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Work with the Leading Upper Cervical Chiropractic Practice
NUCCA Chiropractic is a gentle, specific correction in the upper neck that takes the pressure off the brainstem so that it and the entire nervous system can function properly. Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in detecting and correcting misalignments of the top two bones in the neck. For many, this has provided natural relief for neck pain, chronic pain, dizziness, ear infections, asthma, allergies, headaches and migraines. Unity Wellness is about working together to restore movement, function and life.
Dr Danielle providing full body health through NUCCA Chiropractic and Functional Medicine.
Call to schedule your complementary consultation today.
A Little Cheer and a Lot of Gratitude
As the holidays approach, I can’t help but pause and think about what this season is really about: gratitude. Not just for the big milestones, but for the everyday moments and people who make our community feel like home. Gratitude is also about action - choosing to give, to show up and to celebrate one another. That’s exactly what we wanted this issue to reflect.
One of the things I’m most excited about is our Annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign. It’s an opportunity for all of us to look around and nominate someone who could use a little extra support this season. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is simply recognizing when someone needs help, and coming together to provide it. Read more about nominating someone in need and submit your nominations by December 5 at KingdomBuildingFoundation.org.
Of course, the holidays are also about joy, and there’s no shortage of that here. The premiere of All is Merry and Bright is sure to bring plenty of holiday cheer, and chaos, with its premiere hitting theatres on November 7. You won't want to miss this Nebraska-born screenplay. And Valley Construction shows us how hard work and dedication are building more than just homes; they’re building family.
We also take a look at Camp Junkstock, the annual fall edition which brings to light new and exciting changes coming to the locally loved Sycamore Farms event. Think glamping and year-round enjoyment, to add to their festivals. We’re also sharing a look at the Holiday Modern Market presented by A Local Collective, the perfect place to find something special while connecting with local makers and neighbors.
And because winter weather brings its own set of challenges, we’ve included some expert advice from Jackie of Elite Aesthetics by Jackie. Her winter skincare tips are a great reminder that caring for ourselves - especially in the busy holiday season - is one of the best gifts we can give.
As you flip through these pages, I hope you feel inspired not only to count your blessings but also to share them. And if someone comes to mind who could use a little holiday help, I encourage you to take a moment to send in your nomination, you never know how much of a difference it might make.
Wishing you a season filled with gratitude, giving and plenty of moments that make your heart feel full.
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Lewis stephanie.m.lewis@citylifestyle.com
Nicholas Fisher, Cara Bresette-Yates, Emily Jessen
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
STEPHANIE LEWIS, PUBLISHER @ELKHORNCITYLIFESTYLE
“When
Mark S. Vance Thompson Vision Patient
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Soul + Muse owner, Skye Mielke, with her family at the September Style Issue event. 2: Soul + Muse and Elkhorn City Lifestyle celebrate the September Style Issue. 3: Custom hat bar at Soul + Muse. 4: The Virtue Group gathers at their first charity golf event, Cups for a Cause, benefiting Heartland Kids Against Hunger. 5: Travis and Shelley Forsman hosted a successful food drive benefiting Heartland Hope Mission. 6: Wurth Media and Virtue Group Realty take part in the PRO NE-IA member golf outing. 7: 40 teams participated in the PRO NE-IA annual golf outing.
Heidi Marie Private Jeweler Now Taking Holiday Appointments
Celebrate the season with sparkle from Heidi Marie Private Jeweler. Whether you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift, creating a custom heirloom, or redesigning a cherished piece, Heidi brings artistry and intention to every design. Give the gift of timeless elegance with her bespoke services or the KeepSet Collection—perfect for commemorating life’s most meaningful moments. Book your private holiday consultation today and create jewelry as unforgettable as the memories you’re celebrating.
Bring Your Holiday Party to Life with Party Ambiance
Level up your holiday party decor this season with a setup designed by Party Ambiance. From elegant garlands and arches to dazzling chandeliers and statement walls, Party Ambiance crafts custom installations that transform any space into a festive wonderland. Using 100% biodegradable latex balloons, Party Ambiance blends creativity and sustainability while handling setup and teardown for a stress-free experience. This season, elevate your celebration with décor that delights guests and creates memories that sparkle.
