
THROUGH THE LENS OF GRATITUDE, BONNIE PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY HELPS BUSINESSES AND CLIENTS CONNECT

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THROUGH THE LENS OF GRATITUDE, BONNIE PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY HELPS BUSINESSES AND CLIENTS CONNECT

As the season of gratitude arrives, we pause to reflect on the many moments that have filled our spaces this year. From weddings and milestone celebrations to art shows, cocktail classes, dinners under the stars, and evenings spent in good company — each gathering has added another chapter to the story of Hotel Covington.
At Coppin’s Restaurant + Bar, Knowledge Bar & Social Room, and throughout our hotel, we are humbled and thankful for the guests who have chosen to celebrate, connect, and create memories with us. Your laughter, your milestones, and your traditions have made our spaces feel alive with meaning.
As we look to the holidays and beyond, know that our doors are always open and our table always set. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning as part of the family, you’ll always find a warm welcome here.
With gratitude, Hotel Covington | Coppin’s | Knowledge





At Pro Improvement Services, our goal is to provide professional craftsmanship along with exceptional communication every step of the way. We pride ourselves in ensuring our customers receive the quality service they deserve along with the comfort and trust of knowing the project will be done right the first time. We strive to be the trusted leader in home improvement services by redefining the expectations of quality workmanship through the integrity of our skilled professionals.
We specialize in Interior/Exterior Painting, Drywall Installs/Repairs, Basement Remodeling, Exterior Repairs (siding, soffits, fascia, and trim), Commercial (Drywall, Interior & Exterior Painting)





As the seasons shift and life moves in its natural rhythm, I’m reminded of the quiet power of thankfulness. Gratitude is more than a fleeting thought or a polite “thank you”—it’s a way of seeing the world, of pausing to notice the ordinary moments that shape our days into something extraordinary.

Being thankful is about both the big and the small: the laughter that fills your home, the conversations that linger long after dinner, the sunlight streaming through the window just right. It lives in the relationships that anchor us, the dreams we dare to pursue, and even the challenges that shape us into stronger, wiser versions of ourselves.
When we choose to live with gratitude, we give ourselves the gift of presence. Suddenly, the hurried pace softens, the noise dims, and we can hear the heartbeat of our own lives. Thankfulness shifts us from striving to savoring, reminding us that what we have—right here, right now—is already enough.
This season, I invite you to cultivate your own rituals of gratitude. Maybe it’s journaling three small joys at the end of the day, sending a handwritten note to someone who has impacted your life, or simply pausing before a meal to breathe and say thank you. These small acts create ripples, nurturing not only our own spirit but also the hearts of those around us.
Here’s to thankfulness as a daily practice—a way of living that allows us to walk through the world with softer hearts, open hands, and the deep knowing that we are held in abundance.

BRANDY WHITE, PUBLISHER
@HYDEPARKCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Brandy White | brandy.white@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Allison Mackey | allison.mackey@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jeni Keeler
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bonnie Phillips Photography, Hailey Bollinger Photo
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick














WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN







1: Janet from Rusty Fig Redesign and daughter connect with community at the ConnectHER OTR Summit @rustyfigdesign @jess_baltzersen 2: Jill McCarthy from Adventure Bright enjoying the Summit with her mom by her side 3: Erika Rae, Owner of Create or Conform @create. or.conform 4: Michelle and Kim bringing the good vibes to the ConnectHER OTR Summit 5: Bonnie Phillips Photography, Julie Clayton, and Brandy White @bonniephillipsphotos @otrchamber @hydeparkcitylifestyle 6: Bobby Merrill from Wendy Wear Jewlery @wendywearjewelry 7: Speaker lineup at ConnectHER OTR Summit











