Life + Culture

O Hear the Angel Voices!

The Christmas music that impacts us Article by Amy Young O Holy Night Lyrics O holy night, the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth; Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn; Chorus
 Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born. O night, O holy night, O...

Food + Beverage

Christmas on the Rocks

New holiday-inspired concoctions at Marty B’s Coffee Article by Mallory Newell | Photography by Local Bzz What makes the special seasonal options at our favorite shops and restaurants so appealing? How are they any different than the regular concoctions on the menu? Because they encapsulate the flavors, concepts and memories that we hold in association with Christmas. Simply the look of crimson cranberries with a sprig of rosemary or a whiff of cinnamon and nutmeg brings us back to Christmases...

Food + Beverage

One Recipe, Endless Cookies

The only cookie recipe you’ll need this holiday season Article by Sophie Betzhold Every masterpiece begins with a blank canvas - the same is true for the base of a Christmas cookie box. Add your favorite candy like heath bar, chocolate chips, and M&Ms or use your favorite cookie cutters this season to create a variety of delicious treats to box up and share with your loved ones this holiday season.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees if baking right away. In a large bowl, whisk...

Real Estate

A Hundred Dozen Tamales

Article by Mallory Newell | Photography by Provided by Vanessa Van Trease A hundred dozen tamales were made on Christmas Eve every year in Vanessa’s home. She went to sleep to the sound of clanking pots as her mother cleaned up the aftermath to awake to a clean kitchen on Christmas morning. The sounds and smells of Christmas are the annual memories that visit us, slipping as invisible guests through the door. They reawaken the sense of belonging and celebrating loving and being loved.  It all...

Life + Culture

Volunteering This Christmas

Our 5 favorite holiday programs to donate to this Christmas Article by Mallory Newell Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas // Holiday Drive - Donate gifts to children through the adopt-a-wish list program.  The Salvation Army // Angel Tree - Provide Christmas gifts to children, seniors, and adults with special needs around the country. Samaritan's Purse // Operation Christmas Child - Send gift-filled shoeboxes to children who won’t get Christmas presents otherwise. ...

Shopping

Gift Guide

Article by Sophie Betzhold Gift Guide // Personalized Picks Wrapping Paper with a Twist - Whether it’s their name , a picture of their face , or the dog , see your loved one’s joy through their reaction to a personalized wrapping paper they won’t soon forget.  Travel Together in Style - Purchase a matching travel set with monogrammed initials or beautifully embroidered names to make sure your belongings stay with you in the airport or at grandmas. One-of-a-kind Ornaments - Curate...

Arts + Culture

The Joy of Giving

A Conversation with Marietta Terry Article by Aimee Buckert In a world where the true meaning of the holiday season can sometimes be overshadowed by materialism, Marietta Terry, a wife, mother, grandmother and woman of God, reminds us of the importance of faith, family and giving. Over an elegant spread of fine china, tea and her favorite Danish cookies, Marietta shared the values that have guided her through decades of service to her family and community and the story of how her devotional...

Arts + Culture

The Ghost of Christmas Past 

Foreign Christmas traditions to incorporate into your celebrations this year Article by Mallory Newell Santa Lucia   Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated throughout the Nordic countries . Small children dress in white frill nightgowns, hand out buns, and wear lights on their heads. This is in celebration of Lucia, a young Christian girl who, born in 283, would wear a candle on her head to keep both hands free as she delivered food to the needy. Lucia eventually died a martyr for her Christian...

Home + Design

A Family’s Story

As told from the branches of the Christmas tree Article by Amy Young | Photography by Pixel Perfect Rose When you step through the door of Helen Nicholson’s home, her family’s Christmas story begins. Her home is filled with sentimental things, passed down through generations, and all pieces tell the story of a life lived. From the gold-painted macaroni frame ornaments to the vintage keepsakes from grandparents to seashells from beach trips, her traditional tree is a testament to her love of...

Food + Beverage

The Versatility of the Pumpkin

Reinvent your pumpkins in any of these unique ways  Article by Sophie Betzhold Pumpkins are a fall staple - it’s nearly undeniable. Whether it’s carving a jack-o-lantern with friends and family or cutting into a freshly-baked pumpkin pie, the iconic orange gourd serves as a reminder of countless precious memories this season. This year, get creative and celebrate the versatility of this seasonal classic by revitalizing the pumpkin in any of the following fashions.  Natural Planters If you...