COMPASSIONATE CARE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
(402) 697-8401
info@symphonyofcare.com
Symphony of Care connects seniors with trusted non-medical in-home caregivers, ensuring safety, independence, and comfort at home. LEARN MORE
9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 375 Omaha, NE 68114
Core Bank Holds Fifth Annual Diaper Drive
Core Bank’s 5th Annual Diaper Drive runs November 1 - 29, benefiting the Nebraska Diaper Bank. With one in three Nebraska families struggling to afford diapers, your donation can make a big difference. Drop off diapers at any Omaha-area Core Bank location: HQ: 17807 Burke St., Bel Air: 12100 W Center Rd., Q Street: 16805 Q St., Ste 801, or Granite Falls: 11305 Cumberland Dr., Papillion. Together, we can help end diaper need in the Heartland.
All is Merry & Bright
ARTICLE BY NICHOLE PERINGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCDG EDIFY PRODUCTIONS, INC.
Darbi Scaglione’s Holiday Hymn Comes Home
All Is Merry & Bright delivers holiday laughter, heartfelt moments, and timeless joy in a family tradition.
“God is the dream giver, and he makes us all good at something. Filmmaking wasn’t something I could do myself, but a dream that came to life because 300 other talented people believed.”
Darbi Scaglione (pronounced Skal-yo-nee) remembers herself as a precocious child who danced to the beat of her own drum and whose creativity knew no bounds. She could often be found “expressing herself” at her Tuesday night dance class or journaling for hours on her bed, dreaming up worlds and putting those thoughts on paper.
“Even when I was 11, when I would sit and think about all I wanted to be when I grew up, it was always an author and illustrator,” Scaglione recalls.
Her horizons stretched well beyond writing and art. She learned multiple instruments, continuing into her 30s when she took up the saxophone and performed with a swing band. At 12, she bought her first cake-decorating set with allowance money. Later, she earned a degree in broadcast
design from Oral Roberts University in 1987, and also spent several years in catering.
Oral Roberts was also where she met her husband, Greg. The two married the summer after graduation and soon settled in Omaha after Greg entered Creighton’s School of Law. They quickly fell in love with the city, which felt like home. Thirty-eight years later, they are still in Omaha, after raising three children and building a life together.
THE SPARK
It was during those early family years that Scaglione first felt the spark of inspiration. One Christmas Eve, her daughter shared a song in sign language she had learned
Eric Close stars as Emily Rose’s supportive husband.
for a hearing-impaired classmate: “Silent Night.” What began as a simple family performance grew into an annual Christmas tradition, with the children and adults sharing songs, skits and stories. The funnier the better!
“I thought, ‘the world needs to see this,’ so I started writing a stage play,” Scaglione says. “It’s like those thoughts you have to do something good, and it doesn’t go away. Even though you know it’s going to be hard, you do it anyway.”
The play began in 2015 and was first performed in 2018 at their local church, Lifegate. Fueled by that success, Scaglione began adapting the play for the screen, despite having no formal training.
“I watched over 300 videos on filmmaking. I read probably a dozen books, took a few online workshops, and really dug in because I wanted to give 110%,” she says.
FROM PAPER TO LIFE
That script would go through about 27 revisions over two and a half years. Most of them were written during her regular after-lunch writing hours.
CONTINUED >
“It’s like those thoughts you have to do something good, and it doesn’t go away. Even though it’s hard, you do it.”
Emily Rose shines in All Is Merry & Bright, proving good dreams persist despite challenges.
Oscar the rescue pup, played by Pickles, brings heart, humor, and Christmas chaos to All Is Merry & Bright.
“I probably wrote four days a week,” she says. “I would give the script to anybody who would read it. And when three or four people tell you something needs to change, you really need to change it.”
In 2021, Scaglione was introduced to the film’s producer, Shun Lee Fong. An Omaha native she had known years earlier, Fong had gone on to Hollywood, founding an artist collective called The Greenhouse. He was impressed with her grit and storytelling and connected her with Vicki Edwards, who helped refine the script. Together, they went through three more drafts before it was ready for filming. That’s 30 revisions, still nothing had deterred Scaglione.
What began as a homegrown church play had now become a full-fledged independent film, set to premiere in Omaha.
FROM STAGE TO SCREEN
All Is Merry & Bright is an uplifting holiday film directed by Cory Edwards that blends humor and heart into a story of resilience and rediscovered joy during the
Christmas season. Inspired by Scaglione’s own health challenges, the film carries an authenticity that sets it apart from typical holiday fare.