When Cincinnati locals Katie and Brent Kruithof launched Yeah Baby Goods in 2016, their goal was simple: make the best-selling IKEA highchair cuter and safer. As they explored baby feeding, they saw a need for products that supported children’s mealtime without sacrificing aesthetic. With input from experts and parents, YBG designed highchair accessories, silicone bibs, splat mats, utensils, and dinnerware—all created with mental and visual peace in mind to make mealtime better for families.
Not sure what to ask for this holiday season, or stuck on what to give? Gifting a photography session with Bonnie Phillips Photography is a simple, thoughtful way to honor this busy season and make time for what matters most. Your photos will turn moments into lasting memories. To learn more visit www.bonniephillipsphotography.com.
See Well Eyecare is a family business that provides compassionate, modern vision care to patients in Cincinnati and surrounding communities. Their experienced team offers comprehensive exams and personalized solutions using advanced diagnostic tools. With a curated selection of designer frames and precision lenses, patients find both clarity and style—guided by knowledgeable, friendly staff. Head to their website at https://seewellcincinnati.com for more, or visit them in person at 3330 Erie Avenue, Suite 14, Cincinnati, OH 45208.







ARTICLE BY JENI KEELER
BY BONNIE PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY
THROUGH THE LENS OF GRATITUDE, BONNIE PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY HELPS BUSINESSES AND CLIENTS CONNECT

“There are so many things to be thankful for in this work I do,” Bonnie Phillips shares. Among them are her memories of watching families grow as she built her business in family photography.
“It’s so special to be part of capturing those memories,” Bonnie recalls. In recent years, her business has shifted to brand photography - including many of the beautiful images you see here in Hyde Park City Lifestyle Magazine.
local businesses have to offer. That’s often the beginning of relationships Bonnie Phillips Photography builds with business owners in Hyde Park and across the tri-state. She also offers recurring sessions, as there’s always demand for fresh images across the
“THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR IN THIS WORK I DO.”
many ways businesses communicate - from social media platforms to articles, blogs, advertisements and more.
The switch to brand photography stemmed from a desire to align family goals with work goals. This change in focus has opened up a whole new avenue for her creativity, while still allowing her to build meaningful connections.
According to Bonnie, “being in front of a camera is vulnerable, especially when we’re all used to selfies where we can see ourselves as we snap. One of the biggest parts of my job is establishing trust and making people feel at ease, and I love doing that for my clients. I want them to feel really taken care of.”
With websites being such an integral part of how customers find everything these days, Bonnie focuses on capturing inviting images that showcase what
“There is so much talent in Cincinnati,” Bonnie gushes. The volume and quality of talent continues to amaze her. Helping businesses showcase their strengths so they can connect with their clients is an honor, she says.
“Branding tells your story without you having to be in the room,” Bonnie explains. “When I deliver great images, what I’m really doing is helping that business make a great first impression - whether that’s for their virtual storefront and they do commerce online or it gives a good vibe, a reason to visit their physical location.”
Bonnie never leaves a photoshoot without images she and the client both love. She knows every business owner and company has a unique story to


tell, and she draws out those interesting threads through her sessions. Phillips considers herself a visual storyteller.
Startups and small businesses are of particular interest to Bonnie and her team. They enjoy helping new brands identify their uniqueness and share their passion with the world. Supporting women-owned businesses and female leaders is a particular joy for Bonnie.
“As women, we put so much time, energy, and effort into literally everything but ourselves. And that kind of trickles down to our businesses, too,” Bonnie reveals. It’s not just about the photoshoot, it’s about taking time to slow down, talk about their origin story and remind them why they’re in business.
“I love working with women.” Bonnie goes on to explain it’s because, “they need a reminder to pause for themselves. And when they see their photos, they’re just blown away. They realize taking the time and investing in themselves and their business is worth it - in so many ways.”
One thing Bonnie thinks people underestimate is the power of a great headshot - or the negative effect of an outdated one. That’s why she offers headshot sessions for individuals and groups. She says it’s a great way for businesses to refresh their image while giving their employees a photo they’ll be proud to show off.
“BRANDING
BE IN THE ROOM.”
Working with Bonnie Phillips
Photography begins with a consultation, which includes tips on wardrobe and space preparation. She refers clients to her curated list of local hair and makeup experts if professional help is desired. Her decades of experience across a wide array of photography settings - from art, to fashion, to families and now businesses - means her clients get top-notch advice and aesthetically pleasing results.
Once she arrives, Bonnie views her number one job as building connection and establishing trust. The benefits are three-fold: her clients feel at ease, allowing her to capture great images; she gets to help local businesses grow; and she gets a glimpse into a neighbor’s world, developing deep connections throughout our community. That last, she says, is the most important: “The fabric of our community is so rich, and I get to see that through my work. It creates a sense of connection and belonging and that’s what I’m most thankful for.”




