Issuu

The Warmth of the Season

D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

true partnership born Aanen Moody Guard #11 Gr86 5a32e41a77

1934 Brooks St. Missoula, MT 59801 406-926-3835 missoula@fuel406.com www.fuel406.com

LO O K FOR T H E P E R F E C T G I F T F O R T H E O N E YO U L O V E THIS SEASON

R.P. ELLIS fine jewelry 228 N HiggiNs Ave MissoulA, MT 59802 (406) 542-8908

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The gift of joy.

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Mike Tucker | MTucker@CityLifestyle.com EDITOR

Chelsea Lyn Agro | Chelsea.Agro@CityLifestyle.com

Every December I like to hold space for the importance of joy. Seeking it, being grateful when it's mine, and knowing that it isn't a permanent state despite my greatest efforts. I think this notion of joy comes to mind most in December because joy seems to be everywhere, readily available and even packaged up with cute little bows. It's in the specialty red and green recyclable coffee cups, the bouncy tunes flooding every store and streaming through our radios. There are parties and charity drives galore. Kindness abounds. Joy is what we are left with. A true gift. But then January comes. We maybe realize we partied a little too hard, our bodies feel tired or overwhelmed, the music has stopped, and it's cold. Really cold. For some of us, we seem to have lost joy so abruptly that it stuns us for weeks, or for the rest of the winter season. The same idea holds true for any season of life. Joy is there—and then, mysteriously, we're back at the bottom of the mountain. I think I tend to dread January for this very reason. But joy is always just an adventure, loved one, or special moment away. It can be a mood, a cup of coffee, an unexpected phone call, or a stranger's kindness. If we collect and encourage enough of these moments, we can call it happiness. And that's what December is for me: gratitude for the collection of joyous moments throughout the year. I hope this issue brings a feeling of warmth for our community. We have a style all our own, we are relentless in our dedication to those in need, and we are always coming up with new ideas or offering a new product that can add something meaningful to our lives. Happiest of holidays, Merriest of Christmases to you and yours!

COPY EDITOR

Erika Fredrickson Erika.Fredrickson@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Marla Huggins | Marla.Huggins@CityLifestyle.com MAR KET SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Jace DeWalt | Jace.Dewalt@CityLifestyle.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Erika Spaulding | InspiredByMontana@Gmail.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Shelby Humpreys

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

C H E L S E A LY N A G R O , E D I T O R @MVLMAGAZINE

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/MISSOUL AVALLE Y |

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

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Montana Club Gift Card

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Cozy, Confident, Curated

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Gift Guide HO ME + DES I GN

Fashion Forward S HO PPI NG

Party Planning FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Education Corner PR O FES S I O NA L SE RV IC E S

Expert Help B EAU T Y

Culinary Creations FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Eat Right FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Betty V Vintage has what we want for winter.

24 Coffee & Conversation

Campground Coffee Company is ready to drive up to your next event.

28 Riding it Out, Together

The LifeGuard Group steps in and steps up for trafficked victims.

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Erika Spaulding Betty, Stella, Chelsi, and Rosie strike a pose wearing vintage pieces hand-selected by Betty Venom of Betty V Vintage, located in downtown Missoula.

Left to right: Julie Passuccio, CWP, FPQP®, Senior Registered Associate; Frank D’Angelo, CFP®, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Branch Manager; Cynthia Fritch, CFP®, CPFA, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Laurel Saravalli, CWP, FPQP®, Senior Registered Associate.

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DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

A Gift That Sparkles R.P. Ellis Fine Jewelry has impressive settings for any occasion and one-of-a-kind gems for your special someone. Whether it's an anniversary, an upcoming engagement or just a meaningful day or memory that deserves recognition, the perfect ring, necklace, or bracelet is waiting.

Scan to read more.

Montana Club for the Holidays Some years cooking just feels off the menu, doesn't it? Montana Club knows this feeling and that's why they make the holidays special with a festive feast for just you or the whole family. Explore specialty menu options and enjoy the night out that you've been craving.

Bowling Reservations It's cold. Let's go somewhere warm and fun for the whole family! Westside Lanes and Fun Center welcomes reservations for bowling through the holiday season. Enjoy karaoke every Friday and Saturday nights, pizza and burgers, and the arcade for all ages. Email FunCenter@MissoulaBowling.com or call 406.721.5263 for a reservation.

