Who is Tiara R Holloway? She is the face, the designer and creator of Vivacious Interior by Tiara and founder of RVA Design Group with 24 other interior designers. Tiara has been growing Vivacious Interior for 14.5 years and RVA Design Group for 2.5 years. She says her passion and gift has exceeded her expectations and didn’t envision designing homes or commercial spaces as a business. At a young age, Tiara would get in trouble with her dad for organizing and hanging wallpaper up in her parents home. If her mom hadn’t allowed it to happen, she wouldn’t be where she is now. She thanks them both for not putting a stop to her dream! The RVA Design Group has events scheduled for this spring and summer, and it is hosting a gala this year in November. Vivacious Interior is thriving and taking on full-service projects, but Tiara is looking for an outdoor space that will challenge her design skills. Follow Tiara on social media at Vivacious Interior by Tiara or visit her website at vivaciousinteriorbytiara.com for more information.
Our new facility offers clients a neutral environment for dog training, resulting in faster progress than traditional inhome training (clients should still work their pups everyday and attend group classes). It also provides a location for advanced training, such as PTSD/Psychiatric and Medical Alert service dogs, and allows for daily dog work and group classes. CONTACT US TODAY!
Welcome to the Thankful Issue!
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, we find ourselves reflecting on the beauty of gratitude and the warmth of connection. This season, we invite you to embrace a spirit of thankfulness, celebrating the remarkable moments and cherished relationships that enrich our lives.
With the holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to gather loved ones and host unforgettable parties. Imagine transforming your home into a haven of elegance and joy, where laughter and stories flow as freely as the finest wines. Our upcoming features will guide you through the art of hosting, from creating stunning table settings to curating a delightful atmosphere that speaks to the heart of your guests.
To elevate your gatherings, we’ll share exquisite drink mixes that will tantalize the taste buds and spark conversation. Picture a signature cocktail infused with seasonal flavors—perhaps a spiced apple cider mimosa or a classic whiskey sour with a twist. These thoughtfully crafted beverages will not only refresh but also set the tone for an evening of celebration and gratitude.
In addition to the art of hosting, we are excited to introduce daily gratitude prompts—simple yet profound reflections designed to inspire mindfulness and appreciation in your everyday life. These prompts will encourage you to pause and acknowledge the small joys that often go unnoticed, fostering a deeper connection to yourself and those around you.
As you plan your holiday dinner parties, our magazine will offer pairings that are sure to impress. From sumptuous roasted meats to vibrant vegetarian dishes, we’ll provide suggestions for complementary wines and delightful desserts that create a harmonious dining experience. Each pairing is thoughtfully curated to enhance your culinary creations and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
As we embark on this journey of thankfulness together, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our dedicated readers and partners. Your unwavering support inspires us to continue curating the luxurious content you love. Thank you for being an integral part of our community. We look forward to sharing this season of gratitude with you, filled with inspiration, joy, and unforgettable moments.
With warm regards,
AARON SWART, PUBLISHER @MIDLOTHIANLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Amanda Rae Linas | amandarae@belovedpetphoto.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Amanda Rae Linas | amandarae@belovedpetphoto.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Amanda Rae Linas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Amanda Rae Linas
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Explore Your Peak Performance.
Venture Beyond Symptoms. Thrive Beyond Limits.
Venture Wellness | Hormone Optimization & Longevity Medicine
At Venture Wellness, we don’t chase symptoms —we decode them. Our approach is rooted in precision medicine, designed for high-performing men and women who expect more from their health. If you’re done with surface-level care and ready to explore the deeper layers of energy, strength, and resilience, you’re in the right place.
For Men
Feel like you’ve lost your edge? Low testosterone isn’t just about sexual health and muscle mass: it impacts your focus, mood, energy levels, mental clarity, and drive. Our men’s optimization programs combine advanced hormone therapy with performance peptides and cellular support to help you rebuild strength, regain motivation, and stay sharp under pressure.
The Venture Wellness Advantage
Advanced diagnostics to uncover root causes
Targeted hormone and peptide therapies for metabolism, recovery, and cognition
Structured programs with clear phases and measurable outcomes
Direct access to your provider for ongoing support
For Women
Your symptoms are real and they’re not just “part of getting older.” We specialize in achieving optimal hormone balance for women navigating PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. From hot flashes and brain fog to anxiety and abdominal weight gain, we create layered, customized protocols that help you feel clear, lean, and in control again.
Quarterly Programs Starting at $150/month for comprehensive, high-level care tailored to your health goals.
MEET SPUD: ONE-YEAR-OLD Cavapoo Full of Charm
FROM CHASING TOYS TO COZY NAPS, HE BRIGHTENS EVERY DAY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
AMANDA RAE LINAS
Meet Spud, a lively one-year-old Cavapoo who’s quickly winning hearts with his playful spirit and gentle personality. With a love for toys (especially chew toys), Spud keeps life lively for his family, especially his Cavapoo brother. The two are inseparable, often seen racing around the house and backyard, weaving between apple trees and playfully chasing each other in joyful laps.
Despite his bursts of energy, Spud also embraces his calm side. He has a knack for observing before joining in, often letting his brother investigate new sights and sounds first before following along at his own pace. When he’s not busy exploring or playing, Spud enjoys lounging on the fireplace, his favorite cozy spot, or perched on the windowsill, where he keeps a watchful eye on the world outside.