Luke Luther Realtor Partner


Graeme R. Daley





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Local company provides streamlined support system for family transitions
ARTICLE BY JENI KEELER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNIE PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY
Houses are often filled with love - and a lot of stuff. In fact, the average home contains around 300,000 items. Think about all the singular items in the room you’re in right now.

“Having that outside perspective really lessens the burden... it feels good to provide the support we wish we had.”
Many of those items are tied to memories. Sorting and moving them is never easy, but it becomes even more complicated, exhausting and emotionally heavy when the transition is prompted by aging, illness, or the loss of a loved one.
That’s where Caring Transitions Cincinnati East steps in. Owner Gina Siegel and her husband launched the franchise after experiencing the loss of both sets of their parents. Today, they’re grateful to help neighboring families navigate similar situations by handling the “stuff” part so the family can focus on care.
While each of their parents’ situations came with its own challenges, it was the process of clearing out Gina’s mother’s Hyde Park home and estate that made her realize there had to be a better way.
“My mom was a collector who also had three packed storage units. She had Alzheimer’s. And, while I had a wonderful relationship with my parents, the end of my mom’s life was really, really difficult. For her and us,” Gina shares.
Already exhausted from caregiving and grieving, Gina then spent nearly a year—and thousands of dollars—sorting through her mother’s belongings, selling some and donating the rest. All of this unfolded while her father’s health was declining and she was raising young children of her own.
Gina knows that having those experiences uniquely prepared her to help other families. She says, “I know what it’s like. There are so many decisions that have to be made and it’s very emotional.”


That’s why she says that emotional support is part of her job. She’s thankful to be able to make the process easier and more streamlined. Gina prides herself in coming up with creative ways to help families honor their loved ones without undue burden.
Gina gives the example of a beloved rocking chair. A family has fond memories of their loved one sitting in it and holding the kids on their lap. But it doesn’t fit in anyone else’s home. Caring Transitions suggests getting a family photo taken with everyone around the chair. The photo becomes the treasure instead of the well-worn chair that takes up a lot of space.
While Caring Transitions puts many items in online auctions with national reach, they also facilitate donations to local nonprofits—something they’re proud to do on behalf of their clients.
“There are so many people in our community that need these things and we’re happy to get those items to people who need them,” Gina says.
Each client family at Caring Transitions receives customized services, from sorting and organizing to estate sales, auctions, donation coordination, and final home clear-outs. They can handle pieces of the process or the entire process. It starts with a free in-home consultation, which can even include a virtual component for out-of-town family members.
“We do this every day. If you’re lucky, you only do it once or twice. We have a lot of expertise and local connections. Our goal is to meet the client’s objective - which can vary a lot,” Gina explains.
For some families, it might be a tight timeline, while for others it might be maximizing sales to cover medical or final expenses. Whatever the
“Part of what we do is help them come up with solutions that make sense when emotions may be clouding things.”

reason, Caring Transitions handles the logistics and helps families part with items and estates from a compassionate, third-party perspective.
“We have so much empathy for our clients,” Gina shares.
“Part of what we do is help them come up with solutions that make sense when emotions may be clouding things. Having that outside perspective really lessens the burden. The feedback we get from clients most often is ‘we couldn’t have done it without you’. It feels good to provide the support we wish we had.”
After seven years of helping families through Caring Transitions, Gina now gives
presentations on steps everyone can take to get organized before it becomes urgent. The biggest advice? Have the conversations now.
“Ideally, you want to have the conversation at the kitchen table instead of the ICU.”
It’s never too early to call, according to Gina. The company helps clients design plans months and even years before their services are needed. That way, when the time comes, everyone knows what to expect and do.
Gina also encourages clients to give items away before they move out or pass on—and to make it fun. Then Caring Transitions will take care of the other 299,000+ items in the home.