The story follows Jessica Tannen, played by Emily Rose, a former dancer whose teenage accident left her with a permanent injury. Armed with her blinged-out walking cane, Jessica is a determined mom and caterer who channels her energy into the family’s annual talent show, filled with skits, songs from every genre and plenty of laughter. Sound familiar?
“It’s funny the way Jessica’s struggles play out,” Scaglione says. “She’s supposed to be taking care of herself, but instead she’s sneaking treats in the pantry. I relate to that.”
The cast features Sally Struthers and John O’Hurley as not-so-helpful grandparents, Eric Close as the ever-supportive husband, and memorable turns from Nancy Stafford and Doug Jones. Add in a mischievous rescue puppy named Oscar, played by Pickles, and holiday pandemonium abounds. It is a must-see.
COMING HOME
Scaglione is thrilled the film is premiering in her hometown, noting that many Omaha landmarks are featured.
“You’ll see a ton of places you’ll recognize from the area,” she says. “And there are probably 200 Omaha background actors, so you might even spot someone you know, including my husband and me. I think we were shoppers No. 5 and 6,” she adds with a laugh.
The film All Is Merry & Bright is both a testament to the resilience of a woman determined to leave a legacy and to the source of that dream itself.
As Scaglione reflects, “God is the dream giver, and he makes us all good at something. That’s one thing I love about filmmaking. It wasn’t something I could do myself, but a dream that came to life because 300 other talented people believed in it too.”
Premiering Nov. 5, 2025, in Omaha, All Is Merry & Bright is a heartfelt reminder that even when chaos reigns, true Christmas magic is found in vulnerability, connection and the relationships that make our lives rich and meaningful.
Tickets are available now at www.merryandbright.movie and will be shown at the B&B Theatre at Oakview Mall and ACX Cinema in Elkhorn.
Sally Struthers and John O’Hurley delight as quirky grandparents.
TRANSFORMING HOMES WITH PREDICTABLE PRECISION
Valley Construction combines financial expertise and design precision to transform major home renovations into seamless, stress-free, stunning investments
ARTICLE BY VALLEY CONSTRUCTION
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLAS FISHER & VALLEY CONSTRUCTION
Seven years ago, Joe and Adriana Ulrich founded Valley Construction on a promise: to eliminate the chaos of home renovation and deliver a finished space that is financially predictable and just as beautiful.
When homeowners are ready to invest anywhere from $180,000 to over a million dollars in a home renovation, they deserve a smarter, more thoughtful approach. That’s exactly where the founders’ story begins.
Valley Construction is fundamentally a commitment to financial, creative and aesthetic integrity. For homeowners in communities like Elkhorn, a substantial home renovation is not a casual expense. It’s an investment in their most valuable asset and their legacy. Yet the process remains notoriously opaque, defined by stress, delays and
unauthorized cost overruns. Joe and Adriana recognized what was missing was a predictable practice for managing this scale of investment without sacrificing the aesthetic vision.
Their response was to establish that experience for remodel and addition projects.
This mission is powered by the founders’ distinct expertise. Joe leveraged his extensive construction experience, while Adriana contributed her specialized financial background. This unique convergence of operational and fiscal mastery became the core of Valley Construction’s framework. The firm provides the predictability homeowners need to take on a remodel at this scale.
This unique practice, built around a framework of a fixed investment promise and concierge homeowner experience, allows clients to focus on their lives, not the build site, and is why Valley Construction is rapidly gaining a reputation across Omaha and the surrounding markets.
“As a busy family of seven, we knew chaos is the cost of poor planning,” says Adriana. “We built our framework to be the essential buffer. It’s like running a fine-tooth comb through your entire project before demo and construction begins, doing the intense, upfront legwork so our clients’ life is protected, and the outcome is financially predictable and completely seamless.”
Valley Construction not only builds beautiful remodels and additions but also supplies a framework that gives homeowners predictability in their home investment. By integrating all major design decisions and material selections into a controlled practice, the firm neutralizes the common variables that compromise budgets and timelines. Clients become informed partners, empowered by precision rather than paralyzed by ambiguity.
As true partners in life and business, Joe and Adriana lead Valley Construction with a unified vision of delivering a highly sought-after home renovation experience that is financially predictable and just as beautiful.
The founders are not merely completing remodels; they are formalizing a comprehensive, high-touch process designed to heighten the entire client experience, ensuring the result is not only financially precise but also uncompromisingly beautiful.
