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Home for the Holidays

D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS Cheers to a Beautiful & Brilliant 2024!

Sarah Dolder, MD · Meghan O’Brien, MD · Jacqueline Berliner, MD · Elizabeth Gaines-Cardone, MD Alexandra Labiak, MD · Christina Martineau, PA

203.764.2230 | GreenwichPointDermatology.com | 20 E. Elm St. · Greenwich

VB greenwichpointdermatology

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Celebrating the Holiday Spirit and Community Traditions The holiday season is upon us, and the festive spirit fills the air. During this time, we often find ourselves drawn to rekindle the magic of our youth by weaving cherished traditions into our own families. Whether it's the nostalgic scents, melodic sounds, radiant lights, or engaging holiday activities, these moments recreate the essence of the best times we recall. One of my fondest childhood memories is embarking on the Peter Pan bus journey into the heart of New York City, where the annual Rockettes show awaited us. The anticipation and excitement were unforgettable. It's not just about the show itself; it's the entire experience, from traveling to the bustling city to enjoying the enchanting performance. This month, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Babs from Brunch with Babs, delving into her holiday traditions and gaining insights on how we can reduce holiday stress and infuse more cheer into our celebrations. As we embrace the enchantment of the season, I want to spotlight the wonderful offerings within our community that spread the holiday spirit. We've put together a gift guide to simplify your shopping while supporting our local businesses. Additionally, we're excited to share the array of holiday entertainment and opportunities for giving back in our area. For some, this season is a time of sheer beauty, but for others, it can be a period of loneliness and heartache, especially for those who have experienced recent loss. In the true spirit of the season, let's extend a helping hand to those in our community who need support or simply a friendly face. My wish for you this holiday season is to feel the warmth of love and peace, and may we all remember to care for one another, offering understanding, empathy, and love. Wishing you all a joyous and heartwarming holiday season!

Kristin Burnell | kristin.burnell@citylifestyle.com MAR KET SUPPORT MANAGER

Lydia Turner | darien@citylifestyle.com PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Ashley, Alt, Ashley Cannon, Dr. Kelsey Reeder CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Abby Cole, Rikki Snyder

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Darien Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Darien area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Darien Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

10 Holiday “this, not that” tips

Lifestyle Letter

Local Experiences

Culinary Creations FO O D + B EV ER AG E

How To EV ENT PLA NNI NG + S ERV I C ES

Gift Guide S HO PPI NG

Must See HO ME + DES I GN

Chef ’s Selection EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

+ a hearty soup recipe for cold weather with seasonal ingredients

14 Vintage Horse A Charming Mobile Bar

20 The Style List by @styleelyst Holiday Gift Edit

28 Embracing the Holiday Spirit

An Interview with Brunch with Babs: Discovering the Magic of Family, Traditions, and Community Cheer

O N T H E C OV E R

An interview with Babs

It’s Simple. Work. Life. Balance.

CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS • PANTRIES CRAFT ROOMS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

Call (203) 616-5847 for a free in-home design consultation and estimate or visit us online at closetfactory.com Showroom 100 Wooster St., Bethel, CT 06801 Showroom 110 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 the art of organization ©2023 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

DECEMBER 2023

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area. BY MEGAN SCHINELLA

Tis the season for tinsel, twinkling lights, and celebrating the holiday season! Partake in any one of our picks for local holiday happenings and rejoice in the joy and festive spirit around town!

