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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Moments We Carry Forward There is something about the start of the holiday season in Darien and New Canaan that feels equal parts magical and mildly chaotic. The calendars fill, the tables get longer, the outfits become more festive and suddenly everyone is trying to create meaningful moments while also remembering where they put the good serving platter. This issue celebrates all of it: the people, traditions, humor and thoughtful details that make a season and a life feel memorable. Our cover story features Walker Ward, whose wildly specific characters including Greenwich Dad, Palm Beach Dad and Nantucket Chad have made him a favorite among anyone capable of laughing at the wonderfully absurd parts of affluent life. Walker understands this world from the inside. His comedy is observant rather than cruel, and I suspect many readers will recognize a husband, neighbor, friend or perhaps themselves. This issue also brings a particularly meaningful full-circle moment for me. Years before I became the publisher of this magazine, I found my wedding dress at A Little Something White. Now, I have the privilege of sharing founder Ashley Krauss’s story. For fourteen years, Ashley has built far more than a bridal boutique in Darien. She has created an experience rooted in care, confidence and the belief that every customer deserves to feel seen and celebrated. Having experienced that care myself makes introducing her story especially personal. Of course, no holiday issue would be complete without practical inspiration. Our stylist Tanya Meyers and columnist Leslie Kumar have joined forces to create a holiday party playbook filled with ideas for what to wear, how to host and how to enjoy the celebration once guests arrive. You’ll also find a Thanksgiving salad worthy of a place beside the classics, along with more seasonal ideas for gathering, gifting and making home feel inviting. What connects these stories is that details matter but people matter more. The best table is surrounded by people we love, the best dress helps us recognize ourselves, and the best memories are rarely the perfectly planned ones. Wishing you a joyful start to the season. With gratitude,

November 2026 PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Andrea Alderson | andrea.alderson@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Leslie Kumar, Tanya Meyers, Isabel Smith Nutrition C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

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Departments

He Knows Exactly Who You Are Walker Ward turned affluent America’s most recognizable characters into comedy and found himself a new career

THE HOLIDAY PARTY PLAYBOOK What to Wear, What to Say & How to Show Up

More Than the Dress

Ashley Krauss built A Little Something White around care, confidence and connection

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ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA

HE KNOWS EXACTLY WHO YOU ARE WALKER WARD TURNED AFFLUENT AMERICA’S MOST RECOGNIZABLE CHARACTERS INTO COMEDY AND FOUND HIMSELF A NEW CAREER If Walker Ward has ever made you feel personally attacked, congratulations: you are probably exactly his audience. Maybe you recognized your husband in Greenwich Dad, dressed head-to-toe in Peter Millar before loading Sconset and Madaket into the Rivian for chocolate croissants no one will eat because everyone is “on the shot.” Perhaps you have met Nantucket Chad, wielding Dad’s credit card with the confidence of a man who has never encountered a declined transaction. Or maybe you know the Wall Street Intern, the summer menace networking with managing directors while trying unsuccessfully to get into every venue in the Hamptons. Ward knows them, too. More importantly, he knows the details that make them devastatingly familiar. “The hyper-specificity is very important to me,” he says. “It makes it authentic, but it also adds layers to the humor.” That specificity has turned the 32-year-old actor and comedy creator into a social-media favorite, particularly in Greenwich, where his observations feel less like sketches and more like documentary footage with better timing. Yet the path from Princeton Day School to Hobart College, the “Harvard of the Finger Lakes,” as Ward jokes, to a growing entertainment career took an unexpected detour through Wall Street. Ward studied English and Spanish and minored in theater at Hobart, where he returned to performing after being cut from the hockey team. “I like to say that I was Troy Bolton with a 35 BMI,” he says. “A pudgy Troy from High School Musical.”

B ACK STAGE | ENTERTAI N ME N T

After college, he coached hockey, worked at a winery and tried commercial real estate. Then a father whose children he had babysat offered him an opportunity to interview for a junior sales position at a Wall Street firm. Ward landed the job and spent five years in sales and account management: calling clients, sharing research and, as he puts it, “pummeling the corporate card at a local haunt.” He enjoyed his colleagues and the life the job afforded him, but he never considered finance his calling. Then, in July 2023, he was abruptly fired. Overnight, the familiar structure disappeared. Ward initially considered finding another position in the same industry. Instead, former coworkers and his girlfriend encouraged him to pursue what he had discussed for years: acting, performing and making people laugh. “You’re 29, you’re not married, no kids that you’re aware of,” Ward recalls them telling him. “You have the flexibility to do it.” So he began posting sketches. At first, the response was modest. Then Ward stopped searching for a premise and started using what he knew. The Wall Street Intern arrived, accumulating roughly 15,000 followers in about a month because viewers had either been him, encountered him or actively avoided him. When