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.







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City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?


Published by Brandy Loved by Hyde Park






ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.

2 WEEKS BEFORE
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.

• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dustfree until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.


Relational. Experiential. Authentic.— it’s learning that brings education to life at Moeller. Rooted in research on how young men learn best, it goes beyond the classroom into hands-on experiences that spark growth and leadership. From project-based courses in the Burns Innovation Hub to mission trips, athletics, and 40+ co-curriculars, our students don’t just study—they practice, discover, and lead. The result? Confident leaders, creative problem solvers, and remarkable men ready for the future.

Schedule a visit to experience a day at Moeller. Scan here or visit Moeller.org.







NOVEMBER 1ST
Stanberry Park | 2221 Oxford Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45230 | 12:00 PM




Get ready for airborne autumn fun at the Heads-Up Pumpkin Chuck Festival in Stanbery Park! Watch pumpkins soar via Medieval-style launchers, enjoy live music and tasty treats, and let your family join the chucking action. Whether you launch your own or cheer from the sidelines, it’s a fall celebration packed with laughter and high-flying thrills.
NOVEMBER 1ST & 2ND
Newport Aquarium | 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071 | 10:00 AM
This fall, the aquarium goes full glowup. Wander through a surreal underwater world where pumpkins pulse with light, sea creatures snack on seasonal treats, and jack-o-lanterns double as reef décor. It’s a playful collision of autumn and ocean life—unexpected, immersive, and perfect for families craving something delightfully out of the ordinary.
NOVEMBER 4TH
Taft Theatre | 436 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | 8:00 PM
Josh Ritter takes the stage in Cincinnati, bringing his signature blend of poetic lyrics and heartfelt melodies. A celebrated songwriter with twelve albums and a literary touch, Ritter’s music has earned admiration from icons like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. This tour stop promises an evening of rich storytelling and











NOVEMBER 5TH
Ault Park Pavilion | 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati OH 45208 | 6:00 PM
Experience the year’s brightest full Moon with Astronomer Dean Regas and fellow stargazers. This free, all-ages event invites you to explore telescope designs, chat with experts, and uncover lunar secrets under the night sky. Weather permitting, it’s a celestial celebration you won’t want to miss.



Cool mornings and cozy evenings are here—just in time for holiday gatherings. With Mitsubishi Electric’s energy-efficient systems, you’ll enjoy customized comfort in every room, while keeping energy costs under control.

As a proud Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractor, Zimmer Heating & Cooling has been delivering trusted comfort to the Tri-State for nearly 80 years. From seasonal tune-ups to advanced all-electric heating and cooling systems, we’re here to keep your home cozy, efficient, and ready for every seat at the Thanksgiving table.


NOVEMBER 18TH
Apothecary: Hosted by Meghan
1001 Monmouth Street, Newport, KY
Come learn about tasty medicinal syrups and how they can support your household’s wellness. Attendees will learn about herbs that support immune function & overall wellness, watch a demo of the syrup-process, then take home their own jar of elderberry syrup. Enjoy a complimentary hot tea while you learn about a variety of medicinal plants. To learn more, visit www. monmouthstmercantile.com.
NOVEMBER 29TH
Cincinnati Music Hall | 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | 11:00 AM
Shop small and gift big at the Crafty Supermarket, Cincinnati’s festive indie craft show held at the iconic Music Hall. Over 100 makers from across the country bring their handmade goods—from gourmet treats to original art. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with a DJ, interactive crafts, and local eats. Early birds get swag bags filled with creative surprises!

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