Photography Erika Spaulding

Scan to read more. Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

2023

Mountains Planned: 1 THE MA N ITOU IN C L IN E // CO

2 PIK ES

PEA K // C O

elevation: 8,900 ft 1 4 ,1 1 5 ft

3 MO U N T

W H ITN EY // CA 14,494 ft

4 MO U N T

EL BERT // C O

5 MA IL BOX

PEA K // WA

6 BO U N DA RY 7

4,840ft

PEA K // N V

1 3 ,1 4 0 ft

H U MPH R EYS PEA K // A Z

1 2 ,6 7 3 ft

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL INSPIRE ONE LIFE, INSPIRE HEALTH CLIMBING SPONSORS! Special Thanks to City Lifestyle magazines, FUEL, Angel Flight West, PEAK ATP and MyHMB Supplements & to The LifeGuard Group for Sponsoring our 2023 Climbing Adventures

14,439 ft

A Single Momen t In Time

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A Single Moment taken of the Beauty of the Montana Outdoors

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Giftables at Western Montana Lighting Find something for everyone on your list ARTICLE BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING

In tune with the predictable onset of cold weather and holiday buzz, there’s the evergreen issue of finding a meaningful gift for someone special in your life. And in many cases, it’s multiple special people we have in mind, which just amplifies the spinning wheel of thought: What. To. Get. If you’re tired of browsing online for some trendy gadget or curating a list of places to stop for each individual on your list, make it a one-stop-shop this year at Western Montana Lighting. It may not be a typical or obvious choice but it’s a treasure trove of quality local products that have rich stories behind them. When we think about lighting, we often stay in that particular box—just the light fixture itself—but if you’ve ever been to Western Montana Lighting you’d know that Drew Mihelish and her team always have design in mind. Design also evokes a feeling or vibe, and the items within their store deliver a feeling of comfort, warmth, and intrigue. And best of all? They’re practical and for everyone.

For Her: 1. Custom Big Sky Candle: Custom, curated candle with hints of lemon, mandarin, jasmine, rose and cyclamen. $38 2. Throw Blankets: Perfect for adding a pop of color to any room and for cozying up on cold winter nights. $40

For Him: 3. Montana Moonlight Candle: A custom, curated candle with a sweet and woody scent with hints of mint and citrus. $38 4. Flashlights/Headlamps: High-powered, high-quality flashlights and headlamps. $25-$60

For Them: 5. Portable Fan: Stylish and functional portable fans in a wide range. $35-$200 6. Décor Piece: Give a meaningful, personalized gift with a unique piece of art/décor. Choose from a wide assortment of styles and price ranges. $50-$500

W E S T E R N M O N TA N A L I G H T I N G was established in 1917 and is the largest showroom in Montana, offering the most extensive lighting selections in the state. Whether you are building, remodeling, or need a light bulb replaced, they are here to assist you. Western Montana Lighting represents the top manufacturers that meet the quality and excellence required by their lighting team. Light it right at Western Montana Lighting! W M L D E S I G N S .C O M

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For Her

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For Them

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Follow your dream, home. Possessing competence, expertise, and passion for all that we do, Engel & Völkers offers a brand experience of the highest caliber for our clients and our exclusive network of real estate advisors around the world. We understand that luxury is a feeling distinctly personal to each individual. It’s about providing comfort, convenience, and confidence as clients make one of the biggest decisions of their lives: purchasing a home. Learn more at marlahuggins.evrealestate.com MARLA HUGGINS E N G E L & VÖ L K E R S W E S T E R N F R O N T I E R 321 N Higgins Ave | Missoula | MT 59802 O +1 406-926-3322 | M +1 406-529-8659 marla.huggins@evrealestate.com ©2023 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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Cozy, Confident, Curated BETTY V VINTAGE HAS WHAT WE WANT FOR WINTER

| IMAGE 1

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING It may be winter in Missoula, but that doesn’t mean that our style is cooling off. Betty V Vintage, located on 104 East Main Street, is packed with one-of-a-kind vintage items that create the perfect curated look as we cozy up in knits, furs, and the ever-loved puffer coats that break the clock on what we call a trend. These outfits can be broken down and reimagined for a night on the town or a casual dinner date. Whatever the occasion may be, a winter wardrobe can offer a crisp new perspective on layering up without hiding who we are.