summer ended and the intern had to “go back to college,” Ward needed another character. Palm Beach Dad followed, then Nantucket Chad and the ever-expanding universe of country-club boards, affluent parents and finance-adjacent offspring. These characters are composites, but Ward is clear that he is not throwing stones from outside the gates. “I am Chad,” he says. He grew up attending private school, spending summers on Nantucket and inhabiting a world of Sperrys, khakis, backwards hats and freshly waxed Barbour jackets. “I was him in some ways.” That proximity gives Ward’s comedy its precision and its affection. He is not arguing that wealth, a Nantucket house or a Greenwich address makes someone insufferable. His target is the small but highly visible population that turns privilege into a personality and forgets how ridiculous it can sound. Consider the Palm Beach dad who attempted to FedEx his Ozempic to a Southampton rental during the U.S. Open at Shinnecock. When the shipment was diverted, he panicked that a week of hot dogs would undo his progress before his doctor could “run the numbers.” Ward calls it “Vitamin O.” The story practically writes itself. CONTINUED >

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The best response, however, often comes from people who recognize themselves and laugh. Ward has performed at a 75-woman mahjong birthday luncheon at Round Hill, hosted an event for approximately 200 Greenwich Academy parents and fielded countless introductions to real-life Chads and Greenwich dads. His local audience does not merely tolerate the joke; it enthusiastically supplies new material. “So many people who I’ve met who live this life are aware of how sometimes ridiculous it is,” he says. “They love to laugh at it, too, or to laugh at themselves.” That relationship with the audience is part of the appeal. Ward is not simply broadcasting jokes at a community; he is creating a conversation with it. Followers send observations, invite him into the rooms he parodies and nominate relatives for characters. When he enters those rooms, the reaction feels personal because viewers have watched him articulate details from their own lives. They do not meet a celebrity. They meet the man who somehow knows the dog’s name, the lunch order, the vacation calendar and the sentence that will derail a country-club board meeting.

For businesses, that recognition creates a bridge between entertainment and engagement. A partnership works when it participates in the joke without flattening it into an advertisement. Ward’s collaboration with J.McLaughlin developed that way: first an event, then a holiday party, then content, and eventually a collection built around the Chad mythology. There is a line Ward will not cross. The comedy may be sharp, but it is not permission to be cruel. He recalls watching two couples at Palm Beach’s Brazilian Court ignore and mistreat the restaurant staff, behavior that reinforced the difference between playfully lampooning champagne problems and excusing entitlement. “It’s fine to dress like a crazy person,” he says, “but just operate with a certain level of decency.” Behind each effortless-looking video is a decidedly less effortless process. Ward writes, performs, films and edits his own comedy because timing can change everything. A professor at the New York Film Academy once told him a movie is made three times: when it is written, filmed and edited. Give

B ACK STAGE | ENTERTAI N ME N T

identical footage to 100 editors, Ward says, and they will create 100 different versions. Consistency matters, too. “Building a social-media presence is like going to the gym,” he says. “You have to be consistent with it, otherwise you won’t see results.” But he has also learned not to chase every viral high. Instagram will always demand another post; sustainable creativity requires knowing when to step away. Ward now has a manager, Francesco, and representation from WME where, fittingly, his agent is a Greenwich dad who discovered him through his Greenwich Dad content. Brand relationships are growing alongside his entertainment ambitions. His first clothing collaboration with J.McLaughlin brings the Chad universe into three dimensions: pants covered in Dad’s credit cards, watches and private planes; Stubbs & Wootton shoes featuring a martini on one foot and a transfusion on the other; and “birdbath” martini quarter-zips. The partnership reflects a larger evolution. Ward is auditioning for television and film while exploring how his characters can live beyond a phone screen. Still, the essential formula remains unchanged: observe closely, create consistently and make the detail specific enough that someone sends the video to a group chat with, “This is literally you.” In Greenwich, that group chat is going to be busy.

RAPID FIRE WITH WALKER WARD • • • • • • • • • •

Most intimidating: Greenwich mom. More material: Palm Beach in January. Vest or quarter-zip: QZ. Rivian or Range Rover: Range Rover. Country-club order: junior club, fries and Arnold Palmer. Fashion offense: distressed denim. Male tell: shoes. Female tell: her plastic surgeon. Old-money signal: a non-standing golf bag. Try-hard signal: gaudy timepiece.

