Life & Style

The Spirit of Christmas

At the tip top of a very special Christmas tree at Jennifer and Darby Doan’s sits a splendid little star. It was handcrafted by their oldest daughter during her time as a student at St. James Day School. The toilet paper core, painted green and crowned with a sparkly paper star, holds a special role as the official tree topper. Though they set up several trees each year, this one holds all the ornaments that their daughters, Katherine Anne and Johanna Claire, have made or collected over the years, and in the center, they tuck in a collection of Beanie Babies from when their girls were small.

My Drift

photo by Matt Cornelius
“GiGi, don’t you have this one?” … My seven-year-old granddaughter was indicating an image in a special Barbie edition of Life Magazine I had bought for her. Okay, maybe I really bought it for myself, but I let her look at it whenever she wants to. … I explained to Bryce that “this one” was actually “the one” that started the whole thing. With her blonde ponytail and her black and white strapless swimsuit, she was the original Barbie doll. I also explained that, while the one in my collection looks just like her, she’s really a 50th Anniversary special edition and not the original.

The Monthly Mix

Holiday Baking … The holiday season is busy, bright, and full of energy, but baking can be such a wonderful way to create quality time for you and your family. One of my main childhood memories is spending time in the kitchen decorating freshly baked cookies. There are plenty of handy and adorable must have items that will take your holiday baking to the next level this season! … Aprons are a necessity when baking. They serve the dual purpose of keeping your clothes clean and ramping up your holiday style. I love these adult and children’s holiday motif aprons.

Publisher's Letter

photo by Matt Cornelius
’Tis the season! As the chill of winter sets in and the days get shorter, we eagerly embrace the Christmas season. For some, decking the halls may have started well over a month ago. Some of us, however, firmly stand our ground, keeping Christmas neatly packed away until after the last of the Thanksgiving festivities. … I was recently attending some of the holiday open houses around town and realized that while I’m still searching for Thanksgiving inspiration, others are already packing up their turkey yard inflatables and turning on the Christmas lights.

The Upside of Envy

In the classic holiday movie, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, the character Peppermint Patty famously chastised Charlie Brown by saying... “Look at this! Is that what you call a Thanksgiving Day dinner? Where’s the turkey, Chuck? Don’t you know anything about Thanksgiving dinners? Where’s the mashed potatoes? Where’s the cranberry sauce? Where’s the pumpkin pie? Did we come across town for this? We’re supposed to be served a real Thanksgiving dinner.” … Does this sound familiar?

The Monthly Mix

Season of Gratitude … Writing notes is becoming a lost art. I love handwritten letters or cards. There’s just something about the time it takes to write one that makes receiving it extra special. Keep stationary and stamps on hand for mailing a quick “thinking of you” or “thank you” note. Grab pens and markers you enjoy writing with specifically for the task. It’s always fun to receive mail. … These Alexa Pulitzer cards are stunning for fall. I love the “On The Hunt” design and all the details within it. They are printed on a thick cardstock, making them durable.

TXK 411

There are endless, fun options when putting together a fall-themed charcuterie board. … First, gather your favorite fall-themed items: candy corn, caramel popcorn, figs, and mini pumpkins. … Next, collect the basic charcuterie foods. The go-to items to incorporate are different varieties of cheeses, salami, crackers, jams, dips, fruit, and last but not least, sweets. One way to keep the board on theme is to choose foods with warmer tones like orange, brown, and purple. … Once you have all these items, you can start the fun part: assembling your board.

Publisher's Letter

As we celebrate Texarkana Magazine’s three-year print milestone, it has me reflecting on the journey. We often stand “on the shoulders of giants,” but I see it as learning along the way from those who have paved our paths. They are everyday heroes—a supportive spouse or the encouraging dad. Our stories are colored by these silent giants who say, “I helped!” Remember to reminisce, show gratitude, and pass on wisdom this Thanksgiving. Our wins, big and small, we owe much to our mentors. As we move forward, let’s salute them and make them proud.

The Shark of Cass County

photos by Matt Cornelius
In the heart of East Texas, one often hears stories of individuals whose humble beginnings propel them into extraordinary journeys. Tony Buzbee is the embodiment of the American dream—an exceptional individual, achieving remarkable success while holding steadfast to his small-town roots. … Buzbee got his start at Queen City High School and has been making his mark and leaving a trail behind him with every step he has taken.

My Drift

photo by Matt Cornelius
It’s Getting Hot in Here … I was somewhere in my forties when I told my doctor at my annual checkup that I felt very hot sometimes. … “It’s not hot flashes,” I assured her. “I just get really hot.” … Fast forward twelve months to my next annual checkup. My doctor checked her notes and opened with a question. … “Are you still having the hot flashes?” she asked. … Denial, as they say, isn’t just where they found baby Moses floating in a reed basket.

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