Our Picks for Holiday Happenings HOLIDAY WISH: Follow the magic at Stamford Town Center with Holiday

Wish, a walk-through event that delivers an entertainment experience and 20,000 square feet of Holiday spirit! 100 Greyrock Place, Stamford, CT NEW ENGLAND ACADEMY OF DANCE: The New England Academy of Dance in New Canaan presents the Nutcracker Ballet. Featuring the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. Watch Clara's magical adventure! 231 Main St, New Canaan, CT GR EENWICH R EINDEER FESTIVAL: Visit Santa with your letters and his three live reindeers this month at the Sam Bridge Nursery in Greenwich. Naughty or nice! 437 North Street, Greenwich, CT WONDER LAND AT R OSEVILLE: Wonderland at Roseville lights up the whole block on Roseville Terrace in Fairfield with an estimated 500,000 lights, an army of nutcrackers, and more! 226 Roseville Terrace, Fairfield, CT OLD FASHIONED HOLIDAY: Old Fashioned Holiday event at Tilley Pond Park in Darien features old fashioned treats, crafts, fresh popcorn, carolers and more for families to enjoy! 38 West Ave, Darien, CT

Holiday Wish

Scan for more photos and the full list.

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Megan Schinella | @campbymama Mom of 3! Adventures for families, motherhood humor, fashion, style, life in CT.

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Shopping for a guy who appreciates unparalleled reﬁnement? Give him a gift card to experience total man care this holiday season. Visit us at Darien Commons! 88 Heights Rd Darien, CT 06820 (203) 779-0988

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Holiday “this, not that” tips + A HEARTY SOUP RECIPE FOR COLD WEATHER WITH SEASONAL INGREDIENTS

ARTICLE BY DR. KELSEY REEDER

Try this, not that - holiday edition :

• INSTEAD OF PUSHING OFF WELLNESS GOALS TILL THE NEW YEAR, TRY IMPLEMENTING ONE SMALL CHANGE TODAY T he most effective way to make a change is to make a SMART goal. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time oriented. This technique transforms a bold and unattainable goal, such as “avoid all desserts” into an individualized goal with clear guidelines. For an individual looking to improve his or her relationship with desserts at the holidays, a SMART goal version of this goal would be,

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

“At the three holiday parties I am attending this holiday season, I will eat a dessert after I eat a balanced meal.” This SMART goal still allows the individual to enjoy the dessert, but will also assist in regulating hunger levels to avoid overindulging on the desserts.

• INSTEAD OF FORCING YOURSELF TO HAVE “SELF-DISCIPLINE” AROUND HOLIDAY FOODS, TRY ADOPTING INTUITIVE EATING PRINCIPLES Eliminate the “all or nothing approach.” Research consistently indicates that restriction is not only ineffective, but can contribute to weight gain. Shifting to adopting intuitive eating patterns allows for the focus to shift on how you feel in the eating process. This means anticipating how you might feel, both physically and emotionally, whether you decide to consume or avoid a particular food.

• INSTEAD OF ADOPTING A DIET, RECOGNIZE THAT ALL FOODS FIT A ll foods have a place in our lifestyle. As previously mentioned, diets and restrictions are not effective ways to achieve a particular health goal and further impair one’s relationship with food. Often, enjoying a food that you are craving is the healthier option because you are honoring your body; by doing so, you are satisfying your craving, and less likely to overindulge at a later event.

• INSTEAD OF FALLING INTO A RUT OF EATING THE SAME FOODS EVERY DAY, TRY ADDING VARIETY INTO YOUR DIET BY INCORPORATING DECEMBER SEASONAL PRODUCE! December produce: carrots, lettuce, winter cabbage, peas, dark leafy greens, brussels sprouts, potatoes, garlic, onions, beets, turnips, broccoli

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H E A R T Y P OTATO LEEK SOUP

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and let leeks soften for 10-15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2. Add potatoes, broth, bay leaf, and seasoning to leeks and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover for 15 minutes.

• • • • • • • •

DIRECTIONS

1-2 tbsp butter, unsalted 2 large leeks, chopped Chicken stock broth ¾ pound of potatoes, peeled and cut (approximately 2 medium sized potatoes) ¾ cup sour cream + ¼ cup water mixed together ½ cup heavy cream Bay leaf Salt and pepper to taste

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

3. Remove bay leave. Using an immersion blender, puree. 4. Slowly add sour cream and water mixture to puree mixture. 5. Continue by adding heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.