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W h at to Wear, W h at to Say & How to Sh ow Up

THE HOLIDAY PARTY PLAYBOOK ARTICLE BY TANYA MEYERS & LESLIE KUMAR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANTE PIERRE The holidays are here - our favorite party season! With all that fun can come a lot of questions. The holiday party invitation arrives, and suddenly we’re getting asked: What should I wear? What do I bring? How long should I stay? What do I say to someone I’ve never met? And what exactly is the right thing to do when the invitation leaves a few details up in the air? These are the kinds of questions we hear all the time, from friends, readers, clients and the like. So, with the holiday season approaching, we decided to put together a little playbook based on the questions that come up most often, combining our two perspectives.

M UST SE E | S HO P P I NG

We believe that showing up well starts with how you present yourself, and what you wear is an important part of that. The right outfit can set the tone, but how you carry yourself matters just as much. It’s knowing how to navigate the room, make people feel comfortable, be a gracious guest and, most importantly, enjoy yourself. Consider this your guide to what to wear, what to say and how to show up all season long. START WITH THE INVITATION Leslie: Before you even think about the outfit, read the invitation. The dress code is your starting point. “Festive,” “cocktail,” “black tie” and “casual” all call for something different. And if you aren't sure what the dress code actually means, ask! There is absolutely no shame in sending the host a quick text to clarify. It is much better than arriving and realizing you are overdressed or underdressed. One of my biggest rules when it comes to invitations: don't make assumptions. If it doesn't say “and guest,” don't bring one. If children aren't mentioned, don't assume they're included. When in doubt, ask the host rather than putting them in an uncomfortable position at the door. Tanya: Before you even think about the outfit, start with the invitation. The dress code is your first clue: “festive,” “cocktail,” “black tie” and “casual” all call for something different. From there, think about where you’re going, who will be there and what you’ll actually be doing. A holiday dinner at someone’s home is very different from an office party or a formal event. If the dress code feels vague, let the venue and time of day guide you, and when in doubt, like Leslie mentioned, don’t be afraid to ask the host. Once you understand the setting, you can make the look your own. Holiday dressing can be red, green and sparkly, but it doesn’t have to be. Black, chocolate brown, winter white, burgundy, navy or even denim can feel just as festive with the right texture, accessories or styling. The goal is to feel appropriate for the occasion without losing your personal style. DRESS TO FEEL GOOD Tanya: The best outfit is one that makes you feel good the minute you put it on. That might be a great pair of trousers with a silk blouse and statement earrings, a simple black dress with a beautiful blazer, or dark

denim with a festive top and a great heel. If you love skirts, try a metallic or satin midi with a fitted knit. Before buying something new, shop your closet first and look at what you already own in a different way. Sometimes accessories can do most of the work, a metallic bag, velvet shoe, great belt or bold necklace can take something you already have from everyday to holiday. Comfort matters too, especially when you’re standing, eating and socializing for hours. Think about the whole night: Can you sit comfortably? Walk in the shoes? Will you be too hot or cold? Try on the entire look beforehand, including your shoes, undergarments and outer layer, so there are no surprises when you’re getting ready. Choose pieces that fit well, let you move comfortably and still feel like you. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows. Leslie: This is an etiquette issue too! If you're uncomfortable, you won't be fully present. And being present is one of the greatest gifts you can give your host. So yes, wear the fabulous pencil skirt. Put on the earrings you've been saving. But make sure you can actually move, eat, sit and enjoy yourself. THE HOSTESS GIFT Leslie: If you're heading to someone's home, I always suggest bringing a little something for the host. A candle, flowers, wine, specialty food or another thoughtful gift is always a nice gesture. The key is to remember that a hostess gift is a gift. Don't expect the host to open the wine immediately or put your flowers on the table. They're busy making sure everyone else has a drink. And if you're bringing flowers, even better if they're already arranged in a vase. Anything you can do to make your host's life easier is always appreciated. Here are some of my favorite hostess gifts for the holiday season: Frasier Fir candles paired with fancy long match sticks, festive cocktail napkins, a box of elegant chocolates, and a bottle of your host's favorite beverage of choice. Tanya: I think a hostess gift is a nice opportunity to be thoughtful without overthinking it. It doesn’t have to be expensive; something personal, or simply something you know the host will enjoy, goes a long way. I usually gravitate toward a special bottle, something they might not necessarily buy for themselves or that would be a nice addition to what they already have. It feels thoughtful, easy and doesn’t create extra work for the host. CONTINUED >