ARTIST’S
“IT’S LIKE RUNNING
A
FINE-TOOTH COMB
THROUGH YOUR ENTIRE PROJECT BEFORE DEMO AND CONSTRUCTION BEGINS.”
Joe and Adriana Ulrich, founders of Valley Construction, deliver predictable, beautiful home renovations.
Forsman’s Finest Decks designs and builds custom decks, patio covers, and outdoor living spaces across the Omaha area. From the design to the final touches, their team handles every step with professionalism and attention to detail. Known for high-quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and clean job sites, they take pride in creating beautiful, long-lasting outdoor spaces that bring families together and enhance the way you enjoy your home.
Excellence in every board, pride in every project.
ARTICLE BY HAILEY ZEBLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARA BRESETTE-YATES
ELITE AESTHETICS BY JACKIE BLENDS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND CURATED SKINCARE ROUTINES TO KEEP YOUR COMPLEXION RADIANT THROUGH THE COLDEST MONTHS.
SkinPen for medical-grade microneedling addresses a wide range of skin care concerns.
THE WINTER SKIN RESET
The summer season takes a toll on our skin. Sun exposure, sweat, and the general chaos of the season cause our skincare routine to fall by the wayside.
The aesthetic industry has provided solutions with more accessible and
Alongside CO2 laser treatments, Arrick offers services such as neurotoxin and dermal filler to attain anti-aging goals outside of merely the skin’s texture, pigment and barrier.
In order to adequately protect these
“WE ARE INCLINED TO OVERUSE PRODUCTS WHEN WHAT WE NEED IS THREE OR FOUR THAT TARGET OUR MAIN CONCERNS.”
affordable options for long-term upkeep, but without a solid routine, our investments can be stifled.
Jackie Arrick, APRN-NP and owner of Elite Aesthetics by Jackie, offers services that cover all the bases, from medical-grade skincare to technologyand science-forward laser treatments and injectables, unique to her practice.
“I feel like we are more inclined to overuse products when what we really need is three or four skin care products that target our main concerns,” Arrick says. “When we put too many products on our face, that’s when we create irritation and barrier issues.”
Arrick recommends starting your winter skincare routine with CO2 laser treatments. CO2 lasers are ablative, using heat to resurface the skin, providing a solution to wrinkles, scars, sun damage and uneven tone by stimulating collagen production and new skin growth. This new technology allows the former weeks-long healing process to be complete in a matter of days.
investments we make in our skin, Arrick emphasizes the importance of maintaining a routine of three or four efficient products. Her favorite medical-grade skincare, SkinBetter, is backed by science and technology, and “can treat virtually any skin type or concern,” Arrick says.
While big-box name brands can be more affordable and accessible, Arrick stresses the importance of consulting an aesthetician or medical spa professional before starting a new routine.
“It can be overwhelming to walk into a store where the products might be more affordable but less effective doses and also more likely to irritate and cause skin problems.”
The reality, Arrick says, is people just don’t have the time to keep up with multistep routines.
“Let’s give you three or four ‘hero’ products that are great for your skin. Medical-grade skincare is going to be more effective and that’s why it’s more expensive,” she explains. “Much more
“SKINBETTER CAN TREAT VIRTUALLY ANY SKIN TYPE OR CONCERN.”
research and data go into it; there’s more science behind it.”
SkinBetter offers, among many others, three products which Arrick recommends for the arid environment awaiting us in the colder months.
“With winter skin, we want to make sure that we are maintaining a barrier and preventing irritation or dryness,” Arrick says. “My clients often can’t tolerate prescription-strength retinol, so we recommend a switch to AlphaRet, a less irritating, nonprescription-strength retinol. You’re still getting the benefits of the retinol but without the irritation.”
Arrick also recommends Mystro, a daily active-balance serum that can be used prior to a moisturizer or retinol. Mystro helps prevent redness and irritation and can be a great solution to acne-prone, sensitive or healing skin.
A good winter routine is then completed with TrioLuxe, a heavier moisturizer than SkinBetter’s everyday moisturizer, Trio Rebalancing.
To learn more about the services mentioned here, visit eliteaestheticsbyjackie.com.
Products and services offered by Elite Aesthetics, including SkinBetter, a medical-grade skincare brand.
Camp Junkstock brings nostalgic charm and adventurous spirit to Sycamore Farms with cabins, campers and experiences.
