 6 minutes, 40 seconds! Details:  theellen.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket#/events/a0SVs00000FyptRMAR

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER 20TH

Ladies Night 2025

Downtown Bozeman | 5:00 PM

One of the most anticipated downtown events of the season and is aimed at creating a fun night for folks who want to do a little pre-holiday shopping, enjoy dinner and drinks specials, and spend quality time with friends! So, grab your friends and come downtown on Thursday night the week before Thanksgiving for a fun holiday shopping experience!

NOVEMBER 21ST

Funksgiving

Come turn the fun volume up at the 11th annual FUNKSGIVING! This ultimate 70s dance party guarantees a night of groovy vibes and non-stop funk, brought to you by the 10 piece purveyors of soul, The Sweet Groovalicious Funk Machine. Strut your stuff in your best 70s attire for an unforgettable night dancing to all your favorite hits. Tickets: logjampresents.com/event/funksgiving-67940/#

NOVEMBER 28TH AND 29TH

Indigenous Marketplace Bozeman

The Emerson, 111 S Grand Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715 | 10:00 AM

Over 25+ invited Indigenous artists from across the country will showcase their beautiful creations, including jewelry, fashion, paintings, and more. FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

NOVEMBER 29TH

Small Business Saturday

Downtown Bozeman | 9:00 AM

A day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we’re asking residents to shop small at their favorite downtown stores and help support our local economy. Remember, when we all shop small, it will be huge! For more information about the nationally advertised event, please visit smallbusinesssaturday.com

Want to be featured?

GALLATIN VALLEY’S PREMIER SOURCE FOR WINDOW TREATMENTS

Bridger Blinds serves Bozeman and the surrounding areas with the highest quality window treatments guaranteed to fit any style, in any room, for any occasion.

Bridger Blinds LLC Michelle Douglas, Owner 406-581-4972 bridgerblinds@yahoo.com www.bridgerblinds.com