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THE ART OF THE CONVERSATION Tanya: Fashion can be a great conversation starter, especially during the holidays. A genuine compliment on someone’s shoes, jewelry, coat or the way they styled something can instantly make a conversation feel more natural. If you’re curious, ask where a piece is from, if it’s vintage or if there’s a story behind it. And when giving a compliment, focus on the choice: “I love how you styled that” or “Those earrings are amazing” always works. Style is personal, and the best fashion conversations are the ones that make someone feel noticed, not scrutinized. Leslie: This is where people can tend to overthink things. You don’t need to walk into a holiday party ready with a list of conversation starters. Start simple. “How do you know the host?” is a universal opener. You can also ask about someone's holiday plans or what they've been up to lately. And then listen. Really listen. A great conversationalist makes the other person feel interesting. Pay attention to the little things they say that spark a connection, and pick up on those threads. Before you know it, the conversation will flow naturally from there. Ask questions, follow up and put your phone away. And if you have an Apple Watch, consider leaving it at home. Checking it every time it buzzes or vibrates can make you appear distracted, uninterested and a little rude. THE PLUS-ONE Leslie: If your invitation doesn't include a guest, don't assume you can bring one. If you want to

M UST SE E | S HO P P I NG

clarify, a simple, “I wanted to check whether the invitation includes a guest” is appropriate. And if you are bringing someone, give them some context before you arrive. Tell them who the host is, what the occasion is and who they might know. Walking into a room full of strangers is more comfortable when you have a little information. Tanya: If you’re bringing a plus-one, make sure you’re both on the same page about the dress code before you leave the house. You don’t need to match (unless you want to), but your looks should feel like they belong at the same event. If one person is in cocktail attire and the other looks ready for a casual dinner, it can feel a little off. I like the idea of coordinating rather than matching, think of a similar level of formality, complementary colors or simply making sure the overall vibe works together. You should each still look like yourselves, just like you planned to arrive together. FROM ONE EVENT TO THE NEXT Tanya: During the holidays, it’s common to have more than one event in a day, or to go straight from work to a holiday party, and you don’t always have time for a full change. The trick is to think about the second event when you’re getting dressed for the first. Instead of packing another outfit, bring a few pieces that can change the mood of what you’re already wearing. Swap your work tote for a smaller evening bag, change your shoes, remove a daytime layer, add a belt or statement jewelry, and freshen up your makeup with a bolder lip if you want. You can even change how you wear something; unbutton a blouse a little, roll a sleeve or take off the jacket you wore to work.

A few small changes can make the same look feel completely different without starting over. WHEN IT'S TIME TO GO Leslie: One of the hardest questions of party etiquette is knowing when to leave. For a cocktail party, an hour or two can be perfectly appropriate. For a dinner party, stay through the meal unless you have a legitimate reason to leave early. And don't disappear without saying goodbye to your host. You don't need to make a grand announcement, but find them, thank them and let them know you enjoyed yourself. IF YOU'RE THE HOST Leslie: If you're hosting, remember that your guests aren't coming to inspect your house. They're coming to see you. You don't need a perfect home 1or an extravagant menu. Make people feel welcome. Put the music on, light the candles, set the mood. And, most importantly, get out of the kitchen and enjoy your own party! Your guests may not remember every detail of the evening, but they will remember how you made them feel. Tanya: If you’re the host, remember that you set the tone. What you wear helps establish the mood of the evening, whether you’re having a relaxed dinner with friends or a more dressed-up holiday party. This is also the perfect opportunity to wear something special you’ve been saving; a beautiful dress, a favorite statement piece or something that simply makes the night feel like an occasion. At the same time, think about what hosting actually involves. You’ll be greeting guests, moving around, serving, sitting and probably making a few trips back to the kitchen, so choose something you can feel good in for the entire evening. You want to look festive and feel special, but not be distracted by your outfit. Most importantly, wear something that lets you relax and enjoy the party too. SETTING THE STAGE Tanya: I think of setting a table the same way I think about putting together an outfit. Start with a good base, then layer in the pieces that give it personality. That could be beautiful linens, interesting glassware, candles, flowers or a mix of pieces you already own. It doesn’t all have to match, in fact, I usually prefer when it doesn’t. Repeating a color, texture or material a few times is enough to make everything feel

pulled together. And just like with fashion, choose one or two things to make the statement rather than having everything compete for attention. The goal is for the table and the room to feel special, but still relaxed enough that people want to sit down, stay awhile and enjoy themselves. Leslie: And once you've made the table beautiful, there's one more detail that can make a big difference: where everyone sits. One of the easiest ways to take the guesswork out of the seating arrangement is to use place cards. I think they can be one of the most thoughtful touches at a dinner party. As the host, you know your guests. Maybe you have a feeling that two people who have never met actually have a lot in common. Maybe they work in similar fields, share an interest or simply have personalities you think would click. Give them the opportunity to discover that connection by thoughtfully placing them next to each other. And don't be afraid to mix things up! Couples don't always need to sit together, and your bestie doesn't need to be seated next to you. Part of being a host is creating an environment where your guests can meet someone new, discover a shared connection and leave the table knowing someone they didn't know when they arrived. OUR GOLDEN RULE Leslie: Good party etiquette comes down to consideration. Think about the host and the other guests. Introduce yourself to someone new. If you spot someone standing alone by the cheese board, bring them into your conversation. We've all been that person... and we all remember who rescued us. A thoughtful introduction helps too. "This is Sarah, she just got back from Bermuda" gives two people something to talk about. And before you leave, find the host and say thank you. Tanya: My golden rule for holiday dressing is simple: dress for the occasion, but still look like yourself. Being the best dressed person in the room doesn’t mean wearing the loudest outfit or the latest trend. It’s usually about getting the details right: a great fit, one strong piece, the right accessories and looking polished without looking overdone. Choose something that feels special but still feels natural on you. When you look comfortable, confident and like you didn’t try too hard, that’s usually what people notice most. We hope this playbook makes the holiday season feel a little easier, a little more stylish and a lot more fun!