The Vintage Horse: Crafting Memorable Experiences, One Cocktail at a Time FROM VINTAGE CAMPER DESSERT TRUCK TO FULL-SERVICE BARTENDING

DL: TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO START IT. JM: I'm Jen and I am the brains behind the idea of The Vintage Horse. What started as a fun idea turned into the most rewarding opportunity! It all began when my husband and I got married at my family campground and had a Vintage Camper as our Dessert Truck. Fast forward 4 years later, Covid arises & our lives changed drastically. I was let go from my 13 year career in event planning & I needed to figure something out. Thanks to Pinterest, a love for horseback riding, & a vision -The Vintage Horse was born! We had our first event in May of 2021 and have celebrated with over 100 clients and thousands of guests in just two seasons! With more than 15 years in the hospitality & wedding industry, this dream has brought myself & my family so much joy! CONTINUED >

H OW TO | EVENT PL AN N I NG + S E RVI CE S

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

No event is too big or too small and we can pull into any space that allows us to fit! We can't wait to be a part of your next special celebration.

DL: WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE? JM: We believe in creating an experience at the bar! When you book with us you have the opportunity to select from our craft cocktail menu. This seasonal menu allows for fresh ingredients to be curated into the most delicious cocktails & mocktails. We truly bring the bar to you and we are ready to WOW your guests with our creative presentations & personalized experience!

DL: WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU? @thevintagehorse Website: www.thevintagehorses.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevintagehorse The Vintage Horse is a full-service bartending company. Their service packages provide combinations that will make all of your guests happy, such as craft cocktails, local brew recommendations, wine recommendations and more. Best of all, with their full service offerings, they will take care of every last detail- from ice to the garnishes - so you don't have to!

H OW TO | EVENT PL AN N I NG + S E RVI CE S

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F THE STYLE LIST BY @STYLEELYST HOLIDAY GIFT EDIT It’s the most spectacular time of the year, and I am here to sprinkle some joy by making your holiday shopping a breeze… below are my top picks to gift this season. Enjoy! x

UNSUBSCRIBED | CONSCIOUSLY-MADE, SLOW-FASHION

In addition to being a style columnist, Ashley Cannon is a fashion/ lifestyle influencer (@styleelyst/ styleelyst.com), mother and marketing specialist. She resides in Fairfield County, CT with her husband, daughter and yellow lab.

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPING

Featuring the Cashmere V Neck Pullover in Gray, $398. This sweater may seem like a dime a dozen, but it is created with 7-guage cashmere like you’ve never seen before…crafted from ultrafine, heirloom-quality, cashmere yarns, this sweater is designed to last. It’s cut for a relaxed, drapey fit with a center back seam for the perfect slouch. Adorned with ribbing at the neck, sleeves and hem. This is a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe. Bonus – it’s a classic, so it will never go out of style. unsubscribed.com | @ubsubscribed

FASHION

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY CANNON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY @STYLEELYST & BRAND IMAGERY

BOBBYPOP | CUSTOM, CONFECTION PERFECTION IN A BEAUTIFUL LUCITE BOX Featuring the Custom Long Lucite Confection Box, $75. These boxes of joy are the perfect gift for the candy lover in your life. They are also fabulous teacher gifts, stocking stuffers or colleague gifts. Not to mention, they are a fun take on the hostess present! A BobbyPop and a bottle of champagne and you are good to go. They come in a variety of sizes and an array of customizations are available. The POPssibilities are endless. shopbobbypop.com | @bobbypopbox

OLIA HERCHEL JEWELRY | FINE JEWELRY MODERN CLASSICS | DESIGNED & MADE IN NYC Featuring the Classic Tennis Bracelet in 18K White Gold, $2,850. This stunning and timeless bracelet comes in F/G Color, SI1 Clarity, natural diamonds. The sparkle and quality are top-notch. This is a piece she will reach for every day and on special occasions alike. Frost yourself. oliahercheljewelry.com | @oliahercheljewelry