CAMP Junkstock MAGIC
The Midwest’s favorite vintage festival brought an adventurous twist this year. Junkstock, named one of the best “Midwest fall festivals” by Midwest Living magazine, returned to Sycamore Farms Oct. 3–5 and 10–12 with a theme that was equal parts nostalgic and forward-looking.
For 2025, the festival transformed into Camp Junkstock, a whimsical fall escape complete with a towering 25-foot Smokey the Bear, A-frame cabins, vintage campers and a fully restored Airstream. The immersive setup channeled national park charm with handmade boulders, afghan blanket tents, antique lace curtains and even forest trees shipped in from Minnesota. It proved the perfect backdrop for pumpkins, campfires and cozy fall moments.
Beyond its imaginative design, Camp Junkstock also served as a preview of what’s ahead for Sycamore Farms. Some of the cabins and vintage campers introduced this fall marked the first steps toward a new venture: glamping on-site.
Junkstock’s fall edition offered cozy cabins and future plans
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAILEY ZEBLEY
“People come from all over the country for Junkstock, and they’ve always asked to stay here,” says Sara Alexander, co-founder of Junkstock. “With 80 acres along the Elkhorn River, the space is perfect for cabins, campers and a unique glamping experience. Vendors and visitors have wanted this for years, and we’re excited to create it.”
The plan includes tiny A-frame cabins on trailers, a restored vintage Airstream and rentable retro campers nestled in the woods. The fall festival offered a first taste of this vision, with the long-term goal of creating a year-round retreat where guests can stay and experience the magic of Junkstock beyond a single weekend.
Alongside the debut of Camp Junkstock, festivalgoers enjoyed everything the event is known for: more than 250 vendors, 22 live bands, 62 food options and seasonal highlights like a vintage car show and a special performance by Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks.
This year’s festival not only celebrated fall with music, food and vintage finds, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter for Sycamore Farms, where future visitors will soon be able to camp under the stars after a day at Junkstock.
JUNKSTOCK HISTORY
Founded in 2012 by Sara Alexander, Junkstock grew from a small event with 29 vendors in a chicken coop to a nationally recognized festival at Sycamore Farms, celebrated for vintage finds, artisan goods, live music and food.
Photo: A towering 25-foot Smokey the Bear welcomed visitors to Camp Junkstock’s whimsical fall festival experience.
A Festive Weekend of Local Finds and Holiday Fun
Holiday Modern Market
Get ready to kick off the season in style with the Holiday Modern Market at the Omaha Palazzo at 5110 N. 132nd St., Omaha. From Nov. 21–23, this holiday shopping event, hosted by A Local Collective, brings together more than 30 of Nebraska’s most creative small shops under one festive roof.
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JESSEN
Shop Local, Shop Unique
The weekend kicks off with Ladies’ Night on Friday from 5–8 p.m., presented by Elevate Recovery and Medspa. Think cocktails, shopping and giveaways, from deluxe facials to wellness perks and a grand prize that includes Botox and filler. Swag bags and special discounts make the night extra indulgent. On Saturday and Sunday, the market is in full swing from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. More than 30 local vendors will be showing off everything from cozy holiday décor and handmade gifts to boutique fashion and artisanal treats. It’s the perfect place to find something special you won’t spot in the big-box aisles.
Sips, Snacks and Santa
Shopping is even better with a drink in hand. Guests can grab coffee, cocoa, cocktails and snacks while they wander. Families will appreciate the Little Locals play area too — because a little entertainment for the kiddos makes holiday shopping a whole lot smoother. And Santa himself will be there, so make sure you’ve got your wish list handy for the big man.
Shopping that Gives Back
What makes this year’s Holiday Modern Market even more meaningful is that a portion of ticket sales will support Angels Among Us, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping families with children battling cancer. A Local Collective co-founders Katie Lakin and Jill Dudzinski are honored to partner with the organization for this event. “Angels Among Us provides financial assistance to families facing the unimaginable, and we are proud to support their mission of easing the stress these families endure,” says Lakin. It’s holiday shopping with heart — giving back while celebrating the season. For all the event details visit: alocalcollectivene.com/holiday-modern-market, or the Facebook event page, Holiday Modern Market.
Photo: Santa Claus greets families at the Holiday Modern Market, spreading cheer and holiday spirit to all.
Photo: More than 30 local vendors offered unique gifts, holiday décor and handmade goods at the Holiday Modern Market.