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THE DRESS

MORE THAN

A S H L E Y K R A U S S B U I LT A L I T T L E S O M E T H I N G W H I T E AROUND CARE, CONFIDENCE AND CONNECTION

ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOK ROAD PHOTOGRAPHY

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Valentini Spose

ASHLEY’S ADVICE DO NOT LET FEAR OF MISSING OUT STEAL THE JOY IN FRONT OF YOU. WHEN A GOWN FEELS AUTHENTICALLY YOURS, TRUST YOURSELF AND CHOOSE IT.

Kelly Faetanini

Years before I became the publisher of this magazine, I walked into A Little Something White searching for my wedding dress. I left with more than a gown. I left remembering how the experience made me feel: understood, celebrated and certain I had found the one. That is why featuring founder Ashley Krauss feels especially meaningful. Years later, the care behind that moment remains exactly what she set out to create. Krauss left a finance career to open the Darien bridal boutique in 2012. At the time, she was a new mother reconsidering what she needed from her work. If she was going to give a career the same energy she brought to everything else, it needed to make her heart happy. Her leap was bold, but not impulsive. Krauss spent months researching Fairfield County’s bridal market and building five years of financial projections. Knowing she could navigate success or struggle gave her confidence to proceed. CONTINUED >

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Martina Liana

QUICKFIRE WITH ASHLEY: MORNING RITUAL: COFFEE AND EMAILS. ALWAYS HOT. FAVORITE TREND: DROP WAISTS AND NECK SCARVES. UNDERRATED DETAIL: THE BRIDAL SEAMSTRESS. ALSW IN TWO WORDS: BRIDAL HEAVEN. Her original belief was simple: financial success would follow exceptional customer care. Fourteen years later, that principle still guides every decision. “A Little Something White is a people business that happens to sell beautiful clothing,” she says. “The gown may be what first brings someone through our doors, but caring for her is the reason we are here.” That care begins before an appointment. The team speaks with each bride by phone, learning what she wants before outside opinions enter the conversation. During the appointment, stylists adapt to the woman in front of them. Some brides want exuberant celebration; others need a quiet atmosphere. The goal is never to manufacture a television moment. Not every bride cries when she finds her dress. Certainty might look like an enormous smile, a shift in posture or simply not wanting to take the gown off. Krauss reminds brides there is no correct reaction—only the moment they recognize themselves. “Beauty can be validated by other people; confidence does not require their permission,” she says.

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Her standard for service is personal: treat every bride as she would treat her own sister. Because gowns are ordered months ahead, the relationship continues long after the champagne toast. When challenges arise, Krauss asks how she would want someone she loves to be treated. The answer may require effort or an honest conversation, but it always begins with care. The boutique has expanded beyond bridal gowns to dress mothers. Still, Krauss’s greatest pride remains the team whose warmth brings the experience to life. Darien has been essential to that growth. Krauss credits the town’s customers, thoughtful retail community and the late Penny Glassmeyer, who believed in her vision from the beginning. Now, Krauss is approaching another full-circle chapter. Friends who witnessed the sacrifices behind the business will soon arrive with children celebrating engagements of their own. After helping thousands of families mark life’s milestones, she will welcome the next generation. And perhaps, years later, another bride will remember not only what she wore, but how Ashley and her team made her feel.

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ARTICLE BY MEGAN SCHINELLA

Local Experiences T H E B E S T P L AC E S A N D T H I N G S TO D O I N O U R A R E A .