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LONGINES | ELEGANCE IS AN ATTITUDE Featuring LONGINES MINI DOLCEVITA, $1,850. This Swiss-made watch has a low, discrete profile that seamlessly accentuates the wrist. Its classic styling is not only aesthetic for the now but is also a timeless addition to any woman’s collection. Equal parts quiet luxury and contemporary elegance. longines.com | @longines

CHAPPYWRAP | THE BEST BLANKET YOU’LL EVER OWN Featuring the Calico Shell Blanket, $135, and the ABC Blanket in Midi Size, $85. These blankets truly are the best blankets you will ever own. They have a plethora of colorways and designs for both the families and the littles on your list. Chappywrap also offers gift boxes for purchase for $15. chappywrap.com | @chappywrap

JL ROCKS | EVERYDAY ARMOR FOR JEWELRY LOVERS WHO SPOIL THEMSELVES Featuring the Dome Drop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold, $325. These earrings are the statement piece that is a must for every jewelry connoisseur. They are fun, lightweight earrings that are easy to pair with any outfit, for any occasion. JL Rocks also creates bespoke jewelry masterpieces. Reach out for more information. jlrocks.com | @jlrocksjewelry | Local Stores in Greenwich & Westport, CT

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPING

KHAITE | DESIGN & FASHION

JEWELRY

Featuring the Carmona Coat in Black Leather, $6,800. This coat lives rent free in my head. She’s stunning. The tailoring. The structure. The sheen on the leather. She’s a double-breasted, peak-lapeled coat with nipped-in waist, structured hip, padded shoulders, and flap pockets. Lined in cupro twill. Perfection. khaite.com | @khaite_ny

ARDEN ROSE | FINE JEWELRY DESIGNER | LOS ANGELES | NEW YORK Featuring the Mother of Pearl Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold, $2,580. This pendant is honestly one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry I have ever seen. From the craftsmanship to the one-of-a-kind design… I give it a 10/10. It’s a showstopper. Layer or wear solo. Change up the chains. Stack with other charms and pendants. The ways in which to wear this beauty are infinite. I personally love wearing it on a dainty 18” chain that makes the pendant the main feature. The designer and owner of Arden Rose is from Fairfield County. Support local. Support women. ardenrosejewelry.com | @ardenrosejewelry

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CLARE V. | LA-BASED HANDBAG LINE BY CLARE VIVIER Featuring Petit Moyen in Evergreen Woven Zig-Zag in Evergreen, $385, and the Chain Shoulder Strap in Brass-Thick, $125. Discover the perfect blend of luxury and functionality in every stitch. I adore the green hue and woven leather stitching. It’s a luxe value at a very consumer-friendly price point. This bag comes with two leather straps of its own, the top-handle, a tubular shoulder strap and the crossbody strap. I love wearing it with both or one of these straps, but also thinks it’s so fun to make the bag your own and add one of their other many straps... I personally love the way the brass chain strap looks, as it elevates the bag, making it dressier for evening wear. clarev.com | @shopclarev

BROCHU WALKER | ROMANCE YOUR LIFE WITH LUXE, FEMINIE PIECES YOU’LL LOVE FOREVER Featuring the Petite Fleur Pavé Diamond Mini Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold, $1,800. This evocative, and quite simply, gorgeous asymmetrical pendant is draped from a custom cable chain. The diamonds are handset in this uniquePavé Diamond design that uses varying diamond sizes. The way this pendant catches the light is mesmerizing. This necklace is dainty enough for everyday wear, and impactful enough for evenings…it’s a must for me. Get this for her. brochuwalker.com | @brochuwalker

G IF T GU ID E | SHOPPING

AND FINDS DEMELLIER | AWARD WINNING HANDBAGS. DESIGNED IN LONDON. HANDCRAFTED IN SPAIN. Featuring The Midi New York in Black CrocEffect, $625. The modern, yet timeless silhouette and subtle luxury finish makes it the perfect day bag. The interior can be safely closed off with a central internal magnet. The comfortable tubular handles sit nicely in the crook of your elbow or can be held by hand. The base is constructed with triangular folds on each side and enhanced with metal feet. This bag is the perfect size to carry all essentials. Bonus – you are able to add monogramming and a gift message for free. Do good this holiday season while shopping – for every bag sold, DeMellier funds lifesaving vaccines for a child in need. demellierlondon.com | @demellierlondon