Photo:
Holiday Modern Market
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.
unique GIFTING
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
SEASON
The holiday season is officially on, and gifting is top of mind. We’re all used to scrolling online, browsing the malls or hitting the local boutiques, but sometimes it’s fun and unexpected to switch it up. If looking to surprise and delight recipients this year and to bring a new tradition to the season, offbeat gifting can be a great way to turn a new leaf on stale routines.
1) PRE-HOLIDAY SURPRISE. For those traveling, send gifts early, such as cheeses, fruit or pies.
2) FUTURE FUN. Browse winter or spring events; snag tickets to enjoy with recipients.
3) GENEROSITY. Donations make heartfelt, thoughtful ideas.
4) TRAVEL. Gift a loved one with a trip.
5) TIME. Is a recipient busy, overloaded and overworked? Treat them to a whole home cleaning before or after the holiday.
6) LOVE OF LEARNING. If a loved one is planning international travel, grab them a gift card for a language learning app.
7) THOUGHTFUL MESSAGES. Ask friends and family to record loving messages on cellphones; combine recordings using a video app for meaningful holiday greeting.
8) BON APPÉTIT. Sign up special someone for cooking class regarding favorite cuisine, or cuisine they struggle to make.
9) RECIPE BOOK. Gather traditional family recipes and create printed books for guests as priceless keepsakes.
NOVEMBER 14TH - 16TH
Omaha Holiday Boutique
455 N. 10th St., Omaha | 10:00 AM
The Omaha Holiday Boutique at CHI Health Center is a festive three-day shopping event featuring hundreds of artisan and regional vendors offering décor, jewelry, gourmet treats, apparel and unique gifts. Attendees can enjoy live holiday entertainment, hourly prize drawings, “Girls’ Night Out” and seasonal surprises. It’s a joyous, must-attend event for gift hunting and holiday spirit. For more information, visit: www.omahaholiday boutique.com/.
NOVEMBER 16TH
Midtown Merry Market
The Empire Room at 200 S. 31st Ave., Unit 4107 Omaha | 11:00 AM
Join the Midtown Merry Market for a festive weekend at Turner Park. Shop 30 local vendors offering candles, soaps, signage, apparel and more. Celebrate the start of the “Season of Lights” with glowing trees and displays. Enjoy Santa storytime, holiday drinks, free admission and seasonal photo spots, including the tree in Farnam Court and a life-size Santa sleigh. Find out more at: midtowncrossing.com/event/mid town-merry-market-2025/.
NOVEMBER 21ST - 23RD
Holiday Modern Market
5110 N. 132nd St., Omaha
Shop 30+ curated Nebraska vendors at A Local Collective. Enjoy snacks, drinks, a hot cocoa bar and gourmet coffee. Visit Santa for photos (Sat.–Sun., 10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Friday features Ladies’ Night with giveaways and swag. Kids enjoy activities and face painting. Proceeds benefit Angels Among Us. One-day tickets $10,
three-day passes $15; kids 12 and under free. For tickets and more information, visit: omahaplaces.com/event/ holiday-modern-market/
NOVEMBER 28TH - DECEMBER 31ST
ZooLightful Holiday Event at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
3701 S. 10th St., Omaha
See the zoo transformed with glowing lights and dazzling displays of archways and sculptures. Try the snowball toss, decorate gingerbread creations in Gingerbread Village, or take a photo with Santa. Rent a private igloo to warm up with drinks and snacks. Many more holiday wonders await — you’ll have to see them to believe them. Find out more at: www.omahazoo.com/ special-events.
NOVEMBER 28TH - JANUARY 11TH
Christmas at Union Station
801 S. 10th St., Omaha
Christmas at Union Station, present ed by FNBO, returns Nov. 28, 2025, at the Durham Museum. Celebrate the season with a nearly 40-foot-tall twinkling tree, holiday displays from around the globe and a visit from Santa. The festive event offers joyful experiences for all ages- a must-see holiday tradition in Omaha. For more information, visit: durhammuseum. org/christmas-at-union-station/.
NOVEMBER 29TH
Small Business Saturday at Clothes Mentor
14937 Evans Plaza, Omaha
Celebrate Small Business Saturday with style & savings at Clothes Mentor, your favorite local resale haven for curated fashion finds and one-of-a-kind treasures. Whether you’re hunting for modern must-haves or designer goods, we’ve got something for every style and budget. Gift Card Deal beginning Black Friday Buy a $25 Gift Card, get a $5 Bonus Gift Card.
realty report
THE PERFECT FALL TREAT
ACORN DONUT HOLES
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
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