1. Person to Person: Help local families celebrate the holidays by donating new toys, books, games and gifts for children ages 0–15. P2P also accepts food, clothing, baby supplies and other essentials year-round. Darien, Norwalk & Stamford, CT 2. Operation Hope: Support local families experiencing food insecurity and homelessness through food donations, holiday giving and volunteer opportunities. Operation Hope’s annual Hope for the Holidays program takes place in December. Fairfield, CT. 3. Al’s Angels: Al’s Angels brings holiday joy to children and families in need through toy drives and other seasonal initiatives. It’s also a great option for organizing a school, neighborhood, workplace or team drive. Fairfield County, CT. 4. The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County: Help provide nutritious food to nonprofit organizations serving food-insecure residents throughout lower Fairfield County, including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford and Wilton. Stamford, CT. 5. Homes with Hope: Support neighbors facing food and housing insecurity through donations, food drives and volunteer opportunities. Their pantry and community kitchen provide an especially tangible way to help families locally. Westport, CT. Because giving back isn’t just a holiday tradition, it’s a way to take care of the community we call home.

Megan Schinella Being thankful for what we have, and giving back to those in need is important all-year round, and particularly during the holidays. We love our community and want to support our people and organizations in as many ways as we can, so join us in paying it forward with these local opportunities.

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ARTICLE BY LESLIE KUMAR

ASK LESLIE

Your Guide to Life's Dilemmas

When was the last time you had a new experience? I’ve been thinking about this lately as I watch my two daughters grow up. I have the awesome privilege of watching them try new things all the time. They’re constantly discovering, experimenting, learning and, yes, occasionally failing big time. But they keep trying. As adults, I think we get a little too comfortable with what we know. We have our routines, our restaurants, our friends, our opinions and our ways of doing things, making “life” a very convenient excuse for not trying something new. But maybe life should be the reason we do. My family and I recently visited old friends who had just bought a country home in Salisbury, Connecticut. They live in Manhattan, and their new place is their quiet escape: a charming house, a lake, mountains, a real general store in town and plenty of roads and sidewalks to explore on foot or by bike. It was a completely different pace from our everyday life, and I loved being reminded how refreshing it can be to step outside your usual routine. It got me thinking that sometimes, getting out of our routine is simply about being willing to look at things a little differently. That’s what I found myself thinking about as I read this month’s questions. One reader is trying to figure out how to gracefully navigate being uninvited to a wedding and then, unexpectedly, invited again (wait. what?). Another is

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trying to figure out the rules of tipping, at a time when every screen seems to be prompting us to decide what percentage to give. So, how do we navigate those moments when the “rules” aren’t quite so clear? My answer? With a little confidence, a little generosity and, as required, a little humor. I’ve been best friends with two women since middle school. We lost touch for a while after I moved away, but over the past 10 years, the three of us have become very close again. I know their families, have been to countless family celebrations, and have always considered them some of my closest friends. One of their daughters recently got engaged, and I was invited to the engagement party and helped with the bridal shower. So, naturally, I assumed I would be invited to the wedding too. Then, my friend told me that she felt terrible, but they had too many people and she couldn’t invite me to the wedding. I was completely caught off guard. I was pretty hurt, especially because this is a large wedding and I know many of the people attending. Then, unexpectedly, I was invited to the wedding. Now I’m not sure how to feel. Of course I’m happy to be included, but I can’t pretend the whole situation didn’t sting. Do I just show up, celebrate my friend and let it go? Or is there something I should say to her about how the whole thing made me feel? What’s the gracious way to handle essentially being uninvited… and then reinvited? Dear Uninvited, Wow. Just when you think you’ve heard it all. This is certainly an unusual situation. Given that this was a large wedding, it’s hard to use the excuse that they were trying to keep the guest list intimate. And even if that were the case, it sounds like you two are close enough that you would have made the cut. I have a feeling there’s more to this story than you know, and given how close you are, I think it’s perfectly fair to get an explanation. If you feel comfortable, I’d go directly to your friend and simply ask her about it. It doesn’t have to be a heavy conversation, you can even approach it casually or with a little humor if that makes it easier to get your feelings out. And whatever you do, don’t go through mutual friends. Things can get filtered, misinterpreted and distorted like a bad game of telephone.