FASH ION F OR WA R D | SHOPPI NG

| IMAGE 4

| IMAGE 2 | IMAGE 3 | IMAGE 1

Chelsi / 1960s R&K originals hot pink shift dress with beaded collar | IMAGE 2

Rosie / 1960s Junior House pink and silver lurex knit skirt set, 1970s Raccoon fur belted trench coat | IMAGE 3

1950s Goldette gold tone Etruscan style brooch with bezel set rhinestones | IMAGE 4

1980s The Sheepskin Trader Jacob sheep black and white spotted fur coat

CONTINUED >

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| IMAGE 5

Rosie / 1990s Nils Skiwear metallic brown polka dot ski suit with belt and hat | IMAGE 6

Chelsi / 1950s/60s cream Italian wool knit dress, 1980s Carol Little black and gold polka dot puffer coat with gold buttons | IMAGE 7

Betty / 1980s International Male faux fur bomber jacket, 1980s black rayon dress with irregular cream polka print and matching belt | IMAGE 8

Stella / 1980s Betsey Lauren black sweater dress with white chevron and gold beading, 1960s Valmeline Imports tan double breasted and vertical stripe canvas coat

| IMAGE 6

FASH ION F OR WA R D | SHOPPI NG

| IMAGE 7

| IMAGE 5 | IMAGE 8

CONTINUED >

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| IMAGE 9

Stella / 1990s Jordache white and gray flecked faux fur coat, 1980s Jeffrey and Dara white striped organza jumper with black faux suspender bottoms. It's pants! | IMAGE 10

Betty / 1980s Oh! Johnny black silk long sleeved party dress with colorful flower sequins, 1980s Young Gallery black faux fur coat with colorful buttons, 1980s Versani black suede heels with gold linework

FASH ION F OR WA R D | SHOPPI NG

| IMAGE 10

| IMAGE 9

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283 W. Front St., Suite 101 | Missoula, MT | (406) 329-4040 | 406wm.com | dadavidson.com Left to right: Julie Passuccio, CWP, FPQP®, Senior Registered Associate; Frank D’Angelo, CFP®, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Branch Manager; Cynthia Fritch, CFP®, CPFA, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Laurel Saravalli, CWP, FPQP®, Senior Registered Associate.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

COFFEE & CONVERSATION Campground Coffee Company is ready to drive up to your next event ARTICLE BY SHELBY HUMPHREYS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

It’s a point of pride for Missoulians that we fiercely support our local coffee shops. Each of us has our favorite, and when it comes time to order, that barista knows our order. This year, three local women branched out to create Campground Coffee Company. Served out of a vintage camper named “Betty,” their full menu can come to you hot (or cold!) and ready. Going into business together was a no-brainer for Meg Peterson and her friend, Bri Koke. The two worked together at Loose Caboose for seven years. When they decided to go into business together, Bri’s sister Dani joined the team as Chief Everything Officer. “Dani is one of the busiest people I know,” said Meg. “And Meg is an artist. She’s the creative side of the

business,” said Dani. Bri agreed. “We all communicate so well together,” she said. When inspiration struck, Bri and Meg started their search for a coffee camper. “It was one of those things where you talk about it, then all of a sudden everything starts dropping into place,” said Meg. They found a camper for sale in Whitefish and jumped in a car to drive up that day. “The seller had three other buyers but she said she liked us and wanted us to have her,” Bri said. “Her” became “Betty White,” named after the famed actress who had recently passed away at the time. With a facelift from the sisters’ father, Betty was ready for her Missoula premiere. “She gives off cozy vibes,” said Bri. “She’s like the fourth member of the team.” These seasoned baristas serve a full menu of coffee and beverages from their mobile counter. They can cater big events like holiday parties and fundraisers, but they also aim

to offer affordable options for smaller functions, like serving in the parking lot outside a business for their employee appreciation day. They have some innovative ideas as well. “We’d like to create a post-party package, something for the day after a big event,” said Dani. “Wouldn’t it be great if your wedding guests could wake up to the toasty aroma of a full-service coffee truck parked outside?” The women of Campground Coffee Company know the Missoula market. Bri said it perfectly: “People in Missoula are loyal to their coffee.” Meg agreed. “ We’ll hand a drink to someone through the window and then they’ll hang around to chat. Coffee does that. It allows people to simply talk and disconnect from everything. That’s a big part of why we’re doing this.” To inquire about your next event, call 406.546.3268 or message @cgcoffeeco on Instagram.