LAGOS | BOLD FEMININITY & CLASSIC DESIGN Featuring the SIGNATURE CAVIAR 18K Gold Oval Link Bracelet, $2,300, layered with the CAVIAR LUX Double X Caviar Diamond Bracelet | 6mm, $1,000. LAGOS jewelry pushes the barrier on classic designs, with well-crafted, innovative pieces that will elevate any look you have on, casual or evening. I love how this bracelet is a breath of fresh air. The varying textures and sizes of the links in this LAGOS bracelet are not only intriguing, but interesting to look at. Add texture and art to your wrist. LAGOS pieces feature precious metals and the highest quality natural diamonds. lagos.com | @lagos_jewelry

To see my fashion, beauty and lifestyle selects on the daily, be sure to head to styleelyst.com and follow me on social @styleelyst Psst. keep your eyes peeled for The Style List in the 2024 issues of both Greenwich and Darien Lifestyle Magazines.

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Embracing the Holiday Spirit AN INTERVIEW WITH BRUNCH WITH BABS: DISCOVERING THE MAGIC OF FAMILY, TRADITIONS, AND COMMUNITY CHEER

ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIKKI SNYDER

Babs taste-testing

M UST SE E | HOM E + D ESIGN

Babs with daughter Liz

In this festive interview, we have the pleasure of joining Brunch with Babs, a cherished member of our local community, as she shares her profound love for the season and the cherished traditions that make the holidays truly magical. Brunch with Babs is wellknown for her warmth and dedication to the community, and she has graciously imparted her insights on how to prepare for the holidays with a touch of style and an abundance of heart. Join us as we delve into Babs' world of family, community, and the art of creating unforgettable holiday memories.

DL: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN BRUNCH WITH BABS, AND HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR NICHE OR AREA OF EXPERTISE? This is all my daughter, Elizabeth. She was pregnant with her third child during the pandemic so I was at her house helping out and she encouraged me to post a quick TikTok video. I love to cook, and as a former preschool teacher, I love teaching - so with

lots of encouragement from Liz - I agreed to ONE video of me making my grandmother's chicken and potatoes. And here we are!

DL: CAN YOU SHARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS OR MEMORIES FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD? I absolutely LOVE the holidays! For me, they are truly family and faith centered. I have one older sister but a boat-load of cousins and as kids, we would all gather for the holidays. Christmas Eve's Feast of the 7 Fishes was my favorite, and believe me, there were definitely more than 7 fishes! My mother would start her baking right after Thanksgiving. She'd make all these tins with all of our favorite holiday cookies that we only got to have that one time of year. I'm Catholic, and we celebrated the Feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6th. My sister and I would put out our shoes and get fruit and small gifts. I'm so nostalgic this time of year!

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DL: HOW DO YOU PERSONALLY PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON? ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL RITUALS OR PREPARATIONS YOU DO? I make as much as I can ahead of time, I really do. I start my baking a few weeks before Christmas. For years, my husband, Bill and I have put a wreath in every window with a candle in the center. The house looks like a Thomas Kinkade painting. I put my everyday dishes away and take out my holiday china and stemware and we use it for the whole season instead of just on the particular holidays days. It keeps things so happy and festive and then I put them away again on January 6th.

DL: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPES OR FOODS THAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO EACH YEAR? Celebrate with Babs Babs with husband Bill

For many years, our Christmas morning tradition has been to make my overnight breakfast casserole and monkey bread. You can make them the night before and pop them in the oven while you're opening gifts. It fills the whole house with this amazing comforting scent! I've passed those recipes on to my kids and my grandkids, and you too! Forgive the plug, but, I have all my favorite holiday recipes in my book, "Celebrate with Babs"! I also love Biscotti Di Natale, Peppermint Bark, Prime Rib and Homemade Manicotti (that's our traditional Christmas dinner). Those are all in the book too!