And now that you’ve been reinvited, go to the wedding! Enjoy yourself, celebrate the happy couple and have a wonderful time. Don’t let this awkward situation overshadow what should be a beautiful day. You can address your feelings with your friend separately. I’m sorry this happened to you. But go into the conversation giving your friend the benefit of the doubt. Take the high road. That will always be my advice. How do I know when and how much to tip? It feels like every checkout screen is asking for a tip these days, and I’m always tempted to be generous because I’m afraid of being judged by the person behind the counter, the server, or the delivery driver. Am I overthinking it? Dear Tip-Toer, To tip or not to tip, and how much to tip? That is the question. Tipping has become so ubiquitous that we’re now being asked to tip for everything, and those little screen prompts can make us all second-guess ourselves. For me, what’s appropriate comes down to two things: what you’re comfortable giving and the level of service you received. Personally, I have high expectations when it comes to hospitality, and I tip accordingly. Great service deserves to be recognized, while poor service or an attitude doesn’t automatically warrant 20 percent just because the screen suggests it. Here’s my general rule of thumb. Feel free to borrow it or create your own formula: Dining out: 20 percent is my standard for a good experience, with more for truly exceptional service. Delivery: Depending on the size, distance and difficulty of the delivery, I generally tip somewhere between $10 and $30. With a tip topper if they come in, unbox and take away the cardboard. Hotel staff: I always travel prepared with $20s, $10s, $5s and $1s and tip throughout my stay as different staff members provide service. A little cash in the right hands can go a long way. And when that tip screen pops up at the coffee shop? Don’t let it bully you. You are allowed to hit “custom tip” and decide what feels appropriate based on the service you actually received. A tip is meant to be a gesture of appreciation, and the scale is sliding. Want to submit a question to Ask Leslie? DM Leslie directly on Instagram (and follow along!): @ask_leslie_official All submissions are confidential and anonymous.

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/DA RI E N N E WCA N A A N

ROA ST E D H A RV E ST SA L A D

with Squash, Beet & Apple

If there is one salad that shows up at my table all November long, it's this one. By the time the farmers' markets shift from tomatoes to squash and the kids' fall sports schedules are in full swing, I want a dish that feels like the season on a plate: roasted butternut squash and beet, crisp apple, hearty kale, and a maple-kissed vinaigrette that ties it all together. It's the salad I bring to Friendsgiving, pack for lunch after a Saturday morning at the farmers market, and serve alongside roast chicken on a busy weeknight. Nutritionally, this one earns its keep. Kale and roasted beet bring fiber, folate, and antioxidants that support detoxification and heart health, while

the butternut squash offers beta-carotene for immune support right as the weather turns. Pepitas add plant-based protein, magnesium, and a satisfying crunch, and the apple brings natural sweetness along with more gut-friendly fiber. It's a salad that's genuinely filling, not the sad-desk-lunch kind, and it holds up beautifully for meal prep, which matters when everyone with kids is juggling school pickups, sporting events, and the early stretch of holiday hosting. I like to make a big batch of the roasted vegetables on a Sunday and keep this salad going, un-dressed, in the fridge for easy lunches and sides all week.

ARTICLE BY ISABEL SMITH, MS RD CDN

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

INGREDIENTS Serves 4 as a side, 2 as a main • 1 bunch kale, stemmed, washed, and chopped small • ¾ cup butternut squash, chopped small and roasted • 1 beet, roasted, peeled, and chopped small • 1 apple, cored and chopped • ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) • Optional: ¼ cup shaved or chopped Parmesan cheese • Optional: ¼ cup dried cranberries or dehydrated cherries • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for roasting (for the kale and vegetables) • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste For the Apple Cider Maple Vinaigrette: • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Roast the vegetables. Preheat oven to 400°F. On one lined sheet pan, toss the chopped butternut squash with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. On a separate sheet pan, place the beet whole and unpeeled — do not chop it yet, since raw beet is hard to cut cleanly and can bleed color into the other vegetables (wrap it loosely in foil if you like). Roast both for 25–30 minutes, until fork-tender. Let the beet cool slightly, then peel and chop it into small pieces. 2. Massage the kale. While the vegetables roast, place the chopped kale in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes until the leaves soften and darken slightly — this makes the kale much more tender and easier to eat raw. 3. Make the vinaigrette. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. 4. Assemble the salad. To the massaged kale, add the roasted squash, roasted beet, chopped apple, and pepitas. If using, add the Parmesan and dried cranberries or cherries. 5. Dress and serve. Drizzle with the apple cider maple vinaigrette and toss well to combine. Serve immediately, or refrigerate un-dressed for up to 4 days for easy meal prep.

SERVING TIPS & SUBSTITUTIONS • Make it a full meal by adding grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or a soft-boiled egg for extra protein. • No pepitas on hand? Toasted walnuts or pecans work beautifully in their place. • For a dairy-free version, simply skip the Parmesan - the salad is plenty flavorful without it. • Roast the squash and beet in advance and store separately in the fridge for up to 4 days to make weeknight assembly quick. • For a festive holiday-table version, add a handful of pomegranate seeds along with the cranberries.