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Riding it Out, Together Chances are, right now, there’s an old saddle buried somewhere under a pile of dusty tack in the back corner of a Montana barn. This saddle has been forgotten, just like the hole in the barn’s roof that’s been patched over by a swallow’s nest. However, outside of Missoula, there’s a ranch where old saddles like those are being restored by people who know how it feels to be forgotten. They are survivors of human trafficking. Lowell Hochhalter and his team at The LifeGuard Group have made it their mission to rescue these lives and bring them to safety. By

teaching how to restore a saddle, they’re giving survivors a chance to restore themselves. When it comes to human trafficking, Lowell is very clear on the first place to look: our own hometowns. “It’s easy to think this problem is overseas, but when you scratch the surface you find victims affected by exploitation right here, in one way or another,” he said. After Lowell and his wife Tami started looking into the epidemic, it took a long time for them to consider whether to get involved. “When we were asked about helping out, I thought no

THE LIFEGUARD GROUP STEPS IN AND STEPS UP FOR TRAFFICKED VICTIMS

ARTICLE BY SHELBY HUMPHREYS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | PROF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

way! I didn't like the way I felt when I saw it and I wasn’t going to get my head into that. Then, we started educating ourselves,” said Lowell. In 2018, Lowell and Tami created The LifeGuard Group and began giving school presentations. These days, getting the attention of students requires more than a PowerPoint and lecture. “Our assemblies are on a 300-foot video wall with full lights and sound,” said Lowell. Today, his son Carson does most of the presenting. “In every assembly, there’s always one person who comes up afterward to confide in me,” he said. “ I remember teaching in this one classroom. We invited the kids to write questions on note cards. Then, we answered them one by one. There was one card that I’ll never forget. It said, ‘Will it ever get better?’ That broke my heart. I really didn't know how to answer it. I prayed. I kept thinking about it. I needed to find an answer. Now, I use it as a challenge to myself. Every day, when I wake up and go to work, I'm going to do everything I can to make that answer a ‘yes’ for someone,” said Carson. With their school visits, The LifeGuard Group aims to strengthen families. “Human trafficking is all about the exploitation of vulnerabilities. If we can help kids better themselves, then they’re less likely to be exploited,” said Lowell. In addition to school assemblies, the team organizes a Community Come Back Rally. “We invite parents and teachers to come back to the school that night with their kids,” Carson said. “We say, ‘Come to this rally and let us help you start the conversation. Then you can take it to your families at home.’” When you have a dry saddle with grime caked in the cracks, it’s not always best to go scrubbing and washing right away. The first step is to soften that thirsty leather with a long soak in the warm sun and a daily sponging of warm water. The team takes a similar approach after rescuing a victim. In those gritty moments between escape and safety, patience and compassion make the biggest difference. Tami remembered how they helped one girl

escape from Phoenix. “We had been in contact with her about getting out. Then, she called and said she was ready. We had to act fast. But we were in New Jersey and couldn’t leave, so we decided to fly her to us. She cried and slept for two days. In all that time, she had just one complaint. Her feet felt sore because she only had stilettos. So, we went out and bought some shoes. It’s those small things that make a big difference when someone first escapes,” said Tami. For Joe Danzer, Search Coordinator, finding potential rescues has become a singular mission. “I grew up in an abusive situation. The people who were supposed to be protecting me were doing me harm. Now, I have a chance to help others in the same situation. Failure is not an option for me. I’m going to do whatever it takes when it comes to the search,” he said. Joe remembered one time when the team had to jump into action after getting a call from a Frenchtown woman. “She was worried about her 13-year-old niece,” he said. “The girl was living with her mom and had gone to Washington state to visit her dad for Christmas. Then, she disappeared. No one knew it, but she had three Instagram accounts. She’d been talking to someone online. When we finally found her, the FBI picked her up just before the guy was about to cross into Mexico with her.” Back in Missoula, The LifeGuard Group runs the LifeHouse, a ranch with plenty of quiet space for horses and rescued residents alike. Emily Miller serves as the In-Home Coordinator. “Within the first 48 to 72 hours upon arrival, every woman is seen by our physicians and our mental health partners to begin creating her treatment program,” Emily explained. In addition to professional support, a variety of activities help residents regain a sense of normalcy. Equine therapy is included and each woman is offered a saddle to restore. In addition, Heidi Stockbauer, Case Manager, works with each woman to connect them with resources for ongoing healing. She’s seen people transform from

“I know this all

looks dark, but we

can come back from this, just like these women who are

healing every day.”