DL: CAN YOU SUGGEST GIFT IDEAS FOR DIFFERENT MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY, OR PERHAPS SOME PERSONALIZED, THOUGHTFUL GIFT SUGGESTIONS? WE LOVE TO SUPPORT LOCAL AS MUCH AS WE CAN FOR THIS SECTION! Actually, I love giving gift certificates for spa treatments or manicures. The ladies on my list always love that. Last year, I took my family to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City, that was so fun. I truly like to give gifts that involve activities or making memories together.

Babs cooking

DL: HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON, ESPECIALLY AS AN INFLUENCER? My faith is my anchor. So even though my life is busier than ever, I cherish my quiet time in the mornings for contemplation or prayer. Then, I TRY to get things done ahead of time! I'm not always successful, but with all the cooking I do, the freezer is my friend!

DL: ARE THERE ANY CHARITABLE OR LOCAL COMMUNITY INITIATIVES THAT YOU'RE INVOLVED IN DURING THE HOLIDAYS? HOW CAN OUR READERS GET INVOLVED OR GIVE BACK DURING THIS SEASON? I take the adage, "It is better to give than receive" to heart. It's true now more than ever. Our family is involved with charities all year long. In particular, the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation which raises money for research to fight DIPG,

M UST SE E | HOM E + D ESIGN

a deadly form of pediatric brain cancer. Locally, we support The Scotty Fund which raises money to offer financial and family support to children with life-threatening illnesses as well as their families. And during the holiday season, we give to Toys for Tots.

DL: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR READERS WHO MAY BE LOOKING TO CREATE A MEMORABLE AND MEANINGFUL HOLIDAY SEASON FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR LOVED ONES? My best advice is, take care of yourself first. If you're burned out before the holidays, you've defeated the purpose. The idea is to spend time enjoying your family and friends and creating memories. No holiday is going to be picture perfect. There's no reason everything needs to be homemade. If someone offers to help, say YES! Delegate, delegate, delegate. Assign people dishes to bring, get your family involved. People aren't spending time together to inspect how perfectly pressed your napkins are, so concentrate on creating moments that are more casual and less pressure for you. What about a hot cocoa bar that everyone

can enjoy? In my family, we hand out sheet music and sing carols around the tree. It sounds corny, but we always laugh!

DL: CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY HOLIDAY-RELATED BOOKS, MOVIES, OR MUSIC THAT YOU ENJOY AND THINK OUR READERS WOULD APPRECIATE? It's A Wonderful Life is my absolute all-time favorite Christmas movie. When they were growing up, my children couldn't get enough of A Christmas Story and would watch that on a loop. I have a ton of music, Mannheim Steamroller is a favorite. I think those instrumentals are beautiful. When my kids were small I would read them, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. I also love The Gift of the Magi, the short story by O. Henry. If you haven't read that, you absolutely must. It's just wonderful, the meaning of Christmas in one beautiful story. We encourage you to continue following Babs' journey on social media, and may your own holiday season be filled with love, peace, and unforgettable moments shared with your loved ones. Happy Holidays!

Babs with grandkids

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

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Cheese Lovers, Unite G R A Z E & C O. I S B R I N G I N G S O M E T H I N G N E W A N D D E L I C I O U S T O T H E TA B L E

Graze & Co. is a cheese and charcuterie catering business that creates edible works of art for weddings, corporate events and private parties of all sizes. Spearheaded by Haley Keane, grazing tables, cheese and charcuterie boards, individual boxes and more offer customers a variety of ways to, "eat more art."