Food is a particular delight for Spud, with carrots topping his list of favorite treats. He also enjoys the fresh air on the deck, balancing his playful antics with quiet moments of observation.
Spud is a perfect mix of curiosity, playfulness, and comfort-loving charm, embodying the joyful companionship Cavapoos are known for. Whether racing through the yard, chewing a favorite toy, or simply lounging on the back of the couch, Spud’s personality shines in every little moment.
Do you have a furry friend with a story to tell? Enter your pet to be the next featured Pet of the Month at belovedpetphoto.com/midlothian
SEASONAL
a simpler
RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN
HONEY
ROASTED CARROTS WITH LABNEH AND FRESH DILL
Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mind-reader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”
Ingredients
• 10 carrots
• ½ cup fresh dill
• 3 sprigs of thyme
Directions
• 1 cup labneh
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.
3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.
4. Add salt and pepper
5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes
6. Take them out of the oven and set aside
7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik.
8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top
9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing
FLAVORS
FLAVORS
HONEYNUT SQUASH
Ingredients
• 3 honeynut squash
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• smoked paprika
• pomegranates
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds
3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes
4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
CRISPY POTATOES
Ingredients
• 10 small yellow gold potatoes
• 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
• olive oil
• salt
• rosemary, garlic, chives (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to a baking dish.
4. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.
5. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy
6. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives
Cooking tip: “I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
CARAMEL CHEESECAKE
Ingredients
Crust
• 12 graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
Filling
• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)
• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar
• 5 large eggs (room temp)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F
Crust
• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• zest of whole lemon
Caramel
• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1-1⁄3 cup water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.
2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides
3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base
4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes
Filling
1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!
2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.
3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.
Caramel
1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.
2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk
3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes
4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout. CONTINUED >
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.
Prep Meals & Set the Table 2-3 DAYS BEFORE
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dustfree until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks 1 DAY BEFORE
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
uniqueGIFTING
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
ADVICE EDITORIAL: ALTERNATE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAY 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.
INGREDIENTS:
Thanksgiving Blessing Mix
• 2 cups Bugles
• 2 cups mini pretzels
• 1 cup salted peanuts or cashews
• 1 cup M&Ms chocolate candies
• 1 cup candy corn
• 1 cup craisins or raisins
• (optional) 2 cups of Chex
• (optional) Hersey Kiss candy
DIRECTIONS:
Combine ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until well mixed and store in a covered container or immediately measure out into individual, zipped top or tied bags. Enjoy each and every time, with a whisper of gratefulness.
Keep a Jar Full of This Popular Snack for Family and Give Bags to Neighbors, Friends, and Colleagues.
THANKSGIVING BLESSING POEM
• Bugles: shaped like the cornucopia, the horn of plenty.
• Pretzels: arms crossed and folded in thanks and prayer.
• Nuts: the promise of a future harvest if seeds are planted and tended with care.
• M&Ms: memories of those who came before us to guide a blessed future.
• Candy Corn: the sacrifices of the first winter.
• Dried Fruit: the bountiful fruits of the earth, gathered at harvest time.
• Hersey Kiss Candy (optional): to make a special version for immediate family, add these kisses to remind of the love felt.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
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!
a festive pairing
The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered.
ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL
It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewü rztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.”
But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun.
“People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different.
“If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.”
For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and
I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey.
“With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.”
Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.”
What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.”
If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”
“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”
What if I’m serving ham this year?
“Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious.”
What about dessert?
How much should I spend on a bottle of wine?
“If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”
“That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around $20, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.”
James Lewis is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years, and he and his wife, Nancie own Crush Wine Bar in Castle Rock Colorado.
THE BARCLAY
At The Barclay at Midlothian, our Reunion Memory Care Neighborhood is thoughtfully personalized for each resident. We tailor daily activities around your loved one’s unique interests, encouraging connection, growth, and joy, all while providing around-the-clock support from our compassionate team. Call today to learn more!
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
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.
Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts
ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY
The art of gratitude can be healing. It’s a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.
1. Five things that make you happy instantly:
2. Did you get any pleasant surprises today?
3. Did you do any acts of kindness today?
4. What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself?
5. Five personality traits you're grateful for:
6. Favorite song and how does it make you feel?
7. One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face:
8. List something good that caught your attention today.
9. What nice thing did another person do for you this week?
10. What's something you did for another person this week?
11. Three things you own that make your life easier:
12. How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant?
13. Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them.
14. What are you most thankful for in your life?
15. Name three of your significant accomplishments.
16. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited:
17. Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too?
18. What's your favorite holiday and why?
19. What friends are you most grateful for having in your life?
20. What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today?
21. What are you grateful for in your career?
22. Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active.
23. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for:
24. Three things you love about your town:
25. List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them?
26. What meals do you enjoy most?
27. Something you saw this week that melted your heart:
28. A time when someone went out of their way to support you:
29. A happy memory from childhood:
30. Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.
Allow That Inner Joy To Come Out And Play
We don’t just sell new construction - we live and breathe it.
As Richmond’s go-to team for new builds, The Yeatman Group brings unmatched expertise, insider access, and white-glove service to every step of the process.