- Lowell Hochhalter

CONTINUED >

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victims to survivors through their time on the ranch. “Our women are so brave,” Heidi said. “It’s important that they can look forward without looking back. What happened to each woman might not be worth loving, but she is.” After a saddle has been brought back to life, it still needs a strong cinch to stay stable so the rider can keep going. The LifeGuard Group stays strong with the support and strength of officials, donors, and volunteers. “It's not just us out there,” Lowell said. “Private investigators, police, the sheriff's office, clinics, therapists, the governor's and attorney general’s offices—so many people come alongside us. Then there are the generous donors. Our goal is to pay off the mortgage of the LifeHouse by February 2024. We’re already halfway there thanks to their generosity. Our volunteers are so giving of their time, too. We have volunteers who take crisis calls. We set them up so they can take those from home

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | PROF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

with an anonymous phone number. Many volunteers come to us with new ideas for programming and we’re open to considering anything. I like to say that there’s a volunteer out there who is the best person for the job, they just don't know it yet.” Chances are, right now, a woman at the LifeHouse ranch is grooming or working with a horse. When she’s ready to leave and create a life of her own choosing, she can take her saddle with her. She will move forward with solid proof—etched in supple leather and restored by her own hands—that all is not lost, no matter how much neglect she’s endured. That same truth keeps The LifeGuard Group encouraged. Despite the bleak places they go, Lowell remains hopeful. “I know this all looks dark, but we can come back from this, just like these women who are healing every day.” To learn about how you can help, visit TheLifeGuardGroup.org.

406-721-9359 www.signpromissoula.com

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TR E AT

G N

YOURSELF Francienne Grantsaris knows and cares for the patient as a whole. The way we feel matters. So why not gift ourselves with a treatment that we've been wanting all year? Amid the holiday craze, it's important to slow down and keep up with our self care and Francienne has some suggestions on what her go-to treatments or products are.

1. ZO daily skincare program kit. Ideal for any age and gender who wants to get started on a medical skincare regimen. 2. Gift cards or memberships if gifting to someone who could use some "me" time. 3. IPL (Intense pulse light) therapy. Skin brightening and texture improvement. Ideal for those who have uneven skin tone, pigment, redness, minor blood vessels on the face, texture concerns. 4. Facials. Great for anyone wanting to relax, reinvigorate their skin, remove blemishes, improve texture and appearance. 5. Neurotoxin (Botox/Dysport) or dermal fillers.

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING

EXP E RT H E LP | BEAU TY

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING

Apple of My Pie A SIMPLE RECIPE FOR EVERYONE'S FAVORITE APPLE PIE

ingredients: • 3/4 cup of brown sugar • 1/4 cup of flour • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon • Pinch of nutmeg • 7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honey Crisp) • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice • 3 tablespoons of butter, cubed • 2 pie crusts (homemade or store bought) • Egg wash for brushing crust

directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg together. Place apples (sliced) in a large mixing bowl and toss with dry ingredients. Press pie crust into a 9 inch pie pan and fill with apple mixture. Drizzle lemon juice over apples and sprinkle butter cubes on top. Lattice the top crust or leave as a whole and place over entire pie. Make a slit if this option is used for pie to vent. Press edges to seal. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes and let cool.

Erika Spaulding is the staff photographer for Missoula Valley Lifestyle magazine and a devoted veterinary technician who probably needed to fend off several curious snouts to make this pie.

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

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The Naughty List INGREDIENTS • Bronson’s Original Punch 2oz • Laird’s Applejack 1oz • El Guapo Creole Orgeat .50oz • El Guapo Holiday Bitters 6 dashes • Cranberry Juice 2oz.

Recipe courtesy of Libations

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine all ingredients, shake vigorously and pour over crushed ice. 2. Garnish with lemon wheel & cranberries

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 40

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

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

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

Scan Code to

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

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

A CHILI FOR CHILLY DAYS LAMB & BEEF POBLANO CHILI ARTICLE BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING

INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 yellow onions • 6 garlic minced garlic cloves • 1 pound ground lamb • 1 pound lean ground beef • 4 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped • 2 tablespoons of chili powder • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin • 2 teaspoons of salt • 3 cups of beef stock • 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes • 1 6-ounce can of tomato paste • fresh green onions, sliced, for topping

DIRECTIONS In a large skillet, heat olive oil until it shimmers. Add onions and cook until nearly translucent. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add lamb and beef and cook, breaking it up consistently until browned. Transfer the lamb and beef mixture into a crockpot and add the sliced poblano peppers, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, broth, tomatoes, tomato paste and stir until combined. Cover and cook until thickened (5 hours on low or 3 hours on high). Top with green onions and enjoy!

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A Single Moment In Time, are large canvas photos of local landscapes, and views from the summits of Mountains in Montana and surrounding states through the eyes of Michael Tucker. These photos have been taken with an inspirational view in time, looking down from the summits, or taken at just a moment in time that will never be duplicated. Find these beautiful large canvas photos that will add inspiration to any wall in your home or office. Go to www.asinglemomentintime.net 406.544.8333

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