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Abby Cole Photography

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

Abby Cole Photography

charcuterie catering

In January of 2019, Haley started Connecticut’s first standalone cheese and charcuterie board business in an effort to "bring something new to the catering scene." The ethos of Graze & Co. is to bring people together in an effortless way over edible art, Haley explains. "This is so important to me as an artist," she states. "My parents, who are both artists, raised me to prioritize creative expression and to examine how that can bring people together." The largest part of her business right now is wedding catering, where the team offers bespoke grazing tables for cocktail hours or even as a full dinner. "It is such a fun and interactive way to welcome your guests and have a real, show-stopping centerpiece," Haley says. The Graze & Co. team obtains many of its products locally, staying true to their ethical ethos of composting food scraps with local farms, using CONTINUED >

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

Jaci Berkopec Photography

reusable and/or biodegradable products. They work with local purveyors "whenever possible" including Wonderland Jam, Qui Charcuterie and Red Bee Honey, also sourcing top quality products from all over the country and internationally to bring their curated selection of meats and cheeses to beloved clients. Some of their favorite cheeses at the moment are from Capriole Goat Cheese, Cowgirl Creamery and Arethusa Farm & Dairy. In addition to creating unique cheese boards and wedding catering, the thoughtful business also offers workshops for large and small groups who are interested in designing grazing boards or learning more about cheese pairing. "Attendees can expect to learn from our board designers about how we select ingredients— including fun accoutrements like cloudberries,

Jaci Berkopec Photography

kiwi berries or sweets drop peppers—how to assemble the board in an artful way, and tricks of the trade they can use when making their own boards," Haley explains. The team also offers special pairing classes taught by their in-house cheesemonger that will be a "more specialized experience" concerning cheese and meats which can be personalized based on whether the class is taught in partnership with a winery, brewery, kombucha brewery or other. "Workshops can be so much fun to host as a work retreat, bridal or baby shower, birthday party or a fun and interactive holiday party," Haley notes. I'm getting excited (and hungry) just thinking about it. WEBSITE: grazeandco.com INSTAGRAM: @grazeandcoct

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 38

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

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

Scan Code to

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

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

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

DECEMBER 3 R D

Holiday Pops! - Norwalk Symphony Orchestra

NORWALK CONCERT HALL | 3:00 PM The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops concert is a beloved family favorite, encompassing a delightful variety of musical treasures. From captivating Baroque compositions to beloved seasonal classics, energetic Nutcracker dances, joyous Hanukkah songs, heartwarming carols, and the majestic Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah, this concert truly has something for everyone to enjoy.

TOP 5 Producing Agent @ Team AFA

DECEMBER 8TH

Gifting for Good

Voted #1 Team in New England by Wall Street Journal

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

G R AC E FA R MS , NE W CA N A A N C T | 3:30 P M With music, tea, and engaging crafts that embody the joyful spirit of the season, assemble care packages and write cards in support of Grace Farms Foundation's local community partners! Please note, there are two seatings: 3:30 and 6 pm. DECEMBER 9 TH

Old Fashioned Holiday

SOLD OFF MARKET 9 Mollly Lane $2,550,000

SOLD 2658 Boston Post Road $2,075,000

Team AFA @ William Raveis | 975 Boston Post Road | Darien CT 42

EVE N TS

T I L L E Y P O ND PA R K | 4 : 00 P M Step into a winter wonderland of family-friendly fun! The Darien Parks & Recreation Department invites you to Old Fashioned Holiday, which features old fashioned treats, crafts, fresh popped popcorn, carolers and more for families to enjoy! Have an unforgettable day of old fashioned merriment and create cherished memories with your loved ones.

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As a Board Certified plastic surgeon in practice for over 30 years in London and New York City, two of the most glamourous cities in the world, Dr Kirwan has lent his expertise to some of the most discerning patients in the world. He is now pleased to offer his highly sought-after skills exclusively from his brand new, state of the art luxury boutique practice in Norwalk. From the most complex surgical procedures to the area’s largest array of noninvasive devices, Dr Kirwan and his staff can address any cosmetic concern you may have. L AU REN CE KI RWAN , M D, FRC S , FAC S

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