W H E R E T O S O U R C E I T L O C A L LY This is a great one to build entirely from the Darien Farmers Market and New Canaan Farmers Market while they're still running their late-fall hours, look for local kale, apples, and beets. Palmer's Market in Darien is my go-to for good olive oil, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard for the vinaigrette, and Stew Leonard's in Norwalk is an easy one-stop for pepitas, parmesan, and dried cranberries. If you'd like to pick your own apples for the salad, Ambler Farm in Wilton and Warrup's Farm in Redding are two of my favorite family outings this time of year. Isabel Smith, MS RD CDN, Founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition, and host of The Wellfuel Podcast, is a nationally recognized Integrative Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Health and Wellness Expert, as well as a Certified Level 2 Reiki Practitioner. At Isabel Smith Nutrition, Isabel and her team of dietitians work with clients of all ages and in most areas of wellness, though ISN specializes heavily in gut health, toxicity, thyroid, hormone, cancer, autoimmune, and allergy. Isabel and her team help guide their clients towards true health and healing through helping clients identify and treat the root cause of their dis-ease. Isabel's expert opinion is often featured in print and online and can be found in Elle, Mind Body Green, Readers Digest, Women's Health/Men's Health and others. Isabel is also an advisor, consultant and brand ambassador for various companies she loves, as well as an Angel Investor in the Consumer Packaged Goods space. In her spare time, Isabel can be found in nature, creating new recipes, painting and/or hanging with her two Yorkshire Terriers Henry and Moose, and her husband Paul.

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/DA RI E N N E WCA N A A N

C I T Y L I FEST Y L E G I V ES BAC K

GIVING TOGETHER A Community That Shows Up

Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of families in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign and our non-profit arm, Kingdom Building Foundation. But none of it would be possible without you. We can only help the people we know about, and

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

that’s where our readers come in. If you know someone quietly struggling, whether it’s a single parent, a senior citizen, or a family facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Nominations are what make this whole campaign possible.

We provided a chair lift for a teenager paralyzed in a gymnastics accident so she could move freely through her own home again. We helped a child who lost an eye to cancer get the prosthetic because insurance wouldn’t cover it. We covered dental work for a man who needed his smile back just to walk into a job interview. We got heat turned back on for a family who had spent part of the winter without it. We helped a family keep up with bills while a husband and father fought pancreatic cancer, and we helped another family cover medical expenses after the unimaginable loss of a child. These are just a few examples of some of the hundreds of individuals that have been helped through nominations from readers like you. None of it happens without someone noticing first and speaking up. "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 the holiday season. "This is about community," Matthew says. "We believe we've been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing." Often, the person making the nomination gets just as much out of the experience as the recipient. There's something powerful about being part of the reason someone else's burden got lighter, especially when that need might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The campaign is completely confidential. No names are ever shared or publicized, and nominating someone is as simple as telling us their story. We are looking for those in our communities who fall between the cracks of getting help, and together as a community, we can meet those needs.

Nominations open November 1st and close December 3rd. To nominate someone in your community, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and find the form in our bio, or visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org.

This season, giving starts with you. Let's do it together. Nominate someone in need today.

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/DA RI E N N E WCA N A A N

NOVEMBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S NOVE M BE R 1 ST

Run with the Saints 5K St. Luke’s Episcopal Church | 11:30 AM Kick off November with a family-friendly 5K, 1-mile kids’ run and 1-mile adult walk. The event brings the community together while raising funds for several local and international charitable organizations. Participants of all ages can run or walk and enjoy a spirited morning dedicated to doing good. NOVE M BE R 1 1 T H

Places Change People New Canaan Library | 6:00 PM The Glass House presents author Tom Mayes, former Chief Legal Officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Drawing on his book Why Old Places Matter, Mayes explores how cherished historic places can inspire communities to become engaged in their preservation and future. NOVE M BE R 1 4 T H

Cannonball Run Reunion Goodwives Shopping Center | 6:30 AM Car enthusiasts can gather for the fourth annual Cannonball Run Reunion, part of Cars & Coffee Darien. The morning celebrates the legendary cross-country Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash with a gathering of distinctive automobiles and fellow enthusiasts. NOVE M BE R 2 1 ST

Pop Shop Holiday Market Darien Commons | 11:00 AM Get a jump on holiday shopping at this curated artisan market featuring independent makers and small businesses. Browse handmade jewelry, apparel, home décor, specialty products and gifts while supporting creative entrepreneurs and discovering something different for everyone on your list. NOVE M BE R 2 7 T H

Darien Depot Overstuffed Turkey Trot Darien High School Cross Country Trail | 10:30 AM Work off Thanksgiving with Darien’s annual 5K and 1-mile walk/run. The family-friendly event features music, food and community spirit, with proceeds benefiting The Depot, Darien’s youth center. Participants can choose between the timed 5K and a more relaxed onemile option. NOVE M BE R 2 9 T H

Holiday Market Grace Farms | 12:00 PM Start the holiday season at Grace Farms’ special pop-up market featuring gifts, books, toys, treats, handmade ornaments and artisan goods. Several offerings support organizations and makers doing meaningful work around the world. Admission is free with daily registration.

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